History repeats itself

The first time as tragedy, the second time as, well, even more tragic tragedy. With plenty of farce thrown in, at least if your sense of humor is dark enough.

Here’s a fun little tidbit from Billmon:

…from Col. Sam Gardiner, the war gaming expert at the National Defense University who’s been much quoted in the press lately talking about scenarios for a strike on Iran. This is what he told CNN Friday:

GARDINER: Actually, Jim, I would say – and this may shock some – I think the decision has been made and military operations are under way.
. . . The Iranians have been saying American military troops are in there, have been saying it for almost a year. I was in Berlin two weeks ago, sat next to the ambassador, the Iranian ambassador to the IAEA. And I said, “Hey, I hear you’re accusing Americans of being in there operating with some of the units that have shot up revolution guard units.”

He said, quite frankly, “Yes, we know they are. We’ve captured some of the units, and they’ve confessed to working with the Americans.”

The evidence is mounting that that decision has already been made . . .

Rumsfeld to Congress: Authorize this, assholes.

What’s amazing is how the corporate media absolutely insists on sticking to the prepared script, even when their sources won’t. Having just been told the war has already begun, here’s the CNN twink’s reaction:

CLANCY: If they do decide on a military option . . .
GARDINER: Right?

CLANCY: What’s the realistic chance of success?

IF they decide on a military option. In one ear and out the other.

Earlier in the same post — discussing the op-ed by Richard Clarke and Steven Simon in today’s Times — our frighteningly astute comrade also predicts:

The problem, which I’m sure Clarke and Simon fully understand, is that there isn’t going to be a congressional resolution this time – in fact I’d be very surprised if the administration gives the leadership of either party more than 24 hours notice before the bombing begins. No marketing campaigns, no debates, no arms twisted in the Oval Office. Just a fait accompli. (That’s French for: “Choke on it, suckers.”

Is anybody else getting just a little bit tired of the constant, sick feeling in the pit of your stomach, as you wait helplessly to see what the insane people in charge of our country are going to do next?