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: Some Funny...Some Not So Funny....
The "Greatest Show on Earth" did not disappoint on the first day of the new Month!!!

The day began, for me, taking a look at the current edition of Newsweek Magazine headling a Jonathan Alter er piece. Newsweek, of course, will go on under its new owner, Sidney Harman--who happens to be the husband of the California Congresswoman Jane Harman. Jonathan Alter talks It shows how Obama has been characterized as a terrorist-coddling, wall street loving, godless, Foreign-Born, Muslim--when in fact none of it is true. Between the Afghan Surge, drone attacks, rejecting nationalization of banks and pushing to get monies back from GM and Chrysler, the record is one of a comitted capitalist. What is now prevalent is a testanment to the power of the Right Wing Noise Machine having been as effective as it has been. I nearly fell off my Chair when Mitch McConnel noted that he took the President at his word that he was not a Muslim. This is not as bad as Rush noting that Imam Hussein Obama is here and now!!! Does Mitch McConnell live in the same America or is it a different America? I wonder.


As this nonsense over the President continues, there is of course the true realities. Although Mr. Obama declared the end of combat operations in Iraq, the fact remains that the United States will continue to be engaged there. The Republicans wanted the President to thank President Bush for the "victory" in Iraq. The fact remains that the War was wrong, the premise was wrong and the Country is worst off because of this ill-conceived war that cost over 800 Billion Dollars. Iraq is a broken, shattered country that is under the thumb of the major regional powers. Yet, in the fantasy world that is the Republican Party today, they want the World to believe otherwise that America won.


The same amen crowd that pushed the rightenousness of the Iraq War is also behind the Mosque hysteria. If one visits the Keep America Safe website, all they talk about is the Ground Zero Mosque. It is as if they have nothing else to talk about. Liz Cheney's crusade against the Mosque seems to have been her group's raison d'etre. That's fine because that is her right to exercise her right of free speech. But, her paranoia surprises me becuase she was part of the gang that was in charge of US Foreign Policy during the Bush Years. She claims to be an expert on the Middle East, yet seems to have no clue whatsoever and seems to want to portray Muslims as animals. The only word I could possibly find to explain her action is simply this: Racist. For someone who is a lawyer, it seems as if she has no clue about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the history of this great land. She apparently needs to re-read history. That seems to be out of fashion, though, in the fantasyland of The New Republican Party today.

The Greatest Show on Earth that is the US Election Season continues to be ever more surprising, though. Joe "Wacko" Miller seems to be the gift that keeps on giving. His pronoucements about the Feds simply pulling out of Alaska is perfectly understandable. But, it seems as if he has to explain to the people of Alaska how he intends to replace all the Federal Funds. What if some of us around the country would want all the monies we sent to Alaska to come back? How would Alaska propose to pay that back as Oil begins to run out? Other candidates also seem to be on this wacko trip that seems to be never ending--but it sure is fun to watch!!! There is also the issue of the repeal of "Obamacare". I have been trying to find out what Mr. Miller's solution is counter the actions of regional hospital chains like Sutter Health in Northern California that charge 3 times the normal rate for a normal procedure and even the mightly insurance companies can't say anything about it.

Back in California, Fiorina and Boxer had their debate. It was a contentious one because the race is one that is supposedly a toss-up right now. What I found quite ironic was how Fiornia criticized how her tenure at HP was brought out and used as a political football. Someone had to remind her that politics is a high-touch contact sport where nothing is off the table--with the exception of one's family. California is a Democratic-Majority State. The fact that the polling is fairly close is a reflection of the national mode right now. But, polls are polls. I will not be paying attention to polls--just the facts Fiorina's campaign, though, had already put out a Press Release on the Campaign and Boxer's was yet to do so. So, the publicilty machine has been in full gear and will continue to be so.

There is of course the case of the birthers. Terrence Lakin, an Army Officer, has refused his deployment orders on the grounds that President Obama is foreign-born. I hope the Army will nail him to the wall and Court Martial him. Furthermore, I hope that the Air Force will call back to Active Duty General McInerney, the retired Air Force General who has apparently filed papers in support of Colonel Lakin and court marshall him too. It is one thing to have buffons like Steve King use the hallowed halls of Congress to push their twisted agends. I am sure that the Army will do what needs to be done and I'll let the course of Justice run its' course.

