Filed under: politics | Tags: afghanistan, al queda, CNN, India, Pakistan, terrorists
Where do they go from here? To say that relations between these two countries has been strained before the terrorist attacks may be an understatement. Now with the investigation underway and signs pointing to Pakistan, relations very well may end an already fragile truce. Is there any hope for any semblance of diplomacy and peace between these two nuclear nations?
I’m wondering how we as Americans can convince the Indian government not to retaliate. Shortly after 9/11 we launched an attack on Afghanistan. Think about it. The terrorists had links to Afghanistan, they didn’t necessarily represent Afghanistan…so we declared war. Now I’m not saying we were wrong to go after Al Queda and Bin Laden, but isn’t this pretty damn close to the same thing? The terrorists (hopefully) do not represent Pakistan, but have a link. How do we ask the Indian government not to declare war on Pakistan?
In addition, we’ve also been flying planes over Pakistan dropping bombs on terrorist camps. So again, how do we ask the Indians to exercise any form of restraint? Would that make us the ultimate hypocrite?
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/11/30/india.attacks/index.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/world/asia/30diplo.html?ref=world
Filed under: election 2008, politics | Tags: georgia, Jim Martin, Max Cleland, run off, saxby chambliss, Senate seat
Saxby Chambliss. Every time I hear that name the first thing that comes to mind is the little vomit taste in my mouth. I’ll admit, I’m no lover of the freshman Senator from Georgia. In fact, I really just feel pure rage and utter contempt. Max Cleland is the second thought that flashes through my mind, or maybe it’s the first and it causes the vomit taste.
I’m hoping the good old boy from the South takes a tumble. I guess like everyone else, I’ll have to wait for the results from the run off on December 2nd to see if the Democratic Challenger, Jim Martin, has done enough to swing the state of Georgia into the land of purple.
Filed under: election 2008, politics | Tags: Attorney General, Eric Holder, Hillary Clinton, Homeland Security Secretary, Jane Napolitano, Jim Jones, National Security Advisor, National Security Team, Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense, secretary of state, Susan Rice United Nations Ambassador, White House
It’s like Monday night football…rolling out all the big guns. Okay, so it’s Monday morning, but whatever! It’s my blog and I liked it, so I’m going with it. Here’s a preview of the National Security Team line up…
Roberts Gates will be staying on as Secretary of Defense. I’m not sure for how long. I’m hoping for the first year, and then we’ll just have to see how that goes.
Hillary Clinton will be named as Secretary of State. I think this will be a huge step up from what we’ve had…
Marine Gen. Jim Jones named as the National Security Adviser at the White House.
Susan Rice named as the United Nations Ambassador.
Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano will be named as the Homeland Security Secretary.
Eric Holder will be named as Attorney General.
It will definitely be interesting to see all these egos coexist! If Barack Obama can do it, I have high hopes for his Presidency. Even if he can’t get them to toe the line all the time, it’ll still make for a good read.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/30/transition.wrap/index.html
Every time I think I’ve heard the last of Sarah Crazy Ass Palin, there’s another story about her. I tell myself don’t read it, don’t write about it, but then I find myself unable to resist.
I guess they say all press is good press, but I’m not sure I agree! I can only hope the fascination with one of my least favorite people wears out shortly.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: India, Mumbai, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, terrorists
Terrorists leading the attacks in Mumbai, India had over 200 hostages at the five start Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. I’m sure this was not quite the luxurious vacation many were hoping for. I can not imagine how the residents of Mumbai must be feeling after the attacks.
The terrorist group was well armed, carrying AK-47 assault rifles, grenades, and various other weapons. They also had an amazing grasp of the layout of the hotel. Indian commandos faced a particularly well armed and well prepared group. After securing the hotel, the commandos spoke openly about the gruesome sights within the hotel. Blood and bodies littered the floors. They also had to be very careful as to not harm the already terrorized hostages.
With nearly 200 killed and over 300 wounded, it is sad to say, but this could have been far worse. I feel for the Indian people. Sadly, terrorism has become a reality that the world will continue to have to endurein an up-close and personal way. I’m hoping this will band the world together in solidarity, help us to find our inner humility and humanity, and lead us to find diplomatic ways to come together for the betterment of all mankind.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/11/29/mumbai.commandos.taj/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/11/29/india.attacks/index.html
Filed under: election 2010, politics | Tags: 2010, Chris Matthews, Pennsylvania, senate
He is, he isn’t? Rumor has it Chris Matthews is eyeing a Senate run in 2010. UGH. I’ll admit I’ve never been a fan.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/michaelcalderone/1108/Report_Matthews_staffing_for_Senate_Run.html
Apparently they are saying a lot more than just that. Show me the money comes to mind. The pirates have siphoned around $275 million in the last three years in ransom money.
Pirates have apparently taken control of a chemical ship flying the Liberian flag. Three British security guards apparently jumped ship after attempting to ward off the pirates. This year over 100 ships attacks have been launched and nearly 40 have been taken.
This too just gets better and better. And what point will the world say enough is enough? The weapons ship bound for Kenya is still being held for ransom, as is the Saudi oil tanker holding $100 million in oil.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/11/28/somalia.pirates.chemical.tanker/index.html
Filed under: election 2008, politics | Tags: DC, Inauguration, New York Times, parade
With Inauguration looming, the locals are salivating. Homes are being offered to rent at exorbitant prices. The New York Times expects 1 million people to descend upon DC like locusts with only approximately 95,000 hotel rooms…you do the math. I’ve actually heard we may have more like 4 million visitors hoping to get a peek of the parade or event.
I’ll admit we are contemplating it ourselves. We figure we could rent our 2 bedroom condo in Northern Virginia for a good $3,000 a night for a minimum of 3 nights. It doesn’t seem right to have Inauguration be all about the Benjamins, but hey, that money could be a much needed vacation for my family or pay off some credit card debt!
I’ll also admit that I’ve written for tickets. And you can bet your sweet ass if I happen to be a lucky ducky that is picked to received them, they’ll be up on EBay faster than you can say show me the money.
I’m an Obama supporter, and I’d love to see this historic event, but the money would do far more for my family! We’ll watch on tv with the rest of the “common” folk!
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/28/us/politics/28inaug.html?_r=1&ref=politics
