Saber Rattling

The Bush Administration this morning in the AP lets us know that they have found real evidence of Iranian involvement in the Iraq war. Serial numbers and markings on fragments of bombs can be linked to Iranian sources. Hmm... serial numbers.... markings....

A couple of thoughts. If they are offering actual physical evidence as proof, lets wait and see if they actually produce it. If they do produce it let's see if anyone challenges them to prove it's accurate. (Investigative Journalism 101) Let's see if anyone points out the excellent articles in the LA TIMES HERE and HERE and the Washington Post which, according to Glen Greenwald,

"...raise serious questions about the reliability of the administration's accusations against Iran."

Let's find out if the Daily News Record (Page One, February 10, 2007) is only one of many news publications that only recites administration talking points without any questioning or investigation. Remember another basic rule of journalism from Dan Froomkin in the Washington Post,

"Just because they say it, doesn’t mean it should be make the headlines. The absence of supporting evidence for their assertion -- or a preponderance of evidence that contradicts the assertion -- may be more newsworthy than the assertion itself."

The carriers are in the gulf. An air-strike can be carried out by early Spring and is very likely before President Bush leaves office. The administration Neo-Con Radicals are simply quivering with delight with itchy trigger fingers ready to make war yet again. Folks, before we go to war again maybe we should remember another Dan Froomkin rule of Journalism that states:

"War is so serious that even proving the existence of a casus belli isn't enough. Make officials prove to the public that going to war will make things better."

Ok, lets examine the four years of the Iraq war and make a list that includes ALL the ways we've made things better. Let's see how much better off the Iraqi's are in the streets and the market places now that they aren't facing a dictatorial, murderous regime. How about the delight of the Syrians, Jordanians, and Iranians to have millions of new "guests" in their countries? And of course lets include the tens of thousands of proud parents and loved ones who've lost a soldier, a martyr, a son or daughter, or loved one to the "just cause" of freedom and democracy.

Let's check our investment in war-making of more than 500 billion dollars and find out if we are better off with the debt we've incurred as a result. Let's hear about how much better off our military is now, how much stronger, and more prepared. Let's hear about how much better off the private defense contractors and mercenaries are and let's hear about how much safer our ports and cities are. Let's hear from anyone who used to live in New Orleans about how much better off THEY are.

Comments anyone? I'm sure there are more items we can add to this list!