When I read the charge levied against former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn of aggravated pimping, I literally burst out laughing. It is almost like a joke. Even now, my fingers are filled with laughter, as I type!
Only in France...
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Monday, March 26, 2012
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Libyan Independence: Homegrown or Out-Sourced?
After seeing the jubiliant throngs of rebels taking to the streets of a seemingly annexed Tripoli, I am left with a few questions about how these rebels came so far so fast.
My concerns were brought back to the forefront of my mind when I was watching a video provided by CNN, in which the reporter, who was at Gadhafi's former stronghold, Bab al-Aziziya, commented that a rather large crater in the center of the compound's grounds was caused by a NATO bomb.
Now, if I am led to believe that those machine gun toting, 1999 Abercrombie & Fitch wearing, hooting and showboating rebel soldiers did all this by themselves, does that make me a chump?
The answer, I'm afraid, is yes.
If we recall this revolution, as it were, started in the eastern part of Libya. Gadhafi's forces were pushing toward the rebel stronghold of Benghazi about the same time the United Nations called for a ceasefire and the institution of a no-fly zone. Of course, Gadhafi forces were unwilling to accept these terms in the long-term. Why? Because the apparant words of the United Nations only applied to Gadhafi forces and not those of the rebels. Clearly, in this case, what was good for the goose was no where good enough for the gander.
In the days and weeks following this mandate, NATO-led forces, including France and the United States, commenced bombarding Gadhafi loyal forces and strongholds from the sea and air. All the while, rebel forces waltzed west facing only token resistance. Anything stronger from Gadhafi forces meant a whooping by NATO from the sky.
While countries like Tunisia and Egypt can say their revolution was homegrown and delivered by their own people, Libya is not in a similiar situation. Libyan forces relied on a friendly hand from Europe and America to do the work they were unable to do.
So, while watching the smiling faces of rebel forces in Libya, remember there truely is an invisible, wrathful hand watching over them from above. And I'm not talking about a man in a white beard, either.
My concerns were brought back to the forefront of my mind when I was watching a video provided by CNN, in which the reporter, who was at Gadhafi's former stronghold, Bab al-Aziziya, commented that a rather large crater in the center of the compound's grounds was caused by a NATO bomb.
Now, if I am led to believe that those machine gun toting, 1999 Abercrombie & Fitch wearing, hooting and showboating rebel soldiers did all this by themselves, does that make me a chump?
The answer, I'm afraid, is yes.
If we recall this revolution, as it were, started in the eastern part of Libya. Gadhafi's forces were pushing toward the rebel stronghold of Benghazi about the same time the United Nations called for a ceasefire and the institution of a no-fly zone. Of course, Gadhafi forces were unwilling to accept these terms in the long-term. Why? Because the apparant words of the United Nations only applied to Gadhafi forces and not those of the rebels. Clearly, in this case, what was good for the goose was no where good enough for the gander.
In the days and weeks following this mandate, NATO-led forces, including France and the United States, commenced bombarding Gadhafi loyal forces and strongholds from the sea and air. All the while, rebel forces waltzed west facing only token resistance. Anything stronger from Gadhafi forces meant a whooping by NATO from the sky.
While countries like Tunisia and Egypt can say their revolution was homegrown and delivered by their own people, Libya is not in a similiar situation. Libyan forces relied on a friendly hand from Europe and America to do the work they were unable to do.
So, while watching the smiling faces of rebel forces in Libya, remember there truely is an invisible, wrathful hand watching over them from above. And I'm not talking about a man in a white beard, either.
Sunday, August 07, 2011
S&P: AAA
Congratulations to the United States government for getting downgraded from AAA credit status to AA+. While AA+ seems pretty impressive, it puts the United States below its Western European allies, such as the United Kingdom, France and Germany, in terms of debt repayment, etc.
Tomorrow, when the world markets open up, I'm sure we will see a crash. I want to thank members of the Tea Party, and the Republican Party, in general, for its contribution to the downgrade. The eleventh-hour deal did little to salvage the nation's economy.
The country's economy is still stagnant (just look at unemployment figures and small business growth over the last six months). Like I've said numerous times, it is time to end the wars and return that money to the Treasury where it belongs. We will spend the next decade recovering from the George W. Bush years in the White House; it's better to get started now rather than wait. After all, China has threatened to cut-up America's credit card over the downgrade!
