USDA Approved Grade-A Desperation

The war in Iraq must be turning the corner going less than fantastic. The White House is forcing people to incorporate good news about Iraq into their speeches, even if their Cabinet area doesn't specifically deal with foreign policy. I'm sure the members of Bush's cabinet are quite pleased they've been reduced to disseminating his war propaganda; morale must be fantastic over there at 1600 Pennsylvania.

From the Washington Post-

Career appointees at the Department of Agriculture were stunned last week to receive e-mailed instructions that include Bush administration "talking points" -- saying things such as "President Bush has a clear strategy for victory in Iraq" -- in every speech they give for the department.

"The President has requested that all members of his cabinet and sub-cabinet incorporate message points on the Global War on Terror into speeches, including specific examples of what each agency is doing to aid the reconstruction of Iraq," the May 2 e-mail from USDA speechwriter Heather Vaughn began.

The e-mail, sent to about 60 undersecretaries, assistant secretaries and other political appointees, was also sent to "a few people to whom it should not have gone," said the department's communications director, Terri Teuber...

Let me see if I can give this a try. "As the Secretary of Education, I would like to educate you on the great progress we are making in Iraq..." Wow, that was easy! Great idea, George! With your continued focus on PR management rather than actual results, no doubt the public will soon regain their confidence in your visionary quagmire.

Meanwhile, in Iraq, the good news keeps on coming! Go us! [*passes out*]