Saturday, June 10, 2006
Good Grief vs. Godless Greed
She’s baaaack! In her latest “hate Americans first” manifesto Ann Coulter takes the expected swipes at liberals because, well, it’s just what she does best – erect straw men so she can enrich herself knocking the stuffing out of them.
Her latest premise in “Godless: the Church of Liberalism” is that liberalism in itself is a cultish sect within which the parishioners put evolution, or Darwinism as she calls it, before creationism. That pretty much sums it up – if you find it objectionable that religious displays or acts occur in publicly owned property then you pray at the altar of liberalism. Further, since there is no scientific proof, at least to her satisfaction, that evolution explains how the human species came into existence it leaves intelligent design as the plausible explanation.
Over at http://www.anncoulter.com/cgi-local/welcome.cgi”>anncoulter.com you can read an overview of the book in her own words. Forever the victim, she chides bookstores for not prominently displaying the vile narrative front and center:
Although, why in the world anyone would go to Barnes and Noble when you can find it for a bargain basement price of $4.99 http://www.newsmax.com/adv/godless/?PROMO_CODE=1E66-1”>over at Newsmax. Before long they’ll give a copy away with each “Support the Troops” car magnet you purchase.
Speaking of victims, what is up with Coulter’s unrelenting attacks on the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jersey_Girls”>Jersey Girls? Not only did they lose their husbands in the attacks of September 11th, now according to Coulter they are losing their free will to the Church of Liberalism who now use them as props to attack her delusions of George W. Bush’s bold leadership. Not only were they instrumental in at least having the appearance of a public airing of what went wrong the day their mates met Republican lack of preparedness fates, these brave women had the audacity to try and force Bush and his Congressional acolytes to http://www.voicesofsept11.org/911ic/102804.htm”>enact the Sept. 11th Commission’s recommendations to no avail.
If Coulter’s vitriolic rhetoric is just an act to turn a buck then it could easily be explained away as just another Republican cashing in on the right’s need to gain affirmation for what is already integral to their partisan belief system. But somehow there seems to be a genuine sincerity there which would point to a whole different religious sect in itself – Compassionate Conservativism.
She’s baaaack! In her latest “hate Americans first” manifesto Ann Coulter takes the expected swipes at liberals because, well, it’s just what she does best – erect straw men so she can enrich herself knocking the stuffing out of them.
Her latest premise in “Godless: the Church of Liberalism” is that liberalism in itself is a cultish sect within which the parishioners put evolution, or Darwinism as she calls it, before creationism. That pretty much sums it up – if you find it objectionable that religious displays or acts occur in publicly owned property then you pray at the altar of liberalism. Further, since there is no scientific proof, at least to her satisfaction, that evolution explains how the human species came into existence it leaves intelligent design as the plausible explanation.
Over at http://www.anncoulter.com/cgi-local/welcome.cgi”>anncoulter.com you can read an overview of the book in her own words. Forever the victim, she chides bookstores for not prominently displaying the vile narrative front and center:
The main problem with "Godless" is that I had to walk through the valley of darkness to find it. You will have to push past surly bookstore clerks, proceed past the weird people in the "self-help" section, and finally past the stacks and stacks of Hillary Clinton's memoirs. If all else fails, ask for the "hate speech" section of your local bookstore. Ironically, if you find "Godless" without asking for assistance, it's considered a minor miracle.
Although, why in the world anyone would go to Barnes and Noble when you can find it for a bargain basement price of $4.99 http://www.newsmax.com/adv/godless/?PROMO_CODE=1E66-1”>over at Newsmax. Before long they’ll give a copy away with each “Support the Troops” car magnet you purchase.
Speaking of victims, what is up with Coulter’s unrelenting attacks on the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jersey_Girls”>Jersey Girls? Not only did they lose their husbands in the attacks of September 11th, now according to Coulter they are losing their free will to the Church of Liberalism who now use them as props to attack her delusions of George W. Bush’s bold leadership. Not only were they instrumental in at least having the appearance of a public airing of what went wrong the day their mates met Republican lack of preparedness fates, these brave women had the audacity to try and force Bush and his Congressional acolytes to http://www.voicesofsept11.org/911ic/102804.htm”>enact the Sept. 11th Commission’s recommendations to no avail.
