Reducing US troop compliment in Afghanistan will be announced today by President Obama. Prior to the announcement I will predict the number being withdrawn will be small and it will be done in periodic allotments leaving behind at the least 80,000 military and all support workers. Thus, it will be a token reduction and it will be announced in order to quell recent discontent coming from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. After Obama's speech I will continue this posting.
Well, I was pretty close in my prediction. Obama is stuck between a rock and a hard place as he nears another election, is subject to Republican ha ranging and is in a political predicament whereby he has to please both the right and the left. If he does the intelligent thing and ends the war in Afghanistan the republicans will accuse him of 'cutting and running' he will be accused of cowardice and will suffer many political and public degradations. If he decides to stay in Afghanistan he will be accused by the left of 'doing the republican thing' and will face condemnation for not following his campaign promises.
It appears as though, like most democrats. he has chosen to take the heat from the left rather than the heat from the right. The right-wing machine is more vicious, less forgiving, more rigid and stronger in their public ability to fill airwaves with erroneous untruths. The left-wing is less strong, will forgive and lacks the guts to persevere in their protests. He has appeased the right again and in so doing has again not fulfilled many campaign promises. The token withdrawal and the extension of troop commitments to 2114 is unwise for his political future because no matter what, the right will never vote for him and the left will swing with the wind making their vote uncertain.
This unfortunate decision is a result of political dogma, fear and the uncertain possibility of re-election. It is too bad that Obama has been handcuffed by the bad decisions of and the mistakes made by his predecessor. When will democrats stand on their own and ignore the right? No matter what decision is made by Obama the right will attack. It is my observation that the longer the US stays in Afganistan the worse the economy will get, terrorism will grow and a potential for an expanded military engagement with Pakistan will evolve.
Ending the war as quickly as possible would have been my choice but as I do not have access to information necessary to make the decision I should just shut up. There must be many justifications for Obama's decision I just wish I knew what they were.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Norquist Loosing Ground ?
Finally the republicans are beginning to stand up for America instead of Norquist and the pledge. That 36 republican senators voted to eliminate ethanol subsidies is a small but significant sign that Norquist is loosing his grip on the GOP. It is about time the republican party voted for the elimination of tax subsidies for the sake of America's fiscal health. Let us hope this is just one of many steps toward a workable and more financially secure future for America and her people.
Is this a sign that Republicans finally understand the fiscal predicament and tenuous economic situation facing the U.S.? It would be a miracle if they would acknowledge that Bush II, his administration and the elected Republicans in Congress are responsible for the outrageous spending and war costs associated with the 8 years they held the White House. If America and the world are lucky this will not be permitted to happen again.
Is this a sign that Republicans finally understand the fiscal predicament and tenuous economic situation facing the U.S.? It would be a miracle if they would acknowledge that Bush II, his administration and the elected Republicans in Congress are responsible for the outrageous spending and war costs associated with the 8 years they held the White House. If America and the world are lucky this will not be permitted to happen again.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
CNN and the Seven Dwarfs
The only one of the Dwarfs who deserves nomination is the one who doesn't have a chance. Ron Paul speaks with common sense and logic. These characteristic alone limit his chances at the nomination regardless of the fact his ideas are the most reasonable and least offensive. His platform is closest to the founding father's intentions for America and at the same time his delivery is void of ridicule for others opinions. Mr. Paul does not degrade the President, he does however speak a truth that those in power do not want to hear.
As for the other six what do they really believe and what are their platforms? Consistency is a misnomer and the 'god thing' is irksome. Santorum is an embarrassment, Bachman is an idiot, Newt wouldn't have a chance if he had campaign workers, Romney just says anything as he panders to whichever audience he addresses, Kaine is the wrong color and Pawlenty is a yes man who says anything the 'right' wants to hear. Neither Romney nor Pawlenty tell the truth about their failures as Governor. Both are very busy denying and avoiding any actions they took that might be considered democratic.
