"A Setback in Paris"---and Understanding the Mind of Obama--

If ever there was a reason to doubt the President's word that terrorism is on the run,

the Paris attack was a brutal wake up call, but Mr. Obama, never one to concede power or admit defeat,  called it a "setback". There is something to be said for downplaying terrorism, but this scourge of our times, is not going away---it is metastasizing , gaining power, and coming our way. We watched in horror as once again,  a major city was struck, not by an army, but a  handful of eight men, armed with guns ,bombs, and suicide vests , willing to die for their cause---the destruction of Western civilization.  Sounds like a David and Goliath fairy tale , but to  deny that, is to miss-calculate their mission, their numerous, devastating  deeds , and their relentless march.

 Events tumbled out of Paris like a tsunami of terror, wave after wave.  One hundred and twenty nine people killed randomly, and many more injured or maimed.  Suddenly the world seemed dark and dangerous---when and how would this all end?  There were many who said it's just the beginning, and  the start of World War 111. Hyperbole or reality? Stunningly,  the President once again made mellow statements of sympathy for the victims, but was  not willing to call the perpetrators by their religious name.  It makes little sense to simply call them extreme radicals.  Extreme--- based on what?  A Jihad--- for what reason? Terrorism---simply for terror's sake?   No, ask any terrorist, and he'll tell you--his religion, as he sees it, gives him complete reason to fight, justification to kill, and an honor and duty to die.  This kind of no home base enemy cannot be fought by the same rules of engagement---they are 30,000 strong, well financed, scattered all over the globe,  don't care if they die fighting,  and will keep coming until either we stop them cold---or they may well  achieve their goal of world domination.

That's the deal---incredible as it may seem, and so the question agonizingly remains:  How will we respond?  With talk of coalitions, containment, and a long, road of slow, steady reaction? Or will it be boots on the ground, bombs in the air, collateral damage, and the total wipeout of this enemy? Dare we, as some suggest,  take the high road of compassion and invite them to sit with us and discuss their grievances?   Show them by example that our way is better and more sustainable? Unfortunately,  nice talk isn't their style, and there is no "better" in the minds of these Jihadists---only their way.  The  real choices seem---either suffer the terrible price of a winning, no holds barred war, or hope that terrorism burns itself out, by its sheer evil.  Perhaps, but to gamble on the latter, is to risk the eventual takeover of the middle east, and beyond. They call it a caliphate---we call it a dangerous
religious monarchy, with brutal practices against women and children, and no love for America.



Add to this cauldron of events,  the President's plan to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees into the United States.  Given that there is no originating  data base from which to vet or check backgrounds on these people, the risk imposed to the country is no small matter.  But once again, Obama rages against those who try to stop him,  hurling insults and mockery at his detractors,--- and plunges forward, not even willing to consider a pause and congressional legislation that would curb and slow the process of assimilation, so that we might feel a little protected from enemy infiltration.


Fully understanding the mind and core values of Obama has never been an easy task, and the current crisis has made even some of his ardent supporters scratch their heads in bewilderment.  To ascribe  his attitude in foreign affairs to an ideology of American non-exceptionalism is one way to make sense of it. Another rationale for his laid back style, is  that his world views are so deeply ingrained, that he is unable to come to grips with the failure of leading from behind, and that the evolvement of ISIL from "JV" has been hard to swallow, completely messing with his previous dialogue of the defeat of terrorism. and grossly interrupting his ultimate plans of transforming this country,  All of the above may be true, but it has also been suggested that this president is simply out of his depth, even delusional, incapable of great decision, or is is too arrogant to admit that he needs help.  He refuses to change course, even as we face one of the most perilous points in our history, and his policies so far have failed. He prefers to focus and lecture us on the dangers of Islamaphobia, as though we don't have the sophistication to intellectually separate those who wish us harm, from those who do not. It is insulting and condescending for him to presume and offer only that  diatribe as a response to our sincere and well founded fears. And it is absolutely incomprehensible for a president of the United States to turn a deaf ear to our concerns for our safety. That is constitutionally his first priority, his ultimate compass---and he seems woefully in direct dis-obeyance, out of touch, and devoid of appropriate dialogue , ---save global warning, the denigrating of all Republican presidential candidates, and the protection of the Muslim people from his imagined backlash.  Listen up, Mr. President, we get it--A. Global warming is an important issue,  and we are dealing with it, B. It is not nice or presidential to bad mouth the other side all the time, and C. Islamaphobia is dead wrong, not who we are, and most of us know it---but there's a war going on, and you need to do something about it. Talk to us, reassure us of your course of action, name the enemy for what it is, Radical Islamic Terrorists---and go get them. That's who we are---
.
The very controversial Donald Trump said, "Either we have a country, or we don't", in advocating the
 tightening of our loose borders.  Mr. Trump may not have the total package to win the presidency, but those words ring true--- either we have a country worth fighting for, or we don't.  Either we take the threats seriously to take us down, or we don't.  Because what happened in Paris will  look and feel no different here.  But how many strikes can the world take, before the walls of order and security  come tumbling down , and we are left with loss of lives, confidence, a possible ruined economy, massive change of lifestyle,--- and an enemy laughing at our presumption of their ineffectiveness and our unwillingness to fight back hard. Paris wasn't a "setback", Mr. Obama---it was a giant step forward, and headed west.
.
As this blog is going to print, two Russian fighter planes have been shot down over Turkey, complicating our coalition efforts.  Americans have been advised to be especially vigilant with their travels abroad. But  Obama has just issued a statement to steady our nerves, saying there is no credible intelligence threat to the United States at this time. Thank you for that,  Mr. President---very sweet thought---but are you sure?

