Just Hobnob

Lebanon Who? Europe's Unwillingness To Provide Troops To Sustain Cease Fire An Embarrassment

2006-08-21T21:10:00.000-05:00

Thus far, the European Union has failed to offer sufficient ground troops to support a cease fire in Lebanon. And it should be embarrassed.

A special opportunity is at hand. At this hour, the international community has the chance to solidify a fragile peace between Israel and Hezbollah. Its success is critical because hundreds of people have died in this conflict over the last month, and many more will perish should the cease fire collapse.

But its success is equally important for two broader reasons. First, a sustained cease fire in Lebanon could slow the region's dangerous momentum. Take a look around. Iraq is engulfed by sectarian violence. Iran is threatening to proceed with its nuclear weapons. Israel is waging a two-front war. And terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah are assuming increasing power. This cease fire provides a rare chance to inject a measure of stability into the region and avert a free fall.

Second, success here could have long-term consequences for peace between Israel and its neighbors. As many sharp commentators have observed, Israel's attack on Hezbollah had little to do with the kidnapping of the two Israeli soldiers. Rather, it was undertaken to prove a point: that Israel would not give up land for nothing. After Israel voluntarily withdrew from Lebanon a few years ago, and did the same in Gaza a few months ago, it witnessed a rise in suicide bombings, shootings, and rocket launches. This was hardly a just reward for such difficult concessions. The present cease fire offers a chance for the international community to demonstrate to Israel that it can make future concessions with confidence that its interests will be protected.

It is time for the European Union to put dollars and manpower behind its lofty resolutions. Otherwise, the EU will not be the only part of the world saying: Lebanon who?

Lebanon, Israel, Cease Fire, Middle East

Dear Democrats: Don't Get Wrong Idea From Lieberman Defeat

2006-08-18T14:42:00.000-05:00

In the wake of Senator Joseph Lieberman's loss in the Connecticut primary, some commentators have suggested that the Democratic Party should adopt an "anti-war" message. Consider this recent post from noted blogger Glenn Greenwald:

As I argued in this post on C&L last weekend, the so-called "anti-war" position has clearly become the solidly mainstream position, and it is neoconservative warmongering that is the fringe and radical position.

A Lamont victory -- indeed, Lamont himself -- provides a very visceral illustration of just how mainstream anti-war (and anti-neoconservative) sentiments are, which is a significant factor as to why a Lieberman victory has become so important for neoconservatives.

Let's be clear about a few things. First, an anti-war position is not "solidly mainstream." According to a recent poll by CBS, only 19% of the American public believes that the U.S. should withdraw all troops immediately, as opposed to 38% that believe the U.S. should remain as long as necessary. This is not to say that Americans are not anxious about the direction of the war. They are. The same poll shows that 64% of those surveyed think that Bush does not have a clear plan for handling the situation in Iraq. But let's not equate anxiety (or even discontent) with a Vietnam-like movement.

Second, Republicans are not concerned with the Connecticut race because they view Lieberman as a critical ally. Rather, they love it because it provokes Democrats (like Mr. Greenwald) to sound the anti-war tune and hail the return of the 60s. It makes Democrats look weak on security and out of touch.

Finally, Lieberman did not lose the primary because he supported the war. He lost because he came off as Bush's boot licker. Even as sectarian violence mounted, even as electricity remained patchy, even as the oil production stagnated, Lieberman refused to question the Bush administration's efforts. His seemingly bottomless optimism was just too much to take. To top it off, he threatened to leave the party and run as an independent at the very moment that Democrats were asking: "Is he one of us?" Not a bright move.

If Democrats are smart, they will avoid a bring-home-the-troops message this campaign season. Instead, they will make targeted attacks on the war's execution, emphasize the need to develop a plan to end the conflict, and above all, let the pictures and videos from Iraq speak for themselves. The GOP will flounder on its own, if the Democrats will just get out of the way.

Lieberman, Bush, GOP, Democrats, Greenwald

Lessons Learned From Foiled Terrorist Plot

2006-08-10T21:25:00.000-05:00

Today the British government announced that it had thwarted a terrorist plot to blow up ten commercial airplanes heading to the United States. Early indications suggest that Al Qaeda was behind the planned attacks. In the upcoming weeks, there will be a serious debate over what today's events really mean. Here are a few thoughts:

Lesson #1: Al Qaeda lacks the creativity it once possessed

The exposed plot is hardly a fresh idea. The concept of exploding multiple air planes simultaneously was proposed by Al Qaeda mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed in 1994, and was well-documented in the 9/11 report. Perhaps military operations in Afghanistan, arrests in Pakistan, and "defections" to Iraq have depleted Al Qaeda's brain trust.

