FAILED FOREIGN POLICY

FAILED FOREIGN POLICY

Sometimes we all choose to believe something is real, even though intellectually we know it isn’t so. Some times we just want to believe in something and allow it to pass our reality test, and at other times it’s just good honest fun. Most of the time, its harmless for us to perpetuate these myths and go about of lives in the real world. So, I’ll give a pass to all of you who believe in Wrestling, Santa Claus, and the Easter bunny.

However, we clearly lost the recent contest of wills with the North Koreans. They announced they were going to launch a “communications” satellite and we postured up and told them we would shoot it down. We bandied about some other strongly worded political rhetoric and then sat back and watched as the North Koreans did what they wanted to do. They knew the odds were strongly in their favor because we had backed down on the much larger nuclear proliferation contest already. Not to mention the fact that we prosecuted a half won war there many years ago that we are still supporting with troops.

To make matters worse they threatened us and the world community with superlatives as to their retaliation if we tried to interfere.( their bluff worked). We retracted our own statement regarding shooting down the missile, and of course they took that as intrinsic permission to move ahead. There is no doubt that their regime gathered important scientific data that will enhance their ability to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile at the U.S. (giving them even more tactical and political capital to use against us at the next showdown). We could have stopped the missile pre-flight or had our Japanese Allies shoot it down (we have given them the means to do so). There is no question in my mind that they will both use, and export this technology to our enemies. (some have bombs and no delivery systems, others have delivery systems and no bombs.. go fish)

I think what concerns me most is when we incorporate this “wishful” thinking into our foreign policy. When we knowingly accept the word and propaganda of another country that intends to do us harm. I get upset when we are being intellectually dishonest with our self and the American people, in matters that concern national security. The worst part is we do it over and over again, with every despot and half baked dictator around the world. What naiveté, “Come on, let’s not make waves”, maybe they really are doing what they are telling us.

There is a game that children pay called “Mother May I”. In the game the children all stand obediently in a line before the all knowing “mother”. One at a time they each ask mother for permission to take a step forward. Mother plays a strategic game allowing each to make some forward progress, some by baby steps and some by giant steps (based on how pleased Mom is with each of their behaviors and how eloquently they each ask for permission.) But, Old Mom is no fool, she knows that if she allows one participant too many steps forward, they will eventually “catch” her. To insure she stays in power, Mom appears gracious in her allocation of small successes, but in the end always sends the advancing participants back to the starting line. It’s great fun as a kid’s game, but is this the way for us to conduct ourselves on the world political stage?

It seems to me that all the world leaders that would threaten and defy the United States and the world community all know how to play this game, very well. They have learned the game of patience; they know that the leadership of the United States will play by the rules. They move forward with their destructive agenda and allow us some small successes along the way. As we get closer to making any real progress they cry foul and send us back to the starting line. The whole time these devious leaders have no real intention of complying with our wishes or objectives, as they slowly make progress to their ultimate goals.

Two steps forward and one step back, appearing to comply or feigning the desire to negotiate, while inching ever slightly towards their ultimate objective with each passing day. ( Insert the Iranian nuclear contest of wills here) They allow us to rejoice in our perceived diplomatic momentum, offering us just enough apparent success to keep us in the game. (and avoid the penalty phase). These rouge governments also realize that we have allies and detractors in the United Nations and the world community. They alternately seek approval from one sympathetic ear and then the other, much as a child that was told not to do something by one parent.

How foolish our efforts truly must appear in their eyes as they play a careful and well calculated game of cat and mouse. They know that time and public opinion will dilute the resolve and attention span of the American people. We are always so willing to trust and forget the lessons of the past. While we couch our foreign policy statements in carefully constructed, politically ambiguous, and correct terms they threaten us with blatant and inflammatory statements and threats of retaliation.

