Rummy goes to Iraq

Or, actual reality intrudes on Rummy's psycho-reality.

WaPo is reporting that Rumsfeld got an earful from the troops during his 'visit' to Iraq.

He reportedly said he was clueless on the matter of arming Defense Department civilians.

Clueless? I'm shocked.

Here are some of the topics that Rummy had to field:

• When will the troops get better body armor?



• When will Humvees get any armor?



• Is it true that the military will not pay their entire airfare to get home?



• Why won't my military medical coverage wouldn't handle physical therapy for my handicapped child?



• When, if ever, would the United Nations send some troops and where would they come from?

A reported exchange:

Questioner: "Sir, there are many DOD civilians who are here in the theater, and many of us are unarmed. And many times we're placed in harm's way in convoys and we have no means to protect ourselves. And I know there's been many memos and letters I've seen floating around saying it's the policy to arm civilians if they need to be armed, if they're in harm's way. But there seems to be a resistance . . . to actually provide arms to us. I was wondering what the current policy is on that."

Rumsfeld: "Well, I could do several things at this point. I could admit I don't know what the current policy is here, or I could turn around and ask General Rick Sanchez to come over here. Then he'll say he doesn't know."

Rumsfeld then called on Sanchez for an answer. He didn't know.

"We'll be able to get the definitive answer," said Sanchez. "But right now, we have been working to try to get the authorities to arm the civilians here. That has been an issue for some time. And you're right, we're working that and we have been for some time. And we'll get -- I'll get a specific status for you. Okay?"

The entire article.

I think it's great that our troops have no issue asking Rumsfeld tough questions that our corporatist press corps cannot.

By the way, here is a USA Today article concerning Humvee armor

Select quote: "We can procure [Humvee armor] as fast as we have the money to do so." - Maj. Gary Tallman

Essentially, the Bush administration supports the troops as long as it doesn't cost any money.

(yeah, that's shrill. Sorry)