In the old days, the United States was famed for it's "can-do" attitude. No more. Eight years of the misleadership of the Bush Administration has established policies that have reduced the country to it's lowest possible level of incompetence by depleting the treasury, destroying the job base, and undermining the national security.

Here's a short list of what we can't do:
   
          Prepare for a natural disaster, like Katrina
         
          Take care of people affected by Katrina
   
          Reconstruct the Gulf Coast

          Run a railroad, much less make it run on time

          Operate our own ports

          Field a fleet of ships

          Provide health care for our citizens

          Reform our public schools

          Fund and manage our elections so they are fair and honest
   
          Adopt rehabilitation programs for criminal lawbreakers or reform prisons
         
          Manage immigration in a humane and reasonable manner

          Protect our borders

          Provide troops with adequate gear

          Repair the electrical grid in Baghdad

          Conduct a dignified trial of a tyrant like Saddam Hussein

So why did we ever think we could bring good government to Iraq? Competence begins at home, and it relies on a clear view of reality -- not just faith and prayers. We better not expect God -- or anybody else --  to do for us what we can't (and won't) do for ourselves.

Make a move towards competence -- turn left.

          Happy Highways (potholes and all),  Roadette