The Rant

Posted by Bob Clasen Was not Bush's Inaugural Address a noble summary of excellent ideals for American foreign policy? _________________ If you did not hear or read Bush's Inaugural Address, I post some excerpts below for your consideration. _________________ Why cannot Democrats and Republicans unite behind such a vision, even if they differ on the details of its implementation? Is there such a fundamental difference in vision between Democrats and Republicans that this speech evokes admiration in one but not the other? I listened to one self-described Democrat arguing on talk radio that all ideals are mere foolishness and a cover for the harsh reality of truth: the fight for power. He argued that there is no fundamental difference between America and any other country: they all are merely seeking power. We moved into Iraq for one reason: to grab power (and he was not critical of such a motive). What he was critical of was the hypocrisy of those who claimed t

posted by Bob Clasen http://www.theunionleader.com/articles_showa.html?article=49730 America backs democracy, and the world improves By JONAH GOLDBERG AMID THE media din about the tsunami, Dan Rather’s implosion, and the usual grim news from Iraq, an amazing story has been unfolding — but has received scant appreciation from the chattering classes. Democracy is on the march. The Ukraine election reversal is the most significant victory for democracy in Europe since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Palestinians have held the first legitimate nationwide (so to speak) election in their history (Arafat’s previous “election” was a sham). And while the new Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, leaves much to be desired, his fair victory is significant and momentous in its own right. Meanwhile, Iraq is preparing for its first fair elections since before Saddam Hussein came to power. Those elections won’t be perfect. Heck, they may even be a disaster (though I doubt they will).

Bob, Are you ready for another war? Draft time is coming, as new recruitment for your failed experiment won't get us out of Iraq. What do you think about a preemptive attack on Iran filled with mushroom clouds of WMD to institute a universal draft? Two down, North Korea to go. The real question is, how many UN speeches from Colin Powell will convince you it’s a good idea to bomb Tehran next? If your watching the news, it looks like it’s coming. Steve

by Bob Clasen To be covered by the Geneva Conventions, a combatant has to have (a) a commander who is responsible for his subordinates; (b) formal recognizable military insignia; (c) weapons that are carried openly, and (d) an adherence to the laws and customs of warfare. Terrorists have none of these. As I understand the Geneva Conventions, they are treaties that civilized countries at war with one another enter into to try to insure the mutual fair treatment of their prisoners of war. If two countries are signatories to this treaty, then their prisoners will be extended these special privileges. Terrorists do not have a country, do not carry weapons openly, and only promise to torture and behead the captured enemy. So far they have carried out these promises. Why in God's name would we extend the protection of the Geneva Convention to captured terrorists? Please explain this to me if you disagree. If we unilaterally extend the privileges of the Genev