Monday, February 28, 2005
WOLFOWITZ FOR WORLD BANK!
Wolfowitz for head of the World Bank? Well, at least the protestors could "do" the War and the Economy at the same time...... Very unlikely.....and it would be asking for more protests and cynicism from the rest of the world....
BRAIN DISTAIN FOR AMERICAN POLICY..?
With American Graduate Schools for Science and Engineering so totally dependant on foreign students...
Washington had best be careful about who it excludes from entering the US for graduate studies.....
If foreign grad students decide that American Universities are no longer available to them....they may go elsewhere.
And, there are a lot of new tech choices available to foreigners now.
The US is slowly losing it's technological advantage as knowledge quickly difuses around the globle through the Internet.....and foreign investment.
A major side effect of 911 could be turning the US into a second class power in technology because of students going elsewhere to study.....
Not a "brain drain" but rather a "brain distain" for American policy toward grad students....
Washington had best be careful about who it excludes from entering the US for graduate studies.....
If foreign grad students decide that American Universities are no longer available to them....they may go elsewhere.
And, there are a lot of new tech choices available to foreigners now.
The US is slowly losing it's technological advantage as knowledge quickly difuses around the globle through the Internet.....and foreign investment.
A major side effect of 911 could be turning the US into a second class power in technology because of students going elsewhere to study.....
Not a "brain drain" but rather a "brain distain" for American policy toward grad students....
HONEYMOON OVER IN IRAQ....?
The promise of the Night of the Purple Finger could be ending rather quickly.
The Kurds are making demands that the Shia or anyone else would not accept, like for control of the northern oil fields.....
Alas, the HONEYMOON could be over in Iraq before the marriage was even consumated!
The Kurds are making demands that the Shia or anyone else would not accept, like for control of the northern oil fields.....
Alas, the HONEYMOON could be over in Iraq before the marriage was even consumated!
SYRIA ENDS OCCUPATION OF LEBANON
With Syria out of Lebanon.....Now the Ball is in Bush's court to end the occupation of Iraq.
And then Sharon will have to follow suit and END THE OCCUAPTION OF THE WEST BANK AND GAZA!
FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY ARE BREAKING OUT ALL OVER......MAYBE A PALESTINIAN STATE ON THE WEST BANK IS NOW "DOABLE" THIS YEAR!
Stranger things have happen....and are happening.
THE CRY ON THE ARAB STREET COULD BE:
SYRIA OUT OF LEBANON! ISRAEL OUT OF PALESTINE!
Who knows Dubya Rummy Condi and Wolfie could be victims of the Chinese Curse! They are getting exactly what they asked for........
And then Sharon will have to follow suit and END THE OCCUAPTION OF THE WEST BANK AND GAZA!
FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY ARE BREAKING OUT ALL OVER......MAYBE A PALESTINIAN STATE ON THE WEST BANK IS NOW "DOABLE" THIS YEAR!
Stranger things have happen....and are happening.
THE CRY ON THE ARAB STREET COULD BE:
SYRIA OUT OF LEBANON! ISRAEL OUT OF PALESTINE!
Who knows Dubya Rummy Condi and Wolfie could be victims of the Chinese Curse! They are getting exactly what they asked for........
CONDI NEEDS TO HELP SHARON, NOT ABBAS
It's interesting how everything in the middle east is phrased in terms of the "Palestinian Problem."
No one ever talks about Sharon's problems: For example, with the settlers movement.
Sharon is under threat now from the settlers who don't want to give up on the idea of a greater Israel on the West Bank...... Still no one in the international community thinks that Israel has the right to occupy the West Bank forever, or to annex it into Israel.
So the REAL PROBLEM is with Sharon.... Sharon should be the one Condi "helps."
Perhaps if Condi would start demanding some real action on the part of Israel on settlements and not continue setting up Catch-22 situations for the Palestinians something could be accomplished. Perhaps if Dubya & Co would provide some "cover" for Sharon with his ultra-right wing settlers....something could be done.
The really odd thing is that while the world at large sees Israel's occupation as the problem....
Dubya & Co insist that "the problem" is only with the Palestinian leadership and the terror/freedom fighters inside the occupied lands.....
Once Dubya and Condi start providing "help" to the right party....this "middle east thing" could solve itself rather quickly.
No one ever talks about Sharon's problems: For example, with the settlers movement.
Sharon is under threat now from the settlers who don't want to give up on the idea of a greater Israel on the West Bank...... Still no one in the international community thinks that Israel has the right to occupy the West Bank forever, or to annex it into Israel.
So the REAL PROBLEM is with Sharon.... Sharon should be the one Condi "helps."
Perhaps if Condi would start demanding some real action on the part of Israel on settlements and not continue setting up Catch-22 situations for the Palestinians something could be accomplished. Perhaps if Dubya & Co would provide some "cover" for Sharon with his ultra-right wing settlers....something could be done.
The really odd thing is that while the world at large sees Israel's occupation as the problem....
Dubya & Co insist that "the problem" is only with the Palestinian leadership and the terror/freedom fighters inside the occupied lands.....
Once Dubya and Condi start providing "help" to the right party....this "middle east thing" could solve itself rather quickly.
MERGER MANIA: THE LAST HARRAH FOR GREED-SPANOMICS?
As oil and inflation heat up and with incomes trending down, the LAST HARRAH for Greed-spanomics seems to be MERGER MANIA....
The markets have been nearly oblivious to any bad news in the last months rather preferring to get all of the "retirement lemmings" in the markets at their usual highs before pulling the plug during the annual spring "sucker flush." Around May first.
Still with gloom and doom breaking out all over..... Can the current market levitations hold up even that long.
If Korea and other central banks do what they tell us they won't do---to wit: sell the dollar---things could start down hill fast.
What is disturbing is that NO ONE in authority in the US has a plan---indeed A Clue---what to do. That's the scary part.
Everyone says they will continue buying dollars, but they can't tell us why?
THE GREED-SPAN HYPERLIQUIDITY EXPERIMENT IS COMING TO AN END.....AND THIS COULD BE TO THE DOLLAR WHAT 1931 WAS TO THE POUND..... stay tuned.
The markets have been nearly oblivious to any bad news in the last months rather preferring to get all of the "retirement lemmings" in the markets at their usual highs before pulling the plug during the annual spring "sucker flush." Around May first.
Still with gloom and doom breaking out all over..... Can the current market levitations hold up even that long.
If Korea and other central banks do what they tell us they won't do---to wit: sell the dollar---things could start down hill fast.
What is disturbing is that NO ONE in authority in the US has a plan---indeed A Clue---what to do. That's the scary part.
Everyone says they will continue buying dollars, but they can't tell us why?
THE GREED-SPAN HYPERLIQUIDITY EXPERIMENT IS COMING TO AN END.....AND THIS COULD BE TO THE DOLLAR WHAT 1931 WAS TO THE POUND..... stay tuned.
MORE CHAOS IN MIDDLE EAST...
The Neocon agenda is finally reaping what it sowed......
Massive car bombs will likely continue in Iraq AS LONG AS the new government is seen to be the puppets of the US. And the problem is that the new government will be see as a puppet AS LONG AS the US military is present.
But it gets worse, the overthrow of Saddam and the injection of instability in Iraq is now overflowing into Lebanon. The Lebanon situation is not totally "pro-western" in it's geopolitical implications.
The dilemma of the new Iraq government, whatever it turns out to be, is that there will ALWAYS be an element of Arab/Muslim society that will see it as tainted. And thus worthy of attack. Perhaps for anti-American reasons, or perhaps because of the ancient disputes between Sunni and Shia.
DUBYA MAY GET HIS IRAQ CIVIL WAR EVEN YET.......
AND COMBINE THAT WITH A CIVIL WAR IN LEBANON AND YOU HAVE A FORMULA FOR INTERESTING TIMES AHEAD.
But does regional chaos serve the cause of Israel? Does regional chaos serve US oil needs? Can the US continue the present program without a "dollar-killing" draft and more war spending?
I doubt it....stay tuned.
Massive car bombs will likely continue in Iraq AS LONG AS the new government is seen to be the puppets of the US. And the problem is that the new government will be see as a puppet AS LONG AS the US military is present.
But it gets worse, the overthrow of Saddam and the injection of instability in Iraq is now overflowing into Lebanon. The Lebanon situation is not totally "pro-western" in it's geopolitical implications.
The dilemma of the new Iraq government, whatever it turns out to be, is that there will ALWAYS be an element of Arab/Muslim society that will see it as tainted. And thus worthy of attack. Perhaps for anti-American reasons, or perhaps because of the ancient disputes between Sunni and Shia.
DUBYA MAY GET HIS IRAQ CIVIL WAR EVEN YET.......
AND COMBINE THAT WITH A CIVIL WAR IN LEBANON AND YOU HAVE A FORMULA FOR INTERESTING TIMES AHEAD.
But does regional chaos serve the cause of Israel? Does regional chaos serve US oil needs? Can the US continue the present program without a "dollar-killing" draft and more war spending?
I doubt it....stay tuned.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
MILLION DOLLAR BABY SWEEPS OSCARS!
Chris Rock adds some hipness.... Aviator and Leo get the shaft.... Sideways attains Cult Status.... Swank proves that Girls don't Cry... Depp takes a punch.... Eastwood proved you can be old and hip, without breaking your hip... Moore goes super sized....A year of outstanding movies! No wonder attendance was down! Americans wouldn't know quality if it jumped up and bit them on the...... (Something about Mary!).........
DEMOCRACY AS NEOCON DOUBLE SPEAK?
How does "democracy" solve the issue of a Palestinian state? Democacy can be "mob rule." The US "founding fathers" knew this and so did the 20th Century fascists.
Democacy seems like a "nice diversion" while more settlements are built on the West Bank.... So those "opposed to West Bank settlements" can also be cast as being "anti-democracy?"
Perhaps a little Orwellian double speak going on here...?
And worse, what if we get a bunch of democracies that STILL want a Palestinian state on the West Bank....and not in Jordan or Gaza as the Sharonists hope?
Are all democracies by definition pro-Bush? And if they aren't do we simply "democratize'" them again, until they are?
Democacy seems like a "nice diversion" while more settlements are built on the West Bank.... So those "opposed to West Bank settlements" can also be cast as being "anti-democracy?"
Perhaps a little Orwellian double speak going on here...?
And worse, what if we get a bunch of democracies that STILL want a Palestinian state on the West Bank....and not in Jordan or Gaza as the Sharonists hope?
Are all democracies by definition pro-Bush? And if they aren't do we simply "democratize'" them again, until they are?
SHARON BASSACKWARDS AGAIN.
You have to hand it to Sharon.
He NEVER misses an opportunity to call off negotiations and resume the occupation of the West Bank....
Having more or less destroyed all civil authority on the West Bank, Sharon and Dubya's Neocons keep placing Palestinians in Catch-22 situations.
Now it's back to square one....and Friedman gets wacked in the jaw by the teeter totter once again. And of course Bush and the Neocons pledge to redouble their efforts and "kill even more Muslims."
Frankly, I don't care who "owns" the West Bank.... If Sharon simply must have it? Take it already. Expell the present Palestinian population into Jordan or Gaza or whereever. The Neocons might give the Palestinians South Dakota for all I care. But just get it overwith.... Forty years in the geopolitical wilderness is enough!
The real tipping point is that the American Taxpayer can not keep invading every Muslim Nation that sides with the Palestinians! It's not only nuts. We simply can't afford it! And it might result in more terror like what happen on 911. Was the WTC "worth" those settlements on the occupied "Biblical Lands" of ancient Israel? Not to me.....
And, isn't there "another way" to accomplish this same thing....without annexation and conquest? How Jewish does the "Jewish State" have to be.....? 100%? Why not only 70%? or 55%? After all, the rest of us are "learning to live with" multiculturalism! Why not Israel?
I would rather see the next 100,000 US troops sent to Israel/Palestine to disengage these parties, rather than sent to Syria or Iran or on a some Neocon global wild goose chase after "the evil ones!"
My advise to Bush, Condi, Wolfie and Sharon? GET REAL. ASAP.
He NEVER misses an opportunity to call off negotiations and resume the occupation of the West Bank....
Having more or less destroyed all civil authority on the West Bank, Sharon and Dubya's Neocons keep placing Palestinians in Catch-22 situations.
Now it's back to square one....and Friedman gets wacked in the jaw by the teeter totter once again. And of course Bush and the Neocons pledge to redouble their efforts and "kill even more Muslims."
Frankly, I don't care who "owns" the West Bank.... If Sharon simply must have it? Take it already. Expell the present Palestinian population into Jordan or Gaza or whereever. The Neocons might give the Palestinians South Dakota for all I care. But just get it overwith.... Forty years in the geopolitical wilderness is enough!
The real tipping point is that the American Taxpayer can not keep invading every Muslim Nation that sides with the Palestinians! It's not only nuts. We simply can't afford it! And it might result in more terror like what happen on 911. Was the WTC "worth" those settlements on the occupied "Biblical Lands" of ancient Israel? Not to me.....
And, isn't there "another way" to accomplish this same thing....without annexation and conquest? How Jewish does the "Jewish State" have to be.....? 100%? Why not only 70%? or 55%? After all, the rest of us are "learning to live with" multiculturalism! Why not Israel?
I would rather see the next 100,000 US troops sent to Israel/Palestine to disengage these parties, rather than sent to Syria or Iran or on a some Neocon global wild goose chase after "the evil ones!"
My advise to Bush, Condi, Wolfie and Sharon? GET REAL. ASAP.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
DOWD ON THE EVILS OF DUBYA & CO.
What can stop the various "evils" Marueen Dowd complains of in the NYTimes, concerning Dubya, Condi, Cheney & Co?
Hmmm....perhaps Marueen should read Friedman's column on "the tipping point?." Because;
Even big lies have limits...... At some point, the "Unspinnable Event" will happen.
Eventually some "Come to Jesus" reality will set in.
