Some Simple Questions

Regarding our military combat role in Libya, a few simple questions:

1. One of the raps on President Bush was that he "rushed to war" in Iraq. This, of course, was not true. There had been numerous UN resolutions to constrain Saddam Hussein's brutality, all of which he cavalierly blew off over the years. Saddam had fired for many years at US and coalition aircraft enforcing the no-fly zone. Bush spent countless months working diplomatic channels so war might be avoided. He also spent those months getting military advice in the event force was needed, and consulting Congress and assembling a coalition of the willing. During those many months, public debates were conducted in congressional districts and on the House and Senate floors, as well as on television, radio, and in the nation's op-ed pages. There was plenty of time to air out the issue, all of the pros and cons of going to war in Iraq. In the case of Libya, we have had none of that. The question of whether we should be intervening was not given a chance to be debated, to breathe publicly. Wham, bam, thank you ma'am: we're in combat in Libya. Rush to war?

2. Another rap on Bush in Iraq: that we did not have a clearly articulated exit strategy. Does Obama have one here?

3. More importantly: does Obama have a VICTORY strategy, and if so, what is it?

4. If Qaddafi is removed, what then? Are we then going to protect a new government (whatever that might look like) interminably? Are we going to be engaged in nation-building in Libya?

5. Whom, exactly, are we defending in Libya? So far, I've heard references to "the Libyan people" and "the opposition," also known as "the rebels." Who are they, anyway? Muammar Qaddafi's most organized opposition is the Muslim Brotherhood. Are we now intervening on behalf of this virulently Islamist, anti-American group? We also know that al Qaeda has been trying to gain a foothold in Libya for years. Are we defending them? Are we helping to open up a new territory for them to launch terrorist strikes against us?

6. Isn't Libya a sideshow? The US doesn't have any real strategic interests there. Yes, Libya is an oil producer but a relatively minor one. Isn't the real crisis in Yemen, where the government just slaughtered over 50 protesters and which is now the world's premiere locale for al Qaeda's operatives to plan and launch attacks against the United States and the West?

7. Speaking of the Libyan sideshow, what about the crisis in Bahrain, where Iran is stoking major Shia protests to overthrow the government in order to get the US Fifth Fleet out of there and to destabilize neighboring Saudi Arabia. This is an epic battle between Tehran and Riyadh. This is the war. It's not in Libya.

8. There are brutal dictators all over the world who are detaining and killing their own people: in Iran, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Russia, and China, to name but a few. If Obama's standard for intervention is the "responsibility to protect," then is he prepared to intervene in those countries to protect those peoples? Is he prepared to demand the removal of those governments? Is he ready to call for and then actively support regime change in those capitals as well?

9. Does Obama know all of this or not? If he doesn't, he's got no business being Commander-in-Chief. If he does, then he's either completely incompetent or he's up to more sinister motives. Example: he hid behind the Arab League and the UN to authorize the use of force in Libya. If Iran and Saudi Arabia blow up, he can justify not intervening there by saying, "Gosh, golly. I'd really love to help y'all, but the UN/NATO/Arab League/Congress/American people just won't let me!" Let the Middle East fall to the Islamists. So what? Who cares?

10. Related: Is there an Obama strategic doctrine, or is it an ad hoc mess? Is America's foreign policy being done on the fly, or is it all part of a deliberate grand strategy to reduce our influence in the world, take us down a notch or two, and encourage the world's dark forces to advance?

It would be helpful if Obama would address these simple questions. Unlike the nebulous "Libyan people," the American people are clearly good and decent and paying for this thing. We'd like some answers, please.

Comments

[Dgscol]

Many good points, Monica.

Putting the CIA in Libya, going after the Muslim Brotherhood, and giving a few rebels Stinger missiles, and a decapitation strike is supportable.

What is going on here, is similar to the run-up to the invasion of Iraq - the role of the US taking as world policeman, the triumphant horn blows of democracy ala C. Rice, regime change, and now the callup of the Illinois national guard, suggesting Obama's role. This is drawing the interest of all those rebels throughout the region, many connected to the Brotherhood. Can winning the Peace and the Green Zone be far behind?

