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What Next in the Battle for Health Care Reform?
Commented Dec 23, 2009 at 16:04:38 in Politics
“He has delivered on every one of his promises, or, to be more precise, set them in motion. The War in Iraq is ending, Guantanamo is in the process of being shut down (hampered, ironically by House Democrats for political reasons), Health Care is on track in a form which is nearly identicaly to what he promised (except for Mandates which are actually an improvement) he has increased our focus on Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Obama has, with focus and determination, gone straight ahead to deliver the things he promised. Next up jobs, educationa and immigration. By the time he leaves office he will be considered one of our greatest Presidents.”
Obama has, with focus and determination, gone straight ahead to deliver the things he promised. Next up jobs, educationa and immigration. By the time he leaves office he will be considered one of our greatest Presidents.”
rebel7 replied on Dec 23, 2009 at 16:49:17
“What are you on?”
TheHandyman replied on Dec 23, 2009 at 16:26:22
“Hello, just wake did we? Nothing Obama promised has been done! Just because you don't see or hear of troops dieing in Iraq doesn't mean the war is any where near over! All the troops are still there. He has esculated the war in Afghanistan and in Pakistan! Ghandi, MLK, they had focus and determination! Obama has spin and backroom deals to sell out the Peop;e who voted for him.”
Leadership, Obama Style, and the Looming Losses in 2010: Pretty Speeches, Compromised Values, and the Quest for the Lowest Common Denominator
Commented Dec 21, 2009 at 14:37:58 in Politics
“President Obama is a wise and subtle man who has pushed and prodded the congress to the brink of the first real health care reform in a hundred years, something the last seven Presidents were unable to accomplish
He came into office with the economy in free fall and the auto industry about to go under. He saved both. Today GM is viable again and there are hundreds of thousands of jobs that have been saved, a whole industry still lives and a leaner and greener one at that. This took great courage in the face of populist anger (including that from the Huffpost)
He has ended the war in Iraq. He has made a decisive decision on Afghanistan which, hopefully, will forestall the nuclear war that would occurr if Pakistan collapses. He has restored American prestige and popularity in the world, single handedly.
He went to Copenhagen, and through his own leadership ability alone, got the Chinese to stay, and to agree to something very meaningful as the NYT rightly noted today. That agreement, only a start, was unprecedented in world history and allows a framework to build something meaningful.
Read your history, you can find it in the Emory library. Roosevelt did not end the Depression in his first year -- It took time, just as the current crisis will. What took thirty years to break, can''t be fixed in 12 months. By the time this elegant, brilliant man leaves office, he will rank with our greatest Presidents.”
He came into office with the economy in free fall and the auto industry about to go under. He saved both. Today GM is viable again and there are hundreds of thousands of jobs that have been saved, a whole industry still lives and a leaner and greener one at that. This took great courage in the face of populist anger (including that from the Huffpost)
He has ended the war in Iraq. He has made a decisive decision on Afghanistan which, hopefully, will forestall the nuclear war that would occurr if Pakistan collapses. He has restored American prestige and popularity in the world, single handedly.
He went to Copenhagen, and through his own leadership ability alone, got the Chinese to stay, and to agree to something very meaningful as the NYT rightly noted today. That agreement, only a start, was unprecedented in world history and allows a framework to build something meaningful.
Read your history, you can find it in the Emory library. Roosevelt did not end the Depression in his first year -- It took time, just as the current crisis will. What took thirty years to break, can''t be fixed in 12 months. By the time this elegant, brilliant man leaves office, he will rank with our greatest Presidents.”
Afghanistan and Pakistan: Anatomy of a Proxy War
Commented Dec 11, 2009 at 17:53:48 in World
“But at least now, the Commander in Chief, President Obama, has his eyes open about this problem, unlike the last President and his men, who were in denial.
Basically, they have decided to go it alone, they are fighting a three way war, sending the drones after the very people those Pakistani ISI elements are supporting. That is the real war.. They are targeting Al Qaeda and Bin Laden. Afghanistan is just a backdrop against this real war. And the outcome of it will effect the future in the most elemental way. Survival, or armageddon.”
Basically, they have decided to go it alone, they are fighting a three way war, sending the drones after the very people those Pakistani ISI elements are supporting. That is the real war.. They are targeting Al Qaeda and Bin Laden. Afghanistan is just a backdrop against this real war. And the outcome of it will effect the future in the most elemental way. Survival, or armageddon.”
Doing More... to Do Less
Commented Dec 02, 2009 at 16:55:24 in World
“It wouldn't be India alone that would react if Al Qaeda got their hands on nukes. We ourselves would react and probably within days if not hours.
The implications of this are really unbelievably frightening. We are staring into an abyss. President Obama doesn't dare to articulate these fears in a speech, although he alluded to it last night. Certainly if Pakistan didn't have nukes our strategy would look very different.”
The implications of this are really unbelievably frightening. We are staring into an abyss. President Obama doesn't dare to articulate these fears in a speech, although he alluded to it last night. Certainly if Pakistan didn't have nukes our strategy would look very different.”
