The last Republican Presidential Debate drew the following question from CNN moderator Wolf Blitzer. "Would you support or join in an Israel attack on Iran." The question and answers from the candidates, with the exception of Ron Paul were chilling.
The question and answers show just how far the news media and candidates would stoop and succumb to the glorification of war and the willingness of even discussing such a horrid question. First of all the question should never have been asked because America does not attack another country who has not threatened us with war. (The exception of course was Bush's invasion and occupation of Iraq over WMD that did not exist)
Secondly, the candidates should have pointed out that such a question was out of order and not keeping with America's ideals or policy and there fore would not answer the question. Most of the candidates did answer the question and said they would either support or join Israel in a strike on Iran.
It should be chilling to all Americans how casually those candidates would be willing to attack another country and send our men and women in uniform into harms way with a blink of an eye. Some of those candidates cut and ran during their generations war and never wore the uniform of their country. Like the Iraq war, they would treat Iran like just another foot note in history while our troops would bear the burden.
Our country's past great Presidents considered committing our nation to war as serious business and never resorted to a reverse Pearl Harbor attack. They knew the ravages of war and had the courage and wisdom to protect and defend our country with American ideals and moral authority.
The fact of the matter is that the U.S. and the international community know more about Iran's nuclear development than they know about Israel, India and Pakistan's nuclear development. Iran has had international inspectors at their facilities, Israel, India and Pakistan's facilities has been closed to outside inspection and are the greatest threat.
If in fact Iran is developing a nuclear capacity for military use they would not try to attack Israel or the U.S. That would be suicide for them and their leaders are well aware of that and are not stupid. The U.S. and Europe was in a cold war with Russia for over 40 years. Russia was a elephant compared to Iran and they knew better than to attack the west.
The republican debate gave the American people a good taste of just how easy it will be to take the country to war once again if one of those candidates become President that supported the idea of joining or supporting Israel in an attack on Iran. The U.S. should be reviewing our relations with Israel because their leaders can not be trusted.
President Obama's level headed foreign policy has not only kept America safe but great harm has been done to Al Queda's ability to continue its terrorist attacks against America. Our country is winding down an eight year nine month war with Iraq and we are still at war over ten years in Afganistan and now many republican Presidential candidates are willing to go to war again in Iran. And those candidates call themselves fit to be President and Commander in Chief? Hopefully the American people have caught on to their incompetence.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Aftermath: The Assassination Of President John F. Kennedy
Forty eight years ago today America lost a young President on the streets of Dallas whose life was taken by an assassin. That cowardly act set in motion a cover up and lie that is still with us today. President Kennedy was not killed by Lee Oswald who actually did not fire a rifle that day in Dallas. He was the patsy, just as he told the Dallas police while in their custody.
President Kennedy was killed as the result of a conspiracy because he was changing the status quo and because he challanged the cold war mentality of those in high places who profited by keeping the cold war alive. When the President arrived in Dallas the right wing conservatives in Dallas greeted him with un-American "Wanted for Treason" posters and other greetings not fit to be published. President Obama has been greeted by similar charges from todays right wing conservatives and the birthers.
Kennedy was moving the country away from a cold war nation with policies that disturbed the status quo. The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis was a good example when he sought a resolution to that problem far different than the Joing Chiefs of Staff wanted to pursue. The Presidents decision was the right one and the Chiefs were mad as hell that they did not get their invasion. They thought they could push the young President around but Kennedy knew and respected the responsibility he had as Commander in Chief.
President Kennedy was a combat veteran of WWII having enlisted in the Navy. His PT boat crew saw action in the Pacific. There has been a lot of wealthy people who used their wealth and connections to stay out of the military during war and peace, but not Kennedy and his brothers. They all served their country in uniform. As a veteran, Kennedy understood war and was not about to send Americans to war just to support the status quo or to try to act tough.
The un-American ideology that greeted Kennedy when he arrived in Dallas is still being played out today by the right wingers and their personal attacks on President Obama and his policies. They do not have the mental capacity to compete in a open society in a civil way so they choose to divide the country and its people with un-American tactics.
