SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 9:35 P.M. ET:

INCREDIBLE – We have warned here about taking our eye off the foreign-policy ball as we deal with our economic woes.  I can think of no greater example of this than yesterday's hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Syria, one of the most important foreign challenges we have.  There are 19 members of the committee, and exactly one, Democratic Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, showed up to question the U.S. ambassador to Syria, Robert Ford.  Somehow, I think some members of that committee must have some misplaced priorities.

EQUALLY INCREDIBLE – A senior Pentagon official – that means someone way up who doesn't want to be identified – warned today that the military would have to lay off thousands of people if additional cuts made possible by the debt compromise actually are made.  That additional unemployment would, of course, certainly serve our economy well, wouldn't it?  National Review pointed out that projected defense cuts are being made without any regard to strategic considerations.  I would expect that of many Democrats.  I wouldn't expect it of Republicans, but I'm afraid the green eyeshade types are becoming more influential.  I hope common sense and real statesmanship will return.

WELL, OKAY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY – The president flew to Chicago to attend a birthday party/fundraiser.  He is turning 50.  Ticket prices for the gala go for $200 through $35, 800.   All proceeds will go to the Obama campaign.  Is it unseemly, considering the real economic pain out there?  Of course it is, but politics in Chicago have never been guided by either Emily Post or the West Point honor code.  At any rate, happy birthday, Mr. President.  May you enjoy this, and your retirement at the end of next year.  There are personal benefits to both.

August 3, 2011