Odds and Ends: The 'Jane, Stop This Crazy Thing' Edition

I should stop reading the news. I'm only depressing myself. Well, here it is...

Gitmo justice alert! McClatchy Newspapers reports that: "Australian David Hicks pleaded guilty at the Guantanamo Bay Navy Base yesterday to supporting terrorism in exchange for a nine-month prison sentence under a plea deal that..." What do you think it is? A deal that somehow helps us in the 'war on terror'? NOPE! It's a deal "...that forbids him from claiming he was abused in U.S. custody." God bless America!

And evidence that the White House/Pentagon knowingly lied about how Pat Tillman died.

Meanwhile, Speaker Pelosi plans "to stop in Syria next week during a Middle East trip that began Friday". The White House criticized this, as they step up their rhetoric against the Syrian government.

Moving on to Bush administration tales of incompetence and stupidity... Julie MacDonald, the assistant secretary of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has been reprimanded for "disclosing nonpublic government information" including to corporate interest and lobbyists and umm, her online gaming friend. She needed a second opinion from the dwarves of 'World of Warcraft'.

Federal judge to Bush: No, you can't do logging without any environmental concern.

Finally, Education Secretary Margaret Spellings' advice to acting-White House Press Secretary Dana Perino, who was feeling a little nervous? "Put your big-girl panties on."

[PS- Bill Maher presents the George W. Bush Scandals & Fuck-Ups Collector's Plate Series.]