Phoenix Blogger

War funding and support for the troops

2007-05-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

Ok...I am a registered Republican, but I consider myself more moderate or centrist then conservative and I have to say the actions of the Democrats who are voting for a quick withdrawal strike me as very irresponsible, to criminally negligent.
Can we all suspend the extreme rhetoric on both sides and examine likely outcomes for the US, Al Qada, Iran, Syria, Israel, and Iraq?

Irrespective of your stance on the initiation of hostilities, isn't it one's responsibility to fix something that we broke? Don't we owe a responsibility to the Iraqi people who have been supporting us thru these difficult times in Iraq, putting themselves and their families at risk? We made a promise as a country to see this through. How can the congressmen voting for an immediate withdrawal not consider the consequences to our future foreign policy strength, let alone the potential for millions of Iraqi civilians who would be killed in any ensuing bloodbath? Somehow you and I both know that if it happened and the US did withdrawal and some Baghdad killing fields event took place, the blame would fall squarely on the neo-cons and Bush despite their opposition to any such forced withdrawal. The Democratic Party would state that Bush had put them in the position and it was their fault, ignoring any evidence that didn't support that meme.

What happens to US foreign policy when Syria and Iran know that the US cannot sustain any war effort beyond air strikes? The American public is being played by the terrorists and the terrorist weapon of choice isn't just the IED, it's the ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, and even FOX.

Whenever I hear the comments from Pelosi or Reid in the news I feel almost ill. It seems like the completely do not care about anyone beyond themselves. The American public wants the war to end and lets face it, I think we all want our troops to come home, but personally I want them to keep killing Al Qada troops wherever they live.

I remember 9/11 and I take someone at his or her word when they say they want to kill me. Seriously, how can others not do the same? I am not drawing a connection between Saddam and 9/11, but we know Al Qada is in Iraq. In fact they just announced we should stop searching for three captured US soldiers that they have in South Baghdad or else. Excuse me...I thought Pelosi said Al Qada wasn't in Iraq? Never mind her extensive military experience, clearly she perhaps learned inside news from her trip to Syria and her meeting with Assad.

OK…this is turning into a rant, so I will try to wrap up. I understand many do not like Bush and many do not like the reasons for the war, but are you willing to make the US flee from Iraq because of the loss of 3K+ US personal? Obviously any death of any serviceman or women sucks. This is true for the parents of Iraqi soldiers and police as much as for US parents, but when you step away from the blood dripping headline from a car bomb, the losses in the Iraq war are tiny compared to any other war in US history...ok...maybe Granada had less.

Is it responsible to cut and run and basically say to hell with anyone in Iraq, it's not our problem...good night and good luck and it's all George Bush's fault anyway?

He's...back - Some proposals for Iraq

2006-10-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Haven't been posting for a while, but I have some thoughts on our circumstances in Iraq and how best to proceed forward that I wanted to post and hopefully debate.

I’ve got an idea and it may seem way off the wall, but here goes....

Combine the carrot of oil revenue going to Iraqi people with additional shares of revenue for civil servants, military, and police whose lives are most at risk in supporting the present Iraqi administration. Graduate the scale of shares based on time of service with a 5 year timescale. I.E. Five years of supporting the government as a police officer would garnish increased reward. Ten years with no negative charges against you (desertion, corruption) and a larger bonus would be the result. The intent here is to increase the professionalism of the police and help prevent desertions etc.

Another carrot....Areas that maintain a lack of sectarian violence would also gain an increased share of the profit proceeds. This increased share would come from areas that were still experiencing violence.

Some sticks:

The root of the sectarian violence is righting old wrongs and gaining access to the oil. Additionally the Sunni/Shiite violence is driven by religious intolerance. What has to happen is make the cost of the violence so high that it is in the benefit of all involved to keep the peace.

