The not so good news is that we're having thunder storms and lightning here and it is just not the right time to be in the Alps - mountains are dangerous always, but when it storms, best to stay away.
So, I'm here enjoying a very quiet 4th...but thinking about all of you.
And, I just cannot help getting a word in.
Supreme Court - I can only say, thank you so very much. I'm too honored for words.
What really has me worried today is the gathering mess in the straits of Hormuz. I still think we can schmooze Egypt - but Iran is another type of animal. Where are the Israeli commmandos when we really need them?
And, I don't want to abandom our responsibilities. That would leave a very big hole in the world's safety net. But, sometimes it's painful to watch while 6 months or a year passes in diplomatic stand-offs when we all know that in the end, America will do whatever it takes, including apologizing, to get things back on track. Now, in Pakistan-Afghanistan, all we have to worry about are the Taliban snipers who are vowing to take out our convoys. These are the "nice guys" we're leaving in charge of the Afghans when we leave. Sad to think about it. And, when they're not bombing our trucks, their cousins are destroying ancient structures in Timbuktou, some even on the UN world heritage list. Aren't we lucky to have such nice 'friends'.
I hope you are all enjoying the 4th and remembering our history - Betsy Ross and Valley Forge and the Declaration of Independence - and even the fifes and drums...it all made us who we are. Never forget.
Casey Pops
Smart choice you made. The alps will still be there when the skies turn blue and the thunder bellies are gone.
ReplyDeleteFrom my experience I think (know) that there are so many very hot spots that could flash over the slightest provocation. Hormuz will flare up at some point because of Iran. Maybe only a tension filled blockade. But will Iran blink when blinking is called for, or do we go to the next step. And what would even a short duration o such do to the world economic markets that are so shaky to start with.
My belief built on many years with the IDF and a specific arm of the IDF the Israeli commandos are not relaxing very much right now. Their level of readiness is high all the time.Today I'll bet it's elevated over normal preparedness.
Isn't our relationship with both Pakistan and Afghanistan built primarily on the US willingness to pay for play time in their countries? Pakistan is wholly beholding to Iran. And I'm not so sure that Afghanistan is not the same. With them both money speaks louder than actions.
The destruction in Timbuktou is pitiful and reprehensible.
Your right when you say - "And when they are not bombing our trucks, their cousins ..."WE need to accept that this in one band of murderous terrorist connected by a single thread - Islam. We use to accept the fact that we had NO real friends in the middle east except Israel. We've lost that (thinking) with Obama.
Sorry you day/celebration was washed out. Have another glass of wine and another hot dog (?)
Talk with you later. Oh, what will the world serve up for the next posting?
SCHMOOZE THE MUSLIN BROTHERHOOD. Hope is good. Blind hope can be harmful, it puts your defenses down.
ReplyDeleteWe are in a war. There won't be a single "front" or rear lines to this war. This war will be much like the war in Viet Nam. The enemy will be all around us. We'll not have the citizenry on our side. The enemy will not wear traditional uniforms. Our thinking has to change and change drastically. The only difference in this long, pronated war will be we are also fighting for something. Our way of life - Our Freedom of Religion - Our Freedom of Choice - our Freedom to be free. The gantlet has been tossed done at our feet - World Trade Center #2
Egypt, is now under Sharia Law? Those poor people, they didn't realize what they were voting for did they? Does that sound familiar? Brings us back to "Freedom isn't free" doesn't it? Sorry you couldn't make the mountains,for the 4th, good choice better safe than sorry.
ReplyDeleteDid you know that on July 5, 1946 the bikini was introduced to the world much to the delight of men. I thought I'd lighten up the conversation.
ReplyDeleteReally!WOW!
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