Who Could've Envisioned?

The Bush team winds down their final justification tour with a series of "no one imagined's". From 9-11 to Hurricane Katrina to Wall Street's implosion, Bush's minions showed a failure of imagination. It turns out our Jewish friends have it in spades.

Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak said this about Iran, ""If it built even a primitive nuclear weapon like the type that destroyed Hiroshima, Iran would not hesitate to load it on a ship, arm it with a detonator operated by GPS and sail it into a vital port on the east coast of North America."

Who has nuclear weapons, a history of attacking American military assets, and of conducting false flag operations? The shining democracy in the Middle East, Israel. The Jewish state has 150-200 nuclear bombs, attacked the U.S.S. Liberty, itself a false flag operation. Who could've envisioned....

Shining or Shiner Democracy?

Throw two shoes at the world's worst leader-Stay in custody. Relatives believe the prisoner has been beaten. The judge held legal proceedings in jail instead of court. Complicated legal proceedings could take months before a possible trial.

Steal $50 billion in Wall Street Ponzi scheme-Out on bail from 3 signatures.

Bush Cut Short Afghanistan for Israel?

President Bush embellished his Middle East trip at the White House Hanukkah party. George W. said he "cut short" his Afghan visit to return for the holiday event. The Great Embellisher turned down a Hamad Karzai invitation to stay longer. Bush said:

"I met with [Afghan] President Karzai, who is determined to help the young democracy survive," Bush said. "And so he said, why don't you hang around for a while? And I said, well, you don't understand. I need to get back to the White House for an important event. The Hanukkah reception is always one of the most special events of the season. Laura and I are pleased to be with so many friends. And we are honored to gather with leaders of the Jewish community to celebrate our final Hanukkah here in the White House."

Senator Joe Lieberman, Republican Congressman Eric Cantor, and business mogul Sheldon Adelson attended the event. The hit of the party was a handcuff less MC Karl Rove. Bush celebrated Israel, as the light of the Middle East. The Jewish state admits discrimination and wants to ethnically cleanse parts of the country. Yet, it's best defense is a good offense.

President Bush might want to return to Afghanistan. The rest of the world wants him to leave.

Press Freedom in Iraq

President Bush waited for the other shoe to drop during his Iraqi press conference. One reporter threw his shoes at George W. Bush. Apparently, the Iraqi was upset over the millions dead and displaced from American imposed democracy.

Ole Media King Donald Graham Goes Facebook

Washington Post Chairman Donald Graham will join Facebook's board of directors. The regular Bilderberg Group attendee brings his old media and international political connections to the social networking website.

Will the Bilderberg Group use Facebook and PayPal to run their next meeting? From Stressa, Italy to Chantilly, Virginia to ...., Graham keeps the required silence. The TelegraphUK called it #5 on the list of Great Conspiracy Theories. What happens when Bilderberg goes Facebook? Conspiracy or modernization?

Freedom to Nuke Iran

Haaretz reported President elect Barack Obama will offer Israel a "nuclear umbrella" against an attack by Iran. What? Israel's 150-200 nuclear weapons aren't overwhelming enough? The U.S. has to add our arsenal as well?

The source, who is close to the new administration, said the U.S. will declare that an attack on Israel by Tehran would result in a devastating U.S. nuclear response against Iran.

What happens if a false flag operation is launched against Israel? It's been done before...

Freedom's Watch to Close Doors

Political action group Freedom's Watch will close at the end of the month, according to the Washington Times. Capitalistic business cycles caused the crash of their largest donor's portfolio. With casino magnate Sheldon Adelson's billions in asset losses, FW lost its funding source.

The group remained silent on freedom in Burma, Tibet, Pakistan, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Thailand. I guess it wasn't about freedom, the kind envisioned by our Founding Fathers. Will America remember what that means?

Who knows, but Ari's Freedom Switch won't have Freedom's Watch to kick around anymore...

Agent Bush Replicates

In an effort to leave the Democratixx, Agent Bush replicated in front of unwary program participants. He stressed, "I must get out of here. Anybody got a beer?" But he did take up a donation for the RNC before leaving. Agent Bush's brother Jeb, otherwise known as the One, is being groomed for a Florida Senate seat and he needs the money. Whuuuunnnhhhh! The Democratixx rippled but has not broken.

Haaretz reports Iran Sanctions Failed, U.S. Won't Allow Nuclear Iran

Looking at this morning's Haaretz front page, I ask, "when will the attack begin?" Western sanctions failed, according to IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei.

"We haven't really moved one inch toward addressing the issues," ElBaradei, an Egyptian diplomat and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, told the LA Times. "I think so far the policy has been a failure."

Down the page, I found President George W. Bush addressing the Iranian threat.

"For the safety of our people and the peace of the world, America will not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon," Bush said at the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution.

George W. has a month and a half to make good on his promise. Gas prices are cheap. Christmas sales look to be dismal.

Freedom to Beat the Press

A Haaretz photographer took a fist to the face and a rifle butt to the head for doing her job, taking pictures. She was in Hebron, near the Jewish settler evicted home.