Tomorrow, when the world markets open up, I'm sure we will see a crash. I want to thank members of the Tea Party, and the Republican Party, in general, for its contribution to the downgrade. The eleventh-hour deal did little to salvage the nation's economy.
The country's economy is still stagnant (just look at unemployment figures and small business growth over the last six months). Like I've said numerous times, it is time to end the wars and return that money to the Treasury where it belongs. We will spend the next decade recovering from the George W. Bush years in the White House; it's better to get started now rather than wait. After all, China has threatened to cut-up America's credit card over the downgrade!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Roman Empire
As politicians in Washington use the debt ceiling as political leverage, I am reminded of the end days of the Western Roman Empire.
Rome, at its height, was the greatest civilization to ever exist. It was truly the beacon, sitting on seven hills along the Tiber River, for the whole world to gape in awe. Many of its citizens lived unparalleled lives of posh and hedonism, while few of them had any care or knowledge of the pain and suffering of the other world that existed beyond their vast borders.
Years of the good life had taken a toll on the Roman Empire's ability to function as it once did. Years of war, political greed and corruption, out of control spending, and utter neglect, had brought what some called "The Great Whore" to her knees, and eventually to a mouthful of dust as she collapsed, losing life--finally to die at the hands of the very barbarians she had easily slaughtered by the thousands before her less than stellar demise.
The beacon on the hill was no more. It's people left to fend for themselves as the light fell dim--the Dark Ages.
I have heard, in the past, the United States compared to Rome. I never thought that the United States would actually come to the brink of decay it is now. Perhaps, I didn't want to believe it possible in my lifetime. Like those in Rome, I simply was unable to fathom the very destruction of my nation from within, through my very way of life.
That's a very bleak look at the state of things in this country. We have Republicans and Democrats bargaining away our future in dark rooms and corridors, far away from the light of observation of the people they so eagerly attest to serve. The United States may default on trillions of dollars of debt. The Treasury Department says we have until August 2, but I feel as if that was a rather optimistic view of things. An increase in rhetoric from the White House and Congress has led me to believe that zero hour is now upon us. The world's stock markets are taking notice of Damocles' sword hanging over the largest economic powerhouse in the world. Truly, what will happen to the world economy if the United States is unable to pay its debt? I do not think anyone really knows what will happen; it is without precedent.
America's economy is bloated. The unemployed are in the millions; however, money to the wars is free flowing and only serving to further bankrupt us, those who we once had no fear of are watching closely, as the modern-day whore swells. Their wagons are circling.
America the great, the light is dimming and your ungrateful children continue to need more.
Rome, at its height, was the greatest civilization to ever exist. It was truly the beacon, sitting on seven hills along the Tiber River, for the whole world to gape in awe. Many of its citizens lived unparalleled lives of posh and hedonism, while few of them had any care or knowledge of the pain and suffering of the other world that existed beyond their vast borders.
Years of the good life had taken a toll on the Roman Empire's ability to function as it once did. Years of war, political greed and corruption, out of control spending, and utter neglect, had brought what some called "The Great Whore" to her knees, and eventually to a mouthful of dust as she collapsed, losing life--finally to die at the hands of the very barbarians she had easily slaughtered by the thousands before her less than stellar demise.
The beacon on the hill was no more. It's people left to fend for themselves as the light fell dim--the Dark Ages.
I have heard, in the past, the United States compared to Rome. I never thought that the United States would actually come to the brink of decay it is now. Perhaps, I didn't want to believe it possible in my lifetime. Like those in Rome, I simply was unable to fathom the very destruction of my nation from within, through my very way of life.
That's a very bleak look at the state of things in this country. We have Republicans and Democrats bargaining away our future in dark rooms and corridors, far away from the light of observation of the people they so eagerly attest to serve. The United States may default on trillions of dollars of debt. The Treasury Department says we have until August 2, but I feel as if that was a rather optimistic view of things. An increase in rhetoric from the White House and Congress has led me to believe that zero hour is now upon us. The world's stock markets are taking notice of Damocles' sword hanging over the largest economic powerhouse in the world. Truly, what will happen to the world economy if the United States is unable to pay its debt? I do not think anyone really knows what will happen; it is without precedent.
America's economy is bloated. The unemployed are in the millions; however, money to the wars is free flowing and only serving to further bankrupt us, those who we once had no fear of are watching closely, as the modern-day whore swells. Their wagons are circling.
