Twilight by Randall LaGro, oil on wood panel. Photo courtesy of the Blue Rain Gallery, Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
In the news:
Sarkozy's bling-bling lifestyle annoys the French.
The Australian government finally says "sorry" to the Aborigines.
The Bush administration's "kangaroo court" draws international criticism.
Military and spy agencies share blame in producing false information for media.
Scientists trace fake anti-malaria drugs to southern China.
Bush redux
On Tuesday, John McCain told reporters in Richmond, Va. that "anyone who worries about how long we’re in Iraq does not understand the military and does not understand war.” Defying the opinions of military experts, McCain said it is “really almost insulting to one’s intelligence” to question “how long we’re in Iraq.” He said he believes the current “strategy” is “succeeding.”
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Mike Mullen and Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey, have voiced concern that “a protracted deployment of U.S. troops”in Iraq would not benefit the military. In October, Casey said it will take "three or four years and a substantial amount of resources to put” the Army “back in balance” and that the time frame depends on when “the conflict ends.” Mullen testified last July before the Senate Armed Services Committee that failing political and economic progress in Iraq, “no amount of troops and no amount of time will make much of a difference.” He said “a protracted deployment of U.S. troops to Iraq…risks further emboldening Iranian hegemonic ambitions.”
But McCain denounces questions about how long US troops will remain in Iraq as "naive." In McCain’s stated views, neither the Army Chief of Staff nor the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff “understand the military” as well as he does. In a recent presidential debate, McCain claimed he is "the expert” on Iraq.
Let's see: Ignoring the military experts actually involved in the war and spinning his own reality. Sounds remarkably like George "I'm the decider" Bush.
Meanwhile, the Bush administration is pouring $2.35 million per week of our tax dollars into an Iraqi group of concerned citizens/former insurgents. Yet this money is accomplishing "nothing," the group leader says.
Obama takes the lead
I stayed up past 4 a.m. Paris time to watch the Potamac Primary results. I was thrilled to see Sen. Barack Obama's landslide victory. But before Obama supporters get too excited, don't forget: the real work lies ahead. Wisconsin, Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania will be important challenges. So help rock the vote!
It was an historically marvellous day here in Australia yesterday - it's heart warming to see the news travelled!
Hope your Valentines's Day is more than you expected ;)
Posted by: Redness | 14 February 2008 at 11:44
Ooops, forget to tell you to have a Happy Valentine's Day!
Posted by: Dorian Fletcher | 14 February 2008 at 06:37
Someone should clue Mr. McCain in that this debacle we're mired in has absolutely no chance for success. There never was such a chance, come to think of it. We've just opened a horrendous can of worms that our children's children will have to deal with. I so want something positive and life-affirming to come out of this election. May Mr. Obama continue to win hearts and inspire minds.
Posted by: Dorian Fletcher | 14 February 2008 at 06:36
Thrilled here, too--and I really believe we can keep it going!
Posted by: patry | 14 February 2008 at 02:59
Tara, I hope your friend Jose is recovering......Man, what a world we live in. I googled his name and read about the assassination attempt and the fact that he's serious but stable.
It makes no sense when someone who is lives and promotes peace and the eradication of poverty is gunned down. To be a threat when one is promoting love and reconciliation.....
I am dumbfounded today about Hilary's faux pas stuff.....firing her campaign manager at this point in time?? It makes me wonder about her temper and lack of common sense. I mean, really, unless the guy was the second coming of Hitler, I wouldn't be firing him.......HOW DOES THAT LOOK? A wee bit desperate, aye! She's sunk.
Bring on Barak......... YES WE CAN.
sending you a lovely loving Valentine's Day.
Posted by: awareness | 14 February 2008 at 01:40
I'm glad to have found your site. It boggles my mind that Congress is spending who knows how much money on hearings on performance enhancing drugs in professional sports when we have wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a major election, poverty, unemployment, poor health care and more. Smoke and mirrors, I say!
Posted by: debra | 14 February 2008 at 01:21
THank you so much for all you give us! I love your writings. It is so nice to come here and learn while sitting in your Paris garden and enjoying the parfait! Kudos to you for being who you are!
Posted by: Pam Aries | 14 February 2008 at 01:21
You are so on the pulse of what is happening all the time. What a refreshing blog read Tara.
I am all for either Hillary or Barrack. Either would bring positive change to the U.S. in my humble opinion.
xoxo
Gillian
Posted by: Gillian | 14 February 2008 at 01:05
Hi. I've really enjoyed my visit to your blog - I'll be back for sure.
Stop by some time if you get a chance.
Susan
Posted by: Susan Tuttle | 13 February 2008 at 20:12
ahhh obama fever has hit my city! He is set to arrive in a few hours to speak I'm in Wisconsin* at Memorial Hall which is only 5 blks away from m:) I went to get tickets yesterday but missed my chance they sold out in the first half hour....they are closing off street as I speak and it will get quite hectic here and I get to watch!!! Tara I sent you a link to me yesterday, I'll try to get some shots of the frenzy! xoxoxo
Posted by: apt a [berriehead] | 13 February 2008 at 18:52
Tara,
Speaking of the unimaginable amounts of many being spent...have you seen this?
http://www.ruthgroup.org/2008/02/04/720-million-dollar-day/
x...x
steph
Posted by: stephanie | 13 February 2008 at 18:38
Can't add one thing except, thank you. When I come here and read your words, you cipher out all the important facts and lay them out in a way I can understand.
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 13 February 2008 at 14:40
All of that is true, but the great news is the Obamavalanche last night! (Try to say THAT word!) Can't wait to hear your thoughts! There's a very moving photo of a group of Aboriginal people on the front page of the New York Times today---SO wish I could paint their faces for my 101 Faces project, but copyright rightly prevents me. McCain' speech last night came after Obama's and the difference in energy, articulateness, depth was overwhelming. Hint to McCain: don't speak. It's not your forte.
Posted by: Laura | 13 February 2008 at 14:05