Lesson #2: We were right to focus so much attention on airplane security

I, like everyone else, criticized the U.S. government for concentrating so much on air travel safety improvements in the wake of 9/11. What were the chances that Al Qaeda, or any other terrorist organization, would try to replicate its earlier successes? Why not try something new, something less predictable? Today's events suggests that airplanes remain the prime target for terrorist attacks.

Lesson #3: Al Qaeda is trying to remain relevant

Al Qaeda is not the preeminent terrorist organization it once was. Hezbollah's battle against Israel has catapulted that organization to the top of the world's headlines. Its new importance is rivaled only by Hamas, which has assumed control of the Palestinian legislature. Al Qaeda likely feels a need to reassert itself more than any time in recent years.

Lesson #4: The U.S. remains hopelessly dependent on intelligence reports

Does anyone think that airport security would have thwarted this attack? Let's hope that the intelligence community's recent success will continue.

Terrorism, Qaeda, Plot, Foiled

New NFL Referee Uniforms A Laugher

2006-08-09T18:43:00.000-05:00

Whew! Anyone else think the NFL refs ought to be hitting the Tour de France next year?

Check out ESPN for more.

NFL, Referees, Uniform

President's Chief-of-Staff Impressive on Meet the Press

2006-07-23T17:21:00.000-05:00

Although I am hardly a fan of the Bush Administration, I cannot help but congratulate White House Chief-of-Staff Josh Bolten for his performance on Meet the Press this morning. He was everything that the President is not: thoughtful, articulate, knowledgeable, and measured. Here are a few of the highlights:

MR. RUSSERT: Is the Lebanese prime minister correct that the Israeli bombardments are creating sympathy for Hezbollah?

MR. BOLTEN: I don't know. They, they may be, and I'm sure the Israelis are aware of that. That's one reason why we have encouraged the Israelis as much as possible to minimize civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. But, but bear in mind, Tim, that's in this kind of circumstance that's difficult to do, because Hezbollah has intentionally interwoven itself into the civilian populations and, and made it's basically used civilians as, as shields for their terrorist activities.

MR. RUSSERT: The Iraqi prime minister, Mr. Maliki, has weighed in as well. Now this is someone who is supposedly an ally of the United States. This was his observation on what's going on. "The Israeli attacks and air strikes are completely destroying Lebanon's infrastructure. We call on the world to take quick--let's see--stands to stop the Israeli aggression."

MR. BOLTEN: Yeah, and that's, that's the kind of language you might expect to hear from sovereign leaders in, in, in Arab countries. Israel is not very popular in the region. The, the good news is that that is a sovereign, democratically elected leader of Iraq able to express his views. He'll have an opportunity to discuss that with President Bush when he--when Prime Minister Maliki comes here early this coming week.

To view the complete transcript for today's Meet the Press, go to: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13904922/

Bolten, Chief, President, Russert

The Real Compassionate Conservative: Mayor Bloomberg

2006-07-21T18:25:00.000-05:00

During the 2000 presidential campaign, George W. Bush famously cast himself as the "Compassionate Conservative." As it turned out, Bush wasn't so compassionate. He introduced a tax cut that overwhelmingly favored the richest Americans, supported former Attorney General Ashcroft's suit to overturn Oregon's voter-approved Death With Dignity Act, and, most recently, vetoed bipartisan legislation that would have increased funding for stem cell research.

The promise for "compassionate conservatism" remains alive, however...in New York. Last week, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the city's newest plans to eradicate homelessness. The NY Times described it as follows:

Beginning an aggressive push to reduce the number of people living on New York City's streets, the city will start pressuring homeless men and women to leave makeshift dwellings under highways and near train trestles and will raise barriers to make those encampments inaccessible, Mayor said on Monday.

The city has found 73 of those sites inhabited by groups of chronically homeless people, the mayor said. "Humanely, respectfully and firmly, we'll work to get these men and women to enter supportive housing, enroll in treatment programs or go into shelters," Mr. Bloomberg said to a gathering of government officials and social service providers from around the country.

"The objective is not in any way to force people from one area to another," Mr. Hess said. "It is to take a social service intervention strategy approach to help people make a decision to move from these very unhealthy encampments."

