Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Al-Jazeera footage captures 'western troops on the ground' in Libya - Julian Borger and Martin Chulov
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/30/western-troops-on-ground-libya
The defection of his generals and the spotting of 'western' military personnel are, taken together, a little encouraging.
With the generals defecting, it appears that whatever was keeping them loyal to this point has gone away. Perhaps the regime is running out of money to buy loyalty. It may be that they can no longer "reach" some of the troops with threats of violence and they just wanted to go home anyway. The fact that the Italians set up the press conference is a good sign as well. They have not written this conflict off and are at least taking some ownership of the situation.
The defection of his generals and the spotting of 'western' military personnel are, taken together, a little encouraging.
With the generals defecting, it appears that whatever was keeping them loyal to this point has gone away. Perhaps the regime is running out of money to buy loyalty. It may be that they can no longer "reach" some of the troops with threats of violence and they just wanted to go home anyway. The fact that the Italians set up the press conference is a good sign as well. They have not written this conflict off and are at least taking some ownership of the situation.
The GOP Goes Off the Cliff - Jonathan Chait
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-05-30/jonathan-chait-the-gops-suicide-pact-on-the-ryan-budget/?cid=hp:mainpromo8
Another one of those “every once in a while” moments is happening again now as the party has put before the voters their plan to radically rewrite the social compact. The Paul Ryan budget received its first test run in a special election in a conservative upstate New York district, whose Republican share of the vote has veered between 52 percent in the worst years to nearly 74 percent in the best years. With the Ryan plan serving as the central issue of the campaign, the Democrats won a shocking upset.
The Republicans’ response? Hit the gas. There’s nothing but blue sky ahead!
Another one of those “every once in a while” moments is happening again now as the party has put before the voters their plan to radically rewrite the social compact. The Paul Ryan budget received its first test run in a special election in a conservative upstate New York district, whose Republican share of the vote has veered between 52 percent in the worst years to nearly 74 percent in the best years. With the Ryan plan serving as the central issue of the campaign, the Democrats won a shocking upset.
The Republicans’ response? Hit the gas. There’s nothing but blue sky ahead!
Why Sarah Palin Should Run in 2012 - Peter Beinart
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-05-31/sarah-palin-for-president-why-she-should-run-in-2012/?cid=hp:mainpromo2
There will be never be a better moment. A conventional politician might bide his or her time, amass a record of solid governance, and wait for 2016, when there won’t be an incumbent on the ticket. But Palin doesn’t want to govern, at least not at the state level, as evidenced by her decision to leave the Alaska governorship. So she’d enter the 2016 race with no better qualifications than she has now, and probably face a stronger primary field. Worse, she’d be old news. What makes Palin fascinating is the contrast between her reality-TV show persona and the fact that a major party nominated her for vice president. The further she gets from that legitimizing event, the more she’ll seem like just another tabloid wacko.
There will be never be a better moment. A conventional politician might bide his or her time, amass a record of solid governance, and wait for 2016, when there won’t be an incumbent on the ticket. But Palin doesn’t want to govern, at least not at the state level, as evidenced by her decision to leave the Alaska governorship. So she’d enter the 2016 race with no better qualifications than she has now, and probably face a stronger primary field. Worse, she’d be old news. What makes Palin fascinating is the contrast between her reality-TV show persona and the fact that a major party nominated her for vice president. The further she gets from that legitimizing event, the more she’ll seem like just another tabloid wacko.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
McConnell: I Won’t Agree To Raise The Debt Limit Without Medicare Cuts - Brian Beutler
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/05/mcconnell-medicare-must-be-cut-to-raise-debt-limit.php
The logic is that if Democrats are forced to make cuts to Medicare, they can no longer attack the Republicans over Medicare. This is unfortunately a game of chicken that will not end well. The financial markets must think we've lost our minds.
The logic is that if Democrats are forced to make cuts to Medicare, they can no longer attack the Republicans over Medicare. This is unfortunately a game of chicken that will not end well. The financial markets must think we've lost our minds.
Friday, May 27, 2011
How a Palin candidacy could help and hurt Mitt Romney - John Dickerson
http://www.slate.com/id/2295599/
Whatever Mitt Romney had on his plate for Memorial Day, he'd better make room. If we assume—for the purposes of page views—that Palin is getting into the race, the Republican contest immediately becomes one between Palin and Romney, with other candidates circling for a way to break into the conversation. A recent Gallup poll shows Romney (17 percent) and Palin (15 percent) essentially in a tie among Republican voters. The third-place candidate, Ron Paul, has only 10 percent support.
Whatever Mitt Romney had on his plate for Memorial Day, he'd better make room. If we assume—for the purposes of page views—that Palin is getting into the race, the Republican contest immediately becomes one between Palin and Romney, with other candidates circling for a way to break into the conversation. A recent Gallup poll shows Romney (17 percent) and Palin (15 percent) essentially in a tie among Republican voters. The third-place candidate, Ron Paul, has only 10 percent support.
Pawlenty Says If He Were President He Would Sign Paul Ryan's Budget - Matthew Jaffe
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2011/05/pawlenty-says-if-he-were-president-he-would-sign-paul-ryans-budget.html
He has to say this, as he needs some brinkmanship credibility, always necessary in the GOP of today, and he had been sidestepping the issue for some time. Plus, there's the fact that Pawlenty is running on who he isn't, not who he is. He's not Romney, and soon he won't be Palin. He is hoping to be the default option for the two factions that hate each other.
He has to say this, as he needs some brinkmanship credibility, always necessary in the GOP of today, and he had been sidestepping the issue for some time. Plus, there's the fact that Pawlenty is running on who he isn't, not who he is. He's not Romney, and soon he won't be Palin. He is hoping to be the default option for the two factions that hate each other.
Judge Voids Wisconsin Law Curbing Unions - Steven Greenhouse
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/27/us/27wisconsin.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Ruling that Republicans in the State Senate had violated the state’s open meetings law, a judge in Wisconsin dealt a blow to them and to Gov. Scott Walker on Thursday by granting a permanent injunction that voided a law curbing collective bargaining rights for many state and local employees.
Ruling that Republicans in the State Senate had violated the state’s open meetings law, a judge in Wisconsin dealt a blow to them and to Gov. Scott Walker on Thursday by granting a permanent injunction that voided a law curbing collective bargaining rights for many state and local employees.
Pakistan shuts down U.S. 'intelligence fusion' cells - David S. Cloud
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-us-pakistan-20110527,0,5278634.story
Pakistan also tells the U.S. to cut back its troops in the country, in a move amid deepening mistrust after the U.S. raid to kill Osama bin Laden and a CIA contractor's shooting of two Pakistani men. Joints Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen heads to Pakistan for talks.
Palin bus tour fuels presidential buzz - Jordan Fabian
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/gop-presidential-primary/163519-palin-to-embark-on-bus-tour-as-presidential-buzz-builds
This woman hits all the cultural cues with ease. Rolling into DC to wag her finger with platitudes and senseless call outs is a brilliant start to the trainwreck that (I hope) is to follow.
This woman hits all the cultural cues with ease. Rolling into DC to wag her finger with platitudes and senseless call outs is a brilliant start to the trainwreck that (I hope) is to follow.
FreedomWorks' Goal: Stop Mitt Romney In 2012 - Jon Ward
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/24/romney-freedomworks-tea-party_n_866503.html
Here we see the problem with using radicals in your movement. They tend to look for the next thing to blow up, and repeatedly it is the leadership within their own movement, having failed their constantly revised "purity tests".
Here we see the problem with using radicals in your movement. They tend to look for the next thing to blow up, and repeatedly it is the leadership within their own movement, having failed their constantly revised "purity tests".
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Could Conjoined Twins Share a Mind? - Susan Dominus
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/29/magazine/could-conjoined-twins-share-a-mind.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Twins joined at the head — the medical term is craniopagus — are one in 2.5 million, of which only a fraction survive. The way the girls’ brains formed beneath the surface of their fused skulls, however, makes them beyond rare: their neural anatomy is unique, at least in the annals of recorded scientific literature. Their brain images reveal what looks like an attenuated line stretching between the two organs, a piece of anatomy their neurosurgeon, Douglas Cochrane of British Columbia Children’s Hospital, has called a thalamic bridge, because he believes it links the thalamus of one girl to the thalamus of her sister. The thalamus is a kind of switchboard, a two-lobed organ that filters most sensory input and has long been thought to be essential in the neural loops that create consciousness. Because the thalamus functions as a relay station, the girls’ doctors believe it is entirely possible that the sensory input that one girl receives could somehow cross that bridge into the brain of the other. One girl drinks, another girl feels it.
Twins joined at the head — the medical term is craniopagus — are one in 2.5 million, of which only a fraction survive. The way the girls’ brains formed beneath the surface of their fused skulls, however, makes them beyond rare: their neural anatomy is unique, at least in the annals of recorded scientific literature. Their brain images reveal what looks like an attenuated line stretching between the two organs, a piece of anatomy their neurosurgeon, Douglas Cochrane of British Columbia Children’s Hospital, has called a thalamic bridge, because he believes it links the thalamus of one girl to the thalamus of her sister. The thalamus is a kind of switchboard, a two-lobed organ that filters most sensory input and has long been thought to be essential in the neural loops that create consciousness. Because the thalamus functions as a relay station, the girls’ doctors believe it is entirely possible that the sensory input that one girl receives could somehow cross that bridge into the brain of the other. One girl drinks, another girl feels it.
Have Democrats cracked the code for 2012? - ALEXANDER BURNS
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0511/55657.html
The battle over the federal deficit hasn’t flipped in favor of the Democrats. The GOP isn’t suddenly at grave risk of losing its House majority.
But after two years of getting pummeled over spending and the size of government, Democrats now appear to have found a political weapon that’s capable of evening out the fight: Medicare.
The battle over the federal deficit hasn’t flipped in favor of the Democrats. The GOP isn’t suddenly at grave risk of losing its House majority.
But after two years of getting pummeled over spending and the size of government, Democrats now appear to have found a political weapon that’s capable of evening out the fight: Medicare.
A Blue-Collar Warning Sign - Henry Olsen
http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/268056/blue-collar-warning-sign/henry-olsen
As I’ve written before, blue-collar voters react differently to issues than the GOP base does. They are more supportive of safety-net programs at the same time as they are strongly opposed to large government programs in general. These voters crave stability and are uncertain of their ability to compete in a globalized economy that values higher education more each year. They are also susceptible to the age-old Democratic argument that the secret Republican agenda is to eviscerate middle-class entitlements to fund tax cuts for the wealthy.
As I’ve written before, blue-collar voters react differently to issues than the GOP base does. They are more supportive of safety-net programs at the same time as they are strongly opposed to large government programs in general. These voters crave stability and are uncertain of their ability to compete in a globalized economy that values higher education more each year. They are also susceptible to the age-old Democratic argument that the secret Republican agenda is to eviscerate middle-class entitlements to fund tax cuts for the wealthy.
Sarah Palin, celebritician - Chris Cillizza
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/sarah-palin-celebritician/2011/05/25/AGhmvSBH_blog.html
Reading too much political calculation into anything Palin does is a fool’s errand. The movie could be setting up a presidential bid. Or not.
The only way we will ever know what Palin is truly plotting politically for 2012 is when she decides to make that decision public. And, she’s set no deadline to do that as of today.
So, we wait — and read the tea leaves. Even though we know it’s futile.
Reading too much political calculation into anything Palin does is a fool’s errand. The movie could be setting up a presidential bid. Or not.
The only way we will ever know what Palin is truly plotting politically for 2012 is when she decides to make that decision public. And, she’s set no deadline to do that as of today.
So, we wait — and read the tea leaves. Even though we know it’s futile.