Or do you really think that Dubya can get though the next four long years using one "top gun" moment after another......after another?
Don't worry Maureen, the chickens are heading for the hen house even now.....
Hmmm....perhaps Marueen should read Friedman's column on "the tipping point?." Because;
Even big lies have limits...... At some point, the "Unspinnable Event" will happen.
Eventually some "Come to Jesus" reality will set in.
Or do you really think that Dubya can get though the next four long years using one "top gun" moment after another......after another?
Don't worry Maureen, the chickens are heading for the hen house even now.....
TIPPING POINTS
Friedman writes: Indeed, in the Middle East playground - as Friday's suicide bomb in Israel reminds us - tipping points are sometimes more like teeter-totters: one moment you're riding high and the next minute you're slammed to the ground.
The scariest example of a tipping point is the US trade deficit and the dollar..... but that's another issue.
A true tipping point is when the underlying facts get so out of wack from reality that everyone is forced--suddenly--to revise their long held opinions about what is true...
Tipping points happen ONLY after the foundations of an idea have been completely removed...and all that's left holding it up is "tradition," or fear of what comes next.
Then and only then, will a seemingly small event cause the "tipping point." And the entire house of cards collapses.
Sort of a "straw that broke the camel's back..." concept.
Things don't happen because they are logical....or because they are "right," or because a bunch of smart people think they should happen.
Things happen because there is No Way for them Not to happen! Anything else is "Luck."
So too in the middle east.....
Sharon must be convinced that there is no way he's going to get the West Bank....
Only then will he take the pressure off the Palestinians...... As long as Dubya and the Neocons allow Sharon to think the West Bank annexation is "doable." He won't settle with the Palestinans.
We could be at the tipping point now....
Israel must realize that the US can not conquor the entire middle east just so the West Bank can be annexed......
But now Sharon is back-sliding on the Gaza hand over again.....If Condi and Dubya would simply apply a little pressure to Sharon and the Likud...the real tipping point could be achieved in the middle east.
Sharon and Israel need a little help form their friends in Washington....to get though the West Bank settlements issues.
Then, we might be at a tipping point in the middle east.
....the rest is just wishful thinking....or luck.
The scariest example of a tipping point is the US trade deficit and the dollar..... but that's another issue.
A true tipping point is when the underlying facts get so out of wack from reality that everyone is forced--suddenly--to revise their long held opinions about what is true...
Tipping points happen ONLY after the foundations of an idea have been completely removed...and all that's left holding it up is "tradition," or fear of what comes next.
Then and only then, will a seemingly small event cause the "tipping point." And the entire house of cards collapses.
Sort of a "straw that broke the camel's back..." concept.
Things don't happen because they are logical....or because they are "right," or because a bunch of smart people think they should happen.
Things happen because there is No Way for them Not to happen! Anything else is "Luck."
So too in the middle east.....
Sharon must be convinced that there is no way he's going to get the West Bank....
Only then will he take the pressure off the Palestinians...... As long as Dubya and the Neocons allow Sharon to think the West Bank annexation is "doable." He won't settle with the Palestinans.
We could be at the tipping point now....
Israel must realize that the US can not conquor the entire middle east just so the West Bank can be annexed......
But now Sharon is back-sliding on the Gaza hand over again.....If Condi and Dubya would simply apply a little pressure to Sharon and the Likud...the real tipping point could be achieved in the middle east.
Sharon and Israel need a little help form their friends in Washington....to get though the West Bank settlements issues.
Then, we might be at a tipping point in the middle east.
....the rest is just wishful thinking....or luck.
TIME FOR INTERNATIONAL POLICING IN PALESTINE
Now Syria is being blamed for the terrorism in the middle east....that used to be Arafat's role. But instead of merely looking for a new whipping boy....like Syria, which probably has no control of what's going on.....
Why not try something different for once....
Palestine, or the West Bank and Gaza, should be policed by an international police force...consisting mostly of American and NATO forces but with as much Arab help as possible.
The idea that Abbas is going to be able to "stop" terror is just nuts....
Abbas has no power over these terror organizations and everyone knows it.
Indeed the terror groups merely tolerate the Palestinian Authority for appearances sake. The PA was destroyed by Israel during the recent uprising....there is no policing authority left in the PA.
Hamas rules on the West Bank and in Gaza far more than the Palestinian Authority...... And Hamas rules by default now.
CLEARLY, A DIFFERENT DYNAMIC IS NEEDED..... BUT WILL ISRAEL ALLOW IT?
If Israel is seriously seeking PEACE AND SECURITY....
And not the annexation of the West Bank, Sharon should agree to let the Americans and NATO police the crossing points into Israel from the West Bank. This would open up a new era in the Israel/Palestine War...and give the Palestinians the international observers they have been asking for.
CLEARLY, SHARON HAS BOTCHED THE WEST BANK AND GAZA......
And his motives for doing so are highly suspect..... After all, the Settlers Movement wants to control the West Bank one way or another..... And the settlers know this can't be done, without a major disagreement with the world community as to the rights of resident Palestinians...
But, the Palestine issue is NOT JUST Israel's problem now.....the entire world is involved with Muslim Terrorism and discontent.
IT'S TIME FOR AN INTERNATIONAL POLICING FORCE TO BE SENT TO GAZA AND THE WEST BANK......TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE WEST BANK AND GAZA, WITHOUT THE "HELP" OF SHARON OR THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL....
Israel is just too involved with the outcome on the West Bank to be unbias and fair to the Palestinian people at this point.
Otherwise?
....it's just the same old same old.....and everyone knows it.
Can we afford Sharon's and the Likud's "solution" to the West Bank unrest?
I don't think so......
Why not try something different for once....
Palestine, or the West Bank and Gaza, should be policed by an international police force...consisting mostly of American and NATO forces but with as much Arab help as possible.
The idea that Abbas is going to be able to "stop" terror is just nuts....
Abbas has no power over these terror organizations and everyone knows it.
Indeed the terror groups merely tolerate the Palestinian Authority for appearances sake. The PA was destroyed by Israel during the recent uprising....there is no policing authority left in the PA.
Hamas rules on the West Bank and in Gaza far more than the Palestinian Authority...... And Hamas rules by default now.
CLEARLY, A DIFFERENT DYNAMIC IS NEEDED..... BUT WILL ISRAEL ALLOW IT?
If Israel is seriously seeking PEACE AND SECURITY....
And not the annexation of the West Bank, Sharon should agree to let the Americans and NATO police the crossing points into Israel from the West Bank. This would open up a new era in the Israel/Palestine War...and give the Palestinians the international observers they have been asking for.
CLEARLY, SHARON HAS BOTCHED THE WEST BANK AND GAZA......
And his motives for doing so are highly suspect..... After all, the Settlers Movement wants to control the West Bank one way or another..... And the settlers know this can't be done, without a major disagreement with the world community as to the rights of resident Palestinians...
But, the Palestine issue is NOT JUST Israel's problem now.....the entire world is involved with Muslim Terrorism and discontent.
IT'S TIME FOR AN INTERNATIONAL POLICING FORCE TO BE SENT TO GAZA AND THE WEST BANK......TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE WEST BANK AND GAZA, WITHOUT THE "HELP" OF SHARON OR THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL....
Israel is just too involved with the outcome on the West Bank to be unbias and fair to the Palestinian people at this point.
Otherwise?
....it's just the same old same old.....and everyone knows it.
Can we afford Sharon's and the Likud's "solution" to the West Bank unrest?
I don't think so......
UNLEASHING THE ARAB STREET......?
News that Egypt might "democratize" a little, is long overdue...and probably necessary since so far the Neocons are only "invading" autocracies that are openly hostile to Israel's West Bank plans.....
So a little low level "democracy" is probably necessary in places like Egypt and Saudi Arabia just to keep up appearances. I mean, people do notice!
While the "hostile" autocracies are scheduled for bombing or invasion....
The American backed autocracies can be handled simply by threatening to take away their "shopping cart" at the Pentagon's "Dictator's Supply House" home shopping catalog!
Still, for all their efforts Dubya and the Neocons are getting little respect in the world....as most people still believe that it's not about democracy or women's rights, but rather about the West Bank and Oil.
Dubya is a hard sell on the Arab Street. The same "Street" that we are now told is finally being "unleashed" by democratic reforms! Well, maybe, but it will be Florida and Ohio style democracy to be sure...... The "good guys" will always win! ....Or else, .....well, we have our "methods...."
So a little low level "democracy" is probably necessary in places like Egypt and Saudi Arabia just to keep up appearances. I mean, people do notice!
While the "hostile" autocracies are scheduled for bombing or invasion....
The American backed autocracies can be handled simply by threatening to take away their "shopping cart" at the Pentagon's "Dictator's Supply House" home shopping catalog!
Still, for all their efforts Dubya and the Neocons are getting little respect in the world....as most people still believe that it's not about democracy or women's rights, but rather about the West Bank and Oil.
Dubya is a hard sell on the Arab Street. The same "Street" that we are now told is finally being "unleashed" by democratic reforms! Well, maybe, but it will be Florida and Ohio style democracy to be sure...... The "good guys" will always win! ....Or else, .....well, we have our "methods...."
WHY NOT HERE.....CHAOS THAT'S WHY!
The answer to Brook's NYTimes op-ed question about current "democratization" efforts in the middle east: WHY NOT HERE?
Political and Social Chaos...that's why not here. And most ordinary people in the middle east know this....
As Bush Doctrine upsetting of the various apple carts in the middle east continues.... Many are asking: Please, not here!
Is Iraq really that wonderful of a place today....after the Invasion? There is chaos, killing and daily destruction everywhere, and "interesting times" ahead for the new political class, to be sure.... But to what end? Where does it end?
Will the Neocons be satisfied with the ultimate result in Iraq? And in Lebanon.....? Somehow I doubt it.
Remember, it is much easier to cause chaos.....than it is to stop it.
And for all of the Bull-In-The-China-Shop actions of the Neocons and Bush....FEW IN THE MIDDLE EAST ARE NOW PRO-AMERICAN.....AND MANY MORE SEEM TO BE ANTI-AMERICAN, ANTI-BUSH AND ANTI-IMPERIALISM , democracy or not.
The Iranians seem to be saying: Thanks, but stay out...we'll handle it with out having our cities "smart bombed." And without the torture chambers of the Americans.....
Yes, there is a odd patriotic beauty in Neocon destruction and chaos..... bombing, killing, torturing in the name of democracy.....
BUT FEW IN THE MIDDLE EAST ARE ASKING FOR AMERICAN INTERVENTIONISM..... And it's doubtful that after the Iraq mess the Neocons can afford anymore "cures" for former US backed autocracies.....
Dumping the elites is great fun! Why not here......?
Political and Social Chaos...that's why not here. And most ordinary people in the middle east know this....
As Bush Doctrine upsetting of the various apple carts in the middle east continues.... Many are asking: Please, not here!
Is Iraq really that wonderful of a place today....after the Invasion? There is chaos, killing and daily destruction everywhere, and "interesting times" ahead for the new political class, to be sure.... But to what end? Where does it end?
Will the Neocons be satisfied with the ultimate result in Iraq? And in Lebanon.....? Somehow I doubt it.
Remember, it is much easier to cause chaos.....than it is to stop it.
And for all of the Bull-In-The-China-Shop actions of the Neocons and Bush....FEW IN THE MIDDLE EAST ARE NOW PRO-AMERICAN.....AND MANY MORE SEEM TO BE ANTI-AMERICAN, ANTI-BUSH AND ANTI-IMPERIALISM , democracy or not.
The Iranians seem to be saying: Thanks, but stay out...we'll handle it with out having our cities "smart bombed." And without the torture chambers of the Americans.....
Yes, there is a odd patriotic beauty in Neocon destruction and chaos..... bombing, killing, torturing in the name of democracy.....
BUT FEW IN THE MIDDLE EAST ARE ASKING FOR AMERICAN INTERVENTIONISM..... And it's doubtful that after the Iraq mess the Neocons can afford anymore "cures" for former US backed autocracies.....
Dumping the elites is great fun! Why not here......?
NEOCON ADVENTURISM ON THE MARCH
David Brooks in the NYTimes today opines: Democracy on the March? Why not here? Meaning the rest of the Middle East..... But;
Shades of the French Revolution! Once you get the mobs on the streets, it's hard to tell where they will end up.
After the American Revolution, the French tried a revolution of their own, and ended up with the Napoleonanic Wars.....
Governments exist to protect established elites. Revolutions happen to establish new elites.....
You will always find outsiders who want to take over the current power structure in Baghdad or Boston, in Iran or Iowa....that's simply the nature of politics.
What the Neocons have done is impose themselves inside several long standing mideast political conflicts: eg Sunni vs Shia. And the Neocons have "picked the winner."
Soon, the Neocons will be supporting some "good" Lebanese faction.....
And, of course, we already have some "good" Iranians picked out for the next conflict......
The old western "winner" was the Sunni, now Dubya has picked the Shia.....yet even that is unsure.
This has been declared "Democracy on the March" still the Shia can barely conceal their contempt for Bush and his American Occupation.
It is totally naive for Brooks, or anyone else, to think that the Iraq War "solved" anything. It merely "unleashed" something....
This is pure and simple: "Adventurism on the March"
....And it's presently marching down the Road to Bankruptcy and Middle East Chaos for the Neocon Imperialists....
Why not here.....? Indeed.
Shades of the French Revolution! Once you get the mobs on the streets, it's hard to tell where they will end up.
After the American Revolution, the French tried a revolution of their own, and ended up with the Napoleonanic Wars.....
Governments exist to protect established elites. Revolutions happen to establish new elites.....
You will always find outsiders who want to take over the current power structure in Baghdad or Boston, in Iran or Iowa....that's simply the nature of politics.
What the Neocons have done is impose themselves inside several long standing mideast political conflicts: eg Sunni vs Shia. And the Neocons have "picked the winner."
Soon, the Neocons will be supporting some "good" Lebanese faction.....