(Diane Cardwell, "City to Clear Homeless Encampments," July 18, 2006)

This new effort--clearly "conservative" in its aggressive, no-nonsense, results-driven modus operandi--represents an attempt to marry conservative formulas with liberal ideals. It should be taken seriously, as it comes on the heels of a significant investment in "supportive housing," a program that not only provides homeless shelters, but also critical services likes substance abuse treatment and psychological counseling.

While it remains unclear whether the mayor will ultimately succeed, he should be commended for his willingness to take on one of society's greatest ills and his open-mindedness in fashioning prospective solutions. The president could learn a thing or two.

Mayor, Bloomberg, Conservative, Homeless

Comic Relief: Silly Injuries to Pro Athletes

2006-07-19T22:30:00.000-05:00

They can't all be serious...

Morisato's Blog describes some of the crazy ways that Major League Baseball players have gotten injured. Here are some of the best:

Pitcher Steve Speaks tore his rotator cuff ripping apart a phone book.

All Star pitcher John Smoltz burned his chest by ironing his shirt...while he was wearing it.

Pitcher Greg Harris injured his elbow flipping sunflower seeds while sitting in the bullpen.

Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan had to miss a start after being bitten on the hand by a coyote.

All star pitcher Tom Glavine broke a rib throwing up airplane food.

Relief pitcher Randy Veres injured his hand slamming his fist against a hotel room wall in an attempt to get his neighbors to quiet down.

Comic, Morisato, Sports

Democrats on Wrong Track: Living Wage Not Hot Button Issue

2006-07-13T21:48:00.000-05:00

According to Time Magazine, Democrats are hoping that the minimum wage will prove to be a get-out-the vote issue a la gay marriage for Republicans in 2004. They apparently believe that the topic is a "winner" because surveys suggest that more than 80% of the public supports an increase.

Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears: this is not a "winner." Sure, most Americans support a minimum wage increase. Other than business owners footing the bill, who wouldn't support a few more dollars for people living paycheck to paycheck. That said, it has none of the world-coming-to-an-end dynamism of gay marriage. It just won't stir people to action.

Professor Who Claims U.S. Government Orchestrated 9/11 Attack Should be Fired

2006-07-10T21:37:00.000-05:00

An Islamic Studies professor at my alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, has publicly stated that the U.S. government is responsible for conceptualizing and executing the September 11 attacks. Worse yet, he has publicly vowed to share those opinions in the classroom. Let me mince no words: he should be fired.

While I support academic freedom, and while I willingly concede that a diversity in viewpoints is key to a lively discourse, I also believe that some voices are so far beyond the pale that they should not be given a world class forum. Holocaust deniers have no place teaching our kids about World War II. White supremacists have no place teaching our kids about the Civil War. And 9/11 conspiracy theorists have no place teaching our kids about "Islam: Religion and Culture."

Do not get me wrong, there is significant room for debate about U.S. policies in the Arab world. Our "preemptive" war in Iraq, support for the Saudi monarchy, and on-again-off-again concern with the Israeli-Palestinian "Road Map" all provide plenty of opportunity for good faith disagreement. As do our efforts to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power.

But... BUT...

There can be no honest, fair-minded, sophisticated argument that the U.S. government designed the 9/11 attacks. And someone who espouses such views in the classroom, as Professor Kevin Barret has promised he will do, deserves something less than a college lectern.

Fore more information, please visit the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel at http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=445190

Professor, Wisconsin, Barret, 9/11

World Cup Prediction and Final Score

2006-07-09T12:35:00.000-05:00

Prediction: Italy wins 1-0 on a late goal by Luca Toni.

Result: The score remained tied 1-1 after regulation and two overtime periods. Italy ultimately prevailed, winning the penalty kick shootout 5-3.

Final Thoughts: Because France dominated the time of possession and scoring opportunities after halftime, Italy appeared fortunate to get the result. Also, Luca Toni was probably not a good choice to score a late-game goal. He looked awfully tired in the late stages of the contest.

Fear that Immigrants Won't Learn English Nothing New

2006-07-08T18:06:00.000-05:00

Last month, many Americans criticized the release of a Spanish version of the National Anthem, suggesting that the song was just another reminder of how America was losing its English-language heritage. Such fear is nothing new. In the outstanding book, The First American, H.W. Brands discusses how Benjamin Franklin worried about that very issue in the mid 1700s. The following passage (written by Benjamin Franklin concerning German immigrants) is particularly illuminating.