Photographers were snapping pictures of Palestinian families inside their homes, which lie not far from the evacuated "House of Contention" in central Hebron, when IDF troops arrived and temporarily requisitioned the homes.

When the three journalists exited the home, they spotted three IDF soldiers in the street. As Tess Scheflan began taking pictures of the soldiers, they began to approach her. One of the soldiers tried to swipe her camera before attempting to grab the camera of the other photojournalist at the scene.

Scheflan then remarked something to the soldier, who responded by delivering a fisted blow to her face. The soldier then used the butt of his rifle to strike Scheflan in the head.

Shortly afterward, Scheflan received treatment at the scene from an IDF medic. She was subsequently transferred by ambulance to Sha'arei Tzedek Hospital in Jerusalem.

Democracies beating the press? That has a familiar ring. Was an Energy Industry Reception nearby?

Freedom to Spin Bush Dodo Legacy

CNN's Stephen Hayes noted White House efforts to douse the flames on the Bush Dodo bird legacy. The transcript said:

...there's an ongoing Bush legacy project that's been meeting in the White House, really, with senior advisers, Karl Rove, Karen Hughes has been involved, current senior Bush administration advisers and they are looking at how to sort of roll out the President's legacy.

Contempt Karl spinning preposterous platitudes on his old boss is nothing new. Lionizing it is but another Bush con on the American people. George W.'s remarkably incurious, heavy handed management style should perish, but Machiavellian minions like Karl Rove will perpetuate such.

The Bush brand must be saved! Rumors are brother Jeb may run for the Senate. He'd have to step down from Lehman Brother's private equity division and resign from the Boards of Tenet Healthcare, Rayonier and CNL Bancshares. But George W. Bush would be available to take his place. Do de do, do do...

Israeli Leader Calls Iranian Naval Exercises Provocative

Iran conducted a large scale naval exercise in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman. They mobilized a 50 ship armada in Iranian territorial waters. Tehran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if attacked by Israel or the U.S. The Jerusalem Post reported:

Ephraim Sneh, leader of the new Israel Hazaka party and former deputy defense minister said "Iran's unprecedented naval activity is actually a preparatory drill to taking over the Gulf and the world's most important oil route.

"The Iranian aggression is a threat to the entire world and should not be passed over quietly."

That begs the question. What should the world do unquietly? How might NATO respond under their new agreement with Israel?

Pentagon Assigns 20,000 Troops for Domestic Use by 2011

An active duty combat brigade was assigned to U.S. Northern Command for domestic purposes as of October 1. The 4,700 soldier, combat ready brigade is based at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Historically National Guard troops addressed our country's domestic needs, but they're slated to become the vast minority.

The U.S. military plans to grow to three large rapid reaction forces, 20,000 soldiers in total. Each force would be capable of responding to a domestic chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-yield explosive attack, or CBRNE event, as the military calls it. They also could respond to natural disasters, hurricanes, earthquakes, and widespread tornado outbreaks.

Ironically, 2005 found the Pentagon emphasizing preparation "for multiple, simultaneous mass casualty incidents" in the homeland. Hurricane Katrina struck that summer. The White House and Pentagon were flat footed. Who had the capability of evacuating large numbers of hospital patients in medically equipped C-130's?

Rescuing people in times of disaster is a very different function than performing law enforcement duties on domestic hallowed ground. Combat troops and first responders are likely not one in the same.

Sheldon's Shaky Financial Foundation Imperils Freedom's Watch

Sheldon Adelson's Las Vegas Sands Corp saw a drop in its stock price from over $100 to a paltry $3 per share. That kind of casino hit has to impact donations, political and charitable. JTA reported:

The Sheldon Adelson-backed conservative group Freedom's Watch "is pretty much kaput," reports the Las Vegas Review-Journal. A spokesman tells the paper the future of the group has yet to be decided by its board, but the paper's sources say staff has been paid through the end of the year and "after that, Freedom's Watch is likely to shut its doors permanently."

The Las Vegas Review-Journal article stated Mr. Adelson was "the source of the overwhelming majority of the group's funding as well as the guiding force behind its decisions." It noted his company faced major problems due to the financial crisis.

Sands has suspended construction on projects in Las Vegas and Macau, and the company recently said it was in danger of defaulting on $5.2 billion in credit facilities.

No credit, no loan. No credibility, no vote. Let's hope real freedom is a phoenix and America can rise from its ashes. Unfortunately, the financial flames are still licking.

Israel Dangles Carrots to Minimize Blowback

Outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert dangled the carrot of a Palestinian state. He noted an agreement could be reached soon. Olmert also stated the U.S. had not tied Israel's hand on military intervention in Iran or Gaza.

"In principle there is nothing to prevent us from reaching an agreement on the core issues in the near future," Olmert said during a briefing with Israeli reporters. "I believe it is possible. I believe it is timely. A declaration is needed. I am ready to make it. I hope the other side is."