And, of course, we already have some "good" Iranians picked out for the next conflict......
The old western "winner" was the Sunni, now Dubya has picked the Shia.....yet even that is unsure.
This has been declared "Democracy on the March" still the Shia can barely conceal their contempt for Bush and his American Occupation.
It is totally naive for Brooks, or anyone else, to think that the Iraq War "solved" anything. It merely "unleashed" something....
This is pure and simple: "Adventurism on the March"
....And it's presently marching down the Road to Bankruptcy and Middle East Chaos for the Neocon Imperialists....
Why not here.....? Indeed.
Friday, February 25, 2005
END OF PAX AMERICANA
The real test for America will be when a COME TO JESUS MOMENT hits the US economy, which is in a slow motion structural collapse.
The great accomplishment of FDR was that he gave Americans a THIRD WAY.... not communism, or fascism.
Rather, a New Deal....but things were so far gone by the time the New Deal started that it accomplished very little..... Only the War, the Keynesian blessing of deficit spending, and later on Bretton Woods, ended the Depression once and for all....
Since 1971 we have been in a post Bretton Woods period..... sort of muddling through...with high rates, then bubbles, then.....?
We need a New Keynes..... Or perhaps a concenus that Imperial America is over...The Pax Americana could become a multi-polar Peace by Euro-consenus.
Thus allowing the US to establish a post-industrial safety net before the "bonus armies" start to march again...!
The great accomplishment of FDR was that he gave Americans a THIRD WAY.... not communism, or fascism.
Rather, a New Deal....but things were so far gone by the time the New Deal started that it accomplished very little..... Only the War, the Keynesian blessing of deficit spending, and later on Bretton Woods, ended the Depression once and for all....
Since 1971 we have been in a post Bretton Woods period..... sort of muddling through...with high rates, then bubbles, then.....?
We need a New Keynes..... Or perhaps a concenus that Imperial America is over...The Pax Americana could become a multi-polar Peace by Euro-consenus.
Thus allowing the US to establish a post-industrial safety net before the "bonus armies" start to march again...!
CHEAP DOLLAR BUYS WHAT...?
The markets are getting curiouser and curiouser..... As oil soars and the dollar falls...the Dow keeps rising? Go figure.
Probably just a setup for the annual Spring Sucker Flush on Wall Street...?
Still, some of the current econo-talk is interesting.... For example, the weak dollar....
The weak dollar is supposed to cause foreigners to BUY AMERICAN.
After all, a weak dollar means that American Products are CHEAPER for foreigners.
But the BIG QUESTION is: WHAT AMERICAN GOODS ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO BUY.?
THE US JUST DOESN'T MAKE MUCH THAT PEOPLE WANT TO BUY THESE DAYS.....?
China is the global factory floor now, not the US.
And the American advantage in services and the "knowledge industries" is dissipating fast. Knowledge work is going to India, or China or even Russia......now.
SO, WHAT DO YOU BUY IF YOU WANT TO "BUY AMERICAN" WITH NEW "CHEAP DOLLAR" IN THIS POST-INDUSTRIAL AMERICAN ECONOMY?
ANSWER: ......LAND!
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE IS BEING BOUGHT BY FOREIGNERS IN RECORD AMOUNTS.
Curiously, this could prolong the Real Estate Bubble even longer......despite Greenspan's rate hikes.......
YOU MIGHT SAY THAT: DEEDS AND TITLES ARE AMERICA'S GREATEST "EXPORT" NOW!
After all, what wasn't bolted down has moved to China over the last few years.
Now the Chinese are buying the American land that was left behind when the factories moved out. ....And also second homes, seaside condos, apartment buildings, shopping centers, etc. etc.......
Is this a suckers market; a sign of the top in the Real Estate Bubble? ....Very Probably, yes....
But, the abundant GREENSPAN DOLLARS have to be spent on something!
And AMERICAN REAL ESTATE could be all that's left......in a US economy that has been hollowed out by bubbles, consumption and debt!
http://gloomanddoom.blogspot.com
Probably just a setup for the annual Spring Sucker Flush on Wall Street...?
Still, some of the current econo-talk is interesting.... For example, the weak dollar....
The weak dollar is supposed to cause foreigners to BUY AMERICAN.
After all, a weak dollar means that American Products are CHEAPER for foreigners.
But the BIG QUESTION is: WHAT AMERICAN GOODS ARE THEY SUPPOSED TO BUY.?
THE US JUST DOESN'T MAKE MUCH THAT PEOPLE WANT TO BUY THESE DAYS.....?
China is the global factory floor now, not the US.
And the American advantage in services and the "knowledge industries" is dissipating fast. Knowledge work is going to India, or China or even Russia......now.
SO, WHAT DO YOU BUY IF YOU WANT TO "BUY AMERICAN" WITH NEW "CHEAP DOLLAR" IN THIS POST-INDUSTRIAL AMERICAN ECONOMY?
ANSWER: ......LAND!
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE IS BEING BOUGHT BY FOREIGNERS IN RECORD AMOUNTS.
Curiously, this could prolong the Real Estate Bubble even longer......despite Greenspan's rate hikes.......
YOU MIGHT SAY THAT: DEEDS AND TITLES ARE AMERICA'S GREATEST "EXPORT" NOW!
After all, what wasn't bolted down has moved to China over the last few years.
Now the Chinese are buying the American land that was left behind when the factories moved out. ....And also second homes, seaside condos, apartment buildings, shopping centers, etc. etc.......
Is this a suckers market; a sign of the top in the Real Estate Bubble? ....Very Probably, yes....
But, the abundant GREENSPAN DOLLARS have to be spent on something!
And AMERICAN REAL ESTATE could be all that's left......in a US economy that has been hollowed out by bubbles, consumption and debt!
http://gloomanddoom.blogspot.com
WHY LIBERALS CAN'T WIN....
Many years ago someone told me that America would go fascist before it goes socialist..... Now, I believe it's true.
That's why the Democrats may be doomed, no matter what they say or do.....
That's why people like Krugman will never be recognized for telling people the truth.
The truth simply can not compete with a good big lie.... The public will always opt for a good "witch burning" rather than a sermon on sweetness and light.
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers.....
That's why the Democrats may be doomed, no matter what they say or do.....
That's why people like Krugman will never be recognized for telling people the truth.
The truth simply can not compete with a good big lie.... The public will always opt for a good "witch burning" rather than a sermon on sweetness and light.
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers.....
THE ROAD TO FASCISM.....!
Says Krugman today:
The answer lies in "What's the Matter With Kansas?," Thomas Frank's meditation on how right-wingers, whose economic policies harm working Americans, nonetheless get so many of those working Americans to vote for them.
You need go no further that the fascists of the 1930's to find precedent for the current right wing tactics.
After the collapse of the German economy in the 1920's, the Nazis merely tapped into the current cultural mood of anti-Semitism in Germany to find a scapegoat for the economic troubles..... In truth Hitler did not invent anti-Semitism. It was there all along in Germany among the lower and working classes.
FASCISM IS THE LAST RESORT OF A FAILED ELITE..... And they will not hestiate to use it if necessary.
For that reason I would call the current Republican Party: "proto-fascist."
They are using societal prejudices against gays, foreigners, blacks, and now even older people....to provide fodder for their latter day Witch Hunts.
The "Dubya Youth" are on the march!
("Wear great uniforms, shoot cool guns and blow things up!!")
Amazingly, AM radio is just stuffed with this kind of thing.... And Fox News picks up where AM radio leaves off.
NO AMOUNT OF RATIONAL ARGUMENT WILL FAZE A STUPID PERSON WHO HAS BEEN ENFLAMED WITH RIGHT WING FEAR AND HATE.....
And I dispare that ANYTHING the Democrats can do will stop this trend now......
The elites in the US have failed horribly: the economy has been looted to the bone....the elites simply have no choice except the Road to Fascism.
True, Democrats can try "class consciousness," but that is a hard sell because it requires some sense of cohesion and a notion of "we," --not "me."
When the going gets tough...and it will, the "me" thinking with the many hatreds of right are far easier to sell to the distracted and desperate working and middle classes.
And, I see no signs that Americans will "wake up" anytime soon....
The answer lies in "What's the Matter With Kansas?," Thomas Frank's meditation on how right-wingers, whose economic policies harm working Americans, nonetheless get so many of those working Americans to vote for them.
You need go no further that the fascists of the 1930's to find precedent for the current right wing tactics.
After the collapse of the German economy in the 1920's, the Nazis merely tapped into the current cultural mood of anti-Semitism in Germany to find a scapegoat for the economic troubles..... In truth Hitler did not invent anti-Semitism. It was there all along in Germany among the lower and working classes.
FASCISM IS THE LAST RESORT OF A FAILED ELITE..... And they will not hestiate to use it if necessary.
For that reason I would call the current Republican Party: "proto-fascist."
They are using societal prejudices against gays, foreigners, blacks, and now even older people....to provide fodder for their latter day Witch Hunts.
The "Dubya Youth" are on the march!
("Wear great uniforms, shoot cool guns and blow things up!!")
Amazingly, AM radio is just stuffed with this kind of thing.... And Fox News picks up where AM radio leaves off.
NO AMOUNT OF RATIONAL ARGUMENT WILL FAZE A STUPID PERSON WHO HAS BEEN ENFLAMED WITH RIGHT WING FEAR AND HATE.....
And I dispare that ANYTHING the Democrats can do will stop this trend now......
The elites in the US have failed horribly: the economy has been looted to the bone....the elites simply have no choice except the Road to Fascism.
True, Democrats can try "class consciousness," but that is a hard sell because it requires some sense of cohesion and a notion of "we," --not "me."
When the going gets tough...and it will, the "me" thinking with the many hatreds of right are far easier to sell to the distracted and desperate working and middle classes.
And, I see no signs that Americans will "wake up" anytime soon....
DUBYA, PUTTIE AND COLD WAR TWO
Dubya and Puttie Putt yesterday were like an old married couple for whom "bickering" has become the "purpose" of their marriage.....
Dubya complained about Putties "non-democratic" selection of governors for Russian provinces... Puttie says-- mind your own business...what about Ohio and Florida!
And, of course, "the kids," New and Old Europe, are just amused by the show.... Alas, Asia doesn't even take notice....
THERE IS A LONGING AMONG MANY RUSSIANS AND AMERICANS FOR A RETURN TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF THE COLD WAR.
Ahhh...for the bi-polar world of the "two great super-powers."
Of course, Russia went broke because of the cold war, and the US is on the same path to Imperial bankruptcy. Even as both old super-powers worry about the "loose nukes" left over from their idiotic cold war arms race.....!
Now, New Europe is making friends with Old Europe, as the "old couple" continue their bickering before the global press; but who really cares!
China and Asia are the new economic super powers now...
Even if Korea did slipped up and say they were reconsidering their "future dollar purchase," has the dollar falls further, and oil (priced in dollars), soars to record highs!
IT'S NO WONDER THAT PUTIN AND DUBYA LONG FOR THE OLD DAYS...THE DAYS OF RUSSIAN IMPERIALISM AND THE STRONG AMERICAN DOLLAR.
BUT THE DAYS OF AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM ARE ENDING FAST.....
Very likely, the current Neocon "adventure" in the Iraq and the middle east, will break the Federal Reserve's ability to support the dollar....Probably soon.
Meanwhile, the neocons are raging that Euroland must "re-arm" for the coming fight....and by that they seem to mean the right of American Jews to build their retirement homes on the West Bank of a Greater Israel.
But alas, the rest of the world ain't buying that story......
There is even a realization inside Israel that this "Annexation Thing" may not work.
And, can Americans "afford" to conquor the the entire middle east---just so a few nice subdivisions can be built on the West Bank?
What to do with the Palestinians, who seem to breed much faster than the Israelis? Some say, give them Gaza! Or give them Jordan!
But the Palestinans still want the West Bank! And their "right of return!"
AMERICANS ARE DYING IN IRAQ TODAY, NOT FOR "WOMEN'S RIGHTS" OR DEMOCRACY...BUT RATHER FOR THE RIGHT OF ISRAEL TO CONTINUE BUILDING SETTLEMENTS ON THE WEST BANK....
THAT IS JUST THE REAL TRUTH...
AND, THUS, IT IS VERY SELDOM MENTIONED, BECAUSE THE REAL TRUTH IS ALWAYS MORE DANGEROUS THAN A LIE.....AND ESPECIALLY A BIG LIE.
Dubya's "adventure" in the middle east will probably break the US Dollar...and it could damage the US economy beyond repair, especially if the Koreans don't quickly apologize the next time!
The cold war will end with the bankruptcy of both the US and Russia...
And we already see the outlines of the BRAVE NEW WORLD that will dominate the bulk of this NEW CENTURY.
.....it's unfolding everyday for those who are looking forward.....
Meanwhile, the "old married couple" will continue to bicker...as long as anyone is willing to listen......
Dubya complained about Putties "non-democratic" selection of governors for Russian provinces... Puttie says-- mind your own business...what about Ohio and Florida!
And, of course, "the kids," New and Old Europe, are just amused by the show.... Alas, Asia doesn't even take notice....
THERE IS A LONGING AMONG MANY RUSSIANS AND AMERICANS FOR A RETURN TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF THE COLD WAR.
Ahhh...for the bi-polar world of the "two great super-powers."
Of course, Russia went broke because of the cold war, and the US is on the same path to Imperial bankruptcy. Even as both old super-powers worry about the "loose nukes" left over from their idiotic cold war arms race.....!
Now, New Europe is making friends with Old Europe, as the "old couple" continue their bickering before the global press; but who really cares!
China and Asia are the new economic super powers now...
Even if Korea did slipped up and say they were reconsidering their "future dollar purchase," has the dollar falls further, and oil (priced in dollars), soars to record highs!
IT'S NO WONDER THAT PUTIN AND DUBYA LONG FOR THE OLD DAYS...THE DAYS OF RUSSIAN IMPERIALISM AND THE STRONG AMERICAN DOLLAR.
