Whenever I hear "16 intelligence agencies strongly agree" I think back to the report that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. They claimed they all agreed! Why is the CIA a bastion of honesty all the sudden? Politics much?
Very strange that a lot of people are pushing Trump to essentially start another cold war with Russia. It's odd to see ostensibly anti-war people siding with John McCain to escalate a confrontation with Moscow. Be careful what you wish for. Republicans love war. If all sides john the neocons in beating the drums of war, then why wouldn't trump go all in with a war on Russia?
The worst part of the report actually said that an anti-fracking report put out by RT proves that Russia is maliciously plotting to influence American politics. Seriously? I kid you not:
"RT runs anti-fracking programming,
highlighting environmental issues and the
impacts on public health. This is likely
reflective of the Russian Government's
concern about the impact of fracking and
US natural gas production on the global
energy market and the potential challenges
to Gazprom's profitability" - https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/3254239-Russia-Hacking-report.html
Are democrats and leftists siding with hawks like McCain with wanting a new cold war with Russia? I'm beginning to understand that many people don't care about the issues, war and peace, they are political animals that can switch or change "values" based upon political manuevering. Ok, now we're the war party, got it.
He;s playing with fire. "Sweet revenge" involves provoking a potential war with a nuclear power. Does the scorched earth method of Obama creating crisis after crisis right before Trump takes office benefit the American people? Now, if you are smart enough to figure out that he is trying to help democrats in 2020, in dec 2016, then won't millions of people figure out what Obama has done when 2020 rolls around? Won't this cause Americans to vote against this type of scheme.
A day late and a dollar short. If Obama wanted to do this he would have eight years ago. Doing it a month before he leaves office is just a symbolic gesture to pad his legacy. It's like a retiring CEO making a difficult decision a week before he leaves; he doesn't have to worry about the consequences.
I feel like this is manufactured or fake news. First, there are reports that he is attending and receiving the intel briefs. Second, he isn't even president yet. This is all political from the left. Yet the right did the same thing to Obama..I guess this is American politics.
Many people on the left and right reach for an overarching conspiracy that explains a problem. I think it makes it easier to blame an outside force. But, Clinton simply wasn't the change candidate. She was the establishment through and through. The insider. Democrats ran the one person that Trump had a chance of beating.
Trump ran his campaign specifically to win the electoral college, which is exactly what he needed to do. That's how you win the American presidential election. If the popular vote is how you win, he would have campaigned accordingly and perhaps would have beaten Clinton in the popular vote. He would have visited Illinois and California and New York more.
An example would be the baseball world series. It is based on the best of 7 format. If the New York Mets score more runs throughout the series than the Sand Deigo Padres, but the Padres win more games, the Mets still lose the series. The padres COULD have played in such a way that they scored more runs (for example, not bunting at all and going for more home runs) but that won't win them the series.
One side says Islam is merely a political system. The other side says Islam is merely a religious system. The truth is Islam is a religiopolitical system. You cannot make the separation between religion and politics in Islam according to historic, orthodox Islam.
Do these refugees support the gay community? Do they believe that homosexuality should be outlawed? Would people accept these refugees with open arms into the country if they were Westboro baptist Christians? My question is why doesn't Saudi Arabia take in the refugees? I think it is not wise to bring in so many people who oppose a free and open society. Not to mention how many refugees are radicalized from years of war and strife? The United States has caused a lot of problems in terms of war in the middle east, not sure if they actually want to live here peacefully.
"3. Salafi Jihadis don’t, in particular, frequent gay bars.
4. Salafi Jihadis don’t text potential hook-ups using a gay dating app."
"It is possible, in fact, that his psychotic break came from being jilted at the club, and the massacre was his revenge"
This is a completely different narrative than what we are hearing in the media and from the LGBT community: this was a hate crime from a bigoted individual who hates the LGBT lifestyle. However, now we're finding out that he was one of them, got jilted (perhaps his lover broke up with him?), and had a psychotic break down and committed an act of revenge.
Why does it feel like we're being forced to take one of the two extreme perspectives: Either he was a full-blown Islamic terrorist, trained and guided by ISIS commanders, or: He was a nominal Muslim who committed a major hate crime because of his bigoted, hateful beliefs about gays.
