Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Is Iraq plan a time bomb?

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, March 13, 2003 | 8:11 a.m.

A grand plan or a dangerous delusion?

President Bush is pursuing one or the other and it's almost impossible to know which course he is taking.

As this is being written, the U.N. Security Council is considering a deadline for Saddam Hussein to surrender all of his weapons of mass destruction. Sides are still arguing a diplomatic compromise.

It is obvious that France, Russia and Germany will opt to give the Iraqi dictator more time to disarm. After all, he has them over a barrel -- thousands of barrels of oil.

The problem for many Americans is coming to some conclusion about the need for the United States to go to war against Iraq.

War, as they say, is not safe for children and living things.

My inclination would be to attempt a diplomatic solution before blood is spilled on both sides. However, I don't know the whole story and conflicting reports from both sides only add to my confusion.

President Bush is staking his presidency on the belief that Saddam must go. It's almost an obsession. He is gambling on a sure win and a peaceful resolution to the conflicts in the Middle East. He envisions a new regime in Iraq.

In a recent speech, the president said: "A new regime in Iraq would serve as a dramatic and inspiring example of freedom for other nations. Success in Iraq could also begin a new stage for Middle Eastern peace, and set in motion progress toward a truly Palestinian state."

A dangerous delusion, or a grand plan.

Not only is the president's future in the balance, but the role of the United States as a world leader is at stake.

He hasn't a ghost of a chance, but curmudgeon Tom McGowan's run for mayor lifts local politics out of the ordinary.

For years McGowan has dogged the City Council with his opinions on every conceivable subject. Now he is literally putting his money where his mouth is and seeking public office. The problem is, he hasn't any campaign money -- just rhetoric.

Every time a new golf course has been approved by city and county officials we have been told the courses really don't use that much water.

Recent studies show that golf courses comprise the largest category by volume consumed -- even greater than the gaming industry, which is so vital to Nevada's economy.

On the subject of water: If you see a sticker on a restaurant menu that reads: "Water upon request. Conserving our reserves," it tells you that restaurant is doing its part in the water-saving program.

More than 120 local restaurants are participating. By only serving water on request, these restaurants reduce the number of unconsumed water glasses, and, in turn, conserve the water that would be used to wash those glasses. For every two glasses of water not served and then washed, restaurants -- and our community -- save about a gallon of water.

"Our one great hope is that the human race can acquire and maintain the good sense of the dinosaurs. They didn't invent what wiped them out" -- Bruce Kafaroff.