BUT THE DAYS OF AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM ARE ENDING FAST.....
Very likely, the current Neocon "adventure" in the Iraq and the middle east, will break the Federal Reserve's ability to support the dollar....Probably soon.
Meanwhile, the neocons are raging that Euroland must "re-arm" for the coming fight....and by that they seem to mean the right of American Jews to build their retirement homes on the West Bank of a Greater Israel.
But alas, the rest of the world ain't buying that story......
There is even a realization inside Israel that this "Annexation Thing" may not work.
And, can Americans "afford" to conquor the the entire middle east---just so a few nice subdivisions can be built on the West Bank?
What to do with the Palestinians, who seem to breed much faster than the Israelis? Some say, give them Gaza! Or give them Jordan!
But the Palestinans still want the West Bank! And their "right of return!"
AMERICANS ARE DYING IN IRAQ TODAY, NOT FOR "WOMEN'S RIGHTS" OR DEMOCRACY...BUT RATHER FOR THE RIGHT OF ISRAEL TO CONTINUE BUILDING SETTLEMENTS ON THE WEST BANK....
THAT IS JUST THE REAL TRUTH...
AND, THUS, IT IS VERY SELDOM MENTIONED, BECAUSE THE REAL TRUTH IS ALWAYS MORE DANGEROUS THAN A LIE.....AND ESPECIALLY A BIG LIE.
Dubya's "adventure" in the middle east will probably break the US Dollar...and it could damage the US economy beyond repair, especially if the Koreans don't quickly apologize the next time!
The cold war will end with the bankruptcy of both the US and Russia...
And we already see the outlines of the BRAVE NEW WORLD that will dominate the bulk of this NEW CENTURY.
.....it's unfolding everyday for those who are looking forward.....
Meanwhile, the "old married couple" will continue to bicker...as long as anyone is willing to listen......
RELIGION: EAST AND WEST
There is something like hypocriscy in the notion that the American Red State voters can vote their "religious values" in elections;
Yet, Muslims in the middle east, who Dubya is supposedly "democratizing," can't!
Islamic Parties are very popular all over the middle east and in south Asia;
Yet their ascendancy in those regions is viewed as a threat by Bush & the Neocons.....
Republicans try to push religious values among the American electorate...even to the point of having prayer in schools, and the Ten Commandments displayed inside the court house.
So, why not the Koran inside the courthouse in Baghdad?!
What seems to be happening is a GLOBAL REACTION against the American-Hollywood values of sex, violence and the liberal social mores.
So, in some ways, the Southern and Rural Bubba voter in the US is not that much diffrent from the voters in small villages and towns in Afghanistan or Iraq!
Dubya simply can't have it both ways.....religious values for Americans;
Yet, total secularism and free market capitalism for the rest of the world and especially Muslims!
IF DUBYA'S DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST RESULTS IN CONSERVATIVE ISLAMIC LAW IN IRAQ, IRAN, AFGHANISTAN AND OTHER PLACES... SO BE IT.
DUBYA MUST REALIZE THAT WHAT IS GOOD FOR FUNDAMENTALIST CHRISTIANS IN THE US;
IS ALSO GOOD FOR FUNDAMENTALIST MUSLIMS IN THE MIDDLE EAST....THERE SIMPLY IS NO OTHER CONCLUSION.
ANY OTHER VIEW IS THE HEIGHT OF HYPOCRISY, AND EVERYONE KNOWS IT....
Yet, Muslims in the middle east, who Dubya is supposedly "democratizing," can't!
Islamic Parties are very popular all over the middle east and in south Asia;
Yet their ascendancy in those regions is viewed as a threat by Bush & the Neocons.....
Republicans try to push religious values among the American electorate...even to the point of having prayer in schools, and the Ten Commandments displayed inside the court house.
So, why not the Koran inside the courthouse in Baghdad?!
What seems to be happening is a GLOBAL REACTION against the American-Hollywood values of sex, violence and the liberal social mores.
So, in some ways, the Southern and Rural Bubba voter in the US is not that much diffrent from the voters in small villages and towns in Afghanistan or Iraq!
Dubya simply can't have it both ways.....religious values for Americans;
Yet, total secularism and free market capitalism for the rest of the world and especially Muslims!
IF DUBYA'S DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST RESULTS IN CONSERVATIVE ISLAMIC LAW IN IRAQ, IRAN, AFGHANISTAN AND OTHER PLACES... SO BE IT.
DUBYA MUST REALIZE THAT WHAT IS GOOD FOR FUNDAMENTALIST CHRISTIANS IN THE US;
IS ALSO GOOD FOR FUNDAMENTALIST MUSLIMS IN THE MIDDLE EAST....THERE SIMPLY IS NO OTHER CONCLUSION.
ANY OTHER VIEW IS THE HEIGHT OF HYPOCRISY, AND EVERYONE KNOWS IT....
Thursday, February 24, 2005
RELIGIOUS OR SECULAR....?
It's curious that Bush wants a more secular government in Iraq but a more religous government in America....? Go figure.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
BIRD FLU GOES MEDIEVAL?
Well that's one way
to handle the excess cheap labor problem.... And, it is noteworthy that the Crusades of the Middle Ages acted as a vector for disease....just as the Global economy does today! Isolation has its advantages....
to handle the excess cheap labor problem.... And, it is noteworthy that the Crusades of the Middle Ages acted as a vector for disease....just as the Global economy does today! Isolation has its advantages....
WILL KURDS QUEER THE DEAL?
It isn't over till it's over in Iraq!
Now the Kurds are trying to muscle into power.... Is it possible that the Kurds could "rule" Iraq from Baghdad? Very unlikely!
This shows the bankruptcy of the entire neocon "democratization" plan.... The only group that could effectively control the TWO OUTLYING FACTIONS....the Shia and the Kurds were the Sunnis! The same group that Dubya seeks to marginalize in the future Iraq!
THE CENTER WILL NEVER BE CONTROLLED FROM THE EDGES... The Shia will never rule in Baghdad and neither will the Kurds. Simply put the center of political gravity in Iraq will have to shift to the south or to the north....
And the differences between the Kurds and the Shia are huge! (Almost as bad as Red State Blue State in the US).
ANY GOVERNMENT THAT IS FORMED BECAUSE OF THE RECENT ELECTION WILL NOT SURVIVE.
DEMOCRACY ONLY WORKS OUT AFTER THERE IS A FUNDAMENTAL AGREEMENT ON THE NEED FOR A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.....
In other words you need a unified nation first....then and only then can you have a democratic government.
What we have in Iraq now is an unstable situation that will spin out of control very quickly. What the Night of the Purple Finger really was was a vote for CIVIL WAR or THE BREAKUP OF IRAQ....
Thats' were this is all heading........not some Neocon LaLa Land of sweetness and light....
Now the Kurds are trying to muscle into power.... Is it possible that the Kurds could "rule" Iraq from Baghdad? Very unlikely!
This shows the bankruptcy of the entire neocon "democratization" plan.... The only group that could effectively control the TWO OUTLYING FACTIONS....the Shia and the Kurds were the Sunnis! The same group that Dubya seeks to marginalize in the future Iraq!
THE CENTER WILL NEVER BE CONTROLLED FROM THE EDGES... The Shia will never rule in Baghdad and neither will the Kurds. Simply put the center of political gravity in Iraq will have to shift to the south or to the north....
And the differences between the Kurds and the Shia are huge! (Almost as bad as Red State Blue State in the US).
ANY GOVERNMENT THAT IS FORMED BECAUSE OF THE RECENT ELECTION WILL NOT SURVIVE.
DEMOCRACY ONLY WORKS OUT AFTER THERE IS A FUNDAMENTAL AGREEMENT ON THE NEED FOR A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.....
In other words you need a unified nation first....then and only then can you have a democratic government.
What we have in Iraq now is an unstable situation that will spin out of control very quickly. What the Night of the Purple Finger really was was a vote for CIVIL WAR or THE BREAKUP OF IRAQ....
Thats' were this is all heading........not some Neocon LaLa Land of sweetness and light....
IGNORANCE ABROAD.....continued
Dubya's bizarro statement that invading Iran is "ridiculous," but "all options are on the table" has not helped clear up notions that this guy is an AMERICAN CLOWN.
Some are suggesting that Mr Bush suffers from "dry alcoholic syndrome." If so.... Maybe we would be "safer" if he started drinking again....?
Others note that this is not the "Bush Presidency" but rather the "Cheney Regency"....a kind of "group think" project by the Neocon wing of the Republican Party to try out their geopolitical theories......
In any event the Global Bond Markets and Central Banks may be trying to "wall off" Dubya from any more ill-planned "adventures."
The dollar plunged. Oil soared. And the markets fell into the toilet yesterday. Despite Korea's protestations that they weren't "selling dollars." Just not holding new ones! Still, this thing is starting to feel like the "wheels are coming off"......Stay tuned.
Postscript: And did Korea steal Dubya's line....we aren't selling dollars...yet? But all options are on the table..? Kinda like: We're not invading Iran....not today. Not yet......?
Some are suggesting that Mr Bush suffers from "dry alcoholic syndrome." If so.... Maybe we would be "safer" if he started drinking again....?
Others note that this is not the "Bush Presidency" but rather the "Cheney Regency"....a kind of "group think" project by the Neocon wing of the Republican Party to try out their geopolitical theories......
In any event the Global Bond Markets and Central Banks may be trying to "wall off" Dubya from any more ill-planned "adventures."
The dollar plunged. Oil soared. And the markets fell into the toilet yesterday. Despite Korea's protestations that they weren't "selling dollars." Just not holding new ones! Still, this thing is starting to feel like the "wheels are coming off"......Stay tuned.
Postscript: And did Korea steal Dubya's line....we aren't selling dollars...yet? But all options are on the table..? Kinda like: We're not invading Iran....not today. Not yet......?
KILLING TWO BIRDS WITH ONE BIG LIE....?
The elegance of the Bush argument that the poor will be able to "pass on" their social security money to their heirs--
Because they "die sooner"....is simply AMAZING.
Especially when you consider that THIS will ALSO be an argument for NOT providing needed National Health Care Coverage to low wage, low benefit workers!
Because WITH Health Insurance: The low wage worker may "live longer"
Thus, "stealing" needed money from their childrens' "inheritance."
Beautiful!
Ya gotta hand it to the Rovian Republicans! They've got all the bases covered on this one! They've managed to kill two birds with one stone. They've killed off Social Security and Health Care reform with one big lie.
Because they "die sooner"....is simply AMAZING.
Especially when you consider that THIS will ALSO be an argument for NOT providing needed National Health Care Coverage to low wage, low benefit workers!
Because WITH Health Insurance: The low wage worker may "live longer"
Thus, "stealing" needed money from their childrens' "inheritance."
Beautiful!
Ya gotta hand it to the Rovian Republicans! They've got all the bases covered on this one! They've managed to kill two birds with one stone. They've killed off Social Security and Health Care reform with one big lie.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
HE CAME, HE SAW, THEY DUMPED!
Dubya's clownish charm offensive in Euroland does not appear to be impressing anyone. The dollar plunged. Oil soared. The markets tanked.....
What do you expect from a guy who just told us that the Social Security Trust Fund Bonds are "not real assets!" But rather just a "bad check" from Uncle Sam!
No wonder Korea started dumping dollars!
What do you expect from a guy who just told us that the Social Security Trust Fund Bonds are "not real assets!" But rather just a "bad check" from Uncle Sam!
No wonder Korea started dumping dollars!
SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF MARKETS.....?
The sudden collapse of the markets
today was not unexpected....markets tend to appear stable long after the foundations of their stablity have been removed..... Then, suddenly, some "small event" appears to cause a general collapse. An obscure bank fails out in the hinterland...... A slip of the tongue by a central banker....as with Korea today.
The rise of oil above $50 is now accepted as inevitable....no one is seriously talking about $30 oil anymore.
And there are a raft of geopolitical and macro economic issues that make the coming dollar/market collapse all but certain.
Take the "twin deficits?" ....we don't even talk about them anymore, because there are NO GOOD ANSWERS.
The tax cuts and that buffoon in the White House are yet another coffin nail for the markets...... Dubya's Euroland trip could be called: He came, He saw, They sold!
Now Korea is backtracking on the selling of dollars, and everyone is trying to put some reverse spin on the events of today..... But denying the inevitable is a fools game...
ITS NOT ABOUT SELLING OLD DOLLARS....IT'S ABOUT NOT HOLDING THE NEW DOLLARS!
All change in economics is "at the margins." And the margins got a little bigger today.
THE US DOLLAR IS ONE SICK PUPPY..... AND IT WOULD NOT SURPRISE ME IF OIL WAS AT $60 + BEFORE THIS YEAR IS OUT......
today was not unexpected....markets tend to appear stable long after the foundations of their stablity have been removed..... Then, suddenly, some "small event" appears to cause a general collapse. An obscure bank fails out in the hinterland...... A slip of the tongue by a central banker....as with Korea today.
The rise of oil above $50 is now accepted as inevitable....no one is seriously talking about $30 oil anymore.
And there are a raft of geopolitical and macro economic issues that make the coming dollar/market collapse all but certain.
Take the "twin deficits?" ....we don't even talk about them anymore, because there are NO GOOD ANSWERS.
The tax cuts and that buffoon in the White House are yet another coffin nail for the markets...... Dubya's Euroland trip could be called: He came, He saw, They sold!
Now Korea is backtracking on the selling of dollars, and everyone is trying to put some reverse spin on the events of today..... But denying the inevitable is a fools game...
ITS NOT ABOUT SELLING OLD DOLLARS....IT'S ABOUT NOT HOLDING THE NEW DOLLARS!
All change in economics is "at the margins." And the margins got a little bigger today.
THE US DOLLAR IS ONE SICK PUPPY..... AND IT WOULD NOT SURPRISE ME IF OIL WAS AT $60 + BEFORE THIS YEAR IS OUT......
