From the Archives

Speaking of archives: one of the ironies of my trip to DC was stopping by the National Archives to glance at the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, two documents that emphasize limited government. Airportesque security arrangements, complete with walk-through metal detectors, separate these items from the general public. Anyway, I came across this by going two clicks back on a Needlenose post, and I think Mary referenced it as well. Once again, Billmon over at the Whiskey Bar serves up some strong medicine. About all I can say is read it and you'll be nodding in agreement again and again. I almost want to do the "we're not worthy" cheer when I see stuff like this:

We seem to have reached the point where a half-baked strategy for endless war in the Middle East is actually easier to sell politically than a sensible energy policy, an end to American subservience to worst instincts of the Israeli national security state, and a focused campaign to destroy Al Qaeda while drying up the pools of hatred in which jihad festers and grows.

Clausewitz, that ultimate realist, once said that "he who neglects the possible in quest of the impossible is a fool." That just might end up being the epitaph for America's imperial adventure in the Middle East.