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War on Terror? Oh Really?!?

I heard today on the BBC news about how one of the worlds most wanted terrorists was murdered today by a car bomb in Domaskas, Syria.
His name – Imad Fayez Mugniya
While I don’t necessarily think that it’s a bad thing that he was killed – he was accused of several terror attacks including:
~ 1983 bombing of US embassy in Lebanon
~ 1983 bombing of Marine barracks in Lebanon that killed 241
~1985 hijacking of TWA flight 847
He was wanted on over 40 countries criminal lists.
Tonight, the US State Department made a statement – and I quote:
“The world is a better place without this man in it,” State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters. “He was a cold-blooded killer.”
This statement truly bothers me. As an American Citizen, I’m saddened and disheartened to see that we are treating this as a “good” thing.
If we, as America, are supposed to be FIGHTING the WAR ON TERROR, why is it we’re praising an ACT of TERROR for killing a TERRORIST?
Shouldn’t we, as America – and as the US State Department – condone the terrorist who provided and planted the car bomb – regardless of who was killed – and say we’re going to hunt down the perpitrator and bring them to justice – just as this guy – Imad Fayez Mugniya – should have been and as we were actively doing?
The answer, IMHO, is yes. As America, we should be above the “horray” stage – and in fact, we we should really be setting an example for the rest of the world. We should make a statement something to the effect of
“while the US is appreciative of the fact that this person is no longer going to be a threat, we are concerned for any act of terror that happens around the world – regardless of who is killed. We hope to find the perpitrator behind this and bring them to trial, just as the guy who did this will be discovered and brought to justice. “
Otherwise, we’re hypocritical and this car bomb has done three critical things:
a) Shown that we, the USA, do appreciate some forms of terrorism – but only if it takes out known terrorists. (thereby further undermining our credibility.)
b) Caused Syria and Hezbollah to accuse Israel of trying to start a war
c) Heightened tensions in the middle east even more – and further destabilized the region.
Something to think about….
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Why We Should Elect Barak Obama in 2008

I had a nice little chat with Johnny Montana (he’s from the UK) today over coffee. It was most interesting as we were discussing American Politics. He knows that I’m firmly rooted in my feelings about Barak Obama, and we were chatting about how I hoped that Barak would win the 3 state primaries today.

He brought up a few good points – including one that I really hadn’t thought of. If we as Americans are supposed to be a part of a Republic, why is it that two VERY RICH families (hello – Hillary just “lent” 5 million of her own money to her campaign – most of us will never see this much money in our lifetime!!) have come into power and stayed there for 20 years – and are attempting to make it 24 or 28?

Are Americans truly dumb enough to simply hand over those reins of power once again to a member of this dominant family and let an entire generation never see the truth of American Democracy in action – and potentially always feel that the leaders are disconnected from them? God Knows I hope NOT.

The last 20 years (Bush Sr – 4, Clinton -8, Bush Jr – 8) have been dominated by 2 families in leadership positions. Do we really want to have it be 24 (or god forbid 28?!?) ? That’s an entire generation (MY GENERATION) raised primarily by only 2 families in power – much like the kings and queens of old. What will the history books say… “The Bush-Clinton Power Years” Or worse yet “The Bush-Clinton Kingdom?!?”

Yeah.. let’s think about this. Restore the Republic – and prove that we do have other options out there. Let’s not fall into the same hole or make it 24/28 years of only 2 very rich (and might I add disconnected) families leading this nation.

In my Opinion, Obama is the only one that is actually presenting a reasonable platform for America – with NO serious extremes. Yes, he is a politician, yes, he is rich. However, he’s also educated, well spoken, and able to heal many of this country’s wounds that have been around since the Civil War. He is the American Dream. He IS the Best Choice.

Thus I say… It is TIME FOR A CHANGE in Leadership. AND we, the YOUTH have to help make it happen.

Our Parents may be Afraid, our Grandparents may just want to return to the conservative status quo. But we, the Youth know – this Nation Needs a different group of leaders. We NEED Leaders who REFLECT OUR BELIEFS (of total equality) , REFLECT OUR POPULATION (not only the whites – but all races and genders), and RESPECT “normal” AMERICANS (not just the rich or the lobbyists).

I see Barak Obama doing all of these things. But I can’t do it alone.

And so, if for no other reason – than to say hey, let’s end the 2 family power play – I ask you to think seriously, examine your heart, and then

ELECT Barak Obama in 2008!

“We Are the Change We Have Been Waiting For.” ~Barak Obama Feb. 5, 2008

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On Obama, On Obama, to the white house go!!

Barak won 13 states last night. I’m so pleased.
I know, I generally avoid the whole politics in my blog, but really, of all the choices I think that he’s the right one. I remember seeing him opening for the Democratic party in 2004 and thinking gosh.. this guy is amazing. I hope someday he runs for president – he’d have my vote. Ever since, I’ve been nothing but impressed with his record. To me, this man IS the LIVING EMBODIMENT of the AMERICAN DREAM.
In case you don’t know (What have you been living under a rock?!) Barak Obama is the son of an Immigrant who came from Kenya, became educated on a scholarship in Hawaii where he met Barak’s mom. Barak was born and grew up between Hawaii and Indonesia before moving to NY and then Chicago. He worked as a Civil rights and Constitutional lawyer, and now he’s running for President – something a that 50 years ago would have been unheard of. Add to it the fact that that there is truly a shortage of well educated, well spoken, responsible black men in our country – and to see one that is running for president – heck, it makes me proud – I want him to win – and despite the demographic I’m falling in (ok they say I should vote for Hillary) I am a firm believer in Obama.
Yes, sure, I am not sure he’s got alot of experience, but compared to the “old guard”, I’d rather see him in there (he’ll probabally listen to the advisors because of his lack of experience) than anyone – and the best way to get experience is to go into that job – otherwise, there is no way of getting the experience that is needed to lead a country.
Either way, elected or not, I will say that he is one of the great orators of my time. He has a way with words – and, while I’m sure some of the speeches are written by professional speech writers – he sure makes them that much better in their delivery and their wording.
Really, if you listen to him – in particular the speech set to music (below – from his loss to Hillary in NH primary) – I think this speech will go down in history similar to those of Aberham Lincoln (We are standing on Hallowed ground…); FDR (a day that will live in infamy), JFK (ask not what you can do for your country, ask what your country can do for you); MLK (I have a dream… )… and I’m eager to see what will be offered up next.

Finally, if you haven’t heard his speech from last night, you can see it at:

And so, I say, On Obama, On Obama, to the White House Go – Make Us Proud, Unite a Nation – and remind us all that YES WE CAN.
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