A bleak sheet of ice and sleet hit the Northeast just as gardeners like myself, convinced by the exceptionally warm winter as of January that summer was just around the corner, were day-dreaming in shirt sleeves of warm April showers to prompt bright pastel colored May flowers. However, AGAIN!!, that miserable ground hog was WRONG.
Watching politics on TV has been depressing since R-thumpin in November, but never more so than these past few months when Gen.Pelosi micro-manages the War and wobbly Republicans duck and cover from streaming, screaming videos from YouTube & MySpace. On top of that, D-operatives rolled out two more trumped up scandals; namely, 8 US Attorneys fired. As it turns out, a President can hire & fire a US Attorney at his pleasure. It was incorrect and disconcerting to the Attorneys to hear that these public dismissals were for "performance" when they were told nothing of the sort and knew otherwise.
The timing of this new Gonzo Hit couldn't have been better; it came on the heels of "public outrage" over substandard treatment of wounded Iraqi vets at Watlter Reed Army Medical Center. The VA has had problems delivering services since my grandfather was a patient. Remember!! The VA is Federal Health Care..loaded with bureaucracy and basically inefficient. If the Dems have their way, we'll all be getting our health care from the VA aka Universal or Hillary Care.
Democrats are trying to make the Iraq War go away by giving up the fighting and digging up political distractions at home against Republicans who seem incapable of preventing it. Republicans are shell shocked. ME? I'm underwhelmed.
Gen.Patraeus, who was confirmed unanimously by this fickle Congress, reports that progress is evident due to the "surge" tactics in Baghdad. The Congress of the US can not agree that the best way to end this War is to WIN it. Passing a binding or non-binding Resolution that questions success BEFORE the mission is complete does not bolster morale or support the troops carrying it out.
Notice:The Dems don't use the words "win" or "victory"...their idea of "finishing" a war is cutting off funding, followed by a hasty retreat. Viet Nam is D-model.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Friday, January 12, 2007
Baghdadis:SURGE OF RELIEF
President Bush's recommitment to achieving safety and security for all the people in Baghdad, uplifts the dispirited morale and brightens the withering hopes of embattled Sunni and Shiite residents alike.
"Maybe the Americans aren't running away after all?" Said a Sunni resident after Bush revealed the details of his plan to fight with the Iraqi Military to implement PM Maliki's determination to confront and eliminate the violent insurgency in Baghdad. "The message seems to be that the United States will remain engaged as long as Bush is in the White House."
The fear that the Bush Administration, hammered by public polls and an insanely critical Media and Congress, might "cut and run" from the conflict in Iraq, has been at the root of the virulent Insurgency since Iraq's liberation in 2003. The Insurgents, instigated by Iran and Syria, have persisted in killing Iraqis not out of an unrealistic hope that they could defeat US forces on the battlefield, but to strengthen the anti-war lobbies in the United States and Britain, culminating in the massive loss of pubic support and a precipitous retreat from the War for Iraq.
The new Surge Plan signaled that the Iraqi Army and the Maliki Government will be empowered by an increase in American troops and is finally on the offensive. During the last two years the Jihadis, Saddam loyalists and al Sadr's Army have been allowed to kill Iraqis unrestrained by the Iraqi Military and Police or the US Military (that's been mostly in a self-defense small footprint mode). In 2006, US forces initiated only 11 operations against the Jihadis and let al Sadr's militias run wild through the streets murdering Sunnis and government loyalists at random.
Iraqis remember how joint operations of the US and Iraqi Military in Fallujah, Najaf, Samarrah and Sadr City were called off or truncated due to political pressure from Iraq's Unity Government. To counteract this perception, PM Maliki has given President Bush and the disheartened people of Iraq, assurances of his conviction at this time, to "hunt down and destroy" al Qaeda and Saddamistist terrorists, al Sadr's Iranian backed Army of insurgents and all militias and death squads currently slaughtering 1000 Iraqis every month. If he means it and sticks to his guns..it'll be a brighter day for Iraqis, GW Bush, the US Military and the entire Middle East.
Sadly, there is more renewed hope for a successful outcome in Iraq than in DC. What a shame? The hysterical proclamations of disaster by the Democratic Majority, giddy to hang GW Bush on a poll, is so partisan it's revolting. WORSE, inexplicably ignorant of the impending consequences of a loss in Iraq to our long term National Security and furthermore, absent even an inkling of concern over the resulting turmoil throughout the entire Middle East.
