Yes, it's true: Department of Agriculture employees are being asked to praise Bush's Iraq policy (I didn't know there was one!) in their speeches. Read all about it in this article by Al Kamen in the Washington Post. Pretty funny stuff -- in a slightly creepy, sci-fi kind of way. One of the main talking points USDA staffers are asked to mention is that Bush has a "clear strategy for victory in Iraq"; you'll notice I employ that phrase repeatedly in the cartoon.

Not much else to say, except I fear I have maligned manure with this strip. I have fond memories of catching earthy whiffs of manure as a youngster growing up in rural Pennsylvania. Perhaps "fond" is too strong a word. But I much prefer the scent of meadow muffins to the sound of Bush's voice.