Signs Grow That Palin May Run - JIM RUTENBERG and JEFF ZELENY
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/26/us/politics/26campaign.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Here is to bringing the curcus back to life. I foresee a July 4th announcement, a campaign based on victimization and anger, declined interviews, skipped debates, a panicked realization that it is not working, a belated outreach to media and political figures, firings, recriminations, sobbing, shrieking, exile from Fox News, threats and finally a ride off into the sunset of fame and glory with the admonition that she never wanted it that much anyway.
This will be good. I wish they sold popcorn futures.
Here is to bringing the curcus back to life. I foresee a July 4th announcement, a campaign based on victimization and anger, declined interviews, skipped debates, a panicked realization that it is not working, a belated outreach to media and political figures, firings, recriminations, sobbing, shrieking, exile from Fox News, threats and finally a ride off into the sunset of fame and glory with the admonition that she never wanted it that much anyway.
This will be good. I wish they sold popcorn futures.
Senate rejects Ryan budget - Alexander Bolton
http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/163307-senate-votes-down-ryan-budget-medicare-
Seven Republican senators jumped ship, which is surprising. I assumed more would do so.
Seven Republican senators jumped ship, which is surprising. I assumed more would do so.
Bill Clinton to Paul Ryan on Medicare Election: ‘Give me a Call’ - Jonathan Karl
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2011/05/bill-clinton-to-paul-ryan-on-medicare-election-give-me-a-call-.html
This could perhaps be the best scenario for Medicare reform: a repudiation of the most extreme restructuring, but a recognition that something needs to change. I think that Bill Clonton has artfully threaded this needle. The GOP is stung, and here he rides in to the rescue, perhaps to Medicare's rescue.
This could perhaps be the best scenario for Medicare reform: a repudiation of the most extreme restructuring, but a recognition that something needs to change. I think that Bill Clonton has artfully threaded this needle. The GOP is stung, and here he rides in to the rescue, perhaps to Medicare's rescue.
Land Swaps Are Hard - Matt Yglesias
http://yglesias.thinkprogress.org/2011/05/land-swaps-are-hard/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+matthewyglesias+%28Matthew+Yglesias%29
This is a very strange-looking border. I don’t want to say it’s unworkable. The hurdles to the alternatives—dismantling the settlements or a binational single state—seem to be even bigger. But this isn’t easy. And the difficulty isn’t in identifying equivalently sized swathes of Israel to hand over to Palestine, it’s in imagining how these jigsaw-puzzle countries are going to fit together
This is a very strange-looking border. I don’t want to say it’s unworkable. The hurdles to the alternatives—dismantling the settlements or a binational single state—seem to be even bigger. But this isn’t easy. And the difficulty isn’t in identifying equivalently sized swathes of Israel to hand over to Palestine, it’s in imagining how these jigsaw-puzzle countries are going to fit together
Support for Legal Gay Relations Hits New High - Jeffrey Jones
http://www.gallup.com/poll/147785/Support-Legal-Gay-Relations-Hits-New-High.aspx
Gallup finds 64% of Americans saying gay or lesbian relations between consenting adults should be legal, the highest since it first asked the question more than 30 years ago.
Gallup finds 64% of Americans saying gay or lesbian relations between consenting adults should be legal, the highest since it first asked the question more than 30 years ago.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Paul Ryan: 2012’s Goldwater? - David Frum
http://www.frumforum.com/paul-ryan-2012s-goldwater
The political dangers in the Ryan budget could have been predicted in advance. In fact, they were predicted in advance – and widely. Yet the GOP proceeded anyway, all but four members of the House putting themselves on record in favor. Any acknowledgment of these dangers was instantly proclaimed taboo, as Newt Gingrich has painfully learned. Bill Kristol and Charles Krauthammer have enthusiastically promoted Paul Ryan as a presidential candidate. And this morning, as the reckoning arrives, the denial continues. Here’s Jonah Goldberg in a column arguing that “perhaps the only guy who can explain the GOP budget should run.”
Now we’re likely headed to the worst of all possible worlds. The GOP will run on a platform crafted to be maximally obnoxious to downscale voters. Some may hope that Tim Pawlenty’s biography may cushion the pain. Perhaps that’s right, at least as compared to Mitt Romney, who in the 2008 primaries did worst among Republicans earning less than $100,000 a year. And yes, Pawlenty is keeping his distance from the Ryan plan. But biography only takes you so far. The big issues of 2012 will be jobs and incomes in a nation still unrecovered from the catastrophe of 2008-2009. What does the GOP have to say to hard-pressed voters? Thus far the answer is: we offer Medicare cuts, Medicaid cuts, and tighter money aimed at raising the external value of the dollar.
No candidate, not even if he or she is born in a log cabin, would be able to sell that message to America’s working class.
The political dangers in the Ryan budget could have been predicted in advance. In fact, they were predicted in advance – and widely. Yet the GOP proceeded anyway, all but four members of the House putting themselves on record in favor. Any acknowledgment of these dangers was instantly proclaimed taboo, as Newt Gingrich has painfully learned. Bill Kristol and Charles Krauthammer have enthusiastically promoted Paul Ryan as a presidential candidate. And this morning, as the reckoning arrives, the denial continues. Here’s Jonah Goldberg in a column arguing that “perhaps the only guy who can explain the GOP budget should run.”
Now we’re likely headed to the worst of all possible worlds. The GOP will run on a platform crafted to be maximally obnoxious to downscale voters. Some may hope that Tim Pawlenty’s biography may cushion the pain. Perhaps that’s right, at least as compared to Mitt Romney, who in the 2008 primaries did worst among Republicans earning less than $100,000 a year. And yes, Pawlenty is keeping his distance from the Ryan plan. But biography only takes you so far. The big issues of 2012 will be jobs and incomes in a nation still unrecovered from the catastrophe of 2008-2009. What does the GOP have to say to hard-pressed voters? Thus far the answer is: we offer Medicare cuts, Medicaid cuts, and tighter money aimed at raising the external value of the dollar.
No candidate, not even if he or she is born in a log cabin, would be able to sell that message to America’s working class.
Palin's Secret Weapon: New Film to Premiere in June - Scott Conroy
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2011/05/25/palins_secret_weapon_new_film_to_premiere_in_june_109949.html
Mark my words: this will be the build up to her announcement that she is running for president, which she will announce on July 4th.
This. Will. Be. Awesome.
Mark my words: this will be the build up to her announcement that she is running for president, which she will announce on July 4th.
This. Will. Be. Awesome.
Democrat Wins G.O.P. Seat; Rebuke Seen to Medicare Plan - Raymond Hernandez
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/25/nyregion/democrat-capture-house-seat-in-special-election.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Voters, who turned out in strikingly large numbers for a special election, said they trusted Ms. Hochul, the county clerk of Erie County, to protect Medicare.
“I have almost always voted the party line,” said Gloria Bolender, a Republican from Clarence who is caring for her 80-year-old mother. “This is the second time in my life I’ve voted against my party.”
Pat Gillick, a Republican from East Amherst, who also cast a ballot for Ms. Hochul, said, “The privatization of Medicare scares me.”
There is a small but vocal constituency in the Republican party that is pushing Paul Ryan to run for president. I don't want to read too much into this special election, but the writing is on the wall. Paul Ryan as a presidential candidate or even a VP candidate would be electoral poison. He is wonkish enough for me to like him as a person, and I even like portions of his plan, but this is one of those things that ain't going to play in Peoria.
Voters, who turned out in strikingly large numbers for a special election, said they trusted Ms. Hochul, the county clerk of Erie County, to protect Medicare.
“I have almost always voted the party line,” said Gloria Bolender, a Republican from Clarence who is caring for her 80-year-old mother. “This is the second time in my life I’ve voted against my party.”
Pat Gillick, a Republican from East Amherst, who also cast a ballot for Ms. Hochul, said, “The privatization of Medicare scares me.”
There is a small but vocal constituency in the Republican party that is pushing Paul Ryan to run for president. I don't want to read too much into this special election, but the writing is on the wall. Paul Ryan as a presidential candidate or even a VP candidate would be electoral poison. He is wonkish enough for me to like him as a person, and I even like portions of his plan, but this is one of those things that ain't going to play in Peoria.
The Ryan Budget Tipping Point - Nate Silver
http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/24/the-ryan-budget-tipping-point/
Once some Republicans start to defect, though, the public may come to view the bill in a different way. Instead of seeing it as a division between Republicans and Democrats — neither of whom are trusted much on budget issues — voters may instead start to see it as a division between moderate Republicans and extremely conservative ones. Voters who are not steeped in the bill’s particulars may well take that as a signal that it is too extreme, and that the “reasonable” majoritarian position is to oppose the plan.
Once some Republicans start to defect, though, the public may come to view the bill in a different way. Instead of seeing it as a division between Republicans and Democrats — neither of whom are trusted much on budget issues — voters may instead start to see it as a division between moderate Republicans and extremely conservative ones. Voters who are not steeped in the bill’s particulars may well take that as a signal that it is too extreme, and that the “reasonable” majoritarian position is to oppose the plan.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Reid breaks with Obama on Israeli borders condition for peace settlement - Mike Lillis
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/162843-reid-breaks-with-obama-on-israeli-borders-condition-
I'm not of the philosophy that each party needs full partisan loyalty to each and every facet of their political universe. There should be some diversity within a party, there needs to be. What is really desperately needed though, is for Israel to take steps towards an agreement, whatever the preconditions.
There are some uncomfortable truths bubbling around this little snit:
1. The Arab Spring is not finished and in the end will move in unpredictable ways. Egypt, a country that was not quite an ally of Israel but predictably at peace, has been swept away and may return to the days when the border with Israel was "hot". Others may follow.
2. Hamas is legitimized and is forming a unity government with Fatah. Hamas is now an institution and not a militia, making it harder to stamp out or marginalize. Their views may moderate a bit, but as long as they are in power, Israel is not safe.
3. The US may not be able to sway events like it once did. A decade of attrition warfare and the financial tide going out have left the US with some difficult choices. In the coming decades, as Obama stated, we cannot predict where this will take us. Israel's dependency on the US will need to be reexamined by both parties.
4. Iran has seized the mantle of regional power. Apparently impervious to the Arab Spring for now, they will prop up a weakened Syria, exacting demands from them at the expense of Israel. With Egypt in turmoil, a moderating power is no longer there to counter-balance Iran, leaving them free to meddle where they please. One could argue that confrontation is a wise short-term strategy to hold off reform, to rally their population around them.
This is the point of many pundits in the past few days: Israel should not grovel before the United States, but as an ally upon whom their survival has been and continues to be dependent upon, is a little respect too much to ask?
I'm not of the philosophy that each party needs full partisan loyalty to each and every facet of their political universe. There should be some diversity within a party, there needs to be. What is really desperately needed though, is for Israel to take steps towards an agreement, whatever the preconditions.
There are some uncomfortable truths bubbling around this little snit:
1. The Arab Spring is not finished and in the end will move in unpredictable ways. Egypt, a country that was not quite an ally of Israel but predictably at peace, has been swept away and may return to the days when the border with Israel was "hot". Others may follow.
2. Hamas is legitimized and is forming a unity government with Fatah. Hamas is now an institution and not a militia, making it harder to stamp out or marginalize. Their views may moderate a bit, but as long as they are in power, Israel is not safe.
3. The US may not be able to sway events like it once did. A decade of attrition warfare and the financial tide going out have left the US with some difficult choices. In the coming decades, as Obama stated, we cannot predict where this will take us. Israel's dependency on the US will need to be reexamined by both parties.
4. Iran has seized the mantle of regional power. Apparently impervious to the Arab Spring for now, they will prop up a weakened Syria, exacting demands from them at the expense of Israel. With Egypt in turmoil, a moderating power is no longer there to counter-balance Iran, leaving them free to meddle where they please. One could argue that confrontation is a wise short-term strategy to hold off reform, to rally their population around them.
This is the point of many pundits in the past few days: Israel should not grovel before the United States, but as an ally upon whom their survival has been and continues to be dependent upon, is a little respect too much to ask?