The big elephant in the room is the Economy. I was gratified to see the broad gains in the market yesterday. Yet, the economy continues to remain fragile. The question is whether voters will embrace the current path or give the Republicans another shot. I continue to believe that the election will be a lot closer than handicappers like Charlie Cook and others are calling it. It will be fascinating, though.
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: Although..?!!?!?
It has been quite a month. America is about to enter the Mid-Term Elections. The latest primary results is bound to prove wonderful theatre based on all the pronoucements coming out of the Republican Candidates.

I fell off my chair when I read Politico's latest reporting on what the Republicans have in store. Darrell Issa has threatened, apparently, to begin a wave of investigations of the Obama Adminstration. I need to assess and realize what that will prove. Even this is not as "out there" as the latest pronoucements from Joe Miller, the apparent front runner for the Republican Nomination for Alaska's US Senate seat. Hiss latest comment has been that Unemployment Insurance is not constitutionally authorized. He also noted about the fact that he would have voted against the Fin Reg. Bill. Mr. MIller needs to wake up and realize that Alaska is a "one industry" state--Oil. What happens when the Oil Runs Out? What about all that is going on with Climate Change? Maybe Mr. Miller may want to listen to this bit of a clip from the West Wing:




It is curious how the current debate in the Country exactly resembles what folks like Joe Miller, Sharon Angle, Ken Buck and their sponsors are pushing. I also laughed when I heard Sharon Angle's latest comments about closet Communists currently in Washington who do not care about America. The Democrats have to fashion the debate in this fashion and make the country (including all the detractors) understand the true stakes in this debate.

As I assessed the Republican Attack Machine, I have been truly tried to figure out the Republicans (and their Tea Party allies) as they have continued to evolve. The new Politico Report underscores a very simple objective the Republicans have: they want Power and will sell their soul to get it. They have no interest in Governing. I have to wonder whether they understand what Governing is. I guess Governing means being a Constitutional Conservative. When someone like Ms. Palin throws this around, I hope she would tell us what this actually means. But, when she goes after Scott Brown, then I have to wonder who the Republicans truly actually like as this latest pearl of wisdom from her reflects:

"Well, you know, take the consideration, though, that's Massachusetts, and perhaps they're not going to look for such a hardcore constitutional conservative there, and they're gonna put up with Scott Brown and some of the antics there."

As the Economy grinds to a halt, Congress is in an election mode while the Republicans push their "vision", the dominant theme in Conservative Circles has been "the Mosque" and "restoring Honor". As for the "Mosque Hysteria", I have been amazed at how Fox has pushed the so-called "Mosque Hysteria" to new extremes. Fox is merely not satifised with just pushing the fiction through its' Cable Network. Now, the affiliates are in the game, too. I saw a report on LA's Fox Affilitate about the developer for Park 51 and his supposedly questionable tactics and how he rose from humble beginnings. How the anchor led into this supposed "expose" was quite extra ordinary. All the folks who are opposed have yet to answer a simple question that Mayor Bloomberg asked: How far back should the so-called exclusion area be? During that Iftar dinner, the Mayor also noted that the very nature of compromise itself means failure. For me, one of the most profound disappointing aspects of it has been pronoucements by Mike Huckabee. He is one of the current stars at Fox. He wants to run for President again. But, I figured that as a ordained Minister, he would preach tolerance and acceptance of all faiths. But, maybe I expected too much. I again was reminded of another "West Wing" clip about the Bible:



It speaks for itself.

Moving on to reflect upon our World, this has also been a month that we have seen tragedy continue to unfold in Pakistan. Pakistan is ruined because of the floods. The ineptitude of the Government has fueled the already terrible living conditions in the Country. The scenes are simply heart wrenching. Yet, Hannity chose to talk about the "Green Swindle". I have to wonder what would Hannity say to Jacques Costeau when he noted that ":.....Man Kind has probably done more damage to the earth in the 20 century than in all of previous human history". From the little I know of Jacques Costeau, I don't think he was a leftie radical Commie--but a man who dedicated his life to the preservation of our Mother Earth. He said this back in 1996 when things were not as terrible as they are now. There was of course Iran and the firing up of the Nuclear Reactor. That is bound to be center stage for a while yet. Iraq continues to be as volatile as ever and Afghanistan continues to be ever more challenging.

