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"giving up in Iraq" vs "giving up Iraq"?
The situation in Iraq is so difficult that even the criticism is becoming chaotic and hard to track. Among the many topics in current events one core issue is worthy of special focus and attention and that is "Iraqi sovereignty" or lack thereof. It maybe easier to control a country that lacks an assertive and independent government, but is keeping Iraq submissive becoming a long term US policy? When the president speaks of not wanting to "give up in Iraq" is he really saying that he doesn't want to "give Iraq up"?
There is evidence of this sentiment in recent events, like the blackwater incidents and the political aftermath in both Iraq and the US. Article 17 of the post-war Iraqi law is a directive by Paul Bremer that gives United States security personnel (independent contractors) immunity from prosecution. The Iraqi government and parliament, following the recent killing of Iraqis at the hand of security agents, are now working to pass legislation to reverse this legal provision and make all security agents subject to prosecution under Iraqi law. This action by the Iraqis is totally ignored by the US administration, however, as in separate but parallel action, the state department and the Pentagon are fighting over which agency should be supervising the independent contractors for the Iraqis. It was finally decided, according to the New York Times, that the Pentagon will take on that responsibility, implying that perhaps that the uniform code of justice will be used to prosecute future validations by independent contractors in Iraq.
It is interesting to note the disconnect between what the Iraqis appear to want and what the US is prepared to allow them to have. It is not very hard to predict that tension will likely rise over this issue in the coming months as the Administration fails to satisfy Iraqi government's wish to assert sovereignty--This will likely widen the schism between the USA and Iraq. The question now is what will the administration do when the Iraqis do pass the new law and try to prosecute independent contractors guarding US officials in Iraq, or push for their removal from the country. The Iraqis are already harassing the independent security contractors using excuses such as non-compliance with weapons licensing laws. It is a popular move with the public and is a way for the Iraqi government to act anti-American without getting in political trouble with the administration.
It could be a sign of things to come as
Iraq as whole, including its government, is turning anti-American. One thing is for certain and that is that the administration, by denying the Iraqis authority over independent contractors, is leaving itself with only one option moving forward and that is to weaken the current Iraqi government and reduce its authority to assert sovereignty.At this point the Iraqi government has officially revoked blackwater's license to work in Iraq but the blackwater company continues to work unimpeded. It is assumed that the US is unable to comply with this, legally non-binding, Iraqi government decree to remove blackwater from Iraq because there is nothing to replace this company with. It is the familiar "all or nothing" choice we seem to end up with in Iraq. The decision makers imply that the US government has only one choice (a bad one) and there are no other options. If all hidden agendas and lobbyists are removed from the equation, the administration maybe surprised to find that is more than capable of coming up with other options vis-à-vis oversight of independent contractors in Iraq.
Looking at the big picture it is not hard to realize that these seemingly little episodes demonstrate a lack on interest in allowing total independence for Iraq and its government. This stance, whether it is based on a hidden agendas or a full fledged policy, dooms the US presence in Iraq and puts the US on a course to becoming an enemy of Iraq and its future governments.
Our politicians need to explain to us how they expect the United States to eventually give the Iraqi government full control over Iraq's oil and security forces if we can't even see our way clear to granting the Iraqis the right to prosecute foreign nationals accused of murder on their soil.
One solution to the blackwater situation is to allow the Iraqi government to enforce the revocation of the company's license; the US can then setup a mechanism by which independent contractors can be re-hired by the pentagon.
This will most likely result in the bankruptcy of blackwater, despite the lobbying by its billionaire owner, but it would allow the Pentagon to employ ex-blackwater employees under new terms. The Iraqi government having saved face would probably allow the pentagon to assume the role of prosecuting contractors for future infractions. Such action would guarantee independent contractors the ability to work in Iraq while bolstering the Iraqi government's image, rendering it more relevant and legitimate. More importantly, it would set the tone for future US policy when it comes to respecting Iraqi sovereignty and building a lasting alliance based on respect and mutual interests.
Author, "Iraq Decoded"
Ah, what a good opportunity to let you know, once again, that the Iraqis have come to a decision about their future--just as they were asked to do. But, just as Saddam Hussein's compliance with the request to disarm was ignored, this effort at reconciliation is also being over-looked. So, for the record, I will post it here again.
