The Bush says, "I decide what's best."

Aren't the calls for Donald Rumsfeld's head just a distraction from the real issue dumping the Dick and the Bush before they do any more damage? [Dan]

Listen too The Nation's John Nichols

"While there is much attention this week to the call from an ever widening circle of former military commanders in the failed Iraq War and other recent U.S. misadventures -- including a half dozen retired generals -- who have called for Rumsfeld's firing, how much sense does make to get rid of the Secretary of Defense when his actions have been so clearly a reflection of goals and strategies developed by the president and vice president?

"No doubt, Rumsfeld has mishandled the Iraq invasion and occupation. But would another Secretary of Defense chosen by Bush and Cheney do any better?

"Doesn't the current crisis have more to do with the administration's misguided project of regime change and nation building than with the approach that Rumsfeld has taken to it?

"If the problem is with the project, then shouldn't the focus be on the serious task of removing Bush and Cheney, rather than the cosmetic change of names of the office of the Secretary of Defense?

"While there is no question that Rumsfeld should go, there ought to be some question about whether extracting one rotten apple from the barrel will cure what ails this administration."

Shouldn't we take The Bush at his word? Well, just this once.[Dan]

"President Bush adamantly defends his secretary of defense Tuesday, saying, 'I decide what's best.'"

Also see E.J. DIONNE JR.