Anyone apprehended in taking part in the sectarian violence would have their district’s share of the revenue decreased to spread among the districts that are at peace. Additionally, all property owned by the individuals would be forfeit with the proceeds going to those injured by the individual.
The disadvantage to this avenue is it has the potential to leave families destitute and on the street with limited options because of the actions of one family member. Conversely, this very likelihood would stop those most at risk of joining a militia in an effort to improve their station from doing so.
An alternative would be some amount of blood geld would be paid by the family to the injured parties as set by clan intermediaries. This blood payment would not be unfamiliar to the culture and could be paid by the government in exchange for service from the family for some period, based upon the injury involved.

Just thinking out loud now...I’m much better at coming up with carrots then sticks....

A Saddam/Machiavellian solution to this violence would be to play off the two sects against each other to keep the peace. What we need are ways to increase the safe interactions between the parties involved that make the sides see the benefits of keeping the peace themselves. If they are currently fighting over the oil that indicates the real power behind the fighting is fighting over money. We need to change the dynamic to make a lack of violence profitable.

What I'm really looking for are additional incentives to foster support for the existing Iraqi government and ideas that will pull individuals away from the militias and Syrian and Iranian influences.

Are carrots alone, enough?

Thoughts?

Salsa Pajama Reaction

2006-05-15T23:43:00.000-07:00

Not a perfect speech perhaps, but I think there are aspects of it I like. I do not like the idea of the millions of illegals being torn apart from their families. I do like the idea that any illegals would need to get into line behind the people presently waiting for citizenship. I do like the idea of securing the border. Clearly this is way overdue and in fact negligent that it hasn't been done more aggressively before now.
Part of my sympathy for the illegals comes from the idea that my grandparents were immigrants from Ireland, but if you think that given the choice of starving in Ireland or entering the US illegally would have made them stay out, think again. I have respect for anyone who is willing to work hard to feed his family as many of these people are trying to do.

Back to the speech...I liked the idea of a worker permit. Living in Arizona we are faced with the reality of human trafficking and the criminal element that surrounds it. We had a gun battle a couple miles from my house on the highway between coyote groups that left bystanders who were driving near them, caught in the crossfire. Hopefully the temp worker permit will decrease the pressure for illegal entries and put the coyotes out of business..ala...the end of prohibition put the moonshiners out of business.(personal consumption aside :)

thoughts?
Matt

Congrats OSM!!!

2005-11-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

Today is the premiere of Open Source Media. A new model for investigating and diseminating news to the general public. Check out the link above for more info. I am actually listed on the blog roll...YEAH!!!
I think the diversity of members of all political stripes is its greatest strength. Perhaps AP and Reuters aren't too worried yet, but if they are smart they would look for synergies and get on board.

Doctored photos continue

2005-10-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

I sent the below email to USA Today (Richard Curtis-rcurtis@usatoday.com - Graphics editor), and AP Managing editors contact email (apme@ap.org). (edited letter to add better links)
(h/t - Michelle Malkin and FromThePen.com
______________________________________________________________________________
In reading Rice won't rule out U.S. troops in Iraq in 10 years

I found the photo snapshot of Condoleezza Rice suspect.

Respectfully sir, why is the USA today doctoring Condi Rice photos?
Altered Photo

Compared with the unaltered photo one can clearly see the changes.

I would like to see the USA Today issue a correction to the public regarding the doctored photo. Aren't doctored photos just as bad as misrepresenting facts in print that do require correction?
Unaltered AP Photo by Mikhail Metzel

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a correction and explaination should be forthcoming.

________________________________________________________________________________

So....what we have here is another example of someone tweaking reality to suit their own agenda. I have to admit when I first heard claims by Katherine Harris that the photos of her were doctored I scoffed a little before seeing the evidence, but it is very blatant. Michelle Malkin has a great synopsis here. As we approach the 2008 election and technolgies improve even more this doctoring will only increase unless there is a bin of undoctored photos for all to reference from and some form of standard setting and accountability in news is set (queue bloggers :).

2005-10-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

You are Marcie!

Which Peanuts Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Ever wonder which peanuts character you are?