Helsinki Agreement
Representatives of Iraqi parties and blocs held discussions in Finland from August 31 through September 3, 2007 and agreed to consult further on the following recommendations to start negotiations to reach national reconciliation:
1.To resolve all political issues through non-violence and democracy.
2.To prohibit the use of arms for all armed groups during the process of negotiations.
3.To form an independent commission approved by all parties, its task being to supervise the process of disarmament of non-governmental armed groups in a verifiable manner.
4.All parties will commit to accept the results of the negotiations and no party can be subject to a threat of force form any groups that reject all or part of any agreement reached.
5.To work to end international and regional interference in internal Iraqi affairs.
6.To commit to protect human rights.
7.To assure the independence and efficiency of the legal and justice systems, especially the constitutional court.
8.To ensure the full participation of all Iraqi parties and blocs in the political process and agreed governance arrangements.
9.To take all necessary steps to end all violence, killings, forced displacement and any further damage to infrastructure.
10.To establish an independent consultive body to explore ways to deal with the legacy of the past in a way that will unite the nation.
11.All Iraqi parties and blocs have to build Iraq and contribute efficiently to support all the efforts that would make the political process and Iraqi unity successful and to preserve its sovereignty.
12.All participating groups must commit to all of the principles listed here as a complete system of rules.
Political Objectives:
1- To be rational in political speeches, for the national interest, and to move away from sectarian and ethnic dispute.
2- To bring an end to the displacement of Iraqi people and work to take care of those displaced, and secure their safe return, with guarantees of their safety by the national forces in co-operation with political parties and tribal leaders.
3- To deal with the subject of militias under the following procedures:
A- Arming, supplying, training and making sure that the security forces (army/police) are capable of undertaking their duties efficiently. Make sure that the security forces are equipped to adequate levels to achieve an effective national force.
B- Activation of economic development across the country, to contain youth unemployment and use the effors of young people to rebuild in order to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
C- Those working outside the law and using military resources inappropriately shall be brought to justice, with no differentiation.
4- The emphasis on the common vision for all Iraqi political entities on the importance of termination of the presence of foreign troops in Iraq through the completion of national sovereignty and rebuilding a national army and security apparatus according to a national vision within a realistic timetable.
5- An emphasis on the continuation of constructive dialogue between different political groups aiming to fulfill national goals.
6- To convince political groups that are currently outside the political process to initiate and activate a constructive dialogue to reach common understandings.
7- To deal with armed groups which are not classified as terrorist, encouraging them to use peaceful political means to address the conflict and to provide their members with jobs and opportunities within state administrations.
8- Working towards correcting the misunderstanding that accompanied the political process and encourage all Iraqi political parties to participate in building Iraq in all aspects.
9- The cessation of the violation of the human rights of Iraqi citizens and their properties by continuous bombardment and military actions by foreign forces. The Iraqi government must take responsibility to protect innocent civilians.
You can bet that the money Kucinich raises on December 15th will be in donations of under $50 average.
Dennis Kucinich speaks for me on the issues - particularly on Universal Single-Payer Not-For-Profit Healthcare - which to me is a matter just as important as ending the Iraq occupation and then fighting our real enemy . . . . . the Patriot Act and all those who support it in its present form.
And Happy belated Birthday, Howard !
Off to do Thanksgiving shopping. Diane and I have the pleasure of having family and friends here this year.
I just figured out the problem with the blog clock. It registers the time you opened the comment window on your computer.LOL
So, I opened a new browser to see what time comes up now. It's 6:37 on my computer.
So, that's not it. LOL
When the president speaks of not wanting to "give up in Iraq" is he really saying that he doesn't want to "give Iraq up"?
>
Yes, habibi. IMHO, yes. He wants a foothold for the near term, til at some point in the future time
the national interest of the United States is better protected. His perspective on protecting the national interest is based on positions which have been spouted by the rural right-wing for some time. He, they, have the power to change the position of military assets (think of the game RISK) and he/they have the will. Where Clinton was passive, Bush43(my daddy was 43...President of the world runs in the family) is active.
