Patrick Kennedy abruptly announced tonight he would not be seeking re-election this fall.
An incumbent politician only withdraws from an election if a) he is in trouble (i.e. family, legal, etc) or b) if he is going to lose the election. Given Kennedy's public battles with alcoholism over the years one would have to conclude it is the latter rather than the former.
Of course, the AP dismissed the notion that Republican John Loughlin stood any chance of defeating Kennedy this fall. Their reasoning? Registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans in Rhode Island by a four to one margin. Yet a poll commissioned by WPRI-TV in Providence late last month indicated that six out of ten registered voters in Rhode Island would either vote for or consider voting for Loughlin.
How else does one explain Kennedy's animosity toward newly minted Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown? Last week, Kennedy called the candidacy of his father's successor "a joke." I'm sure the fact some of Brown's campaign personnel are now working for Loughlin contributed to that observation.
Kennedy's abrupt exit is also latest evidence the Kennedy name no longer possesses the reverence it once held. Lest we forget Caroline Kennedy's less than stellar performance during her short-lived bid to be appointed junior Senator from New York.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Bill Clinton Hospitalized
Former President Bill Clinton was hospitalized today after experiencing chest pains for the past several days. He subsequently had two stents inserted into his coronary artery. The 63-year-old former President underwent quadruple bypass surgery back in 2004.
Clinton had been busy with earthquake relief efforts in Haiti since last month. He along with former President George W. Bush were asked by President Obama to oversee fundraising. It is said stress may have contributed to this episode. Well, he was confronted by protesters in Haiti the other day who were angry about relief not getting to them quickly enough. That is certainly stressful.
I wish Bill Clinton a full and speedy recovery.
Clinton had been busy with earthquake relief efforts in Haiti since last month. He along with former President George W. Bush were asked by President Obama to oversee fundraising. It is said stress may have contributed to this episode. Well, he was confronted by protesters in Haiti the other day who were angry about relief not getting to them quickly enough. That is certainly stressful.
I wish Bill Clinton a full and speedy recovery.
Palin & Polls
With Sarah Palin back in the spotlight over the past several days much is being made of this Washington Post/ABC News poll showing 71% of Americans stating she is not qualified to serve as President.
Yet I find the poll results to be question begging.
First, the poll interviewed 1,004 adults by telephone between February 4th and 8th. I don't think that is nearly a large enough sample size. For instance, when Gallup tracks President Obama's weekly approval ratings it does interviews with more than 3,500 adults. That's more than three times the size of Post/ABC News poll. Although the accuracy of polls can't be determined by size alone I tend to give more weight to a poll which interviewed 3,500 people as opposed to a thousand.
Second, this poll is ostensibly a "random national sample." But all polls are skewed to some degree. How do we know that 750 of the 1,000 plus participants weren't from the Upper West Side? How do we know that 70% of the respondents sampled weren't Democrats? But let's assume for a moment that form of bias wasn't an issue in this poll. We still don't know if these were registered voters or likely voters. Even if two thirds of Americans don't think Palin is qualified to be President doesn't mean that they will all show up to the polls to vote against her were she a presidential candidate. There are other variables to consider as well - age, gender, education, income level, religion, etc. But above all else, I have to wonder about the geographic distribution of this "random national sample."
Third, what jumps out at me the most about this poll is how Palin is singled out. Here is the question which prompted 71% of the respondents to indicate Palin isn't qualified to be President:
Regardless of whether or not you'd vote for her, do you think Palin is or is not qualified to serve as president?
Now, I'm not saying it isn't a legitimate question to ask. But the survey doesn't ask respondents if they think Mitt Romney or Mike Huckabee is qualified to be President. I'm sure if either Romney or Huckabee wants to take another shot in 2012 they might like to know the answer to that question especially if the results are favorable to them. On the other hand, their results might very well be similar to Palin. But we don't know since those sets of questions were never asked.
The fact that the polls asks only about Palin's qualifications and no one else's reinforces the message that Palin is not qualified. The survey itself is structurally biased. Agenda setting undoubtedly plays a big roll in that structural bias. The last thing The Washington Post ABC News wants is a Palin presidency and they will move heaven and earth to prevent such a thing from coming to pass.
When Barack Obama was weighing whether or not to run for President did any pollster ask the public if he was qualified to serve as President. Absolutely not. If The Washington Post, ABC News or any other polling entity had asked such a question it would have been deemed racist. But with the Post nor ABC News rooting for Obama to win why would they have asked such a question in the first place?
Fourth, how accurate is this poll? This isn't an exact science. Remember The Boston Globe poll that had Martha Coakley with a 15 point lead over Scott Brown a week and a half before the election?
Finally, despite my misgivings, let us assume for a moment that everything in the Post/ABC poll is accurate. It is well worth remembering that a poll is but a snapshot in time. If a week in politics is a lifetime then a year is an eternity. So many things could come to pass in the next year. The ground is not standing still.
If Palin were to run in 2012 I suspect that she would announce at this time next year. If those poll numbers are where they are now or are worse then it could be said the White House might be too steep a climb. But she has time on her side. Let's say her poll numbers do improve. I don't think the liberal media would be too enthusiastic to spread that information around.
And with that I wish Sarah Palin a happy birthday.
Yet I find the poll results to be question begging.
First, the poll interviewed 1,004 adults by telephone between February 4th and 8th. I don't think that is nearly a large enough sample size. For instance, when Gallup tracks President Obama's weekly approval ratings it does interviews with more than 3,500 adults. That's more than three times the size of Post/ABC News poll. Although the accuracy of polls can't be determined by size alone I tend to give more weight to a poll which interviewed 3,500 people as opposed to a thousand.
Second, this poll is ostensibly a "random national sample." But all polls are skewed to some degree. How do we know that 750 of the 1,000 plus participants weren't from the Upper West Side? How do we know that 70% of the respondents sampled weren't Democrats? But let's assume for a moment that form of bias wasn't an issue in this poll. We still don't know if these were registered voters or likely voters. Even if two thirds of Americans don't think Palin is qualified to be President doesn't mean that they will all show up to the polls to vote against her were she a presidential candidate. There are other variables to consider as well - age, gender, education, income level, religion, etc. But above all else, I have to wonder about the geographic distribution of this "random national sample."
Third, what jumps out at me the most about this poll is how Palin is singled out. Here is the question which prompted 71% of the respondents to indicate Palin isn't qualified to be President:
Regardless of whether or not you'd vote for her, do you think Palin is or is not qualified to serve as president?