In the meantime, just in case, and as a first line of defense,  the United States department of Homeland Security has advised, "If you see something, say something"---how paranoid sounding,  and how very sad that we have come to this---yet hope floats, as we celebrate one of our most meaningful holidays of freedom and gratitude,  hard fought and won by sheer determination and courage.  God bless the USA---especially those who defend her.

The Republican Debate Smackdown and the Search for a President---

If you missed it, you missed politics at its best and worst---the last Republican presidential debate, hosted, or should we say, toasted by CNBC, a totally Liberal cable station, ---showed the viewers what unabashed,  biased and partisan journalism looks  like, and it wasn't pretty. Touted as being a debate about the economy,  it was anything but, and dripped with pure, unadulterated contempt from the first question "What is your greatest weakness?"  Undauntingly, the questions got worse and more insulting as the debate wore on.   Until finally, Ted Cruz, stopped the panel's
take -down frenzy , by repeating verbatim their bullying remarks, and  roundly chastising them,. He drew a line in the sand for future debates, and one by one, many of the other candidates stood up to fight together against what has been so obvious for so long---the Liberal media's one sided unfairness toward the Republican party, particularly transparent in the last few debates.  More like a lion's den vs. the gladiators, than an honest search for the nominee's qualifications and opinions,  and even the audience was booing their disapproval.  What a disservice to the American people, but what a long over due reveal of how far we've drifted from objective reportage by a media who claims to be the third rail of Democracy. They have become a joke,  and  a serious betrayal  to a country who depends on them to help us make our most important decision.

So, now what---who's left on the roster of would be, wanna be Republican presidents? We still have  Donald Trump, Dr. Ben Carson, Marco Rubio, Carly Fiorina, Jeb Bush, and Ted Cruz among others who are not making a big enough splash to mention.  But let's get real---anyone of the above have great presence, good credentials, and agree or not, their intellectual depth would outshine any one of the Democrat candidates, save Mrs. Clinton, who came loaded for bear in the one and only Democrat debate.  But while she may have wowed 'em,  it wasn't that hard to do, when one considers her party's competitors, who were dull, uninteresting, and without any hint of presidential qualification---except, admitted socialist, Bernie Sanders.  Sanders may be refreshing, quaint,  and even a fave among some progressives, but he doesn't have the weight to bring home a nomination.  We may be flirting with socialism in this country, even courting it, but we're not ready to tie the knot just yet.  Bernie's not the one, not this time.  Some even think he may have been put up to the job of running by the powers that be,  just to make the the Democrats' race for presidential nominee look more like a---race, and just a touch more--democratic. After all, they wouldn't want their party to think they have no choice but to vote for Hillary---that it's her turn,---her's because she's a her?  No, because power and money speak like God  in the world of politics, and especially in the world of Clinton-esque influence.  Despite the very disturbing mis-handling of the Benghazi attack, and the unscrupulous, law breaking email arrangement while she was Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton,  has managed to rise above it all,  shrugging and laughing it all off,  and will undoubtedly be the Democrat's nominee.  Incredible, but true.


