Gulf News

There are many problems with the MSM in America. One of its main distortions is that it is owned and operated for profit by powerful corporations. Contrary to what George Bush would have us believe, corporations are not democratic entities. They are not operating in order to further the humanistic and egalitarian qualities in our society. They are there to maximize the bucks.

So reading the news in America is tricky. There are certain things one must take for granted.

For example if there is a statement made by the Pentagon, or State Department, or White House, one can assume that it is riddled with "non truths." Prior to the Bush Adminstration non truths were called lies.

Also you can assume news released on friday night or saturday is almost always harmful to the political status quo. These are the days when the least number of people read the news. Its a case of playing the popularity numbers game.

Periodically I like to read The Gulf News

You'll get the usual stories that we hear on the radio and on TV about Iraq. For example the fact that American soldiers in Iraq are now there in peak all time numbers. Add into that number, the silent number, i.e. the unreported number of mercenaries from Blackwater and such, and who knows maybe there's about 500,000 total. Pot shot guess.

Here's a modest story from the Gulf News - Baghdad curfew announced

Baghdad: A three-day vehicle ban and a curfew will be imposed across Baghdad starting on Wednesday night as authorities seek to protect Shiite pilgrims gathering for a major religious festival.

The ban comes as Iraq's prime minister seeks to maintain control of his government, which has plunged into deeper crisis following the withdrawal of nearly half of the cabinet.

Three things come immediately to mind.

First can you imagine the uproar if this were to occur in the USA - A curfew along with a three day ban on all cars in Chicago.

Second it points out something about the character of the Iraqis. At this festival last year, many were killed from the ongoing civil war violence. Yet they will return again this year out of a religious imperative.

Third, it looks like the 'George Bush brings democracy to Iraq theme' is completely in the dumpster. Is anyone surprized by that fact.

Addendum: Isn't it about time to see Bush's new approval rating at around 23%? Why is Congress so soft in its response to Bush's power grabs?