Now, I'm not saying it isn't a legitimate question to ask. But the survey doesn't ask respondents if they think Mitt Romney or Mike Huckabee is qualified to be President. I'm sure if either Romney or Huckabee wants to take another shot in 2012 they might like to know the answer to that question especially if the results are favorable to them. On the other hand, their results might very well be similar to Palin. But we don't know since those sets of questions were never asked.
The fact that the polls asks only about Palin's qualifications and no one else's reinforces the message that Palin is not qualified. The survey itself is structurally biased. Agenda setting undoubtedly plays a big roll in that structural bias. The last thing The Washington Post ABC News wants is a Palin presidency and they will move heaven and earth to prevent such a thing from coming to pass.
When Barack Obama was weighing whether or not to run for President did any pollster ask the public if he was qualified to serve as President. Absolutely not. If The Washington Post, ABC News or any other polling entity had asked such a question it would have been deemed racist. But with the Post nor ABC News rooting for Obama to win why would they have asked such a question in the first place?
Fourth, how accurate is this poll? This isn't an exact science. Remember The Boston Globe poll that had Martha Coakley with a 15 point lead over Scott Brown a week and a half before the election?
Finally, despite my misgivings, let us assume for a moment that everything in the Post/ABC poll is accurate. It is well worth remembering that a poll is but a snapshot in time. If a week in politics is a lifetime then a year is an eternity. So many things could come to pass in the next year. The ground is not standing still.
If Palin were to run in 2012 I suspect that she would announce at this time next year. If those poll numbers are where they are now or are worse then it could be said the White House might be too steep a climb. But she has time on her side. Let's say her poll numbers do improve. I don't think the liberal media would be too enthusiastic to spread that information around.
And with that I wish Sarah Palin a happy birthday.
Charlie Wilson, 1933-2010. R.I.P.
Former Texas Democratic Congressman Charlie Wilson died yesterday of a heart attack. He was 76.
Wilson is, of course, best known for his efforts to covertly assist the Mujahadeen after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. This was documented in a book written in 2003 by George Crile titled Charlie Wilson's War: The Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History. This book would be adapted into the 2007 film Charlie Wilson's War starring Tom Hanks as Wilson.
There are those who argue that by aiding the Mujahadeen he unleashed a monster. Many of those who were the beneficiaries of U.S. aid rewarded our kindness by being part of the Taliban and harboring Osama bin Laden. There are also those who argue that had we remained present in Afghanistan after the Soviets were driven out there might not have been an environment that would have allowed the rise of the Taliban and of al Qaeda. Yet is it all that simple? Who can say that our continued presence in Afghanistan would have been any more welcome in 1990 than it is in 2010? Let's remember that as long as we are in Afghanistan we have to find allies to support our efforts. Somehow I don't think we're going to find the likes of The Dalai Lama in Kabul.
And suppose Charlie Wilson hadn't come along? Perhaps the Soviets would have been successful and had they been successful perhaps the USSR would not have collapsed. Yes, one could make the case that bin Laden and al Qaeda might not have established a base in Afghanistan. But who can say he wouldn't have established a power base somewhere else as he had in Somalia?
Suffice it to say an otherwise obscure liberal Congressman from Texas played a small but important role in the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union. As for Afghanistan, the situation there remains fluid by the day if not the hour.
Wilson is, of course, best known for his efforts to covertly assist the Mujahadeen after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. This was documented in a book written in 2003 by George Crile titled Charlie Wilson's War: The Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History. This book would be adapted into the 2007 film Charlie Wilson's War starring Tom Hanks as Wilson.
There are those who argue that by aiding the Mujahadeen he unleashed a monster. Many of those who were the beneficiaries of U.S. aid rewarded our kindness by being part of the Taliban and harboring Osama bin Laden. There are also those who argue that had we remained present in Afghanistan after the Soviets were driven out there might not have been an environment that would have allowed the rise of the Taliban and of al Qaeda. Yet is it all that simple? Who can say that our continued presence in Afghanistan would have been any more welcome in 1990 than it is in 2010? Let's remember that as long as we are in Afghanistan we have to find allies to support our efforts. Somehow I don't think we're going to find the likes of The Dalai Lama in Kabul.
And suppose Charlie Wilson hadn't come along? Perhaps the Soviets would have been successful and had they been successful perhaps the USSR would not have collapsed. Yes, one could make the case that bin Laden and al Qaeda might not have established a base in Afghanistan. But who can say he wouldn't have established a power base somewhere else as he had in Somalia?
Suffice it to say an otherwise obscure liberal Congressman from Texas played a small but important role in the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union. As for Afghanistan, the situation there remains fluid by the day if not the hour.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Giambrone Drops Out of Toronto Mayoral Race
An update on the Adam Giambrone situation which I wrote about here yesterday.
Giambrone withdrew from the 2010 Toronto mayoral race today.
His withdrawal comes in the wake of an affair he had with a 20-year-old woman named Kristen Lucas. She went public after she learned Giambrone had a live in girlfriend. Giambrone launched his mayoral campaign last week with his girlfriend, Sarah McQuarrie by his side.
Giambrone initially insisted that his association with Lucas was limited to text messages and meeting in public places. Despite this revelation, his campaign manager insisted yesterday that his campaign would proceed full steam ahead. However, Giambrone subsequently admitted that he had not been forthcoming with regard to his relationship with Lucas. He also admitted to having liaisons with other women. This no doubt put the kabosh on his mayoral ambitions.
Indeed, while Giambrone did pubicly apologize this morning it was left to one of his spokesmen to actually announce he was withdrawing from the race.
Giambrone remains at the helm of the Toronto Transit Commission and is keeping his seat on Toronto City Council. Frankly, I'm not sure how Giambrone can hold onto to his job at the TTC. The TTC is one of Toronto's most important public institutions and frankly Giambrone's performance before Lucas came forward did not inspire confidence. I don't see how he can lead the TTC now. Especially when he abruptly bolts from the stage during his own press conference. As for his city council seat it might be in his best interest to finish out his term and not seek re-election this November.
The only question now is whether Giambrone will learn from this humbling experience and grow up.
Giambrone withdrew from the 2010 Toronto mayoral race today.
His withdrawal comes in the wake of an affair he had with a 20-year-old woman named Kristen Lucas. She went public after she learned Giambrone had a live in girlfriend. Giambrone launched his mayoral campaign last week with his girlfriend, Sarah McQuarrie by his side.
Giambrone initially insisted that his association with Lucas was limited to text messages and meeting in public places. Despite this revelation, his campaign manager insisted yesterday that his campaign would proceed full steam ahead. However, Giambrone subsequently admitted that he had not been forthcoming with regard to his relationship with Lucas. He also admitted to having liaisons with other women. This no doubt put the kabosh on his mayoral ambitions.
