Stupid media question of the day Award ...

Ann Garrels of NPR sounded shaken this morning as she described an "utter collapse of authority" in Baghdad, with widespread looting (even hospitals tageted), burning, "score-settling" and revenge killings. The NPR anchor asked her if American soldiers were just standing by in order to allow Iraqis to "burn off a little steam?"

Yeah. How would he describe, say, the Rodney King riots in 1992 that resulted in 53 deaths, some 10,000 arrests, 2,300 injuries and more than 1,000 buildings lost to fire? South Central LA residents "picnicking in the streets?"

Law-abiding Iraqis are cowering in their homes--if they still have homes standing--hoping to come through this bitter nightmare alive. I wish them the utmost of luck.