If Coulter’s vitriolic rhetoric is just an act to turn a buck then it could easily be explained away as just another Republican cashing in on the right’s need to gain affirmation for what is already integral to their partisan belief system. But somehow there seems to be a genuine sincerity there which would point to a whole different religious sect in itself – Compassionate Conservativism.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Iran's Poison Pill
In politics the term "poison pill" means that language inserted into or amendments are attached to a bill that would make it unacceptable to the required number of legislators not allowing it to carry forward thus dying on the vine. In using this tactic the crafters purposely make the possibility of any compromise pretty much dead on arrival, their aim from the onset. This tactic has proved useful in the "diplomatic" events leading up to the wars waged against Afghanistan and Iraq, and seems to be force fed to Iran.
After the September 11th attacks almost immediately Usama bin Laden was named as the mastermind behind the attacks. In an address to Congress, Bush made the following demands of Afghanistan's ruling body, the Taliban:
1. Release all foreign nationals, including American citizens, you have unjustly imprisoned.
2. Protect foreign journalists, diplomats, and aid workers in your country.
3. Close immediately and permanently every terrorist training camp in Afghanistan, and hand over every terrorist, and every person in their support structure, to appropriate authorities.
4. Give the United States full access to terrorist training camps, so we can make sure they are no longer operating.
"These demands are not open to negotiation or discussion. The Taliban must act, and act immediately. They will hand over the terrorists, or they will share in their fate."
On the face it is obvious that at any time the first demand could be used as a pretext since it would be impossible to prove that "all" such unnamed individuals were released. The second demand places a standard of protection that no government could ever assure. Any incident involving these groups, even if carried out by The Taliban's enemies, could be used as a causus belli for war.
It is the third demand that was actually used as a poison pill. Not only was it impossible to satisfy this demand, as our inability to capture many of the terrorists since our invasion has shown, it placed at issue Afghani sovereignty itself. Bush demanded that bin Laden be handed over, even though he was not in hand. The Taliban flatly refused this demand since Bush didn't feel it necessary to supply any proof of bin Laden involvement, evidence of which we are still waiting. In a strange irony The Taliban's leader Mullah Omar has met the same fate as bin Laden, a threat Bush fulfilled through incompetence alone.
In the lead up to the Iraq war there was a demand made by Bush that Saddam Hussein give up power and leave his country in 48 hours or face the consequences. At the time it seemed unlikely that Hussein would go the route of Charles Taylor and split. Especially since at the time France and Russia were trying to stop the use of the UN as cover for an invasion seeking a legitimacy. It has since been revealed that Saddam Hussein was interested in the exile option, which turned out to be a poison pill to those who preferred war and occupation to a peaceful resolution. It was therefore rejected as an option leaving it rather dubious as to why it was even proffered in the first place.
Now Uncle Sam's finger is being pointed towards Iran and their nuclear ambitions. The Iranian's claim that they are merely exercising their rights under the NPT to nuclear power which includes the enrichment of uranium for this purpose. The Bush administration claims to know Tehran's intent and has vowed to stop a development it has yet to show evidence (sound familiar?) that it is Iran policy. There are too claims that nuclear weapons may be in the plans for use to stop Iran's suspected ambitions.
A crack recently appeared in the wall that separated any possibility of this Axis of Evil stand-off being resolved diplomatically. Secretary of State Rice indicated that we would enter into talks currently taking place between European Union nations and Iran on the uranium enrichment matter. On the face this sounds like an encouraging breakthrough until Rice's words are carefully dissected:
"We urge Iran to make this choice for peace, to abandon its ambition for nuclear weapons," Rice said. Refusing to do so, she added, "will lead to international isolation and progressively stronger political and economic sanctions."
First it is necessary to reiterate that there is no clear evidence that Iran has nuclear weapon ambitions. Second it has to be noted that Iran has led a relatively peaceful existence, not invading any other country except to beat back Iraq following Saddam's 1980's war waged against them. Threats like sanctions and nuclear action as noted above certainly don't start the process out on a note of non-hostility.
It is the demand that Iran give up its uranium enrichment experimentation before the US even shows up at the bargaining table which serves as the poison pill to make any possibility of an impasse DOA. Any package that does not allow Iran to exercise this right, even under the most scrutinized of circumstances, is a deal buster from the get go. A recent piece by Michael Ledeen hints that this latest attempt at placating is but a necessary step towards the inevitable for which in Bush's mind has already been decided.
According to Rice there is only a window of "weeks" for this issue to be resolved to Bush's satisfaction. If Ledeen is right, the handwriting is already on that wall with a hairline fracture, not the crack we're being shown.
