May 27, 2007
Is the Sky Falling on America?
by Victor Davis Hanson, Tribune Media Services
The suicide-murders and roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan sicken Americans. Soon-to-be nuclear Iran seems loonier than nuclear North Korea. American debt keeps piling up in China and Japan. And we think of angry Venezuela, the Middle East and Russia every time we fill up — if we can afford to fill up.
http://victorhanson.com/articles/hanson052707.html
Venezuelan Dictator Chavez in Putin like fashion simply closed down an opposition friendly television network in Caracas causing great concern.
Remember this the next time this brutal thug comes to the U.N. and criticizes out President. Remember who he is and who his buddies are....
Chavez closes opposition TV station; thousands protest
POSTED: 2:27 a.m. EDT, May 28, 2007
CARACAS, Venezuela (CNN) -- Venezuela's most-watched television station -- and outlet for the political opposition -- went off the air after the government refused to renew its broadcast license.
Radio Caracas Television (RCTV), which has been broadcasting for 53 years, was replaced by a state-run station -- TVes -- on Monday. The new station's logo began running immediately after RCTV went off the air.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/05/28/venezuela.protest/index.html
Gathering the Tribes
U.S. field commanders are finally beginning to tap the traditional networks that helped Saddam to stay in power.
By Melinda Liu, Newsweek
June 4, 2007 issue - Pungent smoke floats through the chandeliers of the tribal chief's reception room. At his home in Ramadi, capital of Anbar province and a onetime Iraqi insurgent stronghold, Sheik Shakir Saoud Aasi is enjoying after-dinner cigars with his guest of honor, battalion commander Lt. Col. Craig Kozeniesky of the 2/5 Marines. Around the room, Marines and Iraqi tribesmen and police are sitting together, swapping jokes and stories. Some of these Iraqis were probably shooting at Americans less than a year ago. Now they and the Marines are fighting side by side against Al Qaeda. "We are not just friends but also brothers," the sheik tells Kozeniesky. "This is a new beginning for both of us." Kozeniesky can only agree: "Things have changed dramatically." A 5-year-old Iraqi boy in traditional robes and headdress is racing around the room and vaulting into U.S. troops' laps. What does he want to be when he grows up? He proudly announces: "American general named Steve!"
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18881803/site/newsweek/
Congress Gives In
On War Funding
Now can we fight the enemy?
by William Kristol & Frederick W. Kagan
06/04/2007
The war over the war in Washington is quiet for the moment. Congress has finally appropriated funds for America's warriors without setting a deadline for their defeat. Now the president can turn his undivided attention to fighting the enemies who are attacking our soldiers.
Op-ed writers (and presidential candidates) will of course continue in the coming months to deny the obvious: That we are fighting (pace John Edwards) a real war on terror; that Iraq is, as al Qaeda says it is, the war's central front; and that the Iranians and Syrians are actively supporting our enemies. But the Bush administration, with congressional obstruction on hold, can move ahead with policies that deal with reality.
http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/013/687aqclu.asp
In today's New York Times Tom Friedman posts an article praising today's youth for their stoic optimism in spite of the dangerous world in which we all live. I find this article highly flawed and here's why.
Most American youth are absolutely ignorant to the threats we face as a country. Most have spent the past four years hearing that the "War on Terror" is a fabrication of an agenda driven Bush Administration. (See ambulance chaser John Edwards most recent speech). Most view 9-11 as a one off if they think of it at all.
They are afforded this mindset not because there aren't those who would massacre American civilians by the millions if given the chance. They are afforded this mindset because of those in our government and armed services who are aware of what is at stake and while far from perfect in execution, never waiver in the face of the terrible threat. It is ironic that so often in Democrat societies those who do the most to protect the general population are the ones that suffer greatest from their biting, fickle criticism.
This was summarized in a beautiful article written by Victor Davis Hanson a few years back featuring Ariel Sharon. Read Thomas Friedman's piece from today and then Hanson's and tell me what you think.
The Quiet Americans
By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
Published: May 27, 2007
Since my daughter is graduating from college today, I am thinking a lot about the class of 2007 and the world they are about to enter. I’m not sure what they call this generation. Is it generation “X” or “Y” or “Zero” or “Me”? Having taken part in two other commencements this season, though, and knowing enough about what my own daughter’s friends are doing, I can say there is something quietly impressive about this cohort. In fact, if I were giving them a label I’d call them the “Quiet Americans” — not in the cynical way Graham Greene meant it, but in a very positive sense.
http://select.nytimes.com/2007/05/27/opinion/27friedman.html
April 23, 2002 8:45 a.m.
Israel’s Ajax
The Tragedy of Mr. Sharon.