I don't think he was a trained terrorist cell-member activated by ISIS. But I do believe his religious beliefs have some bearing on this conversation. My question is what does Islam teach about homosexuality? He absolutely committed a vicious hate crime against against the LGBT community, but where did this hate come from? Ask yourself why some radical Muslim countries prescribe the death penalty for homosexuals. A person's religious affiliation does have bearing on what they do and say, does it not?
six marines were killed trying to find Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. And apparently Bergdahl abandoned his post and deserted the army. Will we see treason charges?
Can you name one civilization 2000 years ago where slavery wasn't part of the economic system? If the the Bible sought to abolish slavery, then you're describing a revolutionary movement that aims to overthrow all governments and civilizations worldwide. It's like expecting the American government to embrace gay marriage in the 1950s; it just wasn't going to happen.
Unless I missed it, nowhere in the above clips does he say the first amendment only protects Christians; it seems to me he is saying that this nation was founded on the Bible and "the God of the Holy Scriptures." Not saying I agree with him, but it would be similar to a Judge in Saudi Arabia or Egypt saying that their country is founded on the Quran and Allah.
Here is what I don't understand: Homeland Security and the national security state has been built up to unprecedented levels in the last 12 years; however, if, as you say, Bundy and his followers are advocating/threatening violence and terrorism, why aren't they arrested under the Patriot Act? Forget the grazing fees, how about terrorism charges? I have the answer: Bundy and his militia have popular support across the country, even many elected officials are coming to his aid. Interesting comparison.
The cheapest healthcare/obamacare premium for me and my family is $625 with 40 copay. I checked it this morning. It seems the democrats and insurance companies are also saying, "let them eat cake." I cannot afford Obamacare.
Let's see a Ghoul's glossary definition of "Peace candidate" "Peace prize". Then we can look up "Transparency" while we're at it! oh, "Change" and "Hope" would be great ones as well.
Juan Cole is a published author. I can think of three of his books off the top of my head. Also, he has written some fascinating scholarly articles on religion. Don't quit your day job for this trolling gig.
If the US can oust the PNAC politicians from winning elections, and Iran can show progress and flexibility, and Russia and the US can work together diplomatically, there is a great chance that we can live in a peaceful planet!
Most observers say that air strikes on Syria will not produce a regime change. Even the pro-strike folks admit this. Boots on the ground along with strikes will produce a regime change.
The American people are overwhelmingly against military air strikes and even more against "boots on the ground". The President is lucky that the Syria vote was cancelled in Congress because it became real clear that the votes were not there, even in the Senate.
Basically what you're saying is President Obama should unilaterally, against the wishes of the international community, congress and the America people, proceed with an uncertain war on Syria.
Now, let's say the war happened without the Russian cw agreement. You have a situation where the Al-Qaeda factions amongst the rebels could theoretically get their hands on CWs. Not to mention air strikes could inadvertently explode the Cws on civilian populations.
You don't have to be an Assad apologist to be against military strikes on Syria. I think that is a simplistic, ad-hominem argument. It is also unfair and simplistic to label everyone who supports a strike on Syria as Al-Qaeda sympathizers or apologists.
The question is: would a US strike/and or war on the Syrian government end or reduce the bloodshed? If you think it would reduce the violence let's hear your arguments. Looking at recent history of US wars in the middle east I don't think military intervention reduces violence.
"This is a damning episode that shows Obama can’t handle foreign policy well, that weakens the US’ stature internationally even more than the Iraq and Afghan Wars or drone strikes could have, that really marks a low point for post-Cold War America."
I'm not one to defend Obama but a unilateral attack on Syria would have devastated the US’ stature internationally.
Syria is already saying that they will give up their CWs only when the US stops sending weapons to AlQaeda rebels in Syria. Honestly I don't think Syria will give up their weapons anytime soon. Russia and Syria just stopped a war that had already lost its momentum. And as time goes by I don't think Obama can convince the world and the American people the need for strikes on Syria. President Obama is happy all the same because he got to save face.
