Other than a few pivotal moments addressing abortion and gun control in the middle there, Obama's was a pandering, old-fashioned political speech that went against what attracted many to him at the outset. Partisan attacks on McCain are not "change."
Many journalists, including those from PBS, are in so deep now they really don't seem to be able to view the whole thing objectively. We will agree, Obama did what he had to do, but it did not seem natural; his timing seemed... off.
We hope that Obama can return to his true, think-things-through persona as we enter the final stretch... at least to the extent that the public will allow.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Biden-- His Time
The convention seemed to confirm that Biden is not merely a safe choice-- he comes off as a stronger gap-plugger than we originally realized. Sure, we knew about his foreign policy know-how, but he seems to hold up on the family-values, lunch-pail Democrat angles too. They sure as hell ain't lettin' you forget he is from SCRANTON-- or spent a few days there, at least.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Jingoistic Journalism
Finally, some perspective on the crisis in Georgia.
From the initial reports, you woulda thunk that the Russkies had invaded Atlanta. That Russia was still the Soviet Union, aka the "Evil Empire." And that Putin was working hand-in-hand with Ernst Blofeld.
Granted, it seems clear that Putin's Posse "overreacted," but initial reports left out any sense of context or even-handedness.
It takes two to tango... or, in this case, to do that crossed-arms kick-your-leg-out dance people do after two many drinks at their best friend's wedding.
Here's what we didn't know (and the press didn't seem on top of either):
1991:
After Georgia gained its independence in 1991, South Ossetia resisted and, after a cease-fire, gained "defacto control of most of their region."
2008:
Russian troops remained in the area after conducting an annual military exercise just to the north.
Aug. 1:
Five Georgian policemen wounded in South Ossetia explosion; two days of violence (and several deaths) follow.
Aug. 7:
14:00 hrs: South Ossetian artillery fire kills two peacekeepers; Georgians return fire.
18:00 hrs: Georgian troops ordered to mobilize toward South Ossetia
19:00 hrs: Georgian President Saakashvilli declares a unilateral cease-fire as Georgian troops are on the move.
Evenin' time: 9,000 Georgian troops take up positions near the border
23:50 hrs-- 24:00 hrs: Under dispute as to which event happened first: Russian troops begin entering Ossetia through the Roki Tunnel before/after Georgians fire artillery into Tskhinvali and begin a ground attack.
Aug. 8:
Georgians get their collective asses kicked.
With the latest analysis, it seems the Georgians bear some responsibility, at least, for being dumb enough to walk into a bear trap.
Gleaned from the Post's article A Two-Sided Descent Into Full-Scale War.
From the initial reports, you woulda thunk that the Russkies had invaded Atlanta. That Russia was still the Soviet Union, aka the "Evil Empire." And that Putin was working hand-in-hand with Ernst Blofeld.
Granted, it seems clear that Putin's Posse "overreacted," but initial reports left out any sense of context or even-handedness.
It takes two to tango... or, in this case, to do that crossed-arms kick-your-leg-out dance people do after two many drinks at their best friend's wedding.
Here's what we didn't know (and the press didn't seem on top of either):
1991:
After Georgia gained its independence in 1991, South Ossetia resisted and, after a cease-fire, gained "defacto control of most of their region."
2008:
Russian troops remained in the area after conducting an annual military exercise just to the north.
Aug. 1:
Five Georgian policemen wounded in South Ossetia explosion; two days of violence (and several deaths) follow.
Aug. 7:
14:00 hrs: South Ossetian artillery fire kills two peacekeepers; Georgians return fire.
18:00 hrs: Georgian troops ordered to mobilize toward South Ossetia
19:00 hrs: Georgian President Saakashvilli declares a unilateral cease-fire as Georgian troops are on the move.
Evenin' time: 9,000 Georgian troops take up positions near the border
23:50 hrs-- 24:00 hrs: Under dispute as to which event happened first: Russian troops begin entering Ossetia through the Roki Tunnel before/after Georgians fire artillery into Tskhinvali and begin a ground attack.