Indeed, while Giambrone did pubicly apologize this morning it was left to one of his spokesmen to actually announce he was withdrawing from the race.
Giambrone remains at the helm of the Toronto Transit Commission and is keeping his seat on Toronto City Council. Frankly, I'm not sure how Giambrone can hold onto to his job at the TTC. The TTC is one of Toronto's most important public institutions and frankly Giambrone's performance before Lucas came forward did not inspire confidence. I don't see how he can lead the TTC now. Especially when he abruptly bolts from the stage during his own press conference. As for his city council seat it might be in his best interest to finish out his term and not seek re-election this November.
The only question now is whether Giambrone will learn from this humbling experience and grow up.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Gibbs Plays Right Into Palin's Hand
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs showed the Washington press corps he could write on his hand as well.
Hey, let the White House and their friends in the liberal media have a laugh.
They are only playing right into Sarah Palin's hand.
Hey, let the White House and their friends in the liberal media have a laugh.
They are only playing right into Sarah Palin's hand.
Thoughts on Adam Giambrone
The big story in Toronto today concerns mayoral candidate Adam Giambrone.
Last night, Giambrone admitted to having "an inappropriate relationship with a young woman." This revelation comes barely a week after Giambrone launched his mayoral campaign with his girlfriend Sarah McQuarrie by his side.
However, a 20-year old woman named Carrie Lucas has come forward and said she had a year long relationship with Giambrone and was apparently unaware of his relationship with McQuarrie until late last year. Lucas then became a woman scorned. She supplied The Toronto Star with a series of text messages between the two. The text messages leave one with the impression Giambrone only had McQuarrie by his side for "political" reasons. Lucas also claims the two had sexual encounters in Giambrone's office at City Hall. Giambrone is currently a city councillor and is also the Chairman of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
Now for his part, Giambrone said his interactions with Lucas "consisted of text messages and conversations in public places only." But why would one apologize for having an inappropriate relationship if the relationship was limited to text messages and conversations in public places? Frankly, I don't think a lot of people are going to buy that explanation. It doesn't pass the smell test.
Now before I go any further I ought to disclose that I met Giambrone on a couple of occasions when we were both active in the youth wing of the NDP. This happened nearly 15 years ago so my memories are somewhat hazy but I do recall having a conversation with him about Noam Chomsky. He liked Chomsky. I didn't and still don't.
In any case, Giambrone would enjoy a meteoric rise within the NDP. In 2001, he was elected President of the Federal NDP at the age of 24. As someone who had tried to run for the party's provincial executive at that same age with little to show for it I can say that was a remarkable achievement.
Now being President of the Federal NDP doesn't actually wield a lot of power. NDP Presidents generally preside over party convention, council and executive meetings. But Giambrone turned that position into something roughly equivalent of the DNC Chair and he became a public spokesman for the party especially during the transition period between Alexa McDonough and Jack Layton.
This national public profile would help him get elected to Toronto City Council in 2004 and elected to the Chairmanship of the TTC two years later. All of this before he turned 30. Giambrone, who turns 33 next month, is seeking to become the youngest mayor in the city's history. David Crombie was 36 when he was elected Toronto's mayor in 1972. But now a roadblock of his own making is obstructing his destiny.
So the $64.37 question is does Giambrone stay in the race? His campaign manager says he is. But are his supporters still with him? Will he still be able to raise money? If he does plan on staying in the race he will have to publicly comment sooner or later with McQuarrie by his side. He'll have to accept full responsibility and say something along the lines of, "I flat out screwed up." It might also be helpful if she were to say a kind word for him.
Giambrone isn't the first politician to be involved in a sex scandal and he won't be the last. These scandals also cut across ideological and partisan lines. Can you say Mark Sanford and John Edwards? There are several things that are working in Giambrone's favor. He's not married so there's no impending divorce proceedings. The same can't be said for Sanford and Edwards. And unlike Sanford and Edwards, Giambrone doesn't have children. It also doesn't appear that he has done anything illegal.
There is a case to be made that a public figure's private life ought to have no bearing on his public performance. Here's an interview Giambrone did about a year and a half ago on the TV Ontario (the Canadian equivalent of PBS) show The Agenda with Steve Paikin regarding the future of the TTC. I have to say Giambrone handles himself well with Paikin who is one of the best journalists in Canada. On the other hand, the TTC isn't exactly the most popular organization in Toronto and this certainly won't help increase its popularity.
It's also possible that he might need to do more to undertake a public mea culpa to repair his relationship with McQuarrie. In which case, he might need to not only abandon his mayoral ambitions but step down from the TTC and his council seat as well. Giambrone is young enough that he could withdraw from public life for a few years and then return older and wiser.
Here's a video Giambrone made a few days before he announced his intentions to run for mayor. At the conclusion of the video he says, "I'm Adam Giambrone and I'm ready." It might have been intended to be humorous but in light of what has occurred I cannot help but think it is a cry for help. If that is the case then time away from public scrutiny might be the best course of action because it would appear that Adam Giambrone isn't ready. At least not yet.
Last night, Giambrone admitted to having "an inappropriate relationship with a young woman." This revelation comes barely a week after Giambrone launched his mayoral campaign with his girlfriend Sarah McQuarrie by his side.
However, a 20-year old woman named Carrie Lucas has come forward and said she had a year long relationship with Giambrone and was apparently unaware of his relationship with McQuarrie until late last year. Lucas then became a woman scorned. She supplied The Toronto Star with a series of text messages between the two. The text messages leave one with the impression Giambrone only had McQuarrie by his side for "political" reasons. Lucas also claims the two had sexual encounters in Giambrone's office at City Hall. Giambrone is currently a city councillor and is also the Chairman of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
Now for his part, Giambrone said his interactions with Lucas "consisted of text messages and conversations in public places only." But why would one apologize for having an inappropriate relationship if the relationship was limited to text messages and conversations in public places? Frankly, I don't think a lot of people are going to buy that explanation. It doesn't pass the smell test.
Now before I go any further I ought to disclose that I met Giambrone on a couple of occasions when we were both active in the youth wing of the NDP. This happened nearly 15 years ago so my memories are somewhat hazy but I do recall having a conversation with him about Noam Chomsky. He liked Chomsky. I didn't and still don't.
In any case, Giambrone would enjoy a meteoric rise within the NDP. In 2001, he was elected President of the Federal NDP at the age of 24. As someone who had tried to run for the party's provincial executive at that same age with little to show for it I can say that was a remarkable achievement.