:)
(H/T) Fuzzybear Lioness

To Re-Fi or not to Re-Fi

2005-09-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

ARGH! Anyone confused about the costs and rates you see online for refinancing? I am moving from a 20 year fixed to a thirty year fixed to cash out some equity and put in some home improvements...increase cash flow hopefully but man the rates and closing costs are hard to figure out. I was checking out bankrate.com and if you search for zero point loans you can see a wide assortment of loan rates, which seems reasonable as you would think the market would control rates and if a bank can sell a loan at a higher rate and make more money they will do so, but what confuses me as when you talk to brokers you find out invariably that they are each dealing with a bank that has teh lowest rates in the country and every other broker out there is doing a bait and switch. If the APR standard was setup to lessen confusion between rates, it needs to be revised. It would help if bankrate.com monitored what is posted to their website for some kind of accuracy also. The broker I am dealing with is telling me basically that two or three of the other lower banks listed are lying. I guess the ultimate proof test is to call one of the other banks and ask for a good faith estimate, but the one I did call wanted an application loan fee (refundable on close) of a few hundred bucks. Anyone have any good resource sites they have found?

EU crisis = US opportunity Take II

2005-09-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

If you haven't checked out Victor Hanson's latest article here, take five minutes. It is worth the read. I outlined some of what Victor alludes to below in my May post [Ed.: Try not to hurt yourself patting your back]

Great Weekend

2005-09-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

Had a fun time at my first protest warrior event. We got together to thank the troops for their dedication and service. Nothing major, very low key, but I know we got a lot of positive feedback from the personnel driving by or entering the base. Hats off to Mikefor driving to make the event come together on short notice.
Mike and I discovered we are both techno geeks...of course given Mike's size I kept this observation to myself ;)
Looking forward to next weekend's event.

China Floating

2005-07-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

China has caved to international pressure to float the Yuan against other international currencies including the dollar. Some economists appear concerned this will have quite a negative on the US economy as Chinese exports cost more they will have less money to spend on supporting the US national debt, but I will put my chips on Alan Greenspan who said earlier this week that there would be an impact, but the bond market is competitive enough that the impact would basically be minor. It will be interesting what impact this has on US exports and job markets as well as the price of the dollar.
Here is the story link

China: Reforms Prompted Currency Change
Friday July 22, 11:49 pm ET
By Joe Mcdonald, Associated Press Writer
China Says Exchange-Rate Change Prompted by Progress in Financial Reforms

June update

2005-07-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted for a couple weeks. Not much going on now. Got back from trip to Ohio. Saw president's speech the other day. I thought it was pretty good. While he tied one purpose of the Iraq war to fighting terrorism like that which hit N.Y. on 9/11 he didn't say Saddam was responsible for 9/11, but some of the reviews appear to indicate he did.

On a personal note, still working out, but had to take a bit of a break for the week I was out of town. Worked out one day durring that week in the hotel room, but that was it. Working on a paper this weekend that is due Monday for my MBA. The class is pretty interesting, but I am finding it a bit hard to stay engaged. I have a high GPA though and better get engaged soon if I want to keep it. The class is Accounting and Finance for Management Decision Makers through the University of Phoenix. Instructor is very good and my team does not slack leaving me to do extra work which happened last time, but that's ok. I learned more as a result. :)
Went to see War of the Worlds in the theater yesterday. I would give it a B+. I was impressed by the solid performance by Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning. The fears of a father for his family were well done.

What's up doc?

2005-06-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

Just a status update
Still doing the Power 90 workouts, but this week I had to miss two days. Decided to not miss the cardio days, but had too much going on between work and school and family to get in everything. Going to Ohio for work this week. Will hit old stomping ground. Have a lot packed into the week. Should be fun, but since I have been working from home for the last three years I must admit I am homesick for my kids and I haven't even left yet. Trip appears to really be getting my daughter down. Will have to pick her up something cool on the way back. Hopefully teenage son will try a little harder to get along with his mom while I am gone.Yes, he got THE speech...some permutation of which I think every Dad gives his son about listening to his mother.

