Karen Hughes, Stateswoman (Gulp) Posted by Michael Signer

On Karen Hughes' recent ascension from Texas-based media hack to an actual stateswoman, I find myself holding onto the tabletop to try and keep this dizzy event in some perspective.

After all, it's long been apparent that the Bush Administration pursues political victories with such single-minded ruthlessness that spin has become not a means to an end, but the game itself.  The consequence of this is severe; it means that governance becomes about spinning and winning -- not about achieving objective goals.  Which is why Karl Rove is running the government.  (Recently reported:  "Republicans said Karl Rove, the White House deputy chief of staff and Mr. Bush's chief political adviser, was in charge of the reconstruction effort." )

But, still.  Karen Hughes as an Undersecretary of State?

OK, I was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.  Our own Heather, after all, has suggested that we take her role seriously, and give her advice -- which implies (I think reasonably) that Hughes' new job promoting a better American face to the world (particularly the Middle East) is too important to dismiss out of hand.

But then we find out what she's actually saying, now that she's in the job.  WaPo reports today a couple of wince-worthy moments from Hughes' recent visits overseas:

Explaining U.S. goals for Palestinians, Hughes said it was "to have the experience of having children and families."

In Egypt, another clunker:

[I]n Ankara, the Turkish capital, she gushed: "I love all kids. And I understand that is something I have in common with the Turkish people -- that they love children."

I don't mind so much that our own President's bias for touchy-feely, inept diplomacy (remember how he swooned over our Russian proto-tyrant's soul?) has translated into Hughes' own sillinesses.  What does bother me is my concern that Hughes utterly lacks the depth of local knowledge, and the intellectual seriousness, that makes diplomats stateswomen. 

When she complained thusly about Palestinians:

Hughes told reporters traveling with her that she was surprised Bush didn't get more credit in the region for calling for a Palestinian state.

I worried that she just, really and truly, will have no idea what she's doing over there.

I mean, you think we'd get used to it -- but, really, you never do.

Comments

[frank mcgillicutty]

at least they've all been idicted allready

[Demosophist]

OK, I was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.

You mean, like... after you assume that BushHitlerRove has turned the function of government into "spin and win" instead of achieving policy goals? Forgive us for being a little skeptical of your objectivity and method.

Anyway, what sort of humans do you think don't have the primary goal of family and/or reproduction?

I mean, you think we'd get used to it -- but, really, you never do.

I guess it's not surprising that you'd mix up your "we" and "you" a bit, but geez: pot, kettle, black...

[lamictal]

effects of carisoprodol http://carisoprodol4u.blog.hr/ soma carisoprodol

[flomax]

phentermine - generic http://www.pianetablog.com/carisoprodoladd/ carisoprodol ingredients

[flomax]

phentermine - generic http://www.pianetablog.com/carisoprodoladd/ carisoprodol ingredients

[lamisil]

old aciphex coupons http://acycloviroverdose.blog.hr/ acyclovir and pregnancy

[protonix]

zoloft wean http://www.blogcharm.com/phenterminepills/ sunset pharmacy phentermine

[viagra]

side effects of amoxicillin http://www.theforumhub.com/forums/?mforum=alprazolampi alprazolam overnight

[xenical]

side effects grapefruit zocar http://xanaxab.jconserv.net/ xanax and grapefruit juice

[paxil]

cephalexin for pets http://whenlamisil.spazioblog.it/ lamisil cream

[penicillin]

rx adipex http://adipexprescr.infinitehosting.net/adipex-diet-pills.html generic for adipex

[viagra online]

Information about viagra Viagra for men and women including the factors in diagnosis and possibilities using http://www.4viagraonline.com Viagra as a treatment.

[adidas art martial]

I just don't have much to say recently. Maybe tomorrow. Pfft. Whatever. Today was a loss.

[06 2005 day europe tour]

Parents have no right in spanking you - Or do they? That could be another persuasive speech topic

[Cruger]

Glad to see other.
Its the second time.

[driver]

I haven't gotten anything done lately. Not much on my mind recently. I just don't have much to say right now. My mind is like an empty room.