NEOCONS ARE NUTS....?
If you needed further proof that Neocons are nutty-- just read Victor Hanson's (Hoover Institutions) Op-Ed in today's Wall Street Jouranl.
Such anger! Such Paranoia!
It really shows the difference between liberals and Euroland and the nut-ball notions of Neocons......
If you were ever under the impression that maybe the Neocon agenda is "sane," just read this op-ed!
Conversely, Kofi has the lead op-ed in the journal today, and he comes off as MATURE, GROUNDED IN REALITY AND READY TO MOVE FORWARD.....
So sad these so-called conservatives..... What are they thinking?
Such anger! Such Paranoia!
It really shows the difference between liberals and Euroland and the nut-ball notions of Neocons......
If you were ever under the impression that maybe the Neocon agenda is "sane," just read this op-ed!
Conversely, Kofi has the lead op-ed in the journal today, and he comes off as MATURE, GROUNDED IN REALITY AND READY TO MOVE FORWARD.....
So sad these so-called conservatives..... What are they thinking?
DUBYA'S IRAQ WAR EMBASSMENT? GOOD SHIA
What the Iraq War seems to be becoming
for Dubya is not merely a mistake, but an embarassment!
Dubya invaded on false pretenses. He destoryed Iraq, and it's political structure....then he allowed the looting of the physical infrastructure.
And now, the US is backing a SHIA STATE with ties to Iran!
All of course, in the name of democracy...or at least that is our "cover story."
But, with the Shia now firmly in power by virtue of an election blessed by the US and the International community.....the entire middle east apple cart has been tipped over.....
And we have not seen the last of these strange bedfellows: The Good Shia.
THE GOOD SHIA MAY SOON WANT PART OF THE EASTERN SAUDI OIL FIELDS.
THE GOOD SHIA MAY WANT TO INTERFER IN LEBANON, JORDAN, TURKEY AND KURDISTAN.
THE GOOD SHIA MAY WANT AN IRAN-IRAQ ALLIANCE; TO COUNTER SAUDI INFLUENCE WITHIN THE EMPIRE OF ISLAM.
THE GOOD SHIA HAVE VASTLY INCREASED THEIR OIL WEALTH WITH WHICH TO BATTLE THE "BAD SUNNIS."
THUS SETTING UP A STRUGGLE INSIDE ISLAM THAT COULD EVENTUALLY DISRUPT OIL SUPPLIES TO THE WEST.
It may sound odd.....but Dubya and the Neocons may have to PUT OSAMA BACK ON THE CIA PAYROLL, like he was during the Soviet-Afghan War;
simply to fight the Good Shia that Dubya has unleashed in the middle east!
...which only shows....be careful who you call "the evil one!"
Because you might need their help again.....
Remember, Good Osama and Good Saddam? Ahhh....for a return to the old days of the cold war.
for Dubya is not merely a mistake, but an embarassment!
Dubya invaded on false pretenses. He destoryed Iraq, and it's political structure....then he allowed the looting of the physical infrastructure.
And now, the US is backing a SHIA STATE with ties to Iran!
All of course, in the name of democracy...or at least that is our "cover story."
But, with the Shia now firmly in power by virtue of an election blessed by the US and the International community.....the entire middle east apple cart has been tipped over.....
And we have not seen the last of these strange bedfellows: The Good Shia.
THE GOOD SHIA MAY SOON WANT PART OF THE EASTERN SAUDI OIL FIELDS.
THE GOOD SHIA MAY WANT TO INTERFER IN LEBANON, JORDAN, TURKEY AND KURDISTAN.
THE GOOD SHIA MAY WANT AN IRAN-IRAQ ALLIANCE; TO COUNTER SAUDI INFLUENCE WITHIN THE EMPIRE OF ISLAM.
THE GOOD SHIA HAVE VASTLY INCREASED THEIR OIL WEALTH WITH WHICH TO BATTLE THE "BAD SUNNIS."
THUS SETTING UP A STRUGGLE INSIDE ISLAM THAT COULD EVENTUALLY DISRUPT OIL SUPPLIES TO THE WEST.
It may sound odd.....but Dubya and the Neocons may have to PUT OSAMA BACK ON THE CIA PAYROLL, like he was during the Soviet-Afghan War;
simply to fight the Good Shia that Dubya has unleashed in the middle east!
...which only shows....be careful who you call "the evil one!"
Because you might need their help again.....
Remember, Good Osama and Good Saddam? Ahhh....for a return to the old days of the cold war.
ORWELLIAN STATE HAS LIMITS!
Krugman's fear that Dubya will be able to manipulate public opinion through constant fear of terror may be a bit misplaced.
There is no doubt that Dubya & Co. would love to keep the public in a constant state of shock and awe through PERMA-WAR AND DISINFORMATION.....
But what Orwell and Krugman both missed is that Crying Wolf has limits....you CAN go to the "Well of Fear" too often. People become cynical. A Soviet style "under-ground" political class develops
And most important, sooner or later, BIG BROTHER goes broke! As happen with the Soviet State in the 1980's. And look at the Dollar and Oil today!
Bush's Orwellian hold on the American Public is coming to an end. The cycles of history are working against Dubya & Co. now.
There is no doubt that Dubya & Co. would love to keep the public in a constant state of shock and awe through PERMA-WAR AND DISINFORMATION.....
But what Orwell and Krugman both missed is that Crying Wolf has limits....you CAN go to the "Well of Fear" too often. People become cynical. A Soviet style "under-ground" political class develops
And most important, sooner or later, BIG BROTHER goes broke! As happen with the Soviet State in the 1980's. And look at the Dollar and Oil today!
Bush's Orwellian hold on the American Public is coming to an end. The cycles of history are working against Dubya & Co. now.
KRUGMAN'S KILLER INSTINCT or CRY WOLFIE?
Krugman says today: "My point is that Mr. Bush's critics are falling into an unnecessary trap if they focus only on domestic policies, and allow Mr. Bush to keep his undeserved reputation as someone who keeps Americans safe. National security policy should not be a refuge to which Mr. Bush can flee when his domestic agenda falls apart."
As I predicted, Dubya's Social Security Reforms are falling on deaf ears....even Krauthammer of the Washington Post is tossing in the towel now. And the gloom and doom among Neocons is clearly growing.....
But Krugman warns: DUBYA MIGHT SLIP BACK INTO "NATIONAL SECURITY MODE" LIKE HE DID DURING THE ELECTIONS....
Remember everytime Kerry/Edwards were making any headway.....up comes the RED ALERT!
NEWS CYCLE SHIFT ALERT! ...................
Well, I'm not really too worried about that game now. DUBYA HAS CRYED WOLFIE TOO LONG TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY NOW.
AND IT MIGHT BE TIME TO LOOK AT THE REASONS WHY OSAMA IS NOT ATTACKING?
Perhaps, Osama doesn't want to rock the boat for Muslims who are already in the US and have money invested here in businesses and professions....?
Perhaps, Osama saw the WTC as a proxy for American Jews...and not the American people as a whole. After all, Osama is a mideast-centric kinda guy. He doesn't seem too interested in converting the west to Islam,....merely controlling the middle east!
Or perhaps, Osama is just bideing his time..... STILL, I THINK WE MUST ASSUME THAT OSAMA IS RATIONAL...AND WILL NOT DO ANYTHING THAT WOULD HURT HIS CAUSE.
And remember, Osama is "winning" the public relations war in many parts of the world! That's what Dubya's current "charm offensive" is all about....
Originially, I thought that Dubya would have to keep the American Public in a constant state of fear and distraction to keep his popularity numbers up....and that this would compel him to start another war...
But now, that seems off the table....the tax cuts took ALL THE MONEY and there is literally nothing left to finance a new war... Unless China agrees to foot the bill!
Krugman may have it reversed on another count...MAYBE SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM WAS THE "NEW DISTRACTION!"
One thing is clear...if you have a lousy record, you're going to need a steady stream of distractions to keep the public confused. Domestic and Foreign issues.....it doens't really matter.
ONCE SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM BITES THE DUST....DUBYA COULD JUST RETIRE TO TEXAS FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
And let Cheney keep the light on in the White House untill the 2008 elections....
As I predicted, Dubya's Social Security Reforms are falling on deaf ears....even Krauthammer of the Washington Post is tossing in the towel now. And the gloom and doom among Neocons is clearly growing.....
But Krugman warns: DUBYA MIGHT SLIP BACK INTO "NATIONAL SECURITY MODE" LIKE HE DID DURING THE ELECTIONS....
Remember everytime Kerry/Edwards were making any headway.....up comes the RED ALERT!
NEWS CYCLE SHIFT ALERT! ...................
Well, I'm not really too worried about that game now. DUBYA HAS CRYED WOLFIE TOO LONG TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY NOW.
AND IT MIGHT BE TIME TO LOOK AT THE REASONS WHY OSAMA IS NOT ATTACKING?
Perhaps, Osama doesn't want to rock the boat for Muslims who are already in the US and have money invested here in businesses and professions....?
Perhaps, Osama saw the WTC as a proxy for American Jews...and not the American people as a whole. After all, Osama is a mideast-centric kinda guy. He doesn't seem too interested in converting the west to Islam,....merely controlling the middle east!
Or perhaps, Osama is just bideing his time..... STILL, I THINK WE MUST ASSUME THAT OSAMA IS RATIONAL...AND WILL NOT DO ANYTHING THAT WOULD HURT HIS CAUSE.
And remember, Osama is "winning" the public relations war in many parts of the world! That's what Dubya's current "charm offensive" is all about....
Originially, I thought that Dubya would have to keep the American Public in a constant state of fear and distraction to keep his popularity numbers up....and that this would compel him to start another war...
But now, that seems off the table....the tax cuts took ALL THE MONEY and there is literally nothing left to finance a new war... Unless China agrees to foot the bill!
Krugman may have it reversed on another count...MAYBE SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM WAS THE "NEW DISTRACTION!"
One thing is clear...if you have a lousy record, you're going to need a steady stream of distractions to keep the public confused. Domestic and Foreign issues.....it doens't really matter.
ONCE SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM BITES THE DUST....DUBYA COULD JUST RETIRE TO TEXAS FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
And let Cheney keep the light on in the White House untill the 2008 elections....
Monday, February 21, 2005
WHAT BUSH FEARS NOW....or THE PEACE THING!
Dubya's attempt to engage in a European "charm offensive" is interesting....because THAT is EXACTLY the opposite of his first hundred days in the first term....when Dubya ignored Europe and dissed the middle east openly.
Remember back when....it was all about Kyoto, and unilateralism....and...and..then came.. 9/11!
So then, 911 changed everything...?
No Wait! It didn't change a thing! Then, Bush when into TOTALLY UNILATERAL MODE.
Attacks on Afgahnistan...! Invasion of Iraq....! UN lies. War. Death. Destruction. Chaos. Monetary Collapse. Insurgency.
Dubya was Busted, Disgusted, Distrusted, and out of money and manpower.....
Like a drunk coming home after an all night bender....Dubya is now stuck using his weapon of last resort (WLR)....Charm!
But, there could be another reason for this big change of heart.
Dubya's first term was seen by many in the middle east as a "green light" for Sharon to make his move on the West Bank.... And indeed, all Hell broke loose in Palestine shortly after Dubya was sworn in the first time...and the US "disengaged" to let Sharon and the Likud run the show in Palestine.
So far so good.... Condi was re-decorating her office, and all was right with the world...seemingly. But....
THEN CAME 911....
So, the question NOW must be--- if Bush's actions, inactions and hubris in the first term provoked 911.....?
Could it happen again, as he starts the second term?
After all, Muslim "greivences" against Bush are surely no less? And perhaps they are even greater...if the CIA is to be believed.
IT'S POSSIBLE THAT THIS "CHARM OFFENSIVE" --AND THE SUDDEN "MAKING NICE" FROM SHARON-- WITH PRISONER RELEASES--AND TALK OF A WEST BANK PULL OUT OF SETTLERS--IS AN ATTEMPT TO AVOID THE MISTAKES OF THE FIRST BUSH TERM....?
Whatever happens next, Dubya does not want to be open to the criticism....YOU DID NOTHING.
IN FACT, YOU PROVOKED THE DREADED SECOND ATTACK......
IF DUBYA'S FIRST TERM WAS ALL ABOUT HUBRIS?
THE SECOND TERM COULD BE ALL ABOUT HUMILITY......
But then, when you're finally busted, disgusted and can't be trusted.....humility comes a lot easier. Ya Suppose?
Stay tuned.....for more on "Ignorance Abroad."
Remember back when....it was all about Kyoto, and unilateralism....and...and..then came.. 9/11!
So then, 911 changed everything...?
No Wait! It didn't change a thing! Then, Bush when into TOTALLY UNILATERAL MODE.
Attacks on Afgahnistan...! Invasion of Iraq....! UN lies. War. Death. Destruction. Chaos. Monetary Collapse. Insurgency.
Dubya was Busted, Disgusted, Distrusted, and out of money and manpower.....
Like a drunk coming home after an all night bender....Dubya is now stuck using his weapon of last resort (WLR)....Charm!
But, there could be another reason for this big change of heart.
Dubya's first term was seen by many in the middle east as a "green light" for Sharon to make his move on the West Bank.... And indeed, all Hell broke loose in Palestine shortly after Dubya was sworn in the first time...and the US "disengaged" to let Sharon and the Likud run the show in Palestine.
So far so good.... Condi was re-decorating her office, and all was right with the world...seemingly. But....
THEN CAME 911....
So, the question NOW must be--- if Bush's actions, inactions and hubris in the first term provoked 911.....?
Could it happen again, as he starts the second term?
After all, Muslim "greivences" against Bush are surely no less? And perhaps they are even greater...if the CIA is to be believed.
