In late fall of 2009, Pakistani President Musharrif is assassinated in an
Islamist coup, and President Obama can do nothing but watch. Now Islamist
militants are in control of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, and by late winter of
2010, Iran has detonated its first nuclear device. Strangely enough, the ruling
regime in Iraq has very cooperative relations with the Ayatollahs of Iran.
Suddenly, the Islamic Kingdom of Iraq joins the nuclear club.
Monday, January 26, 2009
AP Headline: "Pakistan Poses a Growing Challenge for the Obama Administration"
Somebody was very... prescient? Is that the word I'm looking for? This headline reminds me of someone saying this, recounting a dream.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Farewell, GWB.
I’ve long discussed on these pages making time to do a send off of President George W. Bush. I’ve been so busy with other things I’ve kinda fallen away from focusing on JG&AH. I figured I’d take a few minutes this evening to give him the send off that he deserves, parroting a lot of good things I’m reading over at National Review Online.
I’m really disappointed in a lot of the decisions GWB made over the course of the last eight years. Upon his first inauguration I can recall a feeling of optimism that I hadn’t experienced the previous eight, during Bill Clinton’s term in office. Of all the things to detest about Bill Clinton, the number one thing that galled me about the man was his abject insincerity. I have always had, as frequent patrons know, a contempt for politicians who whore themselves out for re-election. Bill Clinton often came across to me as a guy that would do anything, cross any line to keep his reelection chances intact (92-96) and to protect his legacy (97-00). What were his principles? Hard to tell, though if the bulk of his public utterances were any indication, it was somewhat clear that he was a McGovernite Democrat. Unless the polls told him to be something else. I trusted the man as far as I could throw him, quite honestly. His unwillingness to be anything but a womanizing politician who was obsessed with poll numbers, to me, is a characteristic I view as antithetical to what the Framers envisioned in a President.
Truthfully, my initial impressions of the younger Bush were only a gut feeling, and in January 2001 I really had no way of knowing if he’d be any different. But I think GWB’s history of decisions made leading up to today’s transfer of power show that he was a solid man of principle, as I suspected he would be. Granted, some of those principles made very little sense to me (immigration policies, runaway social spending, grabbing the ankles for the Global Warming believers), yet in Bush’s heart he felt the path that he was treading was the right one.
No where in GWB’s policy convictions was this unwavering commitment to his conscience more evident and noble than in his tight grip on victory in Iraq. In late 2005 and early 2006, the Ministry of Information (at the time known as the Useful Idiots of the MSM) was a complete tool of our enemies in Iraq. Daily, we’d see stories of civil unrest, troop casualties, roadside bombs, strained recruiting in the Army and Marine Corps; we’d hear the media throw the words “civil war” around on a daily basis. Everything was in line for the President to throw in the towel. His approval ratings continued to plunge. He didn’t care. He did what was right.
How would Clinton have handled it? Its pure speculation, but if history was any guide, he’d have pulled the plug the minute negative public opinion began to seriously impact his approval rating. The consequences of abandoning the fledgling elected government would have been unimaginable. Allies could no longer count on our word or respect our resolve. Jihadis the world over would have it confirmed before their very eyes that the US was, as bin Laden had said, “A Paper Tiger”. Our needed threats of force to keep rogue nations in line would for generations ring hollow.
GWB, however, was different. He saw the impact of a world with a defeated US Military far beyond his own career as a politician. He knew that pulling out of Iraq prematurely would undoubtedly ease pressure on him at home. But there was a principle at stake that was larger than himself. And he endured to see a largely victorious America in Iraq.
And it wasn’t just in Iraq that Bush’s unwavering principles kept us safe. His willingness to turn a deaf ear to people who accused him of everything from torture to spying on Americans (all of it bogus, but I digress) allowed him to ignore the damage such libel did to his reputation. For GWB, getting information from detainees taken from the battlefield and learning what the enemy had in store for us was too valuable to be cast aside to win the approval of the NY Times Editorial Board. Would Clinton have taken this course, in the face of mounting media criticism? Let history answer that question as well, hypothetical though it may be.
