The US embassy – the largest and most expensive in the world – is in a green zone of its own in Baghdad, supplied by armed convoys and generating its own water and electricity, and treating its own sewage. At 104 acres, the embassy is almost the same size as Vatican City. It is here that the US is transforming its military-led approach into one of muscular diplomacy.
State department figures show that some 17,000 personnel will be under the jurisdiction of the US ambassador. In addition, there are also consulates in Basra, Mosul and Kirkuk, which have been allocated more than 1,000 staff each. Crucially, all these US staff, including military and security contractors, will have diplomatic immunity. Essentially, the Obama administration is reaping the political capital of withdrawing US troops while hedging the impact of the withdrawal with an increase in private security contractors working for a diplomatic mission unlike any other on the planet.
Stripped to its core, politics is nothing more than an egregiously expensive exercise in self-aggrandizement and frustration. Once you get past the preening and rabble-rousing, all democratic government is Fabian government. Democratic government always grows. That Limbaugh consistently persuades his putative 20 million daily listeners that Republicans are champions of the free market and small government is a tribute to charismatic oratory. Republicans are nearly as progovernment as Democrats. The great Republican revolution lasted from 1995 to 2008. Over that period, total federal outlays grew to $2.982 trillion from $1.515 trillion, a 5.3 percent average annual growth rate.
The article ends with the assertion:
There is a salutary effect to minding one’s business: the more one withdraws from politics, the more one realizes how trifling politics actually is, while concurrently realizing how cooperation and freedom provide the best solutions to the greatest number of problems.
Don’t you think Ron Paul is right on target as to the severity of the problems we face as a nation and equally on target as to the disgusting way in which many leading contenders use valuable debate air-time to pick on each other’s character by discussing non-issues like “Who is mowing Mitt Romney’s lawn?“
Bravo! To the Baja Tavern & Eats! A great experience! Arrived at 5 PM
and as the CREW appeared we elected to sit outside! The weather
was cool & the whole evening was a pleasure! While dining we watched
two cruise ships depart. Everybody waved and wished we were onboard!
Attendees: Sarah Crockett, Jackie Lane, Lois & Geo Reinhart, Bill Weinberg
Clark & Marilyn True, Ginger Fine & Gary, Ruth Bryant & Arron,
Gerry Heller & Bill, David Alexander, and surprise visits by
Jack & Linda Young, Wilt & Donna Wagner! also ole B-T-B
Make Plans: Tomorrow, Oct 21 Bejesus and Bejibbers The Rapture?
Had my annual physical, my flu shot, paid my bills, found my
Passport, DD214, loaded my S&W 45, filled up the gas tanks,
got my hair cut, checked my Medicine Man Pouch, and
renewed my Cherokee Tribal Dance Certificate. I’m ready!
( only problem… just the good folks are going! sniff sniff I will be staying!)
The ole Indian plans to go to Norman’s, drink firewater,
and try to capture a squaw for one last PARTY-HARDY! lol
If the Rapture doesn’t get you… join me for a Cold Draft!
Happy News: Judy Parker recently had a diagnosis of cancer. After scans
and tests it was determined that it had not spread and can be
treated. She says THANKS everyone for the prayers & support!
Luv you Judy & Mick, The CREW!
From Conrad Koch: “Hey Man!” I just posted the images you sent of Ronnie Likon’s Woody
and your 56 Chevy to the WWW.CocoaCrew.com BLOG site.
If anyone has images that they would like to share with the
rest of us I would be more than willing to post them!
Maybe you can put the word out in one of your posts.
Conrad Koch: cpkoch@yournewhampshiredream.com
Next Week: Kelsey’s Italian in Rockledge!
A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth
has a chance to get its pants on. – Sir Winston Churchill
If this doesn’t convince people that the only guy running for president that understands how to fix the economy is Ron Paul, then I am afraid we are doomed to wallow in ignorance perpetuated by those serving their own greed and self interest while our great nation marches on its path to oblivion.
Please feel free to comment if you agree or don’t agree. Let’s do the right thing!!
Banned Interview (apparently) because he is telling it like it is??? I think So!
Catching Obama in his lieing ways
Ok! Remember Ronnie Likon’s ole Woodie! Sure you do… 🙂
Here are some pictures his son Craig sent to me! Thanks Craig!
In one…. Bobby Likon, Ronnie’s older brother, is standing next
to a 55 Chevy! That was a preacher’s car and I tried to buy it from
HOOPER MOTORS M.I. At that time I was a Senior at CHS and had
very little money! Dad said… “Wait till you graduate & get a job!”
Well Bobby bought it and it was… the fastest 55 Chevy in Cocoa! lol
In another pic… a year later, that’s me and my 56 Chevy!
And for a while it was… the fastest 56 Chevy in Cocoa! yee – haw!
( yep! it was fast but didn’t have as much pick-up-power as the Woodie! lol )
The other pictures are of Bobby with his girl friends…
Wow! That ole Woodie had PICK – UP – POWER! LOL
See if you recognize any of Bobby’s friends.
I saw one… Libby Hodges, a cutie! (My first REAL KISS! yikes! )