I could be wrong but here is how I see it: If President Obama orders an attack without UN support he is harming the International Law movement, and if he attacks without Congressional approval, he is hurting the movement for Constitution checks and balances. The only group of people benefits from an attack on Syria is the PNAC boys and the movement for an imperial president: Bolton, Kristal, the Bushes, etc.
Why would he put himself at a disadvantage? Hmm, I don't know, the US is threatening war and if he takes a look at Iraq, Libya and others countries he might want to do whatever it takes to avoid a situation where the most powerful military in human history doesn't pound him into the stone age.
Also, the rebels are not making that much head way. The rebels are losing badly in Syria and retreating for the most part, which means they had the most to gain by a chem attack.
I think a stronger case (but still weak) can be made for military action against the Al-Qaeda groups fighting the Syrian government. The only other thing worse than a secular authoritarian leader is Al-Qaeda taking over Syria and getting its hands on lethal weapons. At least a secular government has some self-interest to do the right thing and a sense of self-preservation; however, the Al-Qaeda extremists amongst the rebels are beheading Christians and killing kids are actively seeking "martyrdom".
I "love" how John Mccutchen characterizes opposition to war on Syria as "neo-isolationist tea partiers and left wing Democrats". According to this type of attitude, any rational opposition to MORE WAR is from backwater, fringe, marginalized wing nuts.
I think Mr. Mccutchen should look at the polls on the war issue. More than 80% of the American people in some polls are against the Syria strike/war.
Well allow me some hyperbole: those who support another war are neo-conservative and neo-libral Project for a New American Century dick Cheney lover.
Assad keeps Al-Qaeda from beheading the Christians. How selfish of those pesky Christians! They are all in it for themselves. They don't want to lose their head, literally. And, btw, I have immense respect for peaceful Muslims and even the Quran but the only things the Christians can do to satisfy Al-Qaeda is to renounce their faith and convert to their brand of Islam.
In my humble opinion, looking at all the wars and military adventures the US has conducted (especially the last 10 years though one should never forget Vietnam ) doing nothing is the best route if minimizing human suffering is the goal. The whole minimizing human suffering is not a US military strong point.
Let me get this straight. The NSA violates every American's rights in the name of fighting Al Qaeda; however, if we bomb Syria we are essentially Al Qaeda’s air force. Isn't it an act of terror to support Al Qaeda militarily?
What do you think of Jack Goldsmith's (Harvard Law Professor) piece on the proposed Authorization to Use Military Force in Syria which he describes as very broad and could include ground troops. Specifically, "The President is authorized to use the Armed Forces of the United States as he determines to be necessary and appropriate...". It basically gives the President a blank check. It is not a vote to authorize a limited strike on Syria; instead it authorizes the President to use military force against Syria in any manner the President deems necessary and appropriate. Of course, this is expected. Lawyer typically try avoid to avoid specifics and write very broadly so that their client has the maximum amount of freedom to do whatever they want. But I think this lessons the chance the Authorization will pass in congress. Congress doesn't want to sign their name to an open-ended war authorization. I could be wrong.
I'll be interested to see how Rand Paul votes; he does a lot of talking and has a base that is more anti-war than pro-war, but he also vying for the presidency in 2016. I don't think he is as anti-war as some would think. And we all know what the GOP did to his father when he took anti-war stances. Sadly, the GOP and even the Tea Party are, at the end of the day, pro-war and imperialism. Tough guys. Of course, Ran Paul is risking aliening his energetic base if he votes "yes".
According to the constitution, only congress can declare war. If this principle is violated, then why do we even have the constitution anymore? And if bombing another country is not considered an act of war then words no longer have any meaning. If the constitution is dead and words don't have meaning, then how can the government expect to run a civil society? Capricious law.
Evangelicals say that lusting after people of the opposite sex is also sinful (outside of marriage), and the Bible says that mere act of looking at a women in a lustful way is adultery in the heart.
"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; 28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. - Matthew 5:27-28
So evangelicals should conclude “Who am I to judge?” And Jesus said in John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
And to be quite honest, the Bible does condemn the act of homosexuality. It is easy to bash Christians for their beliefs but that is what their holy book teaches. Just as I don't understand or agree with many of the passages of the Qur'an, that is their holy scripture and it is very dear to their heart.