Dennis Kucinich
on the issues
is in a good position as a Representative in the Congress.
Can he give legislation LIFT ?
polls mean nothing when they are within the margins and Iowa is a three way tie
three out of four still find Hillary wanting and that has to give every other candidate some hope because the media sure wants to annoint her and it isn't working on the ground
Legislators decry health care gap
Multiracial caucus wants governor to address disparities.
By Aurelio Rojas
Members of the Legislature's African American, Latino and Asian caucuses convened a town hall meeting in a show of solidarity on the eve of last week's hearing into Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's universal health care plan.
"We want to deliver a message to the governor (and) to the entirety of the Legislature that any health care discussion, absent the issue of health care disparities, will continue to undermine the quality of care and life expectancy in communities of color," state Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas said at the outset.
During the past year, the Schwarzenegger administration has held more than 1,000 meetings with stakeholders as it developed its health care plan. But Ridley-Thomas, chairman-elect of the Legislative Black Caucus, said the role of race and ethnicity in the distribution of health care resources has been "conspicuously absent from the discussion."
"We wouldn't be here tonight, in fact, if we had been adequately heard," the Los Angeles Democrat said.
It was a concern that Assemblywoman Karen Bass, who spearheaded the Black Caucus' study, "The State of Black California," delivered the day after Tuesday's town hall meeting to Kim Belshé, Schwarzenegger's secretary for health and human services.
Belshé told Bass, D-Los Angeles, that "far too many" of the 6.7 million uninsured Californians live in communities of color.
"Getting an insurance card in everyone's pocket is an important piece of the problem," Belshé said. "At the same time, we all know that the insurance card isn't enough."
Belshé said that's why the governor's plan places "a high priority on prevention, wellness and health promotion."
But health care experts who testified at the town hall meeting said the state also must provide resources to reduce disparities in health.
They came armed with statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support their contention that the inequitable distribution of resources has resulted in wide differences in the incidence of diseases and other adverse health conditions. Among the findings:
• African Americans are 13 percent less likely to undergo coronary angioplasty and one-third less likely to undergo bypass surgery than whites.
• The length of time between an abnormal screening mammogram and the follow-up diagnostic test to determine whether a woman has breast cancer is more than twice as long for Asian American, black and Latino women as for white women.
• Among preschool children hospitalized for asthma, only 7 percent of black children and 2 percent of Latino children, compared with 21 percent of white children, are prescribed routine medications to prevent future hospitalizations.
Dr. Richard Williams, a professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, and author of "Eliminating Health Care Disparities in America," said the reasons for these differences transcend economics.
"The simple explanation for health care disparities is just plain racism," said Williams, founder of the Association of Black Cardiologists.
"Whatever proposal comes out of the governor should speak to completely redesigning the way we do primary care medicine in this environment."
Dr. Randall Maxey, past president of the National Medical Association, said, "People of color – rich and poor – are subject to second-class medicine."
"Our medical system is built upon a majority culture and it presumes that we're all created equal, and that happens not to be so," Maxey said. "Because of genetic polymorphisms (and) cultural differences, we react differently."
Popular culture, Williams said, is recognizing these differences. A recent episode of the television drama "ER" dealt with Brugada syndrome. ...full article: http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/472092.h...
Can the governor affect '08 race? By Kevin Yamamura
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger can't be U.S. president, but that won't stop him from trying to put his stamp on next year's presidential race.
Besides organizing a New Hampshire forum on global warming and energy with former Vice President Al Gore in December, the Republican governor is exploring ways to influence the presidential primary and has not ruled out endorsing a GOP candidate.
Political analysts say an endorsement alone is unlikely to play a major role in the outcome. But Schwarzenegger could help a candidate by making joint appearances that draw media attention and speaking at fundraisers. He also could steer campaign dialogue by holding more issue forums.
"He is considering getting involved, and he is watching this race very closely," said Schwarzenegger communications director Adam Mendelsohn. "He is paying attention to what the candidates are saying, and he is very concerned about the nation's energy issues."