Doing More... to Do Less
Commented Dec 02, 2009 at 14:34:16 in World
“If you look at this just through the lens of Afghanistan then what Obama proposes makes little sense. Afghanistan is hopeless and we can never pacify it. But if you look at Obama's strategy for what it really is, a way to buy time and to have the forces nearby to try to deal with the looming crisis in Pakistan, then it makes all the sense in the world.
There will be no victory parades if Obama miraculously staves off disaster in Pakistan, just a cold sigh of relief in countless government offices and crisis centers where the lights have been burning through long nights of gripping fear in contemplation that Al Qaeda could have access to 80 nuclear weapons, indeed to the entire Pakistani nuclear program and scientists, and what India and the West would be forced to do if that happens. Obama may forfeit a second term with this act of steely brave political courage, to do the right thing even when it is basically unexplainable in the political sense. I have never been prouder of him.”
There will be no victory parades if Obama miraculously staves off disaster in Pakistan, just a cold sigh of relief in countless government offices and crisis centers where the lights have been burning through long nights of gripping fear in contemplation that Al Qaeda could have access to 80 nuclear weapons, indeed to the entire Pakistani nuclear program and scientists, and what India and the West would be forced to do if that happens. Obama may forfeit a second term with this act of steely brave political courage, to do the right thing even when it is basically unexplainable in the political sense. I have never been prouder of him.”
Stephen Lahanas replied on Dec 02, 2009 at 19:32:20
“There is something that you need to recognize about your point - your logic contradicts the evidence of what's already occurred in the regions. Thusfar, our conflict in Afghanistan has done more to destabilize Pakistan than any single even since that nation's founding. Because of this war, Al Caida and the Taliban relocated en masse to Pakistan - a nation with nukes and nuclear power plants. The Pakistanis are now fighting a full fledged war - one that did not exist before we showed up. We've now just promised to expand the conflict on their border and in their country (to make their war bigger).
There is a very real threat that escalation may completely destabilize Pakistan. If that occurs we will have no choice but to invade there and it will take 200,000 troops to manage that quagmire - we're stepping off of a cliff here folks, think about it...”
There is a very real threat that escalation may completely destabilize Pakistan. If that occurs we will have no choice but to invade there and it will take 200,000 troops to manage that quagmire - we're stepping off of a cliff here folks, think about it...”
ladyfractal replied on Dec 02, 2009 at 16:30:48
“Thank you. Not necessarily because I agree with your analysis (although I do and wrote something very similar this morning which I never posted) but because you analyze the situation as seen from Washington, thinking about the actual real-world geopolitical consequences of American actions.
I wouldn't wish the Afghanistan problem on my worst enemy. Anyone who is at all familiar with the region knows that if your empire is feeling a little too full of itself, nothing will bring it back to reality faster than an occupation of Afghanistan. If you need to be humiliated, invade Afghanistan. The Soviets and the British can tell you about that and Afghanistan was right there on the Soviet border. Imagine the U.S. not being able to hold onto, say, Baja if we were of a mind to do so. We can't just pick up and leave and we can't stay. Yet, if we don't stay and Pakistan looks like it might not be able to keep its nuke arsenal out of the hands of Al Qaeda is there *anyone* who believes India would just shrug their shoulders and hope for the best? Of course they wouldn't.
I don't know that what Obama is doing is the right thing. I'm still trying to think through the problem not as I, a private citizen would see this but as the POTUS and his national security team have to see this.
Cheers
LF”
I wouldn't wish the Afghanistan problem on my worst enemy. Anyone who is at all familiar with the region knows that if your empire is feeling a little too full of itself, nothing will bring it back to reality faster than an occupation of Afghanistan. If you need to be humiliated, invade Afghanistan. The Soviets and the British can tell you about that and Afghanistan was right there on the Soviet border. Imagine the U.S. not being able to hold onto, say, Baja if we were of a mind to do so. We can't just pick up and leave and we can't stay. Yet, if we don't stay and Pakistan looks like it might not be able to keep its nuke arsenal out of the hands of Al Qaeda is there *anyone* who believes India would just shrug their shoulders and hope for the best? Of course they wouldn't.
I don't know that what Obama is doing is the right thing. I'm still trying to think through the problem not as I, a private citizen would see this but as the POTUS and his national security team have to see this.
Cheers
LF”
ThePeacemakers replied on Dec 02, 2009 at 15:55:18
“Secure nukes is an oxymoron.
We need to be just as worried about fringe elements here, nutcases seeking power with THOUSANDS of weapons in the USA arsenal.
After all, this country has PROVEN they will drop the bomb.”
We need to be just as worried about fringe elements here, nutcases seeking power with THOUSANDS of weapons in the USA arsenal.
After all, this country has PROVEN they will drop the bomb.”
Imperial Blues
Commented Dec 02, 2009 at 14:18:35 in Politics
“Let us imagine that we leave Afghanistan declaring, we can't do anymore. Then let us imagine that in the next year or two, Pakistan falls ot the jihadis, that the Pakistani Taliban and Al Qaeda seize control of the government and acquire over 80 nuclear weapons.
Then what?
The likely scenario is that a war between India and Pakistan would take place immediately. It would absolutely be nuclear. The regional powers, both China and Russia would be affected for sure. Do you imagine that we would avoid being drawn into it?
The stakes really are that high.”
Then what?
