Decius wrote:
] ] Can you believe President Bush is still pushing the
] ] cockamamie claim that we went to war in Iraq with a real
] ] coalition rather than a gaggle of poodles and lackeys?
] ]
] ] His State of the Union address took his swaggering
] ] sheriff routine to new heights.
]
] This is a fun rant about the State of the Union Address.
] Sharply critical of everyone.

On Saturday there was a letter to the editor from an Italian who was insulted by her rant. You'll find it here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/24/opinion/L24DOWD.html

As an Italian, I am deeply offended by Maureen Dowd's reference to Italy as a "poodle" and "lackey" of the United States.

Italy has a democratic government, which freely decided to support the United States in its effort to bring peace to the desperate and tyrannical country of Iraq.

Nineteen Italians fell with honor in Nasiriya while helping the people rebuild a free and democratic state. They weren't anyone's lackeys, just free men doing their duty, as decided by a free government.

CLAUDIO NEBBIA

Jeremy wrote:
] On Saturday there was a letter to the editor from an Italian
] who was insulted by her rant. You'll find it here:

Both are right.

Italy's contribution to the Iraq war was not something we ought to belittle.

On the other hand, the Iraq war did not receive broad international support, and it is stupid to insist otherwise.