IT'S POSSIBLE THAT THIS "CHARM OFFENSIVE" --AND THE SUDDEN "MAKING NICE" FROM SHARON-- WITH PRISONER RELEASES--AND TALK OF A WEST BANK PULL OUT OF SETTLERS--IS AN ATTEMPT TO AVOID THE MISTAKES OF THE FIRST BUSH TERM....?
Whatever happens next, Dubya does not want to be open to the criticism....YOU DID NOTHING.
IN FACT, YOU PROVOKED THE DREADED SECOND ATTACK......
IF DUBYA'S FIRST TERM WAS ALL ABOUT HUBRIS?
THE SECOND TERM COULD BE ALL ABOUT HUMILITY......
But then, when you're finally busted, disgusted and can't be trusted.....humility comes a lot easier. Ya Suppose?
Stay tuned.....for more on "Ignorance Abroad."
MORE MYTHICAL WMD?
Dubya's record on "finding" WMD is checkered....to say the least.
ANY ATTACK ON IRAN WOULD BE A DISASTER...that would make Dubya's current troubles pale in comparison.
Iran is bigger than Iraq....by far. Iran has not been crippled by sanctions and prior war, (Gulf War I) as Iraq.... Iran is a far more cohesive nation.
Europe and Russia are doing business with Iran....and they will not take kindly to another "American Intervention" in their business affairs..... Remember Iraq's oil contracts?
Furthermore, Dubya is broke and has no army to spare... Where is the money going to come from... China?
Dubya's disasterous tax cuts have put American War Finances in the hands of foreigners! If China says it's OK to invade or bomb Iran....fine.
Remember wars have a bad habit of trashing the bond market eventually. And Dubya is getting real close to that point now.... The dollar is weak. And the bond market is levitating...miraculously. So far......
And of course, Dubya's "new chums" the Shia of Iraq are co-religionists with the Shia of Iran..... And the beat goes on.....
Any attack on Iran would be historically similar to Hitlers attack on Russia during WWII.....Hurbis on the verge of total madness......
TWO FRONT WARS ARE SIMPLY NOT WINNABLE.
ANY ATTACK ON IRAN WOULD BE A DISASTER...that would make Dubya's current troubles pale in comparison.
Iran is bigger than Iraq....by far. Iran has not been crippled by sanctions and prior war, (Gulf War I) as Iraq.... Iran is a far more cohesive nation.
Europe and Russia are doing business with Iran....and they will not take kindly to another "American Intervention" in their business affairs..... Remember Iraq's oil contracts?
Furthermore, Dubya is broke and has no army to spare... Where is the money going to come from... China?
Dubya's disasterous tax cuts have put American War Finances in the hands of foreigners! If China says it's OK to invade or bomb Iran....fine.
Remember wars have a bad habit of trashing the bond market eventually. And Dubya is getting real close to that point now.... The dollar is weak. And the bond market is levitating...miraculously. So far......
And of course, Dubya's "new chums" the Shia of Iraq are co-religionists with the Shia of Iran..... And the beat goes on.....
Any attack on Iran would be historically similar to Hitlers attack on Russia during WWII.....Hurbis on the verge of total madness......
TWO FRONT WARS ARE SIMPLY NOT WINNABLE.
REPLACING SAFIRE....?
With Safire out of the line up at the NYTimes....who could replace him?
Consider:
The Times has a "Foreign Affairs Guy" in Friedman. And an "Economics Guy" in Krugman. Dowd is holding down "Lady Liberal" position. Brooks is the "Resident Conservative," not too bright, but a perfect "strawman" for the liberals to knock around a bit. Herbert is the token sensible Afro-American Guy. And, last but not least, Kristoff as a Middle Aged White Guy "daddy figure" with a heart of gold, who isn't quite old enough to be a card carrying curmudgeon like Safire......yet.
Where are the "editorial" gaps?
I'd suggest the following:
1. A 20-SOMETHING TECH SAVY STUD, TO HOLD THE "NEW ECONOMY" SLOT.
2. AN ORTHODOX JEW TO EXPLAIN THE LIKUD PARTY TO AMERICANS.
3. A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN TO HELP LIBERALS "GET USED TO IT."
4. SOMEONE OVER THE AGE OF 80, TO EXPLAIN ADVANCED OLD AGE TO CLUELESS BOOMERS.
5. A BLACK RAP STAR TO INITIATE THE NYT READER INTO THE MYSTERIES OF NEW MUSIC.
6. A POLISH EMIGRE....TO EXPLAIN THE "NEW EUROPE," PREFERABLE WITH HIGH LEVEL CHESS PLAYING CREDENTIALS.
7. A QUISLING ARAB....TO DENOUNCE ISLAM AND ARABS AS BACKWARD PEOPLE....BEFORE HE HANGS HIMSELF.
8. AN OPENLY GAY MARRIED PERSON.
9. A REAL GENUINE BUBBA GOOD OLE BOY FROM A VERY VERY RED STATE..
10. HILLARY CLINTON!!
Let's hope the Times finds a suitable replacement for Safires curmudgeonly confusion.....soon...
Consider:
The Times has a "Foreign Affairs Guy" in Friedman. And an "Economics Guy" in Krugman. Dowd is holding down "Lady Liberal" position. Brooks is the "Resident Conservative," not too bright, but a perfect "strawman" for the liberals to knock around a bit. Herbert is the token sensible Afro-American Guy. And, last but not least, Kristoff as a Middle Aged White Guy "daddy figure" with a heart of gold, who isn't quite old enough to be a card carrying curmudgeon like Safire......yet.
Where are the "editorial" gaps?
I'd suggest the following:
1. A 20-SOMETHING TECH SAVY STUD, TO HOLD THE "NEW ECONOMY" SLOT.
2. AN ORTHODOX JEW TO EXPLAIN THE LIKUD PARTY TO AMERICANS.
3. A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN TO HELP LIBERALS "GET USED TO IT."
4. SOMEONE OVER THE AGE OF 80, TO EXPLAIN ADVANCED OLD AGE TO CLUELESS BOOMERS.
5. A BLACK RAP STAR TO INITIATE THE NYT READER INTO THE MYSTERIES OF NEW MUSIC.
6. A POLISH EMIGRE....TO EXPLAIN THE "NEW EUROPE," PREFERABLE WITH HIGH LEVEL CHESS PLAYING CREDENTIALS.
7. A QUISLING ARAB....TO DENOUNCE ISLAM AND ARABS AS BACKWARD PEOPLE....BEFORE HE HANGS HIMSELF.
8. AN OPENLY GAY MARRIED PERSON.
9. A REAL GENUINE BUBBA GOOD OLE BOY FROM A VERY VERY RED STATE..
10. HILLARY CLINTON!!
Let's hope the Times finds a suitable replacement for Safires curmudgeonly confusion.....soon...
ACTS OF WAR..? WHO WHAT WHEN?
Bob Herbert in the NYTimes today
quotes Porter Goss as follows:
Porter Goss, the C.I.A. director, told the committee, "Islamic extremists are exploiting the Iraqi conflict to recruit new anti-U.S. jihadists." He added, "These jihadists who survive will leave Iraq experienced and focus on acts of urban terrorism."
Herbert goes on to note that everything Dubya & Co have done in the middle east has played into the hands of Osama and the Radical Islamists. Indeed, it almost looks like OSAMA PLANNED DUBYA'S HAMFISTED RESPONSE to energize the Muslim Street.
Of course, it all goes back to the question of: WAS 911 AN ACT OF WAR, OR A CRIME?
Clearly, persons and groups of persons can not "legally" commit an Act of War. Only governments can "declare war" but individuals are perfectly capable of "committing crimes." Crimes are violations of laws made by governments.
The tragedy at the WTC was a crime, not an act of war....
True, a horrid crime, and crime almost without precendent in the annals of police work. A crime worthy of Sherlock Holmes and all the great detectives of fact and fiction.
BUT IT WAS ONLY A CRIME..... NOT AN ACT OF WAR.
But here's the problem:
WHAT DUBYA & CO DID WAS AN ACT OF WAR.....
Dubya attacked two sovereign nations: Afghanistan and Iraq. Now, to the Neocons and to many Americans these two nations "had it coming," and besides Americans "needed someone to blame."
After all, the real attackers of American died on the planes!
But if a criminal "could have been found" to take the blame for 911, like what happen after the Oklahoma City Bombing, would Dubya and the America have needed a "scapegoat" to attack?
Perhaps not!
If, after 911, the American media had had someone to do the "perp-walk"....some strange looking foreigner to focus our hatred on....maybe none of our current war making would have been necessary.
After all, Iraq was an "optional war" remember?
So, what are we left with now...three years plus after 911?
WELL, LEGALLY SPEAKING, ONLY DUBYA HAS COMMITTED TRUE---"ACTS OF WAR!"
Perhaps, that's the reason almost no one in the world "supports" the US position in Iraq....and with the coming hostilities in Iran and Syria?
quotes Porter Goss as follows:
Porter Goss, the C.I.A. director, told the committee, "Islamic extremists are exploiting the Iraqi conflict to recruit new anti-U.S. jihadists." He added, "These jihadists who survive will leave Iraq experienced and focus on acts of urban terrorism."
Herbert goes on to note that everything Dubya & Co have done in the middle east has played into the hands of Osama and the Radical Islamists. Indeed, it almost looks like OSAMA PLANNED DUBYA'S HAMFISTED RESPONSE to energize the Muslim Street.
Of course, it all goes back to the question of: WAS 911 AN ACT OF WAR, OR A CRIME?
Clearly, persons and groups of persons can not "legally" commit an Act of War. Only governments can "declare war" but individuals are perfectly capable of "committing crimes." Crimes are violations of laws made by governments.
The tragedy at the WTC was a crime, not an act of war....
True, a horrid crime, and crime almost without precendent in the annals of police work. A crime worthy of Sherlock Holmes and all the great detectives of fact and fiction.
BUT IT WAS ONLY A CRIME..... NOT AN ACT OF WAR.
But here's the problem:
WHAT DUBYA & CO DID WAS AN ACT OF WAR.....
Dubya attacked two sovereign nations: Afghanistan and Iraq. Now, to the Neocons and to many Americans these two nations "had it coming," and besides Americans "needed someone to blame."
After all, the real attackers of American died on the planes!
But if a criminal "could have been found" to take the blame for 911, like what happen after the Oklahoma City Bombing, would Dubya and the America have needed a "scapegoat" to attack?
Perhaps not!
If, after 911, the American media had had someone to do the "perp-walk"....some strange looking foreigner to focus our hatred on....maybe none of our current war making would have been necessary.
After all, Iraq was an "optional war" remember?
So, what are we left with now...three years plus after 911?
WELL, LEGALLY SPEAKING, ONLY DUBYA HAS COMMITTED TRUE---"ACTS OF WAR!"
Perhaps, that's the reason almost no one in the world "supports" the US position in Iraq....and with the coming hostilities in Iran and Syria?
US TO KILL CHAVEZ?
Chavez says in the link that he will be targeted by Dubya & Co.....?
Regime Change "on the cheap?" Or just a reversion to the old fashion way America handled hostile foreign governments during the cold war......
Regime Change "on the cheap?" Or just a reversion to the old fashion way America handled hostile foreign governments during the cold war......
IS HOMER SIMPSON GAY?
Could Homer Simpson join Sponge Bob
and Tinkie Winkie of the Teletubbies, as the next cartoon figure to be "outed" by the religious right.... The NYTimes has baited the trap for the religious right with today's story of last nights Simpsons episode where Homer starts a marriage chapel to "marry anything to anything!"
BUT WILL THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT...TAKE THE BAIT?
and Tinkie Winkie of the Teletubbies, as the next cartoon figure to be "outed" by the religious right.... The NYTimes has baited the trap for the religious right with today's story of last nights Simpsons episode where Homer starts a marriage chapel to "marry anything to anything!"
BUT WILL THE RELIGIOUS RIGHT...TAKE THE BAIT?
BUSH TRIES THE HUMILITY THING
A s probably the most hated man in the world,
Bush is now in Europe with a different attitutde: Call it THE HUMILITY THING.
Having gotten himself in trouble in Iraq and in the middle east generally Dubya may have no choice but to go hat in hand to Euroland and beg forgiveness for past unilateralisms.
Quite simply the money is running out and the military is over-extended....there is no manpower left, and Bush doesn't want to start a draft which would break a Major campaign promise (too quickly)...... And a draft would seriously piss off Dubya's Southern and Rural Bubba Base.
But, the Eurolanders will demand a price from Bush. First, Bush will have to lean on Sharon and the Likud to make up their minds on the West Bank settlement issues.....which are really the basis for much of the Arab/Muslim complain against the US and "the west" in general. Of course, there are other complains like support for autocracy in the region and two recent invasions for "regime change."
BUSH MAY BE FORCED TO CHOSE HIS GEOPOLITICAL FRIENDS:
WILL HE STICK WITH ISRAEL AND THE LIKUD?
OR, WILL HE GO WITH EUROLAND AND SEEK ACCOMEDATION WITH THE EMPIRE OF ISLAM INSTEAD OF CONFRONTATION.....?
In any event if Bush continues to see the world as good verus evil the Eurolanders may turn away in disgust and conclude that Dubya and Co. are beyond hope..... THAT I FEAR IS THE MOST LIKELY OUTCOME AT PRESENT.
Dubya is treating this European trip like a "smooze session" back in Texas, where a slap on the back and an off color joke heals all........ But in this case it won't work.
Bush is now in Europe with a different attitutde: Call it THE HUMILITY THING.
Having gotten himself in trouble in Iraq and in the middle east generally Dubya may have no choice but to go hat in hand to Euroland and beg forgiveness for past unilateralisms.
Quite simply the money is running out and the military is over-extended....there is no manpower left, and Bush doesn't want to start a draft which would break a Major campaign promise (too quickly)...... And a draft would seriously piss off Dubya's Southern and Rural Bubba Base.