America the great, the light is dimming and your ungrateful children continue to need more.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Terror in Detroit
What's going on in Schiphol?
A U.S. bound plane from Amsterdam to Detroit is the focus of an attempted terrorist's act. If it hadn't been for the quick action of some passengers the scenario may have played out quite differently.
To answer my own question, though, why would a world class facility, such as Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, allow someone with an incendiary device through its security? Let me paint a picture for you using a personal experience.
While returning home from one of my trips to Paris, I encountered a lapse in security at Charles de Gaulle International Airport. Now, you'd imagine that Charles de Gaulle, or as the French call it, Roissy, being one of the top airports in Europe, would have impeccable security. Well, it does, if you use it consistently.
I was boarding a trans-Atlantic flight from Paris to Cincinnati. International airports serving airports in the U.S. are required by the TSA to conduct the same security protocols as implemented in the United States for domestic and international flights. In the United States, they do everything but Roto-Rooter your ass (and even then some people get that privilege).
But back to Roissy.
As we approached the metal detectors, a sign clearly stated--in French and English--we had to remove our shoes and place them in a plastic bin for extra screening; however, most people were not removing their shoes. Security officers simply allowed those people who had kept their shoes on to pass quietly through security, my party included! (Let's face it, taking your shoes off in public is not a very appealing thing to do.)
Am I saying that x-raying our shoes would have stopped a terrorist attack? No. But I am saying that basic security protocols were not enforced; therefore, who can say if all the basic security protocols in Schiphol were enforced? Europe is a lot less anal about these sorts of things. They think Americans have a stick up their ass for being so hard-nosed about invading people's privacy.
Come to think of it, they might be right!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize
Some say Barack Obama doesn't deserve the Nobel Peace Prize, because he lacks accomplishment and distinction, but I disagree.
The United States is finally coming out of a long, bleak period of history under the regime of George W. Bush. The countries of the world see President Obama as the antithesis of Bush's xenophobic and backward international policy. The world can breathe a collective sigh of relief.
Let's allow the wounds of yesterday to be healed by the promise of tomorrow. If anyone deserves the distinction for progressive ideas and policies it is Barack Obama.
The United States is finally coming out of a long, bleak period of history under the regime of George W. Bush. The countries of the world see President Obama as the antithesis of Bush's xenophobic and backward international policy. The world can breathe a collective sigh of relief.
Let's allow the wounds of yesterday to be healed by the promise of tomorrow. If anyone deserves the distinction for progressive ideas and policies it is Barack Obama.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Capital Punishment
CNN recently posted a very disturbing story to its website about capital punishment.
Since 1984, a Texas reporter, Mike Graczyk, has allegedly been witness to over 315 executions in Texas. Since 1976, Texas has executed 439 individuals. That means Graczyk has witnessed 72% of them. According to state officials, he has witnessed more executions than anyone else. (In the article's photograph, he looks pretty jazzed up about the infamous honor.)
When I first began to read this article, I thought that the number of 439 was for the entire United States since 1976. I was stunned when I realized those statistics are simply for the state of Texas!
The United States is a developed nation that still uses third world techniques to punish its criminals. In the 21st century, the United States must work to abolish, forever, its torture of both the guilty and innocent, called capital punishment.
After vacationing in France, I find it hard to believe that the United States continues to willing lag behind its European contemporaries in many things, which includes its stubborn habit of using death as a punishment. In fact, it is embarrassing and appalling.
Since 1984, a Texas reporter, Mike Graczyk, has allegedly been witness to over 315 executions in Texas. Since 1976, Texas has executed 439 individuals. That means Graczyk has witnessed 72% of them. According to state officials, he has witnessed more executions than anyone else. (In the article's photograph, he looks pretty jazzed up about the infamous honor.)
When I first began to read this article, I thought that the number of 439 was for the entire United States since 1976. I was stunned when I realized those statistics are simply for the state of Texas!
The United States is a developed nation that still uses third world techniques to punish its criminals. In the 21st century, the United States must work to abolish, forever, its torture of both the guilty and innocent, called capital punishment.
After vacationing in France, I find it hard to believe that the United States continues to willing lag behind its European contemporaries in many things, which includes its stubborn habit of using death as a punishment. In fact, it is embarrassing and appalling.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
The Dutch Navy to the Rescue
In a feat that the U.S. navy couldn't pull off without two tries, the Dutch navy was able to pursue armed pirates to their mother ship and set free 20 captives.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Polar Bear + Stupid Behavior = Absurdity
A woman was mauled by a polar bear at a Berlin zoo.