Democrats' intractable mind set trumpets loud and clear to the World..the Democrat Party, once again, has earned the label of *Defeatists*...incapable of mustering the guts to ever make a strong stand for American interests...unable and unwilling to WIN any War, any Place, any Time.
"Maybe the Americans aren't running away after all?" Said a Sunni resident after Bush revealed the details of his plan to fight with the Iraqi Military to implement PM Maliki's determination to confront and eliminate the violent insurgency in Baghdad. "The message seems to be that the United States will remain engaged as long as Bush is in the White House."
The fear that the Bush Administration, hammered by public polls and an insanely critical Media and Congress, might "cut and run" from the conflict in Iraq, has been at the root of the virulent Insurgency since Iraq's liberation in 2003. The Insurgents, instigated by Iran and Syria, have persisted in killing Iraqis not out of an unrealistic hope that they could defeat US forces on the battlefield, but to strengthen the anti-war lobbies in the United States and Britain, culminating in the massive loss of pubic support and a precipitous retreat from the War for Iraq.
The new Surge Plan signaled that the Iraqi Army and the Maliki Government will be empowered by an increase in American troops and is finally on the offensive. During the last two years the Jihadis, Saddam loyalists and al Sadr's Army have been allowed to kill Iraqis unrestrained by the Iraqi Military and Police or the US Military (that's been mostly in a self-defense small footprint mode). In 2006, US forces initiated only 11 operations against the Jihadis and let al Sadr's militias run wild through the streets murdering Sunnis and government loyalists at random.
Iraqis remember how joint operations of the US and Iraqi Military in Fallujah, Najaf, Samarrah and Sadr City were called off or truncated due to political pressure from Iraq's Unity Government. To counteract this perception, PM Maliki has given President Bush and the disheartened people of Iraq, assurances of his conviction at this time, to "hunt down and destroy" al Qaeda and Saddamistist terrorists, al Sadr's Iranian backed Army of insurgents and all militias and death squads currently slaughtering 1000 Iraqis every month. If he means it and sticks to his guns..it'll be a brighter day for Iraqis, GW Bush, the US Military and the entire Middle East.
Sadly, there is more renewed hope for a successful outcome in Iraq than in DC. What a shame? The hysterical proclamations of disaster by the Democratic Majority, giddy to hang GW Bush on a poll, is so partisan it's revolting. WORSE, inexplicably ignorant of the impending consequences of a loss in Iraq to our long term National Security and furthermore, absent even an inkling of concern over the resulting turmoil throughout the entire Middle East.
Democrats' intractable mind set trumpets loud and clear to the World..the Democrat Party, once again, has earned the label of *Defeatists*...incapable of mustering the guts to ever make a strong stand for American interests...unable and unwilling to WIN any War, any Place, any Time.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
STAND AND DELIVER
Tonight President Bush defined the new SURGE strategy for Iraq. During the week and extensively today, parts of the speach dribbled out to Cable TV reporters, anchors and talking heads who critically analyzed each segment with guest politicians and Military experts on Breaking News Specials. By the time Bush spoke from the WH, the suspense was gone and his presentation seemed anti-climactic and flat.
There will be 20,000+ more troops deployed mostly to Baghdad to protect Iraqi civilians from sectarian militias, and 4 thousand Marines to Anbar Province to deal with Al Qaeda and Sunni insurgents. This time American forces will not be hamstrung by political restraints issued by the Shiite Prime Minister Maliki. He's on board with using thousands of Iraqi Military to fight side by side with US troops to tamp down the violence in Baghdad and finally deal with al Sadr's militias. Maliki and Bush both have been under fire for failure to execute their promised policies to bring stability to war weary Iraqis..and show positive results to impatient, disappointed Americans.
Gen. Patraeus who wrote the book on counter-insurgency, will direct the mission to CLEAR and HOLD Baghdad..In order to achieve success, after the clearing the HOLDING has to be done by the US AND IRAQI troops. The US can not withdraw and rely on the Iraqi Military to do the job alone...the US must supervise and atleast 500 Americans will embed with the Iraqis in each enclave of the city to prevent the Insurgents from returning and making Baghdad unliveable all over again.
When stability is achieved, the Unity Government will be given 1 billion dollars from the US to implement services, build the economy, share OIL revenues, and start reconstruction that will provide jobs to thousands of unemployed Iraqi citizens.
President Bush also addressed the regional threats from Iran and Syria. He prepared for Iranian retaliation by sending an additional Naval battle carrier group to the Persian Gulf to protect the flow of OIL to the World and to counter a possible attack on Saudi Arabia's OIL infrastructure. Plus, the flow of reinforcements and weapons coming into Iraq from Iran and Syria will be curtailed.
