Are Bush and al-Maliki pulling a rope-a-dope?

I'm suspicious of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's recent criticism of the Bush Administration not sending enough weapons to Iraq. Is it possible that Bush and al-Maliki are pulling a rope a dope with the American public. This wouldn't be the first time Bush has played politics with our troops.

Bush is in a political fight with Congress to try to get more troops and funding for the war in Iraq. He's under pressure from Democrats and Republicans in both the US House and Senate as well as ordinary citizens who want the US to pull out of Iraq.

I have to wonder if Bush and al-Maliki are trying to influence public opinion on the war in Iraq. Look at Bush's reaction. He simply shrugged it off. It's a bit too convenient given the fact Bush is getting reamed at home about the Iraq war.

Maybe this is just a far flung conspiracy theory, but it sounds just about as Rovian as you can get.

Westlund Conspiracy Theory

Over at the NW Republican Blog, Teddy P and gang have been pushing their Westlund conspiracy theory. Their story supposedly goes like this: Westlund dropped out of the race for governor and made a deal with Ted Kulongoski to get a political appointment at some future date, so that Kulongoski would be assured re-election last November.

Hmm...and they lefty's conspiracy nuts?

Recently, Westlund announced he has changed his party affiliation from Independent to Democrat. Westlund was a Republican until earlier this year when he switch to Independent status to run for governor. In August, Westlund dropped out of the race despite having collected the signatures he needed to file as a candidate for the governor's race.

But here is the jaw dropper: Now Bill Sizemore (of all people) is calling for a recall of Westlund because he changed his party affiliation to Democrat. In his post, he specifically repeats the same conspiracy theory that has been repeated on many right wing blogs:

"Ben was elected as a Republican in a Republican district in Central Oregon. Switching parties breaks faith with the voters who elected him. I think an enthusiastic, energized recall drive might take a little wind out of Mr. Westlund's sails. Let's see how self-righteous he sounds when he has to sell Central Oregon voters on all of those left wing positions he has now embraced. He might have to go to Ted a little sooner than expected for that appointment for which he has been hoping and Republicans would have one more seat in their caucus. This time it might even be a real Republican. "-Bill Sizemore

Wow, Sizemore has a lot of nerve calling for a recall of Westlund on a basis of ethics? Is this the same guy who's political foundation was found guilty of fraudulent signature gathering?

The only thing Westlund has done is change his party affiliation, nothing wrong with that. Why the right wants to make a capital offense out of this is beyond me. Especially given the many scandals that have been uncovered among members of their own party.