Now being President of the Federal NDP doesn't actually wield a lot of power. NDP Presidents generally preside over party convention, council and executive meetings. But Giambrone turned that position into something roughly equivalent of the DNC Chair and he became a public spokesman for the party especially during the transition period between Alexa McDonough and Jack Layton.
This national public profile would help him get elected to Toronto City Council in 2004 and elected to the Chairmanship of the TTC two years later. All of this before he turned 30. Giambrone, who turns 33 next month, is seeking to become the youngest mayor in the city's history. David Crombie was 36 when he was elected Toronto's mayor in 1972. But now a roadblock of his own making is obstructing his destiny.
So the $64.37 question is does Giambrone stay in the race? His campaign manager says he is. But are his supporters still with him? Will he still be able to raise money? If he does plan on staying in the race he will have to publicly comment sooner or later with McQuarrie by his side. He'll have to accept full responsibility and say something along the lines of, "I flat out screwed up." It might also be helpful if she were to say a kind word for him.
Giambrone isn't the first politician to be involved in a sex scandal and he won't be the last. These scandals also cut across ideological and partisan lines. Can you say Mark Sanford and John Edwards? There are several things that are working in Giambrone's favor. He's not married so there's no impending divorce proceedings. The same can't be said for Sanford and Edwards. And unlike Sanford and Edwards, Giambrone doesn't have children. It also doesn't appear that he has done anything illegal.
There is a case to be made that a public figure's private life ought to have no bearing on his public performance. Here's an interview Giambrone did about a year and a half ago on the TV Ontario (the Canadian equivalent of PBS) show The Agenda with Steve Paikin regarding the future of the TTC. I have to say Giambrone handles himself well with Paikin who is one of the best journalists in Canada. On the other hand, the TTC isn't exactly the most popular organization in Toronto and this certainly won't help increase its popularity.
It's also possible that he might need to do more to undertake a public mea culpa to repair his relationship with McQuarrie. In which case, he might need to not only abandon his mayoral ambitions but step down from the TTC and his council seat as well. Giambrone is young enough that he could withdraw from public life for a few years and then return older and wiser.
Here's a video Giambrone made a few days before he announced his intentions to run for mayor. At the conclusion of the video he says, "I'm Adam Giambrone and I'm ready." It might have been intended to be humorous but in light of what has occurred I cannot help but think it is a cry for help. If that is the case then time away from public scrutiny might be the best course of action because it would appear that Adam Giambrone isn't ready. At least not yet.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Jack Murtha, 1932-2010. R.I.P.
Congressman Jack Murtha has died of complications from gall bladder surgery. He was 77.
Murtha became the first Vietnam veteran elected to the House of Representatives back in 1974 representing Pennsylvania's 12th District. He would be re-elected 17 times.
His career was nearly derailed in 1980 during the Abscam scandal when he was videotaped in an undercover FBI sting operation. But Murtha was not prosecuted and would testify against two other Democratic Congressmen involved in the bribe scandal.
However, he would come to national prominence late in his Congressional career when he introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives in November 2005 which called for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
In May 2006, Murtha was front and center on the incident in Haditha where eight U.S. Marines were accused of killing Iraqi civilians. In Murtha's words, the Marines killed Iraqi civilians "in cold blood." Seven of the eight Marines accused had the charges dropped against them. It was perhaps because of Haditha that Murtha was unsuccessful in his bid to become House Majority Leader following the 2006 election despite the support of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Murtha raised eyebrows in October 2008 when he characterized his own constituents as "racist." While he apologized for that remark he did say they were "redneck" and that "there's still folks that have a problem voting for someone because they are black." Despite this apparent obstacle, Obama carried Pennsylvania and Murtha was re-elected one last time.
It is worth noting that Murtha had conservative positions on some issues such as abortion. Although he did support embryonic stem cell research he nonetheless received a 0% rating from NARAL.
Murtha served with distinction during the Vietnam War where he was awarded two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, a Combat Action Ribbon as well as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Murtha became the first Vietnam veteran elected to the House of Representatives back in 1974 representing Pennsylvania's 12th District. He would be re-elected 17 times.
His career was nearly derailed in 1980 during the Abscam scandal when he was videotaped in an undercover FBI sting operation. But Murtha was not prosecuted and would testify against two other Democratic Congressmen involved in the bribe scandal.
However, he would come to national prominence late in his Congressional career when he introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives in November 2005 which called for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
In May 2006, Murtha was front and center on the incident in Haditha where eight U.S. Marines were accused of killing Iraqi civilians. In Murtha's words, the Marines killed Iraqi civilians "in cold blood." Seven of the eight Marines accused had the charges dropped against them. It was perhaps because of Haditha that Murtha was unsuccessful in his bid to become House Majority Leader following the 2006 election despite the support of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Murtha raised eyebrows in October 2008 when he characterized his own constituents as "racist." While he apologized for that remark he did say they were "redneck" and that "there's still folks that have a problem voting for someone because they are black." Despite this apparent obstacle, Obama carried Pennsylvania and Murtha was re-elected one last time.
It is worth noting that Murtha had conservative positions on some issues such as abortion. Although he did support embryonic stem cell research he nonetheless received a 0% rating from NARAL.
Murtha served with distinction during the Vietnam War where he was awarded two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, a Combat Action Ribbon as well as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Palin to the Left: Talk to the Hand
Sarah Palin's response to left-wing bloggers in a tizzy over handwritten notes for her Tea Party speech Saturday that were, well, written on her was priceless.
While campaigning for Texas Governor Rick Perry she wrote, "Hi Mom!"
It was her way of telling The Left to "talk to the hand."
My affection for Mrs. Palin grows by the day.
While campaigning for Texas Governor Rick Perry she wrote, "Hi Mom!"
It was her way of telling The Left to "talk to the hand."
My affection for Mrs. Palin grows by the day.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Dominican Republic Wins Caribbean Series
The Super Bowl wasn't the only significant sporting event today.
The 52nd Caribbean World Series concluded with the Dominican Republic beating host country Venezuela 7-4.
This is the third time in four years the D.R. has won the round robin tournament. Since 2001, they have won the tournament six times.
Fernando Martinez, a top outfield propsect with the New York Mets, was named the Series MVP.
The MLB Network was broadcasting the games live from Venezuela. To be precise, the tournament took place in Porlamar on the Margarita Islands. The most stunning thing about the ballpark was the mountains beyond the outfield fences. It's a shame that Chavez is ruining such a beautiful country.