Ofcourse there's a domestic political angle..but I'll leave that til tomorrow. In short, Democrats are defeatists to the end and a few wobbly Republicans, up for re-election in '08, are hedging their bets by opposing the President's efforts to Win in Iraq. Their disloyalty repulses me more than the predictable reaction from cut and run Democrats.
There will be 20,000+ more troops deployed mostly to Baghdad to protect Iraqi civilians from sectarian militias, and 4 thousand Marines to Anbar Province to deal with Al Qaeda and Sunni insurgents. This time American forces will not be hamstrung by political restraints issued by the Shiite Prime Minister Maliki. He's on board with using thousands of Iraqi Military to fight side by side with US troops to tamp down the violence in Baghdad and finally deal with al Sadr's militias. Maliki and Bush both have been under fire for failure to execute their promised policies to bring stability to war weary Iraqis..and show positive results to impatient, disappointed Americans.
Gen. Patraeus who wrote the book on counter-insurgency, will direct the mission to CLEAR and HOLD Baghdad..In order to achieve success, after the clearing the HOLDING has to be done by the US AND IRAQI troops. The US can not withdraw and rely on the Iraqi Military to do the job alone...the US must supervise and atleast 500 Americans will embed with the Iraqis in each enclave of the city to prevent the Insurgents from returning and making Baghdad unliveable all over again.
When stability is achieved, the Unity Government will be given 1 billion dollars from the US to implement services, build the economy, share OIL revenues, and start reconstruction that will provide jobs to thousands of unemployed Iraqi citizens.
President Bush also addressed the regional threats from Iran and Syria. He prepared for Iranian retaliation by sending an additional Naval battle carrier group to the Persian Gulf to protect the flow of OIL to the World and to counter a possible attack on Saudi Arabia's OIL infrastructure. Plus, the flow of reinforcements and weapons coming into Iraq from Iran and Syria will be curtailed.
Ofcourse there's a domestic political angle..but I'll leave that til tomorrow. In short, Democrats are defeatists to the end and a few wobbly Republicans, up for re-election in '08, are hedging their bets by opposing the President's efforts to Win in Iraq. Their disloyalty repulses me more than the predictable reaction from cut and run Democrats.
Monday, January 08, 2007
EYEING THE BIG PICTURE
While myopic Democrats and some Republicans oppose Bush's "surge" strategy for Iraq, they overlook the brillance of the comprehensive changes being initiated by a Commander in Chief determined to retain American power and influence in the ME by insisting on success in Iraq and looking ahead to preventing Iranian hegemony from becoming reality.
Preparation for the long haul:
Last week Bush authorized the permanent enlargement of the Army and Marines which was recommended by many who foresee the increase of deployments throughout the world of US troops in order to continue combating Islamic fascists and Iran's imperialistic aim to establish a Persian Empire in the ME.
The Surge:
Two of Bush's most ardent allies, Sens. Joe Lieberman and John McCain, joined the architect of the plan to win in Iraq, Gen. Jack Keane, and ME expert Fred Kagan Resident Scholar AEI, at a televised presentation at the American Enterprise Institute.
They all called for atleast 30 thousand more troops to control and hold Baghdad and Anbar Province. When this was tried in the spring of '06, the mistake was to rely on Iraqi Police and Military. This time the USA will clear AND HOLD Baghdad and root out Al Qaeda from Anbar...it appears the Sunni leaders in Anabar have had enough of Al Qaeda whose agenda of establishing a Jihadist compound in Iraq by instigating civil war between Shiites and Sunnis, is contrary to Iraqi national goals. The Marines can expect actionable intelligence and side-by-side support from residents weary of foreign terrorists in Anbar.
The Brass Ring:
Lt. Gen. David Patraeus replaced Gen. George Casey to lead our forces in this stage of the War in Iraq. Patraeus has experience with counter-insurgency..he took Mosul and peacified the city and was responsible for training the Iraq Military. Most importantly..he believes the US Military can and MUST succeed in achieving security in Baghdad and Anbar FIRST before political and economic progress is possible. Simply, Iraq is not lost.
Admiral William Fallon has taken over for Gen. John Abizaid as Mideast Commander, signaling that President Bush and the U.S. Navy is preparing for the probability of confrontation with Iran.