We adulterate our demands with the use of politically correct language such as “ We are leaving all options on the table” (a watered down reference to the possible use of force), or we may need to take “extreme measures”. Of course, none of these veiled threats ever deter the “evil doers” from their mission at hand. For a threat to be effective, you have to occasionally back that threat with action. Our enemies know that we are a paper tiger, and rarely if ever, back a diplomatically correct “threat” with any action. They also know that we are increasingly reluctant to act unilaterally, and God forbid acting preemptively to defuse a threat. (We need to learn a lesson from our friends in Israel) Those that would defy us and do us harm, realize that we would first go to the United Nations or try to form a coalition before taking any action.

Over time when you don’t say what you mean, and mean what you say, you loose creditability. When you loose creditability you loose the “fear factor” and perhaps more importantly, also the ability to “bluff”. In any negotiation, when you loose the ability to bluff, you are left with only a few options including walking away with your tail between your legs and all out war.

We need to revamp our foreign policy and regain our international creditability. I think the reputation we need to portray to the world is that we are fair, but tough. We need to lead with diplomacy, but not rely solely on it. Mostly we need to be consistent in our demands and expectations so that others can tell where we really stand on matters of national and global security.

Remember, there are others out there who would doubt our intentions and our resolve. There are many who will confuse our compassion for weakness. It’s vital that we respond to threats and intimidating gestures with the right posture, and measure reactions, the World is watching.

Please feel free to contact me at: pooritalianboy@gmail.com

P.I.B.

WHEN TOO FEW DECIDE

WHEN TOO FEW DECIDE

It’s a cold day in October and I’m normally spending the month or so, in my winter home, in warmer climates. This week I was called back to the capital because the country is in a crisis, the Caribbean Crisis.. Tonight I’m working well into the night at my desk. I was deep in thought while reviewing the latest intelligence reports and surveillance pictures. My concentration was interrupted by a knock on my office door.
“Come”
I was met by a young sergeant with closely cropped hair.
“Sir, the president’s helicopter just landed outside, I will be back to alert you when they are ready”, Sir
He stood at formal attention using proper military protocol until I dismissed him with a salute. Good clean cut kid, I thought to myself. He will do well in the army. As he left, I just stared at the door for a moment, I found myself reminiscing back to the time when I was his age. Back then I was just as gun-ho, ready to make a name for myself. Things seemed so much simpler back then, I was so proud to serve my country. Now, over the course of 30 years I have worked my way up from the son of a factory worker to the highest ranking general in the Army. Only in this great country is such a thing possible.
Those were glorious days, and I fought with bravery and honor in many campaigns in foreign lands with my men. My responsibilities were great, but they were few. I thought of only my men, my country, and then myself. In those days I was at ease wearing my battle dress uniform and combat boots.
I must admit that over the years, life as a soldier and a commander has tempered my views. I have lost too much, and have resolved too few conflicts. I think that war both hardens and changes a man. Even the battles I thought I had won, now seem hollow when I consider the costs. Time and history have blurred the edges of what seemed so clear in the past. In years past I felt war was the final answer, the true resolution of any conflict. Now, after many battles, I know it to be a temporary solution at best.
Even today, after all these years, I still consider myself a simple soldier. I now sometimes fill the role of a diplomat or a politician, but I am really just an old soldier, doing his duty. Today I wear shiny shoes and a smart looking uniform, complete with so much brass and colored ribbons, but a part of me still wants to be back there fighting with my men. The decisions seemed so much clearer back then, I could trust my instincts. It was easy to tell who were your friends and who was your enemy.
But, I guess that work is for younger men and at my age I must serve where the country needs me. Instead of being out in the field I find myself in this office, deep beneath the streets of the capital. This is a place that few in the country will ever see or know about. Deep inside the bowels of this government building I work, signing papers and giving orders to men, I will never see.
Another knock at the door..“General”, they are ready for you now.” The council has voted and they are at a stale mate, they need your vote.
I sigh deeply as I get up from my desk and walk down the narrow hallway to the planning room. As I enter the room I stop and salute the men already gathered there. The president sits at the head of the table, right next to a few government leaders I don’t recognize. Also at the table is the head of the navy and air force. The mood is somber. I look briefly into each of their eyes, to determine which ones have voted for war and which ones have voted for diplomacy, but their faces are well practiced and hard, they give no clue.
After a few second s of silence the president quietly speaks. “Gentlemen, we are at the brink of war. You have all read the intelligence reports; I believe it is time we make a decision. No one wants war, our people do not want war, but we also can not afford to be perceived as weak. I don’t believe we can afford to be the ones to blink first; our national security and our pride is also at stake. As the greatest nation on the face of this earth and one of the last remaining super powers, it is our obligation to react to this situation. Our allies and the world are watching, our cause is true and just. We must send a clear message. We also must assume that our counterparts across the sea have already made their decision. Our troops, bombers, submarines, and missiles are all on standby, awaiting our decision. General, as commander of the Army, your vote will break the tie one way or the other.”
The room falls silent as I ponder the choice before me. Seconds tick by that feel like hours as I feel the weight of the decision I now must make. How strange that the fate our country and that of the world, has fallen on the back of a tired old solider. How can so few of us decide the fate of so many. Who would actually win a war when both sides have the capability to insure total mutual destruction?
“The men in this room have known me for many years. You know that I believe in dealing from a position of strength. I’m sure that most of you will assume that I will vote for war, but I am tired of war. Our country is great and I am a warrior, but there can be no valor or victory in this. By my estimation we could be only minutes or hours away from a nuclear catastrophe. This one time, let us trust in their humanity. Let history proclaim us as the greatest nation, the nation of peace. I vote we stand down and give diplomacy a chance. The world will know by our actions that we have prevented a nuclear war”