The 52nd Caribbean World Series concluded with the Dominican Republic beating host country Venezuela 7-4.
This is the third time in four years the D.R. has won the round robin tournament. Since 2001, they have won the tournament six times.
Fernando Martinez, a top outfield propsect with the New York Mets, was named the Series MVP.
The MLB Network was broadcasting the games live from Venezuela. To be precise, the tournament took place in Porlamar on the Margarita Islands. The most stunning thing about the ballpark was the mountains beyond the outfield fences. It's a shame that Chavez is ruining such a beautiful country.
Girl Buried Alive in Turkey for Talking to Boys
Here's a major reason why I and many other people have tremendous problems with Muslim customs.
From The Daily Telegraph:
Medine Memi was found in a sitting position with her hands tied, in a two-metre hole dug under a chicken pen outside her home in Kahta, in the south-eastern province of Adiyaman.
Her father and grandfather have since been arrested and are due to face trial over her death. Her mother was also charged but has since been released.
Her crime? She talked with boys.
Medine was 16-years-old.
How sickening.
It's appalling how the National Organization for Women lambastes the Tim Tebow ad but has no words for Medine or any other Muslim girl or woman died because as a result of an honor killing. Silence is complicity.
From The Daily Telegraph:
Medine Memi was found in a sitting position with her hands tied, in a two-metre hole dug under a chicken pen outside her home in Kahta, in the south-eastern province of Adiyaman.
Her father and grandfather have since been arrested and are due to face trial over her death. Her mother was also charged but has since been released.
Her crime? She talked with boys.
Medine was 16-years-old.
How sickening.
It's appalling how the National Organization for Women lambastes the Tim Tebow ad but has no words for Medine or any other Muslim girl or woman died because as a result of an honor killing. Silence is complicity.
Thoughts on the Super Bowl Commercials
Many people who watch the Super Bowl could care less about football and watch strictly for the commercials.
Liberals, of course, were in a tizzy about the Focus on the Family commercial involving Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and his mother.
But aside from the sight of Tebow tackling his mother the commercial was fairly innocuous. Besides we had already been treated to the sight of Betty White and Abe Vigoda being taken down on the field in a Snickers commercial.
There was one commercial that was kind of creepy though. It was an Audi commercial that featured the Green Police arresting people for a variety of environmental infractions including drinking from styrofoam cups and possessing incandescent lightbulbs. In this instance, I cannot help but think that life could imitate art. Again you be the judge.
Then there was the Volkswagen Beetle commercial where people were slugging their friends on the shoulder everytime they saw a Volkswagen bug. Even the Amish and Stevie Wonder got in on the act.
My favorite Super Bowl commercial was the Coca-Cola commercial of the sleepwalking man traversing through a path of wild animals in sub-Saharan Africa with Ravel's "Bolero" in the background. This might be the best use of "Bolero" since the James Gang used it in Joe Walsh' guitar solo on their classic rock epic "The Bomber."
Liberals, of course, were in a tizzy about the Focus on the Family commercial involving Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and his mother.
But aside from the sight of Tebow tackling his mother the commercial was fairly innocuous. Besides we had already been treated to the sight of Betty White and Abe Vigoda being taken down on the field in a Snickers commercial.
There was one commercial that was kind of creepy though. It was an Audi commercial that featured the Green Police arresting people for a variety of environmental infractions including drinking from styrofoam cups and possessing incandescent lightbulbs. In this instance, I cannot help but think that life could imitate art. Again you be the judge.
Then there was the Volkswagen Beetle commercial where people were slugging their friends on the shoulder everytime they saw a Volkswagen bug. Even the Amish and Stevie Wonder got in on the act.
My favorite Super Bowl commercial was the Coca-Cola commercial of the sleepwalking man traversing through a path of wild animals in sub-Saharan Africa with Ravel's "Bolero" in the background. This might be the best use of "Bolero" since the James Gang used it in Joe Walsh' guitar solo on their classic rock epic "The Bomber."
Saints Triumph Over Colts in Super Bowl XLIV
Mardi Gras begins early.
Despite being down 10-0 at the end of the 1st quarter, the New Orleans Saints fought their way back to a 31-17 triumph over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV.
The turning point took place in the beginning of the 3rd quarter when they delivered a surprise onside kick. It was a bold move that would lead to a touchdown to give the Saints a 13-10 lead.
The Colts did get the lead back but the Saints answered them. The game was cemented with a little more than three minutes left in the game when cornerback Tracy Porter intercepted a pass by Colts QB Peyton Manning which was intended for wide receiver Reggie Wayne. Instead, Porter ran the ball 74 yards for a touchdown giving the Saints a 31-17 lead.
Saints QB Drew Brees was named the Super Bowl MVP. Brees completed 32 passes (tying a Super Bowl record set by Patriots QB Tom Brady against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII) for 288 yards with two touchdown passes. Kicker Garrett Hartley also made Super Bowl history by kicking three field goals over 40 yards.
Needless to say the people of New Orleans have gone through a great deal since August 29, 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit the city. While a Super Bowl victory doesn't solve the lingering problems it certainly boosts morale and could spark the light at the end of the tunnel.
If there's any city that deserves a major sports championship it's New Orleans. Especially when it means wiping that grin off Peyton Manning's face.
Despite being down 10-0 at the end of the 1st quarter, the New Orleans Saints fought their way back to a 31-17 triumph over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV.
The turning point took place in the beginning of the 3rd quarter when they delivered a surprise onside kick. It was a bold move that would lead to a touchdown to give the Saints a 13-10 lead.
The Colts did get the lead back but the Saints answered them. The game was cemented with a little more than three minutes left in the game when cornerback Tracy Porter intercepted a pass by Colts QB Peyton Manning which was intended for wide receiver Reggie Wayne. Instead, Porter ran the ball 74 yards for a touchdown giving the Saints a 31-17 lead.
Saints QB Drew Brees was named the Super Bowl MVP. Brees completed 32 passes (tying a Super Bowl record set by Patriots QB Tom Brady against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII) for 288 yards with two touchdown passes. Kicker Garrett Hartley also made Super Bowl history by kicking three field goals over 40 yards.
Needless to say the people of New Orleans have gone through a great deal since August 29, 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit the city. While a Super Bowl victory doesn't solve the lingering problems it certainly boosts morale and could spark the light at the end of the tunnel.
If there's any city that deserves a major sports championship it's New Orleans. Especially when it means wiping that grin off Peyton Manning's face.
Hand Wringing Palin
You know Sarah Palin had a good night if the best her critics can do is nit-pick her over a couple of notes scrawled on her left hand. According to New York Magazine "this is pretty embarrassing."
What? So President Obama needing a teleprompter to speak in front of sixth graders isn't?
Come to think of it I can't remember the last time President Obama made an off hand remark.
What? So President Obama needing a teleprompter to speak in front of sixth graders isn't?
Come to think of it I can't remember the last time President Obama made an off hand remark.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Run Sarah Run!!! Run Sarah Run!!!
I watched Sarah Palin's address before the Tea Party Convention in Nashville this evening.
While the liberal media looks upon her as the anti-Christ I think it would be more accurate to say that she is the anti-Obama or the anti-Anointed One. Palin didn't use a teleprompter. There were some malapropisms and misplaced words along the way. Then again President Obama has proven that smooth talk doesn't calm rough waters. Or as Palin put it, "How's that hopey, changey stuff working out for you?"
I like how Palin spoke of the need of a "pro-market agenda." I wonder if she has read Luigi Zingales. I also like the fact Palin devoted a portion of her speech to foreign policy and national defense. She noted Israel's unease with the Obama Administration. But perhaps best of all was when she criticized Obama's handling of the war on terrorism (or as President Obama likes to call it an overseas contigency operation.) Palin declared, “To win that war, we need a commander in chief, not a professor of law.”
When Tea Party Convention organizer Judson Phillips asked Palin about the “two words that scare liberals: President Palin" the delegates chanted, "Run Sarah Run!!!"
Now Palin noted that one did not need to hold office to make a difference. But if she is the only standing between the United States and the primrose path towards socialism why wouldn't she throw her hat into the ring? I'm even more convinced now that she will run for President in 2012 than I was when I wrote about it in November.
While the liberal media looks upon her as the anti-Christ I think it would be more accurate to say that she is the anti-Obama or the anti-Anointed One. Palin didn't use a teleprompter. There were some malapropisms and misplaced words along the way. Then again President Obama has proven that smooth talk doesn't calm rough waters. Or as Palin put it, "How's that hopey, changey stuff working out for you?"
I like how Palin spoke of the need of a "pro-market agenda." I wonder if she has read Luigi Zingales. I also like the fact Palin devoted a portion of her speech to foreign policy and national defense. She noted Israel's unease with the Obama Administration. But perhaps best of all was when she criticized Obama's handling of the war on terrorism (or as President Obama likes to call it an overseas contigency operation.) Palin declared, “To win that war, we need a commander in chief, not a professor of law.”
When Tea Party Convention organizer Judson Phillips asked Palin about the “two words that scare liberals: President Palin" the delegates chanted, "Run Sarah Run!!!"
Now Palin noted that one did not need to hold office to make a difference. But if she is the only standing between the United States and the primrose path towards socialism why wouldn't she throw her hat into the ring? I'm even more convinced now that she will run for President in 2012 than I was when I wrote about it in November.
The GOP in JP
Shortly after Scott Brown's election I received a call from John Ruch, a reporter from The Jamaica Plain Gazette which is a bi-weekly, community newspaper. Ruch wanted comments from Republicans living in the neighborhood. He read my article on Brown's victory in The American Spectator. The same article can also be found on IC's main site.
Well, here is Ruch's article. I quite like it. A reader warning though. I do use the word "Yippee!"
Well, here is Ruch's article. I quite like it. A reader warning though. I do use the word "Yippee!"
Friday, February 5, 2010
The Latest MLB Moves
Here are a few more moves that have taken place in MLB over the past couple of days.
Kevin Gregg signs 1-year, $2.75 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays
Gregg saved 23 games for the Chicago Cubs in 2009 but also blew seven save opportunities. He would eventually lose the closer's job to Carlos Marmol. Gregg previously pitched with the Florida Marlins saving 32 and 29 games in 2007 and 2008, respectively. There's no guarantee he will be the Jays closer in 2010 as he is expected to compete with Scott Downs and Jason Frasor. So I guess that means Brandon Morrow, acquired from the Seattle Mariners, will be in the starting rotation in 2010. The Jays along with the Cleveland Indians had the fewest saves in the AL. As for Gregg, if thing works out the Jays can exercise options on him in 2011 and 2012.
Orlando Hudson signs 1-year, $5 million deal with the Minnesota Twins
Hudson spent the 2009 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite an All-Star selection and his fourth Gold Glove for his work at second base Hudson lost his job to Ronnie Belliard late in the season making him expendable.
Many expected Hudson to sign with the Washington Nationals but he wanted to play with a contending ballclub. The Twins, of course, are the defending AL Central champs and have won the title five times since 2002. Adding Hudson up the middle puts the Twins in a very strong position for them to repeat in 2010.
Adam Kennedy signs 1-year, $1.25 million deal with the Washington Nationals
As alluded to a moment ago, the Nationals were interested in the services of Orlando Hudson but Hudson had other plans. So the Nats went to Plan B. Kennedy, who turned 34 last month, played with the Oakland Athletics in 2009 and had his best offensive season since his rookie year with the Anaheim Angels in 2000.
There are those who don't view the Kennedy signing positively. Rather than sign Kennedy why not move Cristian Guzman from short to second and bring up top Nationals prospect Ian Desmond to play short. Although Guzman can hit he's not a great defensive shorstop. But it seems to me the Nats wanted a veteran second baseman in 2010. If Kennedy doesn't bear fruit then Desmond will get his chance in 2011. Of course, if either Kennedy or Guzman get hurt then Desmond will be up with the club sooner than that.
Kevin Gregg signs 1-year, $2.75 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays
Gregg saved 23 games for the Chicago Cubs in 2009 but also blew seven save opportunities. He would eventually lose the closer's job to Carlos Marmol. Gregg previously pitched with the Florida Marlins saving 32 and 29 games in 2007 and 2008, respectively. There's no guarantee he will be the Jays closer in 2010 as he is expected to compete with Scott Downs and Jason Frasor. So I guess that means Brandon Morrow, acquired from the Seattle Mariners, will be in the starting rotation in 2010. The Jays along with the Cleveland Indians had the fewest saves in the AL. As for Gregg, if thing works out the Jays can exercise options on him in 2011 and 2012.
Orlando Hudson signs 1-year, $5 million deal with the Minnesota Twins
Hudson spent the 2009 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite an All-Star selection and his fourth Gold Glove for his work at second base Hudson lost his job to Ronnie Belliard late in the season making him expendable.
Many expected Hudson to sign with the Washington Nationals but he wanted to play with a contending ballclub. The Twins, of course, are the defending AL Central champs and have won the title five times since 2002. Adding Hudson up the middle puts the Twins in a very strong position for them to repeat in 2010.
