bribed

An important lesson that dawns all to slowly when thinking of our international policy (international, including our action under treaties, what we sign on to, and foreign policy) is that same lesson older siblings likewise learn too slowly: big brothers get copied.

One would imagine that, once old enough to occupy grand public positions, the lesson would be lifestyle. Such is not the case. Policy makers and pundits seem entirely willing to act as if our national actions take place in a vacuum. No no, enters mom. You're little brother's watching you. And what you do, he'll do, and don't you forget it. Thus the importance to respect treaties that we want other states to respect. Thus, the several generals' complaints at the disregard to the Geneva Convention. Thus ad infinitum, seemingly, for this administration.

We recently saw the administration's bribe to commentator Williams to trump up No Child Left Behind. Today, the Financial Times reports something similar from Mr. Allawi. Hmm.