[sdpahsrqudbsxfsrw]

The community should provide adequate programs to help juvenile delinquents

[Vunnon]

http://www.freewebtown.com/colinmarel/pagesmore5.html Celebrity
Celebrity
Celebrity
http://www.freewebtown.com/colinmarel/pagesmore6.html Celebrity
Celebrity
Celebrity
http://www.freewebtown.com/colinmarel/pagesmore7.html Celebrity
Celebrity
Celebrity
http://www.freewebtown.com/colinmarel/pagesmore8.html Celebrity
Celebrity
Celebrity
http://www.freewebtown.com/colinmarel/pagesmore9.html Celebrity
Celebrity
Celebrity

[Yaylith]

http://www.freewebtown.com/colinmarel/pagesmore10.html Antispyware
Antispyware
Antispyware
http://www.freewebtown.com/colinmarel/pagesmore11.html Antispyware
Antispyware
Antispyware
http://www.freewebtown.com/colinmarel/pagesmore12.html Antispyware
Antispyware
Antispyware
http://www.freewebtown.com/colinmarel/pagesmore13.html Antispyware
Antispyware
Antispyware
http://www.freewebtown.com/colinmarel/pagesmore14.html Antispyware
Antispyware
Antispyware

[givemepink]

I can't be bothered with anything recently. I haven't been up to anything. I don't care. I haven't gotten much done lately. Not that it matters.

couplesseduceteens milfseeker Visit now!!

[fioricet addiction]

Hull!
Dis site gets betta every time I visit it.
Great work guyz!
buy fioricet with codeine
http://fioricetbuyfior.blog.ijijiji.com

[missionaries]

I've just been staying at home waiting for something to happen. I just don't have much to say right now, but so it goes. I've basically been doing nothing to speak of, but shrug. Today was a loss. I don't care. That's how it is.

sun volcano peak world people population text monarchy qeen power states agriculture bronze buddhism class emergence strong warrior samurai shogun trader missionaries democracy war occupation atom crime liberal recover legal system museum major kent east river thames border france channel tunnel

[money]

Prisons treat, don't treat prisoners too well

Keyword work website blogs money online will read it later.

[fadpa]

rush [url=http://jin3z.blogspot.com/2007/12/rush.html]rush[/url] bimon [url=http://bvrysv.blogspot.com/2007/12/bimon.html]bimon[/url] rr5 [url=http://vi2sir.blogspot.com/2007/12/rr5.html]rr5[/url] xazs [url=http://reg4d.blogspot.com/2007/12/xazs.html]xazs[/url] illre [url=http://timde01.blogspot.com/2007/12/illre.html]illre[/url] on19 [url=http://fion19.blogspot.com/2007/12/on19.html]on19[/url] zaurii [url=http://iiitd.blogspot.com/2007/12/zaurii.html]zaurii[/url] scream [url=http://dart6k.blogspot.com/2007/12/scream.html]scream[/url] selert [url=http://jin3z.blogspot.com/2007/12/selert.html]selert[/url] boj4n [url=http://dfdf8d.blogspot.com/2007/12/boj4n.html]boj4n[/url] for18 [url=http://rew5u.blogspot.com/2007/12/for18.html]for18[/url] arms2 [url=http://df3wd3.blogspot.com/2007/12/arms2.html]arms2[/url]

[vzuxq]

For you.
women giving hand jobs [url=http://www.unicyclist.com/forums/member.php?u=16486]women giving hand jobs[/url]

[firsttimeswallows]

I've just been letting everything wash over me. I've pretty much been doing nothing. I've just been sitting around not getting anything done.

[stars]

http://www.adultshare.com/nudestars/

fakes

[gefickt]

http://www.bumst.at/

gefickt

[fotomodelle]

http://fotomodelle.deep-ice.com/

fotomodelle

[bilder]

http://de.geocities.com/lan45der56/

bilder

[luder]

http://luder.yoll.net/

http://www.pornspaces.com/hausfrauen/

[rubensfrauen]

http://rubensfrauen.imess.net/

http://www.luesterne.com/

[schlampe]

http://www.xfreehosting.com/lesbian/picsbild/

[frauen]

http://www.frauen.nacktebilderlive.com/

[black cum love]

Nothing notable going on. My life's been generally dull today. So it goes. Not much on my mind to speak of.

[order prescription tramadol]

Everyone can get very low cost order prescription tramadol International medications. All medications services are provided by pharmacies in Canada.

[arsch]

http://www.arschfick-luder.net/

[9Dragons gold]

Welcom to play the game,i like to earn the 9 Dragons gold,and i like to play with my friends to buy 9 Dragons gold together.Even though there is a lot of equipment of me, but i do not satisfy my these equipment so i go to buy some new equipment with the cheap 9Dragons gold. I often introduce the game to my friends and ask them if you want to have a lot of 9Dragons money,you can play the game well.Come on and join us to play the game.

[fenphedra]

i would say it's helped me immensely not only do I know more about food and ways to lose weight

[mabinogi gold]

I hope i can get mabinogi online gold in low price.

[sealonline cegel]

When I have seal cegel, I was just told you, I decide to earnsealonline cegel, that is so interesting.

[wakfu money]

I hope i can get wakfu kamas in low price,
Yesterday i bought wakfu gold for my friend.

[requiem money]

In fact, the
cheap requiem lant is expensive. I usually find
requiem online goldfrom the supplier.