In politics the term "poison pill" means that language inserted into or amendments are attached to a bill that would make it unacceptable to the required number of legislators not allowing it to carry forward thus dying on the vine. In using this tactic the crafters purposely make the possibility of any compromise pretty much dead on arrival, their aim from the onset. This tactic has proved useful in the "diplomatic" events leading up to the wars waged against Afghanistan and Iraq, and seems to be force fed to Iran.
After the September 11th attacks almost immediately Usama bin Laden was named as the mastermind behind the attacks. In an address to Congress, Bush made the following demands of Afghanistan's ruling body, the Taliban:
1. Release all foreign nationals, including American citizens, you have unjustly imprisoned.
2. Protect foreign journalists, diplomats, and aid workers in your country.
3. Close immediately and permanently every terrorist training camp in Afghanistan, and hand over every terrorist, and every person in their support structure, to appropriate authorities.
4. Give the United States full access to terrorist training camps, so we can make sure they are no longer operating.
"These demands are not open to negotiation or discussion. The Taliban must act, and act immediately. They will hand over the terrorists, or they will share in their fate."
On the face it is obvious that at any time the first demand could be used as a pretext since it would be impossible to prove that "all" such unnamed individuals were released. The second demand places a standard of protection that no government could ever assure. Any incident involving these groups, even if carried out by The Taliban's enemies, could be used as a causus belli for war.
It is the third demand that was actually used as a poison pill. Not only was it impossible to satisfy this demand, as our inability to capture many of the terrorists since our invasion has shown, it placed at issue Afghani sovereignty itself. Bush demanded that bin Laden be handed over, even though he was not in hand. The Taliban flatly refused this demand since Bush didn't feel it necessary to supply any proof of bin Laden involvement, evidence of which we are still waiting. In a strange irony The Taliban's leader Mullah Omar has met the same fate as bin Laden, a threat Bush fulfilled through incompetence alone.
In the lead up to the Iraq war there was a demand made by Bush that Saddam Hussein give up power and leave his country in 48 hours or face the consequences. At the time it seemed unlikely that Hussein would go the route of Charles Taylor and split. Especially since at the time France and Russia were trying to stop the use of the UN as cover for an invasion seeking a legitimacy. It has since been revealed that Saddam Hussein was interested in the exile option, which turned out to be a poison pill to those who preferred war and occupation to a peaceful resolution. It was therefore rejected as an option leaving it rather dubious as to why it was even proffered in the first place.
Now Uncle Sam's finger is being pointed towards Iran and their nuclear ambitions. The Iranian's claim that they are merely exercising their rights under the NPT to nuclear power which includes the enrichment of uranium for this purpose. The Bush administration claims to know Tehran's intent and has vowed to stop a development it has yet to show evidence (sound familiar?) that it is Iran policy. There are too claims that nuclear weapons may be in the plans for use to stop Iran's suspected ambitions.
A crack recently appeared in the wall that separated any possibility of this Axis of Evil stand-off being resolved diplomatically. Secretary of State Rice indicated that we would enter into talks currently taking place between European Union nations and Iran on the uranium enrichment matter. On the face this sounds like an encouraging breakthrough until Rice's words are carefully dissected:
"We urge Iran to make this choice for peace, to abandon its ambition for nuclear weapons," Rice said. Refusing to do so, she added, "will lead to international isolation and progressively stronger political and economic sanctions."
First it is necessary to reiterate that there is no clear evidence that Iran has nuclear weapon ambitions. Second it has to be noted that Iran has led a relatively peaceful existence, not invading any other country except to beat back Iraq following Saddam's 1980's war waged against them. Threats like sanctions and nuclear action as noted above certainly don't start the process out on a note of non-hostility.
It is the demand that Iran give up its uranium enrichment experimentation before the US even shows up at the bargaining table which serves as the poison pill to make any possibility of an impasse DOA. Any package that does not allow Iran to exercise this right, even under the most scrutinized of circumstances, is a deal buster from the get go. A recent piece by Michael Ledeen hints that this latest attempt at placating is but a necessary step towards the inevitable for which in Bush's mind has already been decided.