With all the Ministry of Information hysteria about the incoming Obama administration, today at lunch I found myself scouring the news websites for updates on what W was up to.
Was he a perfect president? No. Did he piss away, many times, the opportunity to be the heir-apparent of Reagan? You could certainly make a convincing case that he did. Was he a genuine man of principle, classy to the hilt, and a rock solid American who had her best interests at heart, far beyond his career and days? I don’t think you could argue contrary, if you were honest.
Enjoy the remaining days of your life, Mr. President. Your commitment to your principles and most importantly, your protection and leadership in America’s dark days in the war against Islamofascism make me, a proud American, eternally grateful to you. You must be the happiest man on the planet right now.
I’m really disappointed in a lot of the decisions GWB made over the course of the last eight years. Upon his first inauguration I can recall a feeling of optimism that I hadn’t experienced the previous eight, during Bill Clinton’s term in office. Of all the things to detest about Bill Clinton, the number one thing that galled me about the man was his abject insincerity. I have always had, as frequent patrons know, a contempt for politicians who whore themselves out for re-election. Bill Clinton often came across to me as a guy that would do anything, cross any line to keep his reelection chances intact (92-96) and to protect his legacy (97-00). What were his principles? Hard to tell, though if the bulk of his public utterances were any indication, it was somewhat clear that he was a McGovernite Democrat. Unless the polls told him to be something else. I trusted the man as far as I could throw him, quite honestly. His unwillingness to be anything but a womanizing politician who was obsessed with poll numbers, to me, is a characteristic I view as antithetical to what the Framers envisioned in a President.
Truthfully, my initial impressions of the younger Bush were only a gut feeling, and in January 2001 I really had no way of knowing if he’d be any different. But I think GWB’s history of decisions made leading up to today’s transfer of power show that he was a solid man of principle, as I suspected he would be. Granted, some of those principles made very little sense to me (immigration policies, runaway social spending, grabbing the ankles for the Global Warming believers), yet in Bush’s heart he felt the path that he was treading was the right one.
No where in GWB’s policy convictions was this unwavering commitment to his conscience more evident and noble than in his tight grip on victory in Iraq. In late 2005 and early 2006, the Ministry of Information (at the time known as the Useful Idiots of the MSM) was a complete tool of our enemies in Iraq. Daily, we’d see stories of civil unrest, troop casualties, roadside bombs, strained recruiting in the Army and Marine Corps; we’d hear the media throw the words “civil war” around on a daily basis. Everything was in line for the President to throw in the towel. His approval ratings continued to plunge. He didn’t care. He did what was right.
How would Clinton have handled it? Its pure speculation, but if history was any guide, he’d have pulled the plug the minute negative public opinion began to seriously impact his approval rating. The consequences of abandoning the fledgling elected government would have been unimaginable. Allies could no longer count on our word or respect our resolve. Jihadis the world over would have it confirmed before their very eyes that the US was, as bin Laden had said, “A Paper Tiger”. Our needed threats of force to keep rogue nations in line would for generations ring hollow.
GWB, however, was different. He saw the impact of a world with a defeated US Military far beyond his own career as a politician. He knew that pulling out of Iraq prematurely would undoubtedly ease pressure on him at home. But there was a principle at stake that was larger than himself. And he endured to see a largely victorious America in Iraq.
And it wasn’t just in Iraq that Bush’s unwavering principles kept us safe. His willingness to turn a deaf ear to people who accused him of everything from torture to spying on Americans (all of it bogus, but I digress) allowed him to ignore the damage such libel did to his reputation. For GWB, getting information from detainees taken from the battlefield and learning what the enemy had in store for us was too valuable to be cast aside to win the approval of the NY Times Editorial Board. Would Clinton have taken this course, in the face of mounting media criticism? Let history answer that question as well, hypothetical though it may be.
With all the Ministry of Information hysteria about the incoming Obama administration, today at lunch I found myself scouring the news websites for updates on what W was up to.
Was he a perfect president? No. Did he piss away, many times, the opportunity to be the heir-apparent of Reagan? You could certainly make a convincing case that he did. Was he a genuine man of principle, classy to the hilt, and a rock solid American who had her best interests at heart, far beyond his career and days? I don’t think you could argue contrary, if you were honest.
