Bruising, indeed.

The choice is now clear. Republican candidates for Congress and the Senate can either stand with our troops, or they can stand with Bush. The two are no longer compatible.

Monday, an incredible rare joint editorial will run in the Army Times, the Air Force Times, and the Navy Times:

Time for Rumsfeld to go

“So long as our government requires the backing of an aroused and informed public opinion … it is necessary to tell the hard bruising truth.”

That statement was written by Pulitzer Prize-winning war correspondent Marguerite Higgins more than a half-century ago during the Korean War.

I've been wondering how long it would be before the brass started to bitch publically. There are still a few decent folks in the military leadership, and I imagine the grumbling from unhappy troops is having an impact on even the base bunnies and politically motivated Bush cronies as well. I would think if Bush does remove Rummy, it'll come after the elections, which is a shame, because that means more of our troops will die simply because Rove doesn't want any bad pre-election press.

...Happy Birthday, Marine Corps! Today, in 1775, you were born. Ooorah, to those who serve with honor. Soon, hopefully, Marines everywhere won't have to answer to an incompetent war profiteer. If I could give you a gift, it's be Rummy's resignation letter, and his naked ass ready to run a gauntlet made up of all those who've served with someone lost thanks to Rummy's incompetence. Semper Fi.