According to Rice there is only a window of "weeks" for this issue to be resolved to Bush's satisfaction. If Ledeen is right, the handwriting is already on that wall with a hairline fracture, not the crack we're being shown.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Top Conservative Rock Song Tribute Album
Now that the National Review has compiled its list of the top 50 conservative rock songs its time that performers be assembled to pound out a tribute album. There are just so many fitting individuals out there on the right to choose from that it was difficult to decide on the best possible choices, but here are some of the more obvious:
1. Won’t Get Fooled Again (The Who) – who better than Rush Limbaugh whose radio show lead in used to go something like – just sit back and relax, you don’t even need to think because we’ll do all of the thinking for you – pretty much says it all. Heck, what’s more conservative than multiple marriages, a drug addiction, and supporting an administration that starts pre-emptive wars on the chance that there’ll be some down the road payoff.
2. Taxman (The Beatles) – since Ronald Reagan who was a natural due to his trickle down tax policies has passed on, its only fitting that George H.W. Bush step up on the stage so we can read his lips on where he stands in this regard. This erstwhile flip-flopper could lip synch the words and they’d still come through loud and strong.
3. Sympathy for the Devil (The Rolling Stones) – this is one of the tougher decisions because both Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson have profited so neatly from their “give us piles of your money or burn in hell” admonitions, but you have to go with Robertson who can leg press a cool ton. Imagine him drop kicking Peavey amps into the audience for effect. Maybe he could even muster a hurricane to ooh the crowd?
4. Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd) – recent American Idol winner Taylor Hicks is a native natural for this song. The guy is dumb as a stump and a professional who ended up winning an amateur like talent contest due to his likeability factor and down home soul. He personifies that you don’t have to be the best, the smartest, or even have any real qualifications to be revered in the South. It’s all in the marketing, baby. Would you expect anything more from FOX than to keep the Southern Strategy alive for as long as possible?
5. Wouldn’t it be Nice (The Beach Boys) – The left’s obvious choice here is Patrick Fitzgerald, but belting out this classic for the right has to be Grover Norquist. Just imagine government becoming so small that it could be drowned in a bathtub. Of course since he’s been advising Bush for the last five plus years you’d need a pretty damn big bathtub to get the job done.
6. Revolution (The Beatle) – not since Barry Goldwater has anyone been able to revolutionize the Republican Party as has Karl Rove. Bush’s Brain, Turdblossom, whatever affectionate moniker assigned you have to hand it to Rove for taking an unstoppable juggernaut and reducing it to a group of crooked bumblers that can’t get out of their own way. How long can he use bait and switch tactics like Harriet Miers to keep it together? Fitzgerald may have the answer to that conundrum.
7. Bodies (The Sex Pistols) – like a “We are the World” assembly it would be fitting to have a chorus from all of K Street’s military industrial complex lobbyists gather to harmonize how none of it would be possible without the human cogs that are ground up by their war machine. Although, “Counting Bodies Like Sheep” by Depeche Mode could be a fitting encore.
8. 20th Century Man (The Kinks) – possibly every single rightie who believes that the media lost Vietnam, Reagan was one of the greatest presidents of all time, and that there never was really a BC (before Clinton) with what ails our country could step up to the mike on this one. Somebody has to tell them that this is now the 21st century, so go sing “Living in the Past” from Jethro Tull to the base because the rest of the country left these fools behind a long time ago. Surely Sean Hannity could front this group effort.
9. Neighborhood Bully (Bob Dylan) – c’mon, if anybody thought of anyone other than Bill O’Reilly then you just aren’t with it. Whether a resounding “shut up”, threats of turning off your mike, or lining up a cadre of B-type personalities and inarticulate lightweights to represent the opposition, Falafel Bill doesn’t disappoint.
10. My City was Gone (The Pretenders) – thanks to the literal drowning of New Orleans this has to be presented by none other than Homeland Security’s Michael Chertoff. For a fee I’m fairly certain that former FEMA head Michael Brown can be convinced to sing back up on this number.
11. Get Over It (The Eagles) – used as the rallying cry by less than understanding bloviators after the SCOtUS appointed G. W. Bush President in 2000, this is was pretty much all we heard for months. To assist with the arrangement could be Jeb Bush and Katherine Harris. Be careful though, things won’t quite be the same after listening to this haunting rendition.
12. Stay Together for the Kids (Blink 182) – this song was written for Rudy Giuliani whoseformer wife had to get a court order banning his mistress from Gracie Mansion leaves us wondering what to tell the children. Maybe “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” by James Brown just might work.
13. The Battle for Evermore (Led Zeppelin) – a new “boy Band” needs to be formed to sell this classic. Of course it would include a bevy of neo-cons like Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Perle, John Bolton, oh you get the picture. Go over to PNAC if you must to get the entire rundown. A never ending war against a stateless entity that is fundamentalist in nature, who could ask for better components when selling a “long slog” conflict.