Aug. 8:
Georgians get their collective asses kicked.
With the latest analysis, it seems the Georgians bear some responsibility, at least, for being dumb enough to walk into a bear trap.
Gleaned from the Post's article A Two-Sided Descent Into Full-Scale War.
Political Posturing
The reaction of journalists provides a good backdrop for the initial reactions of the presidential candidates. Here they are, in their own words:
John McCain: "Russia should immediately and unconditionally cease its military operations and withdraw all forces from sovereign Georgian territory."
Barack Obama: “Now is the time for Georgia and Russia to show restraint, and to avoid an escalation to full scale war. Georgia’s territorial integrity must be respected.”
Which one sounds more presidential?
(Editor's note-- it was in the interests of our readers that we decided against titling this posting "Russian to Judgment)
John McCain: "Russia should immediately and unconditionally cease its military operations and withdraw all forces from sovereign Georgian territory."
Barack Obama: “Now is the time for Georgia and Russia to show restraint, and to avoid an escalation to full scale war. Georgia’s territorial integrity must be respected.”
Which one sounds more presidential?
(Editor's note-- it was in the interests of our readers that we decided against titling this posting "Russian to Judgment)
Georgia Peaches
From the Georgian State Dance Company:
In form, Georgian dances are divided into solo, pair and group. Each dancer has to subordinate to the requirements of a common plan and it's [sic] expression in the dance. At the same time the performers do not lose their individuality, since several dances demand competition between partners in strength, agility, elevation and bold movements.
The role of female dancers is an interesting one. The woman never openly tries to attract her partners'[sic] attention in the dance - as though she does not wish to be noticed by him.
She appears unaware of her partner’s tender feelings, maintaining an attitude of distance and awareness of her beauty. In the new folk dance’s[sic], which have been created in the last 20 or 30 years, a change has been noticed in the pattern of women's dances. They have acquired more liveliness, boldness and energy of movements without infringing, however, on the traditional strictness of the dancer’s conduct.
The male dancers can boast a highly original technique. Unlike any other dancers in the world, they dance on their toes and without the aid of "block" shoes. In the women's dances, in contrast to classical ballet, dancing on pointes is unknown.
The site also describes Georgia as "the California of the Soviet Union."
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Eat Like an Olympian
Breakfast: Three fried egg sandwiches; cheese; tomatoes; lettuce; fried onions; mayonnaise; three chocolate-chip pancakes; five-egg omelette; three sugar-coated slices of French toast; bowl of grits; two cups of coffee
Lunch: Half-kilogram (one pound) of enriched pasta; two large ham and cheese sandwiches with mayonnaise on white bread; energy drinks
Dinner: Half-kilogram of pasta, with carbonara sauce; large pizza; energy drinks
See more on Michael Phelps' gastronomic particularities on ABBCCC...
No word on dessert.
Lunch: Half-kilogram (one pound) of enriched pasta; two large ham and cheese sandwiches with mayonnaise on white bread; energy drinks
Dinner: Half-kilogram of pasta, with carbonara sauce; large pizza; energy drinks
See more on Michael Phelps' gastronomic particularities on ABBCCC...
No word on dessert.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
We're Either With Them or Against Them
Shades of Bush's global vision in the latest Russian bluster:
CNN: "Russia to U.S.: Choose us or Georgia"
Indeed, we've gotta agree with Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, who, when asked if Russia was seeking regime change, said:
"Regime change is purely an American invention."
Touché.
The hypocrisy of the whole thing was made glaringly obvious by John McCain, who actually said the following:
"In the 21st century nations don't invade other nations"
CNN: "Russia to U.S.: Choose us or Georgia"
Indeed, we've gotta agree with Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, who, when asked if Russia was seeking regime change, said:
"Regime change is purely an American invention."
Touché.
The hypocrisy of the whole thing was made glaringly obvious by John McCain, who actually said the following:
"In the 21st century nations don't invade other nations"
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Georgia on Our Mind
The Cold War ain't over... it's not even cold.