The apparat has its inertia. There is a feeding frenzy of operatives going after any loose money in Washington, freed by budget cuts.

[Rob]

I agree with all 10 points made by Monica, and there may be more to make.

However, Points 1 & 2 are powerful enough to have been made on their own, without the gratuitous retro-defense of Bush the Younger. In fact, the Bush references diminish the point that Obozo entertained no public debate before entering Libya, and that Obozo has no clearly articulated exit strategy. What Bush did, or did not do, is IRRELEVANT. This production is 100% Obozo.

Regarding Points 5 & 6, yes - Libya is a sideshow, with the "real" battle elsewhere.

This is analogous to the troll infestation sideshow on this blog. It attempts to distract from the "real" issue, which is the contrast between true Conservatives and Goopers, and their respective commitment to values or lack of commitment to values. In both cases, it is slight of hand. "Look at the big mess over here! Don't pay attention to what is really going on."

Neither sideshow distraction is effective, since we are well aware where the "real" battles lie.

I believe Obozo is the worst President this nation has ever known, and potentially the most destructive. But at least the Spectator-in-Chief had the courtesy to lob a few Tomahawks into the Libyan sideshow. No analogous action has been taken here.

[Ummahgummah]

.

Here we go again.. Bush was so right BLA BLA BLA BLA BLA ad BLAnauseam!

The invasion of iraq was a MISTAKE for so many reasons!

We've hashed this out and Monica loves to simply ignore what's being said on her Memo and "stay the course".

I C E B E R G AHEAD !!!!!!

I don't see anything.. THWUMMMPPPPP!!!!! CRAAAAAAAACCKKKKK!!!!!! GURGLE....

.

[Ummahgummah]

.

Meanwhile as Monica still dreams of her patrician heartthrob, the libs have been doing their homework:

http://www.twitterbuttonfactory.com/www/monicamemo.typepad.com/

That's WAY too many visitors for them to try and leave uninfluenced. I don't think that the disruptions and defecations we experience here are for our "benefit" nearly as much as for that of the visiting public.

If only Monica would take seriously the responsibilities that come with exposure to that larger audience.

Does her lack of policing not reflect on her radio show? How can she be taken seriously when she talks about policing our borders AND THE WORLD when she can't - or won't - even police her own blog?

DJ and Gringoman definitely have made their very very valid points. Gooper Republicans talk a good game when it's expedient but they don't DO anything.

Thank God Sarah Palin is visiting countries like India and Israel, both of them solid stalwarts in the crosshairs {!!!} of the islamic International {Islamintern}.

We can only hope and pray that she will play a major part int he upcoming elections and overcome the Gooper obstructionists.

Jeanne D'Alaska.. on vous a très besoin.. pour nous aider à sauver notre beau pais.

.

[LongRifle]

Obama is just another Bush. Nothing has changed except the cheerleaders and the naysayers. There is no exit strategy. There is no Military goal. There will be no Victory---just like Iraq and Afghanistan. If there are no WMD, no Bin Laden, and no oil, then WHY THE HELL ARE WE THERE?????????????
What is the big picture here? Global Conflagration? Universal Caliphate? New World Order? It sure as F+ck ain't Demcracy or preventing genocide, or any of the usual warm and fuzzy crap we invade countries over.

[Ummahgummah]

.

Maybe he wants them to retaliate so he can declare Martial Law.

.

[LongRifle]

Maybe he wants them to retaliate so he can declare Martial Law.
Ummah

Caliph Obama, 12th Imam---Kind of has a ring to it.

[Frau Farbissina]

Anyvone who doesn't think this vill be over by December 2011 is voefully ignorant of politics.

Can the Democrats keep the Presidency in 2012 vile at var? NO!!!

Are the Democrats controlling this var? YES!!!