14. You Can’t Always Get What You Want (The Rolling Stones) – what’s better than a duet from George W. Bush and Dick Cheney to entertain us with a bluesy rendition to lament their near complete installment of an Unitary Executive. It certainly hasn’t been from a lack of trying, and the question remains as to whom it is intended to benefit, the puppet or the puppet master? Maybe Milli Vanilli can help them out with this dilemma?
15. Stand by Your Man (Tammy Wynette) – poor Laura Bush, it must be tough to be married to a guy who now polls in the same neighborhood as Richard Nixon. For a self professed feminist this has to be especially difficult. Maybe she can burn her bra on stage and have The Bangles as back up? Then again, the cost of reprogramming after the concert could be prohibitive.
Well there you have it. There is always the possibility of a 2 CD set, so feel free to add to the list or to suggest your own performers since contracts have yet to be let.
Now that the National Review has compiled its list of the top 50 conservative rock songs its time that performers be assembled to pound out a tribute album. There are just so many fitting individuals out there on the right to choose from that it was difficult to decide on the best possible choices, but here are some of the more obvious:
1. Won’t Get Fooled Again (The Who) – who better than Rush Limbaugh whose radio show lead in used to go something like – just sit back and relax, you don’t even need to think because we’ll do all of the thinking for you – pretty much says it all. Heck, what’s more conservative than multiple marriages, a drug addiction, and supporting an administration that starts pre-emptive wars on the chance that there’ll be some down the road payoff.
2. Taxman (The Beatles) – since Ronald Reagan who was a natural due to his trickle down tax policies has passed on, its only fitting that George H.W. Bush step up on the stage so we can read his lips on where he stands in this regard. This erstwhile flip-flopper could lip synch the words and they’d still come through loud and strong.
3. Sympathy for the Devil (The Rolling Stones) – this is one of the tougher decisions because both Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson have profited so neatly from their “give us piles of your money or burn in hell” admonitions, but you have to go with Robertson who can leg press a cool ton. Imagine him drop kicking Peavey amps into the audience for effect. Maybe he could even muster a hurricane to ooh the crowd?
4. Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd) – recent American Idol winner Taylor Hicks is a native natural for this song. The guy is dumb as a stump and a professional who ended up winning an amateur like talent contest due to his likeability factor and down home soul. He personifies that you don’t have to be the best, the smartest, or even have any real qualifications to be revered in the South. It’s all in the marketing, baby. Would you expect anything more from FOX than to keep the Southern Strategy alive for as long as possible?
5. Wouldn’t it be Nice (The Beach Boys) – The left’s obvious choice here is Patrick Fitzgerald, but belting out this classic for the right has to be Grover Norquist. Just imagine government becoming so small that it could be drowned in a bathtub. Of course since he’s been advising Bush for the last five plus years you’d need a pretty damn big bathtub to get the job done.
6. Revolution (The Beatle) – not since Barry Goldwater has anyone been able to revolutionize the Republican Party as has Karl Rove. Bush’s Brain, Turdblossom, whatever affectionate moniker assigned you have to hand it to Rove for taking an unstoppable juggernaut and reducing it to a group of crooked bumblers that can’t get out of their own way. How long can he use bait and switch tactics like Harriet Miers to keep it together? Fitzgerald may have the answer to that conundrum.
7. Bodies (The Sex Pistols) – like a “We are the World” assembly it would be fitting to have a chorus from all of K Street’s military industrial complex lobbyists gather to harmonize how none of it would be possible without the human cogs that are ground up by their war machine. Although, “Counting Bodies Like Sheep” by Depeche Mode could be a fitting encore.
8. 20th Century Man (The Kinks) – possibly every single rightie who believes that the media lost Vietnam, Reagan was one of the greatest presidents of all time, and that there never was really a BC (before Clinton) with what ails our country could step up to the mike on this one. Somebody has to tell them that this is now the 21st century, so go sing “Living in the Past” from Jethro Tull to the base because the rest of the country left these fools behind a long time ago. Surely Sean Hannity could front this group effort.
9. Neighborhood Bully (Bob Dylan) – c’mon, if anybody thought of anyone other than Bill O’Reilly then you just aren’t with it. Whether a resounding “shut up”, threats of turning off your mike, or lining up a cadre of B-type personalities and inarticulate lightweights to represent the opposition, Falafel Bill doesn’t disappoint.