To those Americans who knew, loved and respected and supported President Kennedy and his policies know America and its people would be better off today had he lived. Kennedy also had the respect and support of foreign leaders who believed in his youthful and new approach to world problems.
A bright American light was put out in Dallas 48 years ago by cowards who could not compete with the ideas of a young American President who knew where he wanted to take the country for a better world for its people, its children and future generations. The future was very much on his mind during the Cuban Missile Crisis and especially the children who had no say. That is one reason he choose the option of the quarantine.
The cowards and their conspirators involved are the worse Judas. Those in the intelligence community who know the real story of what happened in Dallas and have remained silent are the worst of the bunch. They put the secret of the intelligence community above their country and are traitors.
America and its people were young and full of energy when they elected President Kennedy. This writer was of age and remembers his administration very well. Everyone seemed to relate to Kennedy and his wife. The Presidents time in office had been referred to as "Camelot." It was a time when most people understood as a nation and people much could be accomplished.
The cowards extinguished that light but the American people who knew President Kennedy will always remember the promise he held for all of us and our nation.
President Kennedy was killed as the result of a conspiracy because he was changing the status quo and because he challanged the cold war mentality of those in high places who profited by keeping the cold war alive. When the President arrived in Dallas the right wing conservatives in Dallas greeted him with un-American "Wanted for Treason" posters and other greetings not fit to be published. President Obama has been greeted by similar charges from todays right wing conservatives and the birthers.
Kennedy was moving the country away from a cold war nation with policies that disturbed the status quo. The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis was a good example when he sought a resolution to that problem far different than the Joing Chiefs of Staff wanted to pursue. The Presidents decision was the right one and the Chiefs were mad as hell that they did not get their invasion. They thought they could push the young President around but Kennedy knew and respected the responsibility he had as Commander in Chief.
President Kennedy was a combat veteran of WWII having enlisted in the Navy. His PT boat crew saw action in the Pacific. There has been a lot of wealthy people who used their wealth and connections to stay out of the military during war and peace, but not Kennedy and his brothers. They all served their country in uniform. As a veteran, Kennedy understood war and was not about to send Americans to war just to support the status quo or to try to act tough.
The un-American ideology that greeted Kennedy when he arrived in Dallas is still being played out today by the right wingers and their personal attacks on President Obama and his policies. They do not have the mental capacity to compete in a open society in a civil way so they choose to divide the country and its people with un-American tactics.
To those Americans who knew, loved and respected and supported President Kennedy and his policies know America and its people would be better off today had he lived. Kennedy also had the respect and support of foreign leaders who believed in his youthful and new approach to world problems.
A bright American light was put out in Dallas 48 years ago by cowards who could not compete with the ideas of a young American President who knew where he wanted to take the country for a better world for its people, its children and future generations. The future was very much on his mind during the Cuban Missile Crisis and especially the children who had no say. That is one reason he choose the option of the quarantine.
The cowards and their conspirators involved are the worse Judas. Those in the intelligence community who know the real story of what happened in Dallas and have remained silent are the worst of the bunch. They put the secret of the intelligence community above their country and are traitors.
America and its people were young and full of energy when they elected President Kennedy. This writer was of age and remembers his administration very well. Everyone seemed to relate to Kennedy and his wife. The Presidents time in office had been referred to as "Camelot." It was a time when most people understood as a nation and people much could be accomplished.
The cowards extinguished that light but the American people who knew President Kennedy will always remember the promise he held for all of us and our nation.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Grover Norquist Just Met His Match
Republicans in congress almost to the last man have signed a pledge introduced by Norquist never to raise taxes. Some republican Presidential candidates signed the pledge also. Even though a politicians pledge should be made to the people who elect them, those republicans decided to side with Norquist and be dammed with the needs of the country and its people.
But now it has been reported that a band of millionaires stormed Capitol Hill Wednesday to urge congress to tax them more. Norquist retorted by saying they could just pay the IRS more in taxes than they owe if they want too. The millionaires had the last laugh and told Norquist if he wanted low taxes and less government, renounce your American citizenship and move to Somalia where they don't collect taxes.
