Guilty?

Hey all, the Middle East sure has captures most of the headline news today. I want to address the trial of an individual captured fighting against the free world.
Today marks the first day in the trial of Salim Ahmed Hamdan in the military base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Hamdan is accused of participating in terrorist activities in 2001. He use to be the personal driver and mechanic for Osama bin Laden. According to a story published in Reuters reports that his defense attorneys say he was never a terrorist. Also, they claim he was simply trying to make a living when he chauffeured the Al Qaeda leader. Their biggest defense states that most of the evidence compiled against Hamdan occurred through the torturous techniques imposed on him by interrogators. The story describes the members of the jury as 13 military officers who will be dwindled down to 5 who will decide his future.
It’s just too bad that a guy who coveted a man who swore to kill all Americans and the American way of life got treated harshly. I guess he was expecting a trip to Universal Studios instead. I’m sorry Mr. Hamdan that you lived in a prison with other scum bags that were captured in the battle field. I wish that he would have received the treatment of shoot first ask later instead.
Why are we criticize for using necessary means for interrogation, but when one of our soldiers gets manhandled well too bad for them. Some people even think that they wouldn’t treat us so harshly if we received their fighters kindly. I am tired of stupid rules that interfere with the progress the military can make in the battle field. If Mr. Hamdan didn’t want to be sent to a prison that provides him with 3 square meals along with accommodating him with religious materials he should have stayed in Yemen. You don’t really think that he was trusted with any important information about Al qaeda since he only drove bin Laden around do you? I hope they were able to squeeze all the vital information out of him. I don’t care for anymore innocent people dying for a cause that doesn’t spare anyone who doesn’t submit to their agenda. I hope he is stuck with Big Bubba for the rest of his natural life. I wonder how much he will like sharing a bunk with someone who doesn’t have to play by any rules.
I don’t advocate for a military without rules, but I do wish that human rights groups would stop sticking their noses in the wrong place. American forces have to deal with an enemy without uniform, character, or any willingness to stop. I say if they don’t want more interrogations to happen, if they don’t want for the scum bags to answer necessary questions, and then kill all the terrorists. Those who try to kill the innocent, demoralize the weak, and conquer those who are different from them don’t deserve a second chance. All I have to say about that is soldier continue to kick Al Qaeda’s butt. James.

Let's drill.

Hey all, prices continue to rise at the gas pump. The President has taken the right approach, but Congress still remains unmoved.
It’s been established through polls and surveys that most Americans now believe that exploring our own oil resources will eliminate our dependency of oil from countries like Saudi Arabia. Most OPEC leading countries aren’t sympathetic when petroleum prices are through the roof as long as their pockets are filled with dollars. President Bush took the proper step by lifting an executive ban that had been placed on off shore drilling sites. Good job President Bush. I think that if we use our resources of oil and natural gas it would get oil prices to drop, our economy would receive a much needed boost, the dollar would regain some value, and some jobs would be created based on the demand of the industry. Politicians in Congress have divided themselves along ideological lines to see who can either stand up to those huge oil companies, or those who think we’ll be broke if we remain at the mercy of OPEC.
The President said “This means the
only thing standing between the American people and these vast oil resources is action by the U.S. Congress,” as reported on an article by Daniel Whitten. I hope that Congress feels the pressure to do the right thing. It seems like people are complaining, but they aren’t doing anything about it. People in Congress need to know who they are representing. They can’t impose their own agenda’s and sacrifice the future of this country.
Both of the major Presidential candidates responded to the President’s actions. Whitten reports how Bill Burton a spoke person in Senator Obama’s campaign reacted to the news. He said
``If offshore drilling would provide short-term relief at the pump or a long-term strategy for energy independence, it would be worthy of our consideration,
regardless of the risks. But most experts, even within the Bush administration, concede it would do neither.” I thought we could use the time we used our own oil to develop other sources of energy not crush the economy even further. Senator McCain reiterated his position of allowing off shore drilling at home. Well, I guess we know who cares more about part of the economy.
Do you care for drilling at home, or are you more worried about Winnie de Poo loosing his habitat? Do you think that drilling at home is a good short or long term answer? James.

