Monthly Archives: September 2013

Eric Margolis: Syrian March To Disaster

"Politicians invoke credibility as a excuse after they have made a huge blunder –notably Obama’s foolish 'red lines' in Syria that boxed the president into a corner of his own making. What we are seeing is the latest, 21st century version of the new era of colonialism and imperialism, with a touch of Crusader zeal thrown in. Today, the favored euphemism is humanitarian intervention, but the song remains the same. Syria is not about poison gas or human rights: it’s about a proxy war against Iran, the only nation now challenging total US and Israel military domination of the Mideast. For France, it’s about reasserting its former colonial rule in Syria and Lebanon." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingEric Margolis: Syrian March To Disaster

Bloomberg: “Libertarians Are The New Communists”

"Nick Hanauer & Eric Liu wrote an absurd piece in Bloomberg called 'Libertarians are the New Communists.' You might wonder how people get paid to write such ridiculous articles. But then you realize that someone actually gets paid to bomb foreigners, steal en masse from the world via the monetary system, and regulate voluntary business out of the market. Perhaps it is just the evil world in which we live. Regardless, one still wonders if the authors of the Bloomberg piece actually believe in the claims that they make." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingBloomberg: “Libertarians Are The New Communists”

The Rise of the Antiwar Libertarian Republicans

"If you’re among the majority of war-weary Americans who oppose any sort of military intervention in Syria, thank libertarian Republican lawmakers Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Rep. Justin Amash of Michigan. If the House and Senate vote against authorizing war next week, the efforts by these two guys will have been instrumental. Indeed, their outspoken, principled pushback is part of the reason that President Barack Obama—the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner—hasn’t already pursued some sort of strike 'just muscular enough not to get mocked' by the world while not inciting retaliation by Bashar al-Assad’s allies, Russia and Iran." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingThe Rise of the Antiwar Libertarian Republicans

Rand Paul Issues ‘Dear Colleague’ Letter Opposing Syrian Intervention

"In 1995, Colin Powell wrote, 'War should be the politics of last resort. And when we go to war, we should have a purpose our people understand and support.' I do not believe Syria passes that test. I treat the question of war as if it would determine the fate of my son or daughter. War is not some geopolitical chess game. It is, at best, a necessary evil. It should never be the first option. It should occur only when America is attacked or threatened, or when American interests are attacked or threatened. And only when all other options have been played out. Too often, the debate begins and ends with an assertion that our national interest is at stake, but no evidence is ever presented." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingRand Paul Issues ‘Dear Colleague’ Letter Opposing Syrian Intervention

Nancy Pelosi sends fifth letter on Syria

"Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi sent a fifth letter to Democratic colleagues in a week in an attempt to bolster support for a measure to authorize a U.S. strike in Syria. In the letter sent Saturday, Pelosi (D-Calif.) highlighted statements supporting the strike by President Barack Obama and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.). In earlier letters, Pelosi emphasized the importance of the strike and has told members she will be flexible about the eventual language in a use-of-force authorization. Pelosi also drew attention to Obama’s remarks that he had not set a red line in Syria, but that Congress set one in the 2003 Syria Accountability Act." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingNancy Pelosi sends fifth letter on Syria

After Bold Step on Syria, French Leader Finds Himself Dismissed as Lackey

"As portrayed in a satirical television show here this week, President François Hollande is left behind to hold President Obama’s coat while the American leader and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia hold private talks. Mr. Hollande gullibly concludes he is playing a key role. In the show, 'Les Guignols de L’Info,' a rough equivalent of 'The Daily Show,' Mr. Hollande is seen interrupting a visit to a school to ask Mr. Obama’s permission to use the bathroom. If Mr. Hollande ever thought that his decision to stand steadfast alongside the United States in backing a retaliatory strike against Syria would give him new stature on the global stage or help him at home, the last week has been a sharp shock." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingAfter Bold Step on Syria, French Leader Finds Himself Dismissed as Lackey

‘Obama to attack Syria regardless how Congress votes’

"America's envoy to the United Nations singled out Russia for criticism - for its outspoken opposition to strikes. And that's as the UN chief himself ruled out a military solution to the Syrian crisis - warning that a strike would have tragic consequences and fuel sectarian violence in the region. Investigative journalist Charlie McGrath has commented on the US envoy's statements - saying international trust in Washington's words has all but eroded." Continue reading →

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Al Franken Leaning Toward Supporting Syria Resolution

"Sen. Al Franken (D., Minn.) on Friday said he was leaning toward supporting a resolution authorizing military action in Syria, giving a lift to Obama administration efforts to build support for a strike that U.S. President Barack Obama has sought in spite of widespread unpopularity. 'To me, there is enough evidence that there has been a chemical weapons attack; that it was authorized by the regime and I believe that we have to demonstrate that you can’t do that, so I’m leaning that direction,' Mr. Franken told reporters Friday after a closed-door briefing for lawmakers." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingAl Franken Leaning Toward Supporting Syria Resolution