ThreadingWater

When I was growing up, April Fool’s Day wasn’t such a big deal.

My dad would slip something weird into my lunch box and I’d fall for the ol’ “piece of paper slipped between the jelly and the peanut butter” trick every single year.

I’m not terribly brilliant when it comes to practical jokes.

But, I know one when I see one.

A few days ago, President Bush used the following talking points in a speech in Dayton, Ohio on his proclaimed global war on terrorism.

Iraq Has Great Economic Potential

The improvements in security resulting from the surge are enabling Iraqis to make progress on their economy. Since the surge began:

• Business registrations have increased by more than nine percent;

• Total inflation has fallen by more than 60 percentage points;

• Investment in energy and telecom industries has increased;

• Oil production is up, particularly north of Baghdad;

• The national government has announced a plan to reform the food rationing system; and

• Economic growth is projected to be a robust seven percent this year.

WTF. Honey? Where are the passports? Because, really, what are we doing here other than watching our retirement accounts depreciate and flush huge gobs of money down the toilet every month? Economic growth in Iraq at seven percent this year! Inflation down by 60%!!

But, wait. It seems there still might be some problems left to deal with in Iraq. I mean, 2.8 million Iraqis can’t be wrong, can they? That’s how many Iraqis are currently estimated to have been uprooted from their homes and communities since the U.S. invasion five years ago.

The International Organization for Migration says more than 1 million displaced Iraqis lack adequate food and shelter. A similar number of Iraqis don’t have a regular income or employment.

The AP report also notes that more than 300,000 Iraqis have been displaced since the beginning of 2008 (post “surge.” ) That would be almost 21,500 displaced persons every week this year, or the equivalent of TWO Dayton, Ohio-sized cities of civilians losing their place to live since January.

Nice try, Mr. President, but I’m not biting into your crap sandwich.