Plagiarism Today

The Internets are abuzz with talk of plagiarism. Apparently, nobody can write a damn book without ripping somebody else off first, bloggers are ripping off other bloggers, and the White House is ripping off itself.

First, The New York Times says Condi Rice is a broken diplomatic record. And now the President's speechwriters are recycling.

Bush on yesterday's nomination of Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden to head the CIA:

He's the right man to lead the CIA at this critical moment in our nation's history.

Bush on the April 2004 nomination of Congressman Porter Goss to head the CIA:

He's the right man to lead this important agency at this critical moment in our nation's history.

Bush on Hayden:

Mike has more than 20 years of experience in the intelligence field. He served for six years as Director of the National Security Agency, and thus brings vast experience leading a major intelligence agency to his new assignment.

Bush on Goss:

I've given Porter an essential mission to lead the agency for the challenges and threats of a dangerous new century. He is well prepared for this mission. Porter Goss brings a broad experience to this critical job.

And where would we be without the obligatory 9/11 reference?

Yesterday:

America faces determined enemies who struck our nation on September the 11th, 2001, and who intend to attack our country again. To stop them we must have the best possible intelligence.

In 2004:

Since September the 11th, our intelligence professionals have worked with great determination to stop another attack on America, and our country is grateful.

At least he picked a different venue: