3/29/07
US No Longer Technology King
3/11/07
Designated Hitter
3/10/07
About Gun Control
The gun lobby, notably the National Rifle Association wields too much power in Washington and it does so to the point of being irresponsible. Gun control is sorely needed but lawmakers avoid any serious attempts to come up with meaningful legislation lest they incur the wrath of the NRA. There needs to be an outcry from the American public for effective gun control legislation but anytime there is a groundswell for gun control it is beaten back by a very effective lobby. We are told that it is our constitutional right to own a gun and of course we want everything the Constitution guarantees us. Everything?-hold on! Another story in the Times blared out FBI Head Admits Mistakes in Use of Security Act. Apparently when it comes to constitutional rights the American public is more willing to sacrifice its right to privacy ( USA Patriot Act) than to infringe its right to bear arms. The terrorism threat wins out over the threat posed by guns. The Constitution does give us a right to bear arms - it does not give us a right to abuse arms. Legislation must be brought to bear on the latter. As for privacy issues, again legislation must curb the amazing appetite of the executive branch of government to usurp our rights in the name of The War On Terrorism.
3/9/07
Superpower Or Superleader
A superpower has been defined as a state with the first rank in the international system and has the ability to influence events and project power on a worldwide basis. A superpower possesses and wields economic power, military power, political power and cultural power. Great Britain and the Soviet Union were once superpowers. Today, the United States is recognized as the world’s only superpower (in the wings are China and India as potential superpowers). But when is a superpower not a superpower?
- When arrogance replaces diplomacy
- When it forsakes its reponsibility to promote peace
- When it neglects to seek solutions to domestic problems
- When it destroys its manufacturing base in favor of a service economy
- When it alienates the countries of the world
- When it allows other countries to dictate its foreign policy
- When it takes its neighbors for granted
As the United States continually alienates the nations of the world we increasingly look like more of a bully rather than a superpower. Because of failed diplomacy we have troops spread out all over the world. Ancient Rome also had legions all over the world. If I am not mistaken this started the decline of the Roman Empire. Furthermore, how long can this country reign as a superpower as it allows the output of it's R & D and engineering to be labeled "Made in CHINA"? Now we are told that China will soon be a leading exporter of automobiles and is rapidly moving towards status as a superpower. Should this occur, what happens to our national debt which is heavily financed by China? It would seem that if China truly emerges as a superpower, the United States will be at a disadvantage in competing with China. Still the outlook need not be so bleak if this country marshals its scientific strengths and entrepreneurship to create an environment in this country which is friendly towards the needs of its citizens - new industries, jobs. The United States should devote more leadership, energy and creative diplomacy to achieve peace in the Middle East . The United States should set an example for the world by instituting “green “ practices in spite of short sighted opposition from some segments of the corporate world. The United States should discard its adversarial attitude toward the United Nations and take the lead in making the United Nations a more effective organization. We do not need superpowers in this world. We need “SUPERLEADERS”!
3/7/07
Abandon All Hope
Mixing religion with political objectives has always proven to be disastrous. Separation of the two of course is not a complete solution but leaders both political and religious committed to peaceful solutions would be a good start. If we accept anything less we will be abandoning all hope!
3/5/07
Spring Must Be Near
3/4/07
Burton's Advice
3/3/07
Lest We Forget
Suicide Bombers
3/1/07
Bush Hears Voices
Since Sept. 11, Bush and Cheney have proclaimed a Manichaean struggle in which, as Bush said, "you're either with us or with the terrorists." This formula has been applied at home and abroad. It is a distillation of Bush's foreign policy and his domestic politics. In his "war on terror," he is leading the forces of "freedom" against "evil" because it is "part of God's plan," and that "God is not neutral." Then Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath told the BBC in 2005 that Bush had confided in him and Mahmoud Abbas, former prime minister and now Palestinian president: "I'm driven with a mission from God. God would tell me, 'George, go and fight those terrorists in Afghanistan.' And I did, and then God would tell me, 'George go and end the tyranny in Iraq,' and I did."
“Leading the forces of "freedom" against "evil" because it is "part of God's plan” - it sounds like Jihad ! Previously George compared the “war on terrorism” to a crusade .( If jihad is a holy war against infidels and or unbelievers of Islam is a crusade possibly a war against infidels or unbelievers of Christianity ?). “God would tell me, 'George, go and fight those terrorists in Afghanistan.' And I did, and then God would tell me, 'George go and end the tyranny in Iraq,' and I did”. Apparently God is on a first name basis with George W. Bush. It sounds like the Old Testament! Could this possibly be coming from the mouth of the President of The United States. How did he ever conclude that he ended tyranny in Iraq or Afghanistan for that matter? Today we learn that the Taliban and Al Qaida are making a comeback. Mr. Bush needs to go back to the mountain and talk once again with God. ( And God said, George you completely misunderstood me ! Please listen to what your citizens are telling you. George, do not get me involved with wars!)