By Victor Davis Hanson
Sophocles once wrote a magnificent play about the Greeks' greatest fighter at Troy after Achilles — Ajax, as irreplaceable in war as he proved expendable in peace. During the struggle for Troy, the Greeks were often saved by the towering, clumsy "donkey." Without the dash of a youthful, handsome Achilles or the divine dispensation of a crafty Odysseus, Ajax battered down the Trojans — fighting out of a sense of duty, personal honor, and perhaps a sheer love of combat.
http://www.nationalreview.com/hanson/hanson042302.asp
Below is the New York Times Editorial covering the recent vote over funding Iraq.
Rather than slam the democrats for the spineless cowards and strategic whores they have proven to be, the Times instead refocuses their hatred of President Bush on President Bush. They are more upset that he won than why he was able to do so. IT is pathetic and embarrassing that this is what The Grey Lady has become.
Editorial
War Without End
Published: May 27, 2007
Never mind how badly the war is going in Iraq. President Bush has been swaggering around like a victorious general because he cowed a wobbly coalition of Democrats into dropping their attempt to impose a time limit on his disastrous misadventure.
By week’s end, Mr. Bush was acting as though that bit of parliamentary strong-arming had left him free to ignore not just the Democrats, but also the vast majority of Americans, who want him to stop chasing illusions of victory and concentrate on how to stop the sacrifice of young Americans’ lives.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/27/opinion/27sun1.html
The behavior and the agenda driving Democratic presidential candidates to avoid any debates on the Fox Network reveals the far left media's agenda and it's backers influence on Democratic candidates. The George Soros/Move.org crowd and many of their website hit men are having a much larger influence on the candidates they sponsor than ever before. In an age where network news is becoming insignificant as most of the country gets it's news from cable networks, the leading democratic candidates Clinton, Obama and Edwards have twice refuse to appear on Fox Network, the only cable network that is not openly left leaning.
I personally find this development disturbing. It reeks of censorship. The left is trying to destroy any non-left network by not allowing their candidates to appear despite the fact that they cannot point to one instance where any of them have suffered personal attacks or been treaded unfairly n any debate forum. This comes after all the Republican candidates were willing to appear on far left MSNBC in a debate led by openly far left leaning Chris Mathews.
By coddling their candidates the left is doing a disservice to the country. It is obvious they are after power at any cost. This is why they did not stand on their principals by caving on the vote to continue to finance the Iraq War. They would rather be sluts and later be able to point fingers at the president if it fails. Of course they will at the same time do everything possible to make sure all public media spins remain highly negative. Now they choose to hide candidates from having possible flaws exposed, only allowing them to appear at friendly forums. After the transparent covers on Time (twice), Newsweek and New York Magazine over the past few months it is getting frightening. We are living in a scripted age of censorship.
However, like most far left driven strategies, it is highly flawed. The American people will not be so easily fooled and the left always eats their own. Somewhere along the way some attention greedy reporter will break ranks and expose the game. The result will be a cowardly denial and a continued breaking of the ranks exposing the futile originally intended agenda.
For Democrats, Debate on Fox Reveals Divide
By RAYMOND HERNANDEZ and JACQUES STEINBERG
Published: May 27, 2007
WASHINGTON, May 26 — Four years ago, the leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus began looking for a television outlet to co-sponsor and broadcast a presidential debate to address the concerns of minority voters
Only one news channel made an acceptable proposal, and an unlikely channel at that: Fox News, in what some Democrats viewed as an effort to associate itself with a group that could help it make good on its claim of presenting “fair and balanced” news coverage.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/27/washington/27fox.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
The situation in Iraq is a hell of a mess and the route of the problem is democracy. The twist is that I mean our existing one, not the one we hoped to create in Iraq.
The clear civil war between left and right in the U.S. magnified ten fold by a highly partisan, extremely irresponsible, bottom line profit driven media has transformed a noble cause into a costly mess. The only question left is if we as a country will pull ourselves off the canvas before we leave ourselves completely susceptible to a knock defeat.
If we pull out leaving Iraq a mess, I do not feel it will be an immediate threat to the safety of the U.S. We will still have a strong presence of sorts to keep an eye. What we will be on the way to losing is control of our own destiny. Iran will go nuclear and be the power of that region. The region controls the oil that is the most vital resource on the planet. The U.S. will be transformed from a country dictating it's d
Increased Strife Is Foreseen in Iraq if U.S. Troops Leave
By MICHAEL R. GORDON and ALISSA J. RUBIN
Published: May 27, 2007
WASHINGTON, May 26 — There is one matter on which American military commanders, many Iraqis and some of the Bush administration’s staunchest Congressional critics agree: if the United States withdrew its forces from Baghdad’s streets this fall, the murder and mayhem would increase.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/27/world/middleeast/27withdraw.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
Editor's Notes: The confident Iranians
By DAVID HOROVITZ
Saeb Erekat, who used to be the Palestinians' chief negotiator with Israel in the days when we were negotiating, called out across the room to Muhammad Larijani.
