tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post1561768318516736519..comments2024-03-26T05:18:53.709-04:00Comments on Pen and Sword: The Sky in Tom Friedman's Flat WorldJeff Huberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14146644937683409726noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-81170624470254385442008-05-24T18:26:00.000-04:002008-05-24T18:26:00.000-04:00ROFL, Montag.ROFL, Montag.Jeff Huberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14146644937683409726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-66498750262556590232008-05-24T17:46:00.000-04:002008-05-24T17:46:00.000-04:00Oh, absolutely! I didn't want to get bogged down ...Oh, absolutely! I didn't want to get bogged down telling the entire story. At first we are led to misinterpret the way that Coriolanus bridles at pandering for votes as an appeal for fair play, instead of personal arrogance and contempt for the plebians. <BR/><BR/>In fact the original 1944 GI Bill was passed out of fear of what millions of cranky veterans might get up to--with Italy and Germany serving as recent examples too horrible to copy. Even the peaceful Bonus Marchers of 1932 scared the Hell out of people. I guess you could say that the government remembered Coriolanus--they wanted to keep those veterans inside the tent urinating out, instead of outside the tent urinating in.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-5316872315796243832008-05-23T23:25:00.000-04:002008-05-23T23:25:00.000-04:00Montag, Coriolanus is maybe my favorite Shakespear...Montag, <BR/><BR/>Coriolanus is maybe my favorite Shakespeare play and possibly the most morally ambiguous. <BR/><BR/>One wants to admire Coriolanus, yet one winces at so much of what he does. We admire that he doesn't like showing his wounds; we cringe that his ambition leads him to abandon his principles. Ultimately he comes to a bad end that he probably deserves (at least that's what I think today). <BR/><BR/>Fabulous stuffJeff Huberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14146644937683409726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-73485421517855735842008-05-23T23:18:00.000-04:002008-05-23T23:18:00.000-04:00elderlady, you're actually wrong on the compromise...elderlady, you're actually wrong on the compromise. The bill passed 75-22 because it was a "game of chicken" that Webb won. As long as the Republicans looked like they'd be able to deny the Webberites the 60 votes that would keep the bill from being denied the floor they were pretty solid. But when Webb got those 60 votes the Republicans folded like a cheap umbrella--especially those up for re-election, you betcha. There's no way they can spin this bill to make it out as a bad thing.<BR/><BR/>In Shakespeare's play "Coriolanus," the Roman General of the title is running for office. He's forced to stand in the forum and declare his services to the state which make him deserving of the office. As part of the ordeal he's expected to display his scars. But Coriolanus does it with an ill grace. He sarcastically tells a friend:<BR/><BR/>"What must I say?--'I pray, sir,'--Plague upon't! I cannot bring my tongue to such a pace.--'Look, sir;--my wounds;--I got them in my country's service, when some certain of your brethren roar'd, and ran from the noise of our own drums.'"<BR/><BR/>Coriolanus feels that his services to Rome should speak for themselves and that he shouldn't have to beg for a reward from those who did nothing. Webb's bill addresses much the same issue.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-59811074809542569602008-05-23T09:26:00.000-04:002008-05-23T09:26:00.000-04:00EL, Many grasses for the info and link. Best, Jeff...EL, <BR/><BR/>Many grasses for the info and link. <BR/><BR/>Best, <BR/><BR/>JeffJeff Huberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14146644937683409726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-57364195595726556402008-05-23T07:37:00.000-04:002008-05-23T07:37:00.000-04:00Commander,The Webb bill passed with a veto proof m...Commander,<BR/>The Webb bill passed with a veto proof majority. 75-22. So, I imagine some compromise was made.<BR/>And, you are right, my brother went to college on his G.I. Bill.<BR/><BR/>Bush has threatened to veto the Webb bill. <BR/><BR/>However, speculation is, that when it comes back to the Senate, after the Bush veto, those Republicans who voted for, will jump back across the aisle, and vote for a watered down version, proposed by McCain.<BR/><BR/>Sam Smith at Progressive Review has written an essay, posted on his website called "All War All the Time." http://www.prorev.com/allwar.htm.<BR/><BR/>It explains in detail why we have our military in 177 countries around the world.