Why Obama Is Done Defending DOMA

Very simple answer: look at the price of petrol at your local station every day for the next week or so, while paying attention to events in North Africa and the Middle East.

See a correlation?

I have another one for you. Higher petrol prices likely equals another economic crash, which - considering how little ObamaCo has done to address the root causes of the previous one - would result in the poor, deserving bastard being drubbed in 2012.

Hence, he needs allies (and quick).

Why not start with the group you've done the most to piss off? I expect labor to be next to have a bone thrown their way...

Mission Accomplished? Not So Fast...

While the distinct possibility of Mubarak stepping down tonight (Egypt time) is certainly good news, the just as real possibilities of Suleiman stepping in - or the Army taking over - are not.

While the Egyptian people certainly had a due respect for their Army, some members of that same institution made the conscious decision to turn on the people.

As for Suleiman, well, he's certainly not change they can believe in.

I'd like to be hopeful, and dear god I love this great nation showing everyone how's it done, but I certainly hope they don't get too complacent half-way to the democracy their hard work, time, and blood deserves...

I'd Be A Democrat, But...

Tearing myself away from (surprisingly more positive) events in Egypt for a moment, it's always good to remind oneself why one has chosen to tell the Democratic Party - and it's associated appendages - to go fuck themselves.

Clears the sinuses, not to mention the soul...

The Most Dangerous Moment

I'm not particularly concerned about much of anything else these days, because it appears the Egyptian military has chosen a side.

And, it's not necessarily the side of the people (and explains the growing lack of timely reporting).

Whether those who have chosen to stand and be counted for change in Egypt can maintain the momentum they had just a few days ago is questionable. Doing any less would likely result in a backlash much worse than what existed before the protests began...

Took A Bit Longer Than Expected

As Mubarak finally doubles down, the question still remains: Which side will the military support?

So far, they are quite un-remarkably keeping to their word about not getting involved and not inhibiting the citizenry (I wish Americans could trust their military so much), but they are capable of at least protecting the pro-democracy forces from what is obviously the Mubarak's Police in civilian garb.

Meanwhile, Straddling Barry decides to finally start calling for an immediate transition of power, but no word still on actually cutting off aid payments - as opposed to examining such action - until Egypt finally has a democratic form of governance...

Mealy Mouthed Platitudes As the Tanks Roll In

Whereas I started my day with hope upon reports that the government of Egypt (as such) was nowhere to be found, the arrival of the Army in the role of enforcers gives one a moment of pause.

Not to mention the usual have it both ways word-smithing from the Third Bush Term...

But, returning to the Egyptian Army, who are - rather deservedly - well respected by the citizenry, where their loyalties lie over the next 24 to 48 hours is of utmost importance. While they were peaceful in relation to (if not downright supportive of) the citizens the previous afternoon, another day - and the return of the military leadership from, where else, the United States - might bring another result.

However, the most dangerous fact is this: Mubarak is done, one way or the other...

Who replaces him is not so much a matter of choice between the Muslim Brotherhood (who can count on up to maybe - just maybe - a third of public support) or Al-fucking-Qaeda (in Egypt?!), but pro-reform, pro-democracy forces or another military-man.

My bets, such as they are, are on Israel and the United States opting for stability over democracy by any means at their disposal (and there are many). Then again, such a move is just as likely to backfire spectacularly.

Let us hope that fact is realised, and soon...

Buh-Bye! (Or Not)

Breaking reports from media sources (in this case, NBC) appear to suggest Dictator Mubarak (or some group of important people in the government) is in the process of leaving - or has left - the country.

In other news, Douchebag Vice-President Biden is reportedly saddened his bestest-buddy no longer appears to be in charge...

[Update: It seems rather likely that only Mubarak's family - among other elites - have left Egypt, considering that Hosni himself appeared on Egyptian television. Whether he did so from Egypt is another matter...]