A Town Without Pity--Who'll be the next to jump ship?(Antiwar.com)

[hang a left]

October 19, 2005
A Town Without Pity
Who'll be the next to jump ship?
by Leon Hadar

One of the conclusions that Harry Truman reached after spending several decades in the U.S. capital, first as a lawmaker and then as a vice-president who inherited the White House following the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt, was: "If you want to have a friend in Washington, buy a dog."

Even during Mr. Truman's time, in the middle of the 20th century, long before the rise of investigative journalism, the launching of the 24/7 cable news programs, and the appointment of special prosecutors to look after crimes in high places, Washington was already known for its brutal political arena and mean social environment.

Friendships here are not unconditional, and if you're down and out, well, don't expect the guy who only yesterday gave you a high-five to return your e-mail, not to mention invite you to a dinner party.

Which is why I hope that Karl Rove, who, when this piece was written, was still serving as President George W. Bush's chief political adviser, does have a dog. He will probably need it in the coming days and weeks as special prosecutor Patrick J. Fitzgerald wraps up his inquiry into the alleged disclosure of an undercover Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer's identity.

snip>

http://www.antiwar.com/orig/hadar.php?articleid=7679