Relentless

The big news is Don Rumsfeld's quietly announced Jingopalooza:

The Pentagon would hold a massive march and country music concert to mark the fourth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said in an announcement tucked into an Iraq war briefing today.

"This year the Department of Defence will initiate an America Supports Your Freedom Walk," Rumsfeld said, adding that the march would remind people of "the sacrifices of this generation and of each previous generation".

Hmm, I would hardly call a walk from the Pentagon to the Mall 'Massive' or even that much of a walk. It just isn't all that far... maybe 2 miles? More of a stroll really... but these are the sacrifices we're asked in a time of war: to walk 2 miles and listen to Clint Black.

"I've never heard of such a thing," said John Pike, who has been a defence analyst in Washington for 25 years and runs GlobalSecurity.org.

The news also reignited debate and anger over linking September 11 with the war in Iraq.

"That piece of it is disturbing since we all know now there was no connection," said Paul Rieckhoff, an Iraq veteran who heads Operation Truth, an anti-administration military booster.

SEPTEMBER 11!! SADAM!!! WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION!! IRAQ!! 911!! WAR PRESIDENT!! SEPTEMBER 11!! SADAM!!! WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION!!

Rieckhoff suggested the event was an ill-conceived publicity stunt.

No, no: Tom Cruise and Katie Holms as an 'ill-conceived publicity stunt' ("Hi, Katie? It's your agent, yeah: no, still too busy working for you babe but I promise to come over to the Celebrity Center and audit a little soon... listen, hon, Warners Bros. called and, uh, they're not gonna be needing your services on Bat-Man II")

No this? This is sick.

Rumsfeld's march had some relatives of September 11 victims fuming.

"How about telling Mr Rumsfeld to leave the memories of September 11 victims to the families?" said Monica Gabrielle, who lost her husband in the attacks.

Administration supporters insisted Rumsfeld was right to link Iraq and September 11, and hold the rally.

"We are at war," said Representative Pete King, (Republican, New York).

"It's essential that we support our troops."

Yes, it is essential we support them by cutting their medical benefits, charging them for meals while they rehab at Walter Reed, but at least we give massive tax cuts to the super profitable oil & energy industries and by spending on things like the massive Highway Bill that sends bazillions to Alaska:

The bill funnels upward of $941 million to 119 earmarked projects in Alaska, including $223 million for a mile-long bridge linking an island with 50 residents to the town of Ketchikan on the mainland. Another $231 million is earmarked for a new bridge in Anchorage, to be named -- this is specified in the legislation -- Don Young's Way. There is $3 million for a film ''about infrastructure that demonstrates advancements in Alaska, the last frontier." The bill even doffs its cap to Young's wife, Lu: The House formally called it ''The Transportation Equity Act -- a Legacy for Users," or TEA-LU.

WE"RE AT WAR!! SEPTEMBER 11!! SADAM!! IRAQ!! WAR PRESIDENT!!