The U.S. Is A Known Historical Supporter Of Terrorism…

An editorial in The Kansas City Star states that the U.S. is a "known historical supporter of terrorism in Pinochet's Chile, Batista's Cuba and Rios Mont's Guatemala."

Why do Americans think they deserve a pass?

Admiral William Fallon

As an outspoken military family member who has unique and strong opinions, I regret the resignation of Adm. William Fallon. Despite the recent downturn in violence in Iraq, I don’t see how anyone could say that the rest of the way will be a cakewalk, and Afghanistan is far from a conclusion, as well. I don’t consider his comments to be that contentious. It was fear and blind patriotism that got us to this place and a man who has served his country with such honor and distinction should not feel pressured or compelled to resign for speaking his mind.

Republicans - Single-Minded or Just Simple-Minded?

John McCain says we should stay in Iraq until the terrorists have been defeated. Has it ever occurred to the Republicans that maybe “al-Qaida in Iraq” would stop targeting innocent Iraqis if the U.S. were no longer there? They were not there before we invaded. Have the Republicans ever taken notice of the many “enemy combatants” that have been released from Guantanamo Bay without any explanation, whatsoever? It was recently revealed that the U.S. used the British outpost, Diego Garcia, for refueling during two “extraordinary rendition” flights, one of the captives of which has also been released. Are the Republicans unable to comprehend that this may mean that these people are innocent? Bush refuses to ban certain torture techniques. The “liberals” are not against torturing terrorists so much as they are against torturing innocent people. Are the Republicans single-minded or just simple-minded in their quest to do whatever it takes to make themselves feel “safe”?

Boeing And The Air Force Contract

Going to war with the army you have means deciding to start a war without enough troops, armor or the right equipment, even without a plan for the aftermath. Bureaucratic delays meant lost lives when a vehicle designed to protect against IEDs was deemed too expensive. I was very upset to hear they were sending a new helicopter gunship - but without the gun and without the ability to land safely in the event of engine loss - but the violence has subsided and I have not heard any bad news. If the new Air Force contract was based on cost alone, they had better forget it; if it is a better product, put a sock in it.

Anthony H. Cordesman And Iraq

Anthony H. Cordesman makes some fine points and I might even agree with him if he, unlike every other war supporter before him, would go so far as to actually come straight out and demand that the American people step up and make the sacrifices necessary to attain the success of which he speaks. I think somehow the American people have the idea about our all-volunteer army that they can just sit back while the same people keep fighting the long wars.

The Surge

People who casually toss around “low” casualty counts are not to be trusted. There is hope and there is a very real strain on our military. Also, there has been much “treasure” squandered and still much more “treasure” will be required.

Free Trade And Pharmaceuticals From China

I don’t know how to say “quality-control” in Chinese, but judging from the picture that accompanied your Heparin story (3-05-08), I doubt the Chinese do, either.

I would be very interested to know if the American pharmaceutical companies that import ingredients from these “developing” countries have ever been to see for themselves where these products are coming from.

Furthermore, according to the Republicans, there is no such thing as “economic injustice.” This story, and you know there are many more like it, makes a pretty good argument for sharing the wealth.

Forget What I Said Before...

I don’t see why Geraldine Ferraro’s comments are so controversial when it is clear that Obama has the support of much of the black community and politicians of all persuasions hash and rehash the demographics and tailor their message to these specific groups. I am not sure if I am a Clinton supporter but I do feel that this country is not as ready for a woman president as one would hope, as evidenced by cartoons depicting Hillary as a nag and a wicked witch, and then, “Iron my shirt!”

One More Thing...

Send your entry to karenb.kc@gmail.com

That About Says It All

I hope these writings convey the deep contempt I have for this society. Goodbye.