How do we change the culture? Millionaire rap artists singing about poppin' caps in blankers and the lyrics that dehumanize women, etc. Trying to get a job wearing pants around your ankles is also a really bad idea.
How do you divorce Islam from politics? Islam is a religio-political system and Muslims say that Islam informs every aspect of life religion, legal/the law, politics, culture, ect.
Here is what I don't understand: Even if you declare him an enemy combatant, he still doesn't have to talk. Unless, of course, McCain and Graham are suggesting that he should be tortured. But even is one is tortured they don't have to talk or they can lie to the torturer. It seems like certain politicians politicize these horrific events. They're are also using it to stop immigration reform, ect.
It's sad that both sides want to place blame on a certain skin color. The right wants it to be a Muslim or Arab so that they can further the whole "war on terror" agenda. Some left wingers want the person to be "right and white" so they can demonize the tea party, which has its problems but i dont think they are terrorists.
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." - Martin Luther King
I hope our government handles this tragedy well. Justice is key but the cynical Machiavellianism philosophy of “You never let a serious crisis go to waste" must be avoided. The American people are tired of war. I sure hope this isn't used as a pretext for more war in the middle east or elsewhere.
Approximately 10,000 die each year in the United States from drunk driving, which is 100,000 a decade (similar to your firearm stats). The US tried to prohibit the manufacture, transportation and sale of alcohol in the 1920s. Prohibition didn't work for alcohol, it doesn't work for drugs, and it probably wouldn't work for guns either. Banning something does not stop people from possessing something. And in fact some say it makes it worse. If they banned guns in America, guns would pour into the streets from mexico and the black market would create more crime. Sure, law biding citizens wouldn't buy the illegal guns, but criminals would. Those who would use a gun to kill an innocent person would not think twice about a gun law. If they break murder laws why not gun laws?
I agree that it is strange and alarming that civilians have semi-automatics; however, many of the people with these types of guns are ex-military, copr or former cops, private government contractors, wealthy people and history channel type gun enthusiasts who like to shot up old cars in the desert.
Now, my only worry is this: How do we propose gathering up all these military guns? There will be a lot of upset ex-cops. ex-marines, ex government type people.
And one more thing: regular hand pistols account for the vast majaority of murders and crimes in this county. semi-auto guns are a small percentage.
That's because most home invaders are armed with guns and are experienced criminals or at least have no qualms about killing others. But, regardless, I would rather have a fighting chance. Do you suggest just hiding under a bed while waiting 15-20 minutes for the police? It goes badly for most people stranded in the ocean but it does slightly help if you have a life jacket
I do think the Founders believed that an armed populace is necessary to keep government tyranny in check. The bill of rights were written in a certain context (war of independence against a tyrannical government). Their main focus was to potect "natural rights of liberty and property". This is not to say we have to adopt the same mindset as the founder because, after all, most of them also believed in salvery and other bad things.
I think we delude ourselves when he assert that the 2nd amendment is only about hunting and sports. We have to be truthful. We mock conservatives for saying "Guns are to keep tyrannical governments in check and for self defense against government." However, that is what the founders believed too. We need to challenge the mindset and argbue that times have changed, not rewrite history and claim that thery founder had duck hunting in mind.
Great! Do we really want another cold war? If McCain, Obama, Grahm, and the neocons had their way then we would restart the cold war.
Whenever I hear "16 intelligence agencies strongly agree" I think back to the report that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. They claimed they all agreed! Why is the CIA a bastion of honesty all the sudden? Politics much?
Very strange that a lot of people are pushing Trump to essentially start another cold war with Russia. It's odd to see ostensibly anti-war people siding with John McCain to escalate a confrontation with Moscow. Be careful what you wish for. Republicans love war. If all sides john the neocons in beating the drums of war, then why wouldn't trump go all in with a war on Russia?
