For Hire

The latest mini war (funded and armed principally by the US) has developed into something quite serious. It appears that the US President has agreed to allow a coalition embedded in NATO to take charge of the war effort (probably led by France). So what, you say?

This means that non US leadership will be placed over USA forces and resources. This amounts to the same thing as the President hiring out US forces to perform under a foreign banner. When the US entered the "Great WAR", (1914 - 1918) General Pershing insisted that US forces be led by US officers. In Korea in the early 1950's, US forces fought under the flag of the UN but were still commanded by US officers. Later on, there was a move in Europe to dress all soldiers in NATO uniforms under NATO insignia and banners. This idea was soundly rejected by the US population that caused some US soldiers to opt for court martial rather than to wear such insignia.

It is time for the US people to object in the strongest terms against any attempt to place US forces under foreign control. Even to the point of civil disobedience and street demonstrations. We need to get our politicians involved in this NOW. Please understand that this, in the words of VP Biden about healthcare is, "a really big ****ing deal".

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

I have said many times that the US should resign from the UN. It is a useless political entity with no power, no morals, and no cohesiveness.

The UN just codified extreme measures against Libya (also a member!) of course only if the US would go along (and probably fund the effort). So, our Administration sent some ships and aircraft and proceeded to bomb Libya without an apparent plan or purpose except to blow some stuff up. This now has been defined as our third present war. One, in Iraq is in the process of winding down with little positive results to show from the effort. Another in Afghanistan, is in the middle of a muddled effort and probably has less to show because it is also not well thought out. Libya seems to be less reasoned, planned and which has no real stated objectives. Our leadership is not leading or thinking.

Couple this third endeavor with UN assurance of support; which ought to make it acceptable to the world. Unfortunately, after the first shots were fired, the Russians are now objecting, the Chinese, are objecting, and the so called Arab League is unhappy that people are being killed (never mind what the Libyan leader is doing to his own people). So, it looks as if the US will be marked as the mean old agressor and all around bad guys.

THERE IS NO REASON FOR THE US TO BE ENGAGED IN SUCH WARS!!! Read a little history on the British experiences in similar endeavors in almost the same locales, then try to justify our involvement.

So, my position is that we must disengage from the war(s) and resign from the UN. NOW.

A Revelation

I watched a few minutes of the last two announcements by the President; one dealing with the nuclear crisis in Japan and one dealing with US support for a "no fly" zone in Libya. As I watched it finally occurred to me what is missing in our President and what my problem with him is as my leader.

Mr Obama does not like to be the leader (President). I detected in him a certain uneasiness and reluctance to act in his present position. There is an inflection in his voice, a certain hesitation in his speech delivery, and a whole lot of telling body language that has led me to this conclusion.

He was a very adept campaigner and organizer, but, when it comes to performing required tasks as the Leader, he is totally inadequate. For this, I feel sorry for him. For me, I feel very sorry that I am saddled with such a person who is represented as being in charge.

We would be better off if we allowed him to go touring throughout the world and play a lot of golf and forget about having him make any decisions.

Stuff

I labeled this "Stuff" for want of anything else to call it.

First, I recind my attempts to not discuss politics because, I said so!

Now, that I have freed myself from that prohibition, Let me start.

I do not understand the present Administration and our President. He shows little regard for big issues facing the US and seems to be content picking (betting?) on basketball games. His priorities make very little sense, to me, at least.

He allowed a veteran supporter in Egypt to be swept away from power, and now Egypt is in the hands of some "unknown" quantities.

He projected an image of wanting to see regime change in Libya, then stated that he did not have the power to assist the rebels.

He is seemingly ignoring events in Iraq at, what I believe, is a very critical phase in that Country's transition.

He seems to be ignoring events in Afghanistan and the US casualties.

He is ignoring Pakistan.

He has steadfastly ignored traditional and emergent allies of the US ; and even seems to be trying to alienate them (Israel, Great Britain, Germany, Poland, and Japan).

He has a long list of obviously incompetent officials who he does not seem to communicate with and allows them a great deal of latitude in where they go and what they do (Clinton, Holder, Napolitano).

And, for this episode of this blog, finally; He either is reluctant to take a stand, or meet a commitment on just about everything or anything.

Somebody needs to talk with him and engage in correcting his ways.