After a few moments of careful thought our leader had decided. “Then, it has been decided, Comrades. I wonder if the world will ever know just how close to the edge we came tonight. Hand me the Red Phone…Hello President Kennedy, this is President Khrushchev. We have decided, in the interest of peace, to immediately begin disassembling our military hardware on the island of Cuba and to stand down our forces, if you agree to do the same. We ask you guarantee the U.S. will not invade Cuba and that you remove your missiles near our border in Turkey.
Thank you Mr. President…we shall speak again soon.”

Please feel free to contact me at: pooritalianboy@gmail.com
P.I.B.

CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG ?

CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG ?
Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we could all just get along? Well, I hate to drop this little reality bomb on you, but we can’t. (Please stop holding your breath, with your fingers crossed behind your back saying pretty please with a cherry on top). People and countries tend to be afraid of what they don’t know and will always be inclined to put their own interests in front of that of others. (sorry, but that’s human nature). Also as in any argument between two parties, there are usually 2 sides, 2 opposing points of view, and both parties are equally sure they are right.(not to mention that God is on their side) Now, give both of those opposing sides a big army, some tanks, and maybe some nuclear weapons and there is going to be trouble.
Now maybe, if it was just a couple of citizens from each country engaged in this disagreement they would work things out. Or maybe, they would just throw down with a few well placed punches. At the end of the day the two “warring parties” would most likely end up at a bar and buy each other a few drinks. But, add a few politicians and diplomats into the mix and all of a sudden nobody can back down. A lot of politicians actually like a good conflict; it takes their people’s minds off of other important things like hunger, oppression, and a failing economy. It works especially well when the “politician” is more of dictator, or guy with a small mustache. The people can not object to, or oppose the conflict. (it turns out, those mothers don’t want to send their kids off to war either..imagine that)
Behind the scenes, each country is always jockeying for position, stature, and even relevancy. The leaders that represent these countries can’t let themselves be seen as soft or a sell out. To make matters worse, big countries love to exert their power, and small countries have to make it known that they won’t be pushed around. Now further aggravate the situation because everyone is saluting a different color piece of cloth on a flag pole, and throw in National Pride, and that’s how fights start.
Countries for centuries have gone to war over a myriad of things including border disputes, invasions, religious differences and political ideology.(not to mention the drop of a hat). There is also a deep seated desire to demonstrate to the world, that their own specific brand of religion (affiliation), culture, economics, or social structure is the best.
Self defense between people used to mean you could punch a guy in the eye if he tried to hurt you. Now, we go to war if “our interests” are being compromised. “Our vital interests” can cover a lot of gray area that might entail a shipping lane, oil, natural resources, or even fishing rights. To complicate things further, countries also compete for friends, Clients, exports, imports, and allies, all on the world stage.
There is no such thing as the “status quo” in world affairs anymore. Remember, friends and allies are always in a state of flux, based on current needs and conditions. It sometimes comes down to who is chipping in with the largest handout.
At the end of the day, the real danger for all of us is that we become so indoctrinated to our own particular way of life that by default, we become somewhat intolerant to all other ways. Perhaps we even consider them to be wrong or even sinful, by our own standards. But the real trouble starts when one ideology feels compelled to force another group of people, into “doing it our way” (for their own good, of course). I think that’s why I like the Scandinavian countries so much, they tend to stay neutral. (Not to mention the Swedish Bikini Team)