The worst part of the report actually said that an anti-fracking report put out by RT proves that Russia is maliciously plotting to influence American politics. Seriously? I kid you not:
"RT runs anti-fracking programming,
highlighting environmental issues and the
impacts on public health. This is likely
reflective of the Russian Government's
concern about the impact of fracking and
US natural gas production on the global
energy market and the potential challenges
to Gazprom's profitability" - https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/3254239-Russia-Hacking-report.html
Are democrats and leftists siding with hawks like McCain with wanting a new cold war with Russia? I'm beginning to understand that many people don't care about the issues, war and peace, they are political animals that can switch or change "values" based upon political manuevering. Ok, now we're the war party, got it.
When the intelligence agencies swore Saddam had WMD's did you listen then?
He;s playing with fire. "Sweet revenge" involves provoking a potential war with a nuclear power. Does the scorched earth method of Obama creating crisis after crisis right before Trump takes office benefit the American people? Now, if you are smart enough to figure out that he is trying to help democrats in 2020, in dec 2016, then won't millions of people figure out what Obama has done when 2020 rolls around? Won't this cause Americans to vote against this type of scheme.
A day late and a dollar short. If Obama wanted to do this he would have eight years ago. Doing it a month before he leaves office is just a symbolic gesture to pad his legacy. It's like a retiring CEO making a difficult decision a week before he leaves; he doesn't have to worry about the consequences.
Surprised "nationalism" wasn't the word.
I feel like this is manufactured or fake news. First, there are reports that he is attending and receiving the intel briefs. Second, he isn't even president yet. This is all political from the left. Yet the right did the same thing to Obama..I guess this is American politics.
Many people on the left and right reach for an overarching conspiracy that explains a problem. I think it makes it easier to blame an outside force. But, Clinton simply wasn't the change candidate. She was the establishment through and through. The insider. Democrats ran the one person that Trump had a chance of beating.
Did they ever leave? Let's not forgot Obama continued Bush's wars and started a few of his own.
Trump ran his campaign specifically to win the electoral college, which is exactly what he needed to do. That's how you win the American presidential election. If the popular vote is how you win, he would have campaigned accordingly and perhaps would have beaten Clinton in the popular vote. He would have visited Illinois and California and New York more.
An example would be the baseball world series. It is based on the best of 7 format. If the New York Mets score more runs throughout the series than the Sand Deigo Padres, but the Padres win more games, the Mets still lose the series. The padres COULD have played in such a way that they scored more runs (for example, not bunting at all and going for more home runs) but that won't win them the series.
One side says Islam is merely a political system. The other side says Islam is merely a religious system. The truth is Islam is a religiopolitical system. You cannot make the separation between religion and politics in Islam according to historic, orthodox Islam.
Clinton is a hawk, unfortunately. She's also Wallstreet's best friend. But she has a D by her name so let's vote for her.
Do these refugees support the gay community? Do they believe that homosexuality should be outlawed? Would people accept these refugees with open arms into the country if they were Westboro baptist Christians? My question is why doesn't Saudi Arabia take in the refugees? I think it is not wise to bring in so many people who oppose a free and open society. Not to mention how many refugees are radicalized from years of war and strife? The United States has caused a lot of problems in terms of war in the middle east, not sure if they actually want to live here peacefully.
"3. Salafi Jihadis don’t, in particular, frequent gay bars.
4. Salafi Jihadis don’t text potential hook-ups using a gay dating app."
"It is possible, in fact, that his psychotic break came from being jilted at the club, and the massacre was his revenge"
This is a completely different narrative than what we are hearing in the media and from the LGBT community: this was a hate crime from a bigoted individual who hates the LGBT lifestyle. However, now we're finding out that he was one of them, got jilted (perhaps his lover broke up with him?), and had a psychotic break down and committed an act of revenge.
Why does it feel like we're being forced to take one of the two extreme perspectives: Either he was a full-blown Islamic terrorist, trained and guided by ISIS commanders, or: He was a nominal Muslim who committed a major hate crime because of his bigoted, hateful beliefs about gays.
