The following are comments I’d posted to articles on Yahoo! News since March 18. Or at least, that I’d tried to post. I’m happy to report, though, that most of these 33 weren’t censored. As usual, when I open with a quote, that comes directly from the article I posted to. NOTE: These mini-essays are not in any particular order.
ONE:
“…no one told [NATO] the rebels used tanks.”
This is a bald-faced lie. I absolutely refuse to believe NATO didn’t know the rebels had tanks. With our CIA on the ground, and communication established with the rebel leadership, to have been unaware is inconceivable.
But suppose NATO really didn’t know. Shouldn’t they have reasonably assumed the rebels would use anything they could get their hands on? And, more to the point, why bomb the tanks in the first place? Were they in a position to be a direct threat to civilians? Were they firing their guns – at what? At fleeing Gadhafi troops? Someone, somewhere isn’t doing a leader’s greatest job – thinking.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“Of course, it’s entirely possible NATO knew these were rebel tanks and bombed them anyway – just to send al-Qaida a msg.”
TWO:
What’s Obama’s slogan going to be this time around? Oh wait, I’ve got it: “No matter how much I’ve disappointed you and raped your values (and will continue to do so), surely you wouldn’t consider voting for my Republican opponent.”
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“That’s not quite as snappy as ‘Change you can believe in,’ but it might be good enough to win the day.”
THREE:
Is it just me or do all the photos of rebels look like they’re posing? Even their uniforms look spotless … and hair well groomed … dang … I should look so good.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“Unlike Newt Gingrich and (maybe) the rebels, I’m not posing.”
FOUR:
“The CIA’s infamous secret network of “black site” interrogation centers is gone.” Bull…
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
Don’t kid yourselves – the CIA represents a far greater threat to American freedoms than al-Qaeda ever did.”
FIVE:
“She has the fire in the belly, Mark McKinnon writes.”
Sometimes people who have “fire in the belly” end up self-immolating.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“Obama would love to run against Bachmann…and I would love, as an Independent, to run against both of them. She is a dumb a$$ and he is just plain dishonest.”
SIX:
"Certainly if you're in the (Iraqi) military you understand [what] your capabilities and your gaps are..."
Certainly? You've got to be kidding...unless by that you mean, "If you're in the (Iraqi) military you understand that one of your fellow soldiers would be more than happy to put a bullet in your back, if he happens to be in a sleeper cell and you're just a grunt trying to keep his country together." But that's the point: There never was a "country" to keep together in the first place. There was (and still is) Shia, Sunni, and Kurd.
Back when I started campaigning for the US Presidency in 2006, I had forecast (correctly, as it turns out) that the "real" war in Iraq starts (that is, the jockeying for power; the non-headline grabbing, subtle part) after the US either draws down significantly or leaves entirely. Translation? I had forecast that we would be in Iraq for decades. Tell me now, was that the Change You Can Believe In you thought you'd be getting when you cast your vote for that Bush clone?
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
"I hate to say it, but my patience for the 'light at the end of the tunnel crowd' is wearing very thin indeed."
SEVEN:
“The exception is social conservatives, whose base largely supports abortion restrictions.”
Aren’t these the same social cons who are so supportive of our troops? Seems they have no problem with a govt shutdown that threatens soldiers’ pay. Oh, well…I guess consistency in life is a rare thing.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“I’m sure glad the social cons don’t call themselves Compassionate Conservatives any more – that was an unbelievable label from the beginning.”
EIGHT:
"Before departing the Capitol, Boehner urged the House to pass legislation to cut $12 billion, fund the Pentagon through the end of the year..."
Whoa...wait a minute...why does the Pentagon get a free pass? Why didn't Boehner urge the House to also cut $12 billion from the Pentagon's budget? Surely they could suck it up. Didn't Obama claim that our intervention in Libya could be "absorbed" by that budget? Why doesn't he just whip up an extra supply of that "absorbent" - gee, I'd like to have some of that myself.
