SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING PLEASE
February 28, 2006
It seems as though a terrorist can’t get a break these days. Osama bin Laden is asking his terror-mate in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, to plan potential attacks in the United States. Since bin Laden is more or less occupied in Afghanistan or Pakistan, and isn’t able to get out these days, he’s asking others to help out.
But, al-Zarqawi? The last time I checked he was scrambling from hide out to hide out somewhere in Iraq, just trying to stay ahead of the Coalition forces- and their bombs. So, what’s up with the supposed intelligence instructing these attacks? My guess is there are just too many slow news days in the mountains of Afghanistan.
There was a time when we heard from bin Laden every 6-9 months; however, now it’s more likes every three weeks of so. If you can’t do the stuff, at least talk about it. Get some free press however it works out.
There is no doubt in my mind that some nutcase will one day succeed in blowing himself up and take a few Americans with him- or her. In the meantime, seeing the Middle East in an uproar for individual rights and democracy, just doesn’t help the terrorist recruiting program. Muslims blowing up Muslims in Iraq, as we saw Monday, just isn’t cutting it- it’s not good press.
So, bin Laden is left with asking someone, anyone to JUST DO SOMETHING, PLEASE!
WAS IT FAT TUESDAY OR WHAT?
February 28, 2006
The world is spiraling out of control, or so it would seem. The polar ice caps are melting, bird flu is spreading, Iran is building a nuclear capability so they can destroy Israel, and Iraq seems to be headed to total anarchy. But, fear not! We live in America where there are BIGGER fish to fry. Continue Reading »
WHAT IF BUSH WAS RIGHT?
February 27, 2006
We’re a long way from seeing Democracy established throughout the Muslim world; however, there are some “signs” that are worth mentioning. Iraq continues to be a hot bed of religious terrorists as we see again today with 125 of their own people being blown up. People who know no god have to shake their heads in disbelief when they see so many killings in the name of a god.
Laying that aside though, Iraq did hold elections for the first time in a half century. It has caught the eye of every Muslim in the region: man and woman: and every dictatorial leader.
In Egypt, President Hosni Mubarak is promising to end his 23 year old rule of not allowing anyone to run against him, saying that the constitution will be changed to allow competition in the next election. Duh! Would he have attempted this if elections had not been held in Iraq? I don’t think so.
Close by, Saudi Arabi is now considering allowing women to vote. Women? Those humanoids that have to wear garments over their heads and walk behind their husbands: them? What a thought- let the women vote.
In Lebanon, the people are beginnning to go to the streets to demand that Syria get out of their country. In other words, the pressure is on both Syria and Iran to be more open as a society. people want democracy, they want freedom. And while Bush might have been right that establishing freedom in Iraq would impact the whole area, it’s a long road. But, it’s a journey millions are now on.
Did I mention Afghanistan to the East of Iran is a free nation as well? And then back here in our world, there’s Venezuela that’s heading to a socialistic style government ruled by a Castro-like dictatorship (Hugo Chavez). Win some, lose some.
THE LONG-AWAITED HOUSING FALL?
February 27, 2006
We now have the first month’s 2006 look at the new home market and the number of unsold NEW homes on the market jumped significantly! There are now more than a half million new homes on the market for sale: sitting and accumulating increased interest debt for their builders. Continue Reading »
SO WHAT’S THIS WEEK ANYWAY?
February 26, 2006
Bush has to be wondering what bomb could go off this week. After two weeks of being on the defensive from first the Cheney incident, and then the Port Authority mess, Bush has to be a little gun-shy of this week. Continue Reading »
WHAT’S A CONDI CONSPIRACY?
February 25, 2006
I passed on this comment that I’m about to make, a week ago; however, circumstances of the last three days just don’t allow me to hold back. I am talking about what everyone else in Europe is talking about- Condi’s make-over! She’s been described as a combination of sex and power! And she has been called Bush’s secret weapon.
What brought all this on was the way she dressed two days ago on the last leg of Bush’s tour of Europe. The black flowing “Matrix-style” coat, high heeled boots, and above the knee skirt had the European press talking. I am sure that Hillary noticed it also because here’s the conspiracy.
Sometime in 2006, Dick Cheney says that his health just can’t take the rigors of being VP. He resigns and Bush nominates Condi to fulfill Dick’s term in office. And then a sitting VP runs for President in ‘08 against a sitting New York Senator. Need we use names?
Ahh, we’ve got nearly four years to consider the intrigue. Running for President in ‘08 or not, she’s done as much as anyone to help turn the diplomatic tide back in favor of Bush. That she works fourteen hours a day, is a woman, black, intelligent, gifted, and a Christian will keep people talking for as long as she wants. All theories aside? I don’t know what we might not see a black female president one day soon.
WHO REALLY KNOWS WHAT?
February 25, 2006
The first part of the week, every Congressman, Republican or Democrat, seemed to be against the Dubai Port Authority deal, as I wrote. Then towards the end of the week, some began to soften. As more and more seemed to be accused of being ‘prejudiced’ against Arabs, they backed off. And by the end of the week, several were recanting their earlier stance. Continue Reading »
A CHANGING GEOPOLITICAL WORLD
February 24, 2006
As Bush and Putin were meeting Thursday, I couldn’t help but think how fast things have changed in just the last 1-3 years. Putin was the new darling of the world and Bush was hated by all. As of this moment in history, Bush is regaining his lost luster. He healed a lot of wounds in Europe this week. And for Putin, well the news is not all that good. His star has fallen on hard times.