They are not the Magnificent Seven by any stretch of the imagination. The debate was boring, predicable and proved that the dogma and rhetoric from the right is so detached from the 21st century electing any one of them to the Office of the President would turn the advancement clock back about three centuries. If all they can do is insult and degrade the President I wonder if Ron Paul is the only one of the Motley Crew who can come up with an original or forward thinking idea. If Ron Paul is the smartest and most logical of them all you can bet he won't be the Republican nominee.
As for the other six what do they really believe and what are their platforms? Consistency is a misnomer and the 'god thing' is irksome. Santorum is an embarrassment, Bachman is an idiot, Newt wouldn't have a chance if he had campaign workers, Romney just says anything as he panders to whichever audience he addresses, Kaine is the wrong color and Pawlenty is a yes man who says anything the 'right' wants to hear. Neither Romney nor Pawlenty tell the truth about their failures as Governor. Both are very busy denying and avoiding any actions they took that might be considered democratic.
They are not the Magnificent Seven by any stretch of the imagination. The debate was boring, predicable and proved that the dogma and rhetoric from the right is so detached from the 21st century electing any one of them to the Office of the President would turn the advancement clock back about three centuries. If all they can do is insult and degrade the President I wonder if Ron Paul is the only one of the Motley Crew who can come up with an original or forward thinking idea. If Ron Paul is the smartest and most logical of them all you can bet he won't be the Republican nominee.
Monday, June 13, 2011
The Media Shuffle
The 'media shuffle' is a dance created by Capital Hill designed to defer the media to sex, text and money while the big news is ignored. Every time a Breaking News sign appears on the screen we are assaulted with never ending media investigations of the ridiculous and the meaningless. What is being hidden as the real news slips through the fingers of our 'investigative heroes'? As media focus and report on the private lives of individuals just what shenanigans are we missing on Capital Hill and what is going on in the World? Does anyone care?
Call me crazy but the fight for democracy and the ouster of despots, peoples rebellions and 'crimes against humanity' are worthy of media attention. America has spent at least 10 years and trillions of dollars in quagmire wars in the Middle East in bloody attempts to bomb democracy into the populations. Now that the people have taken to the streets and have taken up arms against their oppressors the media and America ignore the fight for freedom. There is growing unrest throughout the region and people are fighting for their lives against their own governments and the media spends about 20 minutes total in coverage a day. Yet, a Congressman caught texting sex stuff dominates media coverage to the point of nausea.
Is it because the media is no longer the guardian of the free press or has the media relinquished its mandate to monitor government? Maybe the level of intelligence in America has sunk so low only sex, money and scandal can captivate the people long enough so they don't change the channel. Would someone explain why Al Jazeera is able to provide wall to wall live coverage of the region and still provides full coverage of other topics. Is it because America now only has a one track mind influenced by, designed by, monitored by and controlled by the US government and the media? If we are ignorant of what is going on - it won't happen here - or is it that the ability to concentrate has been programmed out of us by the government and its partner, the media?
It is time the media chose another dance partner because some of us still think world events are more important than the sexual behaviours of individual Americans.
Call me crazy but the fight for democracy and the ouster of despots, peoples rebellions and 'crimes against humanity' are worthy of media attention. America has spent at least 10 years and trillions of dollars in quagmire wars in the Middle East in bloody attempts to bomb democracy into the populations. Now that the people have taken to the streets and have taken up arms against their oppressors the media and America ignore the fight for freedom. There is growing unrest throughout the region and people are fighting for their lives against their own governments and the media spends about 20 minutes total in coverage a day. Yet, a Congressman caught texting sex stuff dominates media coverage to the point of nausea.
Is it because the media is no longer the guardian of the free press or has the media relinquished its mandate to monitor government? Maybe the level of intelligence in America has sunk so low only sex, money and scandal can captivate the people long enough so they don't change the channel. Would someone explain why Al Jazeera is able to provide wall to wall live coverage of the region and still provides full coverage of other topics. Is it because America now only has a one track mind influenced by, designed by, monitored by and controlled by the US government and the media? If we are ignorant of what is going on - it won't happen here - or is it that the ability to concentrate has been programmed out of us by the government and its partner, the media?
