Does the picture of a dead Zarqawi

suppose to excite bush's base? No doubt there is value at shooting for that goal. If bush wants to see how effective pictures are he should start showing pictures of our kids who have gotten slaughtered in the desert because of his greed and arrogance. His heartless base would not be moved but it would make rock solid the 70% who justifiably oppose him.

Bush is trying to get people to associate dead bodies with good news. He's trying to train the public to want to see more dead foreigners so he can talk up a war and invade someone else. He's training us.

that pictures of dead american soldiers would not have one negative effect on his "christian conservative" base.

disgusting...and guaranteed to inflame more violence.

It's the 21st century version of putting the head of a traitor or feared enemy on a pike outside the castle doors.

There are two important messages.

One, it's supposed to show that the rulers are tough, invincible and always triumph in the end. It demonstrates a "stick with us and we'll protect you" kind of mentality.

Second, it serves as a not-too subtle warning for others who would dare to stand against this mighty kingdom.

It's a rare opportunity to provide a clear but overly simplistic black and white view of the the good guys against the bad guys.

And besides, they paid good money to make him Al-Qaeda's scary poster boy. This is the "money shot", so to speak.

Expect them to milk this for months to come.