Obama & Kerry, Lighting the Powderkeg, Pushing U.S. Into Prideful Mid-East War

Of all the Seven Deadly Sins, it is said that Pride is the Mother of them all:
In almost every list, pride (Latin, superbia), or hubris (Greek), is considered the original and most serious of the seven deadly sins, and the source of the others. SOURCE

Can you think of any more prideful reasons for 'surgically bombing' Syria than those spewed forth from John Kerry and Barack Obama than:
* invoking the hideous videos of gassed civilians? Where were videos of Iraq war vets' coffins coming home? Didn't they hide them so they could keep the war machine chugging? Now they're using videos of agonizing deaths of innocent civilians as though they are more horrible than our dead soldiers who took bullets and all nature of other gruesome killing devices.
* The strike would be 'proportional' - what the hell does that mean? Proportional to what? Their misguided Pride and bloated Egos? They should both wear a scarlet "W" on their foreheads.
* The now oft repeated 'international norms' - which bloody 'international norms'? The ones they keep changing to fit their needs? 
* The fact that chemical weapons were used on children. Children! Forget about the adults. Repeating, ad nauseum, that children died. Using children and women to try and tug at our heart strings. 'Men' just muddy the waters when it comes to making their argument.

The Powder-Keg Twins plus John McCain continually talk about how NOT going to war is undermining the credibility of the United States. What credibility? What are they smoking?
Here's just one link to test that credibility:
10 Chemical Weapons Attacks Washington Doesn't Want You to Talk About

I'm sick of hearing how different this will be than the Iraq war. (Again, going on record as having marched against that war too.) To me, this 'strike', as they call it and insist it's not war, has the possibility of being even more incendiary than Iraq, worse that Afghanistan. This could be the match that lights the powder-keg in the mid-east. 

Why? Because of Pride. Boys playing in the sandbox Pride. Seventh grade Pride. Dick Pride. We've heard it all before. This is a conflagration waiting to happen. Yes, the UN is completely useless. That said, all diplomatic efforts have not been exhausted through U.S. channels apparently. Pressure for diplomatic talks needs to be applied like a tourniquet on these Prideful Politicians. And pressure to give more aid to the refugees. That is where the U.S. can restore some credibility. Help the people who are alive.

Krulak’s law is simple: Soldiers in the field interacting with local people are the most important element of nation building and counter insurgency. SOURCE

Obama and Kerry and the war machine can save face - which is like a little gift to prideful people who make egregious, impulsive mistakes - when the House votes against it. The War Twins can rail and thrash about how terrible it is that Congress voted not to give them war powers but then they can pretend to meekly turnaround and abandon their foolishness. If only Obama and Kerry meant it when they talk about representing the will of 'the American people' instead of saying that 'the American people' just don't understand and have to be told what to think. How much more paternalistic can you get?

Stop the world. I want to get off. 

UPDATE:
Saved by Russia? Did Russia intentionally wait til the last moment to act as savior to the United States? If so, warmongers will say this proves that saber rattling works. Sigh.

Will Obama Succumb to Pressure by the Nattering Nabobs of the Press?

You remember that famous phrase "nattering nabobs of negativism" uttered by the infamous Spiro Agnew? You don't? It's worth looking up. And it's the one time I have ever agreed with a Republican...and it had to be Agnew, but there you go. The LA Times even posted my letter of support, way back when. William Safire actually wrote those definitive words for Agnew and here's why:

The words that William Safire penned and that Spiro Agnew mouthed actually had enormous impact that has lasted until this day. They helped foster among conservatives and the folks that Nixon called "the silent majority" a growing mistrust of the mainstream media, a mistrust that grew over two generations into a form of hatred. It also started a dangerous spiral of events -- journalists started bending backwards to kowtow to their conservative critics, beginning in the time of Reagan, an ill-advised shift that did not win back a single reader or viewer on the right. Instead, it caused a lot of folks on the left and even the center to wonder why the national media had stopped doing its job, stopped questioning authority. Today, the vast majority of Americans of all political stripes -- conservative, liberal, centrist -- don't believe the "nattering nabobs of negativism, a.k.a. the mainstream media, in record numbers. In the long run, a New Media is emerging that may ultimately prove to be better than what it is replacing, but in the meantime the cost to America in the journalism that was lost during the run-up to the Iraq war and Wall Street's hijacking of the U.S. economy is incalculable.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/attytood/Nabobs_natter_about_the_passing_of_William_Safire_1929-2009.html#8Ezvo5kA7k4ljeGw.99