It is time the media chose another dance partner because some of us still think world events are more important than the sexual behaviours of individual Americans.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Hawwkstar for Democracy: Questionable Priorities?
Hawwkstar for Democracy: Questionable Priorities?: "Today John Edwards was indited for suspicion of misuse of campaign funds relating to an attempt to cover up an extra marital affair bla bla ..."
Hawwkstar for Democracy: The Golan Heights
Hawwkstar for Democracy: The Golan Heights: "Protesters to the north, protesters to the south and west and still Israel does not get it. If my eyes do not deceive me, if news reports a..."
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Golan Heights
Protesters to the north, protesters to the south and west and still Israel does not get it. If my eyes do not deceive me, if news reports are correct and if the live stream videos are real, Israeli troops fired on Syrian protesters in the Golan Heights yesterday. The protesters did not cross into Israel, they did not get close to the fences and there was no sign of small arms fire or bombs coming from the Syrian side. So, what 'terrorist' or national security threat was posed to Israel to justify the shooting of the Syrian protesters? Is the mere sight of or the mere presence of an Arab or Muslim near the Israeli border threat enough to just open fire?
If the world community remains blind and continues to accept the excuses Israel will offer for this outrage there will be no turning back. Whether the protesters were truly standing up for their beliefs or if they were there because the Syrian government desired certain distractions from there own 'crimes against humanity' doesn't matter. It will of course be claimed the protesters were Iranian instigators working on behalf of Syria etc.,etc. If over twenty people were shot to death by Israeli soldiers for no apparent reason indicates a growing uncertainty in Israel. What is so fearful about being surrounded by democratic rather than despotic countries?
As the dictators fall and as others are being challenged does Israel fear living beside countries no longer ruled by those who were so handsomely paid off by the US? It seems as though Israel is getting the jitters. It will not be so easy to confine, control, deny and dominate every Muslim or every Arab living in border countries. The numbers alone would make the effort pointless and bloody. Instead of attempting a fair and just peace with Palestine or offering goodwill gestures to those who surround her, Israel kills. If the US can no longer purchase security for the Jewish state it might be prudent for Israel to consider a different approach.
It is well known more flies are caught with honey than vinegar.
If the world community remains blind and continues to accept the excuses Israel will offer for this outrage there will be no turning back. Whether the protesters were truly standing up for their beliefs or if they were there because the Syrian government desired certain distractions from there own 'crimes against humanity' doesn't matter. It will of course be claimed the protesters were Iranian instigators working on behalf of Syria etc.,etc. If over twenty people were shot to death by Israeli soldiers for no apparent reason indicates a growing uncertainty in Israel. What is so fearful about being surrounded by democratic rather than despotic countries?
As the dictators fall and as others are being challenged does Israel fear living beside countries no longer ruled by those who were so handsomely paid off by the US? It seems as though Israel is getting the jitters. It will not be so easy to confine, control, deny and dominate every Muslim or every Arab living in border countries. The numbers alone would make the effort pointless and bloody. Instead of attempting a fair and just peace with Palestine or offering goodwill gestures to those who surround her, Israel kills. If the US can no longer purchase security for the Jewish state it might be prudent for Israel to consider a different approach.
It is well known more flies are caught with honey than vinegar.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Questionable Priorities?
Today John Edwards was indited for suspicion of misuse of campaign funds relating to an attempt to cover up an extra marital affair bla bla bla. Politics, sex and money are so much more important than violations to UN treaties, the US Constitution, federal laws, military codes and regulations needless to say ethical conduct. That the US Department of Justice has not taken any actions regarding blatant criminal acts and behaviours on the part of the George Bush administration borders on treason in many peoples eyes. Torture, water boarding, rendition, lies to ensure war in Iraq and devious premeditated propaganda designed to insight war are just a few of the acts deserving of investigation and charges.
