A mission of mercy

George Bush visited the North End of Hartford today (one of the poorest neighborhoods in one of the poorest cities in the country), and talked about malaria. Of course, it's not malaria that's the problem in the North End, it's lack of health care, jobs, educational opportunities, poverty and the attendant scourge of drug abuse and violence.

He artfully ignored those topics, instead making a deft analogy. Eradicating malaria is the same as eradicating terrorism.

The act of defeating malaria in developing nations, he said, was a mission of mercy and an act of hopefulness.

He went on to say that the only way to defeat terrorists was through "acts of love and hopefulness." Yes, he actually said that. So when you figure out how storms of bullets and bombs are "acts of love," please drop me an email.

I wasn't able to get out to one of the "free speech" protest pens, but I'm disappointed that no one in the crowd had the nerve to call Mr. Danger out as the hypocrite that he is.

On the wings of a mosquito

Connecticut Opposes the War points out that the reason George Bush will speak about malaria at a Boys and Girls Club in Hartford is that it allows him to charge us taxpayers for the cost of his trip to Connecticut for a fundraiser.

They also point out that they're organizing a protest of the event. You can register to attend, here.

Interestingly, Bush will be at the residence of Henry Kissinger. I wonder if he'll be getting advice from another war criminal who got away with it.

One killer addresses another

When it comes to striking down innocents, malaria has it over George Bush by a long shot. Malaria kills a million people a year. George Bush has been responsible for far few deaths every year for the past seven, but he's no slouch.

George Bush is coming to Hartford Friday, (Hartford's North End to be precise), to talk about Malaria Awareness Day. And the connection to Hartford is.....?