Nuanced

"Vague déferlante vers le haut!"*

So, when will we be seeing professional assholes like Carl Cameron making up stories about Shrubian manicures or sniffling about his "exotic" hobbies?

President Bush said Friday he was troubled by the political storm that forced the reversal of a deal allowing a company in Dubai to take over take over operations of six American ports, saying it sent a bad message to U.S. allies in the Middle East.

Bush said the United States needs moderate allies in the Arab world, like the United Arab Emirates, to win the global war on terrorism.

The president said he had been satisfied that security would be sound at the ports if the Dubai deal had taken effect. "Nevertheless, Congress was still very much opposed to it," Bush said. He made his remarks to a conference of the National Newspaper Association, which represents owners, publishers and editors of community newspapers.

"I'm concerned about a broader message this issue could send to our friends and allies around the world, particularly in the Middle East," the president said. "In order to win the war on terror we have got to strengthen our friendships and relationships with moderate Arab countries in the Middle East."

"UAE is a committed ally in the war on terror," Bush added. "They are a key partner for our military in a critical region, and outside of our own country, Dubai services more of our military, military ships, than any country in the world.

UAE=moderate? Hmmm...sort of like our ally Pakistan...

But it's interesting to watch Team Bush--for five years it was "you're either with us or..." Now, everything is gray...and kinda blurry...yet, the rabid attack dogs have turned out to be as fearsome as...neutered puppies.

Then again, re: no sneers from the red meat lunatics...I guess it'd be hard to make any Shrub windsurfing jokes when the guy can't even steer a Segway...


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*According to Babelfish, French for "surf's up!"