Doing the good deed is only the right thing to do. Bragging about it is such bad form. Today we heard Colin Powell say, in a sense:

1. Here we are, even though these people are a bunch of Muslims.
2. Now they get to see "American generosity."

Colin, you think they would not notice?

This Bush administration has operated on the policy of say one thing, do something else. That's what they have done about "clear skies" and "clean water" and "healthy forests." Lest the people actually notice what they're really doing, they talk up a big game, spin spin spin. It seems to be all they know is spin. So now, even though America is finally getting on the ball (if a bit tardy), they feel they have to spin. And so we see Powell and Republican Congressmen and Senators and spin-meisters on the monkey shows all crowing about how generous we're being. As if it wouldn't be deemed true if they didn't say it. They need to spin that which does not need spin! Especially in Asia, where self-aggrandizement is treated culturally with much suspicion, if not utter disgust.

Let's shrink it down to put it all into perspective, shall we?

Let's say that while crossing the street, you step into a pothole and twist an ankle badly. You're down on the pavement in agony, unable to move by yourself. Mr. Smith sees this happens and watches you a bit, wondering if you're really in pain. Then he ambles over to you. You ask for help. He says he will, but first he wants to wait for the doctor to learn what aid you really need. After all, it wouldn't do to offer too much assistance, would it? And so he waits. Meanwhile cars are driving by, scaring the crap out of you. Maybe one kind of clips you on the shoulder. It's not safe. Finally, a doctor comes to say, "This person needs assistance." Then Mr. Smith offers assistance, helping you up--

--At which point he smiles and says, "Isn't it wonderful how generous I am?"

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