Vil it be over as soon as Qadaffi gives up or is dead? YES!!

Vil it take the years it took Bush in Iraq? NO!!! Ve never cared how soon ve'd find Hussein, and ve never vanted to find him. It vas a MISTAKE.

Vich is vhy ve had him executed so QUICKLY, before he could spill any beans on us that people might believe.

[Frau Farbissina]

6. Isn't Libya a sideshow? The US doesn't have any real strategic interests there. Yes, Libya is an oil producer but a relatively minor one.

---

Thanks for pointing out that Libya isn't about oil, and that ONLY our Nazis in the GOP vage var to steal oil.

Vile DemocRATS, dangerous liberals that they are, vage var to actually help the People of foreign countries.

How nuts is that? Vhat FOOLS!!!

[SteveOk]

Excellent questions Monica. If you can come up with these important questions why can't the Prez think of questions like these, and maybe answer them too. The Prez didn't lead this effort he drifted along as France and other countries forced us to take action. Is that anyway to run a railroad? This pathetic lack of leadership is shocking.

[Frau Farbissina]

Thank God Sarah Palin is visiting countries like India and Israel

---

I'm telling you the vay I already told Shortie-pants man hundreds of times... you aren't getting a night of whoopee with the Palin FEMBOT either!!

Too low on the FOODCHAIN, henchmen!!

Such perks are reserved for BILLIONAIRES in our organization like the Koch brothers!!

And, until ve knock them off (as ve always do our allies sooner or later), HEADS of state in Isvrael!!

[Ummahgummah]

.

Monica and her absent webmaster are advised to compare site stats when no trolls are present to when they are.

.

[Ummahgummah]

.

Meanwhile as Monica still dreams of her patrician heartthrob, the libs have been doing their homework:

http://www.twitterbuttonfactory.com/www/monicamemo.typepad.com/

That's WAY too many visitors for them to try and leave uninfluenced. I don't think that the disruptions and defecations we experience here are for our "benefit" nearly as much as for that of the visiting public.

If only Monica would take seriously the responsibilities that come with exposure to that larger audience.

Does her lack of policing not reflect on her radio show? How can she be taken seriously when she talks about policing our borders AND THE WORLD when she can't - or won't - even police her own blog?

DJ and Gringoman definitely have made their very very valid points. Gooper Republicans talk a good game when it's expedient but they don't DO anything.

Thank God Sarah Palin is visiting countries like India and Israel, both of them solid stalwarts in the crosshairs {!!!} of the islamic International {Islamintern}.

We can only hope and pray that she will play a major part int he upcoming elections and overcome the Gooper obstructionists.

Jeanne D'Alaska.. on vous a très besoin.. pour nous aider à sauver notre beau pais.

.

[M/M]

One more point down memory lane:

Michael Savage is saying that Hillary Clinton, Susan Rice and Samantha Powers are the ones who persuaded Obama to bomb the crap out of Libya.

Skip to Sally Field's censure speech to 1:28:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImoMGyJjWIk

"Let's face it! If Mothers ruled the world, there would be no G---D---- wars anymore in the first place!"

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho....hey Sally, want to buy a bridge?

[gringoman]

This is analogous to the troll infestation sideshow on this blog. It attempts to distract from the "real" issue, which is the contrast between true Conservatives and Goopers, and their respective commitment to values or lack of commitment to values. In both cases, it is slight of hand. "Look at the big mess over here! Don't pay attention to what is really going on."

Posted by: Rob | March 21, 2011 at 04:30 PM

Speaking of Monica's Troll Trash, here is a new suggestion. Monica's reaction (or lack thereof) can indicate whether she is burnishing her credentials more as a Warrior Princess, or more as a House of Boosh cheerleader and what I call 'Gooper gold.'

------------------------------------------------------

Here's an idea for awesome US intervention that could satisfy most everyone, including Monica's crypto-G.O.P/Prog Alliance.

Exploit the resource of Monicamemo's Troll Trash.

