(Editor’s note and correction: At the time this post was written, this incident was little more than a CSPAN video.  Reporting on this incident has taken on a life of its own in media outlets around the world.  Therefore, it has now been “widely reported.”)

Condi’s confrontation with a “Code Pink” protester yesterday during a congressional witch hunt  hearing was not widely reported.  CSPAN was there, and the video shows that the woman got her “blood soaked” hands  within inches of Secretary Rice’s face before being hauled off by security personnel while screaming “war criminal” over her shoulder.  (CSPAN video, Frank James in Baltimore Sun column “The Swamp” )

The attacker’s Code Pink sisters were attired in their usual frumpy pink sweat shirts – looking like they were hung over from an all-night Ellen DeGeneres marathon sponsored by NOW – while the woman that menaced Secretary Rice was dressed in dark pants and dark blouse.  This clever disguise confused the  Keystone Cops Capitol Police who apparently concentrated their attentions on the “uniformed” wackos, giving the ”camouflaged” Code Pinker an opening to get up close to Condi.  If all it takes is a change of clothes, minimal use of a hair brush, and a bath in the last 48 hours* to foil security on Capitol Hill — no wonder Condi isn’t too keen on responding to Congressional subpoenas!  (Where’s Blackwater when you need them?)

Is “menaced,” or “assault,” too strong a word?  The Sacramento CBS outlet, Channel 13, titled their report, “Condoleezza Rice Attacked At Capitol Hill Hearing.”  Blood is a biohazardous material that can carry any of a variety of infectious diseases.  What if the attacker’s hands had been covered in some caustic or hazardous chemical agent?  Even if it were only “simulated” blood, like a phony explosive device or toy gun, when used in this fashion during the commission of a crime it is certainly a form of terroristic threatening designed to provoke a fearful reaction in the victim.  Of course, Dr. Rice, was nonplussed by the incident and can be heard exchanging pleasantries with the non-delusional individuals around her as the “Pink Ladies” were carried out of the hearing room loudly protesting that they were being injured.  (A resistance tactic they picked up from their friends in Al-Qaeda?)

Where are the calls for Congressional investigation over this security breech?  It isn’t hard to imagine that some Democratic congressional staffers didn’t have some inkling that this attack was getting ready to happen or even shared an “after action” green tea and veggie wrap with the protesters during lunch.  Wouldn’t that make them complicit in a conspiracy?  Are restraining orders, at least, being sought against those involved to prevent them from returning to Capitol Hill for an encore performance?

Is the lunatic fringe of the Left finally being rejected across majority of the non-psychotropic drug taking political spectrum?  After Bill Maher’s recent outburst at 9-11 conspiracy protesters in his audience, calling on his security personnel to “kick ass,” we have to wonder if there may be some hope for some small measure of political sanity in our nation.  Wait a minute!  Was Bill advocating torture?  Call the ACLU!  On the other hand, it may be an isolated incident of Maher’s becoming “older and wiser” or just an unanticipated side effect of testosterone replacement therapy.

*Code Pink supporters are not known for their attention to hygiene.  Maybe soap causes global warming?

Between the Democratic media consultants and their mainstream media brothers and sisters, the “politics of personal destruction” are alive and well. So, in an act of mercy, Secretary of State Rice accepted the resignation of Richard Griffin, the State Department’s Director of the Diplomatic Security Service, thus ending his career of 36 years in government service. Mr. Griffin, once Congressman Henry Waxman put him in the cross hairs of his congressional “inquiry,” may not have initially appreciated that accepting his resignation was indeed merciful. However, once targeted, he contracted (according to an unconfirmed source) the equivalent of a “political Ebola virus” — a highly virulent, and an almost always fatal and highly contagious condition — that leaves those surrounding the afflicted with little choice but to isolate themselves from the source of the “disease,” or perish. (Read John Broder’s article in the International Herald Tribune)

The Diplomatic Security Service is an unsung hero in the War on Terror. A war that the Left, for example Senator John Edwards, insists is little more than a bumper sticker slogan. This small agency has been instrumental to many victories in this global conflict. Unfortunately, since most of their successes remain classified, their political cushion of past accomplishments is severely limited. With the current anti-Bush, anti-military, anti-American hysteria that holds sway in the main stream media; military and political leaders are only as good as their last mistake. In Mr. Griffin’s case, the last “mistake” was failure to keep private security contracting out of the headlines, most notably what is becoming commonly known as the “Blackwater scandal.”