U.S., U.K., and Austrailian ships are now headed to the Persian Gulf. In the event that US efforts frustrate Iran in Iraq or someone? hits their Nuclear sites, Tehran will retaliate by trying to close the Gulf of Hormuz by attacking oil platforms and tankers thus preventing the distribution of oil supply to most of the World. Also, Iran will attempt to destroy oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf emirates.
The toughest strategic missions to keep the oil flowing to the World, will be done by the US Navy with U.K and Aussie battle groups at our side. GW Bush is planning for any and all contingencies by mobilizing the Navy and Air Force.
Due to the failure to execute his policies in Iraq (by Army Generals), his strategic vision and current grasp of the consequences of failure has been greatly under-rated; however, with new leadership at the helm, all with positive hopes to succeed, coupled with the ability to implement practical, achievable plans, the forecast for the future should be brighter for President Bush, the credibility of the United States and ultimately, the safety of the free World.
President GW Bush will address the nation Wednesday night...let's listen with hopeful, open minds and reject the redundant defeatist rhetoric bloviating from Left Wing Quitters. Afterall, Americans by nature are winners...let's not lose the fight of our lives because of negative spin by an appeasing, anti-war Democrat Majority.
Keep the faith..God Bless America!!
Preparation for the long haul:
Last week Bush authorized the permanent enlargement of the Army and Marines which was recommended by many who foresee the increase of deployments throughout the world of US troops in order to continue combating Islamic fascists and Iran's imperialistic aim to establish a Persian Empire in the ME.
The Surge:
Two of Bush's most ardent allies, Sens. Joe Lieberman and John McCain, joined the architect of the plan to win in Iraq, Gen. Jack Keane, and ME expert Fred Kagan Resident Scholar AEI, at a televised presentation at the American Enterprise Institute.
They all called for atleast 30 thousand more troops to control and hold Baghdad and Anbar Province. When this was tried in the spring of '06, the mistake was to rely on Iraqi Police and Military. This time the USA will clear AND HOLD Baghdad and root out Al Qaeda from Anbar...it appears the Sunni leaders in Anabar have had enough of Al Qaeda whose agenda of establishing a Jihadist compound in Iraq by instigating civil war between Shiites and Sunnis, is contrary to Iraqi national goals. The Marines can expect actionable intelligence and side-by-side support from residents weary of foreign terrorists in Anbar.
The Brass Ring:
Lt. Gen. David Patraeus replaced Gen. George Casey to lead our forces in this stage of the War in Iraq. Patraeus has experience with counter-insurgency..he took Mosul and peacified the city and was responsible for training the Iraq Military. Most importantly..he believes the US Military can and MUST succeed in achieving security in Baghdad and Anbar FIRST before political and economic progress is possible. Simply, Iraq is not lost.
Admiral William Fallon has taken over for Gen. John Abizaid as Mideast Commander, signaling that President Bush and the U.S. Navy is preparing for the probability of confrontation with Iran.
U.S., U.K., and Austrailian ships are now headed to the Persian Gulf. In the event that US efforts frustrate Iran in Iraq or someone? hits their Nuclear sites, Tehran will retaliate by trying to close the Gulf of Hormuz by attacking oil platforms and tankers thus preventing the distribution of oil supply to most of the World. Also, Iran will attempt to destroy oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf emirates.
The toughest strategic missions to keep the oil flowing to the World, will be done by the US Navy with U.K and Aussie battle groups at our side. GW Bush is planning for any and all contingencies by mobilizing the Navy and Air Force.
Due to the failure to execute his policies in Iraq (by Army Generals), his strategic vision and current grasp of the consequences of failure has been greatly under-rated; however, with new leadership at the helm, all with positive hopes to succeed, coupled with the ability to implement practical, achievable plans, the forecast for the future should be brighter for President Bush, the credibility of the United States and ultimately, the safety of the free World.
President GW Bush will address the nation Wednesday night...let's listen with hopeful, open minds and reject the redundant defeatist rhetoric bloviating from Left Wing Quitters. Afterall, Americans by nature are winners...let's not lose the fight of our lives because of negative spin by an appeasing, anti-war Democrat Majority.
Keep the faith..God Bless America!!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
2006 The Last Week
X-Dictator Saddam Hussein is dead. Saddam was tried, convicted of crimes against humanity and met his fate at the end of a rope at sunrise on Dec.30, 2006
Predictions of violent demonstrations were apparently over hyped..Shiites celebrated in the streets of Sadr City. Kurds remembered the massacre that cost them thousands of men, women and children. Even the Sunnis, except for the die-hard Saddamists, were subdued when they heard the news (and saw hangman's tape). All through Iraq victims of Saddam's 35 years of oppression and brutality were relieved that the "butcher of Baghdad" will never return and would be no more.
