Her words cut like bullets.....

This week, the NCIS continues its investigation into the killing of 15 women and children in the Iraqi town of Haditha, allegedly at the hands of US Marines in retaliation for the death of one of their fellow soldiers. The investigation comes at the same time that Karen Hughes, the Undersecretary of Public Diplomacy (and former Bush aide) continues her "listening tour" of the Middle East where she targets women and children in an attempt to soften the image of the US. Asked if the apparent difference in the message sent between a civilian massacre and a vaseline lensed p.r. tour would further undermine the image of the US in the Mideast, an ananoymous State Department official mused, "At first I thought so. I mean, it does not look good to be embracing children and motherhood on one hand, and shooting children and mothers on the other. Then I got some feedback on Hughes' speeches. Many middle easterners said they would rather be shot than forced to listen to Hughes. So we are really on the same page with this....."