We are not trying to make excuses for the inexcusable, but we cannot encourage government officials to “think outside the box” or make command decisions while being given inadequate resources and incomplete intelligence and then punish them when there are poor outcomes. This is the “fog of war.” There are fine lines between accountability, loyalty to subordinates and “witch hunts.” Given the caustic congressional “oversight” environment, Condi had little choice but to accept Griffin’s resignation and move on. After all, she has a long “to-do list.” Hopefully, she will short-circuit Waxman’s self-righteous, self-important oversight crusade and remove his self-serving pandering to the lunatic Leftist fringe from the mainstream media “radar screen.”

If we are to achieve victory in the War on Terror and regain sanity in our domestic policies, our mass media outlets must stop acting like PR shills for the radical Left. Are there any suggestions about how this can be accomplished?

With the Blackwater investigation still going on, there is no shortage of mainstream media misinformation.  For an interesting perspective on the issue with historical background information of just how contracted security forces developed, checkout Strategic Forcasting’s (Stratfor) new blog by Dr. George Friedman, Friedman Writes Back and his posts: Geopolitical Foundations of Blackwater and Further Thoughts on Blackwater.

From a self-described, unconfirmed “low-placed source” at State, Secretary Rice is sending a group of investigators “to kick asses and take names” – OR convincingly demonstrate that Blackwater’s hired guns acted in self-defense when they allegedly shot and killed Iraqi civilians. That’s a tall order. Proving a “negative” and/or what was an individual’s “intent” (or lack thereof) is difficult under the best of investigative circumstances, but in the murky world of Iraqi factions, tribal loyalties, religious rivalries, and constant press “sniping,” etc.; it will make the quest for the Holy Grail pale in comparison. Luckily, there’s no time pressure. The “preliminary” report is due for delivery October 5^th.  (UPI, AP report in Pravda)

Condi has set the bar rather high.  Of course, she has always maintained the highest of personal standards for herself, and as such she expects nothing less from her most trusted colleagues.

With progress now convincingly being made in Iraq — a fact begrudgingly admitted even by many in the mainstream media, albeit with numerous, ominous caveats – Condi is not about to let this incident derail the forward momentum brought on by the poorly named “surge.”

Is there a “take home message” for Condistas in this issue? As the members of the investigative group are named, they will fall into two general groups with overlap based on each individual’s professional and political resume. Ideally, each member will fall into both categories, but alas, that would be in a “perfect” political world – and not the world of “realpolitik.” The first group will be Condi’s most trusted confidantes. The second will be those that are selected to increase the credibility of the investigation’s findings both internationally and domestically. Those that are squarely in the first group are potential cabinet members and upper level staffers in any future Rice administration.

Is there any ”silver lining” to investigations of wrongdoing by members of the American military and their “hired guns” – past present and future? Actually, there is. Iraqis (based on personal communications) are impressed that the US Government seriously prosecutes its own when they are guilty of misconduct. This never would have happened under Saddam. On the other hand, anti-American interests are quick to point out that it is impossible to know if the sentences against American military and civilian personnel are actually carried out. (Note to State, Defense, PYSOPS, etc.: This would be an excellent avenue to exploit. Give trusted representatives of the victims’ families unannounced access to military and civilian correctional facilities in order that they confirm that sentences against those convicted are, indeed, being carried out.)

(Editor’s note: This blog contribution was edited for length.)

Old dogs don’t learn new tricks.  The Democrats, in accordance with their “death by a thousand investigations” strategy since the 2006 election, are calling the liberal dinosaur, Congressman Henry Waxman, back to active duty.  (Waxman has a history of attacking Condi.  See our blog post from earlier this year, Democratic Witch Hunt Targets Condi.)

Within a few hours of each other, all the “usual suspects” in the mainstream media: the New York Times, Associated Press, Washington Post, Los Angels Times, CBS, Politico.com - and Iran’s Press TV - were touting the day’s left-wing fringe talking points about investigations of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice by the oh-so Honorable Henry Waxman, now that he is the Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.  In a letter to Condi, he’s complaining that the State Department, and specifically Dr. Rice, is “wrong to interfere with the committee’s inquiry” into corruption inside the Iraqi government and the recent Blackwater brouhaha.  Lucky for us this letter was conveniently provided to the press in a fine example of Congressional discretion and a clear demonstration of how Congress can diligently guard classified subjects currently under investigation.