If the Justice system does not take effective action against whatever criminal acts were committed they will be committed again by future governments. In fact, the failure to indite and the failure to act provides a precedent for future criminal behaviours while increasing the divide between who can and who can not break the law legally. As it stands now politicians once elected or appointed to the highest governing positions are exempt from the law. A regular tax paying citizen however can be arrested and tried and sentenced to fines and or jail time for crimes that are minute in comparison. Is it a question of priorities, class distinctions, financial considerations or are people made untouchable once they reach the pinnacle positions in the US government?
We are all equal under the law yet it appears as though some are more equal than others. Lady Justice with her scales is a symbol of that ideal equality but, she has been insulted and the ideal has become laughable. Whatever happened to holding elected officials to a higher standard? Curiosity and conspiracy aside, why have there been no arrests or indictments against Cheney, Bush, Rove, Rice and others including the lawyers who twisted and misrepresented the law to sanction the crimes. As for the government representatives and the contractors who carried out the crimes of torture and water boarding did they 'just follow orders' and are not responsible for their actions? That excuse was not acceptable at Nuremberg, at the Hague, in military trials or in any other legal venue. So, what is the reason some citizens are exempt from the law and others are not?
The inconsistencies in the application of the law are an abuse of the judicial system and an affront to anyone who has experienced the legal system as a defendant charged with petty or irrelevant acts against the law.The America of wars past was the one country the enemy wanted to be caught by because America was governed by principles, decency and codes of military conduct. Under Bush II America became an inquisitor, America broke many international treaties and laws and violated many standing US laws. It is remarkable that the Justice Department takes the time, energy and resources necessary to proceed on the John Edwards case but, ignores thecrimes committed by Wall Street and the Bush II administration.
That the Congress and the Senate have failed to proceed on the crimes committee by and during the Bush administration is also shocking. America entered a war, attacked Iraq because of manipulated and bogus information, exaggeration and lies told by those who were elected and appointed to represent. The fact their behaviours resulted in war crimes as well as other crimes makes them susceptible to Justice Department investigation and charges. History repeats itself and unless America takes action these crimes will be committed again by future administrations.
The priorities of the Justice Department do not appear to be in America's best interest because, sex, money and political crimes do not normally affect an entire country in the same way as war, torture and the violations committed by that government did. By doing nothing the Department of Justice ignores its responsibilities and is assisting in the commission of the same crimes again by future administrations. This is another example supporting the comment 'the law is an ass'. The Justice Department and the whole justice system is deteriorating before us and are too busy investigating and prosecuting crimes involving sex, politics, drugs, tax matters and terrorism.
It was a shared hope among many Americans that Barak Obama would be really different and he would make the changes necessary to ensure the apparent illegal behaviours of the Bush II administration could not happen again in the United States of America. To all of the politicians especially those on the right who think it is ok to torture, lie to the people, deliberately attack a country without provocation and to 'out' an undercover CIA agent you are just as guilty. The founding fathers lived, fought and died to make sure America would never act like the Crown. During the Bush II administration America turned into a country ruled by an administration that not only broke laws they admitted it and reacted with great indignation at the mere thought it was wrong.
The truth has already been admitted, the legal cases are virtually made and the Justice Department does nothing. If a citizen gets caught driving without a licence, or is caught speeding or smoking in non-smoking areas or caught smoking marijuana they are charged and if convicted they suffer the consequences. On the scale of things the crimes that are ignored are the worst because they were committed by government employees. The admitted and known crimes committed by the Bush II administration are much more harmful to the people and the country than many of the crimes concentrated upon by the Justice Department and most of the judicial system. When politicians working in and for the government do not have to be accountable or responsible for breaking the law it is a sad commentary on the direction America is taking into the future.
If the Justice system does not take effective action against whatever criminal acts were committed they will be committed again by future governments. In fact, the failure to indite and the failure to act provides a precedent for future criminal behaviours while increasing the divide between who can and who can not break the law legally. As it stands now politicians once elected or appointed to the highest governing positions are exempt from the law. A regular tax paying citizen however can be arrested and tried and sentenced to fines and or jail time for crimes that are minute in comparison. Is it a question of priorities, class distinctions, financial considerations or are people made untouchable once they reach the pinnacle positions in the US government?