Canada decided to not back the missile shield project. They don’t have much of an army either, so I guess they think the U.S. will protect them, all the while they bash us. Interesting approach to political relations. How the mighty have fallen.
France and Germany were once super powers. The U.S.S.R. was on equal turf with the USA. But today, America stands alone at the top of the heap. China is sure to challenge in the next 3-5 years; however, there is this wild card in the nuclear fraternity: India.
America has had to side with Pakistan (yet another nuclear brother) in the bitter battle over Kashmir; but, once Afghanistan is settled and bin Laden is killed or caught, who needs Pakistan? So, watch for America to build an alliance with India to help thwart the China-Russia alliance. India cannot match their natural resources but they will outstrip China in population somewhere down the road. Both are in the 1 billion plus club that no one else can match.
We saw some seismic shifts in the political landscape this week. But, it’s just a sign of the times.
FRIDAY THE 24TH OF FEBRUARY
February 23, 2006
So, are we looking at civil war in Iraq or is this just one of those blips on the radar screen of democracy in Iraq? Continue Reading »
WE ALL HAVE IT VERY VERY GOOD!
February 23, 2006
As I sit in my home this Wednesday night around 9pm, having put in a 14 hour day, I can’t complain at all. In fact, I am happy! It’s dry where I am sitting. It’s storming outside, my dog wants to come in, and I have all the conveniences of a suburban dweller in Houston, Texas.
There are lots of comparisons I could make; however, I’ll limit it to just Iraq. Who can imagine the lifestyle there? If you can find work, it pays little to nothing. Even being in the military or serving as a local policeman pays next to nothing. Take Rassim Khayed Hussein, a 38-year-old father of nine and former construction worker, says the only way he could put food on his family’s table was to join the police. He is risking his life every hour of every day just to have food for his family.
People walked more than an hour, stood in line longer, and watched all the while for passing cars that might be bomb laden, or full of insurgents in a drive by shooting that would end his life. Not a day goes by that a dozen or more are not killed.
And we think we have it bad with Democrats and Republicans squaring off against each other. We have not a clue what it’s like to be a Sunni or Shiite going at each other. You think our religious animosity is bad?
We in the West, and particularly in America just do not have enough good comparisons to judge and see how well we have it. We compare ourselves with the neighbors next door, not the many nations elsewhere. The fact is, if you’re making $36,000 a year, you’re in the top 7% of the worlds income earners.
THE WHEELS ARE COMING OFF!
February 22, 2006
Since I am in Las Vegas as I write this I must admit, I have lost sight of all reality! You throw a chip out on the table as though it isn’t money. The opulence is staggering. The shows are more than spectacular. If you want it, you buy it in Las Vegas, if you have enough money. A regular white dress shirt can cost $500. And a suit can run as high as $6,000: probably more, but that more than makes the point for me. Continue Reading »
AND SO IT IS NOW HAPPENING
February 22, 2006
What’s happening? That which I have been talking about for two years moved from rumor to fact on Tuesday. For some six months, it has been rumored that some nations were moving out of US$’s. Two months ago, Russia said it would deal more in Euros. And, it’s amazed me that the Arab nations have not conspired against the Dollar. Why blow yourself up when all you need to do to bring America to it’s knees is to quit taking the US$.
Tuesday morning, the BOK (Bank Of Korea) went public with the announcement that they would “diversify” their reserves. Translation: we’re not going to favor the US$ as we have. We’re no longer going to buy a US$ today, see Greenspan keep printing them, and having them worth 10% less next year.
Since Greenspan took over the helm of the Fed, the US$ has lost 32% of it’s value! That is an amazing cost just so he could be seen as doing a “good job”. Remember the irrational exuberance of the Clinton years, aka false prosperity.
Well, the stuff is hitting the fans and the rest of the world is waking up to our indulgences at their expense. So, the US$ TANKED on Tuesday and the Dow dropped more in one day than it had since August of 2004: off 174 points!
America has just lived too luxurious of a life style. We’ve gone too far into debt. As example, in 1929 US debt was 176% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Currently, it is 304% of GDP. Of course not all is bad. If you own gold or gold stocks, you’re smiling as gold gapped UP $7.20 on the BOK “diversification” news.
FROM THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE
February 21, 2006
What’s your thoughts on Seaport deal? Talk about throwing a rock and hitting a bee hive! You would think the USSC had banned abortion with all the fuss this one generated. Come to think of it, they may just start that process as the
IF IT’S NOT ONE TAPE IT’S ANOTHER
February 21, 2006
Remember the Dan Rather summer tapes? Well, we’ve now moved on to the Wead winter tapes. As in Doug Wead who secretly recorded phone messages with Bush in 1998. It seems the liberal press just won’t let it go. They think they have something: and they do. They have the truth! They have a man on taped who was concerned about how the press would handle his humanity: past.
Now, while many are saying they don’t think the tapes will hurt Bush, they’re sure trying to extract something from them. Like, Bush was not truthful about smoking dope. He should have said yes I did, or maybe, I did but I didn’t inhale. That sure went over big for Clinton.
While you don’t have to lie to your kids, you sure don’t have to tell them every sordid detail of your life either. Who does that and why would anyone want to? At best, this attack is a weak issue, but attack nonetheless.
Then there’s the gay-bashing issue. Bush refused to bash the gays even though the Evangelical crowd wanted him to. His answer was, I am a sinner as well, so why should I single out their sins over mine? Works for me but what do I know.
As I said last week, the best thing the tapes proved to me is that Bush is the same in public as he is when he’s being secretly taped recorded. How many of us can say the same thing, especially when we’re going back to our teenage years.
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