And while I'm ranting, I can't believe how many people are taking this whole "sanctity of marriage" constitutional amendment Bush is proposing seriously.

This is another cynical, Karl Rove ploy. We're in an election year. The press have been giving the Democrats a lot of coverage. The Bush administration needs to get attention back to Bush, so they get a debate going. But not just any debate. A debate about nothing, one that won't can't possibly come to anything.

A debate on a topic that will at once appeal to Bush's conservative base, at the same time pushing the Democrats a little farther left. One that, win or lose, Bush can use to gain points.

National defense doesn't have the traction anymore; the terrorist boogeyman doesn't pack quite the punch it once did. Bush doesn't have a leg to stand on regarding Social Security or healthcare. He certainly doesn't want anyone to start talking about the economy.

But gay marriage: a perfect play to the conservative / religious demographic. The Democrats will have to spend time and effort fighting while trying not to seem "too liberal," sapping election year strength.

While the Bush administration is waving an asinine constitutional amendment around with its right hand, we should all be paying very close attention to what it is doing with its left. This smells like a classic game of redirection.

It is a totally absurd idea, of course. There is no chance in hell that the amendment would ever be ratified. Absolutely none. He may as well stand up and say that people with green eyes suck eggs. But not enough people will call this ploy what it is. By responding to Bush's proposal as if it is a serious idea, people elevate Bush, they engage him in conversation. Suddenly, we transform Bush from a stammering Texas yokel to a passionate defender of "christian principles." Just like magic.

It takes two dicks to make a pissing match. Unfortunately, I'm afraid the Democrats aren't smart enough to keep their pants zipped up for this one.