By all that is logical, it is time for the pendulum to swing back to at least to the middle of the political spectrum.  This country, by all accounts is in huge trouble. Our economy is limping through the slowest  recession recovery since World War 11. Unemployment may be  down, but not when compared with the number of people who have given up, and dropped out of the  work force--- (16 million increase in 10 years).  Poverty is up--- (Six million more people since Obama took office).  and so is the number of food stamp recipients---(Up 70% ).  We are not exactly winning the war on terrorism,  but a man by the name of Putin, is showing us how in Syria, and telling us to get out of his way.  Obama's reserved approach to Syria,  Iraq, and Afghanistan have not proven to work, as we witness the unraveling of the Middle East and large swaths of it taken over by ISIS. By nearly every measure, we are not better off than when Obama took office.  Yes, he inherited a mess, but has done little to make it better, using his power instead, to take advantage of our weakened state to instigate bigger government, increasing our national debt to over 18 million; stifling regulations, rail roading through a half baked national healthcare act,  making a devil's nuclear deal with Iran,  and enacting crippling energy laws and taxes. Many laws were passed without congressional approval, and certainly without the peoples' consent or consideration. We have witnessed a near despotic takeover of our government , and it is time to take it back.

And so, the race that will determine our future continues.  If you missed last week's debate, you
have another chance tonight,  Nov. 10th ,when another Republican debate will take place
on the Fox business channel.  The Republican nominees will have to prove their worthiness amid
back lash accusations of whining and desiring only soft ball treatment.  President Obama, in his inimitable, partisan style, has mocked them for not being able to handle the inappropriate questions of the last debate. They handled it pretty good, Mr. President----by finally refusing to take scorn disguised as a public service. Perhaps you should take a  lesson from them---sometimes you gotta fight back, draw lines that mean something, and stand up---not down.

At present, Donald Trump and Dr. Ben Carson are the Republican front runners,   ---it's still too early to call. but the growing popularity of these two non-politicians is reason enough to believe that there is something large going on in the back roads of much of America 's mindset,  which cannot be denied ---they are done with superficiality, and will not be duped by subjective reporting, witch hunts, or fooled by those who promise much, but deliver little.  They are turning the pollsters upside down, lauding those politicians who speak frankly,  and sticking it to the media-----as if to say, stop with  the slanting, and the spinning---we will no longer buy it. Whether the voters will vote for the refreshing, but risky outliers or in the end throw their hopes to  a more traditional, experienced candidate is the big question. But isn't it time for this country to call out those who would muddy the clear water of facts, with their own prejudices, ideologies, and agendas?  Good on you, Ted Cruz---it was about time.

Tune in to these debates, folks!  It can get ugly, boring, and tedious, but it's our
democracy at work.  This is how we choose our next leader----and as close as we can get
to  interviewing him or her.  It's our job---so be there! You may be watching another
smackdown,  or the ascending of your next president, ---or Hillary's last laugh.  She does that so well.

President Trump??

Donald Trump. businessman extrordinaire, has blown the doors off the Republican presidential race---yes, he of the dorky hair do, reality TV show, and blustering attitude is running away with the highest poll numbers, and continues to draw the largest crowds against much more polished and experienced  politicians.  The man is on fire and burns with the zeal of an evangelist new to the pulpit, but  bold and brassy enough to command attention   ---"I will make America great again!"  Seriously? Are you kidding me?  He is not politically pedigreed, not a popular guy to like, and his hair!!

The  man lacks humility, has no professional political background, and does not come across as presidential material---he's scrappy, direct, and sticks his finger in the eye of political correctness.  Yet, he and his message are resonating big time---to the chagrin and frustration of a mocking media, his fellow candidates, and even the Republican party.  But, thank God for variety, lest we all die of
boredom from a crushingly long election season.  If nothing else, the Donald is adding spice to a process that can self destruct from bland, canned,  cookie

cutter speeches, and cloying attempts to woo the folks, with the sweet talk of change, without alienating their money backers, which often equals no change once they are in office. Trump is financing his own campaign, owes no allegiance to anyone, which gives him a refreshing flair--and the hope that he might actually mean it.   It's game on---and too early to predict any winner yet, but right now, Donald Trump,  a "flash in the pan" a "passing phenomena", is proving them all wrong.  But will he last?  Does he have the right stuff?  And could he possibly be the next president of the United States? Hard to believe, isn't it? Harder still for a an
opposing party hell bent on dismissing and destroying him right out of the gate---it is amusing to watch their confusion now---is this guy for real?  Is he a clown or an actual threat?  Should we encourage the former in order to ensure a Democratic win, or keep trying to take down the latter?