The likely scenario is that a war between India and Pakistan would take place immediately. It would absolutely be nuclear. The regional powers, both China and Russia would be affected for sure. Do you imagine that we would avoid being drawn into it?
The stakes really are that high.”
Savanna replied on Dec 02, 2009 at 17:29:51
“This situation is NOTHING LIKE VIET NAM.”
EyeballKid replied on Dec 02, 2009 at 16:27:43
“Oh, how easily we forget that the touchstone for all Muslim issues with the West begin and end with Palestine. Were Obama to pull out of Afghanistan and help secure a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine, a lot of animosity with the US would dissipate.
It's difficult for domestic citizens to understand that the US is viewed as aggressive invaders and mass murderers. Blackwater's scattershot use of drones to destroy so-called enemies along with even more "collateral damage" fatalities typifies the US' cavalier attitude toward the life of the poor, whether foreign or domestic. The US citizen is so insulated from the chaos and destruction that the government causes, that it can safely be stated that Americans are completely divorced from their own reality. We have NO IDEA how vehemently we're hated, and why. Instead, we're consumed by low-grade entertainment, cheap food, and molded plastic devices, and a large portion of us work too long and too hard for too little wealth to think about anything else.
We NEED the loss of empire. The earth needs it. Our species needs it.”
It's difficult for domestic citizens to understand that the US is viewed as aggressive invaders and mass murderers. Blackwater's scattershot use of drones to destroy so-called enemies along with even more "collateral damage" fatalities typifies the US' cavalier attitude toward the life of the poor, whether foreign or domestic. The US citizen is so insulated from the chaos and destruction that the government causes, that it can safely be stated that Americans are completely divorced from their own reality. We have NO IDEA how vehemently we're hated, and why. Instead, we're consumed by low-grade entertainment, cheap food, and molded plastic devices, and a large portion of us work too long and too hard for too little wealth to think about anything else.
We NEED the loss of empire. The earth needs it. Our species needs it.”
Oldwave replied on Dec 02, 2009 at 16:05:59
“How is putting 30,000 more Americans into Afghanistan going to prevent the Taliban and Al Qaeda from seizing control of Pakistan? We are between a rock and a hard place. There is no "winning" to be had.
And as I keep asking without any valid response: The 9/11 attacks killed ca. 3000 Americans and we attacked, invaded and occupied two foreign countries at an enormous cost in dollars and lives. The health insurance industry kills 40,000 Americans a year, when are we going to declare war on them?”
And as I keep asking without any valid response: The 9/11 attacks killed ca. 3000 Americans and we attacked, invaded and occupied two foreign countries at an enormous cost in dollars and lives. The health insurance industry kills 40,000 Americans a year, when are we going to declare war on them?”
ThePeacemakers replied on Dec 02, 2009 at 15:49:10
“The insurgents gain ground with every boot the US puts on the ground.
And not one person in ANY of those countries will say:
"Oh, yes, please USA - drop more bombs, send more drones, send more soldiers who don't understand a damn thing about us. That will help. There's a wedding tomorrow, we'll give you the coordinate
And not one person in ANY of those countries will say:
"Oh, yes, please USA - drop more bombs, send more drones, send more soldiers who don't understand a damn thing about us. That will help. There's a wedding tomorrow, we'll give you the coordinate
marignymitch replied on Dec 02, 2009 at 15:46:53
“I can imagine the USA saving itself by returning to the critically important job of nation building at home.”
hp blogger Robert L. Borosage replied on Dec 02, 2009 at 15:10:35
“Yes, we can summon up terrors from getting out or from getting in.
e.g. 30,000 troops are likely to both push Taliban into Pakistan and generate even more anger at American occupation. That destabilizes Pakistan and your scenario follows.”
e.g. 30,000 troops are likely to both push Taliban into Pakistan and generate even more anger at American occupation. That destabilizes Pakistan and your scenario follows.”
gypsy508 replied on Dec 02, 2009 at 14:58:42
“And imagine if Vietnam fell into the hands of the Communists
If war is our best solution, we are doomed and damned. We painted a bulls-eye on ourselves with these policies in the past. There would be absolutely no reason for Al Qaeda to target America other than our desire to export war in the first place.”
If war is our best solution, we are doomed and damned. We painted a bulls-eye on ourselves with these policies in the past. There would be absolutely no reason for Al Qaeda to target America other than our desire to export war in the first place.”
![The Afghanistan Parenthesis [Updated]](http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gen/122966/thumbs/s-APTOPIX-AFGHANISTAN-small.jpg)
The Afghanistan Parenthesis [Updated]
Commented Dec 02, 2009 at 14:08:25 in World
“As Paul Eaton on Chris Mathews and the NYT today explained, it's not really about Afghanistan but about Pakistan. The situation there is dire. There is no turning away from this. If Pakistan falls to the Jihadis, then nuclear war is imiment. It would take place in a matter of days after such an event. The idea of 80 plus nukes passing into the hands of Al Qaeda is unthinkable and could never be allowed.