Erekat had already given an emotional speech at the lunch, pleading, in turn, for international, Israeli and Arab support for a two-state solution to our conflict. He had also expressed shame over the Fatah-Hamas infighting, calling it "the darkest chapter in Palestinian history" and placing responsibility not only at Israel's door but also at that of the PA for failing "to impose one authority, one gun, one rule of law."
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1178708678563&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Think about the joy in Mullahville when they read that former democratic vice presidential nominee and current presidential candidant John Edwards stated in a campaign speech that the War on Terror is a propaganda campaign manipulated by President George W. Bush. The signals of weakness and division such a statement translates must have them glowing in a Tehran that is otherwise suffering multiple, deep internal crisis. The John Edwards, the Rosie O'Donnell's and their like are the mullahs greatest hope. In fact, they count on them.
Make no mistake about it, the U.S. and Iran are at war. Right now it has not been offically declared but all over the Middle East we are in a deep chess match upon which our national vital interests and safety truly depend. Iran is the driving force destabilizing Iraq, Lebanon and the Palestanians. They back Hezballah and plan the wars against Isreal. Their goal is to drive the U.S. out of the region, humilated with our tail between our legs. The result will be a nuclear iran, ruled by an islamic extremist regine, sitting on top of the world's oil reserves.
Maybe this is inevitable in an age where the west has lost the stomach and concentration for such lengthy confrontations. Russia, China and other world powers have developed their own agenda driven strategies based on triangulating the U.S. Europe remains an ally of sorts but is strongly divided, sees the problems from a different perspective and is a fragment of what they once were. They seemed resigned to let the U.S. play it out as the heavy and see what happens.
Only time will tell but this I know: Far too many in the U.S. take our lifestyle as a give. There is really little comprehension as to what it took as a country for America to get to its place in the world. Times change and civilizations change with them. Once upon a time Rome ruled for 1000 years but now you'd never know it. What ultimately happens in this crisis and how it effects lives all over the world is yet to be determined. However, we are in play whether we acknowldge it or not.
Lorie Byrd: Al Qaeda mastered media manipulation in Iraq
May 24, 2007 3:00 AM (2 days ago)
by Lorie Byrd, The Examiner
WASHINGTON (Map, News) - An aspect of the war on terrorism that gets too little attention, yet is as important as any other, is the media war. Whether they realize it, members of the mainstream media are participants in the war on terrorism, and nowhere is that more evident than in Iraq.
Blogger Bill Roggio, who has embedded as a journalist in Iraq and Afghanistan, says the enemy’s documents reveal that much of their strategy revolves around manipulation of the media. An enemy unable to beat us on the battlefield is employing a strategy of attacks planned specifically for maximum media coverage and effect.
http://www.examiner.com/a-745365~Lorie_Byrd__Al_Qaeda_mastered_media_manipulation_in_Iraq.html
Iran's secret plan for summer offensive to force US out of Iraq
Simon Tisdall
Tuesday May 22, 2007
The Guardian
Iran is secretly forging ties with al-Qaida elements and Sunni Arab militias in Iraq in preparation for a summer showdown with coalition forces intended to tip a wavering US Congress into voting for full military withdrawal, US officials say.
"Iran is fighting a proxy war in Iraq and it's a very dangerous course for them to be following. They are already committing daily acts of war against US and British forces," a senior US official in Baghdad warned. "They [Iran] are behind a lot of high-profile attacks meant to undermine US will and British will, such as the rocket attacks on Basra palace and the Green Zone [in Baghdad]. The attacks are directed by the Revolutionary Guard who are connected right to the top [of the Iranian government]."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/iran/story/0,,2085193,00.html
May 25, 2007
Pretty bad – but not Jimmy Carter bad
America is in a funk, but it needn’t be
By Gerard Baker, The London Times
You know how bad things have got when Jimmy Carter’s critique of your presidency is taken seriously. This week the former US President attacked the current one, saying that, “as far as the adverse impact on the nation around the world”, George Bush’s Administration had been “the worst in history”. It’s one thing to have to listen to Bill and Hillary Clinton claim that things were better when they were in the White House, but Jimmy Carter? Being told by Mr Carter that you’re the worst president in history is like being told by William McGonagall that your poetry stinks.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/gerard_baker/article1837738.ece
Peering Through A Glass Half-Full, DarklyBy Kathleen Parker
What a relief to read in a new Pew Research Center study that Muslims in America are "largely assimilated, happy with their lives, and moderate with respect to many of the issues that have divided Muslims and Westerners around the world."
Phew. Praise Allah. No more worries.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/05/peering_through_a_glass_halffu.html
May 25, 2007
Why Congress Caved to BushBy Patrick Buchanan
The antiwar Democrats are crying betrayal -- and justifiably so.
