Lileks, on fellow Minnesotan Garrison Keillor's double standards and Bush derangement:

One can make the argument that the current Iraq strategy won’t work, but for Mr. Keillor to say it is indefensible suggests that he has a keener insights into the realities of the situation than Gen. Patraeus. It’s possible; in his article, he cites an article from the New Yorker, so he’s obviously staying abreast of current affairs. He also fears that the United States will confront Iran, which is another indefensible position. Only blind allegiance to the ol’ Current Occupant would drive a person to such madness. Leave Iran alone; leave the field in Iraq: those are the only defensible positions. Anything outside those actions is proof one has entered the Iron Bubble, and automatically gainsays the statements of the other side simply because the other side made them.

It’s interesting: in his review of his own side’s history, he shows how domestic political considerations drove out the ability to recognize greater evils abroad. I ask, as gently as I can: Might the same instinct be abroad in the land today?