Condemnation and Surge Protection

The Iowa Senate condemns Bush's troop surge in Iraq recently. Proponents of condemnation generally say this war has gone beyond its original paramenters of disabling weapons of mass destruction as no WMDs were found, and the evil dictator Saddam Hussein has been eliminated. The surge is overkill for something that has long been deemed "mission accomplished."

Dissenters claim that anti-war rhetoric is causing poor morale among the ranks in Iraq, and gives psychological ammunition to the terrorists and insurgents. Is there a study that proves that this anti-war rhetoric is the cause of troops' poor morale? If so, I think those findings need to be referenced. Otherwise, these legslators assume this is the case, and we all know what assuming does. (Makes an ASS out of U and ME.)

What is the ideal situation in Iraq? Of course, the best thing that could happen is that the Iraqis get over their deathly loathing of others, start getting along, and work together to show the USA and the world that they are solid, organized and a stable nation.

It is a nice gesture for the Iowa Senate to think clearly about this war and send a message condemning Bush's troop surge in Iraq. However, this message falls short of the need to change the way we think about this war in Iraq.

That won't happen until we in the USA stop thinking that "we" need to win this war. I don't know how many times I need to stress this before it sticks with an intelligent someone in the media, but this elusive victory is not our (USA's) victory. STOP saying that we must win this Iraq war. This victory in Iraq is for Iraq (unless there's a very hidden agenda to take over this country that I don't know about). We all need to stop thinking about a USA victory in Iraq and start considering this as Iraq's victory. Until this happens, there is no way troops will leave and there will be no end to this war.

The Republicans have put their spin on this war to unofficially declare it as imperative US dominance in Iraq, and now pointing fingers at Iran, all in pursuit of this "war on terror." Deflectors of this disjointed pursuit of the war on terror are deemed as undermining these efforts. But, what are these efforts? Our goal might be to eliminate terrorists, but what are we really doing? Our "war on terror" seems to be creating more terrorists as we invade countries on false precepts, completely destroy their infrastructure, and leave these regions void of any sense of civilation. Inhabitants or "insurgents" are fighting because their lives have been turned upside down and they have seen the destruction and murders. They feel this is the only way to regain their country again.

Those who think these actions are inhuman and wrong need to create a counterspin to the "war on terror" and change the way our country's citizens and look at this war. Working around and challenging the Republican spin only helps to promote this Republican "war on terror" spin. Creating and promoting a completely different counterspin that Americans can embrace will help change the course of international relations and turn the tide on senseless conflicts.

Sure, we can plead to stop the troop surge, and we can ask to send the troops home, but this is weak strategy. When Keith Olbermann reminds us how many days we have been at war since proclaiming "mission accomplished" we should not just listen and agree, but we need to counterspin that message to the country. Our mission apparently was accomplished, so why are we still there?

Political Camouflage?

What do you do when you are a red republican in a very true blue state, like Maryland? If you're Michael Steele, you wear political camouflage.

In a recorded appearance today on CNN's Situation Room, it was clear that Michael Steele's favorite color is rrrrrrr-royal blue! What? Not red?? That's right, red republican Michael Steele's bid for Maryland senator was all blue. From the blue signs that supporters shook behind him, to the blue jacket he wore, and even to the blue striped button-down shirt and blue tie that peeked through his jacket.

Apparently, this is not a case of the blues for Steele. Even his website is predominately blue. The color red is completely absent on his website, with the possible exception of a photo with a supporter wearing red.

So, is this just another sign that Steele is one of many campaigning republicans that are supposedly turning their backs to the president? According to Steele's interview with Wolff Blitzer, the answer is no.

So, what's wrong with red, Mr. Steele?

Doublethinking the Democrat Rally

There's nothing like getting a bunch of local Democrats together, and last night's rally at Wild Rose Casino in Emmetsburg reaffirmed my belief that Democrats are wild for their country.

Sure, it was like a high school pep rally, with all the rah-rah cheers and coaching staff hyping everyone to think that we can make a difference. Yes, we can make a difference, I thought. Yes, my vote just might make a change in our country's direction.

As an "unbiased" member of the media, I extinguished those thoughts for the rest of the rally.

