You must understand the art of democracy

The mask is slipping. Photos of Abu Ghraib were broadcast on television.

The mask is slipping. Photos of Fallujah were also broadcast on television.

But that was Arab television, and was, therefore, only anti-democratic propaganda.

But the mask IS slipping.

So President Bush calls for more pancake makeup. And a new TV special.

You must understand, in a democracy, we pretend.

And Rumsfeld questions whether to call it “torture.”

You must understand, in a democracy, we always find the correct terminology.

Still, the mask is slipping.

But in a democracy, you must understand that the mask will be readjusted.

Until such time as it is no longer needed.

We now return you to your regular programming.