Schwarzenegger's office announced last week that he has invited candidates from both parties to attend a forum in New Hampshire in mid-December, less than a month before the state's pivotal primary. That fulfills part of his promise earlier this year to travel outside California to force presidential candidates to address issues such as the environment and health care.
"He might be able to cause some mischief," said John J. Pitney, professor of government at Claremont McKenna College. "Asking Republicans to share a stage with Al Gore would put them into an uncomfortable position. On one hand, in the general election, they don't want to seem indifferent to global warming. But on the other hand, appearing with Al Gore is not a good way to get Republican votes."
In 2004, Schwarzenegger backed President Bush in a prominent speaking role at the Republican National Convention. The governor also helped Bush later that year during a campaign rally in Ohio.
Democrats used footage of the governor's Ohio appearance in campaign commercials during the gubernatorial contest last summer, suggesting that Schwarzenegger was responsible for Bush's 2004 win.
Schwarzenegger has wavered so far on whether he would back a particular candidate before the primary. In past interviews, he has mentioned Sen. John McCain, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and potential independent candidate Michael Bloomberg as candidates who hold views similar to his own.
Pitney said that if Schwarzenegger were to endorse a 2008 candidate, he would have to hit the campaign trail and raise money to have a real impact rather than just lend his name.
"Endorsements generally don't sway that many votes unless it's for a lower-level office where voters don't have that many cues," Pitney said.
Tony Quinn, co-editor of the California Target Book, which handicaps state political races, questioned how much help a Schwarzenegger endorsement would provide to a Republican candidate in a GOP primary. The governor has moderated his political views, angering conservative activists in his party.
"He's not associated as a party leader, and he's not someone to whom Republicans look for guidance on how to vote in the Republican primary," Quinn said.
Still, Democratic strategist Bill Carrick, who produced the ads tying Schwarzenegger to Bush, said he was "awestruck" by the power of Schwarzenegger's celebrity.
"I came away from 2004 thinking, boy, this guy is a tremendous asset for some presidential candidate," Carrick said. "He has a blue-collar and middle-class appeal that speaks right to swing voters in crucial battleground states."
The governor and lawmakers moved up California's presidential primary to Feb. 5 to force candidates to give the state more influence, though other states scheduled their elections even earlier. The Iowa caucus, for instance, will take place Jan. 3.
That means the primary outcome could be decided before Californians have a chance to weigh in. If Schwarzenegger waits to endorse until right before the California contest, he "would be jumping on the bandwagon rather than pushing the process," Quinn said.
The primaries come at a time when Schwarzenegger could be facing serious problems at home. The Legislative Analyst's Office predicted last week that the state will face an operating deficit next year of $10 billion. He has yet to resolve his $14 billion health care package. In January, he is due to give his State of the State address and present his budget proposal.
Chris Lehane, a Democratic political strategist, said Schwarzenegger may be using the New Hampshire forum to boost his popularity.
"I think the governor is smart in the sense that he is looking to leverage the Republican primary to burnish, reinforce, promote and elevate the Arnold brand," Lehane said. "Arnold Schwarzenegger holding a global warming forum in New Hampshire in the thick of the Republican primary is like a man-biting-dog story. It's not something you'd normally see in the Republican primary. It's good for Arnold's post-partisan image." ..full article: http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/501884.h...
The Spinner
How Chris Lehane, revered by some and reviled by others, gets the campaign consultant job done: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg...
http://www.camajorityreport.com/index.ph...
http://capoliticalnews.com/s/spip.php?br...
http://www.sacbee.com/capolitics/story/4...
http://www.sfgate.com/c/a/2007/10/17/MN5...
I would like to ask a favor. I wrote a letter to Senator Bingaman and Senator Feingold asking they write a law outlawing Tasers.
We have conclusive evidence this weapon kills people, besides the suffering and paiin it causes. Yet, Police Officers are not using them like weapons. They use them as tools of control and submission.
I would like to ask you all to write them and ask they outlaw Tasers. If they can't outlaw them, they should be relisted as WEAPONS and used only when life is threatened. Or, list them as weapons and only be used inside the precincts, as opposed to cops carrying them.
senator_bingaman@bingaman.senate.gov
russell_feingold@feingold.senate.gov
This has taken years to do but now single-payer universal healthcare is a part of the California Democratic Party's Platform.
