Havoc for the Holiday

The Mumbai massacres undermine our shaky faith in human nature as American families gather for loving celebration in the safety they always took for granted before 9/11.

The identity of the killers matters less than their purpose--to "cry havoc and let loose the dogs of war," in Shakespeare's phrase--to attack civilization itself in bloodthirsty rage and hate.

As grievous as the slaughter of innocents is the knowledge that these acts of darkness, planned with precision, are abetted and amplified by the technology that has done so much to improve modern life, that computer and TV screens which create community can also be used to convey chaos.

It's hard to turn our eyes away from the carnage and concentrate on our good fortune without feeling that, no matter who these murderers turn out to be and whatever their "cause," we are living in a world where their like will be with us for a long time to come.

Pardoning the Turkey

The White House should cancel this year's annual event of sparing an awkward bird just before Thanksgiving because George Bush did that before the fourth of July when he freed Scooter Libby.

But the ceremony is still on. After the Rose Garden pardon, the turkey will be flown first class to Orlando to be grand marshal of “Disney’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.” After the parade, guests will be able to socialize with the bird in a backyard at Magic Kingdom Park.

No news about Libby's plans for the holidays, but it's safe to assume he won't be leading any parades or receiving visits from old friends of the Washington press corps at Disney World or anywhere else.

"The Constitution gives the President the power of clemency to be used when he deems it to be warranted," Bush said on July 2nd. So far this year he has exercised it for Dick Cheney's former chief of staff and a 45-pound fowl.