Afghanistan, the Patriot Act, and Intelligent Opposition

The crew at Blah3 has several interesting posts up, but let me note just two right now.

First, Dedalus echoes much of what I've been saying about the president's complete fiction of the "wonderful" changes in Afghanistan since American gunslingers rolled into town:

Either that, or things sure have changed since March. The President's weekly radio address, March 4, 2006:

My first stop was Afghanistan, and I was thrilled to see firsthand the incredible transformation that has taken place there. Before September the 11th, 2001, Afghanistan was ruled by a cruel regime that oppressed its people, brutalized women, and gave safe haven to the terrorists who attacked America.

Today, the terror camps have been shut down; women are working; boys and girls are back in school; and 25 million people have now tasted freedom. The Afghan people are building a vibrant young democracy that is an ally in the war on terror. And America is proud to have such a determined partner in the cause of freedom.

The NY Times, yesterday:

"The Taliban and Al Qaeda are everywhere," a shopkeeper, Haji Saifullah, told the commander of American forces in Afghanistan, Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, as the general strolled through the bazaar of this town to talk to people. "It is all right in the city, but if you go outside the city, they are everywhere, and the people have to support them. They have no choice." [....]

"The security situation is not good," Governor[of Uruzgan province] Munib told General Eikenberry and a group of cabinet ministers at a meeting with tribal elders. "The number of Taliban and enemy is several times more than that of the police and Afghan National Army in this province," he said. [....]

The Taliban are warning the people to expect more attacks, the shopkeeper, Mr. Saifullah, told General Eikenberry. "During the day the people, the police, and the army are with the government, but during the night, the people, the police, and the army are all with the Taliban and Al Qaeda," he said.

Yeah, well there's always going to be some grumblers and nitpickers on the glorious road to freedom.

Then Stranger brings us this on Las Vegas resolving to oppose the Patriot Act (yay, Vegas!):

Go, Vegas!

The Las Vegas City Council has passed a resolution opposing the Patriot Act. Las Vegas now joins several other cities across the country opposed to the controversial law.

Critics say the law infringes on personal rights and freedoms, but President Bush and other supporters say the Patriot Act is vital to the war on terror. The resolution passed by the Las Vegas City Council has no real power but supporters say it will show Las Vegas' commitment to civil liberties.

Damn straight. They want what happens in Vegas to stay in Vegas, so to speak.