I can tell you form my travels and interactions with other people and cultures. We are all more the same, than different. It’s a small world, and getting smaller by the minute. Maybe it is time that “We All Got Along”


Please feel free to contact me at pooritalianboy@gmail.com

P.I.B.

WHY STOP AT 50 ?

WHY STOP AT 50 ?

I guess the title of this piece could be a little misleading, because I’m not talking about 50 years of age (although, it’s a great idea for yet another article), I speaking about 50 states. I say, get out the sewing kit and lets add a few more stars to old glory.

In the early years, our country grew quickly, and why not, we had a large continent to expand into. My feeling is there is no reason to stop just because we annexed states from sea to shining sea. We were on quite a roll there for a while, but I guess adding states was a little easier back then. Today it seems that worldwide, everyone has pretty well staked their claims and drawn out there maps and borders. Today, new countries to buy or lease are harder to find than good beach front properties. Also, there are not many bargain priced real estate deals out there today like Long Island, and the Louisiana Purchase.

Most of the country sized real estate world wide is just not up for sale by owner. (maybe we should try Century 21 ) Also, since we really never pushed the military expansion button, our options are thin right now. We only want new states that want to be part of the U.S. anyway. (see my article on break-away republic). I’m not suggesting an Imperialistic expansion, just checking our options. We should send out foreign recruiters (less the rifles this time) to sign on some new blood.

Of course we could probably pick up Puerto Rico as a full state, if we tried. (great vacation place). In fact, the referendum on statehood has been voted on several times and only narrowly defeated down there. Also, I think Cuba could easily come our way in the next 20 years, especially with the large number of Cubans that already live here (I think they would like that) Thru an old (and contested) treaty we already have a perpetual lease on some prime beachfront land there for over a century now at Gitmo. It was originally secured as a coaling and naval station, and is currently a U.S. Naval base (our oldest overseas naval base, even though we don’t use coal in shipping anymore) covering approx. 45 sq miles. Let’s wait and see what happens after those fun loving Castro brothers are pushing Daisy’s.

It’s also my bet that we can recruit Israel (we are huge contributors to their military budget) and Great Britain (plus they already speak the language). We are close allies, and our peoples have a long history together. As a side note, the last time I checked, no one has claimed the North Pole yet (although I hear the Russians are working on it). Don’t laugh, scientists estimate the Arctic seabed and subsoil may account for 25 per cent of undiscovered oil and gas reserves. ( I told you this land rush idea of mine could really pay off).