I have written before about how I have admired the Republican Media Blitz. It has simply been brilliant. Whether it has been the Fox News Operation, all the personalities and their own online operations, the Right Wing Amen Crowd (Including Mark Levin, Laura Ingram, Michael Savage, etc.etc.), it has been a focused, concerted campaign to change the tone from one of hope to fear and despair. Hannity's particular crusade has been just wonderful to follow and observe. The headline on his website is mocking Barack Obama while on Vacation with his family. I am not sure what his problem is with the President taking a vacation. It is true that there are many in America who can't take a vacation--because they simply can't afford it. But, more importantly, I have to wonder where he has been just over the past few months--or even the past few weeks. In visiting his website, I wanted to find out if he had anything to say about the Pakistan Floods. I wanted to find out if at least he had a link to some of the wonderful NGO's who are trying to make a difference. I saw nothing. I plan on having one as soon as I am able to figure out an available banner for it.

Hannity Comrade-in-Arms, Glenn Beck, continues to amaze me ever more. I do view his actions and pronoucements to be ever more bizzare by the day. It is tough to go up against a man that is a legend in his own brain. But, he's dominating the debate and he is the talk of the town. He has every right to say what he is saying. His crusade against the President and for small Government. That's also well within his right. But, what I have a problem is that Glenn Beck's misguided, misconceived and outright lies he has pushed that must be called out. If he wants to change things, run for office. I frankly doubt that conservative firebrands like the Koch Brothers and the US Chamber of Commerce will support his efforts, though. He sure is making a lot of money, though..!!!

There was, of course, other news this past week. Five years ago this month, Katrina happened. The region is yet to fully recover. Yet, from what I have seen, there seems to be quite a resilient attitude that amazes me. I have been following the good work of Brad Pitt, The St. Bernanrd Project and others who have been truly trying to revive the beautiful City of New Orleans. I have also continued to be amazed as to the ineptitude of the Bush Adminstration, though. The infamous FEMA trailers are a testament to what the country had to be faced with. The country seems to have learnt from it. I watched with interest as CNN, MSNBC and other more true "mainstream" US outlets focused on the State of the Region five years after the calamity. The Economy and its perlious state also continues to be center stage. The downward revision of GDP growth shows that the chance of a double-dip is increasing. Anxiety is growing and it is showing. The supposed consesus is that the Government is not able to move even more aggressively.

As the US Campaign Season begins next week, my only question remains: What are the folks on Main Street then to do? Do the politicos have answers? Let's see what this month brings. It is bound to be very, very interesting indeed.










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: A Thought.....
As America Celebrates Independence Day with fireworks, barbeques and other festivites, my thought went back to the Founding Fathers of America. I thought about those who claim to be speaking for them. I wondered what would Washington, Franklin Jefferson & Madison, think of the Tea Party Movement, of the Militia Movement, the 912 Movement and all the so-called movements that want to take Congress and the Country Back. I wondered what would Jefferson's response be to those who believe that Islam is evil and wicked. Jefferson is the same man who bought a copy of the Holy Quran in 1762 that Keith Ellison, the only Muslim serving in Congress, swore his oath of office on. I wonder and yearn for a tolerant, understanding, just and compassionate America that seems to be falling by the wayside day by day with the increased polarization of the political discourse.

The political discourse continues to be fueled by the the well-known economic anxieties of the people. I have repeatedly written about and it becomes ever more so by the day with an actual unemployment rate of 16.5 Percent. I see it every day as I see people standing in street corners noting how they are in need of work as the remnants of the social safety net is gradually dismantled. The debate within the Presidential Commision is even going after Social Security, too


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The Greatest Show on Earth

March 23rd 2010 03:29
: Never a Dulll Moment
I begin the first Spring "Write-Up" here in Outsiders with a sense of optimism and hope. I believe that our challenges pale in comparison to the possiblities. I am reminded of Mr. Spock's admonition when he noted that, "...In Life, there are always possiblities". It is striving for those possibilities that drives me to further develop and reflect upon our world. We can ovecome differences, work to develop a sense of civil discourse that would help to serve us all. We have to remember that and embrace it.

I have titled this first write-up of Spring as "The Greatest Show on Earth". I am with Tom Friedman of the New York Times when he called it so during a recent appearance on Meet the Press. It is so because there is so much to talk about and reflect upon. As I continue to be hopeful, I continue to worry about the discourse that divides America today. I marveled when I saw the debate in the House. There are those who will say that the majority made an end-run around Democracy. Although I will be talking about what some refer to as "obamacare" after the President signs the bill later on today, the debate was vibrant and exciting. Unfortunately it had its ugly moments. The insults against Rep. Stupack and Rep. Frank were just not right. Beyond those ugly incidents, it was quite a show. It was Democracy in Action in a major way. It is frankly a day to be celebrated in America


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The Day After Scott Brown's Victory

January 21st 2010 07:26
: ...and!@??!??!
Well, today was the day after Scott Brown's victory. I think he is to be congratulated for running a very slick campaign. As I noted in my write-up , I think that he tapped into a profound sense of frustruation the people feel about the direction and the on-going anxiety the country feels. I reflect upon those very feelings constantly in my daily write-ups here in "Outsiders".