For a Democratic Congress is now voting to fully fund the war in Iraq, as demanded by President Bush, and without any timetable for a U.S. troop withdrawal. Bush got his $100 billion, then magnanimously agreed to let Democrats keep the $20 billion in pork they stuffed into the bill -- to soothe the pain of their sellout of the party base.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/05/why_congress_caved_to_bush.html
"Potentially disenfranchised youth" [Mark Steyn]
Jonah, it's true that that poll of US Muslims is less bad news than equivalent polls in Britain and Europe. But the net effect is the same: If 26% of America's "Muslim youth" (and the age of 30 isn't all that youthful) believe suicide bombing can be justified, that provides a huge comfort zone for the jihad to operate in.
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZGFkYzFlYTdlNzI5MTY3MmZjYWRkZmI5NjQ2ZTQ1NzU=
HUMAN WRONGS & THE ACTIVISTS WHO LOVE THEM
By Ralph Peters, The New York Post
May 25, 2007 -- HOW many "human-rights activists" does it take to betray civilization?
After the Fatah al-Islam terrorists holed up in a Palestinian camp carried out a wave of bombings, bank robberies and assassinations, Lebanon's struggling democratic government ordered its army to stop them. The Palestinian refugees themselves applauded the army's efforts, stating that few of the terrorists were local and most were fanatics from other Muslim states. The terrorists ruled with the gun and sought to enforce Sharia law. Their victims want them gone.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05252007/postopinion/opedcolumnists/human_wrongs__the_activists_who_love_them_opedcolumnists_ralph_peters.htm
You basically cannot sum up our current state of world affairs any better than the brilliant Professor Hanson does in today's article. His portrait of a divided, distracted West in denial, a Europe that is lost, an Israel that can vanish on any given day and Islamic fundamentalists who survive because of our own divisions and self hatred is fascinating because it's exceptionaly vivid accuracy. It is truly a snapshot of how different countries are reacting to a violent clash of cultures at this moment in time.
I have long written here that it will take the loss of an American city before ignoramous like Rosie O'Donnell get the picture. This war did not start with George W. Bush. As Ruby Giuliani pointed out this week in response to John Edwards revealing and highly irresponsible statement, they declared war on us over a decade ago. As many in this country lose passion and focus, forgetting the terrible threat we ultimately face, I keep thinking about the comment I read last week by a Taliban member that "America has the watches but we have the time."
That says it all.
Another Month in the War
This is a baffling sort of “containment” we’re seeing.
By Victor Davis Hanson
May was another normal month in the war against Islamism. At home, a delusional Rosie O’Donnell was back at it. She reminded her viewers that the United States has killed over 600,000 innocents in Iraq. And in an impassioned plea, she and her cohorts reminded us dullards that zealous jihadists must have some understandable reason for being so, well, zealous. Perhaps she meant in the same way that the zealous Waffen SS must have had some legitimate reason for its strong feelings?
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MjVhNzMzOGMwMjI5YjlhNThhN2VlZDQ1NThjMzNlZDU=
Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards spews exactly the sort of defeatist blended with denail attitude islamic fanatics pray for every day out of this country. It's time for this guy to go back to chasing ambulances for a living. Just his style.
John Edwards Calls War on Terror Bush's 'Bumper Sticker' Slogan
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
NEW YORK — Democratic White House hopeful John Edwards, in a major foreign policy speech Wednesday, minimized the Bush administration's War on Terror as nothing more than a "bumper sticker slogan" used to justify the war in Iraq and "bludgeon political opponents."
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,275028,00.html
Iran Detains Iranian-American Man Working for George Soros' Institute
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
CAIRO, Egypt — Iran has detained an Iranian-American consultant working for George Soros' Open Society Institute, the latest U.S. citizen connected to a non-governmental organization to be seized in the country, the institute said Wednesday.
The detention of Kian Tajbakhsh comes amid a crackdown on NGOs at a time when Iranian authorities accuse the United States of using critics and dissidents to overthrow the country's hard-line government.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,275059,00.html
The Democrats Blink
By INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY Posted Tuesday, May 22, 2007 4:20 PM PT
Iraq: When Democratic leaders dropped their demand for a withdrawal timeline this week, it was more than being outmaneuvered in negotiations. They left the president in firm possession of the moral high ground.
http://ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=264727642819830
Man oh man do the Republicans have their work cut out for them this presidential campaign. Not only are they following one of the least popular presidents in decades but they are confronting the nastiest, most partisan media they have ever come up against.
A few months back New York Magazine did a cover story on Rudy Giuliani. The photograph selected for the cover was almost a zoom of Rudy's nostrils looking up. A few weeks ago Time Magazine did a cover story on Mitt Romney. They managed to select a cover shot that actually made the very photogenic Romney look like a snake oil salesman utilizing another distorted angle. However both take a back seat to Newsweek, a publication without taste or shame. (Who else would hire Kieth Olbermann ?)
