In the classic American tradition of breaking all the rules when you're on vacation, the Bush Administration decided to back off the whole "Iraq is mine, mine, mine!" business while the Prez is traveling in Asia this week -- they announced plans for a new agency, run by the UN and the World Bank, to direct the flow of reconstruction cash. Er, that is, any cash beyond those lucrative Pentagon contracts for GOP-friendly American companies. Some things, as they say, never change -- like another Bush predilection, comprehensive muffling of any sounds of protest. Here's an article from the Sydney Morning Herald on the ridiculous protocols for public protest at the upcoming address to the Australian parliament by GWB and Hu Jintao -- no public folk allowed in the gallery, or outside, and down the street at the protest area any amplification must be pointed away from the sensitive leaders' ears!