Trump, in the meantime, keeps bringing it---but in the first debate, he didn't do all that well, rudely insulting the host, Megyn Kelly , who had surprised him with her own rather rude questioning  regarding his attitude toward women in the past. Huh? Well, that's her journalistic right, but it
smacked of  attention getting on her part.  I'm a great fan of Megyn Kelly, and wouldn't have wanted her to  play soft ball with any of the candidates, but that seemed inappropriate and below the belt for a first question. What we really want to know from Mr. Trump is how deep his knowledge and wisdom run, and whether he could actually manage a country---we want substance, not just brash, trash talk.  Does his success as a brilliant business entrepreneur translate to nimble, wise, and
smart decisions as the CEO of America, and our next military commander and chief? That's a big cross over, and we're not sure political and business acumen are the same---that's what we need to
determine, and that's what Donald Trump needs to prove in the long run.  He is beginning to attempt
to do just that, coming out with more detailed and interesting ideas on immigration and planned parenthood funding. He never fails to shock and awe,  with his brand of mixing it up with  common
sense and outrageous, offensive statements.  "We will build a wall, and the Mexicans will pay for it!"  The guy has some kind of kahones, to put it Trump crassly,  or confidence borne of solid experience in the business world---but  c'mon.  It would almost be worth it to see him try---but too important to simply take him at his word.

The sophisticated money is still betting against Trump---try doing the opposite at your next social event , and watch your popularity index sink.  But his appeal is interesting and intriguing to observe, and those who dismiss it, do so at their own intellectual deficit, and perhaps shallow mis-calculation of a man who offers hope to a people desperate for it. Because win or lose,  the Donald speaks to a great hunger and heretofore suppressed outrage within a very large group of people, who feel the country is on the verge of total collapse.  He has given voice to them, and they are roaring their encouragement.

Mr. Trump's in your face approach is energizing, even to the other Republican candidates,  and a satisfying slap in the face of political correctness---but what's interesting about this man is that he seems to lead with his head, not idealistic emotions. He is more pragmatic, than idealogue. At one time a Democrat, he voted for Obama, but now sees the country in disarray,  and has done an about face.  He sees the good in planned parenthood, but not the funding of abortions. He is rich beyond measure, but seems not without compassion for others. He professes belief in God, but does not carry the banner of the Christian right.  Call him a flip flopper, offensive, rude, bombastic, and undignified---but don't call him stupid or a clown.  He is smart,  real,  tough, ---and he is connecting some, incredibly, how.   He certainly doesn't need the money, and his motivation seems genuine---he says he feels the call to save the country from financial and military ruin, two important,  national lynch pins, and that he can do it.  Will he prevail , or will the brutal election process  reveal him to be completely unfit for the job?

All men and women who would be president are human--and not without their imperfections---but one thing is clear if you are of the conservative bent ---we need help, and we need it fast.  Are we at the point of needing someone completely against type---not so much a carefully edited, well coiffed diplomat, but a daring, 'let's get this thing done', kind of leader? Do we we want it so bad that we are
willing to take a chance on a man without smooth, or schmooze, but an uncanny, savior like appeal? Have we seen this movie before?  Yes, but this time this man speaks a different language---"I will make America great again!" Like a cold glass of water in a desert of terrible thirst,----he offers relief, beyond belief.


 But not so fast---Republicans have a way of eating their own before the election is even served up---they do not march lock step in abeyance to the party's dictates.  They are an unruly, independent crowd, perhaps to their own destruction, ---but their leaders don't like interlopers, or those they think may disrupt their power base. Trump has said he will stay with the party---if he is treated fairly.  Let's all do that, because to do otherwise is to indulge in a kind of societal snobbishness---let the people decide, not the media, the old guard Republican establishment, the big money, or threats of a party split. Allow the man  to show us what he's got, for better or worse--but do not silence him for his bad hair, his ego, his brashness,  or his less than politically correct demeanor---this is America.  We thrive on originality, diversity, and guts---consider all the candidates, study their credentials, vote wisely, but for now---watch and consider Donald Trump's rise--- or fall.

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL? "JUST POLITICS---- "

A nuclear bomb is a very big deal---nobody in their right mind wants to use it, but seems everybody wants one.  It's the ultimate weapon, and in the wrong hands, could spell total disaster, if not crippling and brutal destruction. Iran is the latest country of concern, and in an effort to thwart their efforts, or at least slow down their progress, Obama is attempting to negotiate a deal---one that will not only affect his presidency and his legacy----but us in a very personal way.  And now the hot, burning question:  If it 's such a big deal,  then why did Obama once again go solo, and not
seek congressional approval?  Because he can.  This president does not play well with others, has decided that congress is an unnecessary obstacle,----he has a pen and a phone, and executive privilege.  Is this okay?