Salute.

Hey all, I will keep this post brief. It’s Friday time to recognize some of the great individuals who are part of our society.
I would like to thank those men and women who served during the Vietnam War. I know from every historical document available that those at home didn’t welcome you back home kindly. I don’t care about politics if you serve my country. Thank you for your service during a difficult time culturally, socially, and politically. I know media outlets influenced the end result of the conflict even more so than the brave actions of those who served. I now say to you welcome home soldier, and please let me serve you if I am able to do so.
If you have someone you would like to recognize please leave a comment. I plan every Friday to highlight a particular group or individual who stands out for obvious reasons. James.

Iran taunts the rest of the world.

Hey all, international news sure captured the headlines today. I want to specifically address the Iranian attempt at daring any country to attack it. I wonder which Presidential candidate would make America safer in case Ahmadinejad woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
Yesterday using their state censored television Iran reportedly launched nine missiles. It was just a test supposedly in case Israel dared attacking Iran, or even if Uncle Sam told Ahmadinejad to take a long swim in the Persian Gulf. In an article by Allan Cowell from the Associated Press Iran’s 9 missiles included an improved version of the Shahad-3. This missile has a range of up to 1,250 miles according to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard quote in the article. It might just be a “reported” incident, but the idea that Iran has enough guts to launch 9 missiles worries me. If they are willing to test long range missiles for no reason as some argue why show the whole world their capabilities? I guess the nuclear bomb is just one of Ahmadinejad toys he likes to play with? Wake up. If Iran isn’t dealt with properly soon, then we might just be Ahmadinejad’s play ground.
It’s important to know how the future leaders of the United States reacted to Iran’s taunting. Senator Obama calls for more economic sanctions along with tougher diplomatic tactics as reported today by the Associated Press. I guess telling Iran to stop it and asking them to stop being naughty will surely end all possible conflicts. Senator McCain reacted by saying “"Working with our European and regional allies is the best way to meet the threat posed by Iran, not unilateral concessions that undermine multilateral
diplomacy," McCain called for a missile shield in Europe along with the deployment of some troops to strategic countries like Poland.
I completely agree with Senator McCain on this issue. Diplomacy should always get exploited to its fullest potential, and the military shouldn’t get used until it’s necessary to do so. Innocent lives can’t get lost do to a rash political decision. I don’t agree that talking to Iran will decrease their willingness to strike Israel or even America. Economic sanctions hurt the innocent people of Iran more than the government as they are the one’s who don’t get aid from other countries. They are the ones who suffer the harsh laws imposed by their governments. We can’t sit back take it easy and only react after it’s too late. If Russia was almost willing to blow us to pieces in the Cold War Iran might be more willing to do the job themselves. How do you feel about Iran’s launching? Does the reaction of Obama or McCain affect your thoughts about the future of this country? All I have to say is God Bless America. James.

War of words.