<BR/><BR/>It also explains why Bush doesn't want to give them anything, (like education benefits) if and when they ever leave. The Pentagon needs them to stay put. <BR/><BR/>Worth the time.Elderladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02268520056042293783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-21922337875363442042008-05-22T20:30:00.000-04:002008-05-22T20:30:00.000-04:00Thanks, RK. EL, I just hope Webb didn't have to co...Thanks, RK. <BR/><BR/>EL, <BR/><BR/>I just hope Webb didn't have to compromise on everything else to get that GI bill passed, but good for him. I've thought for many, many years the best investment we could make in the future would be to offer better education advantages for military service. <BR/><BR/>It's what created the white collar middle class after WWII. <BR/><BR/>JeffJeff Huberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14146644937683409726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-54146754245495331762008-05-22T14:56:00.000-04:002008-05-22T14:56:00.000-04:00The PNAC policy seems to be achieving what was int...The PNAC policy seems to be achieving what was intended.<BR/><BR/>Oil is $135 per barrel. We all subsidize the Neocon agenda. We pay, they make the campaign contributions. <BR/><BR/>Disneyland and WalMart will soon be in Bagdahd.<BR/><BR/>Your stomach is stronger than mine, Commander, if you can read the flat earth author.<BR/><BR/>When I want to know what's happening in Lebanon, I read Robert Fisk, in the UK Independent. He actually lives there. <BR/><BR/>We now have our latest distraction in the MSM. The polygamy thing is front and center again. <BR/><BR/>Levin is lovin' Petreus. Petreus who has his finger to the wind, now loves diplomacy. Ranking member of the committee, Senator McCain -- had a prior commitment, out west.<BR/><BR/>And,if you look hard enough, you can find (only on HuffPost) a small article that mentions that Jim Webb got his GI Bill through the Senate. McCain didn't vote. (prior commitment - out west.)<BR/><BR/>All in all your average news day.<BR/> Except here. Thank heavens.Elderladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02268520056042293783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-30722745723253563972008-05-22T13:20:00.000-04:002008-05-22T13:20:00.000-04:00Something "hung up" when posting my comment, above...Something "hung up" when posting my comment, above. When I posted again, part of the first paragraph went missing.<BR/><BR/>The second sentence should read:<BR/><BR/>"As someone who reads as much as I can about this particular issue/situation, I am thankful for your insights."<BR/><BR/>Carry on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-32989844995853055672008-05-22T13:00:00.000-04:002008-05-22T13:00:00.000-04:00I do believe that you are the most well-rounded, i...I do believe that you are the most well-rounded, informed and informative analyst on the "Iran situation" writing anywhere. As much as I can about this particular issue/situation, I am thankful for your insights. <BR/><BR/>What is perhaps most impressive is your refusal to view the Bush administration's middle eastern policy as comprising an incoherent series of crazy acts, but instead, as potentially a deliberate (if wanton) strategy based on military- and energy-driven objectives. <BR/><BR/>While there are a few others who accept that this administration isn't so crazy as to be pig-headedly maintaining an obviously-failing policy in the M.E., and who recognize that maybe the policy is achieving, more or less, what's intended (i.e., objectives that have little to do with liberation and freedom), your accomplishment, in part at least, lies in how broadly-framed and well-grounded your analysis is.<BR/><BR/>In sum, it makes sense. Which is what I come here for.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-8828542195555213962008-05-21T22:33:00.000-04:002008-05-21T22:33:00.000-04:00Good stuff Montag. Full speed ahead, your meter's...Good stuff Montag. Full speed ahead, your meter's running. <BR/><BR/>JeffJeff Huberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14146644937683409726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-15347034694994240432008-05-21T21:58:00.000-04:002008-05-21T21:58:00.000-04:00Ironically, Israel also has only a White Water Nav...Ironically, Israel also has only a White Water Navy, essentially a glorified coastal defense force--so Israel and Iran can't get at each other because their arms are too short. So this is why they're leaning on us. In fact their Prime Minister Olmert just came out for a naval blockade of Iran. Need I say that it will be HIS blockade but OUR navy? We should do what the Republic of Texas did when it rented its Navy to the Republic of Yucatan to fight off the Mexican Navy. Install taxi meters on our ships and planes and tell Olmert that we don't take personal checks--THAT'll cool his ardour. How do you say, "No tickee, no washee" in Hebrew?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-65257978367442221552008-05-21T17:07:00.000-04:002008-05-21T17:07:00.000-04:00Yep, and as I keep saying, it's the energy industr...Yep, and as I keep saying, it's the energy industry, not the weapon, that's the strategic gem. <BR/><BR/>JeffJeff Huberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14146644937683409726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-30352243833655123702008-05-21T15:23:00.000-04:002008-05-21T15:23:00.000-04:00"If Iran ever does possess nukes, it won’t dare us..."If Iran ever does possess nukes, it won’t dare use them; it would not survive the retaliation."