Some interesting factoids from Mother Jones magazine that further helps to illustrate the expanding income gap in this country.

It wasn't too long ago that the military and this administration would not dare even hint at the possibility of civil war breaking out in Iraq. That's all changed at least for the military, with Army Gen. John Abizaid, who commands U.S. forces in the Mideast, stating "Iraq could move toward civil war....The sectarian violence is probably as bad as I have seen it." Meanwhile, the administration continues to live in denial as Defense Secretary Rumsfeld testified today, stating the situation in Iraq "is not a classic civil war at this stage."

Former ambassador Peter Galbraith: "Iraq still exists on a map, but it no longer functions as a single country. We're trying to build national institutions right now — like the army and the police — when there is no nation."

Thank the government for any job growth at all: Private-sector jobs created by defense spending from 2001-2006: 1.5 million; Private-sector jobs created by other government spending from 2001-2006: 1.3 million; Private-sector jobs lost from 2001-2006: 1 million.

The Hezbollah/Iran connection could be keeping the Saudi elite up at night. Iran very much wants to expand its Shiite influence and Saudi Arabia is ruled by Sunnis, so one could see where Saudi Arabia is a likely next-target in line given all the mayhem breaking out between Israel and Lebanon/Hezbollah. Oh, and guess who would be forced to come to their aid? Yes, Uncle Sam, esp. since we absolutely depend on their oil and GW is one of their best buddies.

More "good" news from Iraq. The U.S. is going to hand over reconstruction responsibilities to Iraq but doing so with no plan in place, no outline, no proposals, no suggestions, zilch. In a few years (or perhaps less), as Iraq descends into (bloody?) chaos riddled with rampant corruption, the invasion will be universally deemed a complete waste of human lives and U.S. taxpayer money -- much like Vietnam has been regarded.

It appears as if Pentagon officials lied to the 9/11 commission: "I was shocked at how different the truth was from the way it was described," John Farmer, a former New Jersey attorney general who led the staff inquiry into events on Sept. 11, said in a recent interview. "The tapes told a radically different story from what had been told to us and the public for two years....This is not spin. This is not true." Isn't it about time a new, comprehensive, truly independent investigation be opened to get to the bottom of the truth concerning this national tragedy? Will we have to endure the incessant guessing games over the years, much like JFK's assassination? Has political chicanery risen to the level where it's overtaken any sense of duty to what's owed the American people?