10. My City was Gone (The Pretenders) – thanks to the literal drowning of New Orleans this has to be presented by none other than Homeland Security’s Michael Chertoff. For a fee I’m fairly certain that former FEMA head Michael Brown can be convinced to sing back up on this number.
11. Get Over It (The Eagles) – used as the rallying cry by less than understanding bloviators after the SCOtUS appointed G. W. Bush President in 2000, this is was pretty much all we heard for months. To assist with the arrangement could be Jeb Bush and Katherine Harris. Be careful though, things won’t quite be the same after listening to this haunting rendition.
12. Stay Together for the Kids (Blink 182) – this song was written for Rudy Giuliani whoseformer wife had to get a court order banning his mistress from Gracie Mansion leaves us wondering what to tell the children. Maybe “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” by James Brown just might work.
13. The Battle for Evermore (Led Zeppelin) – a new “boy Band” needs to be formed to sell this classic. Of course it would include a bevy of neo-cons like Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Perle, John Bolton, oh you get the picture. Go over to PNAC if you must to get the entire rundown. A never ending war against a stateless entity that is fundamentalist in nature, who could ask for better components when selling a “long slog” conflict.
14. You Can’t Always Get What You Want (The Rolling Stones) – what’s better than a duet from George W. Bush and Dick Cheney to entertain us with a bluesy rendition to lament their near complete installment of an Unitary Executive. It certainly hasn’t been from a lack of trying, and the question remains as to whom it is intended to benefit, the puppet or the puppet master? Maybe Milli Vanilli can help them out with this dilemma?
15. Stand by Your Man (Tammy Wynette) – poor Laura Bush, it must be tough to be married to a guy who now polls in the same neighborhood as Richard Nixon. For a self professed feminist this has to be especially difficult. Maybe she can burn her bra on stage and have The Bangles as back up? Then again, the cost of reprogramming after the concert could be prohibitive.
Well there you have it. There is always the possibility of a 2 CD set, so feel free to add to the list or to suggest your own performers since contracts have yet to be let.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
I RAN, I RAN SO FAR AWAY, WE'VE GOT TO GET AWAY
By the time back in 1982 when the Flock of Seagulls penned these lyrics the worm had already turned in the Iran-Iraq war. The Iranians had beaten back Saddam Hussein's invasion and were seeking ways to take the fight into the heart of Iraq. It was the same year that Iraq was removed by the US State Department from the list of states that support international terrorism. By the end of the next year the Reagan administration threw their weight behind Iraq culminating with the late 1983 visit from special envoy Donald Rumsfeld leaving behind the now infamous handshake photo with Saddam Hussein. In hindsight it's easy on the surface to say that we backed the wrong horse, and thanks to Bush's Executive Order 13233 which blocked the release of Reagan documents on the era, we may not know for some time to come what really went down.
As an extension of Reagan's policies we pitted both sides against each other through the Iran Contra Affair where people like current administration member John Poindexter and Bush's father illegally supplied both sides in the protracted war that left millions dead and our credibility in the region shot full of holes. So the distrust Iran has towards us is rooted in alignments and associations detrimental to their safety. In this light it is remarkable that Iran's recent explicit request for direct talks was even proferred.
However, there are some rather steep hurdles yet to be overcome. First one side or the other has to move off of their unwavering positions. The US demands that Iran forever forego enriching uranium. That's a mighty long time to give up a right explicitly endowed as a signatory to the NPT, a right that Iran has been solidly unwilling to relinquish under any circumstances.
Even if the sides are able to get past this seemingly insurmountable barrier, it would leave maybe an even bigger obstacle - who in the Bush Administration has enough credibility left on the issue to be able to hammer out a resolution?
John Bolton? Despite being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, this guy couldn't even get an endorsement for a diplomatic appointment from a legislative body dominated by his boss's party. Ushering Bolton through the back door using a recess appointment, his prime mission of "fixing" the UN has given way to nearly full-time efforts to secure sanctions against Iran. Given his eerie speech at AIPAC where he delightfully threatened Iran with "all available" US options, his credibility as a peacemaker is beyond lacking.