---
The California Democratic Party Health Care Platform
California Democrats believe that health care is a right not a privilege. Sadly, one in five Californians live without health insurance and millions more are underinsured -- just one accident, diagnosis or illness away from physical and financial crisis. This is unconscionable. All persons should have universal comprehensive health care that provides coverage for all Californians - individuals and families as well as businesses, small and large - and which covers the full range of necessary benefits, including prevention and prescriptions; and establishes quality standards and embraces efficiencies to reduce waste and administrative costs and assure affordability.
To build a healthy future for all Californians, Democrats will:
* Support and implement universal comprehensive health care for all Californians, that includes medical and dental care, full reproductive health services, preventive services, prescription drugs and mental health counseling and treatment;
* California should lead the nation in providing comprehensive quality health care to all our people by transitioning to a single-payer public health care system;
Oppose efforts to privatize Medi-Cal and Medicare;
* Expand and strengthen respite care and in-home support services including adequate background checks prior to licensure, and promote an in-home support services system;
Ensure economic and physical access to multilingual health care services;
* Support the full funding of community clinics and health centers that serve low-income and homeless populations;
Enforce the Patient's Bill of Rights;
* Affirm that medical decisions must be made with respect for patients' rights to privacy and freedom to have control over their lives with fully informed consent;
* Lead the fight against diseases by supporting and expanding stem cell and other groundbreaking research.
http://www.cadem.org/site/c.jrLZK2PyHmF/...
Good morning Borg!
I feel like someone took my life and threw it up in the air like a fruit basket and I'm sitting here watching all the pieces fall. Seashell, I printed out your post about tango and I think it's the first post I ever actually printed. Phil we need to know more about Obama's tax cut -- I also think he was proposing to kill the tax on SS which made me very happy altho you are right we are in debt up to our ears -- if we kill the war however, that would make a big diff. There are some interesting diaries on KOS today -- front paged is one about Dodd that gave me pause -- seems in the debate, he favors national security over personal liberty. We need more info on this. There's one that says DiFi has been censured by some groups in CA for her recent votes. And one that says Fran Townsend has resigned. Here a link I found on capitalnews.org I don't see posted yet.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071118/ap_p...
Kucinich protests Army training school
By HARRY R. WEBER, Associated Press Writer Sun Nov 18, 4:53 PM ET
COLUMBUS, Ga. - Democratic presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich said Sunday the thinking that went into producing an Army school blamed for human rights abuses in Latin America was the same that led the U.S. to war in Iraq and could cause it to raid Iran.
See y'all later gators.
America Votes Organization
http://www.gwu.edu/~action/2004/interestg/amvotesorg.html
3.
Monica Smith
Mon, 11/19/07
6:17 am
I agree.
This ad is just down right insulting to the intelligence of the American voter.
Hoyer warns that acrimony may hurt Democrats in 2008
Acrimony (and fanning it) is something Steny knows all about......
Asked about Dean, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (Md.) told The Hill, “I think the party spokesmen are Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi...My belief is the party chair’s job is to organize the party to support policymakers and the policies they promote.” From public-relations-speak, that translates to “Who the [expletive] does that little [expletive] think he is? He should shut up and do what we tell him.”
Alec Baldwin
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alec-baldwin/three-random-things_b_73204.html
I get uptight when I watch even a snippet of these debates. Is leadership there? Is greatness there? Is the end of the war there? Up on that stage?
The answer of course is no...........
except for Dennis, who is right on the issues. The fact that he is not "a leader" stems from the irrational contempt in which he is held by the DLC-indoctrinated Democratic rank-and-file
http://www.blogforamerica.com/view/23006...
There is a new and Howarded thread.
23. Hoyer,Emanuel, Pelosi, Feinstein, Schumer, and their fellow DINOs hurt the Democrats every day in every way.
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By Monica Smith on Nov 19, 2007 5:35 AM ESTDean is first.
Good morning, everyone
Not used to seeing a new thread at three AM?
bbl