Here's the unvarnished truth: Some days I end up thinking the so-called "art of politics" has all the charm and constructive qualities of a grease fire. Such was my state of mind the day after British authorities foiled a terrorist plot to blow up several American jetliners bound for the United States. They saved the day with the help of Pakistan and the United States. Hooray, right? Great job, right? Chalk one up for the good guys, right? Wrong. There was no rejoicing among key Democrats. In fact, for them, this was very bad news. Why? Because it undercuts a key point Democrats hope to use against Republicans in November's midterm elections. Democratic strategists want voters to think the United States is at greater risk of a terrorist attack under Republican leadership. Hence, following the breakup of this terrorist plot, we heard the Democratic power brokers employ tortured logic to spin good news into bad. More's the pity, because Nevada's own Sen. Harry Reid was one of these folks. Thus sayeth Harry: "As a result of mismanagement and the wrong funding priorities, we are not as safe as we should be. ... The Iraq war has diverted our focus and more than $300 billion in resources from the war on terrorism and has created a rallying cry for international terrorists. This latest plot demonstrates the need for the Bush administration and the Congress to change course in Iraq and ensure that we are taking all the steps necessary to protect Americans at home and across the world." Look, I know that politics is a rough and tumble business. But there comes a time when patriotism must trump politics. This was such a time, and Reid should have used the opportunity to praise America, not blast President Bush. This was a time to say, "Good job, Brits. Nice going, Pakistan. And -- plug your ears, Howard Dean, Ted Kennedy, et al -- atta boy, United States." Acknowledging American success in a time of war seems just and right. To not to do so ... well ... in my book, that ain't right and that ain't just.