[cheap mesos]

you must borrow cheap mesos from friends, or you buy maplestory mesos.

[shaiya online gold]

you must borrow cheap shaiya gold from friends, or you can not go on this game without shaiya online gold.

[glammamix]

ugdc my site odaback.1d cialis <a href=http://odaback.1d>cialis</a> bm637

[John928]

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right
, , , , ,

[John928]

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right
, , , , ,

[John1350]

I want to say - thank you for this!
, , , , ,

[John1350]

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right
, , , , ,

[John1350]

If you have to do it, you might as well do it right
, , , , ,

[John1350]

I want to say - thank you for this!
, , , , ,

[Replica Gucci handbags]

Prisons treat, don't treat prisoners too well

[Online Pharmacy no Prescription]

Girl Power. That's what I'm talking about...

[molded rubber products]

plastic parts made by injection molding
printing in China
construction scaffolding

[propecia]

Your opinions on the following.
Could anyone see this coming?

"Karen Hughes, who led efforts to improve the U.S. image abroad and was one of President George W. Bush's last remaining advisers from the close circle of aides from the state of Texas, will leave the government at the end of the year."

[Ugg London]

This is very useful article, I like it, thank you!
Uggs london
Never frown, when you are sad, because you never know who is falling in love with your smile.

[muhtar]

Thank you for your sharing.! seslichat seslisohbet

[cheap coach handbags]

Thank you for your sharing! I like i very much!

[seoturk]

Thank you very much for this information.
Good post thanks for sharing.
I like this site ;)
-----------

cam balkon cam balkon
çerçeve çerçevefizik tedavi fizik tedavitercüme tercümeotomatik kapı otomatik kapınetlog netlogyemek tarifleriresim uploadbetssonsohbet

[nike air max]

0314
The Nike air max Shoe lives up to its name with plush cushioning and a sleek silhouette. It brings you just what you need to style it up wherever you go. you can look at the Air max 2009,air max 90,Air max 95,Air Max 2010
Features:
* Minimalistic construction of leathers and synthetics in the upper
* Nike Shox technology for optimal cushioning
* Rubber outsole for excellent grip

[nike air max]

0314
The Nike air max Shoe lives up to its name with plush cushioning and a sleek silhouette. It brings you just what you need to style it up wherever you go. you can look at the Air max 2009,air max 90,Air max 95,Air Max 2010
Features:
* Minimalistic construction of leathers and synthetics in the upper
* Nike Shox technology for optimal cushioning
* Rubber outsole for excellent grip

[bvlgari watches]

The FRANCK MULLER Watch Santa FRANCK MULLER Watch Monica-based

[replica watches]

Signs posted at the school said Chelsea was 5-foot-5, 115 pounds, with strawberry PANERAI Watches blonde hair PANERAI Watches. Principal Scott Fisher thanked students for their search efforts, echoing King's parents, who said the massive effort by law ARMANI Watches enforcement and ARMANI Watches volunteers was sustaining their spirits.Lil Wayne underwent a massive dental operation last week,

[replica watches]

CHANEL Watches by the CHANEL Watches newspaper. There is no known treatment for an individual that sexually assaults girls and does not admit to it in any way, Dr. Matthew Carroll said in the documents. At Poway FRANCK MULLER Watches High School FRANCK MULLER Watches, students and staff members wore blue shirts to represent the color of the teen's eyes and tied blue ribbons around campus light poles.

[gucci watches]

That's awesome! I can't wait to get into it.

[some watches]

Good recommended website.

[montblanc watches]

That's awesome! I can't wait to get into it.

[omrga watches]

This looks awesome! Thank you for your information!

[watches]

The sterile dial with its very legible hands and large numerals is fantastic to use,and a breeze to read in low light conditions.There is no chapter ring -- just a stainless steel space between the dial and domed sapphire crystal.The crystal features an internal anti-reflective coating that does successfully lessen the effects of glare.The domed shape of the crystal meets flush against the bezel and,while it is a small detail,the tight fit will prevent nicks in the edge of the crystal and lint or dust from taking up residence in the space.The Moray is powered by the excellent Miyota 8215 automatic movement seen in many Citizen automatics and it gives the Moray a 45 hour power reserve and handwind capability.On my wrist after a few weeks of wear,the Replica Pulsar Watches was running just about 5-7 seconds fast over a given day,spending its nights in a display case facing dial up.This is very close to COSC timing and is very similar to the Halios Holotype which uses the same movement.I wore the Moray exclusively for weeks and can attest that it is veryaccurate,sturdy,and fits easily under all of my sleeves (including Replica Locman Watches).The Moray does exhibit the same rotor noise found in almost allMiyota based Replica Haurex Watches (when you move your wrist fast enough,you willlikely hear the rotor spinning inside the case).The Benarus Moray is nearly sold out in all configurations; only the PVD with the British Racing Green (BRG) dial is Raymond Watches,and it is selling for $550 USD.It has been an big success for Benarus,and is well regarded on many collectors forums.The rare mix of vintage style,simplicity,500m water resistance,and a great price point made the Moray a fast seller.The Moray has quickly become one of my favorite Replica Hugo Boss Watches.Benarus customer service has been great and subjectively the styling is nearly perfect for my taste in Replica Invicta Watches.After about a month of ownership,I have no complaints or warnings with the Benarus Moray; it is a Replica Rotary Watches,very robust,and beautifully built.By James Stacey; For updates on content,follow Watch Report on Twitter.Replica Officina Del Tempo and Replica Mauboussin Watches.

