Predictions for end of 2008

[dtfl]

You conveniently forget that Iraqi forces were attacking United States forces almost daily. We were there supporting UN mandates.
The Iraqi forces - under the direction of Saddam-were firing on our forces and publicly stating their desire to shoot down US aircraft. These actions violated the articles of surrender from the war fought to liberate Kuwait. They were also violating UN mandates and under international law the Iraqis were engaged in acts of war against the United States.

GW saw what was going on and decided it was time to put an end to it.

True, but it's hard to argue that we DID NOT have Saddam contained and he really was a paper tiger. If you flew a CAS aircraft over the Northern or Southern No Fly zone then you probably tapped a few AAA sites on occasion. Guys out of Incirlik did. I just sat SOF alert...so I listened on Sat. However, since we actually found some labs that were attempting to manufacture banned weapons, that technically violated the UN resolution, so we were technically legal to kick Saddams *ss.

So.....Iraq's parliment has written the US Congress and they want our troops out. Also, although I cannot find the story, I read the UN mandate for our troops expires 31 Dec 2008 (although that could be extended)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080605/wl_nm/iraq_usa_pact_dc_1

So..folks who want our troops out might get their wish..and Obama will have nothing to do with it.

 

[~~~^~~~]

Bush's stock in trade since the 2004 re election campaign has been fear. The US Press has accepted the free ride of position papers and talking points. For them, it is an easy sell; "if it bleeds, it leads."

Our Nation's military was put in harm's way under allegations of Iraq procuring yellow cake uranium. Apologists today claim that Saddam's use of WWI era chemical weapons on his own people justified the Weapons of Mass Destruction allegation, but we all know this war was not over the rights of people in Kurdistan.

My personal belief is that Saddam Hussein was seen as a threat to both Iran and Saudi Arabia. I see parallels to the Medicare Prescription Drug bill in the way that Washington handled decision making in a crisis.

Let me take the unpopular view on Saddam's regime. Saddam was not liked by Muslim radicals and by extension "conservative" Arabs and Persians. Saddam held secular beliefs and in the 1970's his cooperation and promotion of western oil development made him a favorite of ours in the region.

As his depravity earned him more enemies and as he sought to consolidate his power, he needed more and more money. He did this by selling all the oil he could pump at below market rates. He did not play well with the other dictators in the Cartel. His sales depressed the market. The Arabs were running account deficits (believe it or not) prior to the invasion of Iraq. Not only have we secured a threat for the Saudi royal family, the surprising (they are more surprised than anyone) has nearly paid off their nation's debt.

Iraq sits on oil reserves that may be the World's greatest. Due to the political problems no one has had a good look with current technology to see how much oil is there, but very old data shows about half the capacity of the Saudi Fields.

There is not an oil shortage. There is a surplus of fear:

• Fear driving people into commodity investments
• Fear preventing investment in politically risky parts of the Word to extract these commodities
• Fear of the United States - is used by Third World Dictators to secure their power
• Fear in the US of Third World Dictators - resulting in sanctions and restraints on trade

I first thought Obama's "hope" speech was political rhetoric, but I'm beginning to see that our best hope for restoring some rational thought to the global commodities market is hope, leading to confidence, resulting in restoration of mutually beneficial trade.

My forecast for the end of 2008 relies on the President's inauguration on January 20th of 2009. I'm hoping a change in the US Presidency will be the "Control-Alt-Delete" needed to get our global economy re-booted.

 

[Benhuntn]

Jerry Wrights lifts a mask and wig off during a sermon to reveal that he is really obama in disguis.

 

[Benhuntn]

Bill Avery and Tony Resko are announced to Pres. Obama's cabinet. Avery will head the pentagon which he will promptly blow up and Resko will head the State Dept which he will sell to the UN.

 

[SDF2BUF2MCO]

Yeah paranoia amongst the ill educated is starting to set in. McCain is not a true American when he decides to sell our livelyhoods overseas. Look at McCains tax plan. The only people that will get a rate hike are those who are not millionaires. Do you really have that many shares that you will benefit McCains extension of Bush tax cut on dividend returns. Remember McCain just tried to push for open trade with Columbia. I cant wait. I can see it now no tariffs on incoming goods or outsourcing of jobs. Good for you.

On another topic why is it that more democrates are educated in comparison to Rep. I dont mean this to be mean but just curious. Anyone have any idea?

News flash, under Clinton and Gore (along with the Reps and Dems in Congress and Senate) this started back in the 90's. It took a few years to come home and roost.
BTW, I have a Master's degree - big deal. Education is the answer. I think the Nazis were real "educated" when their boy took over.

 

[Terry Hunter]

Wow, look what this industry makes me immediately assume... read this headline that debuted today: "Sun Country goes cashless"....

and here's the real story...
http://www.startribune.com/20015319.html

 

[Soverytired]

As a veteran and a patriot, I can not support a far left socialist who will leave this country far weaker than he found it.

Unfortunately, a libertarian or conservative Republican might level this charge against GW (myself included).

Frankly, McCain is left, and Obama is "far" left.

What an unappealing pickle libertarians are in this time around. I might just vote Nader for the hell of it.

 

[Carl_Spackler]

PCL-128 will take the lead in posts and maybe even whole internet.

 

[PCL_128]

PCL-128 will take the lead in posts and maybe even whole internet.

Even I can't catch up to The General. But now I'm one post closer!

 

[eatme]

Even I can't catch up to The General. But now I'm one post closer!

Now there's something to be proud of!!!