quote:

Originally posted by Phil Knox:
Who set Saddam in power?
Who gave him weapons to fight his enemies?
Who gave him the money to remain in power?

Reagan & Rumsfeld.

They were friends going back years and years.

Foreign policy is very complex and fluid. It is not for children. It is tough business with a lot of tough decisions.

In addition to Saddam Hussein, we were "buddies" (too strong a word, obviously) with Osama bin Laden--training and funding. Why did we do that? Because he tied Russia up in Afghanistan for ten years--weakening their economy, splitting their nation, and allowing the US and the west to continually pressure and outspend the Soviets and, eventually, drive them out of the cold war by destroying (or gravely weakening their economy). Was it worth supporting Obama to weaken the Soviets and end the cold war. Certainly seemed to be at the time.

In foreign affairs, it is so easy to armchair quarterback after the fact; but leaders have to make real decisions in real time. That's what leadership is about.

Political scandal in Mr. Dark's neck of the woods! (If they have woods in Texas.)

http://www.examiner.com/a-1700855~Inmate_says_jailer_sought_McCain_vote.html

WEll, it's pretty weak as scandals go--since both sides acknowledge he was laughing and not serious. How about unions who spend literally millions of dollars on the Democratic candidate and openly pressure thier members to vote for the Democrat. Is that not political harrassment? If my CEO came out and told all of us he expected us to vote (or to have voted for) for McCain, that would be a scandal. Why the double standard for unions?

quote:

Originally posted by patrask:
The reason we have Supreme Courts is to prevent the Tyranny of the Majority from imposing their will, incorrectly, on the minority.

...and to appoint Presidents, it would seem.

In the Bush v. Gore issue, the Supreme Court intervened as the Florida State Supreme Court was violating state voting regulations--the legal responsibility of the the State Government. That responsibility is set by the Constitution, so that is the justification for Supreme court intervention.

There's still room for political humor, isn't there?

http://www.addictinggames.com/sockandawe.html