Adam Kennedy signs 1-year, $1.25 million deal with the Washington Nationals
As alluded to a moment ago, the Nationals were interested in the services of Orlando Hudson but Hudson had other plans. So the Nats went to Plan B. Kennedy, who turned 34 last month, played with the Oakland Athletics in 2009 and had his best offensive season since his rookie year with the Anaheim Angels in 2000.
There are those who don't view the Kennedy signing positively. Rather than sign Kennedy why not move Cristian Guzman from short to second and bring up top Nationals prospect Ian Desmond to play short. Although Guzman can hit he's not a great defensive shorstop. But it seems to me the Nats wanted a veteran second baseman in 2010. If Kennedy doesn't bear fruit then Desmond will get his chance in 2011. Of course, if either Kennedy or Guzman get hurt then Desmond will be up with the club sooner than that.
Don't Mess With The Danish
Score one for Denmark.
The Danish warship Absalon responded to a distress call from the Ariella, a commercial vessel with an Antiguan flag. The ship had been taken over by Somali pirates off the Gulf of Aden.
Danish special forces boarded the ship and rescued 25 crew. The pirates had already fled the scene.
This is the first time a NATO ship has rescued a ship seized by pirates.
I wouldn't expect anything less from a country that rescue its Jews from the clutches of the Nazis nor for that matter a country that doesn't compromise freedom of expression when confronted with the threat of violence from Islamic fundamentalists.
The Danish warship Absalon responded to a distress call from the Ariella, a commercial vessel with an Antiguan flag. The ship had been taken over by Somali pirates off the Gulf of Aden.
Danish special forces boarded the ship and rescued 25 crew. The pirates had already fled the scene.
This is the first time a NATO ship has rescued a ship seized by pirates.
I wouldn't expect anything less from a country that rescue its Jews from the clutches of the Nazis nor for that matter a country that doesn't compromise freedom of expression when confronted with the threat of violence from Islamic fundamentalists.
Sam Adams looking for nominations for their Sammies awards
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| Dear Friend of Liberty, Without a doubt, 2009 will be historically noted as the spark of a new revolution. From the Rick Santelli rant to the massive tea party protests around the nation, your voices and actions have been heard, and some amazing stories can be told because of fed-up, hard working taxpayers just like you. Sam Adams Alliance has launched a national search for activists to enter the 3rd Annual Sammies. The Sammies recognize exceptional citizen leaders working for a free society. This year's theme, "We Are All Activists Now", draws inspiration from the historic explosion of political engagement. Cash prizes totaling $20,000 are available for bloggers, video-makers, open-record pros, tea party organizers, and town hall participants. All entries are due by February 17, 2010. For more information, please visit www.thesammies.com. Please help us spread the word so that we can be sure to capture as many stories as possible, encourage and continue the momentum, and reward the efforts.
Here's three simple things you can do, but we need you to do them today! 1. Show Sam Adams Alliance some love: post our widget, with the Sammies Contest link, on your website or blog. 2. Forward this message to your contacts with a personal note about the Sammies. 3. Exercise your contacts with other free market organizaitons, free-market leaders, and local activists by asking them to spread the word. Time is running out - Sammies entries are are due in two weeks. We look forward to seeing your entry! Sincerely, Nic Hall Multimedia Specialist | |
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George Gilder's Curious Article on China
George Gilder has penned a most curious op-ed in The Wall Street Journal concerning China.
Gilder criticizes the Obama Administration's new approach to China. Whether Obama's new stance towards China will bear fruit is worthy of debate. However, Gilder does make one strange observation:
A foreign policy of serious people at a time of crisis will recognize that the current Chinese regime is the best we can expect from that country. The Chinese revitalization of Asian capitalism remains the most important positive event in the world in the last 30 years. Not only did it release a billion people from penury and oppression but it transformed China from a communist enemy of the U.S. into a now indispensable capitalist partner.
Could you imagine if Ronald Reagan had said Constantine Chernenko was the best we could hope for from the Soviet Union? Somehow I doubt the practitioners of Catholicism, Falun Gong plus a score of dissidents would agree their fellow countrymen have been released from penury and oppression nor would they agree the revitalization of Asian capitalism eclipses the fall of The Berlin Wall. Vaclav Havel, former President of the Czech Republic and a former political prisoner, certainly doesn't agree. What would Gilder have to say to the wife of Gao Zhisheng?
Gilder goes on to argue that China is as threaten by radical Islam as the United States. That might very well be true. But China certainly isn't behaving as if it is. China is vigorously opposed to the imposition of sanctions against Iran. Now if al-Qaeda or some other Islamic terrorist organization were to pull off an attack in China on the scale of 9/11 or greater then Hu, Wen and company might change their tune. A shoulder to shoulder alliance with the Chinese could be to the War on Terror what Stalin joining the Allies was to WWII. Yet I think that is wishful thinking. But even if that were to come to pass we all know what happened to U.S.-Soviet relations once Germany fell.
Gilder concludes his article by asking, "How many enemies do we need?" What makes him think China isn't already our enemy?
Gilder criticizes the Obama Administration's new approach to China. Whether Obama's new stance towards China will bear fruit is worthy of debate. However, Gilder does make one strange observation:
A foreign policy of serious people at a time of crisis will recognize that the current Chinese regime is the best we can expect from that country. The Chinese revitalization of Asian capitalism remains the most important positive event in the world in the last 30 years. Not only did it release a billion people from penury and oppression but it transformed China from a communist enemy of the U.S. into a now indispensable capitalist partner.
Could you imagine if Ronald Reagan had said Constantine Chernenko was the best we could hope for from the Soviet Union? Somehow I doubt the practitioners of Catholicism, Falun Gong plus a score of dissidents would agree their fellow countrymen have been released from penury and oppression nor would they agree the revitalization of Asian capitalism eclipses the fall of The Berlin Wall. Vaclav Havel, former President of the Czech Republic and a former political prisoner, certainly doesn't agree. What would Gilder have to say to the wife of Gao Zhisheng?
Gilder goes on to argue that China is as threaten by radical Islam as the United States. That might very well be true. But China certainly isn't behaving as if it is. China is vigorously opposed to the imposition of sanctions against Iran. Now if al-Qaeda or some other Islamic terrorist organization were to pull off an attack in China on the scale of 9/11 or greater then Hu, Wen and company might change their tune. A shoulder to shoulder alliance with the Chinese could be to the War on Terror what Stalin joining the Allies was to WWII. Yet I think that is wishful thinking. But even if that were to come to pass we all know what happened to U.S.-Soviet relations once Germany fell.