The Republicans have been having a field day, though. I saw John McCain taking the floor declaring healthcare "dead". I saw Mitch McConnel telling the Senate how the American People don't want Government-Run healthcare. I saw an email from John McCain demanding Scott Brown to be "seated immediately". Harry Reid said that he is willing to insure Scott Brown is seated as soon as the State files the necessary I also caught Sarah Palin's latest act on Fox News telling the Fox devotees how unimpressed she was with Barack Obama. It was amusing to see this as it was also amusing to see Keith Olberman's onslaught on Scott Brown. I think that Mr. Olbeman was a bit over the top when he ridiculed people for calling what happened an earthquake. I called it an earthquake and I stand by it. The question continues to remain what lessons will the Adminstration learn from it. What I see happened is what Bob Menedez, the head of the DSCC noted in his email blast when he said that, "...We must be aggressive in defining our opponents and framing the choice voters face. We cannot be timid about staking out our ground, and we must be strong in reminding voters what the Republicans did to our country and what they will do again if given the chance....". The Democrats have to begin to do that to present the choices. It begins with healthcare in a major way. Whatever Scott Brown did to support himself while in College is his business. Whatever he said prior to his election as a U.S. Senator is also in the past. The question is what is he going to do now


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What I've learnt from Haiti

January 15th 2010 06:38
: I wonder if the World will have the courage
The World right now continues to be focused on Haiti. The focus is so right in light of the utter devastation going on. The desparation is evident and the scenes are heart breaking. I cannot even comprehend what Kerry Sanders, the NBC News Correpodent is reporting right now:


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Afghanistan: The Dawn of Zero Hour

November 24th 2009 02:51
: ...and now?
As I write this, President Obama had concluded his 9th War Council meeting on option regaring Afghanistan. The advocates for a "surge" want it now. The conservatives have been on a warpath accusing the President of "dithering" and "being weak". Yet, these same conservatives seem to forget Vietnam and the lessons of Vietnam.

Over the week-end, Bill Moyers remembered President Johnson's dilema over Vietnam. There are many who will dismiss Bill Moyers as a liberal, left-leaning angry fellow. Yet, this one hour retrospective is so devastating in the parallels with what President Obama faces in Afghanistan today. President Johnson asked the right questions. He just made the call and made it to the detriment of the country. Click Here: Really Long Link retrieved 11/23/2009. How can America make a committment when there is no government. Although Karzai has been making noises, Karzai will be hung if NATO and the US moved out tomorrow


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Afghanistan: Where is the Money?

November 21st 2009 07:15
: what happens now?
Afghanistan has just come out with an annoucement that it will work to increase the military force to 240,000 troops. There is an estimate that each Afghan Army Troop will cost about 12,000 dollars, yet each American Troop will cost around 1,000,000 Dollars. Now, with all such staggering figure, the question that has to be asked is this: What has happened to all the money that has been sent to Afghanistan? Why is the country in such dire straits?

When Karzai took the oath, he promised action. He wants to reconcile with the Taliban. He also has promised to fight corruption. But, the reality on Main Street is different. Talk is cheap. Despite the apparent embrace by the international community, the question has to be asked: Where has Karzai been for the past 7 years? Why did he not make sure that The Taliban did not rear their ugly head? How can he emerge from his reputation as the "Deputy Mayor of Kabul" and really start to assert his authority? How can the cancer of corruption be eradicated from a society that knows no other way to do business? How can the people be given hope when they continue to be in the front lines and suffer the casualties


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Obama & the AfPak Dynamic Duo

May 7th 2009 03:38
: How low can we go?
The Image
What a Beautiful Scene

The useless Karzai and the playboy Zardari have seen President Obama. I am sure that the President read the riot act to both of them. When I saw the President's statement, everyone was happy and gong-ho. I am still trying to understand why the United States supports such men who have been nothing but a disaster for their countries


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Khameini Speaks.....