On this week's cover of Newsweek we have a photograph of the Clinton's with the title "The Bill Factor." The obvious premise is how the former president helps and possibly hurts Hillary's chances for the office in 08. What is so nauseating is their cover photo selection. We have a picture that manages to capture what the Clinton's might look like if they ever did have breathtaking, orgasmic sex with each other. Bill is whispering sweet nothings in Hillary's ear while the Democratic front runner beams in one of the most touched up, doctored, color corrected photographs in history. She almost looks attractive. You have to see it to believe it.
The entire thing reeks of one sided coverage. If "the Bill Factor" was the story, wouldn't something that suggests his past history be more appropriate. The one they used could be on the invites to their 50th wedding anniversary.
Like I said, this is the national media the Republicans are up against. Expect hatchet jobs galore on Rudy and company. It will not be pretty.
A TASTE FOR TERROR
THE LONG PALESTINIAN SUICIDE
By Ralph Peters, The New York Post
May 22, 2007 -- TERROR in Tripoli. Havoc in Gaza. Palestinians assassinating the innocent and blaming it on their own victimization. Sounds a lot like 1982. Except that yesteryear's political hit-men are now fanatics. And the Palestinians have blown yet another chance - to the relief of their fellow Arabs.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05222007/postopinion/opedcolumnists/a_taste_for_terror_opedcolumnists_ralph_peters.htm
Here's some comforting news. One out of four Muslim's living here in the U.S. say that suicide bombing can be justifiable. Isn't that interesting ?
Some young U.S. Muslims approve suicide hits
Pew survey finds 1 in 4 support attacks to defend religion in some cases
Associated Press
WASHINGTON - One in four younger U.S. Muslims say suicide bombings to defend their religion are acceptable at least in some circumstances, though most Muslim Americans overwhelmingly reject the tactic and are critical of Islamic extremism and al-Qaida, a poll says.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18797530/
You don't have to go far to read Arab propaganda. Right here in the United States the Arab American News has little trouble detailing how the United States is the bad guy when it comes to it's handling of a soon to be nuclear Iran. I missed the paragraph where they explain the merits of the "kill American signs" and justify the burning of U.S. flags.
It's a countdown to war on Iran
By: Alain Gresh2007-05-19
Silently, stealthily, unseen by cameras, the war on Iran has already begun. Many sources confirm that the United States, bent on destabilizing the Islamic Republic, has increased its aid to armed movements among the Azeri, Baluchi, Arab and Kurdish ethnic minorities that make up about 40% of the Iranian population. ABC News reported in April that the U.S. had secretly assisted the Baluchi group Jund al-Islam (Soldiers of Islam), responsible for a recent attack in which some 20 members of the Revolutionary Guard were killed. According to an American Foundation report, U.S. commandos have operated inside Iran since 2004.
http://www.arabamericannews.com/newsarticle.php?articleid=8607
Today's popular culture is dominated in the United States by the far left. This is nothing new but it is upsetting as it is very dangerous. It is shaping the minds of millions of Americans who now laugh as late night talk show hots make fun of the government's serious stance about the fact that we "are at war."
John Steward is a very funny guy. As I watched him last week he had a whole routine making fun of the fact that our leadership is unflinching in it's position that the U.S. is at war. Steward positioned the government as a bunch of over the top fanatics in their own right. As if our overemphasising this fact makes the fact and if we sat back and chilled out, it would all fizz out. A late night type of you reap what you sow.
If only he was right. Here's what's going on in parts of the world:
1. A nuclear Pakistan is on the brink of civil war.
2. Lebanon is on the brink of civil war with Islamic fundamentalists.
3. Afghanistan is fighting to keep the Taliban back out.
4. There is a Palestinian civil war erupting.
5. Iran is on the verge of going nuclear.
6. The United States is in the midst of it's own civil war as left and right fight for power, paralyzing the nation's ability to defend itself from enemies who would not hesitate from blowing up nuclear weapons in our cities, targeting civilians by design.
It's really not funny John.
Dozens Slain as Lebanese Army Fights Islamists
By HASSAN M. FATTAH and NADA BAKRI
Published: May 21, 2007
TRIPOLI, Lebanon, May 20 — Fierce clashes erupted between Lebanese Army soldiers and Islamic militants in the vicinity of a Palestinian refugee camp here on Sunday, leaving 22 Lebanese soldiers and 17 militants dead and dozens injured in one of the most significant challenges to the army since the end of Lebanon’s bloody civil war.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/21/world/middleeast/21lebanon.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
In a rare act of public self-defense, the White House today responded to yet another comment issued by former president Jimmy Carter.