Saddam's demise is an end of an era but not the end of Iraq's nightmare. Insurgents will still kill civilians over tribal revenge and power...Baghdad and Anbar Provice are hellish...the Unity Government seems unable to keep Iraqis safe from foreign instigators, Iran and Al Qaeda, who fuel the lethal insurgency with Jihadi reinforcements and mass-murder-gear.
President Bush is mulling over a new "surge" strategy which reportedly will send as many as 50,000 more troops into Iraq with the "defined mission" to focus on stability and security in the troubled areas of Baghdad and Anbar Province and perhaps, border control. IF security is achieved, advisors and trainers will prepare the Iraq Military to eventually fight and hold the Government and Iraq's sovereignty on their own. He plans to address the Nation and possibly gain a skeptical public's support on Jan. 10th, 2007.
All Democrats and many Republicans have little hope that this approach will lead to victory. However, the definition of "Victory" out of necessity has been revised..PROGRESS IS possible with this targeted offensive..staying the course has achieved nothing but escalated violence and arrogant insurgents positive that they'll drive out US forces weakened by the loss of domestic political and popular support.
X-President Gerald Ford died this week at 92. There's plenty of biographical information 24/7 and the State Funeral is underway, RIP.
The President and Congress are out of town on Holiday and news was slow..enter Bob Woodward (State of Denial) who took the sad opportunity to release a taped interview with Ford who stated his opposition to the Iraq War. Woodward was sworn to secrecy until after Ford's death; soooo Woodward didn't waste a nanosecond to capitalize and share the spotlight with a dead President, re: the only memorable and controversial event in Gerry Ford's accidental Presidency..Nixon's pardon. Woodward linked the "nightmare" of Watergate and Nixon's resignation to the unpopular Iraq War, naturally taking a last shot at GW BUSH before the New Year.
X-Senator John Edwards formalized his run for President by shoveling dirt in New Orleans with what he called "the poor." The mediocre xambulance chaser, xSenator and x04 losing candidate, plans to recycle his "Two Americas" strategy (class warfare?) for the '08 Democratic nomination. Rumor has it that the Clinton Camp pressured Edwards to run so that Hillary, in contrast to Edwards and Obama, would have the most "gravitas" i.e., related experience, which would predestine D-nomination for Mrs. Clinton.
Predictions of violent demonstrations were apparently over hyped..Shiites celebrated in the streets of Sadr City. Kurds remembered the massacre that cost them thousands of men, women and children. Even the Sunnis, except for the die-hard Saddamists, were subdued when they heard the news (and saw hangman's tape). All through Iraq victims of Saddam's 35 years of oppression and brutality were relieved that the "butcher of Baghdad" will never return and would be no more.
Saddam's demise is an end of an era but not the end of Iraq's nightmare. Insurgents will still kill civilians over tribal revenge and power...Baghdad and Anbar Provice are hellish...the Unity Government seems unable to keep Iraqis safe from foreign instigators, Iran and Al Qaeda, who fuel the lethal insurgency with Jihadi reinforcements and mass-murder-gear.
President Bush is mulling over a new "surge" strategy which reportedly will send as many as 50,000 more troops into Iraq with the "defined mission" to focus on stability and security in the troubled areas of Baghdad and Anbar Province and perhaps, border control. IF security is achieved, advisors and trainers will prepare the Iraq Military to eventually fight and hold the Government and Iraq's sovereignty on their own. He plans to address the Nation and possibly gain a skeptical public's support on Jan. 10th, 2007.
All Democrats and many Republicans have little hope that this approach will lead to victory. However, the definition of "Victory" out of necessity has been revised..PROGRESS IS possible with this targeted offensive..staying the course has achieved nothing but escalated violence and arrogant insurgents positive that they'll drive out US forces weakened by the loss of domestic political and popular support.
X-President Gerald Ford died this week at 92. There's plenty of biographical information 24/7 and the State Funeral is underway, RIP.
The President and Congress are out of town on Holiday and news was slow..enter Bob Woodward (State of Denial) who took the sad opportunity to release a taped interview with Ford who stated his opposition to the Iraq War. Woodward was sworn to secrecy until after Ford's death; soooo Woodward didn't waste a nanosecond to capitalize and share the spotlight with a dead President, re: the only memorable and controversial event in Gerry Ford's accidental Presidency..Nixon's pardon. Woodward linked the "nightmare" of Watergate and Nixon's resignation to the unpopular Iraq War, naturally taking a last shot at GW BUSH before the New Year.