The Dick Cheney of Israel - James Fallows
http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/05/the-dick-cheney-of-israel/239269/
Think of this contrast: when China's Hu Jintao came to Washington for a state visit, each of the countries had profound disagreements with the other. (Chinese leaders hate the U.S. policy of continued arms sales to Taiwan, much more so than Netanyahu could sanely disagree with any part of Obama's speech.) Neither China nor America is remotely as dependent on the other as Israel is on the United States. Yet Obama and Hu were careful to be as respectful as possible, especially in public, while addressing the disagreements. High-handed and openly contemptuous behavior like Netanyahu's would have seemed hostile and idiotic from either side. As it is from him.
Think of this contrast: when China's Hu Jintao came to Washington for a state visit, each of the countries had profound disagreements with the other. (Chinese leaders hate the U.S. policy of continued arms sales to Taiwan, much more so than Netanyahu could sanely disagree with any part of Obama's speech.) Neither China nor America is remotely as dependent on the other as Israel is on the United States. Yet Obama and Hu were careful to be as respectful as possible, especially in public, while addressing the disagreements. High-handed and openly contemptuous behavior like Netanyahu's would have seemed hostile and idiotic from either side. As it is from him.
Can Romney Win Without Fox News? - David Frum
http://www.frumforum.com/can-romney-win-without-fox-news
The short answer is no, but I think once Romney gains some momentum Fox News will get behind him. And yes, it is bizarre to actually be having this conversation, speaking of a news organization as a political faction.
The short answer is no, but I think once Romney gains some momentum Fox News will get behind him. And yes, it is bizarre to actually be having this conversation, speaking of a news organization as a political faction.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Pakistan Commandos Clear Taliban Guerrillas From Most of Karachi Air Base -Khurrum Anis and Farhan Sharif
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-22/explosions-firefights-erupt-at-pakistani-naval-aviation-base-under-attack.html
Pakistani commandos ended a Taliban siege of a navy base in the country’s largest city after a 16- hour battle that the militants said was in part to avenge the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
Ten members of Pakistan’s security forces were killed along with four guerrillas, Interior Minister Rehman Malik told reporters in Karachi. The “terrorists were 20-22 years of age and wore Western clothes with suicide jackets beneath them,” Malik said. They were armed with rocket launchers and grenades, he said.
The insurgents in Karachi damaged surveillance aircraft provided by the U.S. in the biggest strike against a leading Pakistani military installation since guerrillas attacked the army’s Rawalpindi headquarters in October 2009.
“This attack shows that the Taliban have sympathizers and insiders in the security establishment,” said Talat Masood, a retired army lieutenant general and security analyst in Islamabad. “This also shows that they have become more powerful and sophisticated in their planning and attacks.”
Pakistani commandos ended a Taliban siege of a navy base in the country’s largest city after a 16- hour battle that the militants said was in part to avenge the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
Ten members of Pakistan’s security forces were killed along with four guerrillas, Interior Minister Rehman Malik told reporters in Karachi. The “terrorists were 20-22 years of age and wore Western clothes with suicide jackets beneath them,” Malik said. They were armed with rocket launchers and grenades, he said.
The insurgents in Karachi damaged surveillance aircraft provided by the U.S. in the biggest strike against a leading Pakistani military installation since guerrillas attacked the army’s Rawalpindi headquarters in October 2009.
“This attack shows that the Taliban have sympathizers and insiders in the security establishment,” said Talat Masood, a retired army lieutenant general and security analyst in Islamabad. “This also shows that they have become more powerful and sophisticated in their planning and attacks.”
Daniels Is Out, in Another Jolt to G.O.P. Field - JEFF ZELENY and JIM RUTENBERG
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/23/us/politics/23repubs.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
I'm always going to think that this had more to do with the break-up/remarriage with his wife than anything else. There is something there, and I don't think it would have made Mitch look bad; I think it would have made his wife look bad.
The campaign for president is on some levels a vote for their family as well. I have no clue whether it's fair or not, but once the term "bad mother" became part of the equation it would have been all over.
I'm always going to think that this had more to do with the break-up/remarriage with his wife than anything else. There is something there, and I don't think it would have made Mitch look bad; I think it would have made his wife look bad.
The campaign for president is on some levels a vote for their family as well. I have no clue whether it's fair or not, but once the term "bad mother" became part of the equation it would have been all over.
Herman Cain Blunders on Palestinian 'Right of Return' - ABC News' Sarah Burke
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2011/05/herman-cain-blunders-on-palestinian-right-of-return.html
The guy is great if you listen to him talk, once or twice. But that's about all there is to see here. He may write a book or something, but this gentleman is another piece of evidence that, in the modern Republican party, affect and tone go a great deal farther than what you are actually saying.
The guy is great if you listen to him talk, once or twice. But that's about all there is to see here. He may write a book or something, but this gentleman is another piece of evidence that, in the modern Republican party, affect and tone go a great deal farther than what you are actually saying.
Tim Pawlenty releases video ahead of Monday announcement
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/44/post/tim-pawlenty-releases-video-ahead-of-monday-announcement/2011/05/22/AFp1LO9G_blog.html?hpid=z2
How boring can you be if you announce your candidacy and we're all still talking about the people that are dropping out?
How boring can you be if you announce your candidacy and we're all still talking about the people that are dropping out?
Rick Perry's Window of Opportunity - Mark McKinnon
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-05-22/rick-perry-for-president-2012-mitch-daniels-exit-offers-texas-governor-a-window/?cid=hp:mainpromo7
Perry is a fierce partisan, and his brand of conservatism makes George W. Bush's look truly compassionate. But, for stout conservatives, he's got a good story to tell. It will go like this:
Under Rick Perry, the state’s longest-serving governor, Texas continues to lead the nation in job creation. And despite a record influx of job seekers from other states, the unemployment rate in the state continues to be below the national average. How did Texas become home to more Fortune 500 companies than any state in the nation? According to Perry: “Texas’ low taxes, reasonable and predictable regulatory climate, fair legal system, and skilled workforce have made the Lone Star State a beacon for job creation and economic growth.”
McKinnon has been right more often than I have obviously, and the job creation narrative seems to be a really potent antidote to Obama's charisma. But I just can't help but feel like I've seen this movie before. I'm not sure the nation as a whole is over Bush yet, and I don't think a less charming more in-your-face with his values version of what Bush was is what the country is looking for.
Perry is a fierce partisan, and his brand of conservatism makes George W. Bush's look truly compassionate. But, for stout conservatives, he's got a good story to tell. It will go like this:
Under Rick Perry, the state’s longest-serving governor, Texas continues to lead the nation in job creation. And despite a record influx of job seekers from other states, the unemployment rate in the state continues to be below the national average. How did Texas become home to more Fortune 500 companies than any state in the nation? According to Perry: “Texas’ low taxes, reasonable and predictable regulatory climate, fair legal system, and skilled workforce have made the Lone Star State a beacon for job creation and economic growth.”
McKinnon has been right more often than I have obviously, and the job creation narrative seems to be a really potent antidote to Obama's charisma. But I just can't help but feel like I've seen this movie before. I'm not sure the nation as a whole is over Bush yet, and I don't think a less charming more in-your-face with his values version of what Bush was is what the country is looking for.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Palin: 'I do have the fire in my belly' - By Jordan Fabian
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/162341-palin-i-do-have-the-fire-in-my-belly
If Sarah Palin enters the race, I think at this point she would probably rocket to the top. In the last three weeks we've watched two leading candidates self-immolate (Trump and Gingrich) and one simply decline to run (Huckabee). Haley barber, if you want to count him as a realistic candidate, decided not to run either. The nominal front runner, Romney, appears to be the candidate that disgusts everyone but is accepted as the least objectionable candidate, where it is assumed that independents and the hated RINOs can tolerate him and help bring about the defeat of Obama.
As is pointed out in Jay Cost's post in the Weekly Standard, the Sunbelt states are now the home to the GOP powerbase. This has become even more exagerated in the face of Obama's presidency. While Palin is obviously not from the Sunbelt, it is where her natural base is. More socialcon then econocon, she can deliver delegates and star power in that part of the country like no other candidate.
The absence of a Sunbelt contender is the only reason anyone ever gave Barber a shot and why people are bouncing around names like Rick Perry. The South will need to be motivated in the next election to deliver the White House, so the logic goes that they will need a candidate to deliver them that motivation. You can see now why Romney represents such a depressing reality for them.
I submit that Palin's true base is solidly in the South, and that they would think of her as their own if she ran. The window might shut quickly or remain open for months, but as most of the headlines show one candidate after the other falling to the wayside, she is solidly in the drivers' seat.
If Sarah Palin enters the race, I think at this point she would probably rocket to the top. In the last three weeks we've watched two leading candidates self-immolate (Trump and Gingrich) and one simply decline to run (Huckabee). Haley barber, if you want to count him as a realistic candidate, decided not to run either. The nominal front runner, Romney, appears to be the candidate that disgusts everyone but is accepted as the least objectionable candidate, where it is assumed that independents and the hated RINOs can tolerate him and help bring about the defeat of Obama.
As is pointed out in Jay Cost's post in the Weekly Standard, the Sunbelt states are now the home to the GOP powerbase. This has become even more exagerated in the face of Obama's presidency. While Palin is obviously not from the Sunbelt, it is where her natural base is. More socialcon then econocon, she can deliver delegates and star power in that part of the country like no other candidate.
The absence of a Sunbelt contender is the only reason anyone ever gave Barber a shot and why people are bouncing around names like Rick Perry. The South will need to be motivated in the next election to deliver the White House, so the logic goes that they will need a candidate to deliver them that motivation. You can see now why Romney represents such a depressing reality for them.
I submit that Palin's true base is solidly in the South, and that they would think of her as their own if she ran. The window might shut quickly or remain open for months, but as most of the headlines show one candidate after the other falling to the wayside, she is solidly in the drivers' seat.
China Gives Pakistan 50 Fighter Jets - Jane Perlez
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/20/world/asia/20pakistan.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
This appears to have been a deal arrived at in pretty short order. If we keep in mind that India and China are historic enemies it doesn't seem logical for China to cede influence in Pakistan to us. This doesn't end American influence in Pakistan, but it does make it cloudier.
This appears to have been a deal arrived at in pretty short order. If we keep in mind that India and China are historic enemies it doesn't seem logical for China to cede influence in Pakistan to us. This doesn't end American influence in Pakistan, but it does make it cloudier.
Morning Jay: What's Missing from the GOP Field? - Jay Cost
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/morning-jay-whats-missing-gop-field_567467.html
The small towns of the Midwest used to be the backbone of conservative Republicanism, supporting good conservatives like William McKinley and Robert Taft before there was a Ronald Reagan or even a Barry Goldwater in the field. However, the center of gravity in the conservative wing of the party has most certainly shifted since then, out of these small towns and into the Sunbelt.
The small towns of the Midwest used to be the backbone of conservative Republicanism, supporting good conservatives like William McKinley and Robert Taft before there was a Ronald Reagan or even a Barry Goldwater in the field. However, the center of gravity in the conservative wing of the party has most certainly shifted since then, out of these small towns and into the Sunbelt.
Jon Huntsman in New Hampshire spotlight - KASIE HUNT
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0511/55357.html
I suppose I'll have to set up a tag for John Huntsman now, as he appears to be running for president. I can call it now: this is the media darling candidate, the guy that reporters wish would win. It happens that McCain was the same, though I think it's ludicrous to say that the media "elected McCain". In any case, they ain't going to elect this guy. He is as RINO as they come and will suffer total rejection by the teacons and the social cons, not to mention the entire south. This guy is Mitt Romney, except that he believes what he is saying. Why would republican voters want a Mitt, Jr. when they are in the process of rejecting the real thing?