White House hits back at Carter
BBC News
The White House has dismissed former US President Jimmy Carter as "increasingly irrelevant", following his sharp criticism of President George W Bush.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6675557.stm
This one cracks me up. The far left is actually trying to make a case that Hillary is not 100% boosted up because of her husband, as if she would have even become Governor of New York without her affiliation with him. She better pray he does not succumb to a fatal heart attack before the 08 election or she will have zero chance of winning her own parties nomination let alone the national election.
Politics: His New Role
By Jonathan Darman
Newsweek
May 28, 2007 issue - "Man, I like that stuff," Bill Clinton said. "I shouldn't eat it, but I like it." It was Sunday, March 4. On a private plane headed south from New York, the former leader of the free world was staring hard at a fully stocked bowl of food. A recovering snack-addict since his quadruple-bypass surgery in 2004, Clinton was thinking about falling off the wagon with a few bags of Fritos and some granola bars. No one on the plane was going to stop him—certainly not Malcolm Smith. The Democratic minority leader of New York's state Senate, Smith was just happy to be along for the ride. "He sat right in front of me," Smith later gushed to a NEWSWEEK reporter. "We shared the food."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18758001/site/newsweek/
It's fascinating to see the propaganda machines at work today, mixing revisionist history with personal agenda. There has been a huge, recent wave of declarations all over the Internet declaring George W. Bush as the worst president in history. Most of the claims are from wackos or media whores (see Fatty Trump) because anyone who studies history knows a president's legacy is determined over decades, not months. What we are seeing is a blatant attempt at huge smear campaign that will hopefully contaminate any Republican presidential candidate who has ever supported Bush at any time in any way. Just watch the file footage roll out of Giuliani's 04 Republican convention speech praising Bush and his war on terror. It will come, count on it.
Today's example comes from that hot bed of nonpartisan, pro-American journalism Al-Jazerra where former president Jimmy Carter again breaks precedent, by slandering a sitting president during a time of war. While most have written Carter off as a bitter, anti-Semitic nut job long ago, I say he does have some experience on this topic as he himself proved to be an abysmal failure in the Oval Office. This comes with 28 years to reflect. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
Maybe Jimmy should advise us on how to deal with the Mullahs since he did so well when he was at bat. If he and Bubba had any balls 9-11 would most likely have never happened.
Carter: Bush 'worst president ever'
Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter has called George Bush's presidency as "the worst in history" while also condemning Tony Blair, the out-going British prime minister, for his close support for Bush's policies.
Carter's comments made in a series of interviews with US and international media which appeared on Saturday.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/83158325-ED20-44D1-AFF8-B4F0CE376F3D.htm
Just keep all somewhat tuned in to the most dangerous situation in the world today. A nuclear Pakistan remains in play with nuclear weapons only a strongman's heartbeat away from possibly falling into the hands of Islamic fundamentalist hands. The only thing that gives me a bit of confidence is that I am certain India, much closer to the action and even more at threat, must be watching very closely and will not hesitate to take decisive action if the current Pakistan government falls. In their country the government does not have to listen to smug pudgeballs like MSNBC's Keith Olbermann rip their leaders while munching at Mr. Chows. They will go in and end it.
PAKISTAN'S PRESIDENT IN PERIL
By ARTHUR HERMAN
May 17, 2007 -- A SITUATION is brewing in Pakistan that may make Iraq look like a high-school-com mencement exercise.
Although few Americans have noticed, Pakistan president and American ally Gen. Pervez Musharraf is rapidly losing control of his country. If the trend continues, Pakistan may well end up as the next killing zone in the War on Terror.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05172007/postopinion/opedcolumnists/pakistans_president_in_peril_opedcolumnists_arthur_herman.htm
U.S. Pays Pakistan to Fight Terror, but Patrols Ebb
By DAVID E. SANGER and DAVID ROHDE
Published: May 20, 2007
WASHINGTON, May 19 — The United States is continuing to make large payments of roughly $1 billion a year to Pakistan for what it calls reimbursements to the country’s military for conducting counterterrorism efforts along the border with Afghanistan, even though Pakistan’s president decided eight months ago to slash patrols through the area where Al Qaeda and Taliban fighters are most active.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/20/world/asia/20pakistan.html?hp
I had a pretty interesting weekend. Friends of my wife were in town, one of whom we had not seen in years. She had a new boyfriend who we really knew nothing about and this was our first chance to meet him. As it turns out it was a very fascinating experience.
The man whose name is Tony turns out to be a 16 year veteran of the U.S. Navy Seals. He had a lot to say about what is going on in Iraq as he had served multiple tours there and was about to go back in in two weeks.