Condoleezza Rice? As the word "failure" has become synonymous with Republican governance, Condi could very well qualify as the poster child for this tag. Lest we forget that as National Security Advisor she failed to piece together prior warnings about the worst attack on American soil in the history of the country. Not only was this failure a long reaching catastrophe for foreign policy, she purjored herself by lying about it in front of the 9/11 Commission. For weeks leading up to her testimony, and in front of the panel, Condi repeatedly said that the attacks were a surprise and that all warnings were about foreign targets. Then cam the Parry Mason moment where she had to admit that bin Laden was determined to strike inside the US. Hyping the threat posed by Iraq is an example of how she'll put ideology before the facts to achieve a pre-conceived end. She is not trustworthy and therefore not someone to be taken seriously.
Others? The current administration is rife with ideologues. The Pentagon, the State Department, pretty much everywhere it is infested with like minded individuals who have indicated nothing but disdain towards any overtures for peace. Our once big bag of sticks and carrots has been reduced to a sack of twigs and compost thanks to our military's overextension and the running up of massive deficits.
So here we are stuck with an air strike only option. Although, allowing UN IAEA oversight until a negotiator with credibility shows up on the scene would be the best approach. Unfortunately it won't likely happen until a new administration comes to power here at home. Staving off "the crazies" until then will be a difficult task indeed.
By the time back in 1982 when the Flock of Seagulls penned these lyrics the worm had already turned in the Iran-Iraq war. The Iranians had beaten back Saddam Hussein's invasion and were seeking ways to take the fight into the heart of Iraq. It was the same year that Iraq was removed by the US State Department from the list of states that support international terrorism. By the end of the next year the Reagan administration threw their weight behind Iraq culminating with the late 1983 visit from special envoy Donald Rumsfeld leaving behind the now infamous handshake photo with Saddam Hussein. In hindsight it's easy on the surface to say that we backed the wrong horse, and thanks to Bush's Executive Order 13233 which blocked the release of Reagan documents on the era, we may not know for some time to come what really went down.
As an extension of Reagan's policies we pitted both sides against each other through the Iran Contra Affair where people like current administration member John Poindexter and Bush's father illegally supplied both sides in the protracted war that left millions dead and our credibility in the region shot full of holes. So the distrust Iran has towards us is rooted in alignments and associations detrimental to their safety. In this light it is remarkable that Iran's recent explicit request for direct talks was even proferred.
However, there are some rather steep hurdles yet to be overcome. First one side or the other has to move off of their unwavering positions. The US demands that Iran forever forego enriching uranium. That's a mighty long time to give up a right explicitly endowed as a signatory to the NPT, a right that Iran has been solidly unwilling to relinquish under any circumstances.
Even if the sides are able to get past this seemingly insurmountable barrier, it would leave maybe an even bigger obstacle - who in the Bush Administration has enough credibility left on the issue to be able to hammer out a resolution?
John Bolton? Despite being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, this guy couldn't even get an endorsement for a diplomatic appointment from a legislative body dominated by his boss's party. Ushering Bolton through the back door using a recess appointment, his prime mission of "fixing" the UN has given way to nearly full-time efforts to secure sanctions against Iran. Given his eerie speech at AIPAC where he delightfully threatened Iran with "all available" US options, his credibility as a peacemaker is beyond lacking.
Condoleezza Rice? As the word "failure" has become synonymous with Republican governance, Condi could very well qualify as the poster child for this tag. Lest we forget that as National Security Advisor she failed to piece together prior warnings about the worst attack on American soil in the history of the country. Not only was this failure a long reaching catastrophe for foreign policy, she purjored herself by lying about it in front of the 9/11 Commission. For weeks leading up to her testimony, and in front of the panel, Condi repeatedly said that the attacks were a surprise and that all warnings were about foreign targets. Then cam the Parry Mason moment where she had to admit that bin Laden was determined to strike inside the US. Hyping the threat posed by Iraq is an example of how she'll put ideology before the facts to achieve a pre-conceived end. She is not trustworthy and therefore not someone to be taken seriously.
Others? The current administration is rife with ideologues. The Pentagon, the State Department, pretty much everywhere it is infested with like minded individuals who have indicated nothing but disdain towards any overtures for peace. Our once big bag of sticks and carrots has been reduced to a sack of twigs and compost thanks to our military's overextension and the running up of massive deficits.
So here we are stuck with an air strike only option. Although, allowing UN IAEA oversight until a negotiator with credibility shows up on the scene would be the best approach. Unfortunately it won't likely happen until a new administration comes to power here at home. Staving off "the crazies" until then will be a difficult task indeed.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
GETTING LAYED:
It's always exciting when a noun turns into a verb. The one that's regularly cited is the act of having to "Google" something. Thanks to today's conviction (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/enron_trial) of Ken Lay it may open up a whole new set of circumstances under which our now official language can be opened up for felonious references.
