For an administration that views every problem as one that can be managed with spin; with the right public relations ploy, Karen Hughes is a no-brainer (pun intended).

This is a woman who "feminized" Bush -- taught him to always say "moms & dads" rather than "parents," for example; and hey!  It worked with enough people, and along with Karl, and got him where he is today.

The problem with her mission is very basic.  She thinks that if people in the Middle East would just understand us better, they would really like us.  She doesn't have a world view; she doesn't get that it is we who need to understand them  We have to pay attention to their worries and their fears, and listen and respond to their criticism of our policies.  It doesn't mean we have to do everything they say, but they have to know that we hear them, and respect their opinions.  The old saw, "Good people can disagree" doesn't wash in this White House.

We will never be able to exert any positive influence on cultures for which we have no understanding or respect.  She, by touting the US as the utopia that all should emulate;  just as her boss, by invading an oil-rich country are both helping BinLadin.  While our military recruitments are going down, he seems to have no problem getting people to die for his cause.

On the bright side, Karen Hughes is no dummy.  Maybe she will learn from her mistakes and get a more realistic idea of how to shape our image in the world.  Here's a hint:

"IT'S OUR ACTIONS, STUPID!"

Jan Knaus