X-Senator John Edwards formalized his run for President by shoveling dirt in New Orleans with what he called "the poor." The mediocre xambulance chaser, xSenator and x04 losing candidate, plans to recycle his "Two Americas" strategy (class warfare?) for the '08 Democratic nomination. Rumor has it that the Clinton Camp pressured Edwards to run so that Hillary, in contrast to Edwards and Obama, would have the most "gravitas" i.e., related experience, which would predestine D-nomination for Mrs. Clinton.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
2006 WINNERS & LOSERS
House of Representatives
Republican Losers:
Dennis Hastert R-ILL- Speaker of the House..whose lack of cognizant leadership led to the ethical collapse of R-incumbents under his stewardship.
Bob Ney R-Ohio- who should have resigned long before the November election but didn't, pled guilty of conspiring with the convicted lobbyist, Jack Abramoff, lost his seat and smeared the rest of Ohio incumbents running for re-election with scandalous residue. Ney was sentenced to jail time.
Duke Cunningham R-CA- took bribes from Defense Contractors, enriching himself with a yacht, a mansion etc., illegally influencing the decisions of House appropriations for Military hardware, pled guilty to all charges and is doing time in federal prison.
Mark Foley R-FL- a closet homosexual who messed around with underage pages for years, resigned after being outed by Democratic dirty tricks and retreated to rehab.
The results of this scandal, timed insideously to effect the outcome of the Midterm elections, was indeed the icing on the cake for the sweep of victories in the '06 elections which resulted in a the Democrats winning a Majority in the House.
Democrat Winners:
Rahm Emanuel D-ILL- who engineered the defeat of House Republicans across the board by devising a strategy that counteracted Karl Rove's "base only' tactics. He recruited Democratic candidates that fit the demographics of Republican districts; rejecting the tendency of D-Party Leftists to move to the far Left and envigorated the centrist coalition, morphing D-Party into a viable 50 State contender for all future state and local elections. (The Presidential race remains a "horse of a different color.")
Nancy Pelosi D-CA- the first woman and San Francisco Liberal ever to be Speaker of the House. She was in the right place at the right time. Considering her failure to appoint her friends to leadership positions and committee Chairmanships, I sincerely doubt that she would be the choice for Speaker of 2007's majority of centrist Democrats in the House. However, Nancy Pelosi IS a first and deserves credit for this achievement.
The Senate
George Allen R-VA- aka "macacawitz" self-destructed during his campaign for re-election. He was ahead by double digits going into the race against Jim Webb, a former Republican with little support from Virginia Democrats (except for his opposition to the Iraq War); inexplicably Allen blew it Big Time.
He was video taped by a Democratic operative of Indian descent, jokingly calling him "macaca."(later determined to be a racial slur in the far away neck-of-the-woods)
What followed was a deluge of accusations about George Allen's racist remarks in college. Democratic alums crawled out from under every rock and recalled racial slurs uttered by the wise cracker. Allen never recovered. WORSE, when he denied his Jewish ancestry and then embraced it by bringing his 92 year old mother into it..he was chopped livah and went on to lose a once "sure bet" to Webb. If Senator Allen didn't campaign at all, stayed home and didn't utter a discouraging word, he would've won IMO.
That's not saying much for his political skills. Allen's self-inflicted Senate defeat was the deciding factor in R-loss of the majority in the Senate. Not only that, Allen was the Conservative Right's pick for Presidential nominee in '08. Allen's political career is in the toilet..a good man badly beaten by Democratic dirty tricks for sure, but nonetheless, OVER for George Allen.
Senator Allen is my one and only candidate for the BIGGEST loser in the Senate in 2006. (Runner-ups don't even come close?)
The Executive
George W. Bush (R-Texas) "I have come to bury Caesar, not to praise him." He has had the most miserable year of any President in memory. Not only is he insanely hated by Left Wing Democrats and assaulted daily in Print & 24/7 TV News Networks, his own Party is sticking the knives in his torso with relish. "E tu Brute?" Recriminations abound from every quarter for the "thumping" Republicans suffered in the Midterm elections. He's a lame duck, all alone on a rickety limb.
The blame for the Republicans' loss of their local elections is their own faults, as I see it. What did they run on? Stay the course, when voters were fed and swallowed garbage served to them by wiley Democrats who promised the moon they'd never deliver?