Enjoy the remaining days of your life, Mr. President. Your commitment to your principles and most importantly, your protection and leadership in America’s dark days in the war against Islamofascism make me, a proud American, eternally grateful to you. You must be the happiest man on the planet right now.
A Change in Labels
Folks, for the longest time on these pages, I've referred - rightfully - to the American Mainstream Media (MSM) as the "Useful Idiots". This was mostly due to the fact that they seemed to be perfectly content with being complete tools of Islamofascists, so long as damage was done to the sitting Republican President. Well, now a Change (to coin a term) is taking place. When you hit the sack tonight, the One who is viewed as coming down on a golden chariot from God will be president. No longer will the media be hell bent on destroying a sitting president. Now, they're going to be in bed with him. If you think you have been sick at your stomach up to this point, buckle up.
Today, as soon as the One who will save us from ourselves (and market capitalism) is annointed, the MSM will no longer be "Useful Idiots". Hereafter at JG&AH, they'll be known as The Ministry of Information. Long live Comrade Obama. Boxer the working horse is rolling over in his glue bottle.
Today, as soon as the One who will save us from ourselves (and market capitalism) is annointed, the MSM will no longer be "Useful Idiots". Hereafter at JG&AH, they'll be known as The Ministry of Information. Long live Comrade Obama. Boxer the working horse is rolling over in his glue bottle.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Greetings, Comrades, In The Name Our Leader, Comrade Barack Obama
Greetings, Comrades. Good health to you in the Name of Comrade Barack Obama. I write this communique to you from my office window, overlooking Great and Glorious City Hall, where Viceroy R. Daley has continued to enshrine Comrade Obama. May he live for ever, his rule be eternal, and may his free market enemies be crushed underfoot. 
I come with great news. The Ministry of Information has released even more Comrade Obama paraphenalia, with everything from Hope & Change Bumperstickers to Comrade Obama Trading Cards. Glorious day, may all the martyrs that have gone before continue to sing from the Halls of Valhalla, praise be to the One who has his own damn trading cards. Young Comrades, who gives a rats ass about the Barry Bonds Rookie Card when you can own the Barry Obama Inaugural Card! On the back will be the number of ordinary Americans and local politicians crushed by Comrade Obama's swift and glorious rise to power! Bonds had 70+ homers in a season?? pbbbt. Call David Axelrod when you have an impressive number to report. Young Comrades, get Great & Glorious Leader trading cards at your local Peoples Republic of Chicago 7-11. Yes, they are taxed heavily at purchase, but you'll certainly get that back in the form of Middle Class Tax Credits
.
I must sign off now, Comrades. Other cyber obligations will keep me from JG&AH more than usual, but remember, as long as Comrade Obama is enshrined around City Hall, he's omnipresence will bolster our spirits! To victory, VICTORY I SAY, over free markets!
Blessings to you and good health to yours in Comrade Obama's Glorious Name.
Jeff
I come with great news. The Ministry of Information has released even more Comrade Obama paraphenalia, with everything from Hope & Change Bumperstickers to Comrade Obama Trading Cards. Glorious day, may all the martyrs that have gone before continue to sing from the Halls of Valhalla, praise be to the One who has his own damn trading cards. Young Comrades, who gives a rats ass about the Barry Bonds Rookie Card when you can own the Barry Obama Inaugural Card! On the back will be the number of ordinary Americans and local politicians crushed by Comrade Obama's swift and glorious rise to power! Bonds had 70+ homers in a season?? pbbbt. Call David Axelrod when you have an impressive number to report. Young Comrades, get Great & Glorious Leader trading cards at your local Peoples Republic of Chicago 7-11. Yes, they are taxed heavily at purchase, but you'll certainly get that back in the form of Middle Class Tax Credits
.
I must sign off now, Comrades. Other cyber obligations will keep me from JG&AH more than usual, but remember, as long as Comrade Obama is enshrined around City Hall, he's omnipresence will bolster our spirits! To victory, VICTORY I SAY, over free markets!
Blessings to you and good health to yours in Comrade Obama's Glorious Name.
Jeff
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