I suppose I'll have to set up a tag for John Huntsman now, as he appears to be running for president. I can call it now: this is the media darling candidate, the guy that reporters wish would win. It happens that McCain was the same, though I think it's ludicrous to say that the media "elected McCain". In any case, they ain't going to elect this guy. He is as RINO as they come and will suffer total rejection by the teacons and the social cons, not to mention the entire south. This guy is Mitt Romney, except that he believes what he is saying. Why would republican voters want a Mitt, Jr. when they are in the process of rejecting the real thing?
Gingrich to Rush Limbaugh: My “right-wing social engineering” comment wasn’t directed at Paul Ryan
http://hotair.com/archives/2011/05/19/gingrich-to-rush-limbaugh-my-right-wing-social-engineering-comment-wasnt-directed-at-paul-ryan/
As we look back on the tattered remains of the Gingrich presidential run of 2011, even I would not have hoped that it ended this quickly. It wasn't even a full week before he ran it aground. I think this was a combination of the facts that a) he wasn't really running for president and b) he was so roundly disliked that most of his supporters and allies were barely tolerant of him, much less forgiving. He happened to go after the GOP's favorite son right now in a hamfisted, moronic kind of way that made he and his party look like buffoons.
It was not even fun to watch. It still isn't. Gingrich is not a man of any principle or party, but a symbol of the cravenness and rank dishonesty that is possible in politics and in business. His candidacy was an embarrassment and I'm glad its over.
As we look back on the tattered remains of the Gingrich presidential run of 2011, even I would not have hoped that it ended this quickly. It wasn't even a full week before he ran it aground. I think this was a combination of the facts that a) he wasn't really running for president and b) he was so roundly disliked that most of his supporters and allies were barely tolerant of him, much less forgiving. He happened to go after the GOP's favorite son right now in a hamfisted, moronic kind of way that made he and his party look like buffoons.
It was not even fun to watch. It still isn't. Gingrich is not a man of any principle or party, but a symbol of the cravenness and rank dishonesty that is possible in politics and in business. His candidacy was an embarrassment and I'm glad its over.
Obama insists 1967 'basis' for Israel-Palestinian peace - Jonathan Marcus
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13464427
In a statement, Mr Netanyahu, who is due to hold talks with Mr Obama in Washington on Friday, said the 1967 lines would leave Jewish settlements outside Israel.
An estimated 300,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, which lies outside Israel's 1967 boundaries.
Mr Netanyahu said he expected to hear a reaffirmation from Mr Obama of US commitments "made to Israel in 2004", a reference to a letter from former US President George W Bush suggesting Israel may keep large settlements as part of any peace deal.
In a statement, Mr Netanyahu, who is due to hold talks with Mr Obama in Washington on Friday, said the 1967 lines would leave Jewish settlements outside Israel.
An estimated 300,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, which lies outside Israel's 1967 boundaries.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Bibi and Barack - Tom Friedman
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/18/opinion/18friedman.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss
Israel is in a dangerous situation. For the first time in its history, it has bad relations with all three regional superpowers — Turkey, Iran and Egypt — plus rapidly eroding support in Europe. America is Israel’s only friend today. These strains are not all Israel’s fault by any means, especially with Iran, but Israel will never improve ties with Egypt, Turkey and Europe without a more serious effort to safely get out of the West Bank.
Israel is in a dangerous situation. For the first time in its history, it has bad relations with all three regional superpowers — Turkey, Iran and Egypt — plus rapidly eroding support in Europe. America is Israel’s only friend today. These strains are not all Israel’s fault by any means, especially with Iran, but Israel will never improve ties with Egypt, Turkey and Europe without a more serious effort to safely get out of the West Bank.
President will call for a new chapter of support for Arab Spring - Sam Youngman
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/162071-president-will-call-for-a-new-chapter-of-american-support-for-arab-spring
As if to underscore its “change” credentials, the administration on Wednesday froze the assets of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and other officials in the Damascus regime. It also put new pressure on Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to sign an agreement that would force him out of power within a month.
As if to underscore its “change” credentials, the administration on Wednesday froze the assets of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and other officials in the Damascus regime. It also put new pressure on Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to sign an agreement that would force him out of power within a month.
Newt Spokesman Pens Epic Poem In Tribute To Gingrich's Heroic Crusade Against The Media -Benjy Sarlin |
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/05/newt-spokesman-launches-anti-media-tirade-casts-gingrich-as-courageous-survivor.php
This press release will actually have as much to do with the sinking of Newt's run as anything else, not because it will stick in people's minds, but because this is the point at which this candidacy was outed as a joke. I'm proud to say that I never took this seriously, but now no one else does either.
Good riddance.
This press release will actually have as much to do with the sinking of Newt's run as anything else, not because it will stick in people's minds, but because this is the point at which this candidacy was outed as a joke. I'm proud to say that I never took this seriously, but now no one else does either.
Good riddance.
Senator questions benefits to ‘adult baby’ - Coburn sees possible fraud - By Stephen Dinan
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/may/17/senator-questions-benefits-to-adult-baby/
The reaction to the threat to take away his SSI benefits is actually the best part of the story:
“You wanna test how damn serious I am about leaving this world, screw with my check that pays for this apartment and food. Try it. See how serious I am. I don’t care,” the California man said. “I have no problem killing myself. Take away the last thing keeping me here, and see what happens. Next time you see me on the news, it will be me in a body bag.”
When threatening suicide one should take care to make the threat to people that care if you are here to begin with. Also, if your SSI check is the only think keeping you "here", you really ought to give that some serious thought.
The reaction to the threat to take away his SSI benefits is actually the best part of the story:
“You wanna test how damn serious I am about leaving this world, screw with my check that pays for this apartment and food. Try it. See how serious I am. I don’t care,” the California man said. “I have no problem killing myself. Take away the last thing keeping me here, and see what happens. Next time you see me on the news, it will be me in a body bag.”
When threatening suicide one should take care to make the threat to people that care if you are here to begin with. Also, if your SSI check is the only think keeping you "here", you really ought to give that some serious thought.
Eight Hundred Years of Oppression and Now This? - Alex Massie
http://www.spectator.co.uk/alexmassie/6952469/eight-hundred-years-of-oppression-and-now-this.thtml
If your view of Ireland is of a strange land, filled with terrorists and grudge-bearing contrary types who change their question any time anyone looks like answering it, then certainly you'll probably think the Queen's visit is of great import. For the rest of us these things were largely settled long ago. Evidently the "peace process" needed some kind of "conclusion" before such a visit could be contemplated at official levels but, if anything, it merely confirms what we already knew: these islands are bound together by culture as well as history and economic self-interest. Affinity matters.
If your view of Ireland is of a strange land, filled with terrorists and grudge-bearing contrary types who change their question any time anyone looks like answering it, then certainly you'll probably think the Queen's visit is of great import. For the rest of us these things were largely settled long ago. Evidently the "peace process" needed some kind of "conclusion" before such a visit could be contemplated at official levels but, if anything, it merely confirms what we already knew: these islands are bound together by culture as well as history and economic self-interest. Affinity matters.
Suffolk poll: With Huckabee out, Romney’s now the clear frontrunner - Allahpundit
http://hotair.com/archives/2011/05/18/suffolk-poll-with-huckabee-out-romneys-now-the-clear-frontrunner/
What if Palin jumps in and instantly siphons off the bulk of support from “true conservative” all-stars like Bachmann and Herman Cain? The elites will go into panic mode and look to rally around a single centrist-type candidate in hopes of heading her off, but there are potentially four prominent governors in the race capable of filling that role — Romney, Pawlenty, Daniels, and Huntsman. How will the establishment choose one and then clear out the rest in order to pose a clear “Palin/Not Palin” choice for primary voters?
Oh thank you sweet Jesus. I was crestfallen that Palin would not be bringing the crazy back into national prominence, but here is a clear opening. After being a front page story for something like 150 straight days she's receded a bit from the spotlight, just long enough for many to forget how batshit insane she is. Never short on ambition or long on forethought, she has to be aching to enter the race. It's right there, waiting for her to pluck it. Take it, Sarah! Take it, damn you!
What if Palin jumps in and instantly siphons off the bulk of support from “true conservative” all-stars like Bachmann and Herman Cain? The elites will go into panic mode and look to rally around a single centrist-type candidate in hopes of heading her off, but there are potentially four prominent governors in the race capable of filling that role — Romney, Pawlenty, Daniels, and Huntsman. How will the establishment choose one and then clear out the rest in order to pose a clear “Palin/Not Palin” choice for primary voters?
Oh thank you sweet Jesus. I was crestfallen that Palin would not be bringing the crazy back into national prominence, but here is a clear opening. After being a front page story for something like 150 straight days she's receded a bit from the spotlight, just long enough for many to forget how batshit insane she is. Never short on ambition or long on forethought, she has to be aching to enter the race. It's right there, waiting for her to pluck it. Take it, Sarah! Take it, damn you!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Church Report Cites Social Tumult in Priest Scandals - Laurie Goldstein
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/18/us/18bishops.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Bullshit. Hippies and confusing times did not make abusive priests. Herding sexually immature males, many fleeing from their sexuality and many others enthralled with the domination they had over their flocks, into a position in the community of near invincibility is to blame. Are we to believe that these things occurred only in the 1960s and 1970s? From my understanding this was an open secret for generations.
Bullshit. Hippies and confusing times did not make abusive priests. Herding sexually immature males, many fleeing from their sexuality and many others enthralled with the domination they had over their flocks, into a position in the community of near invincibility is to blame. Are we to believe that these things occurred only in the 1960s and 1970s? From my understanding this was an open secret for generations.
Yemen's Crackdown on Protesters Escalates to Air Strikes, Risking War
http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/05/yemens-crackdown-on-protesters-escalates-to-air-strikes-risking-war/239054/
No one gives a shit about poor little Yemen. As I recall, this country was split down the middle North and South for much of its history as an actual country. The two Yemens were client states of the Soviets and the Americans, not that it matters which was which, and acted as a counter-balance to the two other client states across the Gulf of Aden, Ethipoa and Somalia. I'm sure some radar bases and minor airfields were put into place and someone somewhere was enriched. (Note: being a minor client state in the 70s and 80s for either the Americans or the Soviets clearly did not pay, at least for the populace.)
Clearly there is not a history of legitimate government in Yemen and I'd be surprised to learn that either the government or the opposition think of themselves as the same ethnic or even national makeup as the other. I don't see a way to tamp down this civil conflict, which will probably end with the Saudis funneling money, guns and expertise to the government over the course of the next decade. The opposition will become increasingly radicalized and will probably receive material support from across the sea from Somali Islamists and pirates, of all things. I don't think it will descend into Somali-style chaos, but a lawless region on the tip of the Arabian peninsula, directly across the Aden Sea from the gold standard of lawless regions, populated by disaffected civillians and radical Islamists, is probably a situation that the West can't tolerate. What they can do about it is a good question.
No one gives a shit about poor little Yemen. As I recall, this country was split down the middle North and South for much of its history as an actual country. The two Yemens were client states of the Soviets and the Americans, not that it matters which was which, and acted as a counter-balance to the two other client states across the Gulf of Aden, Ethipoa and Somalia. I'm sure some radar bases and minor airfields were put into place and someone somewhere was enriched. (Note: being a minor client state in the 70s and 80s for either the Americans or the Soviets clearly did not pay, at least for the populace.)
Clearly there is not a history of legitimate government in Yemen and I'd be surprised to learn that either the government or the opposition think of themselves as the same ethnic or even national makeup as the other. I don't see a way to tamp down this civil conflict, which will probably end with the Saudis funneling money, guns and expertise to the government over the course of the next decade. The opposition will become increasingly radicalized and will probably receive material support from across the sea from Somali Islamists and pirates, of all things. I don't think it will descend into Somali-style chaos, but a lawless region on the tip of the Arabian peninsula, directly across the Aden Sea from the gold standard of lawless regions, populated by disaffected civillians and radical Islamists, is probably a situation that the West can't tolerate. What they can do about it is a good question.
Gingrich's Campaign Looks Over Before It Begins - Clive Crook
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/05/gingrichs-campaign-looks-over-before-it-begins/239037/
Outside of the fact that it was never actually an honest campaign in the first place, this is probably correct.