Off to Ohio at crack of dawn. Driving down from Columbus to Dayton and then up to Toledo.

cheers!

EU crisis=US opportunity?

2005-05-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

Ok. As we know France has signaled a lack of interest in supporting the EU constitution in its current "Anglo-Saxon" form. In part there was a feeling of threat to the continuing bread and circuses of the current socialist government. Today Chirac has signaled further movement away from true reform by appointing Villepin as his PM. Some of the comments concerning the U.S. attributed to Villepin are quite colorful.

For the last month running up to this referendum in France and considering the growing discontent in the U.K., Turkey and Eastern Europe, it would seem that France has created an economic window of opportunity for the United States, if Mr. Bush is willing to step into the breach. France and to a lesser extent Germany fear the necessary economic reforms to turn their economies around, while Poland, the Ukraine, and Eastern Europe are looking for alliances and embracing capitalism.

John O’Sullivan puts into words, what I have been telling my wife for the last month until she is sick of it. We should create free trade zones with the growing economies of Eastern Europe and the U.K. This would increase U.S. influence in that part of the world and only help our own economy by creating new markets without trade barriers. Let the dream of a socialist EU die on the vine. After Chirac’s comments concerning the need for a strong EU to counterbalance the US, efforts of the EU to sell advanced military weapons to China, constant appeasement to the Arab Street, mixed with continual anti-Americanism, one begins to wonder who your friends are. Personally I prefer the capitalist who is willing to work, to the socialist who is unwilling to accept responsibility for his plight, but instead blames everyone else.

comments..argh!!

2005-05-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

testing comments again

I can see comments under the permanent link for a post, but not on the initial page. If anyone knows what bit of the template needs tweaking, drop me a note.
shakespeare_101@yahoo.com
thx!

Filibuster Deal

2005-05-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

Well, you have all probably heard of the deal made today that averted a call to change the senate rules on judicial filibusters. Since both sides are upset, maybe this is a good thing, but I would prefer a true non partisan examination of the rule on its merits. I also would like to force those who wish to filibuster to actually have to be on the floor and speak to convince their opponents instead of the present rule of not having to do so. The image of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is powerful and persuasive, but is not needed to filibuster in todays Senate.
In my opinion I think the Democrats made out quite well with this deal. I think the Republicans gave them breathing space when they had their backs to the wall. I also think maybe this isn't a bad result for the American people in general. Is it a curtailing of executive power by forcing a sitting President to consult with representatives from both parties before sending appointments to an up or down vote? maybe, but I'm not sure that is a bad thing.

Personal Note:
Had to take off a couple days from working out over the weekend. Back on it today. Will finish this 90 days out. Really felt the need to get back into it. Hoping this will see me through to the end. Weight training tomorrow. FYI: I find working out the same time everyday helpful if you are thinking of starting.

Kids are wrapping up school this week. Need to plan someway to occupy them this summer. Wish I had a pool! :)

Filibuster

2005-05-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

I've watched C-Span the last few days before starting work and saw Arlen Spector's introduction followed by Patrick Leahy's rebuttal. Spector was quite convincing when pointing out the Owen nomination would have breezed through the process if not for the present stiff partisanship. Leahy was also quite evocative when describing some of his objections to removing the option of filibuster for judicial appointments. The most telling arguements so far though that I saw were from a senator from Texas (Cornyn) who I am not very familiar with, but took Leahy to task. Apparently Leahy was against the judicial filibuster with Ted Kennedy in 1998. This self evident hypocracy defuses many of Leahy's arguements. Was he lying in 98 when he stated his objections to the filibuster or is he lying now when he opposes changing the rules. Who would win if Leahy debated himself.

Interesting material at Cornyn's website listing a number of quite frankly embarrasing contradictions on the democrats stance against Owen. This is a bad choice for the Democratic party to choose as their waterloo.

