Kathryn:  I have written on the topic of “war as entertainment,” pointing out how, like theater generally, costuming is an essential part of the show being put on to keep Boobus entertained.  One sees this in the current practice of soldiers showing up seemingly everywhere in camouflaged uniforms.  Your blog illustrates this nicely.  I have seen these bozos in airports, shopping malls, restaurants, and out on the streets of American cities wearing these outfits that carry the implicit message:  “I have been out in the deadly jungle, fighting for your freedom, and am just taking some time out to buy my wife a birthday present here at the Galleria.”  Apart from the fact that these combat uniforms are being worn thousands of miles from any armed conflict, where are the forests and jungles in Iraq that would necessitate such camouflage?  I have even seen Pentagon-based generals appearing in network TV studios, or on C-SPAN, wearing such disguises!  I can imagine the following conversation at the Pentagon:  “Oh, General Schmutz, you are scheduled to appear before the Senate Armed Services Committee in an hour.”  “Thank you.  Would you check to see if my battle-fatigues are back from the cleaners?”

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