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Worrisome Developments.....

October 25th 2008 12:46

: Can anyone do anything about it?

I can't help but be worried. As I continue to write about our world, I want to remain hopeful. But, the bad news continues coming in. The Dow lost over 300 points on Friday. As America continues to be in the midst of a Presidential Campaign, the world seems to be falling apart. BBC is reporting on a very disturbing development in Colombia threatens to undermine all that seems to have been achieved in the so-called war on drugs. A number of Army colonels have been sacked because they apparently kidnapped homeless men and then killed them to secure body counts and in turn promotions. Colombia was the same country, of course, that pulled off the release of Ingrid Betancourt and others using the emblems of the International commitee for the Red Cross. I view it as a bothersome development because it will undermine the very perilous nature of achievements made in the war on drugs that the world seems to be losing. Look at what is going on in Mexico. I regard Uribe as the ultimate teflon, though. I think he would muddle through as he has through other crisis.

The more worrisome development, though, is the killing of foreigners in the center of the Afghan capital, Kabul. Afghanistan is on fire. Karzai is useless and is a lost case. I am heartened by Joe Klein's comments on Time.com about Barack Obama's views. According to Klein, Barack Obama (and General Petreaus) are in favor of negotiations with the Taliban. I would be interested in any alternative anyone could offer. Right now, I see none.
There is of course the continued bloodbath in equity markets. In California, the public employee retirement system (CalPers) has lost over 40 billion dollars. Overall, 16.3 Trillion Dollars has been lost in equity markets. Although Governor Palin's 150,000 wardrobe, 22,000/Month charge for a makeup artist and the "fight" among the so-called McCain factions is news in some circles, this kind of news really does not help to find jobs and put food on people's tables.

As the week-end begins in the United States. I wanted to find "something" to end this pessimistic note on. All I can say to Mr. Colbert is, "....Right on!!!!".

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Posted By: Mike Pouraryan - Category: Hamid Karzai, Taliban, Al Qaeda, NATO, Islam, The Presidential Election, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, John McCain, U.S. Economy, Big Media, U.S. Government, Venezuela

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The Saddleback Civil Forum w/John McCain & Barack Obama (The Second Hour....Cont'd)

August 17th 2008 18:08

: 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.

As I listened to him and reflected on his comments, I thought that his view that "...our best days are ahead of us.." was quite onpointe. I found him to be firm, engaging and ready. I disagree with him on the issue of abortion. I disagree with him on the issue of the Supreme Court Justices and the so-called "legislating from the bench". Scalia, Thomas and The Late Chief Justice Rehnquist were very much doing so in my view. They became ever more deferential to the role of the Executive which is a bothersome development. I view his stance on offshore oil drilling to be wrong simply because of the dubious nature of the payback. I view his stance on the need to avoid looking at a comprehensive review of the tax regime because he wants everyone to be rich does not address the underlying challenge of rebuilding our infrastructure. I am leery of his view on school choice which may doom the public school system. I do view his stance on enacting a more responsible spending regime as one that has to happen for our future.

As the forum concluded, my respect for both candidates grew because of the commitment they have to the profound challenges we face. One thing is for sure: we are in for quite a ride. I only hope that the civil discourse will be the norm.

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