He also stressed the US had not tied Israel's hands when it came to military operations in the waning days of the Bush administration, despite media reports to the contrary.

"I don't remember that anyone in the administration, including the last couple of days, advised me or any of my official representatives not to take any action which we will deem necessary for the fundamental security of Israel, and that includes Iran," he said.

Israel has no government in place to approve Olmert's vision, should he act quickly. Rest assured, his promises are intended to keep recalcitrant Arabs and Palestinians in line, should Israel launch a preemptive military strike.

Secretary Rice Blames Change of Israeli Leadership for Lack of Peace

The Arab League Peace Plan might be a basis for lasting peace between Israel and Palestine, if only there wasn't turmoil in Israeli leadership. Secretary of State Condi Rice offered Israel's upcoming elections as the major cause as her term winds down.

The problem is this alibi doesn't hold water. The peace plan was offered in 2002. Is Condi blaming six years of Israeli leadership turmoil for the missed peace opportunity? Of course not. She's sandbagging for her and George W.'s heavy handed legacy.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is visiting the U.S. Yesterday, he met with Elliott Abrams of Iran-Contra pardon fame.

British Foreign Minister David Milband offered a rationale for an Israeli/U.S. strike when he called Iranian nukes an immediate threat.

Pirates of the Arabian

Two world events point to impending conflict in the Middle East, specifically an Israeli raid on Iran's nuclear facilities. First, Israeli PM Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak met secretly with Jordan's King Abdullah in Amman. Israel needs an air route to Iran. American allies of Jordan and Iraq provide one means to the target.

Israel needs quiet on all other fronts, Gaza, Syria and Lebanon. Jordan pushed the Arab Peace plan, on the table since 2002. Israel dusted it off. Dangling the prospect of peace might tamp down widespread retaliation.

Second, pirate attacks in the Arabian Sea off Somalia are way up. The U.S. Navy used to patrol this huge area. While they couldn't protect every ship, they kept pirates somewhat under control. The uptick in piracy means the Navy isn't there. Where did they go? Maybe the Persian Gulf? We will be ready to contain the blow back from an Israeli strike.

President Bush and Prime Minister Olmert meet this coming week. The two pariahs could finish their dwindling terms with a bang. They have no popularity to lose. Will the heavy handed pair pursue peace through war? If so, they'll need minions.

Private Jet Set in Denver vs. Washington

Can you tell the difference between the pictures above? The top picture are private jets landing in Denver for the Democratic National Convention. The bottom is an auto executive's jet, flown into Washington, D.C. for Congressional bailout hearings.

My question is, did Rep. Brad Sherman ride a private jet to the DNC? If so, did he pay for it using donor money? Were his donors aware of the lifestyle to which so many of our politicians have become accustomed?

If not, Rep. Sherman needs to castigate his big money peers. Surely, some of those DNC Congressmen flew private to their "populist party." How many, other than John Kerry took a private jet? Brad wasn't the only Congressman making those big auto execs squirm. Enough leaders ground their guests into the sidewalk, such that it looked like an orchestrated theme. The question is who they want to pay, corporate chiefs or labor unions? As they move toward a deal, the details will point to the target of their hypocritical shoe grinding.

Caretakers to Take Last Shot at Widow Making?

President George W. Bush invited Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to the White House for a swan song. Both leaders are Chinese melamine tainted dog food. However, the toxic pair can meet to "stategerize" their exit. Might it involve a huge middle finger salute to Iran? Pull it, and kaboom!

Psy ops did their job with today's headline, "Iran said to Have Nuclear Fuel for One Weapon." Actually they don't, but that would require reading the piece. A different Jerusalem Post article talked about P.M. Olmert's schedule:

Under the cloud of an increasing Iranian nuclear threat and escalating violence in Gaza, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert heads to Washington Saturday to part from outgoing President George W. Bush.

While in Washington, Olmert plans to meet with other top American officials including Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Vice President Richard Cheney and National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley. He will also visit with members of Congress and Jewish community leaders.

Will the care taking pair exercise their last opportunity for widow making? Both men have track record of violence and a legacy to shore up. Stay tuned...

World Headlines: Iran Has Fuel for One Nuclear Bomb

The New York Times and Jerusalem Post greeted readers with a headline that Iran has nuclear material for one nuclear bomb. One had to get fairly deep into the pieces to find the fuel needs further enrichment for weaponization.

Numerous Israeli leaders said the Jewish state would act before Iran reached a point of no return. How much closer to this point are we? Headlines sell readers to explore the article. Is anything else being sold?

Fine Wine & Cheese Middle East Peace Plan

Israeli President Shimon Peres gushed over the Arab League Peace plan at the recent Saudi inspired UN Interfaith gathering. Apparently peace plans grow more desirable as they age. The Arab League first offered the plan in 2002. They blew the dust off last year by reiterating the proposal.

"These expressions in the Arab peace initiative are inspirational and promising - a serious opening for real progress," President Peres said. "We cannot change the past," he said. "However, we can shape our future."