The scandal smear muddied all. Republicans seemed unwilling to police themselves and apparently, thought the voters would'nt notice or homees would atleast repay them with a vote for all the goodies, ear marks and bacon brought home. WRONG..the Democrats hammered away at the Republican "culture of corruption" and it stuck. Ear Marks became a dirty word. Republicans were tar and feathered and run out of Congress on a rail.
By the time they realized that a tsunami of discontent and downright disgust was blowing their way..it was too late. But Bush isn't the culprit, if anyone played a roll in their defeat it may have been Rove for his insistence on sticking to his "base only" strategy when this year the base was NOT willing to cooperate with a Republican Congress that surrendered Republican principles to an obsession with POWER. Indeed, absolute power did corrupt Republicans in Congress, but not GW Bush, his power was long since mitigated by the turn coats in his own Party..and now neither has ANY.
Alas, in the Executive Branch, the buck stops in the Oval Office...soooo, GW BUSH is the BIG LOSER for 2006.
Republican Losers:
Dennis Hastert R-ILL- Speaker of the House..whose lack of cognizant leadership led to the ethical collapse of R-incumbents under his stewardship.
Bob Ney R-Ohio- who should have resigned long before the November election but didn't, pled guilty of conspiring with the convicted lobbyist, Jack Abramoff, lost his seat and smeared the rest of Ohio incumbents running for re-election with scandalous residue. Ney was sentenced to jail time.
Duke Cunningham R-CA- took bribes from Defense Contractors, enriching himself with a yacht, a mansion etc., illegally influencing the decisions of House appropriations for Military hardware, pled guilty to all charges and is doing time in federal prison.
Mark Foley R-FL- a closet homosexual who messed around with underage pages for years, resigned after being outed by Democratic dirty tricks and retreated to rehab.
The results of this scandal, timed insideously to effect the outcome of the Midterm elections, was indeed the icing on the cake for the sweep of victories in the '06 elections which resulted in a the Democrats winning a Majority in the House.
Democrat Winners:
Rahm Emanuel D-ILL- who engineered the defeat of House Republicans across the board by devising a strategy that counteracted Karl Rove's "base only' tactics. He recruited Democratic candidates that fit the demographics of Republican districts; rejecting the tendency of D-Party Leftists to move to the far Left and envigorated the centrist coalition, morphing D-Party into a viable 50 State contender for all future state and local elections. (The Presidential race remains a "horse of a different color.")
Nancy Pelosi D-CA- the first woman and San Francisco Liberal ever to be Speaker of the House. She was in the right place at the right time. Considering her failure to appoint her friends to leadership positions and committee Chairmanships, I sincerely doubt that she would be the choice for Speaker of 2007's majority of centrist Democrats in the House. However, Nancy Pelosi IS a first and deserves credit for this achievement.
The Senate
George Allen R-VA- aka "macacawitz" self-destructed during his campaign for re-election. He was ahead by double digits going into the race against Jim Webb, a former Republican with little support from Virginia Democrats (except for his opposition to the Iraq War); inexplicably Allen blew it Big Time.
He was video taped by a Democratic operative of Indian descent, jokingly calling him "macaca."(later determined to be a racial slur in the far away neck-of-the-woods)
What followed was a deluge of accusations about George Allen's racist remarks in college. Democratic alums crawled out from under every rock and recalled racial slurs uttered by the wise cracker. Allen never recovered. WORSE, when he denied his Jewish ancestry and then embraced it by bringing his 92 year old mother into it..he was chopped livah and went on to lose a once "sure bet" to Webb. If Senator Allen didn't campaign at all, stayed home and didn't utter a discouraging word, he would've won IMO.
That's not saying much for his political skills. Allen's self-inflicted Senate defeat was the deciding factor in R-loss of the majority in the Senate. Not only that, Allen was the Conservative Right's pick for Presidential nominee in '08. Allen's political career is in the toilet..a good man badly beaten by Democratic dirty tricks for sure, but nonetheless, OVER for George Allen.
Senator Allen is my one and only candidate for the BIGGEST loser in the Senate in 2006. (Runner-ups don't even come close?)
The Executive
George W. Bush (R-Texas) "I have come to bury Caesar, not to praise him." He has had the most miserable year of any President in memory. Not only is he insanely hated by Left Wing Democrats and assaulted daily in Print & 24/7 TV News Networks, his own Party is sticking the knives in his torso with relish. "E tu Brute?" Recriminations abound from every quarter for the "thumping" Republicans suffered in the Midterm elections. He's a lame duck, all alone on a rickety limb.