Let’s face it, most of the world’s economy is hurting right now. If we were smart and kept a little powder dry, this would be a great time to go bargain shopping for a few new states. (Buy low..sell high, I always say) If memory serves me, we purchased Alaska from the Russians when their economy was faltering back in 1867 for about $1.94 per acre (even adjusted for inflation that was a great deal). The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 added a great deal of land mass and what would become approx 15 new states for about 15 million dollars, another bargain. Maybe we can go back and read the fine print of that deal, because it was widely believed that the purchase included the now Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan (of course we would have to rename them as New Montana, There is also some desire in the southern Canadian providences to annex into the states.) Land deals became fewer and far between when we bought the U.S. Virgin Island from Denmark in 1917.
Guam became an unincorporated U.S. Territory in 1950. (Sorry not a state)

Over the centuries the world map has seen a lot of change, both in the names of regions and the constantly shifting borders. Time has a way of re-writing most things. ( A quick look at early maps will bear that point out) Maybe our country doesn’t need to stop at our shore lines. The British Empire once spanned the globe from Hong Kong to Africa. In the early 20’s the empire covered about one sixth of the earths land mass, including India, four self-governing countries known as dominions, and dozens of colonies and territories. ( Not to mention, our own little scuffle with them over land and taxes)

They say life is better after 50. Many countries around the world are becoming more “Americanized”, we must be doing something right. I think we should break out the check book and start playing global monopoly again by adding a few new states, when the gett’in is good. Not only that, we are running out of room for McDonalds and Starbucks locations. Looks to me like we will have to either broaden our horizons, start building sand islands off the coast (Like Dubai), or start thinking about our first lunar colony. ( After all, we did get there first. Better claim it quick, before someone else plants their flag)

So, here’s to the next 50 states.. By the way, There is there any truth to the rumor that Taiwan might be on the market ??
P.I.B.
Please feel free to contact me at pooritalainboy@gmail.com

IF I WERE KING

IF I WERE KING

Listen, I don’t care who gets elected for president this time around. Frankly neither of the choices appeal to me, and it’s gotten to the point where neither party accurately represents my views or ideals.

Well you might ask, then, what’s your solution to this whole issue of “who will govern”. So. I’ve given the matter a lot of thought and came up with an idea that I should be “King of the World”. Since it probably wouldn’t be an elected position, then I see no need to explain my platform, and very bluntly I wouldn’t need to say or do anything to get your vote or approval. And don’t expect any hanging chads, or me to pull a sword out of a stone or anything. I’d probably just leak the coronation news to CNN or Larry King and let them run with it.

Still, being King of the World would be a very big role, and I’d really want people to like me, so I do my best to keep everyone happy. (if it didn’t interfere too much with my Kingly wishes, that is). I really don’t think I’d need a White House, Castle, Royal Palace or anything, I mean those things cost a lot of bucks.. I could probably set a good example and just run the world from my home office ( I wonder if IRS would let that qualify as a home office deduction ?, well then again it wouldn’t matter much, because I’d be getting rid of those bastards on day numero uno.

I guess the position would require a great deal of travel, I mean, I wouldn’t want any country to feel slighted and not get a royal visit. (note to self: call the Pope and see if he can rent me out the Pope Mobile when he is not using it). I guess I would need my own jet, I mean the president has his own jet, John Travolta has his own jet, and even Obama has his own jet and he isn’t even king of the world (yet). So, since I saved some money on the home office deal, I think the least I deserve is my own jet.. “Palace One” perhaps. (at least I could travel first class for a change..and not have to pay $7.50 for one of those little bottles of liquor)

Alright, let’s get down to serious matters. Ask what I can do for the people (and I’m not campaigning here, because I’m assuming I’ve already been awarded the position.) First of all I will eliminate all of the large, wasteful and otherwise corrupt government agencies worldwide, and replace them with my own somewhat smaller but equally wasteful and corrupt government. Second: I will cut intrusive income taxes, fees, fines, tariffs, customs, duties, levys, assessments and other government collection of funds from its constituents.(after all, now everyone just has to keep me “fat and happy” and not a bunch of other “public servants” worldwide.) Third: I will disband all the armies because now everyone is working to protect my best interests and not any local or national best interest. Just the money we will save on bombs and armaments will feed everyone that is hungry. (plus 10% off the top for my royal bank account ..hey a guy’s gott’a make a liv’in. Who knows how long this “King” job will last for). Maybe I’ll unite the world under one world language ..”Italian”……alright, ok, how about….Spanish….and I’ll send everyone a free C.D. from Rosetta Stone. (along with an autographed picture of me, in my King outfit…)