Few of their children in the country learn English; they import many books from Germany. The signs in our streets have inscriptions in both languages, and in some places only German. They begin of late to make all of their bonds and legal writings in their own language which (though I think not ought to be) are allowed good in our courts, where the German business so increases that there is continual need of interpreters; and I suppose in a few years they will also be necessary in the Assembly, to tell one half our legislators what the other half say.

One would hope that 250 years after Benjamin Franklin’s comments, we would have learned that it takes time for a new immigrant community to assimilate. Apparently, we have not.

Immigrants, English, Franklin

Is Compromise Possible After NY High Court's Gay Marriage Ruling?

2006-07-04T19:06:00.000-05:00

Today, the highest court of New York ruled that the state constitution des not require the state to allow gay marriage. Its decision is just the latest in a series of judicial and legislative pronouncements on the gay marriage question. In the wake of the ruling, one thing seems abundantly clear: America will remain sharply divided on the issue.

At the core of the dispute are two competing ideas. Opponents of gay marriage appear to believe (in large part) that "marriage" is a sacred connection between a man and a woman. Proponents of gay marriage appear to believe (in large part) that homosexual relationships are of equal value as heterosexual relationships and deserving of the same legal protections.

Thus far, states have mostly treated the issue as black and white. Some (namely Massachusetts) have elected to legalize gay marriage. Numerous others (such as Indiana, Kansas, and Michigan) have passed laws or constitutional amendments precluding gay marriage. Only one--the State of Vermont--has attempted to forge a compromise solution. And Vermont's law likely does not satisfy the gay contingency. While it provides gay couples with the same legal protections as married couples, it still labels gay unions as something different: "civil unions."

This begs the question: is there a better compromise available?

What if the government only provided civil unions--whether the couple was heterosexual or homosexual--and left it to the religious institutions to decide which unions to sanctify as "marriages"? This stance would seem to appease both parties to the dispute. It would give the pro-gay marriage block the satisfaction of knowing that gay relationships are recognized under the law and treated with equal respect as heterosexual relationships. It would give the anti-gay marriage block the satisfaction of knowing that religious communities, as opposed to government institutions, will be the ones to determine the parameters of "marriage."

Is such a compromise realistic? Probably not. But it's worth a thought.

Gay, Marriage, Civil

Bill Frist: Republican Version of Gore/Kerry

2006-07-03T17:24:00.000-05:00

All indications are that Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist will run for President in 2008. If I were a Republican (which I am not), I would be throwing my weight behind any other potential nominee, be it McCain, Giuliani, Romney, or Allen.

The reason is simple: Frist is the Republican version of Al Gore and John Kerry. He is stiff, unable to smile comfortably, prone to qualifiers while speaking, and vulnerable on the flip-flop-o-meter (see reversal on stem cell position last year). If Gore and Kerry have taught us anything, it's that pandering robots always lose.

Republicans would be wise to nominate a candidate that goes against the grain. Such a move would enable voters to feel like they're starting fresh after eight years of Bush, even though they would be returning the same party to power. My money would be on Arizona Senator John McCain or Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

Frist, Gore, Kerry, McCain, Romney

Fantastic Video: Single-A Baseball Manager Joe Mikulik Blows Lid

2006-06-26T22:27:00.000-05:00

If you have not yet caught this video, take a look. It's classic.

http://sports.espn.go.com/minorlbb/news/story?id=2500470

Mikulik, Video, Baseball

Isiah Thomas Doomed to Fail as Coach of New York Knicks

2006-06-25T10:53:00.000-05:00

Last week, the New York Knicks announced that Team President Isiah Thomas would be replacing Larry Brown as team coach. The decision begs only one reaction: "Huh?"

No one disputes that Isiah Thomas was a great NBA basketball player. He set Detroit Pistons' records for points, assists, and steals. He was selected to the NBA All Star Game 12 times. He led the Pistons to two world championships. And he won MVP honors for both the All Star Game and NBA Finals.

What should trouble Knicks fans, however, is that Thomas has fallen short of expectations in every single venture he has undertaken since his NBA playing career ended in 1994. Consider the following list.

1. Part Owner and Executive VP of the Toronto Raptors.

Thomas led the Toronto Raptors to records of 21-61, 30-52, and 16-66. The team never made the playoffs.

2. NBC Broadcaster

Thomas was widely regarded as one of the worst basketball announcers in the country. He was demoted to a studio role within a short time of his arrival.

3. Owner of the CBA

Isiah took over the CBA approximately 50 years after it first took off. It was in bankruptcy two years later.