Outside of the fact that it was never actually an honest campaign in the first place, this is probably correct.
The Next Library - Seth Godin
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/05/the-future-of-the-library.html
The library is no longer a warehouse for dead books. Just in time for the information economy, the library ought to be the local nerve center for information. (Please don't say I'm anti-book! I think through my actions and career choices, I've demonstrated my pro-book chops. I'm not saying I want paper to go away, I'm merely describing what's inevitably occurring). We all love the vision of the underprivileged kid bootstrapping himself out of poverty with books, but now (most of the time), the insight and leverage is going to come from being fast and smart with online resources, not from hiding in the stacks.
The next library is a place, still. A place where people come together to do co-working and coordinate and invent projects worth working on together. Aided by a librarian who understands the Mesh, a librarian who can bring domain knowledge and people knowledge and access to information to bear.
The library is no longer a warehouse for dead books. Just in time for the information economy, the library ought to be the local nerve center for information. (Please don't say I'm anti-book! I think through my actions and career choices, I've demonstrated my pro-book chops. I'm not saying I want paper to go away, I'm merely describing what's inevitably occurring). We all love the vision of the underprivileged kid bootstrapping himself out of poverty with books, but now (most of the time), the insight and leverage is going to come from being fast and smart with online resources, not from hiding in the stacks.
The next library is a place, still. A place where people come together to do co-working and coordinate and invent projects worth working on together. Aided by a librarian who understands the Mesh, a librarian who can bring domain knowledge and people knowledge and access to information to bear.
Rick Perry Presidential Push Quietly Gains Steam - Erin McPike and Scott Conroy
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2011/05/17/rick_perry_presidential_push_quietly_gains_steam_109894.html
Perhaps this rumor will gain momentum, but its complete crap. There may be grass roots conservatives yearning for a "true conservative" candidate, but a preening Texan who has called for secession and comes across as a dim bulb is what Dems are yearning for in an opponent, not what the GOP neeeds in a candidate.
Perhaps this rumor will gain momentum, but its complete crap. There may be grass roots conservatives yearning for a "true conservative" candidate, but a preening Texan who has called for secession and comes across as a dim bulb is what Dems are yearning for in an opponent, not what the GOP neeeds in a candidate.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Santorum: What does McCain know about torture? - Justin Elliott
http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/05/17/santorum_mccain_enhanced_interrogation/
Everyone knows how I feel about Santorum: con-man, dope, moron, dependent on others...things like that. Now he is just crossing into despicable.
Everyone knows how I feel about Santorum: con-man, dope, moron, dependent on others...things like that. Now he is just crossing into despicable.
GOP Braces for Bachmania - Chris Stirewalt
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/05/17/gop-braces-bachmania/
Oh, if you thought Trump's flameout and Sarah's sit-out culled out the crazy, you ain't seen nothin' yet. This actually makes "Eye of the Tiger" play in my head, because my girl Michelle is going to be taking suckers out of the ring.
No more will they be able to roll their eyes at insane tea con positions during the debates. There will be someone at a lectern getting applause lines for them. You married them, boys, now here are the children.
Oh, if you thought Trump's flameout and Sarah's sit-out culled out the crazy, you ain't seen nothin' yet. This actually makes "Eye of the Tiger" play in my head, because my girl Michelle is going to be taking suckers out of the ring.
No more will they be able to roll their eyes at insane tea con positions during the debates. There will be someone at a lectern getting applause lines for them. You married them, boys, now here are the children.
Without Huck - Ed Kilgore
http://www.tnr.com/article/politics/88455/huckabee-president-iowa-romney-bachmann-pawlenty
The ultimate beneficiary of Huck’s demurral, however, is likely to be Tim Pawlenty. His all-in-for-Iowa strategy now looks considerably more promising, and he is appealing to many pragmatic social conservatives as an electable alternative to the unpalatable Mitt Romney and (if he runs) Mitch Daniels. A field without Huckabee, moreover, is a field without a viable deep-fried southern option, which could be great news for a guy like T-Paw in South Carolina and other southern states. Pawlenty is already ahead of the game in Palmetto State pandering: He has long championed the balanced budget constitutional amendment that is Senator Jim DeMint’s litmus-test for 2012 candidates, and he’s outdoing his rivals in championing Governor Nikki Haley’s demand that they all join her crusade against the National Labor Relations Board’s intervention in a dispute between Boeing and the machinists’ union over the relocation of an airplane production plant to South Carolina.
The ultimate beneficiary of Huck’s demurral, however, is likely to be Tim Pawlenty. His all-in-for-Iowa strategy now looks considerably more promising, and he is appealing to many pragmatic social conservatives as an electable alternative to the unpalatable Mitt Romney and (if he runs) Mitch Daniels. A field without Huckabee, moreover, is a field without a viable deep-fried southern option, which could be great news for a guy like T-Paw in South Carolina and other southern states. Pawlenty is already ahead of the game in Palmetto State pandering: He has long championed the balanced budget constitutional amendment that is Senator Jim DeMint’s litmus-test for 2012 candidates, and he’s outdoing his rivals in championing Governor Nikki Haley’s demand that they all join her crusade against the National Labor Relations Board’s intervention in a dispute between Boeing and the machinists’ union over the relocation of an airplane production plant to South Carolina.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Whether Mitch Daniels runs for president may come down to his wife’s vote - Jason Horowitz
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/ind-first-lady/2011/05/11/AFjk1jsG_story.html
This is getting less and less likely to happen, but I still want to know the story about her dropping Mitch and going out West to marry this guy. It has internet love written all over it. To be honest, had she stayed out there and simply left him with the four daughters his chances of becoming president would be much better.
This is getting less and less likely to happen, but I still want to know the story about her dropping Mitch and going out West to marry this guy. It has internet love written all over it. To be honest, had she stayed out there and simply left him with the four daughters his chances of becoming president would be much better.
Palin and Trump: It’s complicated - Christian Heinze
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/gop-presidential-primary/160333-palin-and-trump-its-complicated
Whatever the Republicans say, and whoever they nominate, its important to remember that these two will be around their neck for the election season.
Whatever the Republicans say, and whoever they nominate, its important to remember that these two will be around their neck for the election season.
Newt Tacks Left, Slams Ryan’s Medicare Plan - Andrew Stiles
http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/267273/gingrich-tacks-left-slams-ryans-medicare-plan-andrew-stiles
Interesting. So, what you're saying is that Newt Gingrich has said something at odds with today's conservative orthodoxy and you think it is to please voters as opposed to something he truly believes? Tell me more about this wild theory.
Two things:
1) Romney's heresy is considered so far to the "left" that it makes him radioactive, but it does the effect of leaving some room for Republicans to stray a bit from the orthodoxy to coax indy voters. (It won't work for Newt, but it might for someone else.)
2) Ryan's Medicare overhaul is dead.
Interesting. So, what you're saying is that Newt Gingrich has said something at odds with today's conservative orthodoxy and you think it is to please voters as opposed to something he truly believes? Tell me more about this wild theory.
Two things:
1) Romney's heresy is considered so far to the "left" that it makes him radioactive, but it does the effect of leaving some room for Republicans to stray a bit from the orthodoxy to coax indy voters. (It won't work for Newt, but it might for someone else.)
2) Ryan's Medicare overhaul is dead.
Israeli troops fire at Palestinian protesters on borders, killing at least 12 - Joel Greenberg
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/israeli-troops-fire-at-palestinian-protestors-on-borders-killing-at-least-12/2011/05/15/AF9lnF4G_story.html
I'm not sure that the "Zionist experiment in Palestine" is doomed, but there are some things that will have to come to a head. The Arab Spring was always going to arrive at Israel's door, and the one weakness the Israelis would be non-violent resistance by the Arabs in their midst. Remove the vile terrorism from the equation and the matter will be quite different.
Will the Arab Spring force the settlement issue? Will it force the Israelis to withdraw back into their borders or institute arpartheid in order to keep the state Jewish?
I'm not sure that the "Zionist experiment in Palestine" is doomed, but there are some things that will have to come to a head. The Arab Spring was always going to arrive at Israel's door, and the one weakness the Israelis would be non-violent resistance by the Arabs in their midst. Remove the vile terrorism from the equation and the matter will be quite different.
Will the Arab Spring force the settlement issue? Will it force the Israelis to withdraw back into their borders or institute arpartheid in order to keep the state Jewish?
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Gaddafi likely wounded and not in Tripoli: Italy - Paolo Biondi
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/13/us-libya-gaddafi-italy-idUSTRE74C48220110513
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has likely been wounded in western airstrikes and has probably left Tripoli, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said Friday.
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has likely been wounded in western airstrikes and has probably left Tripoli, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said Friday.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Mitch Daniels 'Would Like To' Run For President, Top Adviser Says - Jon Ward
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/09/mitch-daniels-president-2012_n_859493.html
That's good and all, but the real kicker to this story:
The confirmation that the Daniels’ marriage is the last hurdle in front of a bid for the White House highlights the delicate situation in which the Governor finds himself.
In 1993, Cheri Daniels left her husband with their four daughters and married another man in California. She returned a few years later, reconciled with Daniels, and the two were remarried in 1997. That is, in a nutshell, the story. The national press first picked up on it last year when it was buried at the bottom of an 8,600-word Weekly Standard profile.
But much is unknown. Why did she leave Daniels? Why did she come back? That she would be reluctant to publicly answer such delicate questions in front of the nation seems only natural.
Smaller threads have been pulled upon before and unwound a candidacy. To some extent the candidacy for president involves the likeability of his wife. In a heated GOP climate like this, a very un-family value like story seems to lurk beneath the surface, possibly dooming Mitch's presidential hopes.
That's good and all, but the real kicker to this story:
The confirmation that the Daniels’ marriage is the last hurdle in front of a bid for the White House highlights the delicate situation in which the Governor finds himself.
In 1993, Cheri Daniels left her husband with their four daughters and married another man in California. She returned a few years later, reconciled with Daniels, and the two were remarried in 1997. That is, in a nutshell, the story. The national press first picked up on it last year when it was buried at the bottom of an 8,600-word Weekly Standard profile.
But much is unknown. Why did she leave Daniels? Why did she come back? That she would be reluctant to publicly answer such delicate questions in front of the nation seems only natural.
Smaller threads have been pulled upon before and unwound a candidacy. To some extent the candidacy for president involves the likeability of his wife. In a heated GOP climate like this, a very un-family value like story seems to lurk beneath the surface, possibly dooming Mitch's presidential hopes.
How Microsoft Caused the DotCom Bubble and why their Skype ‘Hail Mary’ is irrelevant -Barry Ritholtz
http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2011/05/how-microsoft-caused-the-dotcom-bubble/
I disagree, but this guy seems pretty smart.
I disagree, but this guy seems pretty smart.
Huntsman’s civil-union stance may prove political liability - Robert Gehrke
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/51795519-90/civil-cowan-gay-governor.html.csp?page=1
When we say "may" we mean "will" and must also add "he will never be president because of this stance as long as he is a republican"
When we say "may" we mean "will" and must also add "he will never be president because of this stance as long as he is a republican"
House Democrats say Medicare vote already hurting GOP with voters, cite NY special election - Deidre Walsh
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/11/house-democrats-say-medicare-vote-already-hurting-gop-with-voters-cite-ny-special-election/
This was predictable and encapsulates many of the inherent contradictions in both the tea-cons and the general public. They said loud and clear that they wanted Medicare cuts, both literally and with their votes last November. But now their anger has cooled and Glenn Beck is less a force in the world and they've unfolded the morning paper and noticed what the hell you're doing. They're calling your office berating you and now the Dems are poised to use your words against you and the jerks in the Senate have more or less left you hanging. Welcome to Congress freshmen.