<BR/><BR/>Spot on Jeff, there isn't a government on what's left of this planet with a suicide wish. The perks of being in power, even if you are a small nation (better to be a big fish in a little pond), are too great.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-37678412457161554172008-05-21T09:18:00.000-04:002008-05-21T09:18:00.000-04:00We'll see, EL. As deception/psych ops go, this is...We'll see, EL. As deception/psych ops go, this is the most telegraphed move I've ever seen. Under normal circumstances with "normal" leadership, I'd say it all has to be a misdirection move, but with these guys...<BR/><BR/>Like I said a few columns back, a truly diabolical strategy can succeed in many ways. What's more, a truly grand deception is also perfect preparation for the real thing. <BR/><BR/>JeffJeff Huberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14146644937683409726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-82812015326810993172008-05-21T07:57:00.000-04:002008-05-21T07:57:00.000-04:00There is an "army news report" that says we will a...There is an "army news report" that says we will attack Iran.<BR/><BR/>However, it comes from the Israeli army radio.<BR/><BR/>Additionally, their WH sources seem to be as "un-named" as the ones quoted by the American MSM.<BR/><BR/>The link is on Sam Smith's Progressive Review: http:/www.prorev.org.<BR/><BR/>Or in the May 20th, Jerusalem Post: http://www.jpost.com. <BR/><BR/>The drumbeat continues, and the Fox is still in his foxhole.Elderladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02268520056042293783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-32011407233725234932008-05-21T06:37:00.000-04:002008-05-21T06:37:00.000-04:00Well said, Vet. Anon, yes, two very good reasons....Well said, Vet. <BR/><BR/>Anon, yes, two very good reasons. <BR/><BR/>JeffJeff Huberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14146644937683409726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-64954610181571672212008-05-21T03:34:00.000-04:002008-05-21T03:34:00.000-04:00There are two other good reasons why Iran wouldn't...There are two other good reasons why Iran wouldn't use nuclear weapons on Israel. <BR/><BR/>1) Israel is so small the fallout would spread into the neighboring countries (or worse if the missile veers off course). <BR/><BR/>2) Jerusalem is the third holiest city to Muslims. Well, ok, might be 4th to Shiites but the point still stands, they ain't gonna nuke one of the holiest of holies. That would be like Greece nuking Istanbul (Constantinople).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-35970153408991581812008-05-21T00:58:00.000-04:002008-05-21T00:58:00.000-04:00we can admit that pre-emptive war is an evil act a...we can admit that pre-emptive war is an evil act and forswear it forever.<BR/><BR/>There is competition between the United States and Iran in the Middle East today. <BR/><BR/>The United States and Iran share a great deal, despite their division with respect to Israel, Lebanon and other interests. There is their common support for the Shiite-led government in Iraq and for the government in Afghanistan, as well as their common enmity toward Al Qaeda and the Taliban. <BR/><BR/>With their spheres of influence partially overlapping, the United States and Iran can potentially transition from the “new cold war” environment in the Middle East to a post-cold war based on selective cooperation and mutual respect. And they can do this with greater ease than the previous cold war, particularly if the United States and its allies provide clear security guarantees and pledge to respect Iran’s sovereignty. <BR/><BR/>Thomas Friedman quotes Aaron David Miller, a former Middle East negotiator, who has observed that in the Middle East, the United States is “not liked, not feared and not respected.” <BR/><BR/>We have squandered the respect and admiration once felt for us in the Arab world, and we are now seen as aggressive militarists bent on imposing our will on the Arab people and their nations and blindly supporting Israel in its oppression of the Palestinians.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-71543293160684467122008-05-20T18:59:00.000-04:002008-05-20T18:59:00.000-04:00;-) Thanks, Nunya. J;-) Thanks, Nunya. <BR/><BR/>JJeff Huberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14146644937683409726noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12796551.post-36825960540426253002008-05-20T18:31:00.000-04:002008-05-20T18:31:00.000-04:00"at this point we’ve grown so used to getting what..."at this point we’ve grown so used to getting what we want by kicking the door down that we don’t really know any other way to conduct statecraft."<BR/><BR/>*sigh*<BR/><BR/>Jeff, sometimes I hate it when you nail it.nunyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08833886980442919570noreply@blogger.com