For instance, imagine you are some poor schlep who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. As a result, say tens of billions of dollars gets sucked down a rat hole, thousands lose their jobs, ESOP and their pensions. Heck, even imagine that some poor stiff (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/04/10/eveningnews/main505845.shtml) ends up dead. Yup, just another bad day at the office.
Then some over zealous DA dreams up this wild-ass conspiracy and convinces 12 good citizens that it's not only somehow your fault since you were the top banana, they trump up that there were illegalities involved. Well pal, you just got "Layed"! No small talk, hugging, kissing, or even foreplay. Wham, bam, thank you maam you're screwed.
The possibilities are endless. You try to ring up one of your political buddies for a pardon, but you get "Layed" out high and dry when they don't return your calls. Your new cellmate has been aching for a companion with whom he could set up a "Layed" back lifestyle and buddy up to. You could very well end up on your back "Layed" up for a "stiff" sentence.
Yup, get out your dictionaries and pencil it in. I wonder what the word for "Layed" would be in Spanish?
It's always exciting when a noun turns into a verb. The one that's regularly cited is the act of having to "Google" something. Thanks to today's conviction (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/enron_trial) of Ken Lay it may open up a whole new set of circumstances under which our now official language can be opened up for felonious references.
For instance, imagine you are some poor schlep who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. As a result, say tens of billions of dollars gets sucked down a rat hole, thousands lose their jobs, ESOP and their pensions. Heck, even imagine that some poor stiff (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/04/10/eveningnews/main505845.shtml) ends up dead. Yup, just another bad day at the office.
Then some over zealous DA dreams up this wild-ass conspiracy and convinces 12 good citizens that it's not only somehow your fault since you were the top banana, they trump up that there were illegalities involved. Well pal, you just got "Layed"! No small talk, hugging, kissing, or even foreplay. Wham, bam, thank you maam you're screwed.
The possibilities are endless. You try to ring up one of your political buddies for a pardon, but you get "Layed" out high and dry when they don't return your calls. Your new cellmate has been aching for a companion with whom he could set up a "Layed" back lifestyle and buddy up to. You could very well end up on your back "Layed" up for a "stiff" sentence.
Yup, get out your dictionaries and pencil it in. I wonder what the word for "Layed" would be in Spanish?
CHENEY SETS GROUND RULES FOR LIBBY HEARING TESTIMONY
It was reported by MSNBC that Dick Cheney may be called to testify regarding the investigation into the purjory charges filed against his former aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby.
Appearing shaken and concerned, the Vice President announced that he will gladly testify under the following conditions:
It was reported by MSNBC that Dick Cheney may be called to testify regarding the investigation into the purjory charges filed against his former aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby.
Appearing shaken and concerned, the Vice President announced that he will gladly testify under the following conditions:
- The time and place chosen will not interfere with the pending invasion of Iran. Actually, anytime after the invasion would fit his schedule just fine since getting inside the country is all that really matters. After that, his "planner" is going to be pretty much open, at least until Syria's nuclear weapons ambitions become an issue of concern.
- Under "Executive Privelege" no information concerning said testimony can be released. National security could be seriously compromised if information concerning classified national intelligence assets was made public.
- President Bush would testify alongside the VP. Contractual obligations tied to joint testimony given before the 9/11 Commission makes it mandatory that all interrogations be conducted in tandem. All question directed to Mr. Bush, of course, would be fielded by Mr. Cheney as was the past case.
- John Roberts gets to personally select the person to adjudicate over all proceedings. This is to be done in consultaion with David Addington and Harriet Miers. The right will be reserved to remove said appointee should decisions conradict the facts as they are understood by those who are in a position to create their own realities.
- Patrick Fitzgerald would be required to publicly kiss Mr. Cheney's ass prior to and following all future press conferences held regarding the case. This is to occur only after all talking points are properly vetted by the Vice President's office.
All of the above are non-negogiable, but Mr. Cheney did add that he is looking forward to cooperating in any way that will get to the bottom of any traitorous activity. Although, the Vice President did mouth "Go Fuck Yourself" to the process server once the Vice President got done cackling his ass off regarding the subpoena. It has been rumored but not confirmed that the serving document will be used as a template to replace the Constitution toilet paper currently being used in his office's rest rooms.