And if that $12 billion turns out to be so important, all Obama will have to do is wave his magic wand in a few months, and have his Pentagon ask for a supplementary appropriation. ["Hey, the rubes buy that S.A. line of bull all the time...support the troops you know...rah, rah for our side." And, yes, that's how the powerful talk about us behind closed doors.]
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
"I hate to tell you this, all you John Q. Publics out there, but you're being played like a fine, old classical violin."
NINE:
“Syria’s security organs will move quickly and ruthlessly to suppress even the germs of revolt within the military.”
Hmm…that’s more easily said than done, for how does a full grown man stop something as small (and deadly) as a “germ.” Surely the Sunni soldiers know they’d have to be stealthy and sabotogical in their opposition. The Alawites will find, much to their sorrow, that it’s hard to fight against your own troops who decide to engage in guerrilla war against their commanders. Assad and his commanders will end up learning a hard lesson: It’s untenable to have the vast majority of your rank-and-file troops (who have access to weapons) holding grudges against you.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“All militaries, the world over, fear dissension within their own ranks…about as much as they fear external enemies.”
TEN:
“Libyans … want a civilian democracy …,” said Abdel-Hafidh Ghoga, vice chairman of the opposition’s National Provisional Council.
And this vice chairman was elected to be vice chairman by … whom?
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“So many players and not enough background info.”
ELEVEN:
“…the president is only “ready to discuss the peaceful handover of power according to the constitution.”…”
I don’t know anything about Yemen’s constitution, but surely there is nothing unconstitutional about resigning. Saleh, in spite of what you think this is not about you … what part of “Saleh must resign” don’t you understand? There’s really nothing to discuss … just go and be done with it.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“If I were one of Saleh’s spokesmen, I’d be a little nervous right now about something called retribution.”
TWELVE:
Unemployment drops? The GOP must be trembling … or is it “shakin’ and quakin’?” I can see it now: An emergency call from the GOP Central Committee went out to all their presidential hopefuls: “Quick … go to your nearest party-approved prayer circle and ask the Lord to put a stop to these dastardly employment gains.”
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“Think I’m kidding?”
THIRTEEN:
“We are sending them all one very clear message, which is that Gadhafi must go,” he told reporters.
Uh, huh … and suppose Gadhafi says “the Queen of England must go … you guys are supposed to be a democracy, right?” I’m sure the British govt would say something like, “Jolly good show … you’re right … the Queen and all the royals must go … what were we thinking all these years?”
Riigghtt … Besides, Gadhafi’s winning, so why should he go?
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“Those in power never like to give it up, even in a democracy.”
FOURTEEN:
"...He denounced it as a "disrespectful and abhorrent act" and called on the U.S. and the United Nations to bring to justice..." [Refers to riot in Afghanistan where UN workers were killed and weapons stolen.]
No, the truly "abhorrent act" was the taking of life, not to mention (by taking weapons) stealing. As for the US bringing a book [Quran] burner to justice, maybe the pyromaniac who did this could be charged with hate speech and inciting to riot. I hope this "man of God" is enjoying his 15 minutes of fame. Too bad he couldn't have contributed to world peace, instead of being such a shameless fame-seeker.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
"Of course, if the US and its henchmen (I mean, coalition of willing mercenaries) weren't in Afghanistan in the first place, perhaps this riot might never have happened."
FIFTEEN:
“The White House said the strongman’s inner circle was clearly crumbling with the loss of Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa…”
The White House is engaging in wishful thinking, trying to spin this into good news since the battlefield news isn’t so good. Also, this particular minister might well turn out to be a Trojan horse. But it would be unwise to read into his “defection” any great loss to Gadhafi, for the only inner circle he needs are his sons. And the only “great loss” would be a loss of heart among this troops…and so far, that ain’t happening.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“If the US ‘foreign minister’ (Hillary) quit, would that mean the US inner circle is crumbling?”
SIXTEEN:
“U.S. officials have acknowledged that the CIA has sent small teams of operatives into Libya…”
Hey, wait a minute. Didn’t Obama say we wouldn’t put any “boots on the ground” in Libya? Oh, my bad … maybe the CIA teams aren’t wearing boots … maybe they’re wearing sneakers (how appropriate).
