If I am not day dreaming, our economy is currently reeling from the recent pop of the “junk bond” bubble, and yet the same group of conscienceless speculators are busy blowing up a new bubble (historically, we’ve had a few years to get the gum off our faces, to recover, catch our breath before the huffing and puffing began again). Not to mention the huge, old and trusted, banks and investment brokers brought to their knees by irresponsible financial practices.

From Richard Oppel's Jr.'s New York Times column on August 22, 2008:

"Although the “surge” is often described as the turning point that led to lower violence, a number of American officers contend the Awakening that began well before the surge in 2006 in Anbar Province and continued in Baghdad last year was the most significant reason for the decline. In some places, American casualties plunged within weeks of the Sunnis joining with American forces."

McCain and his new comrade, Sarah Palin, in continued alignment with Bush policy, are touting the “Surge,” the increase in troops sent to Iraq in 2007, as a huge success.

Huh?

Someone needs brief McCain and Palin on the American backed Sunni tribal Awakening also known as the Sons of Iraq (SOI).