We are all equal under the law yet it appears as though some are more equal than others. Lady Justice with her scales is a symbol of that ideal equality but, she has been insulted and the ideal has become laughable. Whatever happened to holding elected officials to a higher standard? Curiosity and conspiracy aside, why have there been no arrests or indictments against Cheney, Bush, Rove, Rice and others including the lawyers who twisted and misrepresented the law to sanction the crimes. As for the government representatives and the contractors who carried out the crimes of torture and water boarding did they 'just follow orders' and are not responsible for their actions? That excuse was not acceptable at Nuremberg, at the Hague, in military trials or in any other legal venue. So, what is the reason some citizens are exempt from the law and others are not?
The inconsistencies in the application of the law are an abuse of the judicial system and an affront to anyone who has experienced the legal system as a defendant charged with petty or irrelevant acts against the law.The America of wars past was the one country the enemy wanted to be caught by because America was governed by principles, decency and codes of military conduct. Under Bush II America became an inquisitor, America broke many international treaties and laws and violated many standing US laws. It is remarkable that the Justice Department takes the time, energy and resources necessary to proceed on the John Edwards case but, ignores thecrimes committed by Wall Street and the Bush II administration.
That the Congress and the Senate have failed to proceed on the crimes committee by and during the Bush administration is also shocking. America entered a war, attacked Iraq because of manipulated and bogus information, exaggeration and lies told by those who were elected and appointed to represent. The fact their behaviours resulted in war crimes as well as other crimes makes them susceptible to Justice Department investigation and charges. History repeats itself and unless America takes action these crimes will be committed again by future administrations.
The priorities of the Justice Department do not appear to be in America's best interest because, sex, money and political crimes do not normally affect an entire country in the same way as war, torture and the violations committed by that government did. By doing nothing the Department of Justice ignores its responsibilities and is assisting in the commission of the same crimes again by future administrations. This is another example supporting the comment 'the law is an ass'. The Justice Department and the whole justice system is deteriorating before us and are too busy investigating and prosecuting crimes involving sex, politics, drugs, tax matters and terrorism.
It was a shared hope among many Americans that Barak Obama would be really different and he would make the changes necessary to ensure the apparent illegal behaviours of the Bush II administration could not happen again in the United States of America. To all of the politicians especially those on the right who think it is ok to torture, lie to the people, deliberately attack a country without provocation and to 'out' an undercover CIA agent you are just as guilty. The founding fathers lived, fought and died to make sure America would never act like the Crown. During the Bush II administration America turned into a country ruled by an administration that not only broke laws they admitted it and reacted with great indignation at the mere thought it was wrong.
The truth has already been admitted, the legal cases are virtually made and the Justice Department does nothing. If a citizen gets caught driving without a licence, or is caught speeding or smoking in non-smoking areas or caught smoking marijuana they are charged and if convicted they suffer the consequences. On the scale of things the crimes that are ignored are the worst because they were committed by government employees. The admitted and known crimes committed by the Bush II administration are much more harmful to the people and the country than many of the crimes concentrated upon by the Justice Department and most of the judicial system. When politicians working in and for the government do not have to be accountable or responsible for breaking the law it is a sad commentary on the direction America is taking into the future.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Job Class - Expert
There are 'experts' for everything the media covers. Did you ever just stop to think where do they come from and what makes them 'experts'? How do you become an 'expert' because it is a lucrative and easy business to be in. Imagine what a hard job being an 'expert' is because you sit around studios, expressing your 'expert' opinions on whatever your area of expertise is. Of course it must be exhausting to just talk and talk, nod your head and stare blankly into a camera when you are not talking. Really, no one is listening anyway because there is no such thing as concentration anymore. The 'expert' can say just about anything that pops into their head and bear little responsibility to be right or wrong. It is a tough job.
