The Iraq war will no doubt go down as one of the great blunders of the American empire as it stumbles into history. Of all the scandals, the millions in misappropriated funds, the stockpiles of missing arms, the failure to establish an Iraqi police and military force, the propping up of an ineffective and lazy parliament, Blackwater, a lack of transparency with contractors, the invasion itself... this one is my favorite.

Owen Cragol, formally President of Northern Arizona University, was hired as chancellor of the American University in Iraq. The position is a significant one. AUI would help transform the intellectual life in the Middle East. It would expand American intellectual influence into a country not particularly friendly to the US.

But a simple google search shows just how poor choice Cragol is to head the AUI. In 2001 Cragol resigned from NAU after a scandal. In a locker room, Cragol grabbed the genitals of a fellow faculty member. After charges of sexual harassment Cragol sent out an email to all staff in which he described himself as "a rub-your-belly, grab-your-balls, give-you-a-hug, slap-your-back, pull-your-dick, squeeze-your-hand, cheek-your-face, and pat-your-thigh kind of guy."

Now, that is worth a belly laugh. But to get a little perspective on the issue, you can read this article.

Howdy,

So sorry I missed the party. I was down state visiting my folks. They were throwing a big shindig for my kid brother who just graduated high school. I didn't know anyone at the party hardly, but I did meet someone new. One of many such people that my mother has introduced me to over the years...

a gay Catholic priest.

Father W. is a very nice man with an acerbic wit and encyclopedic knowledge of a variety of topics. I promised him that next time I am in town we will go to the Metropolitan museum together and look at some Ingres paintings.

But the thing I have to wonder is, is my uber Catholic mom trying to set me up? Subconsciously perhaps? This is the fourth time she introduces me to a priest and says "oh you too have so much in common. You both like X". Once, X was musical theater when she introduced me to a priest gayer than Quentin Crisp. This time it was art. I felt a little awkward talking about sexualizing images of the Christ child to a man of the cloth, but he had read the same books on the topic and had no shame.

So mom, what is it? Are you being a Yenta?

My new job is awesome. I work 12 hour days but love it. This is the first time I have worked with a group of smart people. Everyone is smart, tells good jokes, and works hard. Perfect.

So, if I don't post or comment as often here, know that I adore you all.

kisses,

-James

Howdy,

I am going to Fugazi tonight around 10:30-11:00 if any of you folks want to meet up.

FINALLY! My weekend bachelorism involves more than cooking lamb!

howdy,

I love estrip. It is fantastic. And I really hate pimping it out for my job. But I am. You know why? Because I love you all and want you to clutch the beating heart of power in your hands.

Are you a registered Democrat? Are you a likable person? Then why not run for a Democratic Committeeship. You can represent a local, three or so block area and help get progressive Democrats who want to change Buffalo nominated.

If you are interested, just let me know through here. There will be an informational meeting this Sunday, 6Pm at Sam Hoyt's campaign office at 892 Elmwood ave. But we need to know if you would like to run before then.

-James