March 22nd 2009 05:15
: And????
Khameini
Khameini: The Decider


Iran's Supreme Leader responded to President Obama's overture. Iran's Supreme Leader is the ultimate decider of all state matters in Iran. The Supreme Leader went to Mashad in Eastern Iran on the first day of the Iranian New Year to talk about this and other matters


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: Quite Disturbing......
After a concerted campaign, the EU agreed to remove the People's Mujahedeen Organization of Iran (PMOI) from its list of banned terror organizations. The PMO and its' umbrella organization, the National Council of Resistance of Iran, are fighting the Islamic Republic. They are right now based on Iraq. Iraq has told them they have to leave. I am sure that they will dissipate into Europe now that they are no longer regarded as a terrorist organization.

The PMOI pushed the fiction that it was put on the list to appears the Islamic Republic. Now, what the PMOI fails to understand is that it took up arms against Iran during the Iran-Iraq war. It conducted terror campaings. It created a cult-like culture in its' little enclave called Ashraf outside Baghad and was supported by Saddam Hussein for years. It "claims" that it wants democracy for Iran. It aims to "determine" through the appointment of the PMOI leader's wife, Maryam, the direction for the country. The people seem not to matter


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The Middle East: A New Dawn......

January 21st 2009 23:36
: I hope so....
.
Secretary Clinton
America's New Top Diplomat


Mrs. Clinton has now been confirmed as Secretary of State. I am anxiously some truly earth-shattering annoucements on the foreign policy front over the ensuingd days. I am very, very excited about George Mitchell being appointed Middle East Envoy. The man helped bring peace to Northern Ireland. Although his record on the Middle East was not as effective, I still think he can do wonders. I also do fondly remember how he put Baseball on a solid footing after the scandals that has engulfed Roger Clemens, Mark McGuire and many others. I view it as a sign of things to come


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: I am not surprised at the Republicans...
A Day in the Life....
The President Arrives For His First Day....A Busy One too!!!


The first day of the Obama Adminstration has begun. The President began his day by attending the National Prayer Service and got down to work. I saw him when he met with the White House and signed off on the new Ethics Rules. He has also been meeting with the Economics and National Security Teams. They have hit the ground running. Unfortunately, the Senate has not done the job by confirming the nominees. At least three key members are yet to be confirmed. A new Era has truly begun


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The Gaza Insanity Chronicles (Cont'd)

January 17th 2009 05:58
: Eagerly Awaiting The Seize Fire.....
As the bombing and the rocket firing was continuing, Tipzi Livni got U.S. guarantees on a prevention of Hamas rearming. Qatar and Mauritania cut their Israeli ties. There are reports coming through stating that Israel is nearing the "end game". I am still trying to understand what the "end game" is.

As the talking is going on, I continue to get reports on the grim statistics. So far, almost 1200 people are dead and over 5,000 have been wounded. I just saw a twitter update from Al Jazeera'z Zeina Awad noting, "...one of the biggest air strikes to date". Gaza's infrastructure has totally collapsed. I saw reports on two Israeli Human Rights groups petitoning the Israeli Supreme Court to compel the Army to begin allowing humanitarian aid to the civilans. There is of course a report on another UN school again being hit with injuries


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: An Interesting Discourse
The wide ranging discussions Pastor Warren and Senator McCain had continued on. One of the questions I felt was poignant. Pastor Warren noted that leaders are not stubborn and do change their minds. He then asked Senator McCain about a decision he had made and then changed his mind. He was quick to respond: Off Shore Drilling. He went on to note that we must attack the problem of energy on all fronts now. He reminded all of us that the United States is sending out 700 billion dollars a year to folks who are not at times that friendly and cooperative. Senator McCain's plan is dubbed the "Lexington Plan" and is available on his website. Leaders should be flexible and change their mind, while not forgetting their principles. George W. Bush seems to have understood that during the last months of his Presidency.

His response to the question of Abortion was to the point and without any reservations. His view is that abortion begins at the moment of conception. He told the world that he was going to be a Pro-Life President. As for marriage, Senator McCain was also adamant that it was a union between a man and a woman. Although an avowed Federalist, Senator McCain noted that he would back a marriage amendment if the States moved to force other states to accept their marriages. Evil must be defeated and the Senator brought up Osama Bin Laden. He committed to hunting him down. Osama is evil and evil indeed must be eradicated. I think his commitment is a bit over the top due to the realities on the ground in Pakistan and Afghanistan


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