Personl Note:
ok...ok...yes...I'm still doing the P90 workouts...in part because I said I would online here. Into my third week. Off from work today. Four 10-12 huor shifts will do that. Had an interesting fiasco this morning as it is wacky hair day at the elementary school. My son the artist decorated my six year old daughter's hair with colored hair paint (RED). Only problem is he didn't do it the way she wanted, but according to him he compromised. It didn't look bad, but he did huge red stripes in her blonde hair and apparently she was thinking a couple of red spots was all she wanted. Is it just me or can all teenagers put on Oscar performances. I suspect my daughter is taking lessons. Needless to say she was a tad bit late with an extra shower. Ok....off enough delaying..off to P90. Weight training today.

Firefighter's Doctor put faith in medications and God

2005-05-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

Really cool article over here from Newsday. I don't consider myself very religious, but I was happy to see the many references in the interview from the Muslim doctor about not giving up hope and putting faith in God.

"God will not help you unless you try something," said Ahmed, a Muslim. "If you try something and if you believe, God may help you."

I wish more individuals recognized that Christians, Jews and Muslims all worship the God of Abraham. It isn't a panacea to world events. There is more going on in the struggles in the middle east then a conflict over religions, but clearly examining the last weeks events leading to the death of sixteen people over an implied descretion to a holy book shows people are passionate about protecting what they believe is sacred. The irony is we now know the story of the Koran being flushed is in fact false, but the damage is already done. Afghanistan has very little US presense and yet the riots were quick to break out from people that were singing our praises two weeks ago. For the latest news on the Newsweek fiasco check out LaShawn Barber.

In my opinion the press has gone to great lengths to minimize good news in Iraq and Afghanistan and exaggerate any bad news. To what purpose? It would seem to appear most major media has a preponderence of individuals who feel vindicated in their belief system when the US military and present administration make a mistake. The tendency to want to justify ones own belief system is present in all of us. What is frustrating is ignoring facts and consequences in order to pat oneself on the back and state, "See, I knew Bush would screw up. I was right."

The fiasco at Newsweek will only get deeper as the allegations of poor fact checking and the rush to finger point has started with Newsweek attempting to blame the Pentagon for not denying the allegations prior to print. Nope...not going there...this is Newsweeks dead cat around their neck and they need to DO something to lift their reputation out of the toilet....(Ed: I can't believe you typed that. Sorry couldn't resist-hattip Roger Simon :)

On much lighter note and personal front:

Ok...Enough delay...Off to do my P90 workout....Starting third week. So far so good. Moved to Cardio 3-4 and Weights 3-4...Ouch....200 Ab excersises.....did I say ouch? Ok..Ok...I'm going....really....right now...

Did I mention I finished my accounting mid-term last nightat 1AM?
No pain, no gain...I know..I know...

Congress called down to principle's office by Neil Cavuto for some "Common Sense"

2005-05-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

Neil Cavuto tells members of Congress to grow up after hearing many complaints regarding yesterday's forced impromptu evacuation. I would say Neil gave them a right proper spanking. Some of the complaints from congressmen were that they were forced to evacute mixed with the rest of the populace leaving the potential target area. the impression I am getting is the congressmen expected more special treatment for their august personages. Our representatives have REALLY big heads. Time for them to change a diaper or two....at 4am. Get real.

I know all congressmen almost certainly were smart enough not to voice their complaints out loud or hopefully recognized the efforts of law enforcement and the military to keep them safe. Perhaps more senior members of congress can take the whiners aside for a little pep talk...Give'em hell Zell. :)

2005-05-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

Still doing the P90 workout. So far so good. Dropped about 5lbs in two weeks. Eating less mostly because when I work out I hate to feel like I wasted all the hard work I just did. Eating an orange for breakfast and a small bowl of cereal for lunch. Might have to spice things up a bit soon :) Dinner is our normal dinner. I eat whatever we're already making for the family. I have heard that by using a smaller plate you unconscientiously eat less because you don't go back for seconds. Haven't tried that yet. My weight when I started was about 220. Would really like to stick with the program. May move to the harder cardio level by the end of this week.