I don't think he was a trained terrorist cell-member activated by ISIS. But I do believe his religious beliefs have some bearing on this conversation. My question is what does Islam teach about homosexuality? He absolutely committed a vicious hate crime against against the LGBT community, but where did this hate come from? Ask yourself why some radical Muslim countries prescribe the death penalty for homosexuals. A person's religious affiliation does have bearing on what they do and say, does it not?
What about anti-Christianism? That form of hate needs to be addressed as well. Especially in the west.
six marines were killed trying to find Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. And apparently Bergdahl abandoned his post and deserted the army. Will we see treason charges?
Is it your goal to eliminate all distinctions between man and woman?
Can you name one civilization 2000 years ago where slavery wasn't part of the economic system? If the the Bible sought to abolish slavery, then you're describing a revolutionary movement that aims to overthrow all governments and civilizations worldwide. It's like expecting the American government to embrace gay marriage in the 1950s; it just wasn't going to happen.
Unless I missed it, nowhere in the above clips does he say the first amendment only protects Christians; it seems to me he is saying that this nation was founded on the Bible and "the God of the Holy Scriptures." Not saying I agree with him, but it would be similar to a Judge in Saudi Arabia or Egypt saying that their country is founded on the Quran and Allah.
Here is what I don't understand: Homeland Security and the national security state has been built up to unprecedented levels in the last 12 years; however, if, as you say, Bundy and his followers are advocating/threatening violence and terrorism, why aren't they arrested under the Patriot Act? Forget the grazing fees, how about terrorism charges? I have the answer: Bundy and his militia have popular support across the country, even many elected officials are coming to his aid. Interesting comparison.
Don't forget the Occupy Movement when talking about white terrorism.
"...his quest to stop the working poor from being able to see a doctor"
Maybe it's just my part of the country, but Obamacare DOES not make it easier or less expensive for the working poor to see a doctor.
The cheapest healthcare/obamacare premium for me and my family is $625 with 40 copay. I checked it this morning. It seems the democrats and insurance companies are also saying, "let them eat cake." I cannot afford Obamacare.
Let's see a Ghoul's glossary definition of "Peace candidate" "Peace prize". Then we can look up "Transparency" while we're at it! oh, "Change" and "Hope" would be great ones as well.
Juan Cole is a published author. I can think of three of his books off the top of my head. Also, he has written some fascinating scholarly articles on religion. Don't quit your day job for this trolling gig.
If the US can oust the PNAC politicians from winning elections, and Iran can show progress and flexibility, and Russia and the US can work together diplomatically, there is a great chance that we can live in a peaceful planet!
Most observers say that air strikes on Syria will not produce a regime change. Even the pro-strike folks admit this. Boots on the ground along with strikes will produce a regime change.
The American people are overwhelmingly against military air strikes and even more against "boots on the ground". The President is lucky that the Syria vote was cancelled in Congress because it became real clear that the votes were not there, even in the Senate.
Basically what you're saying is President Obama should unilaterally, against the wishes of the international community, congress and the America people, proceed with an uncertain war on Syria.
Now, let's say the war happened without the Russian cw agreement. You have a situation where the Al-Qaeda factions amongst the rebels could theoretically get their hands on CWs. Not to mention air strikes could inadvertently explode the Cws on civilian populations.
You don't have to be an Assad apologist to be against military strikes on Syria. I think that is a simplistic, ad-hominem argument. It is also unfair and simplistic to label everyone who supports a strike on Syria as Al-Qaeda sympathizers or apologists.
The question is: would a US strike/and or war on the Syrian government end or reduce the bloodshed? If you think it would reduce the violence let's hear your arguments. Looking at recent history of US wars in the middle east I don't think military intervention reduces violence.
"This is a damning episode that shows Obama can’t handle foreign policy well, that weakens the US’ stature internationally even more than the Iraq and Afghan Wars or drone strikes could have, that really marks a low point for post-Cold War America."
I'm not one to defend Obama but a unilateral attack on Syria would have devastated the US’ stature internationally.
Syria is already saying that they will give up their CWs only when the US stops sending weapons to AlQaeda rebels in Syria. Honestly I don't think Syria will give up their weapons anytime soon. Russia and Syria just stopped a war that had already lost its momentum. And as time goes by I don't think Obama can convince the world and the American people the need for strikes on Syria. President Obama is happy all the same because he got to save face.