This was predictable and encapsulates many of the inherent contradictions in both the tea-cons and the general public. They said loud and clear that they wanted Medicare cuts, both literally and with their votes last November. But now their anger has cooled and Glenn Beck is less a force in the world and they've unfolded the morning paper and noticed what the hell you're doing. They're calling your office berating you and now the Dems are poised to use your words against you and the jerks in the Senate have more or less left you hanging. Welcome to Congress freshmen.
Mitt Romney's Epic Health Care Journey: How He Flip-Flopped On Mandates - Benjy Sarlin
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/05/mitt-romneys-epic-health-care-journey-how-he-flip-flopped-on-mandates.php?ref=dcblt
Mitt's major flaw is that there are so few things that he is consistent on, we focus on what he has flip flopped on, health care being the major one. Between getting his foundation busted by Newt's announcement and the release of the 1994 TNR article detailing his support for a federal mandate on helath care, this will be Romney's Very Bad Week. Its even worse when you consider that he had maintained a front runner statuts simply by staying out of the spotlight and letting the clown car candidates take all the heat. The instant he wades into the public forum he is sniped from all sides. Very ominous sign.
Mitt's major flaw is that there are so few things that he is consistent on, we focus on what he has flip flopped on, health care being the major one. Between getting his foundation busted by Newt's announcement and the release of the 1994 TNR article detailing his support for a federal mandate on helath care, this will be Romney's Very Bad Week. Its even worse when you consider that he had maintained a front runner statuts simply by staying out of the spotlight and letting the clown car candidates take all the heat. The instant he wades into the public forum he is sniped from all sides. Very ominous sign.
Romney Backed Health Care Mandate in 1994 - Dave Weigel
http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/weigel/archive/2011/05/11/romney-backed-health-care-mandate-in-1994.aspx
The day before his big health care speech, Blue Mass Group explodes a depth charge right under Mitt Romney. They point to "Stormin' Mormon," the pre-1994 election profile of Romney by John Judis. That year, running uphill against Ted Kennedy, Romney said he'd support the health care compromise introduced by Sen. John Chafee. That compromise included a mandate to buy health insurance, something Democrats never tired of pointing out in 2009 and 2010 when the Affordable Care Act's compromise was characterized as tyranny or socialism.
I think the Onion headline said it best: "Politician Haunted By Past Efforts to Help Sick People".
The day before his big health care speech, Blue Mass Group explodes a depth charge right under Mitt Romney. They point to "Stormin' Mormon," the pre-1994 election profile of Romney by John Judis. That year, running uphill against Ted Kennedy, Romney said he'd support the health care compromise introduced by Sen. John Chafee. That compromise included a mandate to buy health insurance, something Democrats never tired of pointing out in 2009 and 2010 when the Affordable Care Act's compromise was characterized as tyranny or socialism.
I think the Onion headline said it best: "Politician Haunted By Past Efforts to Help Sick People".
Pre-Emptive Reactions to Gingrich's Announcement - Jacob Sullum
http://reason.com/blog/2011/05/11/pre-emptive-reactions-to-gingr?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reason%2FHitandRun+%28Reason+Online+-+Hit+%26+Run+Blog%29
As I've said before, Gingrich is not running for president; he's running for your wallet. His ambition is more about appearing on Meet the Press and writing books, not legislating. The only people I hear even giving this "effort" any credit are TV pundits, who apparently need him to appear on their shows. The rest of the opinion universe is dismissing this for what it is: a plea for money.
As I've said before, Gingrich is not running for president; he's running for your wallet. His ambition is more about appearing on Meet the Press and writing books, not legislating. The only people I hear even giving this "effort" any credit are TV pundits, who apparently need him to appear on their shows. The rest of the opinion universe is dismissing this for what it is: a plea for money.
'Snipers ordered to aim for the head' - Ahmed Syrie
http://observers.france24.com/content/20110511-snipers-were-ordered-aim-head-when-they-shot-protesters-syria-barzeh
**Graphic images**
It seems to me that the Rubicon has been crossed, and the government in Syria is trying to frighten the public into not supporting the uprising they assume is impending. My own theory is that the situation will simmer, as it does in Iran, waiting for precisely the right moment. There will be several false starts before then but Assad must now realize that he will not leave Syria alive.
**Graphic images**
It seems to me that the Rubicon has been crossed, and the government in Syria is trying to frighten the public into not supporting the uprising they assume is impending. My own theory is that the situation will simmer, as it does in Iran, waiting for precisely the right moment. There will be several false starts before then but Assad must now realize that he will not leave Syria alive.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Syrian Elite to Fight Protests to ‘the End’ - Anthony Shadid
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/11/world/middleeast/11makhlouf.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
This could be the earliest stages of the Syrian Civil War we are seeing, though I suppose there is still time for the regime to capitulate. But, I simply don't see the regime capitulating. Ever. One glance at what happened in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya should quell any illusions we have that Assad will grant any freedoms.
The Syrian elite represent the minority ruling class. An end to their control of the ruling apparatus means an end to their wealth, their businesses, and for many, their lives. As they see it they have no stake in a Syria without their rulership, so better to destroy Syria then to surrender their leadership. Further, they seem to be playing up the specter of another Libya to the West: do as we say and leave us be or you'll be dragged even further into the tangles of our wars. No western nation can afford, financially or politically, to take on yet another Middle Eastern war and Syria knows it. This is why they have cut to the chase, so to speak. The brutality is early and raw and Assad will not have weeks of protests roiling his countries, he seeks to kill his internal enemies quickly. It will not work, obviously. He has already lost his grip on the populace. They will remain whether it is in a low grade civil conflict or whether they remain just out of reach, as they do in Iran. This has many years to play out, I just hope it resolves better than our last foray into the Middle East did.
This could be the earliest stages of the Syrian Civil War we are seeing, though I suppose there is still time for the regime to capitulate. But, I simply don't see the regime capitulating. Ever. One glance at what happened in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya should quell any illusions we have that Assad will grant any freedoms.
The Syrian elite represent the minority ruling class. An end to their control of the ruling apparatus means an end to their wealth, their businesses, and for many, their lives. As they see it they have no stake in a Syria without their rulership, so better to destroy Syria then to surrender their leadership. Further, they seem to be playing up the specter of another Libya to the West: do as we say and leave us be or you'll be dragged even further into the tangles of our wars. No western nation can afford, financially or politically, to take on yet another Middle Eastern war and Syria knows it. This is why they have cut to the chase, so to speak. The brutality is early and raw and Assad will not have weeks of protests roiling his countries, he seeks to kill his internal enemies quickly. It will not work, obviously. He has already lost his grip on the populace. They will remain whether it is in a low grade civil conflict or whether they remain just out of reach, as they do in Iran. This has many years to play out, I just hope it resolves better than our last foray into the Middle East did.
Trump collapses
http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2011/05/trump-collapses.html
Not physically, just in the sense of people liking him and taking him seriously. Those who were betting that he would never even run are looking very wise right now. Note to The Donald: if you are going to weld yourself to one issue, make sure that its not an issue that can be swatted down pretty easily. You'll follow.
Donald Trump has had one of the quickest rises and falls in the history of Presidential politics. Last month we found him leading the Republican field with 26%. In the space of just four weeks he's dropped all the way down to 8%, putting him in a tie for fifth place with Ron Paul.
Not physically, just in the sense of people liking him and taking him seriously. Those who were betting that he would never even run are looking very wise right now. Note to The Donald: if you are going to weld yourself to one issue, make sure that its not an issue that can be swatted down pretty easily. You'll follow.
Donald Trump has had one of the quickest rises and falls in the history of Presidential politics. Last month we found him leading the Republican field with 26%. In the space of just four weeks he's dropped all the way down to 8%, putting him in a tie for fifth place with Ron Paul.
Mitch Daniels and the Talk Radio Right - Ross Douthat
http://douthat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/10/mitch-daniels-and-the-talk-radio-right/#
This is where the populist style in conservative politics becomes self-defeating. The underlying theory behind the talk radio critique of Daniels is basically that you can’t trust a man who disarms liberals with his seeming reasonability, and what you need instead is somebody who takes the fight to the left at every opportunity. This is an excellent description of the qualities required … to be a good talk radio host. But when applied to the presidential scene, it amounts to a kind of politics of schadenfreude, in which actual conservative accomplishments count for nothing, the ability to woo undecided voters is downgraded or dismissed, and all that matters is how much a prospective candidate irritates liberals.
Exhibit A: Dick Cheney, a man that conservatives disagree with on just about everything. Yet he's considered the uber-conservative, based soley on the fact that he's unlikeable and irritates liberals and moderates.
This is where the populist style in conservative politics becomes self-defeating. The underlying theory behind the talk radio critique of Daniels is basically that you can’t trust a man who disarms liberals with his seeming reasonability, and what you need instead is somebody who takes the fight to the left at every opportunity. This is an excellent description of the qualities required … to be a good talk radio host. But when applied to the presidential scene, it amounts to a kind of politics of schadenfreude, in which actual conservative accomplishments count for nothing, the ability to woo undecided voters is downgraded or dismissed, and all that matters is how much a prospective candidate irritates liberals.
Exhibit A: Dick Cheney, a man that conservatives disagree with on just about everything. Yet he's considered the uber-conservative, based soley on the fact that he's unlikeable and irritates liberals and moderates.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
With Help From NATO, Libyan Rebels Gain Ground - CJ Chivers
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/10/world/africa/10libya.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
If you want to know why countries should be cautious when contemplating an intervention, Libya is a perfect example of what can go wrong. Qaddafi will be negotiating his safe passage and a return of some of his assets in two years while his countrymen struggle to learn the basics of democracy. I say that in the face of the fact that it is becoming more and more clear that the entire civil war hinges on whether he is alive or dead. If he could be removed from the equation, there is no government.
If you want to know why countries should be cautious when contemplating an intervention, Libya is a perfect example of what can go wrong. Qaddafi will be negotiating his safe passage and a return of some of his assets in two years while his countrymen struggle to learn the basics of democracy. I say that in the face of the fact that it is becoming more and more clear that the entire civil war hinges on whether he is alive or dead. If he could be removed from the equation, there is no government.
Gingrich Set to Run, With Wife in Central Role - Sheryl Gay Stolberg
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/10/us/politics/10gingrich.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
There is an old adage about turning your enemy's strength into a weakness, and your weakness into a strength. Some people are confused by this and think that any weakness can be turned into a strength. Or, they think that the first weakness they think of, probably the most obvious weakness, is the one they should try to hammer into a strength. That is called stupidity. That is called anchoring your effort on your weakest point.
There is an old adage about turning your enemy's strength into a weakness, and your weakness into a strength. Some people are confused by this and think that any weakness can be turned into a strength. Or, they think that the first weakness they think of, probably the most obvious weakness, is the one they should try to hammer into a strength. That is called stupidity. That is called anchoring your effort on your weakest point.
2012 and the Republican rescue fantasy - Byron York
http://washingtonexaminer.com/politics/2011/05/2012-and-republican-rescue-fantasy
Talk to enough people around this key primary state and you'll learn two lessons, over and over again. One is that there is absolutely, positively no unity among Republicans about any presidential candidate or potential candidate; there's no such thing as a frontrunner. The other is that in the back of their minds, many Republicans are hoping that somewhere, somehow, a superhero candidate will swoop down out of the sky and rescue them from their current lackluster presidential field. They know it's a fantasy, but they still hope.
Talk to enough people around this key primary state and you'll learn two lessons, over and over again. One is that there is absolutely, positively no unity among Republicans about any presidential candidate or potential candidate; there's no such thing as a frontrunner. The other is that in the back of their minds, many Republicans are hoping that somewhere, somehow, a superhero candidate will swoop down out of the sky and rescue them from their current lackluster presidential field. They know it's a fantasy, but they still hope.
Osama bin Laden mission agreed in secret 10 years ago by US and Pakistan -Declan Walsh
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/09/osama-bin-laden-us-pakistan-deal
The deal was struck between the military leader General Pervez Musharraf and President George Bush after Bin Laden escaped US forces in the mountains of Tora Bora in late 2001, according to serving and retired Pakistani and US officials.