Note: Although I serve a very, very small base of listeners, I am apparently exempt from the first amendment, lest others think I am partial and drawn to one side simply out of loyalty. Which, to me, is complete hogwash, as I am about as impartial as they come (with the exception of the truth, which I support over any bias I might hold) and I want to expose various perspectives and views that surround an issue.

Iowa Senator Jack Kibbie emceed the rally, in Jack Kibbie style, of course. Local and state Democratic officials and candidates were on hand to voice their views and concerns about the state of affairs. Chet Culver, candidate for Iowa Governor, was there promoting his ideals to lead Iowa. Dr. Seldon Spencer, candidate for US Congress in Iowa's 4th District, spoke how he wants to motivate change in congress.

Same old, same old talk. Go, team, go! Rah! Rah. Rah... Don't get me wrong, rallies are a good way to motivate your base. It's just that they don't usually motivate the people that need motivating. Democrats talk of values and morals, just like the Republicans have done in 2000, 2002, and 2004. Neither side is innocent.

"We are in perilous times...," headliner John Kerry told the standing room only crowd. This Kerry fellar has some "idears", some big "idears" for these perilous times

Kerry's first "idear": Tell the Truth. Ok, Ok... This is a big one, because we all know how difficult it is for any politician to do this, Republicans and Democrats alike. And even those other political parties are not immune. Politicians will do whatever it takes for their constituents, whether they be in Iowa, California, Texas, Exxon, Diebolt or Halliburton. That's just the fact of the political process in the good ole US of A. Kerry went on, saying how he wants to "hold people accountable" and "fire incompetence."

Kerry's second "idear": Export Products, Not Jobs. But how would Wal-mart be able to keep their prices low with a smiley face? We all know that it is better to keep prices low over jobs, because if we gave the lower classes jobs, then that would mean that there is hope, and the only hope there is, is located in Arkansas, and we all know that's where Bill Clinton is from. And that is why Republicans don't want to create any more Hope, because that may create more Bill Clintons.

Kerry's third "idear": Energy independence. Sure, maybe one week of the Iraq war could pay to put an alternative fuel pump in every gas station in the US, but do we really need it? Isn't so much nicer to share, like with the Saudis? They apparently make great bed pals, just ask our president. Moving on...

Kerry's fourth "idear": One of the biggest challenges facing us: Global Climate Change. Kerry says we have ten precious years to change our environment. This is a non-issue for Republicans, because it doesn't exist in the Republican world. 'Nuff said.

Kerry's fifth "idear": A Tax Code that Values Work, Not Wealth. I'm sure Kerry's wife cringes when he starts off on this. What Kerry and others on Capitol Hill fail to realize is that our capitalist society rewards wealth and power. And it is that wealth and power that makes the rules. Which is why the tax code will always value work and tax the working class to the limit, just because it can. Every policy this country has put into place in the last five years, from No Child Left Behind to the Iraq War, is all about winners and losers. None of these policies define an "everyone wins" situation, only because it does not exist in a capitalist country. If we want everyone to win, we'd be called a "socialist" or "communist" country, now, wouldn't we?...

Kerry's sixth "idear": Set a Date for Iraqis to Stand Up for Iraq and Set Up a Democracy for Themselves as much as We Want it for Them. Then, bring our heros home. Kerry explains that having deadlines is how teachers and bosses work. Hasn't Kerry heard the song "You Can't Hurry Love..."??

A wonderful pep rally, really. I just kind of wonder if we aren't playing the wrong game??...

Well, there's my doublethink on the local Democrat Rally. Doublethink. Devil's advocate, if you will. There's always two sides to a story, and then there's the truth. At least, that's how I see it.

More Lies?

Don't you think we've heard enough lies and half-truths, if you will, about any and all links to 9/11?? Now, the ABC mini-series docu-drama "Path to 9/11" that will air this Sunday and Monday is reported to stray from 9/11 commission report and fictionalizes key scenes.

Sounds a lot to me like what the DaVinci Code did to Christianity...

Oh, and it gets deeper... Apparently, there's a darker mission in ABC's "Path to 9/11": Pinning the blame on former President Bill Clinton. The documentary's creators are aledging that the Clinton administration let Osama bin Laden get away in the 90s, as they think that at that time the CIA had several chances to nab him. Osama bin Laden? Wasn't he the CIA's best friend in Afganistan? Oh, right. That was the 80s. I just keep getting stuck in the 80s! Love that music.

