THE NEW IMPERIAL PRESIDENCY

This is rich. David Brooks wants the CIA punished for being "political" (read: pro-Kerry or at least anti-Bush) during the campaign season.

Meanwhile, members of Congress and people around the executive branch are wondering what President Bush is going to do to punish the mutineers. A president simply cannot allow a department or agency to go into campaign season opposition and then pay no price for it. If that happens, employees of every agency will feel free to go off and start their own little media campaigns whenever their hearts desire.

Oh, but it was okay for numerous federal agencies to be used as political operations for the GOP, because after all, they serve the pResident, not the citizenry.

Excuse me, but is a coronation going to be part of the inaugural festivities?