Under its terms, Pakistan would allow US forces to conduct a unilateral raid inside Pakistan in search of Bin Laden, his deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, and the al-Qaida No3. Afterwards, both sides agreed, Pakistan would vociferously protest the incursion.
The deal was struck between the military leader General Pervez Musharraf and President George Bush after Bin Laden escaped US forces in the mountains of Tora Bora in late 2001, according to serving and retired Pakistani and US officials.
Under its terms, Pakistan would allow US forces to conduct a unilateral raid inside Pakistan in search of Bin Laden, his deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, and the al-Qaida No3. Afterwards, both sides agreed, Pakistan would vociferously protest the incursion.
U.S. Braced for Fights With Pakistanis in Bin Laden Raid - By ERIC SCHMITT, THOM SHANKER and DAVID E. SANGER
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/10/world/asia/10intel.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
In revealing additional details about planning for the mission, senior officials also said that two teams of specialists were on standby: One to bury Bin Laden if he was killed, and a second composed of lawyers, interrogators and translators in case he was captured alive. That team was set to meet aboard a Navy ship, most likely the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson in the North Arabian Sea.
About 10 days before the raid, Mr. Obama reviewed the plans and pressed his commanders as to whether they were taking along enough forces to fight their way out if the Pakistanis arrived on the scene and tried to interfere with the operation.
That resulted in the decision to send two more helicopters carrying additional troops. These followed the two lead Black Hawk helicopters that carried the actual assault team. While there was no confrontation with the Pakistanis, one of those backup helicopters was ultimately brought in to the scene of the raid when a Black Hawk was damaged while making a hard landing.
In revealing additional details about planning for the mission, senior officials also said that two teams of specialists were on standby: One to bury Bin Laden if he was killed, and a second composed of lawyers, interrogators and translators in case he was captured alive. That team was set to meet aboard a Navy ship, most likely the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson in the North Arabian Sea.
About 10 days before the raid, Mr. Obama reviewed the plans and pressed his commanders as to whether they were taking along enough forces to fight their way out if the Pakistanis arrived on the scene and tried to interfere with the operation.
That resulted in the decision to send two more helicopters carrying additional troops. These followed the two lead Black Hawk helicopters that carried the actual assault team. While there was no confrontation with the Pakistanis, one of those backup helicopters was ultimately brought in to the scene of the raid when a Black Hawk was damaged while making a hard landing.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Syria Broadens Deadly Crackdown on Protesters - Anthony Shadid
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/09/world/middleeast/09syria.html?_r=2&hp
The breadth of the assault — from the Mediterranean coast to the poor steppe of southern Syria — seemed to represent an important turn in an uprising that has posed the gravest challenge to the 11-year-long rule of President Bashar al-Assad. Though officials have continued to hint at reforms, and even gingerly reached out to some dissidents last week, the escalation of the crackdown seemed to signal the government’s intent to end the uprising by force.
The breadth of the assault — from the Mediterranean coast to the poor steppe of southern Syria — seemed to represent an important turn in an uprising that has posed the gravest challenge to the 11-year-long rule of President Bashar al-Assad. Though officials have continued to hint at reforms, and even gingerly reached out to some dissidents last week, the escalation of the crackdown seemed to signal the government’s intent to end the uprising by force.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Fox ends contracts of Gingrich, Santorum - Ben Smith
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0511/Fox_ends_contracts_of_Gingrich_Santorum.html
Not because they are pretending to run for president so they can become rich...well, actually that is the reason.
Not because they are pretending to run for president so they can become rich...well, actually that is the reason.
Haiti's cholera misery: 5,000 dead – and UN peacekeepers to blame - Guy Adams
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/haitis-cholera-misery-5000-dead-ndash-and-un-peacekeepers-to-blame-2279804.html
So basically the peacekeepers from Nepal designed and installed a septic pit for their own use while they brought Haiti into the early-20th century, using all of Nepal's reputation as an engineering and technology powerhouse. Anyhoo, this septic tank was "badly designed" and began to leak "shit" into the the Meye River, which is a source of drinking water for the Haitian locals. Cholera ensued and now 5,000 people are dead and there is a minor cholera epidemic to add to the other epidemics and disasters that make their year-round home in sunny Haiti. The Haitians, quite understandably, are pretty pissed off.
What can we take from this? Aside from the fact that you never allow your septic pit to be designed by anyone who isn't German, Haiti will be this way for the next 100 years. These "temporary" refugee camps will soon become permanent shanty towns, rife with everything that plagued Haiti before this particular disaster, dooming another three generations to disease, corruption and violence.
So basically the peacekeepers from Nepal designed and installed a septic pit for their own use while they brought Haiti into the early-20th century, using all of Nepal's reputation as an engineering and technology powerhouse. Anyhoo, this septic tank was "badly designed" and began to leak "shit" into the the Meye River, which is a source of drinking water for the Haitian locals. Cholera ensued and now 5,000 people are dead and there is a minor cholera epidemic to add to the other epidemics and disasters that make their year-round home in sunny Haiti. The Haitians, quite understandably, are pretty pissed off.
What can we take from this? Aside from the fact that you never allow your septic pit to be designed by anyone who isn't German, Haiti will be this way for the next 100 years. These "temporary" refugee camps will soon become permanent shanty towns, rife with everything that plagued Haiti before this particular disaster, dooming another three generations to disease, corruption and violence.
Why is Pawlenty On Stage With These Crazy People? - Noah Kristula-Green and Tim Mak
http://www.frumforum.com/why-is-pawlenty-on-stage-with-these-crazy-people
Because he has no choice in the matter. TPaw is the nice guy dad who would normally be considered a serious candidate, except that he decided to run in the year of the Jersey Shore GOP, rendering him hopelessly boring in the face of such John Bircher kooks. I assume that he was looking for name recognition, maybe a neat zinger moment. Instead he was upstatged by Herman Cain and the sight of Ron Paul acting like a junkie. TPaw, start warming up the bus. It ain't meant to be.
On the bright side Rick Santorum has his ass handed to him by a Fox News moderator.
Because he has no choice in the matter. TPaw is the nice guy dad who would normally be considered a serious candidate, except that he decided to run in the year of the Jersey Shore GOP, rendering him hopelessly boring in the face of such John Bircher kooks. I assume that he was looking for name recognition, maybe a neat zinger moment. Instead he was upstatged by Herman Cain and the sight of Ron Paul acting like a junkie. TPaw, start warming up the bus. It ain't meant to be.
On the bright side Rick Santorum has his ass handed to him by a Fox News moderator.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
The Do-Nothing Frontrunner - Josh Green
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/05/the-do-nothing-frontrunner/238376/?&utm_content=Google+Reader
In a field as weak as the current one, Romney can win without really exciting anybody. The key is for him to wait patiently until the noisier contenders burn themselves out like Roman candles and the conservative mood shifts from eager anticipation to concern to desperation. This process is already underway.
Soon enough, conservatives will start to panic. They'll realize that they need someone who is serious, sober, competent, and unlikely to embarrass them; someone who won't look ridiculous debating President Obama. Romney is all these things and hasn't had to lift a finger to convince anyone of it. Until then, the best thing he can do to promote himself is nothing at all.
In a field as weak as the current one, Romney can win without really exciting anybody. The key is for him to wait patiently until the noisier contenders burn themselves out like Roman candles and the conservative mood shifts from eager anticipation to concern to desperation. This process is already underway.
Soon enough, conservatives will start to panic. They'll realize that they need someone who is serious, sober, competent, and unlikely to embarrass them; someone who won't look ridiculous debating President Obama. Romney is all these things and hasn't had to lift a finger to convince anyone of it. Until then, the best thing he can do to promote himself is nothing at all.
Signs Point to Pakistan Link - ADAM ENTOUS, JULIAN E. BARNES and MATTHEW ROSENBERG
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704322804576303553679080310.html
I think that Pakistan's dilemma is that support for religious radicals is both an unfortunately necessary way to retain legitimacy in the eyes of many of its citizens, and also (and probably because of) that same support is ingrained in much of their military and intelligence apparatus. That is not to say that the military or intelligence services are arrayed against us and stand in allegiance with the radicals. Far from it. There are many within those services that would support the US against their own government. The problem is myriad, but suffice it to say that there are pockets of allegiance to the government, the West, money, religion and the radicals all competing against each other for the soul of Pakistan.
Add to that the fact that for many years the Pakistanis have used the radicals to wage their proxy war against India, and many in the Pakistani military may consider India enough of a threat to consider it worth their time to agitate the US here and there in exchange for continued cannon fodder to use against the Indians. Further, the support of the radicals and the rural and border regions they originate from is critical to any government that hopes to keep the lid on the pot while ruling the country. You just can't maintain legitimacy and ignore them. Well, you can but it requires one of the many military juntas that have plagued Pakistan in the past to take power.
So we're left with a nuclear armed power that must give tacit if not express support to radicals. It finds that its rivalry with India probably supersedes any benefit it gets from its relationship with the US, or that they are at least equal, and must each be attended to with great care. The radicals provide personnel and intelligence in the proxy war Pakistan maintains against India for the disputed province of Kashmir, which cannot be abandoned or it would quite probably plunge Pakistan into further chaos as the radicals would enter open revolt against the Pakistani government. So the many in the ISI play both sides, perhaps out of loyalty but more likely out of consideration of other interests, allowing some activity against the US and the West but probably drawing the line at other points.
This is the opaque Central Asian pattern that has been at work for ten thousand years and while there is no reason for us to expect that the attacks on September 11th, 2001 would change that calculus, there is also no reason for us to simply accept it. That is why there was a blackout in terms of telling the Pakistanis about our raid, because while we can trust some, we're not even sure who they are.
I think that Pakistan's dilemma is that support for religious radicals is both an unfortunately necessary way to retain legitimacy in the eyes of many of its citizens, and also (and probably because of) that same support is ingrained in much of their military and intelligence apparatus. That is not to say that the military or intelligence services are arrayed against us and stand in allegiance with the radicals. Far from it. There are many within those services that would support the US against their own government. The problem is myriad, but suffice it to say that there are pockets of allegiance to the government, the West, money, religion and the radicals all competing against each other for the soul of Pakistan.
Add to that the fact that for many years the Pakistanis have used the radicals to wage their proxy war against India, and many in the Pakistani military may consider India enough of a threat to consider it worth their time to agitate the US here and there in exchange for continued cannon fodder to use against the Indians. Further, the support of the radicals and the rural and border regions they originate from is critical to any government that hopes to keep the lid on the pot while ruling the country. You just can't maintain legitimacy and ignore them. Well, you can but it requires one of the many military juntas that have plagued Pakistan in the past to take power.
So we're left with a nuclear armed power that must give tacit if not express support to radicals. It finds that its rivalry with India probably supersedes any benefit it gets from its relationship with the US, or that they are at least equal, and must each be attended to with great care. The radicals provide personnel and intelligence in the proxy war Pakistan maintains against India for the disputed province of Kashmir, which cannot be abandoned or it would quite probably plunge Pakistan into further chaos as the radicals would enter open revolt against the Pakistani government. So the many in the ISI play both sides, perhaps out of loyalty but more likely out of consideration of other interests, allowing some activity against the US and the West but probably drawing the line at other points.
This is the opaque Central Asian pattern that has been at work for ten thousand years and while there is no reason for us to expect that the attacks on September 11th, 2001 would change that calculus, there is also no reason for us to simply accept it. That is why there was a blackout in terms of telling the Pakistanis about our raid, because while we can trust some, we're not even sure who they are.