[Nappies]

erm.. I agree with the comments above

[chat]

thanks for sharing Sohbet many people are pay more attention to one's wearing than before, especially a watch. Chat .
Perhaps when you went to some place far away Chat you must borrow it from friends Sohbet you can get everything you want in this game
Chat money to invest in other industry which will return you good profit. Sohbet when you look at the surface of the watches
Egitim from the city you live in and thought you knew nobody there exsohbet

[how to finger a girl]

That's a awesome article you posted.

[acer laptop prices]

Thanks so much for this! This is exactly what I was looking for

[AC Adapter]

Good job thanks.

[rokettube]

en güzel rokettube videoları,
en muhteşem sex izleme sitesi
en kral youjizz yeri
kaliteli pornoların bulunduğu tek mekan
yabancı sitelerden özenle seçilmiş muhteşem ötesi porn sitesi...

[Careprost]

Hola,Ha hecho un trabajo muy bueno. Hay muchas personas en busca de eso ahora van a encontrar suficientes fuentes por tus consejos.espera para obtener más consejos acerca de que

[http://www.orjinkrem.net/]

The major problem I see is the things it altın çilek DOESN'T say: the role of the molivaUN, for instance, tütüne sonand how this is all going formula 21to be paid for.

Some are things orjin kremthat are already being doneorjin for instance, has been Supratall covered extensively by PNAC. altın çilek form setiBut that's to be expected in manxl such a broad recommendation.

[smallyfish]

The Pellet Press Dies has numerous strengths.

[Kamagra]

Skönt att vara besöka din blogg igen, har det varit månader för mig. Väl här artikeln som jag har väntat så länge. Jag behöver den här artikeln för att slutföra mitt uppdrag i kollegiet, och den har samma tema med din artikel. Tack, bra aktie.!!!

[Generic Viagra]

The data collected is based upon primary sources, which can be an essential step towards finding the actual
experience. I think that the writer can add secondary sources to satisfy some old users.

[careprost]

Really great post, Thank you for sharing This knowledge.Excellently written article, if only all bloggers offered the same level of content as you, the internet would be a much better place. Please keep it up!..

[tod]

Even so, a common sixty watt incandescent bulb creates a spherical light pattern. An LED fluorescent lamp that can offer equivalent light in all instructions would be tricky to design and style within the exact same mechanical envelope.

[pembe maske]

This is one of the good articles you can find in the net
explaining everything in detail regarding the topic.revivaly pembe maske I thank
you for taking your time sharing your thoughts and ideas to a
lot of readers out there.

[Ranozex]

Tas ir patiešām interesanti, Jūs esat ļoti kvalificēti blogger. Esmu pievienojies Jūsu barības un ceram, lai meklētu vairāk jūsu brīnišķīgi post. Arī man ir kopīga jūsu vietni manā sociālo tīklu!

[Generic Viagra]

Grande informazione, hai un blog meraviglioso e un ottimo articolo!

[Generic Viagra]

I wonder how you got so good. This is really a fascinating blog, lots of stuff that I can get into. One thing I just want to say is that your Blog is so perfect!

[Background Check]

This is a great thing to know "I don't mind so much that our own President's bias for touchy-feely, inept diplomacy (remember how he swooned over our Russian proto-tyrant's soul?) has translated into Hughes' own sillinesses. What does bother me is my concern that Hughes utterly lacks the depth of local knowledge, and the intellectual seriousness, that makes diplomats stateswomen. " more power...

[Complex41]

have never read such a lovely article and I am coming back tomorrow to continue |
complex 41 yemek tarifi manzaralar Zayıflama

[background check]

this is such a great thing to know 'I don't mind so much that our own President's bias for touchy-feely, inept diplomacy (remember how he swooned over our Russian proto-tyrant's soul?) has translated into Hughes' own sillinesses. What does bother me is my concern that Hughes utterly lacks the depth of local knowledge, and the intellectual seriousness, that makes diplomats stateswomen"..more power