Alice in Wonderland Quote for Wednesday SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Reuters) - An emotional former President George H.W. Bush on Tuesday defended his son's Iraq (news - web sites) war and lashed out at White House critics. It is "deeply offensive and contemptible" to hear "elites and intellectuals on the campaign trail" dismiss progress in Iraq since last year's overthrow of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein (news - web sites), the elder Bush said in a speech to the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association annual convention. "There is something ignorant in the way they dismiss the overthrow of a brutal dictator and the sowing of the seeds of basic human freedom in that troubled part of the world," he said. The former president appeared to fight back tears as he complained about media coverage of the younger Bush that he called "something short of fair and balanced." ... The former president, who waged the first Gulf War (news - web sites) against Saddam in 1991, described progress in Iraq as "a miracle." .... MEANWHILE... Five more American soldiers were killed in Iraq Wednesday along with four other foreign nationals. I guess the miracle was it wasn't more. The previous was not stated for humor, except to the extent cynicism and humor keeps me from screaming my head off. There is NOTHING funny about these deaths and the Mogidishu treatment their bodies have received -- the American networks to my knowledge are stearing clear of showing pictures but trust me they are NOT pretty. Speaking of amazing coincidence -- how about that naturally hostile audience the elder Bush was speaking to...the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association annual convention. But hey, when their policy continues to go to shite, at least we know they will not take responsibility themselves (like they ever have), but rather blame it on "elites and intellectuals". Next time, make sure you add, "pointy-headed" to go for that full "George Wallace" technique. No sir, nothing similar to the Vietnam era at all here.