Haaretz noted President Obama's support for the Arab League initiative.

A senior adviser quoted Obama as telling Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas: "The Israelis would be crazy not to accept this initiative. It would give them peace with the Muslim world from Indonesia to Morocco."

Guess what was on the same page? A piece titled, "U.S. study urges Obama to press Israel over nuclear program." It said:

The Institute for Science and International Security, headed by David Albright, one the world's top experts on nuclear weapons and the prevention of nuclear proliferation, recently released its report urging president-elect Barack Obama to take a number of measures to avoid such an outcome, including convincing Israel to halt production of its nuclear weapons.

From today's Haaretz, a reader could conclude Barack Obama implied Israeli's are crazy as the plan languished for six years. They could decide Obama wants to take away Israel's overwhelming defense capabilities, even their Sampson option.

Why are Israeli newspapers painting Obama as pro-Arab, as weak on challenging Iran? The man hasn't taken office yet. Is there another agenda?

Freedom to Fund & Arm Democratic Foes?

President George W. Bush's administration faces another test as it winds down. Russia announced its intention to buy Israeli made military drone planes. The Russian military was impressed with the performance of such drones in their conflict with Georgia. Haaretz reported:

In the clash, the Israeli-made drones, the Hermes model manufactured by Elbit, were used by the Georgian army. The Israel Aerospace Industries-manufactured Heron model is also vying for the tender. The Israeli drones are made entirely of locally manufactured parts, and therefore do not require U.S. authorization prior to being sold to foreign countries.

While it may not require American authorization, there could be consequences to such a decision. America supplies over $2.5 billion in annual military aid to Israel. But penalties won't come from Tzipi Livni hugging George W. Bush.

President Bush sided with Chevron-Total's freedom to provide capital, i.e. millions of dollars, to the oppressive military junta of Burma. Treasury looked ready to approve a Russian firm's acquisition of a Carlyle Group steel maker. The worldwide financial implosion killed the deal.

George W. recently gave a rousing speech on free markets and free trade. He failed to notice the Wall Street omelet frying on his head. It had a dash of Fannie & Freedie, AIG deal 1 & 2, commercial paper purchase program, TARP, direct capital injections into banks, extending TARP to nonbanks, and approving a potpourri of big names as banks to loot the Treasury, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and American Express.

The point is George W. Bush sides on the behalf of corporations. He chooses businesses over people living in democratic and undemocratic countries. What will his successor do? How might Obama's right hand man, Rahm Emmanuel influence such a decision? Rahm claims service in the Israeli military. He rarely clarifies it for its true nature. Emanuel served as a civilian volunteer, working on military vehicles during the first U.S. Gulf War.

So many veneers, so many conflicts of interest, and so little progress toward peace on behalf of the little people. Will Russia, the enemy of democratic Georgia, soon fly Israeli drone military planes? Stay tuned...

Odd Mix on Front Page

The Jerusalem Post has an unusual mix of headline articles. What do they portend, if anything?

Gilad: We won't let Iran go nuclear
Defense Ministry official tells 'Post' thwarting Teheran will be a challenge, but so was hitting Osirak

Experts to Obama: Don't threaten Iran
New report says attack would almost certainly fail, while sanctions have very little chance of success

Bush unexpectedly meets Livni, Peres at UN
Bush spoke to both Livni & President Shimon Peres on the sidelines of a Saudi inspired UN interfaith conference

If Israel won't let Iran's nuclear program advance and Barack Obama won't do anything to address the looming threat, Israel would be wise to act while they have their best friend's backing.

Israel's President Shimon Peres said in reference to Syria's friends, ""Israel is not interested in having groups of armed Iranians on the Golan hills."

Is this an odd grouping of stories and statements or a chess board with an obvious next move? Time will tell...

Bush Ends with Freedom & Free Markets

President Bush promised to do nothing about the free market excesses that brought the world to its financial knees. He failed to claim responsibility for America's role in the global financial debacle. A combination of incentive compensation fueled greed and leverage wound out the RPM's of America's economy until it overheated and the engine seized up.

But George W. did wave the flag for free markets, just days after his administration shifted the use of the $700 billion bailout money. The government won't buy toxic assets to deal with the looming financial meltdown, the one that caused our President to leave his free market footing. Hank Paulson plans to invest the money to shore up financial firms of all stripes.

He noted a few things that I found untrue. For one, he said Americans can buy the goods they want. I have a desire not to buy any food or medicines produced in China or made with Chinese supplied ingredients. Currently, I am unable to exercise this choice due to a lack of consumer information.

Bush's free markets and free trade are full of buyer beware. But hey, we live in a free country, with all kinds of rights. They don't include the right to sue a pharmaceutical company for injuries specified on the product label, the right to get an answer from White House officials, or the right to habeas corpus should a citizen be accused of terrorist activity.

George W. gave a speech for his legacy. It was like his Presidency, "all hat and no cattle."

