Revolutionary Moderation

That's so last week



As the Americans get caught up on the issue of fake-o "intelligence" leading to the Iraq war (and with them, it's all uranium uranium uranium. Where's the other WMD? Where's the evidence of an al Quada link? Still, it's a start), the British critics remain one step ahead, and this time, the Prime Minister is joining them. Tony Blair doesn't think secret military trials in Guantonimo passing death sentences sounds like a very democratic process. Geez, ya think?



But he's stepping quietly, hoping to use his status as a Bush friendly to quietly get things done.

"All the prodigious political energy which our PM can expend on certain issues - like prosecuting what begins to look increasingly like a dubious proposition for war in Iraq - should now be applied to our American colleagues where the rights of individuals and the right to an independent fair trial and justice is concerned," [Charles Kennedy, leader of the Liberal Democrats] said.

Couldn't have said it better. There are issues Canada sucks up on (missile defense comes to mind) in order to buy political capital to get something else done at some other time. That's always been the grease that keeps the wheels of diplomacy moving.



Lately, however, the Bush administration seems to be proving it doesn't understand this basic principle. Canada immediately volunteers its runways for American planes on September 11? Be sure to neglect them when thanking the world. The rest of the world stands behind you in Afghanistan? Ignore them or berate them on Iraq. On the other side of the coin, tear up Kyoto and the land mines agreement, tear the teeth from the biological weapons agreement, and then call the UN ineffective when it won't do your bidding.



So Prime Minister Blair should perhaps not be surprised, though he probably will be, when Americans start passing death sentences on British citizens found by the Americans in Afghanistan - British citizens who may have never set foot on American soil. Tony Blair is starting to get the feel of "battered spouse" to him. Tony, George's unpredictable behavior isn't your fault. George isn't going to change, no matter how bad you want him to, no matter how unconditional your love. He certainly won't change while you cover for him. It's time to think about protecting your own political future, and quit enabling George's behavior.