 There were 47 Republican Senators who  thought not.  Furious and horrified at the thought of a nuclear agreement being struck without more information as to sanctions, investigative permission on their uranium production, and without their input, they wrote a letter to the Ayatollah Khomeni in protest, and warned that any deal could be struck down once their guys resume power, it was, well---highly irregular, and a power move which incensed Obama. How dare they challenge his mighty will? Because they can.  And because they felt they had no choice but to stage an intervention. Their job, after all, is to curb excessive power, and to exercise the will of the people.  They had been blocked and locked out---no choice but to use the only power they had remaining---a pen. Touche.  Whether the letter could be perceived as a desperate attempt to stop the president from making nice with a country who harbors and spawns terrorists, has no love for us, or whether it was an act of insubordination and/or treason is sill up for debate, but one thing is certain---it served to slow down the negotiating process,.

But here's the kicker---to date, Obama has now taken the deal to Congress, and lo and behold---they bent his way, pending the right for further study. Oh, thank you so much. The Republicans have once again proved that they are pussy cats, not the rabid dogs, as portrayed in the media---push comes to shove, they cave, every time. And the big deal becomes not so big after all. Bombs away---this deal will no doubt close, and we will move ever closer to nuclear hand
holding with the Iranians. Kumbaya---

And then we have the other big deal that is Hillary's to bear---and our minds to boggle--- how can she continue to run for president?---because she can!  And because nobody on the Dem side seem to really care about her many transgressions,  the latest of which is her stunning illegal use of classified emails, and the Benghazi tragedy on her watch---it's simply the way she rolls.  After all, she looks perfectly acceptable, even harmlessly matronly, and at the same time, stately, capable and ambitious---how could she possibly do anything unethical or illegal?  And besides, she's a woman and married to ex-President Bill Clinton, who still holds unbelievable sway over his party and the world in general, despite his uh, quirky ways in the Oval room---and other suspicious activities involving women. No big deal---just Bill being Bill.  He's so likable, right?

Well, yes, there is this one other pesky issue that has come to light lately---the now infamous Clinton Foundation, which purportedly was set up to help poverty stricken countries, like Haiti, has recently been discovered to have been accepting boat loads of money from sources considered not friendly allies to the United States---and keeping lots of it for personal gain. Not a big deal? Only if it results in favors returned which could be called bribery or conflicts of interest. Seems one of those deals resulted in Russia now owning 30% of our uranium supplies---and Hillary, Secretary of State signed off on it---and even if she hadn't, the impropriety she has visited upon herself is dangerously stupid
or devious.  As deals go, this one's big. National security is huge. That's why those who serve in high offices are asked to sign an oath not to engage in conflicts of interest. Hillary signed---talk is cheap.  Lying is easy, and getting away with it is a crime.  President Hillary?  Don't bet against it--power and money can get you there---and the fast train is called "income redistribution", or "I'm fighting for the middle class", or "You didn't build that", and let's not forget relaxed immigration legislation, which results in increased Democrat voters, but sounds so magnanimous.  Will the Republicans have something better to offer?  Only if they can convince the electorate that money doesn't grow on on trees---and that the way forward is a right turn. That's a tough sell---this country has changed, and we are no longer your father's America.  Memo to Republican presidential candidates---lose the heavy hammer on social issues, and instead, hit it big on national security, illegal immigration,  questionable foreign trade deals, still high unemployment,  and the weak economy---that's where it's at for most of us.  Leave sex, marriage, and abortion out of it this time---the people will decide on their own, with or without the politicians.

Getting closer to home, we had anti-police riots in the streets of Baltimore---the issue at first glance seemed cut and dried---a black man was terribly injured while in the custody of
the police.  But now there is evidence that he was injured long before his arrest---the case will be
studied and justice may or not be served. But the black community has come to a verdict, regardless  of evidence.  It's a very big deal to them---payback time for years of injustices served to them by the police. One feels their pain, but burning their own house down with riots and looting, will only inflame and encourage prejudice. The only sustainable way out is through their own windows and doors---the ones called self respect, work, responsible families,  education----and a refusal to be defined by their past.  Racist words? Only if you spin it that way. True racism is based on hatred and prejudice, and yes, unfortunately, it is alive and well--- it is ugly, our eternal national disgrace, and must not be tolerated---but  it won't be stamped out by encouraging violence , excusing bad behavior, all as a cure or compensation for racism.