Bush's Corporatist Agenda Trumps Democracy

Burma sentenced fourteen democracy activists to 65 years in prison for forming an illegal organization and illegally using electronic media. Twenty more members of "88 Generation" face sentences up to 150 years for their crimes.

While President Bush took action against the personal assets of the ruling Burmese military junta, he didn't shut off the flow of millions from a Total-Chevron natural gas field. Condi Rice served on the Chevron board of directors prior to joining the Bush administration as head of the National Security Agency. Rice later became Secretary of State.

Israeli newspapers reported President elect Barack Obama could make a similar appointment. General James Jones has been mentioned as a NSA candidate. He currently is a Middle East special envoy and serves on the board of Chevron. Today's WSJ mentioned his candidacy.

The future remains to be seen, but the present is very painful for Burmese democracy activists. Chevron had a record quarterly profit.

Israeli War Moves on Middle East Chessboard

This week saw two big announcements from an Israeli government in transition. First, Israeli-Palestinian peace is dead for the rest of the year. An agreement will not be reached in 2008. This might be understandable given upcoming elections in Israel. Yet, talks remain vibrant and vital.

However, the second is more sinister. A government, that can't plan for peace, can plan for more war. All options remain on the table in regard to an Iranian nuclear threat, but there's more. The Jerusalem Post reported:

In any future conflict with Hizbullah, Israel will likely cite the Shi'ite group's increasing influence within the Lebanese cabinet as a legitimate reason to target Lebanon's entire infrastructure, government sources said.

Lebanon's entire infrastructure? George W. Bush said democracies don't attack other democracies. Fiction, yet again.

Freedom to Wade in Dirty D.C. Waters

President elect Barack Obama appointed Rep. Rahm Emanuel as his future White House Chief of Staff. Rahm introduced Barack at this year's AIPAC meeting. Oddly, Mr. Emmanuel didn't clarify his role as civilian volunteer in the Israeli military. During the first Gulf War, Mr. Emanuel worked on Israeli Army military vehicles. Obama's appointment of "IDF tough" Rahm indicates Barack has not yet extricated himself from those dirty D.C. waters. Below is a list of Mr. Emanuel's top contributors. They have a distinctly Wall Street vs. Main Street flavor. As you peruse the list, note the presence of the bailout boys, as well as numerous private equity underwriters (PEU's).

Congressman Rahm Emanuel
2008 Election Cycle
Contributor Total

UBS AG $63,700
AT&T Inc $49,950
Blackstone Group $47,000
JPMorgan Chase & Co $45,700
Grosvenor Capital Management $38,900
Goldman Sachs $32,950
Citigroup Inc $28,500
Lehman Brothers $27,600
National Amusements Inc $26,900
Texas Pacific Group $23,000
Merrill Lynch $20,800
Mf Global $20,400
CME Group $19,650
Carlyle Group $16,250
Morgan Stanley $16,200
Evercore Partners $16,100
Madison Dearborn Partners $16,100
Bank of America $16,000
Kirkland & Ellis $15,500
Bailey Perrin Bailey LLP $13,800
Eton Park Capital Management $13,800

Get out of the pool, Barack! It's the same filthy water you mentioned early in your campaign. Last night, you asked the public to keep you clean in your inspirational acceptance speech. I'm complying. Don't ask, if you don't want to be told. It doesn't look like that "new dawn of American leadership" has broken.

Note 3-17-12:  Two of Rahm's largest donors went bankrupt, Lehman & MF Global.

Israeli Democracy in Action: Freedom to Detain and Torture

Israeli newspapers reported on a petition to the nation's High Court to have Prime Minister Olmert and the head of the country's security services arrested for torture. Despite a 1999 court ruling banning torture of prisoners, petitioners say the practice still exists.

Haaretz reported on a Hebrew University student's detainment. The Chairman of the University's Arab Student Body refused to shake Israeli President Peres' hand. The student was detained for three hours, and his student ID card confiscated until a disciplinary committee could convene to review his conduct. If only he'd been a right wing, settler type of terrorist. (Update: 06:07 11/07/2008 IDF asks police, Shin Bet for info on left-wing figures active in W. Bank)

Dog Food Knows Chickenshit When He Smells It

Retiring Congressman Tom Davis of Virginia said "the Republican brand is in the trash can...if we were dog food, they would take us off the shelf."

The head of the Republican brand in the House called Presidential candidate Barack Obama's present votes "chickenshit." Do we need yet another hyper competitive jerk role model for America's youth?

John Boehner, the House Minority Leader, could well meet with a President Obama to govern on behalf of the people. How might that meeting go?

If Boehner says, "Congratulations, Mr. President! I look forward to working with you," we know who the chickenshit is.

Ari's Team Winding Down, Whimper or Bang?

How will the Bush/Cheney team go out, quietly or to the sound of war cannon? Days before the election, President George W. Bush has been in hiding. The usually secretive V.P. Dick Cheney emerged from his man-sized safe to endorse John McCain.