In today's NYT:
President Saakashvili compared Georgia to Czechoslovakia in 1938, trusting the West to save it from a ravenous neighbor. “If Georgia fails,” he said to me darkly two months ago, “it will send a message to everyone that this path doesn’t work.”
While we find the 1938 analogy a bit of a reach, how about the same country in 1968? Or Hungary in 1956? In both these cases, the people took the tacit encouragement of the US as meaning that their backs would be had by the military might of the US.
They din' have it then, and they don' have it now.
Despite all the encouragement for democratic freedoms, in the end, at least in the sort term, soft power is no defense against hard power. Think of it as butter vs. hot knife... or, to stretch the analogy even further, hot sicle.
In today's NYT:
President Saakashvili compared Georgia to Czechoslovakia in 1938, trusting the West to save it from a ravenous neighbor. “If Georgia fails,” he said to me darkly two months ago, “it will send a message to everyone that this path doesn’t work.”
While we find the 1938 analogy a bit of a reach, how about the same country in 1968? Or Hungary in 1956? In both these cases, the people took the tacit encouragement of the US as meaning that their backs would be had by the military might of the US.
They din' have it then, and they don' have it now.
Despite all the encouragement for democratic freedoms, in the end, at least in the sort term, soft power is no defense against hard power. Think of it as butter vs. hot knife... or, to stretch the analogy even further, hot sicle.
Driving Mr. Osama
While we don't know enough about the case to comment on the specific legal arguments, we welcome, in principle at least, the split decision and relatively light sentencing of Salim Ahmed Hamdan, best known as "bin Laden's driver." With credit for time served, he could be out in five months.
By finding him only guilty of material support for terrorism, which, in press reports at least, seemed to be the most accurate definition of his involvement, the US seems to be sending a new message: while we still feel that you're either with us or against us, we have decided that when it comes to locking you up and throwing away the key, after a short hiatus, the rule of law will now at least be considered again.
Of course, there's no guarantee that this court ruling will actually be followed.
from the NYT
By finding him only guilty of material support for terrorism, which, in press reports at least, seemed to be the most accurate definition of his involvement, the US seems to be sending a new message: while we still feel that you're either with us or against us, we have decided that when it comes to locking you up and throwing away the key, after a short hiatus, the rule of law will now at least be considered again.
Of course, there's no guarantee that this court ruling will actually be followed.
from the NYT
Monday, August 4, 2008
Our John Adams Moment
Well, the jury is out... considering the fate of Salim Hamdan. This is a critical moment in American jurisprudence. Will the military court make a mockery of justice and allow torture-induced testimony? Or will they do the right thing, even if it means setting a potential terrorist free? The world is waiting.
(including the BBC)
(previous Founding-Father reference here)
(including the BBC)
(previous Founding-Father reference here)
The Vetting of the Jew
Sorry, South Park has invaded our brain.
We read today that McCain is looking at another potential running mate, and, we have to say, wethinks he will be the one.
Here are the words that Politico used to describe Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.):
hey, youth & fiscal conservatism... that could well be a winning combo. The Jewish angle would offer a McCain ticket the possibility of a "first" and be red meat for the neo-cons, sweetening prospects, in their minds at least, for bomb-bomb-bomb-bombing Iran.
Plus, for the religious conservatives, it means, if nothing else, that he's not a Mormon.
We read today that McCain is looking at another potential running mate, and, we have to say, wethinks he will be the one.
Here are the words that Politico used to describe Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.):
- 45
- With a Southern lilt and a talent for raw politics
- one of the nation’s most prominent Jewish Republicans
- a prolific fundraiser for the campaign
- A young fiscal conservative
- would be an unconventional choice at a time when McCain is looking to add excitement to his campaign.
hey, youth & fiscal conservatism... that could well be a winning combo. The Jewish angle would offer a McCain ticket the possibility of a "first" and be red meat for the neo-cons, sweetening prospects, in their minds at least, for bomb-bomb-bomb-bombing Iran.
Plus, for the religious conservatives, it means, if nothing else, that he's not a Mormon.
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