And finally, perhaps ultimately,  we have terrorism led largely by ISIS, who have now taken over huge swaths of Iraq, including Ramadi, which is very close to Iran.  Their ruthless march on the middle east is alarming, and threatens world peace as never before.  The consequences could be catastrophic for world order---do we care enough to fight back? Obama has just announced that he has no "complete strategy" to manage the ISIS invasion---seriously? Does he really expect us to
believe that the Pentagon,  to whom he has passed the buck, has no complete strategy? No, again
Obama is stalling. Why? Because he can, and because he electorally promised to get out of Iraq, not stay in for the long haul.

We are being shaped and our futures decided daily by events unfolding at record breaking speed, including a foreign trade deal, the Trans Pacific Partnership treaty, that if passed will affect untold numbers of American workers. The public has been told little, but if ever there was a time to pay attention, this is it. "Just Politics" doesn't cut it anymore as an excuse to check out---unless you just don't get it. This is us, and our children's future. The next many months will lead up to the next presidential election.  It will be grueling, boring, and brutal at times---because we have reached perhaps the biggest deal of all---a turning point.  What kind of America do we want? A European throwback, or a return to more conservative/constitutional values?  Bigger government or smaller? Welfare or Capitalistic state?  Fight or bow to our enemies abroad---and among us?  Police or anarchy? A democracy or tyranny?


If you are reading this, mull, research, and consider, then speak your mind, write your representatives, and the next time someone says "It's just politics", try this on--- there's no "just" in politics, because today everything is political. It's how you live, work,  love, speak, travel, the very air you breathe. Engage! Because this is possibly the period that historians will someday mark as the time America either cared, or caved---thrived, or died.  A very big deal.





.

OUR NAMELESS ENEMY-- " NOT A THREAT TO OUR EXISTENTIALISM"??

Do you feel threatened by terrorism, and the escalating,  horrifying news? President Obama is feeling the heat---sort of.  He no longer refers to ISIL as "Junior Varsity".  But he refuses to name them. to call them what they call themselves, The Islamic State, for fear that doing so will cause a backlash to the entire Muslim people---does he seriously think we cannot discern the difference between loving, rational Muslims and radical jihadists? Be that as it may, On Wednesday of this week, he called a special summit on the threat of "extreme violence" right here in River City, or wherever you may live here or in the world.  Seems he has finally come to the conclusion that terrorism by any name other than Islamic is an issue worth his full attention., if for no other reason, in order to pacify the growing concern of those around him, and the general public. He has asked congress for their approval and blessing to wage increased  military action, not war precisely,  against ISIS , and warned the terrorists that they will lose. But also, that we will fight  for only three years, mind you, an odd pronouncement to make public--but Obama likes time tables in military matters. He is a reluctant warrior and  ironically, he has been dragged into, if not outright wars, skirmishes and military actions, ever since taking office---a bitter pill and a heavy dose of reality for a man who ran as an anti-war presidential candidate, and thought he could change the world by offering his hand instead of a fist.

The world is not as Obama wished or dreamed it could be---real life can be such a bummer. Ideologies often aren't enough to manage a country safely and effectively--they may sound good in speeches, look great on paper, and feel so fine---but  their true test,where the rubber meets the road, is in  the practical application of policies applied to real world situations--in this case, leading from behind, not interfering in other countries' business, insisting on coalitions to join the fight against terrorism,  refusing to name this enemy, and finally to down play, or even to admit a clear and present danger. .So goes the Obama doctrine---and six years into his term, we watch and wonder---does he still believe himself? Does anybody? Are we safe in his hands, still respected enough to ward off those who think they can bring us down by sheer brutality and horror not seen since the holocaust?

Seems ridiculous, but the over powering of governments is happening elsewhere in Syria , Iraq,  Libya.,and parts of Africa---and is growing. This unholy, holy war, appeals and is attracting recruits from everywhere---and last weekend the horror continued as 21 Christians were marched to their beheading executions in Egypt. There are rumors of children being crucified and burned to death, as their parents are forced to watch, and sexual slavery---this is no rag tag, under financed army, no kind of enemy we have ever faced in our history.  But do they really think, these radical fanatics, that they can terrify us into submission? Ridiculous, some say-----so why the fuss? Are we not too big to fall?

