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July 28, 2006
A Sad Sign
We suspect most Americans would agree that the renewed escalation of violence between Israel and Lebanon is nothing short of tragic. Whomever is to "blame" -- and certainly each side can make a compelling case against the other -- the result is the all too familiar black cloud of bitter hatred, death and destruction that seems to continually hang over the region.
While officials from both countries cry with outrage and hurl insults (not to mention bombs) across the border, ordinary Israelis and Lebanese die. And those of us across the globe who keep hoping the residents of this ancient, volatile region will one day peacefully coexist can only shake our heads in sorrow.
Against this backdrop is another tragedy that has just played out and is more directly relevant to America's own interests and role in the world. The U.S. has lost its credibility with the rest of the world, and its ability to lead via diplomacy. Helene Cooper offers spot-on analysis in today's New York Times.
Just three years after the Bush Administration's cowboy diplomacy trampled over the global community and right on into Baghdad, the rest of the world clearly has not forgotten. Despite valiant efforts by Secretary of State Condi Rice to broker a cessation of hostilities, efforts that could signal a return to reality by the United States government, the damage has been done.
The deal fell apart, partially because of the widespread perception (fair or not) that the U.S. is biased toward Israel and against the Arab world. This perception gave ample cover for several European nations to play their usual game of cop-out, but in the past we could overcome Europe's public complaining with a wink and a nod while we made the tough calls. No more.
It may be that the U.S. has not only lost its credibility as an honest broker in world affairs, but also as a wise implementer of foreign policy. The jury is still out, but a growing consensus suggests that America's foray into Iraq will prove disastrous in the long term.
Prior to our Mesopotamian adventure, the United States' post-World War II foreign policy steered a steady, middling course, regardless of which political party was in power. The Project for a New American Century fellows who took the foreign policy reigns with the election of George W. Bush have taken us in a sharply different, and ideological direction. The future does not look good.
Posted by houtopia at 05:03 PM
July 20, 2006
Does Corruption Have Legs?
We regret the infrequent posting of late, and are hopeful the situation will improve.
An often discussed question among election watchers this year is whether the corruption issue will have much efficacy in the upcoming fall 2006 midterm. Democrats have seized upon the fall of the GOP's Typhoid Mary -- a.k.a. Jack Abramoff -- and attempted to paint Republicans with a broad brush of cronyism and insider dealing.
Democrats have had their own bit of trouble with Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson, but the tilt has been decidedly in one direction. Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R - California) is in prison; Tom DeLay (R - Texas) is attempting to step down from Congress with mounting legal bills and a possible federal indictment on the way; Bob Ney (R - Ohio) is also under serious investigation and in big political trouble. Several members of the Bush administration have had legal troubles as well.
What no one yet knows is what effect corruption will or won't actually have on the upcoming election. Many seasoned observers have remarked that voters aren't particularly surprised by or up in arms over recent revelations of improper and/or illegal behavior from politicians, and that they don't really think Democrats are much cleaner than Republicans in this regard.
In today's Washington Post, Jim VandeHei looks at corruption's potential to affect the November election. He points to former Abramoff associate Ralph Reed's loss this week in Georgia's GOP Lt. Governor primary as a cautionary tale for those candidates with ethical baggage. He and those he interviews, however, remain skeptical of corruption's broad electoral impact in 2006.
November 7th will tell the tale.
Posted by houtopia at 08:51 PM
July 12, 2006
The Trouble With Ralph
We have returned after a lengthy hiatus due to technical problems and overwork.
Ralph Reed has long been a bright star in the right-wing political firmament. With boyish good looks, a telegenic persona and impeccable religious conservative credentials, the former head of the Christian Coalition and College Republican activist has been a go-to media personality for the right for years.
Well, now Ralph wants to be Lt. Governor of Georgia, and it seems this extrovertedly pious man, like his good friend, the ever-moralizing Congressman from the 22nd District of Texas, may not actually live up to the ethical standard a good Christian man is supposed to.
Like Tom DeLay, Ralph Reed was very close to former Washington super-lobbyist and now convicted felon Jack Abramoff. And like Tom, Brother Ralph is denying any stain from his fallen friend Abramoff, despite a lot to suggest otherwise. Reed is in a tight race to become Georgia's GOP Lt. Guv nominee, and "Typhoid Jack" is cramping his style.
As a story in Wednesday's Washington Post details, The Livingston, Texas-based Alabama-Coushatta Indian tribe is alleging that Reed and his associated defrauded it, the people of Texas and our Legislature of millions of dollars. Ouch.
The timing of the suit could not be worse for Reed, who polls show is deadlocked with his opponent, State Senator Casey Cagle for the nomination. The election is a mere 10 days away.
For his part, Reed denies any wrongdoing, alleging instead that a media witch hunt is underway to assassinate his character. Hmm... where have we heard that before. We will watch this primary with interest.
Georgia Democrats should be hoping for a Reed victory. Running against a poster boy for Republican corruption could prove very useful to Democratic candidates across the state.
Posted by houtopia at 11:07 PM