What’s the supposed basis of his theatrical outrage?  State Department officials asked Congress; along with their myriad of staffers, all of whom are famous for rigid compliance in their handling of sensitive and, dare we say classified, information; to treat the information that they would provide as a “state secret.”

Let’s get real.  These are ongoing investigations by the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and other military and civilian agencies.  And in a country where any of the potential witnesses can get “whacked” faster than a “snitch” in a Sopranos rerun; keeping secrets can mean the difference between a successful investigation and another “intelligence failure.”  Henry is trying to parlay this into some type, any type, of scandal and more television “face time” as he pompously presides of his so-called “oversight” hearings.

C’mon Congressman, there’s a war to fight — and in case you forgot — WIN !    Can’t your political grandstanding take a backseat to national security just once?  Please?

The Democratically-controlled House succeeded in doing what Speaker Pelosi said it would.  In “voting to end the war” (It would seem by any means necessary, even surrender, or worse, “starving” our troops in the field for critical funding.), she is trying to accomplish what, up until now, al-Qaeda, Saddam Hussein, Osama Bin Laden, and all the Islamic terrorists combined have been unable to do —  force a retreat (euphemistically called “redeployment”) by US forces in the War on Terror.  And all she had to do was bang her Speaker’s gavel to have almost all of the Democratic congressmen (and congresswomen) line up like pigs at the feeding trough as she poured out a mere $642 million dollars of taxpayer cash in order to get them to forget about our troops.  These are pigs that even an Ayatollah could love.

In spite of the mainstream media in full spin mode, the American public will see this for what it is — a betrayal of our military men and women, their families, and ultimately the entire country.  This vote and the pork barrel spending required to make it happen are going to “fatten up” these Congressional “piggies” for electoral slaughter in 2008.  So, in recognition of your legislative “victory,” Nancy, here’s a “Mission Accomplished” banner just for you!

If you want to use this image on your website, or blog, feel free to do so.  (Although, we would appreciate a link back to us.)  Just be sure to copy and save the image to your own server in order to protect our website’s bandwidth.

      Last week,  Sen. Boxer  grilled Secretary Rice regarding the war in Iraq.  During Condoleezza began discussing the progress.  Sen. Boxer , in her infinite wisdom, asked Secretary Rice “Who pays the price?”.   She went on to ramble about Rice not having children and being unwed.   Since Rice didn’t have children, somehow she was not qualified to discuss the war.

   When I heard her say this,  I had to do a double take.  Isn’t this Sen. Boxer, the liberal Democrat from California?  Isn’t she a liberal icon for feminism, the idea that women can choose not to have children and choose not to marry???

    I’m not the only one who thought this.  Secretary Rice responded in a very dignified manner:

“In retrospect, gee, I thought single women had come further than that, that the only question is, ‘Are you making good decisions because you have kids?’ ” Rice said on Fox News.”

       Sen. Boxer really showed her true colors.  She hits below the belt, undermining her own feminist values in order to take a cheap shot at the Republicans.  

   Will her liberal supporters call her on this?  Not likely. 

What lesson can Condistas glean from this?  Look at Condi’s response.  It was the response of a true statesman (stateswoman).  She took the high road during the hearing , and she gave a great response to the media.  Women who wonder about what Rice thinks about women’s equality no longer need to wonder.  Rice is the pinnacle of the American dream  and a model for young women all over the world.

With Hillary and her megabucks capturing the majority of the media buzz for 2008, the “B-word” that might come to mind when contemplating the next Democratic presidential nominee, especially for “sore loser” Republicans after the recent midterm elections, would rhyme with “witch.” But soon it will be replaced with “Biden,” as the Senator from Delaware announced that he’ll be holding hearings about Iraq. As the incoming chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he’ll be kicking off the presidential posturing on Capitol Hill. Given his history of brain aneurysms and belligerence, his “invitation” for Condi to appear must be viewed with suspicion — although it will provide an opportunity for our Secretary of State to finesse this obvious attempt at political grandstanding. Be careful what you ask for Joe, you might just get it! (CNN)

Life in Las Vegas taught me many years ago that if you want to truly understand something that you have to follow the money.  That’s what Secretary Rice did with her Mideast trip.