It is ovbious millionaires know they do not pay a fair share of taxes because of all the tax loopholes that favor the wealthy. They also know that a tax increase will not affect their bottom line. The reality for them is they understand their present tax burden is less than it was 50 years ago. The country does have some wealthy people who put their country first instead of greed and do have an understanding of why they should pay their fair share in taxes. That says it all.
But now it has been reported that a band of millionaires stormed Capitol Hill Wednesday to urge congress to tax them more. Norquist retorted by saying they could just pay the IRS more in taxes than they owe if they want too. The millionaires had the last laugh and told Norquist if he wanted low taxes and less government, renounce your American citizenship and move to Somalia where they don't collect taxes.
It is ovbious millionaires know they do not pay a fair share of taxes because of all the tax loopholes that favor the wealthy. They also know that a tax increase will not affect their bottom line. The reality for them is they understand their present tax burden is less than it was 50 years ago. The country does have some wealthy people who put their country first instead of greed and do have an understanding of why they should pay their fair share in taxes. That says it all.
Knowing The Facts To Gain Knowledge
Once again Washington Post journalist E.J. Dionne is at the top of his class in an editorial published in the Times Picayune dated 11/17/11 titled, "Turning Budget Failure Into Success." Without going over the complete article which deals with the so called Super Committee, deficit reduction, spending cuts and raising revenue one statement Mr. Dionne made is at the top of the list as to why we are having this debate in the first place.
Said Mr. Dionne: But genuine compromise can't happen because republicans refuse to accept any significant tax increases. This is not a partisan statement. It is just a description of the facts. It is maddening that the media are so desperate to avoid being attacked as "liberal" that they cannot describe the situation as it is.
That is a powerful statement by Mr. Dionne how the media and their journalists have failed to report the facts concerning the subject matter, and the same thing this writer has pointed out more than once here in Politidose over the last two or three years. The attitude of the media, especially the Sunday programs like Meet the Press allow the republicans to lie thru their teeth and then not say a word. In other words they have failed their responsibility as journalists.
The country and its people are in need of more journalists like Mr. Dionne who are not afraid of reporting the facts and telling things like they are.
Said Mr. Dionne: But genuine compromise can't happen because republicans refuse to accept any significant tax increases. This is not a partisan statement. It is just a description of the facts. It is maddening that the media are so desperate to avoid being attacked as "liberal" that they cannot describe the situation as it is.
That is a powerful statement by Mr. Dionne how the media and their journalists have failed to report the facts concerning the subject matter, and the same thing this writer has pointed out more than once here in Politidose over the last two or three years. The attitude of the media, especially the Sunday programs like Meet the Press allow the republicans to lie thru their teeth and then not say a word. In other words they have failed their responsibility as journalists.
The country and its people are in need of more journalists like Mr. Dionne who are not afraid of reporting the facts and telling things like they are.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Happy Birthday To The United States Marine Corps
This is a day tardy but happy 236th birthday to the Marine Corps and to all Marines who have proudly worn the eagle, globe and anchor. Semper Fidelis and Once a Marine Always a Marine continue to define the standard that the Corps and its Marine brothers practice.
Duty, honor, commitment and the ability to go the extra mile is alive and well in this 236th year. To our Marine brothers who are in harms way our thoughts and prayers are with you and we ask the Supreme Commandant to guide you home safely to family and friends. May your sacrifice never be forgotten or taken for granted.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES
Duty, honor, commitment and the ability to go the extra mile is alive and well in this 236th year. To our Marine brothers who are in harms way our thoughts and prayers are with you and we ask the Supreme Commandant to guide you home safely to family and friends. May your sacrifice never be forgotten or taken for granted.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Iraq: Some Republicans Just Can Not Let Go:
Senators David Vitter, Joe Lieberman, Lindsey Graham and John McCain joined in a letter to the Senate Armed Services Committee to ask the Committee to hold a hearing on the Obama's administration decision to bring home almost all remaining U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of the year. They said the withdrawal is likely to be viewed as a strategic victory by our enemies in the middle east, especially by the Iranian Regime.
