Occupation "to Last Years"

Like most Americans, I await President Bush's speech, probably Wednesday night.

Here's how the media will report the story, which has already been well-leaked to the press. "The president last night called for a "surge" of 20,000 to 40,000 troops to stabilize Iraqi's major cities while the Shiite-led government builds an army and police force capable of maintaining order."

Here's honest language: The president last night escalated the U.S. occupation of Iraq, ordering 20,000 to 40,000 more soldiers to take up foot patrols Iraqi neighborhoods controlled by warring religious sects. Military officials on the ground say the occupation will last for years.