Loose lips

I watched one of the Reagan/Mondale debates, and I couldn't believe what I heard come from Reagan's lips about the Shah of Iran and what we owed him: "he did our bidding."

Even if it's true, you never ever say something like that. It gives the "client"'s subjects reason to complain, and puts him in a position where he has to do something counter to our interests just to prove he isn't a puppet. It weakens him and weakens us. I thought it a breathtakingly stupid thing to say. The next day I mentioned it, and was surprised that nobody else noticed.

I don't know if anybody pays any mind to what Biden says, but he's not the only one in DC talking about "regime change" and "getting rid of Putin." The world would probably be a slightly better place with Putin cultivating his garden, from above or below--though his replacements might be little improvement.

But how does someone distinguish between a wish and a commitment? And if regime change in Russia is a commitment, what options do we have that don't flirt with war?

Quite a lot of politicians can't shut up--they have to show how wonderful they are no matter how many people die.

Can we require that before they can be put on the ballot, would-be candidates must survive a six-month retreat with the Trappists without bursting?

The Trappists would complain...