Where's Bush?

I can't help but be disappointed in the Bush Administration today. Amid new revelations that Secretary of Defense Don Rumsfeld did authorize the use of dogs and the stripping of prisoners as authorized interrogation techniques. This is conduct unbefitting the United States. Americans understand we are held to a higher standard; human rights are important.

And to that end, Bush screws up again. The New York Times reports Bush is ready to make an "arms for aid" deal with North Korea that doesn't include Kim Jong Il making concessions on human rights. The article says:

"Under the plan, outlined by American officials on Tuesday evening, in response to pressure from China and American allies in Asia, the aid would begin flowing immediately after a commitment by Kim Jong Il, the North Korean leader, to dismantle his plutonium and uranium weapons programs. In return, China, Russia, Japan and South Korea would immediately begin sending tens of thousands of tons of heavy fuel oil every month, and Washington would offer a 'provisional'' guarantee not to invade the country or seek to topple Mr. Kim's government."

With Republicans like this, why not Kerry? Both presidential candidates represent the worst of the baby-boomer generation: relativism and wishy- washiness. Bush no longer has a coherent vision of the world; he's just trying to get through each day. It won't work. With days like this, he alienates his base into not voting in November.

UPDATE: A very senior member of the Administration has reported to me that the Times got it wrong. In particular the part about Bush guaranteeing not to topple Mr. Kim's government through peaceful methods, i.e. Democracy Project methods. More soon...Developing.