Whoa... Letting Osama bin Laden get away? I thought I heard some strange report that in the height of the war on terror in Afganistan, George W. Bush let Osama bin Laden get away? Maybe the creators of "Path to 9/11" are getting their wires crossed and are confused about the timeline of events?

At the time of the Clinton presidency, bin Laden had been a minor terrorist to American interests. There were few that got super-enraged about the strikes bin Laden's posse made on Americans in foreign lands. Few media sources really trumped what bin Laden was doing in 90s as a major evil terroristic force. Remember, we were still reeling from Khaddafi.

Even before the 9/11 attacks, the Bush Administration on September 10th put together a strategy to deal with the Taliban. If the bin Laden and al-Qaeda were such a "menace", if you will, to the US, then both the Clinton and Bush Administrations both really dropped the ball on this one.

Oh, wait. Osama bin Laden is wanted by the FBI for..."murder of U.S. Nationals outside the United States; Conspiracy to murder U.S. Nationals outside the United States; Attack on a federal facility resulting in death." It mentions the August 7, 1998 bombings of the United States Embassies in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya, but no mention of September 11, 2001. What?

So, Osama is still free out there to plot and reign as terror king. Why?

Ok, if there are no other truths out there lurking, let's just say that the ball was dropped by both administrations on this whole Osama (Usama) bin Laden thing. I'm sure there are reasons behind it.

It's not just the Clinton Administration's fault, especially when the Republican Party was in process to impeach Clinton for enjoying some hanky-panky in the White House.

And when the filmmakers sent copies to important people, including Republican pundit Rush Limbaugh, but sent no copies to Democratic interests and especially not to the Clinton Administration depicted in the film...I'm sure there are reasons behind it.

Egads! Headlines...

Egads! Has it really been two months since the last time I blogged? So much going on... so little time.

Let's cut to the chase and debrief the headlines:

Lebanon and the Bombshell
There's nothing like making more terrorists in the Middle East. Al Quada is a has been as Hezbollah is the new catch phrase in terrorism. And there's nothing like a diversion from the Iraq civil war to get US thinking about other interests. Like the never-ending feud between Israel and any country that lies too close to its borders. Has anyone figured out why Israel just can't get along with its neighbors? Is it because Israel drives its boom car around late at night when the Palestinians are trying to get some sleep? Or could it be that Lebanon just has prime real estate that Israel envies so? You can blame the other countries only for so long before you are forced to look at the root of the problem.

Castro Comeback--Again
Fidel Castro, perpetual arch enemy of the United States, continues to survive after surgery on his intestine. You know what else continues to survive? Our embargo on anything from our neighbor to the southeast. How long do we need to continue this to prove--what point are we trying to prove, again?

More Moral Incompetence on the Iraqi Battlefield
And its not from the crazy terrorists. Again our US soldiers continue to embarrass the honor of our country, but you really can't blame them. Really, when you send soldiers off to fight a war with no goals, no mission and no focus, they aren't fighting for a specific cause. They have to psych themselves out. Faced with the reality, they put their game face on as they listen to violent gangsta rap and sexual provocative music. What do you expect?

Sexual Explicit Music Leads to Sex
Of course, all things considered, people are influenced by messages they hear over and over. And what better way to get a message across than the repetitive nature of music?! If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything. That is the message here. It is not just about sex, it is about marketing. Those who stand for something are not easily swayed, so forget about them. Go for those suckers who fall for anything, and that's what commercials do and, really, let's get to the root, that's what music does.

Public Relations in the Spin Cycle

What is public relations? Is it product placement or people placement? Ah, no... I think that's called marketing and promotional gimmicks. Is it that bikini clad women that displayed her message in front of world leaders? Ah, no... That would be picketing and improper exposure. Is it spinning the news? Well... sort of.

Public relations is disseminating the truth in a positive light. Edward Bernays, the father of public relations (and the nephew of Sigmund Freud, go figure) was concerned that he would display "properganda" and not "improperganda." If only more public relations practitioners would be as message conscious as Bernays. Right... Let's get real here.