The struggle in Afghanistan is a peripheral challenge, but the two - Afghanistan and Pakistan are intertwined and so we cannot just leave Afghanistan and still deal with Pakistan. Afghanistan will probably never be pacified, but that isn't the point and that really wasn't Obama's message. What he didn't say, but implied, was the key. Pakistan. We have to be in Afghanistan for two reasons beyond just trying to find and kill Al Qaeda remnants - we have to try to keep Pakistan from falling to the jihadis and more importantly, we have to be nearby in Afghanist in case that very thing happens. This is something that can't be explained in a speech, but which is readily apparent to keen observers of this conflict. The real victory won't be routing the Taliban or even finding Bin Laden. The real victory will be somehow avoiding armageddon.”
The struggle in Afghanistan is a peripheral challenge, but the two - Afghanistan and Pakistan are intertwined and so we cannot just leave Afghanistan and still deal with Pakistan. Afghanistan will probably never be pacified, but that isn't the point and that really wasn't Obama's message. What he didn't say, but implied, was the key. Pakistan. We have to be in Afghanistan for two reasons beyond just trying to find and kill Al Qaeda remnants - we have to try to keep Pakistan from falling to the jihadis and more importantly, we have to be nearby in Afghanist in case that very thing happens. This is something that can't be explained in a speech, but which is readily apparent to keen observers of this conflict. The real victory won't be routing the Taliban or even finding Bin Laden. The real victory will be somehow avoiding armageddon.”
Jannsmoor replied on Dec 02, 2009 at 18:06:05
“An interesting theory but . . . how dire is the situation in Pakistan? The government has millions of men under arms. Unlikely Al Qaeda could topple their government.”
Raul Garcia replied on Dec 02, 2009 at 15:21:09
“You actually buy into this bullshit?
WTF!?!?”
WTF!?!?”
Afghanistan: Obama Drops The Other Shoe
Commented Nov 30, 2009 at 16:46:09 in Politics
“It's not about Dominos. The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is meaningless. The same people and tribes consider it as their land, regardless of international boundries. The fight in Afghanistan and Pakistan is the same. There's no dominos here.
Nor is it about "victory." It's about preventing stateless terrorists from taking over Pakistan and thereby starting WWIII. And, eventually, the 9/11 terrorists must be found and eliminated. That is the "victory" we all want.
As to the crack about getting my news from the NYT, I get it from personally hearing experts like Ahmad Rashid and Charles Finn either in person, or on NPR, or reading their writings in the New York Review of Books....”
Nor is it about "victory." It's about preventing stateless terrorists from taking over Pakistan and thereby starting WWIII. And, eventually, the 9/11 terrorists must be found and eliminated. That is the "victory" we all want.
As to the crack about getting my news from the NYT, I get it from personally hearing experts like Ahmad Rashid and Charles Finn either in person, or on NPR, or reading their writings in the New York Review of Books....”
Citizen54 replied on Nov 30, 2009 at 20:07:16
“That part about borders sounds kind of familiar.
Remember Laos, Cambodia..
Remember Laos, Cambodia..
dl63 replied on Nov 30, 2009 at 19:01:45
“If as you say, "it's about preventing stateless terrorists from taking over pakistan," then it was the afghan war that made that a potential reality. So how is more war going to solve this problem? Will more war spread this threat to other nations in the region? Why not?”
Afghanistan: Obama Drops The Other Shoe
Commented Nov 30, 2009 at 15:46:48 in Politics
“This is about as naive a judgement of the Afghanistan crisis as I've seen. 3000 Americans died on 9/11 in an attack of merciless, nhilistic, brutality. The people that did it are still in business, actively, almost routinely, attacking at least one major Capital about once a year since 9/11.. They cannot be negotiated with, they cannot be deterred with any conventional state means. They are now at the very gates of Islamabad.
It is, of course, because of Pakistan that Afghanistan can't be a latchkey adventure that we just turn the lock on and walk away from as we once did in Vietnam.
Nuclear armed Pakistan, which for years has been playing a dangerous double game, is teetering on the brink from from the same terrorists which Paksitan has helped run rampant in Afghanistan (and which elements of their army continue to help). It is a strugle that looks like a civil war, but is much more complicated and much more destabiizing. Afghanistan and Pakistan, sharing some of the same tribes, are inextricably linked. Should Pakistan fall to the Taliban and Al Qaeda, a rapidly occurring nuclear war, at the very least between India and Pakistan, would be inevitable, and probably involving the US in some capacity, with the frightening risk of involvement by China and Russia.
There are no easy solutions to this crisis -- but I have absolute faith that Obama's choice will be well reasoned, understanding as he does all its complexities.”
It is, of course, because of Pakistan that Afghanistan can't be a latchkey adventure that we just turn the lock on and walk away from as we once did in Vietnam.
Nuclear armed Pakistan, which for years has been playing a dangerous double game, is teetering on the brink from from the same terrorists which Paksitan has helped run rampant in Afghanistan (and which elements of their army continue to help). It is a strugle that looks like a civil war, but is much more complicated and much more destabiizing. Afghanistan and Pakistan, sharing some of the same tribes, are inextricably linked. Should Pakistan fall to the Taliban and Al Qaeda, a rapidly occurring nuclear war, at the very least between India and Pakistan, would be inevitable, and probably involving the US in some capacity, with the frightening risk of involvement by China and Russia.
There are no easy solutions to this crisis -- but I have absolute faith that Obama's choice will be well reasoned, understanding as he does all its complexities.”
cplKlyde replied on Nov 30, 2009 at 19:29:51
“The AIE couldn't have said it better.”