I could be wrong but here is how I see it: If President Obama orders an attack without UN support he is harming the International Law movement, and if he attacks without Congressional approval, he is hurting the movement for Constitution checks and balances. The only group of people benefits from an attack on Syria is the PNAC boys and the movement for an imperial president: Bolton, Kristal, the Bushes, etc.
Why would he put himself at a disadvantage? Hmm, I don't know, the US is threatening war and if he takes a look at Iraq, Libya and others countries he might want to do whatever it takes to avoid a situation where the most powerful military in human history doesn't pound him into the stone age.
Also, the rebels are not making that much head way. The rebels are losing badly in Syria and retreating for the most part, which means they had the most to gain by a chem attack.
I think a stronger case (but still weak) can be made for military action against the Al-Qaeda groups fighting the Syrian government. The only other thing worse than a secular authoritarian leader is Al-Qaeda taking over Syria and getting its hands on lethal weapons. At least a secular government has some self-interest to do the right thing and a sense of self-preservation; however, the Al-Qaeda extremists amongst the rebels are beheading Christians and killing kids are actively seeking "martyrdom".
I "love" how John Mccutchen characterizes opposition to war on Syria as "neo-isolationist tea partiers and left wing Democrats". According to this type of attitude, any rational opposition to MORE WAR is from backwater, fringe, marginalized wing nuts.
I think Mr. Mccutchen should look at the polls on the war issue. More than 80% of the American people in some polls are against the Syria strike/war.
Well allow me some hyperbole: those who support another war are neo-conservative and neo-libral Project for a New American Century dick Cheney lover.
Assad keeps Al-Qaeda from beheading the Christians. How selfish of those pesky Christians! They are all in it for themselves. They don't want to lose their head, literally. And, btw, I have immense respect for peaceful Muslims and even the Quran but the only things the Christians can do to satisfy Al-Qaeda is to renounce their faith and convert to their brand of Islam.
In my humble opinion, looking at all the wars and military adventures the US has conducted (especially the last 10 years though one should never forget Vietnam ) doing nothing is the best route if minimizing human suffering is the goal. The whole minimizing human suffering is not a US military strong point.
Let me get this straight. The NSA violates every American's rights in the name of fighting Al Qaeda; however, if we bomb Syria we are essentially Al Qaeda’s air force. Isn't it an act of terror to support Al Qaeda militarily?
What do you think of Jack Goldsmith's (Harvard Law Professor) piece on the proposed Authorization to Use Military Force in Syria which he describes as very broad and could include ground troops. Specifically, "The President is authorized to use the Armed Forces of the United States as he determines to be necessary and appropriate...". It basically gives the President a blank check. It is not a vote to authorize a limited strike on Syria; instead it authorizes the President to use military force against Syria in any manner the President deems necessary and appropriate. Of course, this is expected. Lawyer typically try avoid to avoid specifics and write very broadly so that their client has the maximum amount of freedom to do whatever they want. But I think this lessons the chance the Authorization will pass in congress. Congress doesn't want to sign their name to an open-ended war authorization. I could be wrong.
I'll be interested to see how Rand Paul votes; he does a lot of talking and has a base that is more anti-war than pro-war, but he also vying for the presidency in 2016. I don't think he is as anti-war as some would think. And we all know what the GOP did to his father when he took anti-war stances. Sadly, the GOP and even the Tea Party are, at the end of the day, pro-war and imperialism. Tough guys. Of course, Ran Paul is risking aliening his energetic base if he votes "yes".
According to the constitution, only congress can declare war. If this principle is violated, then why do we even have the constitution anymore? And if bombing another country is not considered an act of war then words no longer have any meaning. If the constitution is dead and words don't have meaning, then how can the government expect to run a civil society? Capricious law.
Evangelicals say that lusting after people of the opposite sex is also sinful (outside of marriage), and the Bible says that mere act of looking at a women in a lustful way is adultery in the heart.