Bernays, being related to Freud, almost naturally concentrated on the psychology of public relations, almost to a fault. In fact, due to his efforts, Bernays worked to create social acceptance of women smoking in public. During the 1920s, the health consequences to smoking were not as known, so I'll give Bernays the benefit of the doubt.

According to Bernays "The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country. . . . In almost every act of our daily lives, whether in the sphere of politics or business, in our social conduct or our ethical thinking, we are dominated by the relatively small number of persons . . . who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires which control the public mind." If you want to know more about Bernays and his life devoted to making himself known as the father of public relations, read the Father of Spin by Larry Tye (here's a great book review).

In reality, a public relations practitioner can only be as honest as their clients' honesty is reflected to them. And even then, sometimes money can influence honesty and conveying the truth. It is amazing how flashing a couple of greenbacks can put a normally honest and open person into a deceptive trance. Sure, we'll give our public the truth in a positive fashion, but with a twist, er a spin. We won't out and out lie, but we'll convince the public that they are hearing the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. We'll even convince journalists that all we are feeding them is the wholesome and natural truth, so there will be no need to question our message. Can I get an Amen?? Thank you, choir! (You know I'm preaching to the choir.)

So, the progression of public relations is a lot like washing machine. Load the machine with some dirty laundry (you know, all those marketing blunders that got mud on that questionable client's clothes), throw in some detergent (or detour agent, i.e. public relations practitioner--to clean up the mess), let it soak, then put it in the spin cycle, rinse and spin to dry. Viola! Your laundry is clean!

O'Reilly Says Let's Cut and Run--Oh, Really?!

Bill O'Reilly, host of the O'Reilly Factor on Fox News Channel, claimed in his radio show that Iraq is full of nuts and "the only solution to this is to hand over everything to the Iraqis as fast as humanly possible. Because we just can't control these crazy people." Oh, Really?!! When'd ya figure that out?

So, what happened to the pep rally that this is a war we must win??? Mid-term elections starting to knaw at you? Or are you just going crazy?

I will stand by my previous statements that if we are truly there to liberate the Iraqis, then this is a war for the Iraqi people to win. This is not a victory the United States should be flaunting.

Oh, well, we are a land of arrogant people, aren't we. Calling the Iraqis crazy and gettin' the heck out of Dodge, or Baghda--Fallujadad, as fast as we can, well that is just a funny way of saying "cut and run." Funny, isn't it?!

Sigh. An Expression from a Resigned American

Resigned? Nah. Retired? If only I had a nest egg. Maybe I'm just taking sabatical for a while.

My frustrated brain cells are becoming increasingly disinterested in current events. Maybe its all the head rolling at the headlines every day.

Sadly, I googled "resigned american" and found this goofy website that had an interview with some Democratic senator thinking Bill Clinton should resign. It proved several things to my resigned thinking...

1. Democrats are wimpy.
2. Democrats think that a president should consider resigning if they don't correct any mis-statements, inaccuracies, or false statements, and apologize to the country, as long as (1) such statements had no negative implication to the immediate vitality of the country, (2) the president is a democrat....
3. Democrats are wimpy.
4. Apparently, democrats can't see forest through the trees.
5. Democrats are wimpy.
6. Democrats need political glasses so they can see the forest, along with small hot fires that dot the forest, that if left alone, will cause a major forest fire and possibly decimate the whole forest and then some.
7. Democrats are wimpy.
8. Even if democrats got some balls on them, would they know how to use them? Oh, right. That whole Howard Dean thing.
9. Democrats are wimpy.
10. Sigh. The same thing that makes certain democratic values altruistic and benefit of the doubt giving, also makes them very wimpy. And we, as a society, don't want wimpy, wimpy, wimpy. We want hefty, hefty, hefty.

Sigh.

Confidence. Peer loyalty. The hallmark of the Republican Party. And the challenge for the Democratic Party.

The Great Leaker: Karl Rove

Originally penned Friday, July 15, 2005

Stale Newsflash: Karl Rove was fired in 1992 by George H. W. Bush for, guess what, leaking information! Bush Sr. fired Rove during his presidential campaign for leaking negative information to now infamous columnist Robert Novak about Bush Sr.’s campaign fundraising chief Robert Moshbacher Jr.