MeDonut replied on Nov 30, 2009 at 16:23:07
“Here it is folks -- the "domino theory" has returned! Now the repeat of Vietnam is complete.”
mesomorph replied on Nov 30, 2009 at 16:22:14
“ill-informed paranoid knee-jerk.”
ResoluteBob replied on Nov 30, 2009 at 16:13:35
“I will more readily accept Vice President Biden's analysis of the situation than yours. It does not seem that Biden's advice has been taken--more likely the announced strategy will closely follow
McChrystal's original requests.
Invoking 9/11 in the second sentence of your post suggests that your own judgment is borne out of fear, not rational thought. Our chance of catching Bin Laden was squandered by the Bush Adminstration. The Iraq misadventure that followed was yet another tragic mistake. Why must we continue this? Must we again fail to learn from history, and thus be damned to repeat it?”
McChrystal's original requests.
Invoking 9/11 in the second sentence of your post suggests that your own judgment is borne out of fear, not rational thought. Our chance of catching Bin Laden was squandered by the Bush Adminstration. The Iraq misadventure that followed was yet another tragic mistake. Why must we continue this? Must we again fail to learn from history, and thus be damned to repeat it?”
pbziegler replied on Nov 30, 2009 at 16:07:54
“Keep reading the NYT to get your understanding of what's going on. The NYT was a big fan of the Vietnam war and Bush's invasion of Iraq--offering the educated Americans reasons for supporting our policies. Nonetheless we were fed lies and illusions about why we were there and what the costs were. Now its all about Pakistan. In Korea and Vietnam it was to prevent a communist takeover of Southeast Asia. We can spend a lot of money and kill a lot of people but at the end of the day American can't control every part of the world and every vital resource. If you have faith in Obama's choice I wonder if you would feel the same confidence if you or your children or your siblings and friends were going to be drafted and sent over there to fight and die.”
Will The Unemployment Disaster Be Obama's Katrina?
Commented Nov 24, 2009 at 15:52:41 in Politics
“The short answer is no. Unless we start blaming the fireman for the fire (to use Chris Matthew's apt analogy). But then, let's wait and see how it looks by 2012.
On the other hand, Afghanistan will be all his after he makes the big decision. I hope he gets it right. But I doubt it, because there is no "right" on Afghanistan. Every strategy is the wrong one, every solution is a false one. Better Generals than those clowns in the Pentagon have failed in Afghanistan starting with the most famous general of them all - Alexander the Great. Somehow I hope Obama avoids this trap. I pray he does. But it doesn't look good.
But to blame Obama for the jobs problem is just silly and unfair. The economy is recovering and it will all get better. Just need a little patience. By the midterms, the doomsayers are in for a surprise.”
On the other hand, Afghanistan will be all his after he makes the big decision. I hope he gets it right. But I doubt it, because there is no "right" on Afghanistan. Every strategy is the wrong one, every solution is a false one. Better Generals than those clowns in the Pentagon have failed in Afghanistan starting with the most famous general of them all - Alexander the Great. Somehow I hope Obama avoids this trap. I pray he does. But it doesn't look good.
But to blame Obama for the jobs problem is just silly and unfair. The economy is recovering and it will all get better. Just need a little patience. By the midterms, the doomsayers are in for a surprise.”
sarabono replied on Nov 24, 2009 at 16:07:28
“You can wait tell 2012 but I believe his Congress is going to be Decapitated November 2010.”
Latest HuffPost Game Changers: Media and Philanthropy
Commented Oct 29, 2009 at 18:40:06 in Media
“Katie Couric wins for her knockdown of Sarah Palin. However, after the slime job by CBS last night (co-produced with the Washington Times, that worthless rag) on Obama's fundraising (as if he could ever afford politically and as a leader of a fractious bunch not to be the head of his party), we're switching from CBS back to NBC. We'll always admire Katie for popping the Palin bubble, but if CBS is hooking up with the Washington Times, include us out.”
bobfeld replied on Oct 29, 2009 at 23:46:49
“There is very litle "liberal" media left.”
bobfeld replied on Oct 29, 2009 at 23:45:30
“Darn "librul" media.”
tralfas replied on Oct 29, 2009 at 22:00:03
“How dare the press report the truth!”
JustAThought56 replied on Oct 29, 2009 at 18:56:54
“I'm with you on that...CBS News picked Jeff Ballabon, a New York Republican activist, to serve as the Senior Vice President of Communications back in February. He has characterized Democrats as "bad people" and President Obama as "dangerous
War Fever at the Times: A Five-Day Log
Commented Oct 20, 2009 at 12:37:40 in Media
“The problem is serious. Some generals need to be cashiered beginning with McChrystal. But the bigger story is that it is enormously reassuring that Obama is clearly trying to get it right.”
alex61 replied on Oct 20, 2009 at 13:58:18
“McChrystal was Obama's choice to implement Obama's strategy (in March) to win the "must win war." What has changed? Is the situation there too complicated? Is Obama caving to the left? Is he uncertain, confused?
Afghanistan is a mess, without doubt. But Obama wanted to be president. He thought (along with most liberals) that all the problems there-and elsewhere-were simply evidence of Bush's incompetence. Turns out that these problems really are complex and frustrating. The Obama "magic" isn't going to solve anything by itself. Being president is extremely tough, and difficult decisions must be made, not avoided. Be careful what you wish for!”