The words that William Safire penned and that Spiro Agnew mouthed actually had enormous impact that has lasted until this day. They helped foster among conservatives and the folks that Nixon called "the silent majority" a growing mistrust of the mainstream media, a mistrust that grew over two generations into a form of hatred. It also started a dangerous spiral of events -- journalists started bending backwards to kowtow to their conservative critics, beginning in the time of Reagan, an ill-advised shift that did not win back a single reader or viewer on the right. Instead, it caused a lot of folks on the left and even the center to wonder why the national media had stopped doing its job, stopped questioning authority. Today, the vast majority of Americans of all political stripes -- conservative, liberal, centrist -- don't believe the "nattering nabobs of negativism, a.k.a. the mainstream media, in record numbers. In the long run, a New Media is emerging that may ultimately prove to be better than what it is replacing, but in the meantime the cost to America in the journalism that was lost during the run-up to the Iraq war and Wall Street's hijacking of the U.S. economy is incalculable.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/attytood/Nabobs_natter_about_the_passing_of_William_Safire_1929-2009.html#8Ezvo5kA7k4ljeGw.99

The words that William Safire penned and that Spiro Agnew mouthed actually had enormous impact that has lasted until this day. They helped foster among conservatives and the folks that Nixon called "the silent majority" a growing mistrust of the mainstream media, a mistrust that grew over two generations into a form of hatred. It also started a dangerous spiral of events -- journalists started bending backwards to kowtow to their conservative critics, beginning in the time of Reagan, an ill-advised shift that did not win back a single reader or viewer on the right. Instead, it caused a lot of folks on the left and even the center to wonder why the national media had stopped doing its job, stopped questioning authority. 

Today, the vast majority of Americans of all political stripes -- conservative, liberal, centrist -- don't believe the "nattering nabobs of negativism, a.k.a. the mainstream media, in record numbers. In the long run, a New Media is emerging that may ultimately prove to be better than what it is replacing, but in the meantime the cost to America in the journalism that was lost during the run-up to the Iraq war and Wall Street's hijacking of the U.S. economy is incalculable. SOURCE

And here they go again. Saying Obama will be considered "weak", his "legacy will be tarnished" if he doesn't go to war. No, his legacy will be 'burnished' if he doesn't go to war. This is insanity. The press - by the way, who the fuck are they? Why does anybody even care what they think? They are simply glorified prompter readers ascribed an exalted understanding of 'what's happening now' - and they are  playing bait and switch with their opinions. How they have the temerity to call Obama weak, at this point, because he is reluctant to go to war is breathtaking. As often as I have disagreed with the President, in this case, getting Congress' approval or disapproval is a brilliant strategic tactic, to get those loud-mouthed do-nothing paid political hacks on record so they can put up or shut up and quit taunting Obama about how his foreign policy is screwed if he doesn't blow up the Middle East. Conscript these malingerers. The army needs more recruits.

It's not just the issues like 'we can't afford another war', 'the money would be better spent on education', 'the U.S. isn't the world's police', 'we have war fatigue'. No. NO, war is not the answer. You've heard this before and certainly after all recent wars, what have we got? Nothing and more war. The country is starving for the dollars we spend on the military. Any high-flying CEO would be fired if his ROI came in with nothing in the annual report. We know that the economy is dependent on the industrial war machine, right? But war solves nothing. And yet, the self-righteous "nattering nabobs of negativism", particularly on CNN, are stoking their war cries with twisted logic.

When a four star general and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey, is reluctant to go to war, then listen to the Pentagon. I can't believe I just wrote that. But there you have it.

The words that William Safire penned and that Spiro Agnew mouthed actually had enormous impact that has lasted until this day. They helped foster among conservatives and the folks that Nixon called "the silent majority" a growing mistrust of the mainstream media, a mistrust that grew over two generations into a form of hatred. It also started a dangerous spiral of events -- journalists started bending backwards to kowtow to their conservative critics, beginning in the time of Reagan, an ill-advised shift that did not win back a single reader or viewer on the right. Instead, it caused a lot of folks on the left and even the center to wonder why the national media had stopped doing its job, stopped questioning authority. Today, the vast majority of Americans of all political stripes -- conservative, liberal, centrist -- don't believe the "nattering nabobs of negativism, a.k.a. the mainstream media, in record numbers. In the long run, a New Media is emerging that may ultimately prove to be better than what it is replacing, but in the meantime the cost to America in the journalism that was lost during the run-up to the Iraq war and Wall Street's hijacking of the U.S. economy is incalculable.
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/attytood/Nabobs_natter_about_the_passing_of_William_Safire_1929-2009.html#8Ezvo5kA7k4ljeGw.99

My Line In The Sand For Obama. Syria.

I thought my line in the sand for Obama would be if he nominated Larry Summers, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, but I've moved the line up (I'm sure he's shaking in his boots) to if he gives the okay for military action in Syria. Obushama.