So now with all the wars stopped, everyone eating well, and prosperous. I can sit back and enjoy the office of “king”. Don’t worry I can handle it. I really don’t think I will let the whole “Your Majesty thing” go to my head. I’d like to think that it won’t even change me much, except maybe for the 20 maidens throwing rose pedals everywhere I walk, the young princess pealing grapes for me, the jewel laden crown and scepter, those guys with the big fans, and the royal food tester. Of course this could ruin my reputation as the “poor Italian boy” , but hey, sometimes ya just gotta make a few sacrifices….Its the whole, “the good of the many, is more important than the good of the one” thing. Somebody’s gott’a do it, and I drew the short straw.

I plan on visiting all the countries big and small but I think I’ll pick Hawaii for my main residence (and maybe Crawford Texas, for my summer home..plus Both places have hosted royalty in the past). Hawaii seems kind of centrally located and for a sun and fun loving monarch like me, it’s a better choice than say Iceland..

Anyway, as you can see the world would be a better place with me as King…so, don’t just sit there ..Get the word out..

P.I.B.

THE WAR NO ONE WANTS

THE WAR NO ONE WANTS

(Author’s note: No matter what side of this issue you fall on, no one wants this war. However, the story below represents a “likely” scenario.)

We’ve been training out in the desert for 6 months now. Boredom and monotony are punctuated with urgent and realistic drills. They never really tell us if we are being called into action or is this just another training maneuver. I really can’t complain because I volunteered for this mission. We were told at the start that our success would be vital for the survival of my people.

Over and over, we have practiced negotiating the desert terrain in almost complete darkness, training for a mission we all hoped would never be put into action. Our role was to make a stealthy entry into enemy territory and locate key defense fortifications, determine troop strength, locate weapons production facilities, and missile sites.

Today, we are called into readiness and told, “this is not a drill”. I take a short helicopter ride back to Tel Aviv for an important briefing. It seems our intelligence people (among the best in the world) have conclusive evidence that the Iranians are now producing nuclear weapons. They have been allowed to continue their nuclear development program under the guise that it was for peaceful use in power generation. Now, even the passive and largely inept Nuclear Regulatory Committee has acknowledged that the Iranian program is very suspect.

The Israeli people do not want war, we are a peaceful people, however, our tiny nation is surrounded by countries that choose to deny us our very existence. The rhetoric lately has reached a feverish pitch, as leaders of foreign governments swear to “wipe us off the map” or “push us into the sea”. These are threats that we do not take lightly. Our history dictates that we face these threats or suffer unacceptable consequences. If these madmen are allowed to develop and posses nuclear weapons, our chances of defending our nation are seriously compromised. I hope the rest of the world understands that waiting is a risk we can not afford to take.

Several times in the past we have acted preemptively and aggressively against foreign powers, when we felt our national security was at stake. A small country like Israel can not afford to rely on a purely defensive posture. In our preemptive strikes against Iraq and Syria, we risked the wrath of global opinion and condemnation. Fortunately we consider global opinion a distant second to national security in our planning. Afterward diplomats from many countries, even those that are friendly to us, were speaking out against our actions. The truth is, that many of those same foreign leaders knew of our actions in advance, and secretly aided us in our efforts. I asked myself if the other world powers would turn against us if we act first again this time, but I console myself with the fact that I am just a soldier. The protection of my country and my people are paramount to me.

In any case, the prime minister has determined that we must strike first and we must strike now. It has also been determined that my small group of IDF special forces will be the tip of the spear, we are to ordered to be ready to deploy within 24 hours. It is made known to me that the Americans have knowledge of our plan and will “turn their back” and open a land and air corridor thru the Iraqi territory that they occupy for our planes and troops.