DICK CHENEY: And in three days we'll choose a new steward for the presidency and begin a new chapter in our history. It's the biggest decision that we make together as Americans. A lot turns on the outcome. I believe the right leader for this moment in history is Senator John McCain. John is a man who understands the danger facing America. He's a man who has looked into the face of evil and not flinched. He's a man who's comfortable with responsibility and has been since he joined the armed forces at the age of 17. He's earned our support and confidence, and the time is now to make him commander-in-chief. I'm delighted to support John McCain and I'm pleased that he's chosen a running mate with executive talent, toughness and common sense, our next vice president in Sarah Palin."

Promises of bipartisanship, cleaning up Washington...haven't we heard this before? John McCain's stump points sound surprisingly like the George W. Bush of 2000. We all know W. failed miserably as a "uniter, not a divider." Yet, Ari Fleischer and friends work hard to restore the Bush brand, even as the public treats it like Chinese infant formula.

Ari Fleischer, one of Bush's former press secretaries, said that although Bush is "not prone to talk about legacy," he and his closest advisers are confident that history "will remember him well."

"Would he like to be more popular?" Fleischer added. "Of course he would. Of course it bugs him. But it doesn't guide him or drive him."

After eight long years in office, George W. feels the same. Washington didn't change him, but it snatched his campaign promise to unite the country from his able hands. Bush stated:

"I said, 'You know, I'm not going to change as a person because of politics or Washington' -- that's what I said when I left," Bush said. "I think they appreciate that. I want them to know that, you know, even though I had to deal with a lot of tough issues, that I'm still the same person that they knew before and that, you know, I'm wiser, more experienced, but my heart and my values didn't change."

Really? The alternative view involves Bush shedding the uniter promise like a used condom. In eight years George W. achieved his aim. He made a whole lot of money for his friends. History will prove which view is right and since his rich friends publish the books, there be it.

Obering Warns of Iranian Missiles Hitting Europe

Israel Radio reported "The head of the Pentagon's Missile Defense Agency said Friday that Iran was not far from attaining the means of using missiles against all of Europe and against the US in five to six yeaars."

His aim was to convince the Czech Republic to approve a U.S. missile defense system in their country. The West compares the Iranian President to German Adolf Hitler. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad didn't help his case when he recently threatened to bomb London or send suicide bombers to the U.S. in response to attacks on his country.

The IAEA leaked a report suggesting Iran was testing refinement of spent nuclear fuel. Israel bombed Iraq's nuclear facilities after Saddam reached that proficiency level in 1980's. The rhetoric points towards conflict. America and Israel have two trigger happy lame ducks. Bush & Olmert are just the wingnuts to do it. Let's hope their handlers hold sway and don't allow the Blomert to betray us.

Bush's Bloody Report Card Comes from Mike McConnell

President Bush's Director of National Intelligence offered his candid assessment of eight years of George W. Bush. A Washington Post piece reported on his speech.

The next U.S. president will govern in an era of increasing international instability, including a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in the near future, long-term prospects of regional conflicts and diminished U.S. dominance across the globe, the nation's top intelligence officer said Thursday.

World stability F
Economy F
Consumer Safety F
Health Care F
Funneling taxpayer money to his corporate friends A+
Spying on Americans A+
Lying to the people A+
Playing the permanent political campaign to the detriment of the country A+

Bush made the world in his image, greedy, heavy handed, and violent. McConnell's assessment is a direct reflection of eight years of George W. The world is a much bloodier place.

Gates Opens Door for More Attacks, Petraeus the Man to Deliver

Days after Pentagon Chief Robert Gates lowered the bar for America to use international force, General David Petraeus takes over the U.S. Central Command. CentCom covers Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and Pakistan. What's the General been up to since he stepped down as head of the Iraq command? It's been six weeks.

In between the two events, the IAEA unofficially revealed Iranian experiments to enrich spent nuclear fuel. The Jerusalem Post noted Saddam Hussein achieved this level before Israel preemptively wiped out Iraq's nuclear facilities. Deja vu?

Iran Parallels Saddam's Nuclear Program

The Jerusalem Post reported "Iran has recently tested ways of recovering highly enriched uranium from waste reactor fuel in a covert bid to expand its nuclear program, according to an intelligence assessment."

When Saddam Hussein achieved similar capabilities in the 1980's, Israel responded by bombing Iraq's nuclear facilities.

IAEA officials would not comment on the leaked report. That's odd. Such information could be the linchpin for an attack. Or is that lynchpin?

Combine this story with Pentagon Chief Bob Gates lessening the standard for an American attack, and it could soon be "bombs over Tehran."

What if Wall Street & Big Oil Want McCain?

Write the script for a McCain win in light of people's financial concerns. The stock market would soar a week before election, stabilize and even grow a bit. This would occur despite dire news on the state of the economy.

Tuesday-- 889 point rise in the Dow Industrials
Wednesday-- 74 point fall (stability in current environment)
Thursday-- 190 point rise

While people won't have time to receive their IRA or 401(k) statements, a temporary relaxation of the financial vise could help John McCain.

