1 Rusty: It's not as though there isn't a measured or rational take on the controversy, so Sully really has no excuse for endorsing such an hysterical and irresponsible position. For the sensible alternative see David Kopel's What Guantanamo Is Really Like. The apt comparison isn't to tyrannical and totalitarian regimes, but to the UK's self defence against the IRA, which used most of the same interrogation techniques and which was deemed "cruel and degrading," but (significantly) "not torture." Yes, words and concepts do mean something... except to journalists and used car salesmen.

2 He is a sick f***. Sh** in, sh** out.

3 That chart is pretty funny, but not as absurd as the original. What the hell was Bush, inc. thinking when they came out with that shit? Color coded fear-o-meter! It'll help us get our way! You have to admit it never had any practical use besides freaking out the sheep.

4 "That chart is pretty funny, but not as absurd as the original. What the hell was Bush, inc. thinking when they came out with that shit? Color coded fear-o-meter! It'll help us get our way! You have to admit it never had any practical use besides freaking out the sheep." It's something shiny with which to distract you. Mission accomplished.

5 IM, I wonder what's going through the minds of all the people that were on that aircraft carrier now. I read today that some parents of soldiers are paying for their kid's equipment out of their own pocket. What the hell is that about? Is it me, or were we caught asleep at the wheel spending so much money on high tech when a simple road bomb is our biggest threat?

6 The people on the aircraft carrier are probably thinking about what they always have thought about; getting home to see their families whenever they can, and getting smashed in their off-time otherwise. By the way, the Mission Accomplished banner on the boat was not for the Iraq war, but for the boat's mission, nothing more. As far as personal purchase of equipment goes, that's nothing new, but it's mostly extra little goodies to supplement, augment, and sometimes replace the standard GI gear. When I went to Desert Storm, most of us brought something along such as a sidearm or knife, extra long underwear, etc., that the Army hadn't issued. If I was going to Iraq or Afghanistan, I would take tons of stuff with me, because the private market is best at getting new gear tailored to the current needs, whereas the military procurement process, though much more streamlined today, is still a bit ponderous. Things are improving though, and many commanders now have discretionary budgets with which they can purchase equipment on the civilian market, which is a far cry better than when I was in. During Desert Storm, we were generally restricted by regs as to how we could modify our field gear, which at the time was a privilege only enjoyed by elite units. The entire Army is now becoming structured more like an elite unit, with specialized outfitting becoming the rule instead of the exception. I think the Army has finally learned that having massive numbers of bodies in uniform is less desirable than a small, well equipped, highly motivated force with superior training. Of course, the Marines knew that long ago.

7 I know it's hosted over at Wizbang, but I think the Sully Freak-out meter is controlled by Ace... http://ace.mu.nu/

8 Yeah...I can't imagine dealing with these roadside bombs. I heard the insurgents aren't using cell phones or garage door openers anymore: "But even armored Humvees provide little protection from the insurgents' improved IEDs. A source told the Times that the bombs used in two recent IED attacks "were so big that there was little left" of armored Humvees after they were hit. And it's not just that the new bombs are bigger; it's that they're harder to avoid in the first place. In addition to the shaped charges, insurgents are now using sophisticated infrared detonators rather than garage-door openers or cellphones to set off their explosives. The infrared detonators can't be jammed so easily, the Times says, and their use "underscores the insurgents' resourcefulness." Oh yeah, in regard to "By the way, the Mission Accomplished banner on the boat was not for the Iraq war, but for the boat's mission, nothing more." -->Get a hold of his speech that day. Or, are you telling me they would have had that banner up even if he wasn't visiting for his male camel-toe photo op?