But, the Eurolanders will demand a price from Bush. First, Bush will have to lean on Sharon and the Likud to make up their minds on the West Bank settlement issues.....which are really the basis for much of the Arab/Muslim complain against the US and "the west" in general. Of course, there are other complains like support for autocracy in the region and two recent invasions for "regime change."
BUSH MAY BE FORCED TO CHOSE HIS GEOPOLITICAL FRIENDS:
WILL HE STICK WITH ISRAEL AND THE LIKUD?
OR, WILL HE GO WITH EUROLAND AND SEEK ACCOMEDATION WITH THE EMPIRE OF ISLAM INSTEAD OF CONFRONTATION.....?
In any event if Bush continues to see the world as good verus evil the Eurolanders may turn away in disgust and conclude that Dubya and Co. are beyond hope..... THAT I FEAR IS THE MOST LIKELY OUTCOME AT PRESENT.
Dubya is treating this European trip like a "smooze session" back in Texas, where a slap on the back and an off color joke heals all........ But in this case it won't work.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
BUSH'S SECRET TAPES
Well, thats how Watergate started..... These tapes could be just an embarassment. Although most of what people don't like about Bush is already out. Dubya's motto is "Never complain, Never explain." His detractors won't change anything. And Dubya's supporters don't care....!
IS PRINT DEAD?
Has the Internet finally killed off the newspaper? See link....
I suspect that it's too early to tell. But one thing the Internet DOES do is is TAKE UP PEOPLE'S SPARE TIME!
It's not really a matter of reading vs. surfing....it's a matter of hours in the day.
Additionally, the 'Net is now the place of first resort for news and information. Why wait for a newspaper? Or even go to CNN.....just go on-line and "Google it!"
And Bam! You have it....
My hunch is that there will be room for print and broadcast and the Web.... Just as TV didn't kill off movies...and the VCR didn't do in the Cineplex...so too the Internet and print will "find their niche."
For LONGER READING most people hate squinting into a computer screen....Books and Newspapers are much easier on the eyes....and you won't need plastic surgery for "squint lines" between your eyes!
And there is something about a book that the Web just can't match.....
The Internet is like a snack...or a fast food fix. A book or newspaper is more of a sit down dinner....
PRINT WILL SURVIVE....BUT NOT AS MEDIA "FAST FOOD"...!
I suspect that it's too early to tell. But one thing the Internet DOES do is is TAKE UP PEOPLE'S SPARE TIME!
It's not really a matter of reading vs. surfing....it's a matter of hours in the day.
Additionally, the 'Net is now the place of first resort for news and information. Why wait for a newspaper? Or even go to CNN.....just go on-line and "Google it!"
And Bam! You have it....
My hunch is that there will be room for print and broadcast and the Web.... Just as TV didn't kill off movies...and the VCR didn't do in the Cineplex...so too the Internet and print will "find their niche."
For LONGER READING most people hate squinting into a computer screen....Books and Newspapers are much easier on the eyes....and you won't need plastic surgery for "squint lines" between your eyes!
And there is something about a book that the Web just can't match.....
The Internet is like a snack...or a fast food fix. A book or newspaper is more of a sit down dinner....
PRINT WILL SURVIVE....BUT NOT AS MEDIA "FAST FOOD"...!
POSTING COMMENTS....
It has come to my attention that the posting of comments to this blog has been "off".....
I've turned it on again..... for those few who do want to post here. Thanks for the info.....
It seems to be working properly now.......
I've turned it on again..... for those few who do want to post here. Thanks for the info.....
It seems to be working properly now.......
KRAUTHAMMER GIVES UP ON SOCIAL SECURITY BONDS
How bad is it for Dubya's Social Security reforms?
Even Krauthammer of the Washington Post is tossing in the towel.....
Krauthammer admits that the "crisis" if any is too far off to seem real to most people.... Says Krauthammer:
To bring the silliness full circle, the president himself has since admitted that there really is no trust fund. But his 2042 date is based on the idea that there is. We will never be able to reform the system if the chief reformer does not clearly articulate what the impending crisis is, when it is coming and why.
Still this Republican notion that the SOCIAL SECURITY LOCK BOX is really a fraud is interesting: Consider,
If the "bonds" in the lock box are really "a fake" as Republicans now tell us....because "the money ain't there" to pay for the Social Security Bonds....and it all depends on "raising taxes" in the future...?
WHAT'S TO SAY THAT THE BONDS PURCHASED BY THE PROPOSED PRIVATE ACCOUNTS WILL NOT ALSO BE FAKES!
THINK ABOUT IT....there is no difference...the bonds are the same.
Yet, inside the "Lock Box" the bonds are "NOT REAL"
..... BUT IN YOUR BUSH-BACKED PRIVATE ACCOUNTS THE SAME BONDS BECOME "MAGICALLY" REAL! Go figure....
Or am I missing something??
Even Krauthammer of the Washington Post is tossing in the towel.....
Krauthammer admits that the "crisis" if any is too far off to seem real to most people.... Says Krauthammer:
To bring the silliness full circle, the president himself has since admitted that there really is no trust fund. But his 2042 date is based on the idea that there is. We will never be able to reform the system if the chief reformer does not clearly articulate what the impending crisis is, when it is coming and why.
Still this Republican notion that the SOCIAL SECURITY LOCK BOX is really a fraud is interesting: Consider,
If the "bonds" in the lock box are really "a fake" as Republicans now tell us....because "the money ain't there" to pay for the Social Security Bonds....and it all depends on "raising taxes" in the future...?
WHAT'S TO SAY THAT THE BONDS PURCHASED BY THE PROPOSED PRIVATE ACCOUNTS WILL NOT ALSO BE FAKES!
THINK ABOUT IT....there is no difference...the bonds are the same.
Yet, inside the "Lock Box" the bonds are "NOT REAL"
..... BUT IN YOUR BUSH-BACKED PRIVATE ACCOUNTS THE SAME BONDS BECOME "MAGICALLY" REAL! Go figure....
Or am I missing something??
BUSH AS POLARIZING INFLUENCE
One thing you can say about Dubya without fear of contradiction is that he is one of the most polarizing people in the world..... You either like him, or you loathe him.
In Europe Dubya is almost universally loathed....
Curiously, this same hostility can be found among rural and southern Bush supporters toward Anti-Bush folks.
AND NOTHING WILL CHANGE ANYONE'S MIND ON EITHER SIDE.....
IN THE SOUTHERN STATES AND WITH RURAL BUBBAS BUSH IS SUPPORTED, NO MATTER WHAT. The attitude is: He's not perfect, but at least he's "saved."
SO ...DEPRESSION, WAR, AND POLITICAL CATASTROPHE MEAN NOTHING TO THESE "DUBYA PEOPLE...."
So too, in Euroland, and among Liberals in America, Bush is mostly hated with various degrees of passion.....
IN TERMS OF NUMBERS?
VERY LIKELY, FAR MORE PEOPLE LOATHE BUSH, THAN LIKE HIM....
BUSH'S SUPPORT IS MAINLY LIMITED TO THE SOUTHERN US, AND RURAL AREAS AND THE PLAINS STATES....AND THAT'S ABOUT IT.
The unfortunate thing is that there is simply NO middle ground with Bush.
ABOUT 60,000 RURAL AND SMALL TOWN VOTERS IN OHIO IMPOSED BUSH ON THE WORLD FOR FOUR MORE YEARS........
THIS, DESPITE THE OUTRAGE OF TENS OF MILLIONS GLOBALLY!
Democracy in action......?
But really, it's so sad to have a "lost term" in the US presidency at this important time in world history.
Bush will likely not accomplish much in his second term. This so-called "tort reform" of class actions could be the last harrah for Bush in the second term---everything else is problematic.
So, Dubya will more or less "keep the seat warm" for the next president.... And that "next president" will have a major opportunity to pick up the pieces, and reshape history in a major way.
Saddly, we can't just hit the fast forward button....
This is just going to be day-by-day for the next few years. What a waste....
In Europe Dubya is almost universally loathed....
Curiously, this same hostility can be found among rural and southern Bush supporters toward Anti-Bush folks.
AND NOTHING WILL CHANGE ANYONE'S MIND ON EITHER SIDE.....
IN THE SOUTHERN STATES AND WITH RURAL BUBBAS BUSH IS SUPPORTED, NO MATTER WHAT. The attitude is: He's not perfect, but at least he's "saved."
SO ...DEPRESSION, WAR, AND POLITICAL CATASTROPHE MEAN NOTHING TO THESE "DUBYA PEOPLE...."
So too, in Euroland, and among Liberals in America, Bush is mostly hated with various degrees of passion.....
IN TERMS OF NUMBERS?
VERY LIKELY, FAR MORE PEOPLE LOATHE BUSH, THAN LIKE HIM....
BUSH'S SUPPORT IS MAINLY LIMITED TO THE SOUTHERN US, AND RURAL AREAS AND THE PLAINS STATES....AND THAT'S ABOUT IT.
The unfortunate thing is that there is simply NO middle ground with Bush.
ABOUT 60,000 RURAL AND SMALL TOWN VOTERS IN OHIO IMPOSED BUSH ON THE WORLD FOR FOUR MORE YEARS........
THIS, DESPITE THE OUTRAGE OF TENS OF MILLIONS GLOBALLY!
Democracy in action......?
But really, it's so sad to have a "lost term" in the US presidency at this important time in world history.
Bush will likely not accomplish much in his second term. This so-called "tort reform" of class actions could be the last harrah for Bush in the second term---everything else is problematic.
So, Dubya will more or less "keep the seat warm" for the next president.... And that "next president" will have a major opportunity to pick up the pieces, and reshape history in a major way.
Saddly, we can't just hit the fast forward button....
This is just going to be day-by-day for the next few years. What a waste....
SOLVE THE WEST BANK FIRST, THEN INVADE SYRIA
In reply to Friedman
in the Sunday NYTimes about the BAGHDAD SPRING?
I think Friedman should re-read his own book. Everyone knows that "taking sides" in Lebanon is a formula for disaster.
If the Great Powers really want to do something constructive; let them solve the West Bank Problem first.
Because if you "solve" Syria and you "solve" Lebanon and you "solve" Iraq and you "solve" Iran, but you ignore the West Bank and the settlers' push for a Greater Israel in the middle east...you are simply deluding yourself. And you haven't really solved anything.
And. if the West Bank and Israel were NOT AN ISSUE....?
Would Friedman and the US even care what happens in Lebanon and Syria..well, I hope so, but I doubt it.
Would Dubya and the Neocons be so concern about women's rights and democracy in Araby; if the Likudnics were not setting strategy in Washington?
In truth,....as long as the House of Saud keeps the oil spigots wide open...and the settlers are on the West Bank...it's all one big geo-political dog and pony show.
If Friedman wants to "empower Arabs" so much, start with the Palestinians; who have been waiting for their "state" for decades....
I know this may sound a bit testy, but my Hypocrisy Tolerance Level (HTL) is running a little low right now...ever since the elections in November.
in the Sunday NYTimes about the BAGHDAD SPRING?
I think Friedman should re-read his own book. Everyone knows that "taking sides" in Lebanon is a formula for disaster.
If the Great Powers really want to do something constructive; let them solve the West Bank Problem first.
Because if you "solve" Syria and you "solve" Lebanon and you "solve" Iraq and you "solve" Iran, but you ignore the West Bank and the settlers' push for a Greater Israel in the middle east...you are simply deluding yourself. And you haven't really solved anything.
And. if the West Bank and Israel were NOT AN ISSUE....?
Would Friedman and the US even care what happens in Lebanon and Syria..well, I hope so, but I doubt it.
Would Dubya and the Neocons be so concern about women's rights and democracy in Araby; if the Likudnics were not setting strategy in Washington?
In truth,....as long as the House of Saud keeps the oil spigots wide open...and the settlers are on the West Bank...it's all one big geo-political dog and pony show.
If Friedman wants to "empower Arabs" so much, start with the Palestinians; who have been waiting for their "state" for decades....
I know this may sound a bit testy, but my Hypocrisy Tolerance Level (HTL) is running a little low right now...ever since the elections in November.
TOWARD A NEW AMERICAN WELFARE STATE
The biggest problem facing
American Politics is that everyone is "talking passed" each other. In effect, everybody is acting like the proverbial "blind men" describing different parts of the elephant.
The Republicans see the welfare state through the prism of the 1970's, when AFDC/ADC was rampant; and poor people were essentially "paid" to have children that they couldn't afford to support.
Further, as the US economy turned from high wage jobs to low wage jobs, at that time, many poor people thought it was better to stay on welfare, than to work for low wages with no benefits. And they were probably right!
The Democrats, on the other hand, see the welfare state as providing everyone with a basic degree of social services.
As the poor are brought up, the entire economy benefits by a more widespread participation of all people in the consumer economy. In other words, the welfare check eventually ends up in Walmart cash registers; so what difference does it make how it gets there......?
Currently, the US is experiencing an extreme concentration of wealth and income in the upper levels of the population. In other words, the rich are getting much richer, and the poor are getting much poorer.
WHAT IS TO BE DONE?
A prolonged period of wealth concentration could damage the American economy and society for decades; as more and more people are forced out of the cash economy, and into poverty.
As wealth concentrates, there is a tendancy for the rich to protect themselves by using fascist politics and policies, and perhaps even use "death squads" to put down lower class dissenters.
The US may be seeing the first signs of a radical right politics even now....
MY SUGGESTION WOULD BE TO HAVE THE "NEW AMERICAN WELFARE STATE" DEFINED AS---A SYSTEM OF TARGETED INCENTIVES TOWARD SOCIETY-WIDE BENEFITS...
For example, a NATIONAL HEALTH CARE PLAN would take a huge burden off business thus aiding competitivness....AND provide a needed service to the poor, who could afford to work for lower wages, if their health care needs were covered.
Tax incentives for marriage and child rearing should replace the old system that encouraged illegitimacy and single parenting; because if you subsidize something you just get more of it!
A system of subsidized housing and other needs would also allow LOW WAGE AMERICANS to "compete" with China and Asia where worker subsidies are common, thus benefiting the public and the business community.
