Lots of conjecture here (see the last paragraph), but that's okay--It's a column, not a news story.  And thanks to Mr. Martin for giving us a clear-eyed view of how things happen (or how things DON'T happen, or what other things DO happen) in and around the White House these days.  As William Shatner used to say, "Weird or what?"

Also, for much-needed perspective on what/who Americans think is important right now and what they DON'T, namely NAFTA negotiations & Khadr's settlement and anything else involving Canadians.  

Works for us!!  Gotta love it.