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“Isn’t it about time we had a President who was (really!) a man of his word? Always? Under all circumstances? Or would the shock kill us?”
SEVENTEEN:
Interesting how this article (and others) says absolutely nothing about how sub-Saharan Africa is emotionally dealing with Western aggression against Gadhafi. This is no small point since many of the troops loyal to Gadhafi are Black. Also, there are idealists within those nations who share Gadhafi's dream of a United States of Africa. Huh! Imagine that: A new USA to lead the world (the old USA becoming more morally compromised with each passing day), one that refuses to let its carcass be picked clean by Western (and Eastern - hello, China!) powers.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
"I'll be the first presidential candidate to say it: I will back a United States of Africa freed forever from foreign exploitation."
EIGHTEEN:
Libertarian,
What you say about the bank holiday is true. However, that would work against the (I'll say it) establishment, for a bank holiday would basically shut the entire system down. And that surely couldn't be profitable or ensure confidence. Besides, the action I envision would be gradual, and spread by word of mouth. So it would be hard for the establishment to know when to kick in such a draconian measure.
By the way, how do you tell independent-minded Americans (who are sick of too much government in the first place) that they can't choose to ignore the top 7 banks? Isn't "choice" supposed to be the cornerstone of a free market?
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
"It won't take people long to realize that my suggestion (to turn our backs on the top 7) is the only real option they have left, since all other means of effectively redressing their grievances have been shut down."
NINETEEN:
@TC
Your question is a fair one. I am totally in favor of cutting off all forms of military aid to all nations - even to our NATO clients. Humanitarian aid can be considered on a case-by-case basis, though I oppose designing any type of aid package to further the imperial interests of the US. By the way, no need (as you did) to put the word "Zionists" in quote-marks, for those are the folks running the show over there. To put a finer point on the matter, though, my greatest fear is of the atheists who are in charge in Israel. Whatever it is they think they're practicing, it isn't Judaism (and, yes, I know a fair bit about Judaism). More likely, it's an exercise in arrogance and tribalism.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
"Don't you think it's time we shed the ancient burden of tribal identity? Gets in the way of our humanity, don't you think?"
TWENTY:
"...the mission's goal of protecting civilians from being snared in attacks by Gaddafi's troops. He said it could take days or weeks, but certainly not months, to crush Gaddafi's military."
"to crush Gaddafi's military?" I thought the "mission's goal [is] protecting civilians."
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
"I actually bothered to read the UN resolution (the whole thing) and it doesn't say anything about picking sides in a civil war."
TWENTYONE:
U.S. Secretary Robert Gates called the rocket attacks "repugnant" and defended the Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip as legitimate self-defense.
“legitimate self-defense?” Oh, I get it. Random rocketing by Palestinian terrorists is properly answered by indiscriminate bombing by Zionist terrorists. Tell me, why does Gates think it’s necessary to defend Israel, as if he’s their spokesman? Oh, wait…the answer’s obvious: Since he won’t be our Defense Secretary forever, he’s angling for a gig as a mouthpiece for Israel post-Obama.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“What’s the matter, Robert? Couldn’t you manage to line up a stateside gig?”
TWENTYTWO:
@ V, the Zionist:
You couldn’t possibly mean “we would bulldoze the whole area,” since that would kill everybody in that area. I don’t think the USA would do that, and we wouldn’t annex the land either (violation of international law). Actually, sounds to me like you’re a Jewish Israeli citizen of the hawk persuasion. Just because you used the word “we” (trying to imply you’re an American) doesn’t fool anybody.
And that last bit about “no questions asked,” is lame – if, for instance, we started getting random rocket attacks from Mexico, we would ask questions of the Mexican government. [NOTE: We would consider bombing first in more or less hot pursuit, if we had good intel and delaying might enable the perps to escape.] That’s how civilized people behave, as opposed to “no questions asked” Zionists.