On the education front, had to do a fast rewrite in about 90 minutes for a team assignment on Monday. We divied up the work, but the data back from one of my team mates didn't answer the question she was given and she was bushed so I kind of crunched it out. I think it will do well. We all agreed to be more proactive on getting team assignments in earlier for review to avoid last minute scrambling. It's funny, when I was a kid in college I recall telling job interviewers that I loved working under pressure and worked very well that way. At 38 I can honestly say I no longer love it...although I still probably procrastinate too much :)

Fifteen year old is starting band season again. Hopefully he will really get hooked on it. Would like to see him commit to something more then games...I think I sound like my Mom...There is a lesson there, but my head is hurting so I will procrastinate and examine that thought more closely another day.

Read news of a Dad who killed his daughter and her friend today . Not for the faint of heart or pretty much anyone else for that matter. Some acts are so beyond the pale I just really find them incomprehensible. Phoenix cop died yesterday after being shot at a routine traffic stop also. Twenty-three year veteran with a son on the force who is a five year veteran. Not going to try to comprehend it anymore. Just pray for the families and friends.

Time to go play with my six year old.

2005-05-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

comments test.
update: still not functioning quite right...added in tags to template.

Might try a different template or...maybe I can cheat and view html on a blog that has a working comments section.
Time for some schoolwork will have to get back to this later.

I like accounting...I like accounting...I like accounting...repeat as needed..

2005-05-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

Not sure why, but I can't seem to get comments to display. Have the radio button setting set to show and archive enabled. If anyone knows what I am forgetting, please drop me an email. (shakespeare_101@yahoo.com) Template displays blog comments enabled, but I don't see a hyperlink for readers....hmmm probably something simple I am missing.

2005-05-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

Back from LA. Learning some more Accounting for Managerial Decision Making thru the University of Phoenix. Check it out. It is a pretty good program.
Kids are all off to school. Restarted the Power90 workout( www.beachbody.com). Tried it last year with my wife for about 45 days. Did see good results, but stopped the program for one reason or another. Mostly finding a time to do the workout together. Found too many excuses. Will stick with it this time. One week down so far. Doing it by myself before starting work since I am now moving to second shift. After a week I am less sore, but have a little more energy also. Feeling a bit tired right now though in my arms. Today was weights and arms feel like lead. No pain no gain :)

2005-05-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

Going to give this another go around. Inspired by Mudville Gazette's post here: http://www.mudvillegazette.com/archives/002684.html
Will treat as a journal initially of things that I find interesting. Off work today in an attempt to get some MBA homework done that is due by midnight. As you can see trying to find reasons not to get started. Started my fifth course. Still pulling straight A's with one A- from a Business Law course. In the immortal words of Maxwell Smart, " Missed it by THAT much."
Latest course is Accounting for Management Decision Makers. Taking all my courses through the University of Phoenix. I am very happy with the pace and material so far. Have enjoyed myself and learned a great deal. I am also meeting a broad range of professionals with very interesting backgrounds for team assignments. All work is via Web.
One downside is it is kinda pricey, but my work is picking up 2/3rd's of the price tag so I probably shouldn't complain....too much.
One thing that it has made me do is stretch my mind a bit. Between taking the MBA courses and reading blogs all day I am finding an increasing thirst for learning.
My pleasure reading is usually limited to what I call beer and pretzels science fiction, but for the first time I ordered a book on economics from Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/006073132X/qid=1115054663/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/104-6253370-4503936?v=glance&s=books&n=507846 called Freakonomics. Basically taking societies conventional wisdom and applying economic principles to number crunch unusual data and often turn conventional wisdom on its head. I highly recommend it. It does NOT read like a stiff text book. I read it in a day.
Ok...Off to do some homework....really...I gave my latest Sid Meier's Pirates game to my wife to hold until I had this done. My 15 year old son will probably be looking for it when he gets home, but that's another story. As they say in England...Cheers!

2004-04-19T13:10:00.000-07:00

First post of new blog here in Phoenix Az.