Harsh Times

This guy makes me mad -not because he's a socialist, but because he's such a good damn politican.

I distinctly remember him saying that Bush's policy of not talking with the enemy (terrorists, fascist states like Iran) was a failed one.  He said, how does not talking solve anything?  I believe that talking solves something... or words to that effect.  

If anyone out there can find the transcript, and post it, I'd appreciate it.  He said this during a question/answer section of a speech he was making at a university or some other rally.  It wasn't prepared.

Today, I read the following from foxnews.com:

“Instead of tough talk and no action, we need to do what Kennedy, Nixon and Reagan did and use all elements of American power — including tough, principled, and direct diplomacy — to pressure countries like Iran and Syria. George Bush knows that I have never supported engagement with terrorists, and the president’s extraordinary politicization of foreign policy and the politics of fear do nothing to secure the American people or our stalwart ally Israel,” Obama said.

He said this in reaction to President Bush's speech in Isreal about people (not mentioning Obama) who try to talk with terrorists are foolish because history has revealed it accomplishes nothing but them stalling.

READ THE ARTICLE

On John McCain

He is not as energetic as Barack Obama, and uncharismatic, but he has something to say –unlike Obama who likes the word ‘change’.  Change what?  Everything?  That doesn’t say much.                    Sen. McCain has laid out a vague plan of action, but one we’re all interested in having at least some idea of the goals.  Remarkably, it’s one he doesn’t even guarantee.

"What I want to do today is take a little time to describe what I would hope to have achieved at the end of my first term as president. I cannot guarantee I will have achieved these things,"

 One could say that he is at the very least honest.  He has objectives he wants to meet, but doesn’t know for sure if he can meet them.  Some might pick at this characteristic of him like at a scab.  However, one should keep in mind he’s talking about an entire country, a nation, a Congress and the world, and not a grocery list.  One man, alone, cannot make things come true without cooperation, tact, and a little luck.

"By January 2013, America has welcomed home most of the servicemen and women who have sacrificed terribly so that America might be secure in her freedom.

By his words, he seems to be a realist.  Most politicians are not so.  Politicians tell people what they want to hear (“change”), when they want to hear it (primaries), so that they get what they want (a nomination).   

He also seems to be resistant to political party lines –a reason why hardcore conservatives in the population and in Congress don’t really like him.

McCain pledged to work with members of either party to make the country safer and more prosperous.  "And I won't care who gets the credit," he said.

He is the ‘crusty old white dude’ according to many liberals and conservatives alike.  He is JFK’s Nixon, and we are in a term like Eisenhower’s in that people really do want a change (in that case civil rights issues, and in ours Iraq, health care and the border).  However putting faith on a different political party alone is as ignorant as believing that pastors, priests and reverends aren’t capable of wrongdoing. 

What will get us through the next four to eight years successfully will be clear leadership that’s in the best interest for most, to all Americans, with the rest of the world a close second.

Source:  Cnn.com

...not about keeping out Mexicans, Muslims, or Canadians (halfway joking).  It's about keeping out creepshows, felons, 'evil doers', and cowards.  Since you can't tell the bad from the good, you have to screen everyone.  This is why border security, even before immigration law enforcement, is the most important in keeping legal American residents and Citizens safe.

I'm sure I have a post about his guy, but as I was going through a mugshot slide show that cbs4denver has, it reignited my fire.  This would be one of those 'cowards.'

To Our Soldiers and Families

      Today, President Bush announced his decision to return to twelve-month deployments in the CENTCOM theater for active Army units.  The President’s decision reflects the improved security situation in Iraq, one made possible by your unwavering commitment and willingness to sacrifice, as well as the recognition of the impact of extended deployments on Army Families and our readiness.  Today’s policy change will help reduce that strain as we continue to grow the Army and restore balance. 
     
      The Army will reduce “Boots On the Ground” time to no more than twelve months for all active component Soldiers deploying to the CENTCOM area of operations after 1 August 2008.  Soldiers deploying prior to 1 August will complete their scheduled deployments. 
     
      The return to twelve-month deployments does not change the Army’s dwell time policy.  This policy is intended to give units time to properly reset and allow Soldiers, Families, and friends to reconnect. 

      You have chosen a most noble profession.  With your Families standing with you in support, you have borne the increased stress and burden of this war for our Army and our Nation.  A grateful Army and Nation thank you. 


       Sincerely,




Kenneth O. Preston,

Sergeant Major of the Army 

George W. Casey, Jr.,

General, United States Army, 

Chief of Staff

Pete Geren,

Secretary of the Army