Afghanistan is a mess, without doubt. But Obama wanted to be president. He thought (along with most liberals) that all the problems there-and elsewhere-were simply evidence of Bush's incompetence. Turns out that these problems really are complex and frustrating. The Obama "magic" isn't going to solve anything by itself. Being president is extremely tough, and difficult decisions must be made, not avoided. Be careful what you wish for!”
A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to Talk About Afghanistan
Commented Oct 16, 2009 at 16:33:26 in Media
“The baloon boy story was a lucky break since it obliterated the carefully orchestrated release of the jiggered up report on insurance premiums by the Insurance Industry.
The good news is that Vice President Biden hasn't resigned.”
The good news is that Vice President Biden hasn't resigned.”
Why Joe Biden Should Resign
Commented Oct 14, 2009 at 22:56:15 in World
“Arianna, your intemperate and ill conceived suggestion that Vice-President Joe Biden resign disappoints me. Please think about what you are asking him to do. Such a resignation would create a constitutional crisis. It would be terrible for our country. It would serve no good. This is not the UK, we don't have a Parliamentary system. The institution of the Vice Presidency is strictly to provide stability and safety.
Vice Presidents are not supposed to resign over policy disputes. In fact, until recently, Vice Presidents had nothing to do with policy. That is not their function. Joe Biden was selected and elected to be a very worthy (which he is!) insurance policy in case something happens to Obama (God forbid).”
Vice Presidents are not supposed to resign over policy disputes. In fact, until recently, Vice Presidents had nothing to do with policy. That is not their function. Joe Biden was selected and elected to be a very worthy (which he is!) insurance policy in case something happens to Obama (God forbid).”
MacQ replied on Oct 14, 2009 at 23:10:25
“Most of what you say makes sense, but constitutional crisis? That's a bit far fetched.
A presidential resignation would not even cause that.”
A presidential resignation would not even cause that.”
It's About the Bomb, Not Obama
Commented Oct 10, 2009 at 00:12:00 in World
“It's already not a matter of "if" but "when." Already Pakistan, a country with about half a degree of separation from Al Qaeda, has the bomb. Iran is a close ally of the US compared to Pakistan. Just recently, a terrible terror plot hatched in Pakistan which was aimed at New York was foiled (we hope)at the last minute. Pakistan is where the danger is.”
zerotimes10 replied on Oct 10, 2009 at 00:40:03
“I certainly do not have THE Answer for the "Bomb Issue" but I just keep coming back to the same thing. It is what it is. The cats out of the bag. We started by throwing rocks at each other thousands of years ago and it has logically or illogically escalated from there. We are now where we are because WE, the Human race is the problem. We have to change US and I have no idea how that is going to happen. The only thing I can think of is that at some point the entire Human Race must come to understand that our survival depends upon or cooperation. We need to stop taking and start giving in a serious logical way. Prophets through time have been telling us this over and over. It's not just a pretty ideal. It's now a matter of our survival. Sometimes I think we are just a passing fancy and the Earth would be better off without us. Oh yes, and we must stop making babies. 6.5 Billion and counting!”
President Obama's Noble Nobel Prize
Commented Oct 09, 2009 at 10:57:02 in World
“A wonderful day. He makes us proud. If anything were needed to show just how transformational his Presidency has been, what an effect it has had on world opinion, and what love it has gained for the US, this great award certainly adds an exclamation point!
The folks at the Weekly Standard, who celebrated when the US did not get the Olympics, since they want to see Obama humbled at all cost, should take pause.”
The folks at the Weekly Standard, who celebrated when the US did not get the Olympics, since they want to see Obama humbled at all cost, should take pause.”
overd0g1 replied on Oct 09, 2009 at 11:53:07
“Please enumerate anything which has been transformed.”
Barack Obama, Nobel Peace Laureate: Whatever Happened to Awarding for Deeds Actually Done?
Commented Oct 09, 2009 at 10:40:16 in World
“Yippee!!!”
This Week In Magazines: Obama The "Self-Entangling Giant"
Commented Sep 27, 2009 at 23:40:13 in Media
“History is written after the fact. Obama has not been in office for a year. How about waiting to write your "history" Mr. Wills after Obama leaves office? As a historian, you know that charges of being a "dictator" have been leveled at Presidents going back to Washington. All you need to do is open your Henry Adams to read about his father being accused of a "corrupt bargain" -- ironically his accuser Andrew Jackson was himself accused of far worse. Lincoln did all sorts of extra constitutional excecutive actions including locking up writers like you during the Civil War. Roosevelt lied to Congress and made secret deals to help Britian when they were fighting Hitler alone. He tried to pack the Supreme Court. Obama has done nothing like any of this, but already far left intellectuals are nipping at his heels.
The encouraging signs are this - the extreme left and extreme right are not happy with Obama. Good.”
The encouraging signs are this - the extreme left and extreme right are not happy with Obama. Good.”
KOisGod replied on Sep 27, 2009 at 23:45:44
“Bingo!
Fanned.”
Fanned.”
JerseyGirl4Obama replied on Sep 27, 2009 at 23:44:37
“Good post.”