Apparently Jordan is feeling threatened--within 24 hours after witnessing their military pilot be burned alive, they were dropping bombs on terrorist training camps. Egypt, France, and Australia, all victims of recent terrorism, are paying close attention, and asking for more of ours---but Obama is  taking his time, even lecturing to the annual Prayer Breakfast Meeting in Washington, and reminding that the crusading Christians killed many in the name of their religion, so let us not "get up on our high horse". Really? That was a very long time ago, and hardly a rationalization for barbaric behavior in today's world. But we are under the auspices of a man who mystifies and stymies with his no drama personality, and his sanguine attitude to events which would seem to incentivize outrage and immediate action. Though there are  theories as to why Obama seems so dispassionate, the most logical is that he simply does not appear to consider the threat of terrorism to be, in his words, a "threat to our existentialism". His priorities lie with other kinds of thinking, one of which is keeping Iran our ally and moving them toward a nuclear peace treaty. All hail to the chief, he marches to his own beat, and nuclear peace is a worthy goal---but does he not see the gathering storm, which could de-rail even the best of intentions?

And then there was the incredibly curious statement by a State Department spokesperson, Marie Harf, who said we must fight this enemy, not with weapons, but with compassion and understanding.  Find these people jobs, she said, and we will change their  hearts. We will let those thoughts speak for themselves, as we learn that even people of good will---missionaries, humanitarians, Jews, Christians, and Muslims are being slaughtered simply because they are not radical Islamists. And while many of the young recruits to jihad are young, poor, uneducated people, even young Americans, their leaders tend to be quite educated and financially secure---they are the pied pipers of our time, peddling false hopes, and their enticement is power and a perverted religion--it is doubtful that  agape type love will stop their lust for triumph to their cause. We seem to have reached a critical mass---something must be done, but what?

It  gets down to this: How do we defeat an elusive enemy with no one country or base, and who does not honor life over their religion, and in fact murders in the name of their God,  and in the most heinous way  Boots on the ground? Big bombs in the air? Or a more measured,  allied, even compassionate approach? Those are the big questions  No, we say--- no more American lives sacrificed, no more collateral damage done in retaliation to a force that would love to take us on,. But sadly, we may have no choice.  Perhaps Obama is right, and we can take our time with the aid of a world wide coalition, marginalize and defeat without an outright war---but at this point, the coalition is minimal, and  it is said that we are the only ones who can truly stop this volcanic flow of barbaric aggression that is effectively taking over the middle east, much faster than anyone thought possible.

President Obama is nobody's fool,  and is surely a patriot who wishes the best for America--- but neither has he proven himself an effective, trusted leader. Perhaps he is not as naive or incapable as his worst critics accuse, or as wise as his most ardent followers proclaim---but events are exploding daily, and empires have been known to fall very quickly.  Will we eventually see and buckle under to suicide bombs in our streets, our cars, our Capital? Or will more Christian/Jewish/Muslim executions move us to demand more extreme retaliation? Worse, will a middle east caliphate emerge and become powerful enough to threaten us with a nuclear war? Sorry, but these are the stuff nightmares are made of,---and what all the fuss is about.

We can only hope that the summit on "extreme violence" concluded with at least a recognition that this brutal, unimaginable onslaught against humanity must be met with something besides summits and a refusal to believe that it may indeed affect our right to exist, and civilization as well. Hyperbole? The Jordanian pilot, the Christians in Egypt, and all other innocenr victims of this long brewing hatred against anybody who refuses to accept their brand of religion would disagree---but the summit on extreme violence came too late for them---and apparently didn't reach any  momentous decisions.  President Obama, once again  used the occasion to lecture on the why of terrorism, instead of how to stop it--- but while we dither, so many are being sacrificed on the alter of restraint and empathy---and a refusal to even acknowledge that this enemy has as its roots a belief in an ancient faith that considers itself the one true religion---a so called holy war whose  actions they passionately believe is indeed holy, justifiable, because it is in the pursuit of a world domination, and conversion to their faith --the Apocalypse, or at least Sharia law--all in their view, condoned by the Koran.

There is a difference between understanding the root cause of the enemy, and self defense, and it is stunning to see our nation blink passively  before those who have no intention of mercy toward us. What to do?  One thing is clear--what we've done so far, isn't working. The latest threat  came today---our shopping malls are the newest targets.  We think the "threat to our existentialism" has just been given notice---red flag status.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

Up! Of course! That's what we do.  Americans do not stay down for long, and we are already seeing the signs of optimism and recovery from a devastating recession and a country in huge political turmoil. Despite the doom and gloom of the past several years, there is a feeling that we're coming back---and in spite of bungling mistakes, weak leadership on all sides, and contrary to reports of our demise. We have been divided, polarized to the point of paralysis, torn from our constitutional  bearings, and left to drift in a sea of  uncertainty. Yet, we are still here, still the envy of all others, and with a little luck we are going to make it, after all. The housing market, is slowly coming back, unemployment is whittling downward, the stock market is up,  and gas prices are unbelievably down!  All of these trends can be interpreted with cynicism and skepticism---but for now, it feels good to breathe the air of a new year, and hope for the future.

