More assigned reading

E. J. Dionne is one of the few reliably sane voices on the WaPo editorial page. His column today is a masterpiece.

A reader once expressed his amazement that Republicans win office by saying government can't work, then go about proving it. They don't take responsibility for their failures until they have no other choice. Instead, they just keep discrediting government by shifting as much blame as possible to that wonderfully serviceable group of unnamed creatures called "bureaucrats." We all know that bureaucrats are liberals, right? Besides, the word comes from the French.

More than a week after Hurricane Katrina made landfall, Bush was still suggesting that "bureaucratic obstacles" might be "preventing us from achieving our goals." The president, who took a long time to realize what was happening in New Orleans, made a firm pledge: "In other words, bureaucracy is not going to stand in the way of getting the job done for the people." Heck of an alibi, Mr. President.

That is a fastball right between the eyes. Bravo sir - take a bow.