Because of our history of “first attack”, our targets have been hardened and our adversaries are on alert for our possible attack. The facilities we are going after have been embedded deep in the earth, covered by tons of concrete and protected by batteries of anti aircraft instillations. We are also faced with the formidable task of simultaneously taking out several production facilities scattered about the country. Logistically, this is much more distant and difficult than our previously successful missions. Fortunately we already have operators and agents on the ground providing us valuable real time intelligence. Every day we wait to react now, only lessens our chance of success.

Our goal will be to so damage these facilities as to negate their ability to produce weapon grade material, and set back their progress a dozen years or so. Unfortunately, now that this horrible technology exists, we can no longer “put the genie back in the bottle”

I am told that our government has authorized the use of force, using any and all means at our disposal to accomplish this mission. That is military speak for all out war and even the use of the terrible weapons that our country has at it’s disposal. This was not a decision that was made lightly, and we are all convinced that our success is a matter of national survival.

Our military has been war planning for this strike for several years now, but we have delayed taking action. We have waited at the urging of the United States, and have pursued every diplomatic channel. Many say we have waited too long. We have run thru every possible variation of the attack, carefully weighing the effects on both Israel and the entire Middle East.

Our planners were 100% correct in assuming that the Syrians would not retaliate after we bombed their secret Korean inspired nuclear facility in the desert, in fact they quietly buried the remains to hide them from satellite view. We have no such delusions this time around. For starters Iran has one of the largest and most well equipped armies in the world, and we consider a counter attack eminent.

A counter attack would immediately escalate the incident into an all out regional war. We are confident that we would face missile strikes and troop incursions on at least two fronts. We anticipate that Syrians, and their clients Hamas and Hezbollah would quickly join the battle. We feel confident that the U.S. would then be forced into the battle, despite being seriously over extended in Iran and Afghanistan. American troops in Iraq would be overrun by both Iranian troops and rebels sympathetic to the Iranian cause thought the region. There is also a high likelihood that other more moderate Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia, and Egypt would be under great pressure to join the cause of their Muslim brothers, and if they did not act, face a possible uprising by their own people. It’s possible that even some previously Russian countries could be drawn in, due to economic and military interests in Iran.

In short we feel this war would be the greatest threat to the existence of our people and our nation that we have ever faced. Faced with overwhelming odds, we would almost certainly have to use our weapons of last resort, including those that we have historically denied as ever possessing. As a lowly solider I do not know the extent of our weapons stockpile, but it is generally acknowledged as now exceeding even the capabilities of the British. We also have land based, and sea based delivery platforms, as well as the very formidable Israeli air force option.

Our estimates show that we could lose almost a million Israeli soldiers and citizens in such a strike and counter strike scenario, offset by enemy losses numbering almost 20 million. There is no question that this battle will be of Biblical proportions.

The time is at hand, I can only hope and pray for a last minute diplomatic solution, or that our enemies will find their potential losses too high a price to pay. As for myself and every Israeli, we will gladly give our lives as many of our brave countrymen thru out history have done before us, to insure the life of our country. I pray that, God, once again will allow us to defeat our adversaries.

P.I.B.