Did the bear escape from its habitat?
No.
Did the woman climb over the fence and enter the bear's habitat out of stupidity?
Yes.
Why?
It would seem that the human condition is forever causing us to do things that we know we ought not do. I can't imagine the woman's rationalization for entering a wild animal's habitat; especially, if that wild animal is a polar bear. I suppose she thought she was going to get to pet it and her friends would capture a wonderful photo for posterity. They got some great photos alright!
Did the bear escape from its habitat?
No.
Did the woman climb over the fence and enter the bear's habitat out of stupidity?
Yes.
Why?
It would seem that the human condition is forever causing us to do things that we know we ought not do. I can't imagine the woman's rationalization for entering a wild animal's habitat; especially, if that wild animal is a polar bear. I suppose she thought she was going to get to pet it and her friends would capture a wonderful photo for posterity. They got some great photos alright!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Obama Tour
For the past week, Senator Barack Obama, has been touring Europe and the Middle East, with stops in Kuwait, Afghanistan, Jordan, Iraq, Israel, Germany, France, and United Kingdom.
This trip brought a lot of international attention to the Democratic presidential candidate. His star seems to shine on the international stage, considering those staggering crowds in Germany, but will his rising star begin to fade as a backlash of disdain ripples through the American electorate.
Many argue that Obama's trip abroad seemed more like he was the de facto president of the United States, who was attempting to heal relationships and bridge bitter divides. I agree, in part, with this analysis. The media frenzy surrounding his trip was a little much (it tested my gag reflex). It was foolish to behave in this manner. He is a candidate, after all, not the actual president. Obama may feel as if he got great reviews from his host countries, but those people are not the ones whose asses he should be kissing. Come November, Americans decide if he is qualified for the job of president.
This trip brought a lot of international attention to the Democratic presidential candidate. His star seems to shine on the international stage, considering those staggering crowds in Germany, but will his rising star begin to fade as a backlash of disdain ripples through the American electorate.
Many argue that Obama's trip abroad seemed more like he was the de facto president of the United States, who was attempting to heal relationships and bridge bitter divides. I agree, in part, with this analysis. The media frenzy surrounding his trip was a little much (it tested my gag reflex). It was foolish to behave in this manner. He is a candidate, after all, not the actual president. Obama may feel as if he got great reviews from his host countries, but those people are not the ones whose asses he should be kissing. Come November, Americans decide if he is qualified for the job of president.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Serbs protest independence of Kosovo
After Sunday's declaration of independence, Kosovo, the former province of Serbia, has received some attention from the international community. It has garnered support from the United States and European Union, but at the same time it has won the disdain of Serbia, Russia, and China.
Serbia's prime minister, Vojislav Kostunica, has vowed to stop what he calls the "illegal" actions of a renegade province. The United Nations will not be able to declare Kosovo an independent nation, considering the Security Council is divided on the issue. Russia and China will refuse to allow Kosovo to join the United Nations under current conditions with their Security Council veto power.
Violence has erupted in Belgrade where protestors have stormed the United States embassy, and even set the building's facade on fire. Kosovo is the birthplace of the modern Serbian people, which is why the people of Serbia feel so strongly about it leaving Belgrade's control. The majority of people in Kosovo, however, have sided with Albanians on the issues of ethnicity and religion.
Will Kosovo ever be completely independent? Without reaching some sort of compromise with Serbia, on the issue, it is doubtful.
Serbia's prime minister, Vojislav Kostunica, has vowed to stop what he calls the "illegal" actions of a renegade province. The United Nations will not be able to declare Kosovo an independent nation, considering the Security Council is divided on the issue. Russia and China will refuse to allow Kosovo to join the United Nations under current conditions with their Security Council veto power.
Violence has erupted in Belgrade where protestors have stormed the United States embassy, and even set the building's facade on fire. Kosovo is the birthplace of the modern Serbian people, which is why the people of Serbia feel so strongly about it leaving Belgrade's control. The majority of people in Kosovo, however, have sided with Albanians on the issues of ethnicity and religion.
Will Kosovo ever be completely independent? Without reaching some sort of compromise with Serbia, on the issue, it is doubtful.
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