This was an extraordinarily expensive gesture for the Kim Chong Il government: The North Korean juche system of “self-reliance” has failed to provide even basic necessities for the Gulag Kingdom. Even foodstuffs are diverted from the mouths of his countrymen in order to provide the material wherewithal to support the military. Since the capability had already been demonstrated, these launches could have served no other purpose than as an approbation to American liberty. It’s a shame that in such a materially and socially impoverished country, the loss of capability will have to be made good through even more sacrifice. Thus – from the little man’s perspective – what might have seemed an impotent squandering of the sweat wrung from the brows of his enslaved countrymen is in reality a tribute.

So right back at you, Huge-Headed Impotent Dictator Guy: You’re a Real American hero!

In any case, here we are later having passed through those fires, manifest other challenges and facing new ones again. Today’s a day of celebration of what has gone before, what we still are, what we are yet to become. Here’s to parades and speeches, fireworks and family, the rocket’s red glow and the warm presence of those we care for most around us. Here’s to the remembrance of past achievements that keep us constant and optimistic in times of trial.

Here’s to those we left behind on battlefields and parapets of every sort that made all of these things possible.

Here’s to those fighting still.

And yes, here’s to things worth fighting for.

Happy Fourth of July, America!

Chapter 5 – how to win in Afghanistan – has its more fanciful elements as well. Fifteen year viceroys and $150k a year sergeants sounds very well in principal, but then reality butts in. Forming an alliance with the tribes against another set of outsiders – al Qaeda – makes eminent sense, if it can be accomplished. While a transitory accommodation may be made in exchange for funds, that whole “infidel” thing gets in the way of any long-term alliance.

But all in all, half an hour well spent (and many thanks to Pam Slim for pointing it out).

In a stunning announcement, Gov. Sarah Palin said Friday morning she will resign her office in a few weeks.

Speculation has swirled for weeks, perhaps months that Palin would not seek re-election in 2010 as she pursues a political career on the national stage. The former vice presidential candidate has long been rumored to be considering a run at the Republican presidential nomination in 2012.

Palin did not address those rumors at the press conference at her Wasilla home, during which she did not take questions from reporters.

She implied that her real decision was not to seek re-election, and that the resignation was a natural step after that in order to avoid a lame-duck final 18 months of her term.

“With this announcement that I’m not seeking re-election, I’ve determined it’s best to transfer the authority of governor to Lieutenant Governor (Sean) Parnell,” Palin said. “I’m determined to take the right path for Alaska, even though it is unconventional and is not so comfortable.

Andrea Mitchell says that the governor is fed up with politics.

Mark Halperin has 10 possible reasons for Palin to step down shy of her term’s end.

Your thoughts:

This video shows not only the depth of the hatred and stupidity that enables such attacks, but also the human cost for those left behind.

It’s a tough thing to watch, but also a good reminder: Evil abides.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and guided-missile cruiser arrived this morning after leaving the Japanese port of Yokosuka on June 10.

This is the first visit to WA for the USS George Washington, the US Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

The USS Cowpens, also known as the “Thundering Herd”, is primarily tasked to protect the USS George Washington.

Mr Woods said because the sailors were on a recreational break, they would spend a lot of money visiting Perth’s tourism attractions – including visiting the malls where they would spend money buying gifts for family and friends back home.

Mr Woods urged the State to do more to attract warships, such as offering a shipside docking at the Fremantle Port.

USS George Washington Capt. David Lausman said this would be the first visit to WA for many of the crew aboard the ship.

“I know our sailors are looking forward to experiencing the rich culture and interacting with the friendly citizens of Australia during our brief stay,” Capt. Lausman said.

Yep.

Video here and here.

I miss it. All of it.