Hurting Republican chances is ExxonMobil's record, record, record 3rd quarter profit of $14 billion. But not many citizens follow the financial papers. A deep drop in the price of gas could divert the public's attention.

A bribe of $1.50 a gallon can go a long way. It's not due to supply and demand, unless it takes seven months for that relationship to actualize. Consumers significantly cut back driving since March, yet gas prices soared through July. They eased slightly in August and September, helping BP and ExxonMobil achieve record profits.

Gas prices cratered through the floor in October, nearing $2 a gallon for regular unleaded. Big oil clearly wants John McCain. The question remains as to Wall Street's desire.

Pentagon Chief Gates Says U.S. Can Attack Whoever, Whenever

Just what the world wanted to hear, a lame duck President extends the situations under which he can conduct preemptive war. The irony is Defense Department Secretary Bob Gates made his remarks to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Gates said:

“Today we also make clear that the United States will hold any state, terrorist group or other nonstate actor or individual fully accountable for supporting or enabling terrorist efforts to obtain or use weapons of mass destruction — whether by facilitating, financing or providing expertise or safe haven for such efforts.”

In other words, President Bush can attack anyone, anywhere, anytime with complete impunity.

Two Vastly Unpopular, Nuclear Armed Lame Ducks

Elections in Israel and America will select new chief executives for those nuclear armed countries. Pariahs George W. Bush and Ehud Olmert have months left to serve in their lame duck status.

The Bush administration conducted a raid in Syrian territory. Such an expansion is historic. What other measures might the pair take in their few remaining months as commander in chief? What do they say about cornered wounded animals? Maybe, we should come up with a new term, one other than lame duck...

Economy Tanks, but Gun Sales Rise

If Americans are going to stuff what little remains of their investment cash in a mattress, it helps to protect it. The Washington Post reported the combination of political and economic factors prompted an increase in firearm sales, a rise of 10%. Ammunition sales are up as well.

The tanking economy raises the prospect of crime. Others are concerned that gun purchases could be restricted in the future. If tribal Pakistanis can have Chinese made AK-47's, why not Americans? Aren't we all worried about al Qaeda? Why not arm 299,990,000 to protect them from the dangerous 10,000? If we're all armed, who needs police? We can do without courts as well in the new world of tribal justice.

Oh, that's not what our founding father's wanted with that right of habeas corpus? Why didn't they grant citizen's the right to own cannons? Tupperware parties have been replace by personal, pink taser events. What's next, your home nuclear device to enforce the Sampson option? If I can't have my house, no one will...

U.S. Troops Raid Syria

That October surprise could be underway. An American military contingent conducted a raid inside Syria. Four helicopters with U.S. troops conducted a raid on a building under construction, said Syrian news reports.

A US military spokesman couldn't confirm or deny the reports. He said: "It's a developing situation." One that develops to highlight John McCain's military strengths? Time will show how much fun "bomb, bomb, bomb" singing is had. But the first round is in the bag.

Jewish Group Behind Obsession Movie Distributed in Swing States

The Clarion Fund, a nonprofit group, circulated 28 million free copies of the movie "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West." Three Jewish leaders comprise the officers of the group. It shares the same New York City address as a Jerusalem based group focused on Israel's national security.

CLARION FUND INC
270 MADISON AVE FL 9
% ELI D GREENBERG ESQUIRE
NEW YORK , NY 10016

The two year old nonprofit spent an estimated $50 million to influence the election. John McCain is the intended beneficiary. What impact will the movie have? Will the American vote be manipulated by a group concerned about Israel's security? Given their difficulty in convincing American Jews, how might their message work?

Makings of Holy War

What happens when the armed forces of powerful countries get fundamentalist faith? The United States military has a strong fundamentalist Christian influence. Israel's Chief Rabbinate for their Defense Forces has been accused of expanding its activities outside religion and religious services.

While the fundamentalist Sunni al Qaeda is yet to control a country and its military, fundamentalist Shia Iran has an army. How might they interact to bring the return of Christ, the promised Jewish Messiah, or the Hidden Imam?

I can just picture John Wayne telling the religious armies, "Now you boys holster your prophecies. The world has more important things to address, doggone it!"

Democracy Means Chinese AK-47 for Private Militias

Chinese manufacturers make more deadly products than infant milk formula. The Pakistani government purchased AK-47 assault rifles from the Communist economic giant.

The buy is instructive. Democracy means having your own AK-47. Now I know why Homeland Security Secretary did nothing over Jewish paramilitary groups training in the Catskill Mountains!

Pakistan plans to give tens of thousands of life ending, assault rifles to people in the tribal areas of that unstable country. The U.S. secretly armed Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan as freedom fighters fought Russian military might. What role did our $10 billion in annual military support to Pakistan play in this decision?

American soldiers are conducting "train the trainer" sessions, according to the Washington Post:

Last week, after months of Pakistani delays, about 30 U.S. military trainers were permitted to set up operations north of the region, a U.S. official said. The trainers will provide counterinsurgency instruction to Pakistani army soldiers, who in turn will train members of the Frontier Corps, the government's paramilitary force in the FATA.

