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By Vivian Greentree

Picture this: A group of over 600 Boy Scouts marches onto a field singing and then sits down in the grass to wait for President Bush. But hours later, the news that Bush couldn't make it is drowned out by sirens and shouts as hundreds fell ill because of the high temperature.

While Boy Scouts waited at their annual Jamboree for Pres. Bush to come and tell them about what it means to be a good citizen, he was busy twisting arms, old school style, on Capitol Hill. The Pres., who was scheduled to give a speech yesterday to the Scouts, had a more important issue on the table....passing his pet project CAFTA.

You have to read various news stories to put this scenario together, but damned if it isn't true...

Ironic isn't it?

Playing by politics as usual, the Pres. knew he had to pass CAFTA or be seen as a whipping boy for the rest of his (thankfully short) administration. During debates yesterday, when the pressure was really on to get CAFTA passed (it passed by 2 votes) GOPers fell back to the old play book by calling anyone and anything that opposed them pinko-commies.

"We must not neglect the anti-democracy, anti-American forces that are at work in Latin America," said Republican representative from California David Dreier in support of CAFTA-DR during the two-hour debate before the vote.

Whatever Dave, we all know your interests are much more oriented toward your own wallet. The CAFTA legislation is more about institutionalizing cheap labor than about...no, I take that back...it is about institutionalizing the free trade of cheap labor...

But the Pres., as usual, completely turns common sense on its head (while skillfully incorporating his 2 favs, morality and national security):

"CAFTA helps ensure that free trade is fair trade by lowering trade barriers to American goods in Central American markets to a level now enjoyed by their goods in the US," he said.

We have a moral obligation and a vital national security interest in helping democracies of Central America and the Dominican Republic succeed, and CAFTA furthers that goal," he added.

What he didn't mention, though, is that CAFTA actually allows businesses here (i.e. his friends) to sue the Federal Govt. for damages that they feel are caused by having to follow Fed. regulations?!?! Figure that one out.

Oh, and don't think I am not going to track down those 15 Democrats who crossed over to vote for it either...all of Lefty Blogdom is going to be out for them!

Anyway, just thought it was interesting that the Scouts got shafted so the U.S. could get CAFTED....