 But who are we, at this point, and who do we as a whole, wish to be?   Ah, that is the question, isn't it?  Are we able to be a "whole", or are we too fragmented to be anything but a mixed bag of parts with no sure vision? Whose America  do we mostly desire?  The progressive left,  the moderate left, the center, the right, or the  conservative right? From the  extreme left concept of a centralized government , ruled by a few of the best and the brightest, to one of as little government as possible controlled by the will of the people, --- or somewhere in between. We yell and scream,  riot, hold demonstrations, tug, push, and pull. we rock and roll with all of our differences like a a ship on a roiling sea. Our president has more or less thrown up his hands and decided to go it alone on many issues, by executive fiat., a pen and phone. We watch warily, vote in a different crew, and keep rowing.---toward what?

Are we able to be  united in something beyond our desire to be free, to seek the American dream?  And even those at times seems to be slipping away as we construct more and more rules to keep it under control---as though the concept of freedom itself has led us to a point of dangerous vulnerability which requires constraints---and less freedom. Fire walls built, rules created, regulations put in place---all to guard against over indulgence . Our banks and corporations proved they were not above corruption; our borders too porous to protect from far too many illegal entries ; our speech too loose to be respectful of all, and even our privacy not exempt from government interference.  Our middle class, the lynch pin of our society, is shrinking as they bear the burden of supporting too  much and too many --- and without enough compensation for their labor, i.e. exorbitant taxes,  too many corporate loopholes, excessive bonuses, and pensions vs. a better living wage for those who turn the wheels. We are a very  unsettled country---almost schizophrenic, as we struggle to find the right balance between freedom vs. responsibility, independence vs. dependence, and free market vs. creeping mega government control, otherwise known as socialism.

But where would you rather be? China, Russia, Africa,  any place in Europe? Really? There's no place like this country. Try living elsewhere for awhile--the differences will astound and even frighten you, offend your senses--and the return to home will make you know why so many still clamor to get here. We are in spite of ourselves, our mixed parts, the free-est, the most stable, offering still  the best quality of life for the most, with an economy that supports and still promises to be the best in the world. We are coming back, and hopefully are chastened by our hard times, taught by our excessiveness, made  wiser by those who say no to racism or bias toward any minority group---we are bawdy at times, loud and unruly, but by and large, we are a nation of good will and laws.  We understand that in order to keep the peace and our sanity, we must have faith in our system.  We do not want a police state, or corrupt policemen, but nor do we wish to be ruled by mob or vigilante thinking. We are better and smarter than that, and our higher instincts will prevail.  But will that be enough to sustain us for the journey ahead?

There is an unspoken, strong under current which runs very deep in the American soul---it is that no matter who's running the ship, how many wrong turns or mistakes are made by us, our leaders, we intend to ultimately win, by sheer will power, and our own boot straps, because the one thing that makes us different and united is this: We don't believe in failure, our spirit, our inherent DNA is stronger than any one ideology, party, or pen. The  best of ourselves will rise to the occasion, as we continuously mix, stir,  and shape ourselves.

 If we're actually getting better, as it appears--it's not so much due to any one president, policies, ideologies, congress, or even all our rules and regulations to keep us in line---it is perhaps in spite of, and because we refuse to stay unwell, and if not rendered completely helpless by circumstances beyond our control, we'll fix ourselves as we have from the beginning---and we'll do it with all our dirty laundry hanging out for everyone to see, because we don't hide our flaws here.  Our basic doctrine of can-do, our entrepreneurs, our good people, our hard workers, our free market structure, and our ability to elect our leaders will hopefully see us through. Exceptional? Yes---we are, and we didn't get here by being like everyone else,  bowing to intimidation or misfortune, or following like sheep to a place we wish not to be.

Where to from here? That's the great thing about us---it's anywhere we collectively choose! Our freedom allows us to be flexible, to try this way or that. to grow and to mature into possibly a nation of even greater enlightenment, strength, and leadership. But much depends on world events --and how we respond. Like it or not,  we are still at war, and there is much more at stake than our domestic issues.
As the world grows smaller we face many challenges and threats, not the least of which is to our national security.

Happy New Year to us---next stop, the future.  That's where we're going.  Be brave, watchful, and buckle your seat belts---the destination is still in question, but the ride is a thriller!