Israel Diary: Hyper-Alert Security Guards, Hyper-Creative Tech Geeks, and an Upcoming Interview with President Peres
Commented Sep 23, 2009 at 16:06:19 in World
“I don't doubt for a minute that all of Israel wants peace, but do they want an agreement with the Palestinians on any terms? Do they, in fact, want their own Israeli Arab citizens to remain part of Israel?
If Israel wanted an agreement with the Palestinians, why did they, even during the Rabin, adminstration conttinue building settlements and tearing down Palestinian homes?
Is it not true, as Benny Morris has demonstrated, that the strategy of every single Israeli government from the start, to grind down the Palestinians, drive them away, to Jordan, Egypt, anywhere in fact, and largely claim as much territory as possible?
Why do they not allow their Arab citizens to serve in the IDF?
Why does Israel not have a constitution?”
If Israel wanted an agreement with the Palestinians, why did they, even during the Rabin, adminstration conttinue building settlements and tearing down Palestinian homes?
Is it not true, as Benny Morris has demonstrated, that the strategy of every single Israeli government from the start, to grind down the Palestinians, drive them away, to Jordan, Egypt, anywhere in fact, and largely claim as much territory as possible?
Why do they not allow their Arab citizens to serve in the IDF?
Why does Israel not have a constitution?”
JanP replied on Sep 23, 2009 at 17:00:30
“No, it is not true.
Only a few extremists want Israeli Arabs to leave. it is not the sentiment of the vast majority of people.
After the 6 Day War, Israel offered to return land for peace. The Arabs met in Khartum and declared, "No negotiation, No recognition, No peace". So israel said if we can't ahve peace, we will keep the land and settle it.
Please don't forget that the Russians instigated Syria and Egypt to make war agaisnt Israel in 1967.
When Sadat made peace (cold, but peace anyway), israel abandoned settlements, abandoned airfields, abandoned the oil wells.
Druze Arabs serve int he IDF. Bedouin Arabs serve in the IDF. There are some Arabs in the IDF but they are not conscripted. Why would Israel want to put Arabs in the position of having to fight their relatives?
Why don't Arab coutnries have Consitutions? How about England?
Oh, when I lived in israel int he early 70's Arabs came into Israel and worked. That stopped with the Intifadas becuase their employers didn;t want to be murdered a some where.”
Only a few extremists want Israeli Arabs to leave. it is not the sentiment of the vast majority of people.
After the 6 Day War, Israel offered to return land for peace. The Arabs met in Khartum and declared, "No negotiation, No recognition, No peace". So israel said if we can't ahve peace, we will keep the land and settle it.
Please don't forget that the Russians instigated Syria and Egypt to make war agaisnt Israel in 1967.
When Sadat made peace (cold, but peace anyway), israel abandoned settlements, abandoned airfields, abandoned the oil wells.
Druze Arabs serve int he IDF. Bedouin Arabs serve in the IDF. There are some Arabs in the IDF but they are not conscripted. Why would Israel want to put Arabs in the position of having to fight their relatives?
Why don't Arab coutnries have Consitutions? How about England?
Oh, when I lived in israel int he early 70's Arabs came into Israel and worked. That stopped with the Intifadas becuase their employers didn;t want to be murdered a some where.”
eileenflemingWAWA replied on Sep 23, 2009 at 16:50:52
“Israel has no constitution because it would hold them accountable and the law of the jungle is what rules in the so called holy land which is in pieces: bantustans!
However, they do have a Declaration of Establishment and IF THEY HONORED IT: it would reap them Security and bless the world:
"On the day of the termination of the British mandate and on the strength of the United Nations General Assembly declare The State of Israel will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel: it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion it will guarantee freedom of religion [and] conscience and will be faithful to the Charter of the United Nations." - May 14, 1948. The Declaration of the Establishment of Israel”
However, they do have a Declaration of Establishment and IF THEY HONORED IT: it would reap them Security and bless the world:
"On the day of the termination of the British mandate and on the strength of the United Nations General Assembly declare The State of Israel will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel: it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion it will guarantee freedom of religion [and] conscience and will be faithful to the Charter of the United Nations." - May 14, 1948. The Declaration of the Establishment of Israel”
The President and the Vigilantes
Commented Sep 06, 2009 at 20:45:12 in Politics
“You rightly fear for Obama's safety Mr. Bromwich, but you evidentally don't have any confidence in his abilities.
Actually he's done remarkably well - he's helped through stimulus to bring the country out of recession as everyone now acknowledges is the case. Through bold action, he's saved the auto industry. Like Roosevelt before him, and (with much of the same criticism thereby) he's resisted the populist urges to nationalize the banks thereby preserving financial stabiity worldwide. He entered with outright panic going on and he's calmed it down. He's set us on a path to end the war in Iraq (it will be a few months longer than her pomised, but sooner than anyone really hoped). He's also drawn a marker in the sand with Isreal.
He has started us on a real path to health care reform. Nothing has happened yet, but look how far we've actually come. Truman couldn't do it. Johnson couldn't. Nixon couldn't. Clinton couldn't. Obama will do it. Give him a little time.