"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; 28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. - Matthew 5:27-28
So evangelicals should conclude “Who am I to judge?” And Jesus said in John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
And to be quite honest, the Bible does condemn the act of homosexuality. It is easy to bash Christians for their beliefs but that is what their holy book teaches. Just as I don't understand or agree with many of the passages of the Qur'an, that is their holy scripture and it is very dear to their heart.
Egregious to whom?
Violating the 4th amendment is egregious, too.
Let me ask you this: Was it egregious for Daniel Ellsberg to leak the Pentagon Papers?
How do we change the culture? Millionaire rap artists singing about poppin' caps in blankers and the lyrics that dehumanize women, etc. Trying to get a job wearing pants around your ankles is also a really bad idea.
How do you divorce Islam from politics? Islam is a religio-political system and Muslims say that Islam informs every aspect of life religion, legal/the law, politics, culture, ect.
X group is bad. Everything X groups says is therefore bad.
I think the above attitude is one of the reasons we are in so much trouble as a world.
I don't agree with Juan Cole half the time, but when he is right he is right and his analysis is valuable.
Here is what I don't understand: Even if you declare him an enemy combatant, he still doesn't have to talk. Unless, of course, McCain and Graham are suggesting that he should be tortured. But even is one is tortured they don't have to talk or they can lie to the torturer. It seems like certain politicians politicize these horrific events. They're are also using it to stop immigration reform, ect.
It's sad that both sides want to place blame on a certain skin color. The right wants it to be a Muslim or Arab so that they can further the whole "war on terror" agenda. Some left wingers want the person to be "right and white" so they can demonize the tea party, which has its problems but i dont think they are terrorists.
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." - Martin Luther King
I hope our government handles this tragedy well. Justice is key but the cynical Machiavellianism philosophy of “You never let a serious crisis go to waste" must be avoided. The American people are tired of war. I sure hope this isn't used as a pretext for more war in the middle east or elsewhere.
Let's take it further.
License and birth certificate to vote.
Citizen training to vote.
Written citizen test to vote.
I lived in Phoenix the first 18 years of my life. I remember when it hit 122 degrees in 1990. It hasn't been quite that hot since.
Approximately 10,000 die each year in the United States from drunk driving, which is 100,000 a decade (similar to your firearm stats). The US tried to prohibit the manufacture, transportation and sale of alcohol in the 1920s. Prohibition didn't work for alcohol, it doesn't work for drugs, and it probably wouldn't work for guns either. Banning something does not stop people from possessing something. And in fact some say it makes it worse. If they banned guns in America, guns would pour into the streets from mexico and the black market would create more crime. Sure, law biding citizens wouldn't buy the illegal guns, but criminals would. Those who would use a gun to kill an innocent person would not think twice about a gun law. If they break murder laws why not gun laws?
let's ban drones first then we can talk about banning guns
I agree that it is strange and alarming that civilians have semi-automatics; however, many of the people with these types of guns are ex-military, copr or former cops, private government contractors, wealthy people and history channel type gun enthusiasts who like to shot up old cars in the desert.
Now, my only worry is this: How do we propose gathering up all these military guns? There will be a lot of upset ex-cops. ex-marines, ex government type people.
And one more thing: regular hand pistols account for the vast majaority of murders and crimes in this county. semi-auto guns are a small percentage.
That's because most home invaders are armed with guns and are experienced criminals or at least have no qualms about killing others. But, regardless, I would rather have a fighting chance. Do you suggest just hiding under a bed while waiting 15-20 minutes for the police? It goes badly for most people stranded in the ocean but it does slightly help if you have a life jacket
I do think the Founders believed that an armed populace is necessary to keep government tyranny in check. The bill of rights were written in a certain context (war of independence against a tyrannical government). Their main focus was to potect "natural rights of liberty and property". This is not to say we have to adopt the same mindset as the founder because, after all, most of them also believed in salvery and other bad things.
I think we delude ourselves when he assert that the 2nd amendment is only about hunting and sports. We have to be truthful. We mock conservatives for saying "Guns are to keep tyrannical governments in check and for self defense against government." However, that is what the founders believed too. We need to challenge the mindset and argbue that times have changed, not rewrite history and claim that thery founder had duck hunting in mind.