In the midst of death, life.

In the midst of law school, self-aggrandizement.

Writers of the Future v. XXI. Yours truly's story starts on p. 155.

You are permitted to read the other tales - and even to enjoy them more than mine if the mood strikes you. That's OK.

Cronies, cronies, everywhere, not a competent one in the bunch

Inexpert Selection NY Times editorial.

The list of Bush appointees who seem to be rising on political connections rather than expertise continues to grow. A recent example is President Bush's choice to head a key office at the State Department that coordinates the delivery of life-sustaining emergency aid to refugees of foreign wars, persecution and natural disasters. The nominee is Ellen Sauerbrey, the former Maryland state legislator and twice-defeated Republican candidate for governor who was state chairman of Mr. Bush's 2000 campaign.

[...]

Ms. Sauerbrey has no experience responding to major crises calling for international relief....This is a post for an established expert in the field.

And so many are.

PlameGate gearing up for a showstopper?

Meet the dramatis personae of our not at all little drama.

And, here's the plot thus far.