Somehow this feels like déjà vu all over again. Like 2003. The invasion of Iraq. I vividly remember listening to the vote count in Congress, who was voting 'for', who 'against', and having that horrible sinking feeling that the Bush/Cheney lies had worked their magic. We were going to war.

I marched against that war, several times, but nobody paid attention to us. We marched in front of the CNN building in Hollywood and no one even bothered to cover it. And now this. The drums of the Industrial War Complex beating loud and clear. It's time to crank up the war machine. For what?

Drop a missile someplace in Syria and supposedly scare Assad so silly that he'll come out waving a white flag and beg forgiveness for gassing hundreds, probably thousands, of people. Yeah, right. There is no place in Syria that bombing it would make one whit of difference. They're not going to bomb the chemical weapons warehouses, they're not going to bomb civilian populations, they already said they're not going to bomb Assad...so where the hell are they going to bomb...and WHY?

You know what they - meaning the U.S. and partners - should be doing? They should be taking care of all the refugees that have fled Syria and are now living in the squalor of refugee camps. No future. No life. If they can't do anything of value in Syria, at least take care of the people. TAKE CARE OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SURVIVED. Check this website: http://syrianrefugees.eu/ THIS is a human tragedy.

Going to war, again, is just unimaginable. We've seen it time and time again. The epitome of crazy. Repeating the same stupid military actions, hoping for a different result. What can we do to stop it? Anything? So sad.

Making the Case FOR Mayor Bob Filner, Douchebag Politician

Should Bob Filner Resign? 81 Percent Of San Diego Says Yes, According To New Poll. 

You've undoubtedly heard of Bob Filner, Horndog Mayor of San Diego, accused by 16 women of sexual harassment. So what else is new for - can I lump them altogether? - douchbag politicians? It's almost a DNA prerequisite. I'll pose a 'Passover question': Why is this politician different from every other douchebag politician? Answers?

Egypt Envy: The American Revolution Redux

So, you're calling the revolution in Egypt a 'coup'? Is that a bad thing? I mean, it's July 4th, America's Independence Day, a celebration of a coup, n'est ce pas? That's what I heard in President Obama's address to the nation today. Honestly, you would have thought he was talking about Egypt. Listen to this:

" On July 4^th, 1776, a small band of patriots declared that we were a people created equal – free to think and worship and live as we please.  It was a declaration heard around the world – that we were no longer colonists, we were Americans, and our destiny would not be determined for us; it would be determined by us. Substitute: We are Egyptians and our destiny will not be determined for us (so stay out of this America); it will be determined BY US.-->

It was a bold and tremendously brave thing to do.  It was also nearly unthinkable.  At that time, kings and princes and emperors ruled the world. (and today we have dictators, religious zealots, punks) But those patriots were certain that a better way was possible. (Egyptian patriots are certain that a better way is definitely possible and they ain't taking 'no can do' as an answer.) And to achieve it – to win their freedom – they were willing to lay it all on the line. Their lives. Their fortunes.  Their sacred honor. (Hundreds of thousands of Egyptians are doing like-wise.)"

And:
 "I want to say a special word of thanks to the men and women of our military, who have played such a vital role in the story of our nation.(Isn't the military playing a vital role in Egypt? Of course, like all 'militaries', they must be watched.)  You have defended us at home and abroad.  And you have fought on our nation’s behalf to make the world a better, safer place. (Uh, not so much.) "  

Here's where Egypt Envy comes in. Watch Egyptians out on the street for days and days and weeks and weeks and not for the first time! Remember, they did this a couple of years ago which sparked the Arab Spring and revolutions in repressive countries with repressive regimes. And when their infant democracy looked like it was going south under Hamid Morsi, they let him know that no one is safe to rule the people. It is the people who rule the 'leaders'. And that is exactly what happened on the 4th of July, 237 years ago today in these United States of America. I can hear you say, "But we Americans peacefully vote out representatives we don't like on election day." Sadly, our 'democratic' system is dangerously rigged and we better protest to fix that, too, or eventually, we too will live under a repressive regime. Revolutions aren't always fought on the street. Dastardly right wingers are doing everything they can to undermine our system so they can 'rule' you. Do not take anything for granted.

While I'm not advocating revolution (helloooo NSA), Americans would do well to learn something from these protesters. Americans have the attention span of a gnat. A one day rally here, an afternoon protest there, sign a few petitions online and, ta da, "I'm an activist!" It takes a lifetime to effect change or keep what you already have. Words are cheap. Get off the couch. Take all that energy you have yelling at the television when you hear the news about injustices here at home, and become an actual activist, a lifelong one. In the spirit of our revolutionary forefathers, keep your eye on the ball and don't ever let our leaders forget who they are working for. 