Draft Scumella, the crazed Nazi Vampire -for- Jesus wannabe. Ship it to the Middle East with BushObama Pentagon's Bull Dyke Division.

Everybody wins. This liberates Monicamemo. Meanwhile the Scumella force can stop obsessing over a G.O.P. blonde it can never have. Instead it can show its, uh, 'mettle' in (trying to) liberate the harems.

Posted by: gringoman | March 21, 2011 at 08:58 PM

[M/M]

Dedicated to Code Pink and the warmongering LIEberals:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRXLOamR9sA&feature=related

[M/M]

Hey Code Pink:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vh6Un-k5tAg&feature=related

Where have all the LIEberals gone?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yOC4ckof04&feature=related

[M/M]

This is really good. Code Pink says "stop funding this war":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGLxAFvVR5c

[Dgscol]

However, upon hearing of Jerry Falwell's death, one of the first things that came to my mind was something I had read years ago of the meeting between C. H. Spurgeon and D. L. Moody. The writer shared an amusing anecdote of the American evangelist telling the English preacher as he lit one of his well-known and favorite cigars; “Brother Spurgeon, don’t you know that is sin.” Spurgeon poked his finger at Moody’s ample stomach and replied, “Dear brother Moody, don’t you know that is sin.”

The World is always perfecting, evolving, ...

[M/M]

@Truther - that actually happened to me when I smoked years ago. While having a smoke, in the freezing cold, with snow falling on my head and I was inhaling bus fumes, a couple walked by and said "bad for your health". I thought to myself, so is saturated fat but that doesn't seem to bother you.

As I've been reading the Bible, praying for Charlie Sheen, I came across this passage:

http://www.keyway.ca/htm2004/20040811.htm

"let he who is without sin, cast the first stone".
This really is a beautiful religion because Jesus give us numerous examples of how he forgives sinners. Unlike many people, he could even forgive Charlie Sheen.

[M/M]

http://hotair.com/archives/2011/03/21/video-hey-what-happened-to-the-anti-war-movement/

[Rob]

Hey Code Pink:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vh6Un-k5tAg&feature=related

Where have all the LIEberals gone?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yOC4ckof04&feature=related

Posted by: M/M | March 21, 2011 at 09:41 PM
______________________________________________

What? No shoe-throwing at Obama for bombing Libya???? No Anti-War speeches by liberal celebrities????

The silence is deafening. Liberal principles are about as thick and resilient as wet tissue paper.

[Rob]

Draft Scumella, the crazed Nazi Vampire -for- Jesus wannabe. Ship it to the Middle East with BushObama Pentagon's Bull Dyke Division.

Everybody wins. This liberates Monicamemo. Meanwhile the Scumella force can stop obsessing over a G.O.P. blonde it can never have. Instead it can show its, uh, 'mettle' in (trying to) liberate the harems.

Posted by: gringoman | March 21, 2011 at 08:58 PM
_____________________________________________________

Great idea!! It would give the TrollOp the opportunity of a lifetime to go speak directly to Jihadists about the error of their ways, rather than wasting it's time here. Now THERE's a challenge!

Defecating on this blog every day requires no courage, and simply does not provide any meaningful opportunity for it to display any true conviction, face to face. But go convince a group of terrorists/jihadists that killing and hurting people is just plain wrong - well I could respect a display of courage like that (however brief it may be).

Of course, absent courage, it will likely dodge the draft, run to Canada, and spam the blog from there, hiding safely behind Monica's skirt while pretending to be relevant.

[M/M]

Rob, Michael Moore seems to be going after him:
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/michael-moore-attacks-barack-obama-over-libya-action_1208500

[Rob]

Rob, Michael Moore seems to be going after him:
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/michael-moore-attacks-barack-obama-over-libya-action_1208500

Posted by: M/M | March 21, 2011 at 11:19 PM
______________________________________________________

M/M - I heard that, and Farrakhan sounds upset too!:

http://nation.foxnews.com/barack-obama/2011/03/21/who-hell-do-you-think-you-are-farrakhan-blasts-obama-calling-qaddafi-step-do

Farrakhan actually said "Who the hell do you think you are?" about Obama, for suggesting that Gaddafi step down.