Not many jobs are as physically or emotionally demanding and few offer comparable economic and publicity benefits. The perks, the networking, the business and financial opportunities available to 'experts' is quite appealing so, maybe a person can just declare themselves an 'expert' on any or many topics and succeed from there. Communication skills, a pretty smile, good looks and the ability to baffle the audience with 'expert' knowledge appear to be the skills required so, not just anybody can be an 'expert'. It is ironic to note that many who serve are hired as 'experts' when not re-elected or when they choose to leave politics.
Not many jobs are as physically or emotionally demanding and few offer comparable economic and publicity benefits. The perks, the networking, the business and financial opportunities available to 'experts' is quite appealing so, maybe a person can just declare themselves an 'expert' on any or many topics and succeed from there. Communication skills, a pretty smile, good looks and the ability to baffle the audience with 'expert' knowledge appear to be the skills required so, not just anybody can be an 'expert'. It is ironic to note that many who serve are hired as 'experts' when not re-elected or when they choose to leave politics.
When does America Leave Afghanistan?
Which conquering army has captured and maintained control of Afghanistan? Alexander the Great was unsuccessful, The Soviet Union failed and America and NATO falter in the same quagmire. Why do armies try? There are little resources to justify the adventures as lapis lazuli and poppy plants do not offer the potential for great economic gain as oil or gold. The benefits to a conquering army are not realized in great wealth or great profit for big business. McDonald's and modern technology simply do not offer sufficient wealth and growth potential to justify military pursuit. Certainly the search for one man can not be reason enough to risk human life and the expenditures of vast amounts to support military endeavours.
What is the reason for America's reluctance to leave Afghanistan? Does the departure from Afghanistan hinder access to a gateway to the East and reduce a buffer zone that hinders Eastern influence into the West? The Taliban are not reason enough to continue in a war that can not be won. If there is a point to the war I would like to know what it is. As there has been little American/NATO success as even the death of bin Laden who was found in Pakistan can not be attributed to the war, the purpose escapes me. If the war is instead a misguided U.S. military attempt to crusade and spread the evangelical word designed to instigate closer to the 'final battle' it is ill conceived. If so, the 'vast military complex' has grown too large, has too much political and media power.
That the war continues on, seemingly into eternity, at great human, financial and political costs is baffling. The threats posed by the Taliban and linked 'terror' movements does not justify continuing. Perhaps the American military was bored, had lots of new toys to play with and needed a place to experiment with and improve their technologies. If that were the case they would be advised to return to the drafting tables because as yet smart bombs, drones, advanced surveillance and secret advancements have done little to secure victory. Maybe Afghanistan is the real life testing ground for military advancements and as such must continue. If the brass needs this war to justify the swollen Pentagon budget and to make contractors richer it still can not be justified.
What is the reason for America's reluctance to leave Afghanistan? Does the departure from Afghanistan hinder access to a gateway to the East and reduce a buffer zone that hinders Eastern influence into the West? The Taliban are not reason enough to continue in a war that can not be won. If there is a point to the war I would like to know what it is. As there has been little American/NATO success as even the death of bin Laden who was found in Pakistan can not be attributed to the war, the purpose escapes me. If the war is instead a misguided U.S. military attempt to crusade and spread the evangelical word designed to instigate closer to the 'final battle' it is ill conceived. If so, the 'vast military complex' has grown too large, has too much political and media power.
That the war continues on, seemingly into eternity, at great human, financial and political costs is baffling. The threats posed by the Taliban and linked 'terror' movements does not justify continuing. Perhaps the American military was bored, had lots of new toys to play with and needed a place to experiment with and improve their technologies. If that were the case they would be advised to return to the drafting tables because as yet smart bombs, drones, advanced surveillance and secret advancements have done little to secure victory. Maybe Afghanistan is the real life testing ground for military advancements and as such must continue. If the brass needs this war to justify the swollen Pentagon budget and to make contractors richer it still can not be justified.
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