Here is what Tony had to say:
1. The vast majority of our forces and proud to be in Iraq.
2. The vast majority of our troops know they can easily handle our enemies, the problems they face is the limitations often put on them due to media reactions back at home. He stressed our enemies, who do not have to play by such absurd rules know this, count on this and capitalize on this. It is far and away our biggest constraint. They play us like fools as we devour ourselves.
3. Tony said he'd like just a moment alone with Keith Olbermann.
My hand to God.
May 19, 2007
There’s a War Still Going On...
by Victor Davis Hanson
National Review Online
They didn’t ask necessarily for this war; but nevertheless our soldiers and officer corps brilliantly defeated Saddam Hussein in three weeks under the strict parameters set by political leaders. Then they were asked to jump start consensual government in the heart of the ancient caliphate, while ensuring that enemies like Syria and Iran, and “friends” such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan did not destroy the tenuous democracy through proxy wars — although the emergence of a successful free society threatened all four neighbors in varying ways.
http://victorhanson.com/articles/hanson051907.html
Here's an interesting one.
Thomas Friedman, who proved to be in over his head once most American's outgrew their need for a level 101 Middle Eastern Level Vanguard, lectures the Bush administration about how good they had it working in cooperation with those nice mullahs in the early days of the Iraq war. Damn Bush and Cheney. They soured a beautiful relationship with those genuinely honest fanatics pursuing their own personal gain and as a result have nobody but themselves to blame.
Maybe if Friedman was stoned to near death for his practices in Tehran he might get a little deeper perspective and consider perhaps some things went down that he may not be aware of and not get his rocks off each Sunday addition by slamming his own country first for a change. Friedman needs to get a new job, one where he freshens his perspective as he has long become another spoiled bore.
Playing the Hand We’ve Dealt
By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
Published: May 20, 2007
Last week, President Bush appointed a “war czar,” Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute, to oversee everything we’re doing in Iraq and Afghanistan — which raises the question: Who was doing this job up to now? The answer, amazingly, is no one. We’re like a fine restaurant that has decided five years after it’s opened — and has lost most of its customers — that it might be good to hire a head chef. Better late than never. General Lute comes advertised as smart and tough. Good. I hope his first memo to the president starts like this:
http://select.nytimes.com/2007/05/20/opinion/20friedman.html
May. 18, 2007 13:14
Analysis: What a PA collapse would mean for Israel
By HERB KEINON
When the security cabinet meets Sunday to finish its discussion on how to grapple with the Kassams from Gaza, one hopes that beyond dealing with the very acute problem of how to reduce the rocket attacks on Sderot, it will also take up the issue of how Israel will react if the Palestinian Authority collapses.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1178708629639&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
All Your Climate Sins Forgiven?
The new penance doesn't offset much.
By Victor Davis Hanson
What do leftist, mostly secular elites share with medieval sinners? They feel bad that the way they live sometimes doesn’t quite match their professed dogma.
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=Y2ZjNDA5Y2JiOGU1ZGQzNDZhZGZhNjg0ZGFlZjQxMmE=
May 18, 2007
For Israel, There Was No Peace Before The Land
By Charles Krauthammer
WASHINGTON -- There has hardly been an Arab peace plan in the past 40 years -- including the current Saudi version -- that does not demand a return to the status quo of June 4, 1967. Why is that date so sacred? Because it was the day before the outbreak of the Six Day War in which Israel scored one of the most stunning victories of the 20th century. The Arabs have spent four decades trying to undo its consequences.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/05/for_israel_there_was_no_peace.html
The Insurgent Advantage
By DAVID BROOKS
Published: May 18, 2007
The war on terror has shredded the reputation of the Bush administration. It’s destroyed the reputation of Tony Blair’s government in Britain, Ehud Olmert’s government in Israel and Nuri al-Maliki’s government in Iraq. And here’s a prediction: It will destroy future American administrations, and future Israeli, European and world governments as well.
http://select.nytimes.com/2007/05/18/opinion/18brooks.html
As American will collapses, attention spans drift, partisan politics and the far left media succeed in destroying a presidency, the words of Osama appear to be ringing true all these years after 9-11.
The American people lack the will and the character to sustain the necessary offensive required to win a direct confrontation with Islamic fundamentalism. As a pullout from Iraq draws nears, as American minds focus on Paris Hilton's jail sentence, Billary in the White House and their stock and real estate holdings, Iran is enriching uranium, a nuclear Pakistan is in play, Europe remains in deep denial and America is again asleep at the wheel, completely ignorant to the horrors that await it.
It will take the loss of a city before we wake up again and even then most will blame it on George Bush.
It's not a pretty picture.
AT WAR
Was Osama Right?
Islamists always believed the U.S. was weak. Recent political trends won't change their view.
