I like this post at the Mahablog not just because Barbara quotes me approvingly (thanks), but because she makes a connection between several seemingly unrelated events:

Bush seems just the sort of sniveling weenie who mistakes meanness with strength. Bush is the one who thought Bernie Kerik would do a swell job of running national security, and the bullying, abusive Bolton is just the guy to go to the United Nations. Yeah, and let's torture some prisoners to show 'em how tough we are. 

Yup, that's it. That's really it.

And, of course, meanness is not to be confused with courage:
 
But like the cowards they are, Bush, Rummy, et al. are allowing privates to be scapegoats and do the time.
 
Exactly.