 

Didn't Trayvon Martin also 'Stand Your Ground'?

I'm a little confused by this Stand Your Ground law. "In the United States of America, stand-your-ground law states that a person may justifiably use force in self-defense when there is reasonable belief of an unlawful threat, without an obligation to retreat first."

So, how is it that George Zimmerman is using the Stand Your Ground law, to justify killing Trayvon Martin, because he said he felt threatened...so why can't Trayvon Martin use the same law because he most certainly felt threatened by some stranger going after him with a semi-assualt rifle? Stand Your Ground must be reciprocal, right?

Answers, thoughts....

Terrorists Decide to Go on Holiday as U.S. Implodes All By Itself

Ahmad: "Hey, Hafiz, did you see another overpass fell apart? This one in Missouri. Was that one even on our blow-up list?"

Hafiz: "Yeah, it was new on the list so we just saved a whole lot of dynamite...nevermind saving us the pain-in-the-ass of transporting it there. Say, can you make a meeting of the Elite Masterminds, al-Qaeda branch, this Thursday after morning prayers - that is, if you do them? We're meeting in Cave #3, password VACAY. And this time leave your laptop at home. Last meeting of the Honorable Jihadists, the porn was just too distracting and we couldn't get any work done. And the place was a mess. Hope you were able to unstick the keyboard."

Ahmad: "Yes, yes, agree with respect. No laptop. Ask for your supreme forgiveness for brain fart! Ha, ha! Learned that from American jihadi. Praying that tumblr keeps its porn pages."

Meeting. Interior Cave #3.

Six members of Elite Masterminds sit around a campfire, passing a pipe. No laptops.

Supreme Leader Omar: "Welcome, greetings of respect and reverence to all of you and a thousand blessings that you made it here, from near and far, for this important meeting. Apparently, our new super secret communication system, landlines, is working beautifully. 'Props' (learned from American jihadist) to our revered and awesome (please forgive Western influence...am working on addiction) brother, Abu, for coming up with such a simple solution to connecting under the radar. Like, who uses landlines anymore?! Brilliant. Blessings to you, Abu, and may you have a million Jihadi children.

Ok, we're here because it has come to our attention that we seem to be wasting our time planning the destruction of the United States of America. Deranged, subversive sources inform us that the U.S. is falling apart all on its own and honorable sources are worried they will be out of a job...but, on the bright side, they will blend in even better with filthy non-believer citizens who are also unemployed.

Abu, honorable and thundering warrior, head of PR and Washington lobbyist, may you honor us with your report.

Abu: Blessings and admiration, may you all live a thousand lives with vestal virgins. First, I want to congratulate Hadid for winning numbers in the Power Ball - may Allah forgive us - as he has generously tithed his winnings, even without us threatening to cut his head off, so that we may, Allah willing, upgrade our suicide bomber jackets to ones our glorious leader spotted in the Patagonia catalogue. Please honorably note, we are now moving into sustainable garments where possible.

And now for the news you are all here for. As Supreme Leader Omar indicated with his brilliant and perceptive mind and his subversive subscription to the New York Times as well as our deranged colleagues hidden in plain sight in the U.S., it has become plainly obvious that we can put on pause our intricate and stealthy plans to do Jihad to our filthy infidels because they are doing a stellar job all by themselves.

May we bow before Allah and blow kisses to him for this: Thousands of Bridges in U.S. Could Collapse If Only Single Part Fails You see. He, Oh Glorious One, has answered our prayers to help us bring down the greatest country in the world - well, that's how they bill themselves - by turning themselves against themselves. Does Allah get any more creative than that?

And now for the kicker, honorable soldiers. Because of my deft and humble lobbying - but of course, only with Allah's help - get this! Banks’ Lobbyists Help in Drafting Financial Bills  Let us put 'on hold' our delicious, nefarious plans to infiltrate and destroy the conceited and arrogant United States' economy. Again, they are doing it, thanks and bows to Allah, to themselves. There is an old and imaginative saying that I learned from my years of being head ladies dorm monitor - they thought I was an uncorrupted holy man: Putting the wolf in charge of the hen house. So it is with the corruptible and greedy bankers.

With Allah's blessed help, that is my report. Over to you Supreme Leader.

Supreme Leader Omar: Blessings for such an honorable and insightful report. So, the good news is, al-Qaeda brethern, we are suspending all destructive plans, for Allah knows how long, until America gets its shit together and we can resume jihad. Until then, we are GOING ON HOLIDAY! You have earned a little R&R, a reprieve from suicides and beheadings, stonings and machete-wielding. You must be exhausted. Brochures for possible vacation locations are on the rock as you go out. It is advised that we can obtain group rates.

Go in peace...for the time being...in blessings and friendship. Blessed is Allah.