He came into office facing three major crises. Iraq, the Economy and Afghanistan. Any one of them would be plenty to deal with. He's been calm, intelligent, and he's working the problem. His drop in popularity has been due to rising unemployment of which he could do nothing more than he has done. The economy is already recovering. Those betting that things will be worse by the mid-term elections will be disappointed.”
Actually he's done remarkably well - he's helped through stimulus to bring the country out of recession as everyone now acknowledges is the case. Through bold action, he's saved the auto industry. Like Roosevelt before him, and (with much of the same criticism thereby) he's resisted the populist urges to nationalize the banks thereby preserving financial stabiity worldwide. He entered with outright panic going on and he's calmed it down. He's set us on a path to end the war in Iraq (it will be a few months longer than her pomised, but sooner than anyone really hoped). He's also drawn a marker in the sand with Isreal.
He has started us on a real path to health care reform. Nothing has happened yet, but look how far we've actually come. Truman couldn't do it. Johnson couldn't. Nixon couldn't. Clinton couldn't. Obama will do it. Give him a little time.
He came into office facing three major crises. Iraq, the Economy and Afghanistan. Any one of them would be plenty to deal with. He's been calm, intelligent, and he's working the problem. His drop in popularity has been due to rising unemployment of which he could do nothing more than he has done. The economy is already recovering. Those betting that things will be worse by the mid-term elections will be disappointed.”
Richard Price replied on Sep 06, 2009 at 22:39:03
“Saved the auto industry? That is laughable. It hasn't been saved. It is far from over and in the end, all we will have is massive debts that my grandchildren will have to pay for. His drop in popularity is because many of the people that he duped with his smooth talk during the election are waking up and saying, OMG, what have we done? The only thing BO has done is to further divide the people of this country. And as far as health care reform goes, I only need to provide this quote,
"One of the traditional methods of imposing statism or socialism on a people has been by way of medicine. It’s very easy to disguise a medical program as a humanitarian project. Most people are a little reluctant to oppose anything that suggests..
"One of the traditional methods of imposing statism or socialism on a people has been by way of medicine. It’s very easy to disguise a medical program as a humanitarian project. Most people are a little reluctant to oppose anything that suggests..
The Bible's Vindication of Obama's Middle East Strategy
Commented Jun 08, 2009 at 13:41:51 in World
“The most famous Rorsach test of all, the Bible can mean whatever anyone wants it to. Hopefully the Bush administration was the last to ever take such nonsense seriously.”
Pupadup4oBama replied on Jun 08, 2009 at 18:45:52
“they weren't the first and i'm SURE they won't be the last...but hopefully, we can get those true believers to see other points of view and not be so stuck in their own narrow-minded view.”
Barack Obama and the Future of Democratic Unity
Commented Jun 05, 2009 at 10:50:00 in Politics
“I'm not so sure how united they really are. The Senate Democrats showed a woeful lack of support for Obama with their shameful vote on the Guantanamo closing issue. Harry Reid is a weak and ineffectual Senate leader often being outmaneuvered by his Republican counterparts. Nancy Pelosi burns wtih ambition and often makes incindiary comments. John Murtha is mired in scandal. With both Biden and Clinton not in the Senate, that's in many ways a minus as their replacements including the mediocre and not too bright Kerry are worrisome.
The real test will be how the Democrats work together on Health Care.”
The real test will be how the Democrats work together on Health Care.”
U.S. Intelligence -- or the Lack Thereof -- on North Korea
Commented May 29, 2009 at 17:33:20 in World
“You can be sure that whatever real intelligence we actually have on North Korea (as opposed to what is printed in the newspapers) would not be revealed to the public.
It really is time to say, we'll honor mutual defense treaties vis a vis Japan and S. Korea,, but taht dealing with North Korea is up to China, Japan, and S. Korea and it's not really our business short of interdicting any of their shipping which could have smuggled nukes.
It's likely that the lights are burning late at nights in Beijing where the Chinese government cannot be happy about having a country with short distance nuclear missles on their border. The Chinese are the ones who will ultimately call the shots on this.”
It really is time to say, we'll honor mutual defense treaties vis a vis Japan and S. Korea,, but taht dealing with North Korea is up to China, Japan, and S. Korea and it's not really our business short of interdicting any of their shipping which could have smuggled nukes.
It's likely that the lights are burning late at nights in Beijing where the Chinese government cannot be happy about having a country with short distance nuclear missles on their border. The Chinese are the ones who will ultimately call the shots on this.”
mrsbee replied on May 29, 2009 at 18:37:38
“All this talk from the Repubs about how wonderful the CIA is ...is bunk! I have every faith in Pres Obama's choice Penetta to revamp them quickly...
The Big Gay Chip on My Shoulder
Commented May 27, 2009 at 13:13:11 in Entertainment
“Yes indeed. It's time to choose tolerance over ignorance and fear, love over hate. And more than just staying in our own lane, we absolutely must help everyone to have the smoothest, safest, happiest ride we can make it for each other.”
A War on Terror by Any Other Name
Commented May 18, 2009 at 22:29:35 in Politics
“The War in Iraq is a waste, as Obama has said. He's ending it. The job is to stop Al Qaeda. They continue to murder people all of the world - Mumbai being the latest.
There really are terrorists out there determined to kill us all.”
There really are terrorists out there determined to kill us all.”
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