The Bhutto Assasination

"It's the economy stupid!" is the cry from a not too distant Presidential race.And as America has grown somewhat complacent, the pundits have been saying that once again this will be the key issue-housing,bad debts, taxes, health care and so .
However, the Bhutto assasination, with all its ramifications, point out once again, that in this very dangerous world while the economy is important,our need to survive is numero uno.
Scan the world,and even superficially the scope of the potential problems are evident.

China, as it grows economically, it similarly expands militarily.When will it surpass the US ? and perhaps the developed world? Will they wait forever before attacking Taiwan?What about human rights?

N Korea- will they carry out their obligations under the agreements with the US-China-etc?Their history of compliance is poor.

Russia-is back testing nuclear missiles,and pushing the envelope as to their relations with the West.It is in Putin's interest to stir the pot in the Middle East,and keep energy prices high.In the meantime he supplies a defensive missile shield to Iran, in addition to nuclear fuel.

Iran-whether they stopped building a bomb or not,the fact is they are laying the groundwork for a nuclear bomb, and the missile power to deliver it against Israel etc

Hamas,Hezbollah,Syria, Cuba,Venezuela, and the list goes on-with Al Quada at the vey top.Let us not forget Iraq and Afghanistan,and terrorism in Algeria and nuclear weapons in Pakistan.

Thus,as we look at how the presidential Candidates reacted to todays news,I was reminded of my Student Council elections campaigns in High School. Everyone knew Bhutto, or saw her picture on TV.Everyone has either been to Pakistan ,or would love to go there! Everyone met or plans to meet Mushareff, and everyone (and only THEY) have the EXPERIENCE to lead in this post 9/11 era.
But as I look at all of them, and listen carefully, only one appears Presidential and has the experience -real experience to lead.That person is Sen. John McCain .Yes Rudy would be great on national security, but John has character , honesty and determination.He does not sway with the polls.He is a true American Hero!
By the way-the NYT story on Hillary's experience is a must read-Yes she has traveled-without security clearance, and yes people bounced ideas off of her.That is not the same as experience or leadership. Clinton,Obama and Edwards,do not have a solitary achievement to brag about in their respective Senate careers.
I do not agree with many issues that McCain has fought for,including immigration and the torture issue, but then again I do not believe that there is ANY CANDIDATE who I am in synch
with 100%.

Charlie Wilson's War / The Israel Lobby ? Huckabee on Bush

We went to see Charlie Wilson's War.It is interesting and unlike many recent movies, not anti-American.
Cong Wilson is asked, to support a project involving Muslim Countries.He replies he is worried about the Jews reacting.He is asked,"How many Jews do you have in your district? "
Seven he answers.
Why worry?
Because my campaign funding comes from Jews around the US.
It reminds me of the old Sen Montaya ( D-New Mexico) who when asked why he is so pro-Israel ?, he answered because of the Jewish voters in his State.They probably numbered a few hundred,but they never stopped calling and supporting him.
This is the story of the pro-Israel Community.I finished reading The Israel Lobby (Mearsheimer and Walt ) today.It is much like its original article and Jimmy Carters book.Suffice it to say, we should be proud of what we have accomplished as good and loyal American citizens.We have nothing to be ashamed of.
Doc Long in the movies, was a friend of our community.He visited our home in Monsey ,during his last race.

Incidentally the HUVPAC dinner on March 30, will feature Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D.-NJ) and
Sen John Cornyn (R.-Texas). Reserve the date.

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I was reading Gov. Huckabee's article in Foreign Affairs.It is a disgrace for him to label the President's foreign policy as demonstrating an "arrogant bunker mentality".
His goal for the Arab and Muslim world,is to "calibrate a course between maintaining stability and promoting democracy".
Whereas he discusses much of the world,he limits his remarks to Israel by saying " I will not waver in standing by our ally Israel".
In real policy terms ,what does that mean?=NOT ENCOURAGING

EARMARK ?-NO /HAMAS- NO CEASEFIRE

I learned something this weekend regarding earmarks.These "appropriations" by members of the Congress for their pet projects,I always assumed were written into the bills passed by both Houses.Thus we have a "bridge to nowhere" a cultural centers named for for members etc.It turns out there are thousands of these earmarks-perhaps 12,000 that were inserted into the bills.
It now appears, that these earmarks were never formally written into law,but inserted at the Committee level .Thus, technically they can be disregarded by the President and the various Departments.
This is exactly what the President should do!Yes Congress will be upset,but so what!
The first six Bush years were marked by both Republican Congressional and White House fiscal irresponsibility.This year, after the GOP defeat at the polls we see a new approach.
Voters will rerspond positively to this "virtual veto".

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It appears Hamas wants a cease-fire.The military push by the IDF and the economic/political pressures they are feeling,are making them cry "uncle".The problem is,that they have no desire to stop terrorism,or the smuggling of weapons,or the training of suicide murderers.Nor do they recognize Israel,or any of the (irrelevant) agreements in the so called " peace- process".
The second they can catch their breath, come out of hiding and refurbish their troops, it will be back to the Kassams.
Olmert is correct in calling their pitiful offer a sham.