4. Coach of the Indiana Pacers

Despite having such talents as Jermaine O'Neal, Ron Artest, Brad Miller, and Al Harrington on hand, Thomas never led the Indiana Pacers past the first round of the NBA playoffs in his three years with the team.

5. General Manager of the New York Knicks

Thomas assembled a team of malcontents (see Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis, Jalen Rose, Eddy Curry, and Quentin Richardson), traded away the team's first round draft pick, and racked up a league-high payroll of $125 Million. It seems almost unfair to add that the team won only 23 of its 82 games last year.

Given Isiah's track record, it seems to be just a matter of time until the Knicks are looking for their third coach in three years.

Isiah, Thomas, Knicks, NBA

Ravens Will Soon Be Saying "Nevermore"

2006-06-18T09:56:00.000-05:00

Last week, the Baltimore Ravens completed a trade for longtime Titans quarterback Steve McNair. Given the Ravens’ sorry quarterback situation over the last many years (see Tony Banks, Stoney Case, Elvis Grbac, Kyle Boller, and Anthony Wright), it’s hard to blame the Ravens’ player personnel department for thinking McNair is worth a shot. After all, he led Tennessee to a string of playoff victories during his tenure with the Titans, consistently posted 60%+ completion percentages, and regularly maintained strong touchdown-to-interception ratios. What makes the McNair acquisition seem a bit shaky, though, is the QB’s recent track record. In the last three years, he played in only 36 of the Titans’ 48 regular season games. Moreover, his rushing totals (which were once a testament to his great athletic ability) declined sharply. A few years back, my Green Bay Packers came to realize that the biggest mistake a team can make is to give an aging, recently injured player a big signing bonus. That lesson came in the form of DE Joe Johnson. Something tells me the Ravens might be in for a similar lesson.

Ravens, McNair, Quarterback

Quick Hits

2006-06-17T18:28:00.000-05:00

#1: The last two issues of the Atlantic Monthly have had particularly thoughtful pieces on domestic politics. The first one, titled "Purple Mountains," suggests that Democrats may see big electoral gains in the Mountain West over the coming years. The second one, called "Stoking the Best," makes a persuasive argument that tax cuts do not lead to smaller government. Give them a spin if you haven't already.

"Purple Mountains" can be found at: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/prem/200607/purple-west
"Stoking the Beast" can be found at: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/prem/200606/tax-cuts

(Please note: you may need a membership to Atlantic Monthly to access these articles.)

#2: A compelling study was recently released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It found that auto crash fatalities could be reduced by approximately 33% if all cars were equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Presently, only 25% of cars have such technology.

New Democratic Message: Back to Basics?

2006-06-06T21:42:00.000-05:00

In an appearance on Meet the Press a few months back, Barack Obama was asked whether he thought Democrats should call for the US to pull out of Iraq. He said, "No." But he added a noteworthy caveat. He said that such a posture was politically appealing because it would allow Democrats to stake a position that was in clear contrast to the one held by Republicans.

With the November elections fast approaching (and the kickoff of the presidential campaign just around the corner), Democrats will be under increasing pressure to craft a message that distinguishes its platform from that espoused by the Republicans. Some will no doubt clamor for the Dems to promote an Iraqi withdrawal policy. Others will talk about a living wage. Still others will focus on privacy-related issues like abortion or NSA monitoring. What seems inevitable, though, is that Democrats will once again fashion a platform that lacks a coherent theme.

That's a shame. Bush, Cheney, Frist, and co. have opened the door to what seems like an ideal message: It's time to get back to basics. Although Republican leaders have labeled themselves "conservatives," they have been anything but conservative. They have presided over unprecedented budget deficits, tried to unravel social security, and committed America to billions in nation building. The recklessness of the Republican leadership is clear, and the Democrats are in a prime position to capitalize.

What issues might a Democratic "Back to Basics" campaign entail? Here are a few ideas:

1. Balance the Budget. This would help keep inflation down and social security solvent.

2. Invest in education. This includes easing the burden on student loan holders, promoting math and science learning, and creating new, better, and increased numbers of job retraining programs. Education and training are the keys to competitiveness in the era of globalization.

3. Protect the environment. Mother nature hath shown its fury in recent years, and it's about time we start to show a renewed respect. Carbon trading and increased investment in alternative fuels would be a welcome change.

Democrats have a real opportunity to regain the helm in the months ahead. Here's hoping they can come up with a message to do so.

Democrats, Campaign, Bush, Obama