@ Jphaliasjph:
Ah, you’re talking about guilt by association, yes? Sorry, I don’t buy into your thesis that every Palestinian knows about (much less “lets”) Hamas lob those rockets. If my brother would come over to your house and start shooting, I would hope you would shoot back – at my brother. If you kill him, fine. If he runs away, I hope you would then call the police and not turn into the mass murderer you claim you’d be.
@ GC:
There are sure a lot of simple minds on Yahoo today, including yours. If someone would start shooting at me, I wouldn’t automatically fire back, depending on the circumstances. I’m not a knee-jerker – too many of those running around (and, gasp, they’ve got guns). Besides, you and the others are missing a huge point of my post: Why does Gates think he’s got to speak for Israel?
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“People, if you can’t post intelligently, then give it up…you only embarrass yourselves.”
TWENTYTHREE:
The Christians just don’t get it. Actually, none of the Abrahamists get it. But don’t get me wrong, there’s a hell alright. Actually, a lot of different hells – both hot and cold. But no one is doomed to spend all eternity there.
I asked a Christian friend, “Do you mean to tell me that we get only one life to get it right, or else we burn for eternity? Then why don't we just kill our newborn babies so they don't have a chance to sin?” That doesn’t sound like the message of a loving God, but rather the hate-speech of earthly, power hungry, patriarchs looking to frighten their flocks.
I’m with the Buddhist view: We’re reincarnated (seemingly) endlessly, that is – until we reach enlightenment. Then we don’t have to come back since we’re truly at one (totally integrated) with the Void. But all Buddhas do come back – to lead others to Buddhahood.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“If you want an example of the legitimacy of the Abrahamist faiths, just consider how well the Sons of Abraham living in Israel/Palestine are getting along.”
TWENTYFOUR:
"Gadhafi's air force strikes back - hits an air base deep in the heart of France" - now that would be a headline. However, could the French really complain? Especially if there were only minimal civilian casualties. This is war, you know.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
"What goes around, comes around....arghhh...INCOMING!!!"
TWENTYFIVE:
"We began a military action at the same time that we don't have a clear diplomatic policy…” – Sen. Jim Webb.
Let’s be very clear about this:
As for Senator Webb: As long as the US president is solely in charge of our diplomacy, the only place where we have to have a “clear diplomatic policy” is in Obama’s head. And, according to the rules of the game, Obama doesn’t have to explain squat to anybody – including Senator Webb – and Webb knows this.
We engaged in acts of war against a sovereign nation without provocation, without any threat to the United States, without any threat to any of Libya's neighbors, and without a congressional declaration of war. Not all of our air strikes were to “protect civilians” or to enforce a cease fire, so we didn’t even bother to follow the UN mandate.
And worst? We took it upon ourselves to do what others (notably the Arab League) should have done. As for the League, it’s jolly good to hear the mighty Qutarian Air Force will be joining the fray – this weekend. Where are the Saudis, who have a far greater military?
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“Obama should be impeached for this.”
TWENTYSIX:
@Sea Turt1e, I have to disagree. We "entered" by sticking our nose where it doesn't belong, so therefore we'll need an exit strategy. Some milicrat might split hairs by claiming, "Since ground forces never went in, we didn't enter in such a manner as would require an entrance strategy." Lawyer logic like that is what is destroying this country. And perhaps to you, "a few cruise missiles and bombs," are "nothing." Not so, though, to the guy on the receiving end. Who has friends and sympathizers, who have other friends and sympathizers. So, to those of us who think of our actions as being "nothing," don't be too surprised if a suicide bomber strikes a bit too close to YOUR neighborhood. Just saying....
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
"This is 'nothing?' I'll tell you what 'nothing' is – minding our own business."
TWENTYSEVEN:
"If rebel fighters were to then try to attack regime-held cities and march on Tripoli to oust Gadhafi, it is unclear what the U.S. and European stance would be."
Unclear? How so? The UN ordered a cease-fire. So if the rebels went on the attack, wouldn't that violate the cease-fire?
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
"Ah, war is never so simple as it looks during the planning stages."