First, she makes an unannounced trip to Baghdad to deliver the message, “Get to work!  The meter is running.”  Then, she goes to Kurdish dominated Northern Iraq to cement relations with Kurdish leaders.  It is interesting to note that Secretary Rice’s State Department webpage today featured on the front page not her trip to Baghdad, nor her trip to London, but her trip to visit the Kurds.  A subtle way to let the world know which of the three she considered most important.  (article by AP’s Anne Gearan)

The US is looked upon very favorably by the Kurds.  Our intervention stopped Saddam’s “final solution” for them, and now Saddam is on trial for genocide — a trial that provides an international soapbox for them to showcase their suffering under Saddam.  The fact that the French, Germans, and Russians all “looked the other way” isn’t lost on the Kurds, either.

 Dr. Rice’s Iraqi trip, regardless of the actual words that may have been spoken during the few hours that she was ”in-country” clearly communicated to Sunni and Shi’a leaders in Baghdad that they need to ”step up to the plate.”  By meeting with the Kurds apart from the leaders in Baghdad, Condi is already making preparations to make sure that the oil wealth of Northern Iraq (where most of Iraq’s oil is located) will not become a treasure chest for terrorists similar to Iran — even if the leaders in Baghdad fail to unite the nation.  It’s a powerful message, much of it non-verbal, let’s hope it motivates the warring factions in Iraq to stop fighting each other and start seriously negotiating to insure their country’s future.

Turkish leaders, who now probably regret (even if only in private) that they were less than completely helpful to the US during the last Gulf War, are worried about the Kurds in Northern Iraq fomenting Kurdish separatists in their own country.  (Newsweek article, “Whatever is necessary”)  They want a unified Iraq because they see it as a way of keeping demands for Kurdish autonomy in check.

For more information about the Kurds visit the website “The Other Iraq,” from the group that produced the “Thank you, America” television spots.  Are these efforts aimed at gaining support in America for eventual Kurdish independence, or greater autonomy within Iraq?  We’ll see.

(Links to the Kurdish English language videos that have recently aired in the US are on the “Other Iraq website in case they haven’t aired in your area.)

Condi was interviewed by Katie Couric on “60 Minutes” tonight. You should go here if you missed it. There are lots of video clips, including ones that didn’t air.

There is also a comments section on the page. Many comments show support for her running for President in 2008. We should all add our own comments to that page!

Katie did ask Condi about running for President. This segment didn’t air on TV, of course. She said that elected office “probably” isn’t for her. (link) Despite this statement, “60 minutes” set up an online poll asking “Should Condoleezza Rice run for President?” The results are currently 50/50. Let’s get on there and vote!

Katie asked her about her views on abortion. This clip didn’t air, either. (link) She said she supports parental notification and opposes late term abortion, but she would not ban abortion.

My favorite part of the interview was when Condi drew parallels between the bombings and terrorism committed on African-Americans during the segregation days and the bombings and terrorism in the Middle East. (link) These are both instances where people were fighting for freedom and being terrorized because of it. She said that when people say “Iraq isn’t ready for democracy.” it reminds her of when people used to say “Black people are simple people. They aren’t ready for the vote.” In another unaired clip, Katie asks her about cooking fried chicken. (link) I found this a little racist and rude.

Katie also accuses her of growing up shielded from the horrors of the civil rights movement. Condi responds “Until bombs started going off in the neighborhood.” (link) (What a great response!) This clip was also unaired. In the end, Condi turned out great and very Presidential. This is a great start to stirring the presidential pot.

Japanese troops in Iraq, 2005. Photo credit: Mohammed Ameen, Reuters

Despite incredible domestic political obstacles, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, president of the Japanese Elvis Fan Club, and not a bad karaoke singer, to boot, welcomed home his troops from Iraq after completing their entire tour of duty in Iraq — as pledged at the time of their deployment, unlike many of our other so-called “allies.” (VOA)

Granted, the troops were in non-combat, humanitarian roles, but they accomplished the mission that they said they would in an honorable fashion. For the first overseas deployment of Japanese troops since World War II it was a political feat, of no small scale, to send the troops in the face of considerable domestic opposition and the Japanese constitution’s limitation on its military to only defensive operations. Japan still maintains an airlift component in Kuwait that transports coalition personnel in, and out, of Iraq — not exactly a risk-free mission.

Japan’s transformation from a feudal monarchy and military dictatorship bent on conquest and domination to a democracy, ally, and global economic power in a little over 60 years is remarkable. Do you think that our children will one day speak the same way about today’s emerging democracies of Iraq and Afghanistan? Dr. Rice has frequently touched upon such a recurring theme when speaking on a variety of subjects, “There was also a day in my own lifetime when the hope of liberty and justice for all seemed impossible. But because individuals kept faith with the ideal of America, it (now) seems that it was always inevitable…”