Matthew Norman: Obama has shown the world why it fell in love with him
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/matthew-norman/matthew-norman-obama-has-shown-the-world-why-it-fell-in-love-with-him-2278391.html
The Post Modern presidency seeks consensus, not unitlateralism, to achieve its goals. It reserves the right to act alone, as we did in Pakistan this Sunday, but strives to unite allies based on their common desires. In doing so it does not abdicate its leadership position, but instead seeks to solidify it in long-term actions. This is how the Europeans prefer we act, since they often get dragged along either way, which goes a long way in explaining why they love Obama perhaps more than we do.
Obama bet not only his presidency on that raid, he bet the entire Afghan War, the 2012 election,, and probably even our remaining cache with many of our allies. Had it failed all of those would have been down the drain. He deserves some credit for that at least.
The Post Modern presidency seeks consensus, not unitlateralism, to achieve its goals. It reserves the right to act alone, as we did in Pakistan this Sunday, but strives to unite allies based on their common desires. In doing so it does not abdicate its leadership position, but instead seeks to solidify it in long-term actions. This is how the Europeans prefer we act, since they often get dragged along either way, which goes a long way in explaining why they love Obama perhaps more than we do.
Obama bet not only his presidency on that raid, he bet the entire Afghan War, the 2012 election,, and probably even our remaining cache with many of our allies. Had it failed all of those would have been down the drain. He deserves some credit for that at least.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Decline of the working man - Why ever fewer low-skilled American men have jobs -
http://www.economist.com/node/18618613
The decline of the working American man has been most marked among the less educated and blacks. If you adjust official data to include men in prison or the armed forces (who are left out of the raw numbers), around 35% of 25- to 54-year-old men with no high-school diploma have no job, up from around 10% in the 1960s. Of those who finished high school but did not go to college, the fraction without work has climbed from below 5% in the 1960s to almost 25% (see chart 2). Among blacks, more than 30% overall and almost 70% of high-school dropouts have no job.
These figures are likely to improve as the economic recovery continues, but probably not by much. The pattern of the past four decades suggests a ratchet effect: the share of poorly educated men in work falls in recessions and fails to recover fully in subsequent expansions. The effect could be especially strong this time.
The decline of the working American man has been most marked among the less educated and blacks. If you adjust official data to include men in prison or the armed forces (who are left out of the raw numbers), around 35% of 25- to 54-year-old men with no high-school diploma have no job, up from around 10% in the 1960s. Of those who finished high school but did not go to college, the fraction without work has climbed from below 5% in the 1960s to almost 25% (see chart 2). Among blacks, more than 30% overall and almost 70% of high-school dropouts have no job.
These figures are likely to improve as the economic recovery continues, but probably not by much. The pattern of the past four decades suggests a ratchet effect: the share of poorly educated men in work falls in recessions and fails to recover fully in subsequent expansions. The effect could be especially strong this time.
US DVD sales plummet 20% - Mark Sweney
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/may/03/us-dvd-sales-online-tv
DVD sales plunged 20% in the US in the first quarter of 2011, with Hollywood studios blaming the timing of Easter and a glut of blockbuster releases in the same period last year for the $500m (£303m) year-on-year revenue slump.
The sale of DVDs and Blu-ray discs fell from $2.58bn to just more than $2bn in the first three months of the year, according to a report by industry body the Digital Entertainment Group. The DEG study also found rentals of DVDs through outlets such as Blockbuster plunged 36% year on year to $440m.
However, consumer spending on streaming and subscription services such as Netflix rose 33% to $695m
I don't know for sure but I suspect that the market will shrink the need for DVDs but they will not disappear altogether. I don't mean that they will phase out like VHS, I mean that there seems to be a need and a desire to have something portable and something to display. You can't carry that copy of The Little Mermaid with you on vacation if its only on the DVR and there's no way for you to "flaunt" your exacting taste in movies if they are just on your hard drive. There has to be natural level of consumption for DVDs, as they are right now the most ideal technology for portable entertainment. I could be wrong but I think the market is seeking that natural level of consumption.
DVD sales plunged 20% in the US in the first quarter of 2011, with Hollywood studios blaming the timing of Easter and a glut of blockbuster releases in the same period last year for the $500m (£303m) year-on-year revenue slump.
The sale of DVDs and Blu-ray discs fell from $2.58bn to just more than $2bn in the first three months of the year, according to a report by industry body the Digital Entertainment Group. The DEG study also found rentals of DVDs through outlets such as Blockbuster plunged 36% year on year to $440m.
However, consumer spending on streaming and subscription services such as Netflix rose 33% to $695m
I don't know for sure but I suspect that the market will shrink the need for DVDs but they will not disappear altogether. I don't mean that they will phase out like VHS, I mean that there seems to be a need and a desire to have something portable and something to display. You can't carry that copy of The Little Mermaid with you on vacation if its only on the DVR and there's no way for you to "flaunt" your exacting taste in movies if they are just on your hard drive. There has to be natural level of consumption for DVDs, as they are right now the most ideal technology for portable entertainment. I could be wrong but I think the market is seeking that natural level of consumption.
South Carolina presidential debate still on, with or without candidates - Matea Gold
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-fox-south-carolina-debate-20110503,0,4969337.story
This must have looked good on paper in 2009, to have a debate in April, when you would assume that at least one person would have confirmed that they were running for president. This must have been what was conceived as the opening salvo for 19 months of assualt on Obama. Instead it is a spotlight event for the action dynamo Tim Pawlenty and two kooks taking place while the country is fixated on the death of bin Laden. Bravo.
This must have looked good on paper in 2009, to have a debate in April, when you would assume that at least one person would have confirmed that they were running for president. This must have been what was conceived as the opening salvo for 19 months of assualt on Obama. Instead it is a spotlight event for the action dynamo Tim Pawlenty and two kooks taking place while the country is fixated on the death of bin Laden. Bravo.
Jon Huntsman takes step toward 2012 bid - JONATHAN MARTIN
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0511/54226.html
John Huntsman, I respect you and I closely resemble you in your politics, but you will be ripped apart for the amusement of the teacons during the primary. The fact that John Huntsman, a very respectable Republican candidate in the pre-W days, will be pummeled for his politics in the coming months is a good indicator why I and others like me cannot describe themselves as Republican.
John Huntsman, I respect you and I closely resemble you in your politics, but you will be ripped apart for the amusement of the teacons during the primary. The fact that John Huntsman, a very respectable Republican candidate in the pre-W days, will be pummeled for his politics in the coming months is a good indicator why I and others like me cannot describe themselves as Republican.
Santorum: Adopting Children Is A ‘Privilege’ That Gay People Aren’t Entitled To - Igor Volsky
http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2011/05/03/santorum-adoption-gay/
Have we finally reached the point where Santorum is simply a shock headline for a slow news day rather than a person we take seriously as a presidential candidate? This buffoon simply walks around drooling divisive quotes from his slack mouth, accepting money from starry eyed suckers and hoping that one day he can get his name on the marquee of a real live Washington think tank. If he does, which is a probability, it had better be one that does not espouse any theory about exceptionalism or hard work, neither of which in any sense describes this moron.
Have we finally reached the point where Santorum is simply a shock headline for a slow news day rather than a person we take seriously as a presidential candidate? This buffoon simply walks around drooling divisive quotes from his slack mouth, accepting money from starry eyed suckers and hoping that one day he can get his name on the marquee of a real live Washington think tank. If he does, which is a probability, it had better be one that does not espouse any theory about exceptionalism or hard work, neither of which in any sense describes this moron.
Senate Intel Chair: Torture Did Not Lead To Bin Laden In Any Way - Brian Beutler
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/05/senate-intel-chair-torture-did-not-lead-to-bin-laden-in-any-way.php
"I think the red-teaming of the intelligence was significant, and they red-teamed and red-teamed and red-teamed. And of course what that means is they looked for reasons why what they had as a piece of intelligence might not be accurate, or might indicate something else," Feinstein said. "And that's a very good process -- it's a solid process -- because it exposes weaknesses in the intelligence.... It didn't happen over the Iraq National Intelligence Estimate."
"I think the red-teaming of the intelligence was significant, and they red-teamed and red-teamed and red-teamed. And of course what that means is they looked for reasons why what they had as a piece of intelligence might not be accurate, or might indicate something else," Feinstein said. "And that's a very good process -- it's a solid process -- because it exposes weaknesses in the intelligence.... It didn't happen over the Iraq National Intelligence Estimate."
How we get risk wrong - Ezra Klein
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/how_we_get_risk_wrong/2011/05/03/AF6JF3fF_blog.html?wprss=ezra-klein
1) “We tend to exaggerate spectacular and rare risks and downplay common risks. So, flying versus driving.”
2) “The unknown is perceived to be riskier than the familiar. One example would be people fear kidnapping by strangers, when the data supports kidnapping by relatives is much more common.”
3) “Personified risks are perceived to be greater than anonymous risk. So Bin Laden is scarier because he has a name.”
4) “People underestimate risks in situations they do control and overestimate them in situations they don’t control. So once you take up skydiving or smoking, you downplay the risks. If a risk is thrust upon you — terrorism was a good example — you’ll overplay it, because you don’t feel like it’s in your control.”
5) “What newspapers do is they repeat again and again rare risks. I tell people, if it’s in the news, don’t worry about it. Because, by definition, news is something that almost never happens. When something is so common, it’s no longer news — car crashes, domestic violence — those are the risks you worry about.”
1) “We tend to exaggerate spectacular and rare risks and downplay common risks. So, flying versus driving.”
2) “The unknown is perceived to be riskier than the familiar. One example would be people fear kidnapping by strangers, when the data supports kidnapping by relatives is much more common.”
3) “Personified risks are perceived to be greater than anonymous risk. So Bin Laden is scarier because he has a name.”
4) “People underestimate risks in situations they do control and overestimate them in situations they don’t control. So once you take up skydiving or smoking, you downplay the risks. If a risk is thrust upon you — terrorism was a good example — you’ll overplay it, because you don’t feel like it’s in your control.”
5) “What newspapers do is they repeat again and again rare risks. I tell people, if it’s in the news, don’t worry about it. Because, by definition, news is something that almost never happens. When something is so common, it’s no longer news — car crashes, domestic violence — those are the risks you worry about.”
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Phone Call by Kuwaiti Courier Led to Bin Laden - ADAM GOLDMAN and MATT APUZZO
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=13512344
Mohammed did not discuss al-Kuwaiti while being subjected to the simulated drowning technique known as waterboarding, former officials said. He acknowledged knowing him many months later under standard interrogation, they said, leaving it once again up for debate as to whether the harsh technique was a valuable tool or an unnecessarily violent tactic.
Mohammed did not discuss al-Kuwaiti while being subjected to the simulated drowning technique known as waterboarding, former officials said. He acknowledged knowing him many months later under standard interrogation, they said, leaving it once again up for debate as to whether the harsh technique was a valuable tool or an unnecessarily violent tactic.
Behind the Hunt for Bin Laden - MARK MAZZETTI, HELENE COOPER and PETER BAKER
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/world/asia/03intel.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
On a moonless night eight months later, 79 American commandos in four helicopters descended on the compound, the officials said. Shots rang out. A helicopter stalled and would not take off. Pakistani authorities, kept in the dark by their allies in Washington, scrambled forces as the American commandos rushed to finish their mission and leave before a confrontation. Of the five dead, one was a tall, bearded man with a bloodied face and a bullet in his head. A member of the Navy Seals snapped his picture with a camera and uploaded it to analysts who fed it into a facial recognition program.
And just like that, history’s most expansive, expensive and exasperating manhunt was over.
On a moonless night eight months later, 79 American commandos in four helicopters descended on the compound, the officials said. Shots rang out. A helicopter stalled and would not take off. Pakistani authorities, kept in the dark by their allies in Washington, scrambled forces as the American commandos rushed to finish their mission and leave before a confrontation. Of the five dead, one was a tall, bearded man with a bloodied face and a bullet in his head. A member of the Navy Seals snapped his picture with a camera and uploaded it to analysts who fed it into a facial recognition program.
And just like that, history’s most expansive, expensive and exasperating manhunt was over.
Monday, May 2, 2011
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