[Ummahgummah]

.

And don't forget the evil dwarf, Dennis Kucinich.

He's calling for impeachment.

Gotta love it!

.

[Ummahgummah]

Unlike many people, he could even forgive Charlie Sheen.
POSTED BY: M/M | MARCH 21, 2011 AT 10:13 PM

--

Who besides his immediate family and closest friends should presume to "forgive" Charlie Sheen?

Does he get his "absolution" by weeping on Oprah's couch?

I HOPE **NEVER**.

All these self-important asshats who think they have something to forgive make me sick.

This is America, land of the rugged individualist.

Charlie Sheen is such an American. So is Savage who keeps ripping him. That, too is American.

As it should be.

.

[Frau Farbissina]

Keep screeching, fellow Nazis! This var von't last long, so get it all out NOW!

After all, no von ever holds us accountable for all the lies ve spew ven the accursed liberal vars end in mere VEEKS!!!!

SCREECH!! SCREECH!!!

[jay]

"Here we go again.. Bush was so right BLA BLA BLA BLA BLA ad BLAnauseam!

The invasion of iraq was a MISTAKE for so many reasons!

We've hashed this out and Monica loves to simply ignore what's being said on her Memo and "stay the course"."
Ummah, I agree 100%.
Bush got into Iraq to finish his dad's war.At the expense of giving Osama Bin Laden in Afgahistan less attention. Also, din't Obama wait until other coutries like Britain got into the act towards Libya? that's not really rushing it, is it?

[jay]

"There are brutal dictators all over the world who are detaining and killing their own people: in Iran, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Russia, and China, to name but a few. If Obama's standard for intervention is the "responsibility to protect," then is he prepared to intervene in those countries to protect those peoples? Is he prepared to demand the removal of those governments? Is he ready to call for and then actively support regime change in those capitals as well?"
Monica, can't that apply to your beloved Bush?
Afganistan was justified for getting the rats from 9/11. But, Iraq? Since he attacked that country. Why not the others you mentioned as well? Or, is it as I said. To finish dad's war.

[LINDA]

This sad, racist, pale , tired white girl is a TRUE GRAND WIZARD OF THE KLAN. Saw her on FOX (Where else).

I would proceed to engage her in REAL conversation, BUT - It's REALLY HARD to communicate with KLAN.

Did not hear a WORD from this klanswoman while BUSH demostrated the TRUE meaning of STUPIDITY.

PLEASE go dye your hair again, do OR say SOMETHING USEFUL to the world full of DIVERSE & BEAUTIFUL people. You my dear, are so TYPICAL !

Sad, Sad woman - full of HATE for BLACKS. I can FEEL her hate radiating from the television- Wow

HANNITY & CROWLEY - KLAN NATION BABY !!

[Frau Farbissina]

Nazis are FAR above the Klan, dear Linda.

And ve hate FAR more than blacks. Ve hate all of humanity beneath our station.

[Atlanta Roofing]

Libya should handle its own problems. The U.S. should stay out. This country is going to end up like the former Soviet Union---ba¬nkrupt from war. The fact that Bush never abided by the U.S. Constituti¬on is any reason that Obama should follow the same path. Obama could set a new course, but he hasn't. The prediction is that we will be in Libya forever besides Afghanista¬n and Iraq. There seems to be no end to war.

[Frau Farbissina]

And vhatever you do, don't call Frau Monica pale. She'll start SLAPPING on that John Boehner greasepaint and crawling in the skin cancer pods and start looking less like the 1940's Doris Day ve need her to look like and start looking like Nancy Sinatra.

NOW!

[DJ]

Re LINDA | March 22, 2011 at 11:09 PM

--------------------

Linda translated means SNAKE. That's very appropriate in your case my dear. HEH!