Paramilitaries, from corporate giants to rag tag local groups, have become a widespread phenomena. Osama bin Laden showed the difficulty of controlling armed insurgents, once they're launched. How will current decisions come back to haunt us?

Uncle Sam's Thin Air

The U.S. government makes laughable statements in regard to respecting the sovereignty of other countries. The BBC reported:

A suspected US missile strike has killed at least eight students at a religious school in north-western Pakistan, witnesses say.

At least two missiles, reportedly fired by pilotless US drones, hit the school early on Thursday.

The US state department has affirmed "its support for Pakistan's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity".

The Bush administration has shown similar disdain for citizen's privacy. Uncle Sam listened to Americans talking to loved ones in the Middle East, in contrast to his promise to only monitor al Qaeda calls to citizens. The Washington Post noted Homeland Security will take over flight passenger screening in January.

Security officials say the additional personal information -- which will be given to airlines to forward to the federal agency in charge -- will dramatically cut down on cases of mistaken identity, in which people with names similar to those on watch lists are wrongly barred or delayed from flights.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) chief Kip Hawley said yesterday that, except in rare situations, passengers who do not provide the additional information will not be given boarding passes.

By taking over watch-list vetting from industry, the officials said, the government will consistently apply the most up-to-date list information and more sophisticated computer programs to catch name variations, and will avoid the risk of giving sensitive data to foreign air carriers, Chertoff said.

U.S. officials said Secure Flight will not tap commercial data, conduct "data-mining" or generate risk scores on passengers.

Is that like respecting other country's sovereignty? Where's the Predator in this scenario?

Iran Has NeoConitis

The Middle East became more inflamed when Iran's advisers recommended a pre-preemptive attack on Israel. The double pre came from Israel's threats to preemptively attack Iran's nuclear enrichment facilities. Do I hear a triple pre, maybe from the U.S.?

Uncle Sam would need to take his attention away from doubling down every few weeks on the big money boy bailout. President George Bush's giant $770 billion rescue plan morphed into a $3 trillion behemoth. Bush's plan replaces greed and leverage with greed and a tad less leverage.

From double down to triple pre, it's the neoconservative way...

Calling for Real Americans to Stand Up and Purify Nation

North Carolina Congressman Robin Hayes said at a McCain-Palin campaign rally, "liberals hate real Americans that work and achieve and believe in God." I.e, real Americans love corporate givaways, hate soft liberals, work hard, and pray. Funny, I go to church with a bunch of people Mr. Hayes would find "liberal" and they're gainfully employed, most of them professionals. I've seen a number of them pray fervently for the healing of a loved one, for families in crisis.

Republicans floated the "Real American" meme the last week. From V.P. candidate Sarah Palin to Rep. Michele Bachmann to McCain adviser Nancy Pfotenhauer, all launched into a purity tirade. Pure, as in not tainted by liberal thought or practice.

Hitler wanted Germany to be pure. He hated blacks, a theme which also arose in the North Carolina rally.

Representative Patrick McHenry cheered what he called the “biggest crowd John McCain has gotten in North Carolina” and emphasized that this was a critical election with a stark choice between the candidates.

“It’s like black and white,” someone in the crowd at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center yelled out, laughing. McHenry let the remark pass and finished his speech.

And Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama because they're both black. That's the racial spin offered by Rush Limbaugh and company.

Real countrymen, purity, defending the homeland, overwhelming military might... Does any of that sound familiar? Maybe so...

Bush Not Far from Impunity Zone

America's best friend in the Middle East watches the clock tick down on the Bush administration. Israel's Haaretz reported:

The November 4 election will thrust the United States into an 11-week presidential transition period, in which George W. Bush will continue to wield full power, but will not be shackled by political constraints. The U.S. will have to make two decisions during this period: whether to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities, and how to proceed with the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations that began at the Annapolis conference.

Israel will need to assess their preemptive attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. Who's more likely to get their back, should they pull the trigger? The Bush in the hand, for sure.

Iraq's Sovereignty?

After President Bush invaded Iraq, Secretary of State Condi Rice wrote her boss informing him of Iraq's sovereignty. Five years later, that free nation's laws remain subservient to their invaders. A new agreement ensures American military personnel and contractors stay above Iraq law. It looks like a "not" needs to be added to her note.

Frances Townsend Offers New President Risk Management Advice

Frances Townsend has advice for the next U.S. President. Tell the public quickly and clearly how they plan to protect the country from a terrorist attack. What?

What about all the measures Fran and the Bush administration took to protect the country? Won't they continue? The AP reported:

"God help them if something happens before they've done that," Frances Fragos Townsend said Wednesday during a discussion at George Washington University on homeland security and the presidential transition.

God help us all from incompetent bureaucrats, spinning things. Think Hurricane Katrina Lesson Learned report, Fran. It failed to tell the public honestly what happened. Who did it protect?