A slap to our face...

Bush to Rumsfeld: 'Superb job'

After all this:

President George W. Bush viewed more shocking pictures in the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal today as he stepped up damage control efforts and closed ranks against Democrats who want him to fire his defence secretary.
Bush was briefed by top Pentagon officials on a new crop of gruesome photos and videos as they considered the wisdom of releasing them in an effort to confront the damage quickly.

"The conduct that has come to light is an insult to the Iraqi people and an affront to the most basic standards of morality and decency," said Bush, flanked by Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

"Those responsible for these abuses have caused harm that goes well beyond the walls of a prison. It has given some an excuse to question our cause and to cast doubts on our motives."

White House spokesman Scott McClellan said Bush's reaction to the photos was one of "deep disgust and disbelief that anyone who wears our uniform would engage in such shameful and appalling acts."

McClellan refused to describe the contents amid rumours there is evidence of rapes and murders. A sample of the photos will be provided Tuesday to the Senate armed services committee, which will hear testimony from top army officials on the scandal that broke nearly two weeks ago.

the official response is this:

The president tried to head off calls from top Democrats for Rumsfeld's resignation, telling him: "You are courageously leading our nation in the war against terror. You are doing a superb job."

Update: Changed the title from "A slap in the face" ... I don't know about other blogspot bloggers out there but I'm having a hell of time with the new editing function. I hate change, especially techno-change.