New Bumper Stickers

These bumper stickers were sent to me by David. Although I do not necessarily support the messages in each of these bumper stickers, it can be assumed I support them in general. Take this lefties!

Imminent Conflict

The U.N.'s latest round of sanctions against North Korea "authorize" searches of North Korean ships suspected of transporting ballistic missile or nuclear materials. North Korea's response was less than favorable, threatening to attack any country which stops its ships.

The situation with North Korea appears to be moving towards real, substantial conflict on a daily basis. It is obvious that North Korea would like to have nuclear capabilities to gain more power in the region. It is ridiculous for the United States to act against North Korea's right to not only defend itself, but gain strategic power in its region of the world. That is what the United States has done throughout its entire history. The only difference has been the politics of democracy vs. totalitarianism.

So why should we be working to stop this? The Christian Science Monitor reported last month that North Korea's focus may be on exporting their technology for desperately needed cash. Countries on the export list include Iran, Syria, and Yemen. In addition, the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis think tank estimates North Korea makes over $1.5 billion a year in missile sales. This would not be a big deal, as the United States makes far more, but these are quite frightening clients.

While the United States may have developed nuclear technology, and probably shared that technology with its allies, it did not spread that technology to countries bent on destroying other countries and people or countries that refuse to join the international system in which we depend on economically.

For this reason, I think intervening in North Korea's nuclear ambitions is acceptable. Failure to do so will result in a situation in which the United States and its people are less secure.

Until we meet again, goodbye!

Cheney or Obama?

Much attention has been devoted in the press to the debate between Cheney and Obama over the best way to protect our national security. Cheney believes Bush administration policies of cracking down on terrorism should be upheld. These include allowed interrogation techniques and detainment of terror suspects. Obama believes in a mixture of policies; he wants to ban torture and other harsh interrogation techniques and close the Guantanamo Bay terrorist detention center, while continuing the process of detaining terrorists indefinitely without trial.

On the issue of interrogation techniques, I think Cheney is in the right. The fact is we have not endured another attack on our mainland since September 11. Eliminating interrogation options could keep valuable information away from those who are charged with protecting us. I am not saying we should torture every suspect; just that we should be able to. I think some people are forgetting 9/11; I would rather torture a suspected terrorist than endure another terrorist attack.

I do not particularly care about Guantanamo Bay. If Obama wants to close it because of the negative symbol it creates, that is fine. Unlike both Obama and Cheney, I do not think we should detain terror suspects indefinitely. If we have a suspected terrorist, we should charge him, try him, and then imprison or release him. I do not see how it is beneficial to leave the suspect in limbo. Our government needs to finish this debate and iron out a process for handling these people.

Until we meet again, goodbye!

Say it Ain't So Joe!

Joe Biden may have really done it to himself this time! According to Fox News, Biden actually gave away the location of the secret bunker used to house Dick Cheney in the aftermath of 9/11 (and probably the secret bunker that would have been used to protect himself if a similar incident were to occur again).

Check out the details here: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/05/17/oops-biden-reveals-location-secret-vp-bunker/

Until we meet again, goodbye!

Watch for Crocadiles

Yeah, it has been a while since I posted. I have been busy going to New York City, Niagara Falls, golfing, and sitting out on my porch. I even went to the Lilac Festival for a night. It's good to dust myself off every once in a while...

Have you heard Tom Golisano is moving? To Europe? The Caribbean? Maybe some other glamorous location? Nope, just to Florida. To save money on taxes. By living in Florida for just over 180 days a year, Golisano can claim Florida residency, saving him $13,800 a day in taxes - which is over $5 million a year!

Golisano is doing what I wish I had the guts to do. Instead of complaining about being over taxed and having my state reduced to an economic dead zone, Golisano is up and moving to a place with a better tax climate. If more follow his steps, the results will be catastrophic for New York.

When one gas station charges $4.00 for gas, and the one across the street charges $3.00 for gas, we almost always choose the station that is charging $3.00. Yeah, the $4.00 station may have a smaller line, and maybe even a better location, but if no one is paying the quality will suffer or the prices will have to go up even further. That is basically what is happening in this state right now. I sure hope the state gets its act together before I have the option to move...

Until we meet again, goodbye!