Edgy Photographer Mapplethorpe
Brings Top Bush Players into Focus

By Paul Springer
At first it seemed unthinkable-controversial photographer Robert Mapplethorpe doing portrait work with the likes of Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and Condoleeza Rice.

"I can't tell you how many people said I was absolutely insane," the photographer explained. "But I had a feeling that a lot of these pols were just aching for the opportunity to tear down their facades, and that's what it's all about for me."

The ongoing exhibition in the Capitol's rotunda features a striking collection of astonishing poses: Karl Rove defecating on a copy of the United States Consititution. Dick Cheney biting into the neck of a democrat with what could almost be real fangs. A thong-wearing Barbara Bush riding topless in a cash-filled carriage drawn by a team of impoverished Katrina refugees. Condi Rice urinating on an effigy of Michael Moore. A jovial Bill O'Reilly dangling a succulent broiled steak just beyond the reach of a starving Somalian baby. Every single one is breathtaking.

A stunning portrait of the president-naked and covered in Iraqi crude oil-is expected to grace the cover of next month's Vanity Fair.

"Bob's just a fantastic human being," remarked vice-president Cheney. "He really knows how to help you just relax and be yourself. We're writing him into next year's budget for NEA funding."

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