Hey all, I want to rehash some old news. In previous posts both Presidential candidates’ qualifications have been addressed. Also, each candidate’s weakness has gotten exposed. I would like to address an idiotic comment made by a former military leader.
In 2004 many critics remarked about President’s Bush military record. Senator John Kerry was revered for his service during the Vietnam conflict. I thank Senator Kerry for his service, but his military record makes him admirable not more politically qualified to be President. Dan Rather lost his job as the anchor as CBS evening news as a result of the forgery of President Bush’s National Guard papers. Many Democrats considered Kerry more qualified since he had served his country actively. Man, they changed their minds quickly.
General Wesley Clark did an interview on Face the Nation. He was asked about how he felt regarding John McCain’s military record since it often comes up in political circles. General Clark said “He has been a voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee. And he has traveled all over the world. But he hasn't held executive responsibility. That large
squadron in the Navy that he commanded — that wasn't a wartime squadron,”He also added
“I don’t think getting in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to become president.” Really I guess he is qualified to make that comment though?
General Wesley Clark has some logic to his statement, but his reasoning makes no sense. Politically I have a few disagreements with Senator McCain. Some of his policies aren’t consistent, but I think his military record makes him more experienced when it comes to national security. He served his country valiantly without any regard to his own well being. If Senator McCain commitment to his country doesn’t make him qualified as an individual for President. I want to know what makes Senator Obama eligible for the White House. Senator Obama started as a community activist which is not as dangerous as the jungle in Vietnam. Senator McCain sat in a prisoners of war camp and didn’t leave early even though his Dad was an important man in the military. Senator Obama at that time hung out with former Weather man Bill Airs.
Why does political expediency seem so comforting to some people. I know that politically both candidates are unpredictable especially when it comes to domestic issues. I would rather have a man who has the cajones to stand up to Iran, fight terrorists, and not one who will do what is right strictly to please his party. I thank General Clark for his service, but he should keep his mouth shut. Although Obama has stayed clear from this comment: Clark clearly reflects his party’s doctrine. Does John McCain’s record matter to you? How much does his brave service impact your chances for you to vote for him? James.

Our and Uncle Sam's day.

Hey all, I want to dedicate my next two posts in celebration of Independence Day. Many individuals have contributed to the development of America as a nation. Let’s thank them all.
America has a rich history based on the struggles that we have overcome as a nation. Our society is comprised of individuals from all over the world. This shows how maintaining our culture has enhanced our nation’s diversity. Many individuals in numerous ways have contributed their lives, intellect, and ideas in order to sustain such a wonderful country.
I want to thank every soldier who has ever served in the United States armed forces. Thank you for dedicating your time, valor, loyalty, and even lives so Old Glory can continue to wave. I salute you now and always.
I want to say how lucky I feel to live in a country with such an extraordinary founding document. The Founding Fathers made it possible for us to enjoy a free and joyous life. Their words changed what a democratic government was.
I want to thank any emergency responder who has help keep all citizens safe. Thank you to all Americans that help make this country what it is. Lastly, I want to thank God for blessing everyone who calls America home. I want to thank God for giving me the chance of pursuing my dreams, and I know that no matter what my political views are I won’t get killed for expressing them based on where I live. I hope everyone has a wonderful, blessed, and enjoyable weekend. James.

Election trouble in the dark continent.

Hey all, often most news coverage in America revolves around domestic issues, or if it’s coverage of international news most of it deals with the negative coverage of the war on terror. I want to know why issues aren’t regarding Africa even discussed.
Zimbabwe just held its most current election. This country has struggled through a cycle of violence for a long time. Reports last month starting surfacing about attacks on individuals who had enough guts to vote against Robert Mugabe. Mugabe a self proclaimed hero has ruled over Zimbabwe since 1987 according to an article published by the BBC. People were targeted if they decided to vote against Mr. Mugabe during the run off election. The candidate who had to back down from being part of the ballot Morgan Tsvangirai after accepting defeat based on not having the opportunity to have his name on the ballot said "We in the MDC have resolved that we will no longer participate in this violent,
Illegitimate ... sham of an election process.”
I find it sad for individuals not to have the chance who their government officials are. One of my concerns also derives from the individuals who control all of the resources available in countries like Zimbabwe. The government of Zimbabwe in their home page states that 30 deposits of various minerals exist throughout the numerous regions of Zimbabwe. Also, their close proximity to other naturally rich countries makes them a great trading ally. My biggest concern is that these countries are highly neglected, and this can potentially create a national security problem for the United States. Somalia another African country already proved this point once. The idea some individuals of attacking the West as a way of compensating for most Zimbabwean’s impoverish state could be fatal. Also, it’s difficult to reach out to many African natives as some organizations like the UN only threaten sanctions against violent dictators without really doing anything about it like Sudan.
Do you believe that establishing a more democratic Africa would benefit us? Should we care about events like the Zimbabwe election since many already chastise America as practicing “big brother” policies? James.