Those four senators stated reason is a slap in the face to our men and women in uniform who gave so much in a war those four senators supported over WMD that did not exist. Who cares if the world thinks it is a strategic victory by our enemies. Those senators certainly did not care that the war was a major strategic blunder when they supported the war. As for Iran, the war brought Iran and Iraq closer together so the supporters of the war were the ones who committed the biggest strategic blunder of them all.
McCain a veteran, has failed to understand what war is all about. Graham and Vitter served in the reserves to dodge the draft so they would not be called to active duty. Bush landed on an aircraft carrier and proclaimed the war in Iraq was mission accomplished. Those four senators must not have said a word to Bush when he made that statement. Bush himself could have landed on a real aircraft carrier in combat during the Viet Nam war but he was busy skipping his duties in the Air National Guard. Lieberman does not have a service record that I can find, so he tries to talk tough at the expense of our troops.
President Obama's decision to end the war was the right decision. The unnecessary war over WMD that did not exist destabilized Iraq and gave Al Queda an opportunity to operate in Iraq and kill Americans. The U.S. has the military power and know how to take care of its interest and national security without occupying Iraq.
The Senate Armed Service Committee should tell those four senators to take a hike, or pick up a rifle and go to Iraq themselves.
Those four senators stated reason is a slap in the face to our men and women in uniform who gave so much in a war those four senators supported over WMD that did not exist. Who cares if the world thinks it is a strategic victory by our enemies. Those senators certainly did not care that the war was a major strategic blunder when they supported the war. As for Iran, the war brought Iran and Iraq closer together so the supporters of the war were the ones who committed the biggest strategic blunder of them all.
McCain a veteran, has failed to understand what war is all about. Graham and Vitter served in the reserves to dodge the draft so they would not be called to active duty. Bush landed on an aircraft carrier and proclaimed the war in Iraq was mission accomplished. Those four senators must not have said a word to Bush when he made that statement. Bush himself could have landed on a real aircraft carrier in combat during the Viet Nam war but he was busy skipping his duties in the Air National Guard. Lieberman does not have a service record that I can find, so he tries to talk tough at the expense of our troops.
President Obama's decision to end the war was the right decision. The unnecessary war over WMD that did not exist destabilized Iraq and gave Al Queda an opportunity to operate in Iraq and kill Americans. The U.S. has the military power and know how to take care of its interest and national security without occupying Iraq.
The Senate Armed Service Committee should tell those four senators to take a hike, or pick up a rifle and go to Iraq themselves.
More Evidence Of The Transfer Of Wealth From The Middle Class To The Wealthy
Any one following "politidose" knows my take on the subject matter. Now a report comes out from the Congressional Budget Office that found over the past three decades average after tax income for the top 1% of U.S. households had increased 275% while middle income households saw a 40% rise and those at the bottom of the scale rose 18%.
That is just one of many reminders how wealth has been transfered to the wealthy from the middle class. When you put that together with the large bonuses for CEO's and executives, the elimination of jobs and benefits for the average workers and the use of third world country labor it is easy to understand what is going on in our country today and why "occupy wall street" is growing strong.
In a report by Marian Wright Edelman, President Childrens Defense Fund the gap between CEO's and the average workers pay was 325 to 1 in the year 2010. And that 25 of the 100 paid highest CEO's took home more in pay than their companies paid in income tax. Those number continue to grow every year while the middle class suffers the burdens.
The wall street banks monopolies should be broken up, corporate America and the wealthy's special tax breaks and treatment with tax loopholes should be cancelled. Elected officials who's ties to the special interest groups should be banned and the responsibility should be put on elected officials to act themselves in refusing to take campaign contributions or any money from special interest. It is time they devote their job to what is best for the country and its working people who bear the burden of all taxes.
That is just one of many reminders how wealth has been transfered to the wealthy from the middle class. When you put that together with the large bonuses for CEO's and executives, the elimination of jobs and benefits for the average workers and the use of third world country labor it is easy to understand what is going on in our country today and why "occupy wall street" is growing strong.
In a report by Marian Wright Edelman, President Childrens Defense Fund the gap between CEO's and the average workers pay was 325 to 1 in the year 2010. And that 25 of the 100 paid highest CEO's took home more in pay than their companies paid in income tax. Those number continue to grow every year while the middle class suffers the burdens.