Gilder concludes his article by asking, "How many enemies do we need?" What makes him think China isn't already our enemy?
Sarah Palin to Speak in Salina, Kansas
Tonight, Sarah Palin will be speaking in front of 6,000 people in Salina, Kansas.
Let's just say she drew a lot more people than Bob Costas.
I've never been to Salina but it nonetheless holds a special place in my heart.
My father obtained his BA from Kansas Wesleyan in the early 1960s. At the time, he was one of two Jews attending a Methodist university. A boy from the Bronx amongst all those Kansans. But he made some lifelong friends out of it. Chief amongst them is a poet who I'm sure has no affection for the former Alaska Governor.
Dad, on the other hand, loves Sarah Palin. I'm sure this will amuse him to no end.
Let's just say she drew a lot more people than Bob Costas.
I've never been to Salina but it nonetheless holds a special place in my heart.
My father obtained his BA from Kansas Wesleyan in the early 1960s. At the time, he was one of two Jews attending a Methodist university. A boy from the Bronx amongst all those Kansans. But he made some lifelong friends out of it. Chief amongst them is a poet who I'm sure has no affection for the former Alaska Governor.
Dad, on the other hand, loves Sarah Palin. I'm sure this will amuse him to no end.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
They Call Him Senator Brown
Well, it's official.
Senator Scott Brown, R-MA.
Now it's time for the hard work and slogging.
Despite the fact he got Ted Kennedy's old office he is 100th in seniority. But if the GOP is smart they'll know a good thing when they see it right before their eyes.
Let's also not forget he must stand for re-election in just over 2½ years.
Smooth or bumpy this is going to be one hell of a ride.
Senator Scott Brown, R-MA.
Now it's time for the hard work and slogging.
Despite the fact he got Ted Kennedy's old office he is 100th in seniority. But if the GOP is smart they'll know a good thing when they see it right before their eyes.
Let's also not forget he must stand for re-election in just over 2½ years.
Smooth or bumpy this is going to be one hell of a ride.
Obama to Meet with The Dalai Lama Later This Month
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs announced this afternoon that President Obama will meet with The Dalai Lama later this month although he did not give a specific date. The Dalai Lama is scheduled to be in D.C. on February 17th and 18th.
President Obama had snubbed The Dalai Lama during his late visit to D.C. in October so as not to upset the Chinese before his state visit there the following month. But over the past few days things have changed dramatically between the Obama Administration and China. In addition to having an audience with a fellow Nobel Laureate, the Obama Administration also announced a $6 billion arms deal to Taiwan while Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton criticized China for its opposition to sanctions against Iran. Yesterday, President Obama criticized China for its low currency rate and called upon them to open their markets to Western goods.
So why has Obama changed his tune towards China?
The Chinese government has been involved in cyberattacks on the U.S. government, Google, defense contractors, media and non-profit entities. Of course, this has been going on for a number of years now. Why didn't Obama take China to task when he first assumed office? Perhaps he was under the illusion things would be different upon his arrival. Well, he has been disabused of those illusions. Obviously, the Chinese have not only stepped up their involvement but have probably hacked into places they couldn't previously reach. Did they hack the White House? The Pentagon? Whatever they did it got the Obama Administration's attention.
The question is where will this all lead. I suspect the Obama Administration and China will continue to saber rattle over the next couple of weeks leading up to The Dalai Lama's visit. Once things have reached a fever pitch there will be behind the scenes diplomatic negotiations. China will promise to "hack off" while the Obama Administration will scale back its support for Taiwan. Both the Obama Administration and the Chinese Communists will declare victory. After a few weeks, the Chinese will resume their hacking and Obama will go back to slacking.
President Obama had snubbed The Dalai Lama during his late visit to D.C. in October so as not to upset the Chinese before his state visit there the following month. But over the past few days things have changed dramatically between the Obama Administration and China. In addition to having an audience with a fellow Nobel Laureate, the Obama Administration also announced a $6 billion arms deal to Taiwan while Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton criticized China for its opposition to sanctions against Iran. Yesterday, President Obama criticized China for its low currency rate and called upon them to open their markets to Western goods.
So why has Obama changed his tune towards China?
The Chinese government has been involved in cyberattacks on the U.S. government, Google, defense contractors, media and non-profit entities. Of course, this has been going on for a number of years now. Why didn't Obama take China to task when he first assumed office? Perhaps he was under the illusion things would be different upon his arrival. Well, he has been disabused of those illusions. Obviously, the Chinese have not only stepped up their involvement but have probably hacked into places they couldn't previously reach. Did they hack the White House? The Pentagon? Whatever they did it got the Obama Administration's attention.
The question is where will this all lead. I suspect the Obama Administration and China will continue to saber rattle over the next couple of weeks leading up to The Dalai Lama's visit. Once things have reached a fever pitch there will be behind the scenes diplomatic negotiations. China will promise to "hack off" while the Obama Administration will scale back its support for Taiwan. Both the Obama Administration and the Chinese Communists will declare victory. After a few weeks, the Chinese will resume their hacking and Obama will go back to slacking.
Obama Calls For Civility; Forgot Kettle Was Black For An Hour
This morning President Obama spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. and called for civility:
Civility also requires relearning how to disagree without being disagreeable; understanding, as President [Kennedy] said, that "civility is not a sign of weakness." Now, I am the first to confess I am not always right. Michelle will testify to that. But surely you can question my policies without questioning my faith, or, for that matter, my citizenship.
There are those in this great land who question where President Obama was born. But Obama's remarks leave one with the impression that Republican lawmakers have questioned him in this way. I defy President Obama to name a single elected Republican official who has questioned the veracity of where he was born.
If President Obama seeks to restore civility he would be wise not to attribute ill-motives towards those who have not expressed them. But I suppose the President forgot the kettle was black for an hour.
Civility also requires relearning how to disagree without being disagreeable; understanding, as President [Kennedy] said, that "civility is not a sign of weakness." Now, I am the first to confess I am not always right. Michelle will testify to that. But surely you can question my policies without questioning my faith, or, for that matter, my citizenship.
There are those in this great land who question where President Obama was born. But Obama's remarks leave one with the impression that Republican lawmakers have questioned him in this way. I defy President Obama to name a single elected Republican official who has questioned the veracity of where he was born.
If President Obama seeks to restore civility he would be wise not to attribute ill-motives towards those who have not expressed them. But I suppose the President forgot the kettle was black for an hour.
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