Today's Daily Schadenfreude: the Bush administration crime syndicate

HELP WANTED: War Czar Must be a motivated self-starter with strong written and verbal communication skills. Military experience preferred. Government/administrative experience helpful but not necessary. The successful candidate will be a sycophantic right-wing zealot who will carry out the wishes of the Bush administration without questioning, flinching, or substituting his/her own judgment for that of the Commander-in-Chief. He/she must be able to provide cogent and reasonable guidance and advice to the Commander-in-Chief, who routinely will reject said advice while claiming to be following "the commanders on the ground." Ability to lie convincingly to members of the media and the general public is essential; ability to do so in Arabic and/or Spanish is desirable. Preference given to applicants with degrees from Liberty University, Regent University, Bob Jones University, or Brigham Young University, or any public university in Texas; others considered on a case-by-case basis (but don't hold your breath). Send résumé, along with three (3) references and an essay (not less than five (5) single-spaced pages) explaining why you believe George W. Bush is the greatest president in American history, to: The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 E-mail: warczar@gwb43.com The White House is an equal opportunity employer, as long as you are an amoral, opportunistic Republican.

No, that's not a real ad. But it might as well be, as the White House is having a hell of a time* filling the job of "war czar." So far, three retired four-star generals have said "thanks, but no thanks" to the preznit's entreaties. Surprisingly, they apparently don't want to have a job where the boss has no fucking idea what's going on:

"The very fundamental issue is, they don't know where the hell they're going," said retired Marine Gen. John J. "Jack" Sheehan, a former top NATO commander who was among those rejecting the job. Sheehan said he believes that Vice President Cheney and his hawkish allies remain more powerful within the administration than pragmatists looking for a way out of Iraq. "So rather than go over there, develop an ulcer and eventually leave, I said, 'No, thanks,' " he said.

The White House has not publicly disclosed its interest in creating the position, hoping to find someone President Bush can anoint and announce for the post all at once. Officials said they are still considering options for how to reorganize the White House's management of the two conflicts. If they cannot find a person suited for the sort of specially empowered office they envision, they said, they may have to retain the current structure.

Honestly, this is just getting silly now. If the Bush cabal can't find anyone to run their little "war," doesn't that give the impression that maybe they shouldn't run their "war?" Of course, that would be presuming facts not in evidence, namely, that they are rational and sensible. Which they aren't.

You know, it's really quite funny to see Drunky McStagger and his minions flailing their arms and shouting "Remain calm! All is well!" Of course, that in turn makes it the perfect target for a healthy dose of schadenfreude.

So congratulations once again to the Bush crime syndicate -- today's Blast Off! Daily Schadenfreude is for you!

---

* I apologize if you can't access the link; it may be subscription-only.