The wall street banks monopolies should be broken up, corporate America and the wealthy's special tax breaks and treatment with tax loopholes should be cancelled. Elected officials who's ties to the special interest groups should be banned and the responsibility should be put on elected officials to act themselves in refusing to take campaign contributions or any money from special interest. It is time they devote their job to what is best for the country and its working people who bear the burden of all taxes.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu
Both men offer a stark contrast in how to govern the state and city. Jindal governs by using the usual conservative talking points about blaming every one else when things go wrong in the state. Next to Billy Nungesser he is the little mouth that roars but really has nothing to say of value to the people or the state.
Jindal has had a big problem balancing the state budget since he took office. The previous democratic administration left him a $1 billion surplus and he blew it big time like Bush did with the Clinton administration surpluses. Jindal has not really balanced any state budgets in fact, but only through the legislature's accounting gimmicks. The present state budget is supposed to be in balance but before the fiscal year is over Jindal will announce it is out of balance like his previous budgets.
His hypocrisy came to light in an article published in the Times Picayune of 9/29 concerning of all things the federal budget. You know that big brother he hates so much. In the article written by Michelle Hunter, Jindal before the JPEDC said this about the federal debt. It's not acceptable for us to borrow from our children and grandchildren. It's not acceptable for us to run up this massive debt. The massive debt Jindal talks about happened on the watch of George W. Bush and it happened while Bobby Jindal was a member of congress and while the republicans controlled both houses of congress. The whole time those massive deficits and debt was taken place Jindal and the republicans were silent and in fact rubber stamped Bush's failed policies.
Mayor Landrieu on the other hand does not govern by trying to talk tough or blame others. He faced the city's financial problems and the crime issue with new budget plans, a new police chief and was transparent in doing so. The city is moving forward and the people can see progress. Landrieu is a people's politician who rolls up his sleeves and goes to work. His reorganization of city government is working and many new and improved operations of city government will be coming on line.
Landrieu stepped up to the plate concerning the proposed VA Medical Complex at a time when Vitter and other republicans were trying to scuttle the plans. Landrieu wrote an editorial that blew their phony arguements away. Those loud mouths that like to roar can't even control their own phony rhetoric. Landrieu knows and understands how to get things done without using so called tough talk.
The city in the next four years under Landrieu will do better than the state under Jindal. Just wait and see and remember you read it first here in politidose.
Jindal has had a big problem balancing the state budget since he took office. The previous democratic administration left him a $1 billion surplus and he blew it big time like Bush did with the Clinton administration surpluses. Jindal has not really balanced any state budgets in fact, but only through the legislature's accounting gimmicks. The present state budget is supposed to be in balance but before the fiscal year is over Jindal will announce it is out of balance like his previous budgets.
His hypocrisy came to light in an article published in the Times Picayune of 9/29 concerning of all things the federal budget. You know that big brother he hates so much. In the article written by Michelle Hunter, Jindal before the JPEDC said this about the federal debt. It's not acceptable for us to borrow from our children and grandchildren. It's not acceptable for us to run up this massive debt. The massive debt Jindal talks about happened on the watch of George W. Bush and it happened while Bobby Jindal was a member of congress and while the republicans controlled both houses of congress. The whole time those massive deficits and debt was taken place Jindal and the republicans were silent and in fact rubber stamped Bush's failed policies.
Mayor Landrieu on the other hand does not govern by trying to talk tough or blame others. He faced the city's financial problems and the crime issue with new budget plans, a new police chief and was transparent in doing so. The city is moving forward and the people can see progress. Landrieu is a people's politician who rolls up his sleeves and goes to work. His reorganization of city government is working and many new and improved operations of city government will be coming on line.
Landrieu stepped up to the plate concerning the proposed VA Medical Complex at a time when Vitter and other republicans were trying to scuttle the plans. Landrieu wrote an editorial that blew their phony arguements away. Those loud mouths that like to roar can't even control their own phony rhetoric. Landrieu knows and understands how to get things done without using so called tough talk.
The city in the next four years under Landrieu will do better than the state under Jindal. Just wait and see and remember you read it first here in politidose.
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