IN OTHER WORDS, THE NEW AMERICAN WELFARE STATE SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED TO INCENTIVIZE, WITHOUT BEING UNNECESSARILY CRUEL TO THE POOREST AMERICANS. Wide spread poverty, disease and hopelessness helps no one.
The New American Welfare State should subsidize business as well was consumers....and it should be re-distribuing money in the economy to provide for the most growth in consumer spending.
Welfare should never be a "life-style" again....but a system of tax and benefits could be devised to incentivize and subsidize, not discourage or support.
True, one persons tax is another persons subsidy.
But the effort toward a New American Welfare State is a valid function of modern government if the global economy is to survive.
The markets should be allowed to function, based on the notion that greed is not always "good" ---but it is often 'useful."
Finally, welfare for the military industrial complex will have to end....Americans can simply not afford a standing army on a 24.7 war footing.
There is a need for better coordination and cooperation globally, before the war option is placed on the table again. A CUT IN MILITARY SPENDING BY THE US COULD MAKE THE WORLD A MUCH SAFER PLACE IN THE VIEW OF MANY PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD.
Because something there is that does not like a "uni-polar" world. And with WMD now just another 1940's technology.....the entire notion of conventional war may be obsolete!
It would benefit everyone if a discussion of THE NEW AMERICAN WELFARE STATE started as soon as possible..... Because things are starting to spiral out of control now.
And sooner or later, something must be done.
Bretton Woods and American Exceptionalism may be dead..... But the need for a "New Bretton Woods" paradigm has yet to be recognized.
American Politics is that everyone is "talking passed" each other. In effect, everybody is acting like the proverbial "blind men" describing different parts of the elephant.
The Republicans see the welfare state through the prism of the 1970's, when AFDC/ADC was rampant; and poor people were essentially "paid" to have children that they couldn't afford to support.
Further, as the US economy turned from high wage jobs to low wage jobs, at that time, many poor people thought it was better to stay on welfare, than to work for low wages with no benefits. And they were probably right!
The Democrats, on the other hand, see the welfare state as providing everyone with a basic degree of social services.
As the poor are brought up, the entire economy benefits by a more widespread participation of all people in the consumer economy. In other words, the welfare check eventually ends up in Walmart cash registers; so what difference does it make how it gets there......?
Currently, the US is experiencing an extreme concentration of wealth and income in the upper levels of the population. In other words, the rich are getting much richer, and the poor are getting much poorer.
WHAT IS TO BE DONE?
A prolonged period of wealth concentration could damage the American economy and society for decades; as more and more people are forced out of the cash economy, and into poverty.
As wealth concentrates, there is a tendancy for the rich to protect themselves by using fascist politics and policies, and perhaps even use "death squads" to put down lower class dissenters.
The US may be seeing the first signs of a radical right politics even now....
MY SUGGESTION WOULD BE TO HAVE THE "NEW AMERICAN WELFARE STATE" DEFINED AS---A SYSTEM OF TARGETED INCENTIVES TOWARD SOCIETY-WIDE BENEFITS...
For example, a NATIONAL HEALTH CARE PLAN would take a huge burden off business thus aiding competitivness....AND provide a needed service to the poor, who could afford to work for lower wages, if their health care needs were covered.
Tax incentives for marriage and child rearing should replace the old system that encouraged illegitimacy and single parenting; because if you subsidize something you just get more of it!
A system of subsidized housing and other needs would also allow LOW WAGE AMERICANS to "compete" with China and Asia where worker subsidies are common, thus benefiting the public and the business community.
IN OTHER WORDS, THE NEW AMERICAN WELFARE STATE SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED TO INCENTIVIZE, WITHOUT BEING UNNECESSARILY CRUEL TO THE POOREST AMERICANS. Wide spread poverty, disease and hopelessness helps no one.
The New American Welfare State should subsidize business as well was consumers....and it should be re-distribuing money in the economy to provide for the most growth in consumer spending.
Welfare should never be a "life-style" again....but a system of tax and benefits could be devised to incentivize and subsidize, not discourage or support.
True, one persons tax is another persons subsidy.
But the effort toward a New American Welfare State is a valid function of modern government if the global economy is to survive.
The markets should be allowed to function, based on the notion that greed is not always "good" ---but it is often 'useful."
Finally, welfare for the military industrial complex will have to end....Americans can simply not afford a standing army on a 24.7 war footing.
There is a need for better coordination and cooperation globally, before the war option is placed on the table again. A CUT IN MILITARY SPENDING BY THE US COULD MAKE THE WORLD A MUCH SAFER PLACE IN THE VIEW OF MANY PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD.
Because something there is that does not like a "uni-polar" world. And with WMD now just another 1940's technology.....the entire notion of conventional war may be obsolete!
It would benefit everyone if a discussion of THE NEW AMERICAN WELFARE STATE started as soon as possible..... Because things are starting to spiral out of control now.
And sooner or later, something must be done.
Bretton Woods and American Exceptionalism may be dead..... But the need for a "New Bretton Woods" paradigm has yet to be recognized.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
911: CRIME, or ACT OF WAR
911 was a crime, not an act of war....
One of the biggest distractions from the real terror threat....is THE WAR!
DUBYA WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE 911 SEEN IN TERMS OF WAR.....
AND NOW WE ARE STUCK IN IRAQ USING THE "WRONG TOOL FOR THE JOB."
Most of the real progress has been make ON THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION FRONT..... Government to Government law enforcement is doing the heavy lifting....
Even while the US military is bogged down in Iraq doing God knows what! Fixing sewers and organizing elections with obvious outcomes.
THE BEST WAY TO FIGHT TERROR BY GROUPS OF INDIVIDUALS IS EXACTLY LIKE FIGHTING ORGANIZED CRIME....WITH GOOD SOLID POLICE WORK.
INVADING AN ENTIRE COUNTRY JUST BECAUSE THERE MAY BE SOME POSSIBLE TERRORISTS LIVING THERE IS A WASTE OF LIVES AND MONEY....AND LIKELY ACCOMPLISHES LITTLE.
Therein is the failure of Dubya's "war on terror." It's not a war and it never was one....yet three years into this mess...Dubya still doesn't get it.
One of the biggest distractions from the real terror threat....is THE WAR!
DUBYA WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE 911 SEEN IN TERMS OF WAR.....
AND NOW WE ARE STUCK IN IRAQ USING THE "WRONG TOOL FOR THE JOB."
Most of the real progress has been make ON THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION FRONT..... Government to Government law enforcement is doing the heavy lifting....
Even while the US military is bogged down in Iraq doing God knows what! Fixing sewers and organizing elections with obvious outcomes.
THE BEST WAY TO FIGHT TERROR BY GROUPS OF INDIVIDUALS IS EXACTLY LIKE FIGHTING ORGANIZED CRIME....WITH GOOD SOLID POLICE WORK.
INVADING AN ENTIRE COUNTRY JUST BECAUSE THERE MAY BE SOME POSSIBLE TERRORISTS LIVING THERE IS A WASTE OF LIVES AND MONEY....AND LIKELY ACCOMPLISHES LITTLE.
Therein is the failure of Dubya's "war on terror." It's not a war and it never was one....yet three years into this mess...Dubya still doesn't get it.
DEMOCRACY, NOT INVASION....
Let's hope that Friedman, in the Sunday NYTimes is just a little bit right about the Baghdad Spring....
But I would hope that we do not go the "INVASION ROUTE" anymore...as this creates a whole new set of problems.
ENCOURAGE DOMESTIC DEMOCRACY IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
BOMB IRAN WITH MUSIC CD's AND AMERICAN MOVIES....BEAM TV INTO THE MIDDLE EAST FREE OF CHARGE.
BUT NO MORE "SHOCK AND AWE."
Would that Chalabi had gone into Iraq at the head of a rebel army, not in the back seat of an American tank!
Also, if Sharon and the Likud would just decided WHAT THEY WANT ON THE WEST BANK....AND ALLOW INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS...THINGS COULD MOVE MUCH FASTER.
With the Likud still holding out for a Greater Israel on the West Bank....western democracy is going to be a hard sell on the streets of Araby....
http://gloomanddoom.blogspot.com
But I would hope that we do not go the "INVASION ROUTE" anymore...as this creates a whole new set of problems.
ENCOURAGE DOMESTIC DEMOCRACY IN THE MIDDLE EAST.
BOMB IRAN WITH MUSIC CD's AND AMERICAN MOVIES....BEAM TV INTO THE MIDDLE EAST FREE OF CHARGE.
BUT NO MORE "SHOCK AND AWE."
Would that Chalabi had gone into Iraq at the head of a rebel army, not in the back seat of an American tank!
Also, if Sharon and the Likud would just decided WHAT THEY WANT ON THE WEST BANK....AND ALLOW INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS...THINGS COULD MOVE MUCH FASTER.
With the Likud still holding out for a Greater Israel on the West Bank....western democracy is going to be a hard sell on the streets of Araby....
http://gloomanddoom.blogspot.com
A SIXTH SENSE?
This notion of a sixth sense is interesting....and it could have practical uses in determining how and why some people achieve and some don't.....
Anyone who has played craps or poker in Vegas "knows" that there is a certain "karma" at work at the table....sometimes it's very strong, and sometimes a game is a sure loser.
What's going on there.....?
My feeling is that there are "senses" as yet undescribed by science.... No, it's not religion...but it's probably in the same realm of human experience... This sixth sense could be why some people are better investors than others..... Or is it all just luck or learning..?
Anyone who has played craps or poker in Vegas "knows" that there is a certain "karma" at work at the table....sometimes it's very strong, and sometimes a game is a sure loser.
What's going on there.....?
My feeling is that there are "senses" as yet undescribed by science.... No, it's not religion...but it's probably in the same realm of human experience... This sixth sense could be why some people are better investors than others..... Or is it all just luck or learning..?
BUSH GONNA LEARN EUROPE SOMETHIN?
Bush says that the US divide with Europe is about an "idealistic United States and a cynical Europe."
Of course the Europeans see it as a Stupid US and an Enlightened Europe....
A Cowboy US and an Diplomatic Europe....
A pro-Israel US and a Pro-Palestinian Europe....
An aggressive US and a peaceful Europe....
A Robber Barron US and a Socialist Europe....
Poor Dubya....four more years to go, and he still doesn't get it.
Of course the Europeans see it as a Stupid US and an Enlightened Europe....
A Cowboy US and an Diplomatic Europe....
A pro-Israel US and a Pro-Palestinian Europe....
An aggressive US and a peaceful Europe....
A Robber Barron US and a Socialist Europe....
Poor Dubya....four more years to go, and he still doesn't get it.
CLASS ACTION REFORM: NO BIG DEAL
Some are marveling at the speed of Dubya's Tort Reform agenda.... But they shouldn't be.
All that has happen is Congress has extended EXISTING FEDERAL JURISDICTION OVER DIVERSITY OF CITIZENSHIP CASES.......
DIVERSITY CASES ALWAYS WERE A FEDERAL OPTION
But Federal Courts were optional in diversity cases....until this law....now it will be mandatory....BUT ONLY IF THE "AMOUNT IN CONTROVERSY THRESHOLD" IS REACHED....
So, trial lawyers can still bring class actions in state courts as long as they don't have citizens from more than one state in their law suits...and/or they don't cross the amount in controversy threshold....as established by Congress.
Indeed, all the new law gaurantees is that MULTIPLE LAWSUITS WILL BE FILED FOR THE SAME CLAIM!
THIS COULD BE A BOON FOR THE TRAIL BAR.....AS LAWYERS IN ALL 50 STATES BAN TOGETHER TO FILE 50 LAWSUITS FOR THE SAME CLAIM.....
Hmmmm....And No Defense Attorney/Law Firm Left Behind....? And they bill by the hour!
As to the notion that diversity cases can be thrown out, BY THE FEDERAL COURTS, where there is a conflict of state laws.....? Well, fine....it's back to the state courts again!
THOSE WHO THINK REPUBLICANS HAVE "DISCOVERED" A: "RIGHT WITHOUT A REMEDY" ARE DELUDING THEMSELVES....
AND UNDER ESTIMATING THE CREATIVITY OF THE TRAIL BAR.....
All Kongress did was lower the speed limit....a bit.
But nothing has fundamentally changed.... It's all proceedural with VERY little in the way substantive changes.
All that has happen is Congress has extended EXISTING FEDERAL JURISDICTION OVER DIVERSITY OF CITIZENSHIP CASES.......
DIVERSITY CASES ALWAYS WERE A FEDERAL OPTION
But Federal Courts were optional in diversity cases....until this law....now it will be mandatory....BUT ONLY IF THE "AMOUNT IN CONTROVERSY THRESHOLD" IS REACHED....
So, trial lawyers can still bring class actions in state courts as long as they don't have citizens from more than one state in their law suits...and/or they don't cross the amount in controversy threshold....as established by Congress.
Indeed, all the new law gaurantees is that MULTIPLE LAWSUITS WILL BE FILED FOR THE SAME CLAIM!
THIS COULD BE A BOON FOR THE TRAIL BAR.....AS LAWYERS IN ALL 50 STATES BAN TOGETHER TO FILE 50 LAWSUITS FOR THE SAME CLAIM.....
Hmmmm....And No Defense Attorney/Law Firm Left Behind....? And they bill by the hour!
As to the notion that diversity cases can be thrown out, BY THE FEDERAL COURTS, where there is a conflict of state laws.....? Well, fine....it's back to the state courts again!
THOSE WHO THINK REPUBLICANS HAVE "DISCOVERED" A: "RIGHT WITHOUT A REMEDY" ARE DELUDING THEMSELVES....
AND UNDER ESTIMATING THE CREATIVITY OF THE TRAIL BAR.....
All Kongress did was lower the speed limit....a bit.
But nothing has fundamentally changed.... It's all proceedural with VERY little in the way substantive changes.
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