The blame for the Republicans' loss of their local elections is their own faults, as I see it. What did they run on? Stay the course, when voters were fed and swallowed garbage served to them by wiley Democrats who promised the moon they'd never deliver?
The scandal smear muddied all. Republicans seemed unwilling to police themselves and apparently, thought the voters would'nt notice or homees would atleast repay them with a vote for all the goodies, ear marks and bacon brought home. WRONG..the Democrats hammered away at the Republican "culture of corruption" and it stuck. Ear Marks became a dirty word. Republicans were tar and feathered and run out of Congress on a rail.
By the time they realized that a tsunami of discontent and downright disgust was blowing their way..it was too late. But Bush isn't the culprit, if anyone played a roll in their defeat it may have been Rove for his insistence on sticking to his "base only" strategy when this year the base was NOT willing to cooperate with a Republican Congress that surrendered Republican principles to an obsession with POWER. Indeed, absolute power did corrupt Republicans in Congress, but not GW Bush, his power was long since mitigated by the turn coats in his own Party..and now neither has ANY.
Alas, in the Executive Branch, the buck stops in the Oval Office...soooo, GW BUSH is the BIG LOSER for 2006.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
New Year...New War
Regardless of all the hand wringing by defeatists, it appears that President Bush will surge MORE troops into Iraq early next year...a Hail Mary Pass for sure, in the hope to eke out a win in the 4th quarter of a game that most have already pronounced lost.
The one caveat by brave souls who support this risky maneuver is that there be a *clear objective* that frees the combat troops from political restraint. Ending the horrible violence in Baghdad will be the first part of the "surge;" then holding the Capitol City so the Unity Government can do its thing. I assume that al Sadr's militias will finally be confronted, many killed and thousands arrested..and HELD without release by the weak, compromised Maliki government.
Then Anbar Province, which harbors Al Qaeda and Sunni insurgents will be next on the target list. Again, clear, take control and HOLD it. As if that wasn't enough to do, US troops must prevent the influx of foreign fighters by guarding the borders and stopping reinforcements, weapons and explosives pouring in from Iran and Syria from refueling the insurgency.
President Bush will make this dramatic announcement to nation the first week in January. "Operation Victory" is being discussed in DC; its chief architect is retired Army Gen. Jack Keane. It could signal a commitment of up to 50,000 more troops to secure Baghdad...then assuming it's successful in about six months, it will be followed by a similar assault on Anbar Province.
Will it work? Not a chance if the anti-war defeatists monopolize the TV, Print and prime time Public Discussion; don't see the battle as a heroic effort to save the Iraqi people and stop Iran's march to dominate and destabilize the entire ME, but rather, the choir recoils in horror, cries War Crimes!!...as 190 thousand US troops ACT decisively, brutally, with Zero Tolerance to WIN this bloody WAR in lieu of leaving the perfunctory dainty footprint and tap dancing their way to a delicate "graceful exit"...stage Left ofcourse.
The one caveat by brave souls who support this risky maneuver is that there be a *clear objective* that frees the combat troops from political restraint. Ending the horrible violence in Baghdad will be the first part of the "surge;" then holding the Capitol City so the Unity Government can do its thing. I assume that al Sadr's militias will finally be confronted, many killed and thousands arrested..and HELD without release by the weak, compromised Maliki government.
Then Anbar Province, which harbors Al Qaeda and Sunni insurgents will be next on the target list. Again, clear, take control and HOLD it. As if that wasn't enough to do, US troops must prevent the influx of foreign fighters by guarding the borders and stopping reinforcements, weapons and explosives pouring in from Iran and Syria from refueling the insurgency.
President Bush will make this dramatic announcement to nation the first week in January. "Operation Victory" is being discussed in DC; its chief architect is retired Army Gen. Jack Keane. It could signal a commitment of up to 50,000 more troops to secure Baghdad...then assuming it's successful in about six months, it will be followed by a similar assault on Anbar Province.
Will it work? Not a chance if the anti-war defeatists monopolize the TV, Print and prime time Public Discussion; don't see the battle as a heroic effort to save the Iraqi people and stop Iran's march to dominate and destabilize the entire ME, but rather, the choir recoils in horror, cries War Crimes!!...as 190 thousand US troops ACT decisively, brutally, with Zero Tolerance to WIN this bloody WAR in lieu of leaving the perfunctory dainty footprint and tap dancing their way to a delicate "graceful exit"...stage Left ofcourse.
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