TWENTYEIGHT:
- - - "American leadership is essential," [Obama] said… - - - “No, it isn’t,” Steven Searle, Your Next President, replies.
- - - historian Robert Dallek says, "A President cannot sit on his hands and be seen as passive in the face of ruthless action by a foreign dictator." - - -
These are not the words of an historian; they are the words of a propagandist (at best) or a provocateur (at worst). And he’s being selective at that. I’m sure Dallek wasn’t urging we go in with six-guns blazing during the Tiananmen Square massacre. Or when the Yemeni president’s snipers killed 46 civilians.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“We can ill-afford to let people like Dallek get away with spouting such nonsense. It’s bad enough that Obama doesn’t know what he’s doing and is accepting some very bad advice.”
TWENTYNINE:
It's about time to start asking a very important question: Who are the rebel leaders? And, more importantly, what do they stand for? Since the prestige of the Western "democracies" is now on the line, "we" can't very well let Gadhafi come out on top, now can we? So, back to the original question: Who are these rebels, one of whom could well end up becoming the next strongman?
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
"I'm still amazed at how quickly the rebellion spread, and sustained its momentum. Makes me think they're not quite as random and uncoordinated as the media makes out."
THIRTY:
(sigh) Why do prez candidates find it obligatory to make a pilgrimage to the "Holy Land" to kiss the (uh) ring of the latest Zionist chief? I've made my position quite clear: If elected, I will void US diplomatic relations with Israel and refuse to sign any bill into law that continues our dole of taxpayer dollars to that welfare state.
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
"Actually, in my view, the entire world is the Holy Land. We've gotten into way too much trouble thinking otherwise."
THIRTYONE:
William, things aren’t quite as 1, 2, 3 as you’re portraying.
1) “Cut salaries and benefits for congress.” You’re right - this wouldn’t dent our deficit. But our leaders should set an example – and that is priceless. You would have scored a direct hit, though, if you had urged people to address the real problem: The Two-Party system. As long as the Dem/Pubs have a monopolistic lock on power, we’ll never get to the root of what ails America. Only with independents (including the President) in office can we start leveling the playing field, and stop playing favorites.
2) “Cut defense spending, the wars are costing us a fortune.” William, you blew it when you wrote, “wars are actually good use of the money that we’ve already decided to use for defense.” It’s that “already decided” bit that’s disingenuous. We did not “already decide” to keep increasing warmongering spending (as opposed to defense spending). When we get into a war, then the warmongers claim we can do it on the cheap, the light’s at the end of the tunnel, but (meanwhile) they’ll keep asking for more “supplemental appropriations.” Defense spending is heavy enough; it’s our warmongering spending that throws a monkey wrench into things.
2a. “Just bring the troops home and we’ll worry about the U.S. and everybody else can deal with their own problems.” Actually, your item 2a glosses over a few things. First of all, we should have the option of putting it on the table – that we’ll bring the troops home and close all our bases unless the “host” countries pony up to help pay for this protection we’re providing As for “if we abandon them, they will abandon us,” I don’t see how pulling our troops back redefines the marketplace. We/they have things we/they want to buy/sell. That won’t change.
3) As for “the rich supply the means of production”…does that entitle them to unfettered free-market capitalism without regulation, as well as bailouts when they blow it? With independent lawmakers in office, we will have a better chance of creating a level playing field that will encourage competition, which is something the rich aren’t all that keen on doing. Oh, by the way, one of the “means of production” is the time and effort of the workers, for without them, nothing gets produced. So I would definitely consider a worker a “means of production.”
Steven Searle for US President in 2012
“As for ‘give me opportunity,’ why should anybody give YOU squat? However, I can agree with: Give everybody a level playing field.”
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Steven Searle for US President in 2012
Founder of The Independent Contractors’ Party
“Yes, yes…I’m fully aware that anything I (or anybody) posts on Yahoo! gets funneled to the CIA – complete with our real names and not just our Yahoo! handles. Keep in mind: After the Iron Curtain fell, the CIA automatically assumed that disgruntled US citizens were to become its main focus.”