BY BERNARD LEWIS Wednesday, May 16, 2007 12:01 a.m. EDT
During the Cold War, two things came to be known and generally recognized in the Middle East concerning the two rival superpowers. If you did anything to annoy the Russians, punishment would be swift and dire. If you said or did anything against the Americans, not only would there be no punishment; there might even be some possibility of reward, as the usual anxious procession of diplomats and politicians, journalists and scholars and miscellaneous others came with their usual pleading inquiries: "What have we done to offend you? What can we do to put it right?"
http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110010080
I find it amazing how little coverage the civil violence in Pakistan is receiving here by the way out, far left American media.
It must be because they really can't blame it on George Bush any more than they could blame the failed Saudi terror attack on him from a few weeks back. By reporting the danger these threats pose, they would be forced to support a president who never took his eye off the fact that there are extremely dangerous religious fanatics out there who are trying to kill mass quantities of U. S. civilians by any and every means possible. This would make their president elect Billary look more foppish and phony with her current for/against the Iraq war than John Kerry windsurfing.
Pakistan is a nuclear power and it is in play. There is a significant amount of Pakistani military who are Al-Queda sympathisers and would like to see Musharraf toppled and New York vaporized. Many are insiders with access and influence to Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.
Let no one doubt the following statement: If any of these nut jobs get their hands on a nuke, they will not hesitate to use it. If they are successful, millions would cheer them on. There is no way to understate the significance and horror of this point.
Anywhere is in play. No one is safe. They know this in India, they know this in Russia and they know this in China. These countries deal with their internal issues without a smug and blubbery Keith Olbermann blasting their leadership on a nightly basis. The only places that appears to downplay the significance of the stakes is the majority of the media of Europe and the United States. This is ironic, funny and frightening since London, Paris, New York and Washington are the lunatics targets of choice.
Locally, (for me) people who spend their days lunching at the Four Seasons, passing out kill Bush/Cheney flyer's all over Union Square or buying their bagels each Sunday at Zabars have a lot more to worry about than the value of their co-ops. Hopefully enough will become aware of this before we fold in Iraq and empower these maniacs to heights only we are capable of.
Many killed in Pakistan bombing
BBC News Reporting
A powerful bomb blast in a hotel in the centre of the north-western Pakistani city of Peshawar has killed at least 24 people, police and officials say.
Latest reports say part of the hotel, the Marhaba, has collapsed, trapping people inside. The bomb is reported to have gone off in the lobby.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6656933.stm
It is interesting to see how Senator Clinton chooses to reposition her history on voting for the Iraq war now that it is a highly unpopular position for democrats and she is running for president. Rather than saying she made a mistake like John Edwards, she is working on some combination of spin, denial and hype to attempt to appear strong while getting her way. While she could not have a better spin master on the planet in her corner (co-candidate Bill) , let's see if Hillary has the political skills and personal charm to pull it off. Otherwise, she will be another John Kerry.
DEMOCRATS & IRAQ: HERE'S HILLARY
By DICK MORRIS & EILEEN MCGANN
May 13, 2007 -- FOR those who are too obtuse to understand Sen. Hillary Clinton's simple and clear position on Iraq, the following is an attempt to summarize it:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05132007/postopinion/opedcolumnists/democrats__iraq__heres_hillary_opedcolumnists_dick_morris__eileen_mcgann.htm
While I have found Tom Friedman to be a huge disappointment over the past few years, he is correct here. There is no better time than the present to push all involved to start getting us away from middle eastern oil...the sooner the better. Everyone must be held accountable ....
Op-Ed Columnist
Only Halfway There
By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
Published: May 13, 2007
I’m glad Democrats are keeping the pressure on President Bush for a withdrawal date from Iraq. It’s the only way to keep him and Iraqis focused on the endgame. But if Democrats really want to be taken seriously on foreign affairs, they need to recognize that they have only half a policy on Iraq. And it’s the easy half.
http://select.nytimes.com/2007/05/13/opinion/13friedman.html
In a frighteningly accurate state of affairs, Victor Hanson describes the lobotomized mindset of a West deep in denial. There are many lose, dangerous parts in motion through out the world and Americans are absorbed with Rosie, Paris Hilton and the rest. It reminds me of the shark attach headlines preceding 9-11.
Scary times.
May 7, 2007
Hooked On Trivia
by Victor Davis Hanson
Tribune Media Services
Americans for weeks woke up and went to bed to news updates about Anna Nicole Smith's death and the fate of her daughter.
Then, we seemed to go into near national paralysis over Don Imus' "hos" slur — yes, including this writer, who wrote half a column on his arrogance.
But then actor Alec Baldwin came to the rescue screaming, "Pig!," at his poor 11-year-old daughter — and, of course, accepting Dr. Phil's televised offer of intervention.
The media run with this trivia because they know it will hook viewers. But why do we care about this transient fluff? After all, it's not as if there hasn't been real news this spring.
http://victorhanson.com/articles/hanson050707.html