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR
For all the bad news on the world wide political scene, I think some good news may be on the horizon. Yes, political change is in the air. Just like the chain of events that lead to the eventual breakup of the old U.S.S.R. , I feel we are on the brink of change in several areas of the world.
Some change cannot be brought about by a wishful foreign government, or weapons. Some change must come by waiting and from within, especially in very restrictive countries where descent and the will of the people are suppressed (often brutally). In many cases this undercurrent will run just below the surface for years, even decades, before erupting.
One of the problems is that repressive governments tend to shelter and suppress the dissident news and events that happen internally. The brave students and patriots that speak and act out against these dictatorships often put their very lives on the line. As a world observer you have to read past the state approved headlines, party spin, and edited stories. You also must assume that our CIA is lending financial support to these dissidents, when it’s to the best interest of the United States. I clearly see the seeds of Freedom beginning to grow in Taiwan, China, Iran, and closest to home Cuba.
The subject of Cuba is an important one to me. Especially being a Floridian, with the island of Cuba, a scant 90 miles from our shores. I remember in my lifetime the Cuban missile crisis, the Mariel boat lift, and the ill fated Bay of Pigs. The Cuban’s that have made our country their home, have contributed their skills, their passions, and their sense of family.(not to mention their food and cigar skills in Tampa’s Ybor city)
The U.S. has had a long a varied relationship with the people of Cuba. It’s also unusual that we actual have a U.S. base on the island, despite our limited formal diplomatic relations. The military base is an anomaly, brought about by a 1903 treaty granting the U.S. a perpetual lease for the land at Guantanamo Bay, to be used as a Naval Coaling Station (don’t think we have any coal driven Navel ships anymore).
At one time before the corrupt but sympathetic Cuban leader Batista was taken out of power by Castro’s revolution, the U.S. had many interests in the island. Many American industrialists like the Hershey (yes, the guy with the chocolate company) had substantial homes and plantations on the island. They also made significant investments into the infrastructure on the island. These were the hay days of Cuba, when it enjoyed trade, tourism, and its businesses, nightclubs, cigars, and casinos, were among the world’s best.
The Cuban leader Castro has clung to power, thru the administrations of several U.S. presidents, since his ouster of Batista in 1959 as still remains in a position to call the shots even though he handed power to his aging brother in February of 2008.
I think the time is ripe in Cuba and other areas of the world for a historic change. I welcome the opportunity for ourselves and the wonder people of Cuba. Of course only time will tell.
P.I.B.

SOLVING THE WORLD'S PROBLEMS

SOLVING THE WORLD’S PROBLEMS
'No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will

and moral courage of free men and women.'- Ronald Reagan
Even the most casual observer can tell you that the world is a complex place and the interactions between nations even more complicated. Up to now, we haven’t done the best job of being one happy world. I mean with all the wars, police actions, skirmishes, blockades, invasions, and interventions
We’ve already established that I’m no politician or ambassador. Which, in a way is good, because I’m not sure that politicians are the ones best suited to solving the problems of the world. I’m not a hawk or a dove. I’m not an isolationist or proponent of us being the world’s police force. I don’t want to over simplify things, but I think I’m on to something here. My suggestions are simple and lie with two of the most powerful agents for change that I know of.
At the end of the day, both people and countries do what is in their best interest. I’ll call it the “Look’in out for #1 principle”. (Move over Einstein)

Freedom: 1> Encourage free people and free government anytime we can(but I’m not sure
we can bomb freedom into a people). We also cannot force or rush freedom, it
must evolve.
2> Free people are reluctant to go to war, free people can expand their
economies, Industries, and institutes of higher learning. Freedom is the
spark, the catalyst that makes a country and a people great. It is
the seed that can grow and crack a rock. (see quote
above)

Economics:

Build a Mcdonald’s on every street corner, in countries we don’t get along
with. Footnote#1: There is no way any red blooded American would ever
bomb a Mcdonalds (unless the wait as really long)

Let’s build car factories in foreign countries and allow them to do the same
here(see footnote in line #1)

Entice foreign nations to train their people in our work force, and vica versa.
We’d be more likely to buy those guys a beer, join a common bowling team, or
sing karaoke together after work. It’s my boots on the
office floor, rather than “boots on the ground theory”

Use positive economic incentives, because sanctions and embargos rarely
work.

Don’t get me wrong. I think a strong military is the best deterrent: (serving or tending to deter.) Also, I realize that sometimes deterrents, and negotiations fail to work. Force should be the last option, but when it is, it’s usually the only option.
Finally:(now I’m on a roll) Don’t sweat the small stuff. No country will march with us on every issue(that does not make them our enemy) Thru technology, reduce our dependence on other countries oil, steel, and natural resources. Be true to our friends, be consistent with our values, honor our commitments, protect our citizens, and be feared by our enemies.
Of course that’s just the way I see it…
Until Latter
P.I.B