About Time To Let Israel Stand On Their Own?

Israel announcing their intention to establish 1600 new settlements in eastern Jerusalem during VP Joe Biden's state visit and at the start of Palestinian--Israeli peace talks is not only reckless, insulting, but is showing their contempt for any serious efforts to settle a long standing conflict between them and the Arabs.  It clearly shows to the world that Israel will never negotiate in good faith and puts the U.S. in a bad light with Moslem world; for if we do not condemn Israel's action we become part of their plan.

The attack on the Twin Towers was in large part due to the U.S.'s backing of Israel since the end of WWII to the present.  Though these kinds of attacks are unwarranted and universally condemned they are valid in many middle easterner's eyes because of Israel's grab of Palestinian lands and continueing mistreatment of Arabs under Israeli control.  The Arabs have never condoned the Jews setting up of a State amidst them. The existance of the state of Israel is the result of illegal immigration.  Terrorist bombings and assissinations intimidated the British and the UN into establishing Israel, despite promises of a Palastinian State made to the Arabs after WWI.  I am not taking a side here but stating facts.  The U.S. allying itself with Israel makes us an enemy of the Arabs as well.  Yeah, I know, its complicated.  We have a modicum of friendship amongs some of the Arabs, like Jordon, Egypt, Arabia, etc., but they are "friends" just as long as there is hope of a peace treaty with Israel.  More settlements doesn't inspire hope for a peace settlement.

Is it time to get "tough" with Israel?  Yes.  It is costing us American lives and billions of dollars in order to aid Israel and we aren't getting much for our sacrifice.  The problem is only getting worse.  Iran is developing a nuclear capability and that means nuclear conflict in the Middle East's future--with the U.S. right in the middle.  Withdrawing two billion in aid to Israel would serve two purposes;  taking funds away from settlement construction funds, and taking funds away from military projects.  It would send a message to the Israelis--get serious about making peace with the Arabs; world stability is at stake.

How To Pick Out A Dysfunctional Politician

First off I have to interpret my use of "dysfunctional politician". It has nothing to do with ability. They wouldn't be where they are without the ability to persuade, distort, appear approachable, and whatever else characteristics that makes up a politician. What I mean by dysfunctional is their inability to represent "the people". and by people I don't mean a select few people, or of small groups of people who represent corporations and special interest groups who are inclined to take advantage of the larger general populace by using whatever power and money available to them to stack the deck their way; i.e., by way of legislative loopholes and such. What I mean by dysfunctional is a consistent disregard for the welfare of the people they represent.

In some being dysfunctional that may be promoting an agenda based on philosophy or religion, or an agenda based on political ambition, "playing the game" by doing political favors for those who contribute to campaigns. You scratch by back and I'll scratch yours.

How to pick out a dysfunctional politician is primarily a matter of common sense. When a politician voices a slogan like, "Trickle down" in regard to giving money and advantages first to the wealthy so that money and jobs will move down to the the middle class and the poor,, their first concern is obviously benefiting the wealthy; for obviously there is no guarantee that wealth and jobs will move beyond the first hurdle.

The use of statistics is another flag. Recently the Republicans, one after another, quoted statistics from the Lewin Group. No other foundation affirmed the validity of the figures quoted. The Lewin Group is a partisan propaganda mill created to promote conservative issues; in my estimation at any rate. Figures don't lie, but figurers can and do. Statistics is probably the most abused branch of mathematics known to man. Both sides, Republican and Democrat, use and abuse statistics to promote their point of view. Make them "prove" their math or at least make them use a non partisan source that is competent.

Use of propaganda. I've covered propaganda in earlier blogs so I won't go into it at any length. Both side use propaganda techniques to a greater or lesser degree. Slogans, like "tax and spend", "Obama is a socialist"; fear appeals, such as, "government take over of ....", "WMDs", etc. Appeals to patriotism, fear, vanity, religion; logical fallacies etc. All are tools for the politician, despot, corporation, foreign governments. Propaganda works.

Politicians are liars. Sometimes I wonder if they aren't sociopathic. Determine to the best of your ability if a politician lies. That's hard to do, but not impossible. Use your best non-partisan common sense. The more "positive" the statement the more likely it is distorted or wrong.

Check out who contributes to their campaigns and how much. Again common sense rules. If they have a large number of corporate donators it is doubtful they will side with the voters in contesting legislation.

If you want someone to represent you insist on being represented or vote for someone else.

What the Hell Are the Dems Up To?

If the Dems were trying to scuttle themselves deliberately they could not do a better job of it than what they are doing now.

They had the moral high ground over the Republicans when they were voted in and due to a very concentrated propaganda program implemented by the Republicans they are now behind in popularity. Instead of dealing from a position of political strength they have taken a weak stance in dealing with the Republicans. No one looks up to weakness.

As to the Health Care Reform bill--the Republicans have taken an antagonist position from the start--so why do the Dems continue to deal with the Republicans; asking for ideas which only weaken the bill? It is beyond me.