12/18 Morning Report

Brad had a somewhat pragmatic review of the Democratic front runners for President. It’s an interesting comparison between Hillary and Obama. Meanwhile, over at the Daly Kos, some one asked the question Can Hillary win? Interesting comments…check out the poll results, too

Another Kos writer asked the question: Has America’s “militarism” weakened our position in the world? It’s the old argument that America is proclaiming “might makes right.” It also has the usual liberal stance of a strong military only fosters distrust and fear among others who are weaker than you are.

I guess that would be the writer’s reason why

North Korea says it will not consider halting its nuclear programme unless UN sanctions imposed after it tested a nuclear device in October are lifted.

Let me se if I have this straight…North Korea breaks its treaties, suffers UN sanctions for it, and throws a temper tantrum to get its way. And, it must be America’s fault—I guess…
(…sounds like someone is taking lessons from Saddam Hussein…”who cares about those stinking resolutions!...)

With conflicting reports about American political goals regarding Iraq, is it any wonder people don’t really know what is going on beyond their own political view? We all cling to our own. This report by the BBC, regarding Colin Powell’s statements reveals several classics. For example, sending more troops was an alternative—short term—mentioned in the ISG report. Now, suddenly, it is another Bush strategy leading to failure.
(…talk about not getting the story straight…)

And, as, I originally reported on November 12, there has been a liberal plan to impeach Bush. The plan proposed then was how to force Congress into impeachment proceedings. But, now there is a new idea. Don’t impeach Bush, go for his underlings…. It just goes to show there are no limits to political vindictiveness—on either side.

Speaking of things Middle Eastern, militants or Islamic extremists seem determined to destroy any thing that might help. The Red Crescent is the latest source of aid and support to be victimized. You can bet it was sectarian in nature, too.
(…did anyone else notice that the Red Crescent and the Red Cross suddenly seem to be the same organization…)

Euphoric Reality has a great summary of Israel’s contribution to the world…compared to the Arab world:

We would replace the vision, ingenuity, success, advancements, and invention of the Israelis with the crime, poverty, terrorism, internecine murder, and barbarism of millions of Third World, 7th century Muslims. Not exactly a good trade, no matter how you look at it.

It’s a really good read.

Finally, on the lighter side of things, her are some strange coincidences someone at work shared with me.