Keep yer trap shut, or we'll release....
The Killer Rabbit
with big, sharp, pointy teeth!
Posted on 03/05/2002 2:49:34 PM PST by Utah Girl
A former aide to Jimmy Carter once conceded that his boss had no real understanding of the ceremonial aspects of the presidency or nuances of foreign policy.
Despite his achievements in bringing Egypt and Israel together at Camp David, Carter demonstrated the accuracy of that comment over and over again while in office and continues to do so when he isn't building houses for the poor.
His criticism of President Bush's "axis of evil" comment in the State of the Union address as "counterproductive" and "simplistic" not only breaks the solid front of support for America's war effort by former presidents, it exacerbates tensions between congressional Democrats and the White House over the conduct of the conflict. The last thing needed now is a crack in unity from anyone with the stature of a former chief executive, even one with Carter's shaky reputation.
Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota reiterated Sunday that he believes Congress has a constitutional obligation to ask questions about the pursuit of the conflict. But even Daschle refused to support Carter's contention that the Bush statement was intemperate and would make it more difficult to resolve our problems with North Korea and Iran, which were lumped with Iraq in the "axis."
If anyone should know about counterproductive and simplistic policies in the Persian Gulf, it is Carter, whose own stumbling activities in that region helped bring about the current situation, particularly in Iran, where his failure to resolve the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and the hostage crisis that followed helped cost him re-election, seriously damaged worldwide esteem for America and established Iran as a key sponsor of terrorism.
For that reason alone, "Old Cut and Run," as he became known in some circles — including his own Democratic Party, should keep his opinions to himself. At least, that's what former Presidents Clinton, Bush and Ford have done when they disagreed. The only other living former chief executive, Ronald Reagan, is in no position to speak out, but there is no doubt whatsoever where he would come down on this matter if he could.
The danger is that Carter's remarks will be portrayed overseas as a break in domestic support for the president's policies, a concern that Republicans have almost hysterically expressed about Daschle's remarks, including his statement that success in the war depends on the elimination of Osama bin Laden. Carter's former White House status makes his comments far more exploitable worldwide than Daschle's.
The Senate Democratic leader said Sunday he is most supportive of the president's conduct of the war and that he will continue to be but that Congress has a special obligation to ask how the United States defines defeat and success, what is after Afghanistan and what are the goals. He said that spending nearly $4 trillion on defense in the coming decade requires such inquiries. He is correct. Undoubtedly those questions will be asked — probably more often in an election year, as this is.
On the other hand, Republicans are equally accurate in their concerns about the image overseas and in their contention that bin Laden is just one figure in a large mosaic. The worldwide network is so broad that destroying one man, while a severe blow to al-Qaida and a major morale boost for America and its allies, certainly would not mean an end to terrorism.
There also is irony in Daschle's sudden concern about defense spending and the drain it has on the domestic programs Democrats clearly see as their only real chance of winning back control of the House and strengthening their grip on the Senate this fall. In the immediate aftermath of Sept. 11, Democrats were seriously questioning whether Bush's budget for fighting terrorism both at home and abroad was sufficient. Over White House objections, they unsuccessfully sought to add billions of dollars to the effort.
As the war wears on, there is bound to be a significant strain on the post-Sept. 11 unity among Democrats and Republicans, particularly regarding a conflict that has no real borders or easily defined lines and stretches around the globe. Obviously, Afghanistan is far from over, with a major battle raging over the last few days against al-Qaida forces trying to regroup.
Daschle, in his legislative role, can legitimately ask questions without being seen as unpatriotic. He has done so. But he should make it abundantly clear that when it comes to the defense of this nation, he is as one with the president. At the same time, he should urge Carter to control his own pontificating impulses.
Maybe Amy and Chelsea should schedule a summit meeting to decide the best way to conduct the war. I'm sure President Bush would be most appreciative.
Leni
Carter single handedly destablaized the whole middle-east by undercutting the Shah.
Today we have Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon (occupied by Syria), and Saudi Arabia focusing their attention on Israel. In the old days they had to wonder what the Shah would do. Would he enter a conflict due to his relations with the US?
Carter screwed the pooch in Iran, Panama, North Korea and other South American countries as well. He felt that it was a bad idea to keep up relations with "bad guys" around the world. Generally his undercutting of "bad guys" brought in worse bad guys as examplified by Iran.
No President should have his policies undercut by former chief executives. I believe a certain amount of overview by Congress is apporpriate, but it should NEVER reach the level of partisainship.
Carter, Dasshole and others need to allow Bush to conduct foreign policy. When he makes a mistake, that's the time to question his policies. So far he's doing a good job.
I'd be interested to know what Dasshole thinks he would handle differently than Bush. So far all I see is carping. It must be really eating him that Bush has approval raitings in the strosphere.
We GA FReepers wish the Atlanta liberal rags would pick up this editorial... fat chance.
We keep trying to trade Jimmah, and any number of democrat future draft choices for BiBi Netanyahu.
Regards to all,
Wings
Keep yer trap shut, or we'll release....
Let him talk. For instance, some folks might need to be reminded about diplomats held hostage...
Let him talk. It's a free country, and he can do no harm.
Not even the media trys to peddle him as a successful President. He's just an inept person who we mistakenly elected who is better at building houses than running a country.
Nobody important cares what he thinks.
"Old Cut and Run," as he became known in some circles — including his own Democratic Party, should keep his opinions to himself.
He says he's a Christian. Wish he would convert to Islam. It's a religion of peace too, ya know.
(BTW: President Bush says he's a Christian, too. Bet that confuses a few Muslims... ;)
Jimmy Carter
The Carter Center
453 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30307
Re: Planned Trip to Cuba
Mr. Carter:
I have always considered you a man of great integrity, therefore it was with great dismay I read the published accounts of your proposed trip to Cuba. Why Mr. Carter, in heaven's name why, would you pay a visit to Castro and further legitimize his sordid repressive government?
Mr. Castro's enormous ego demands international attention and over the years he has found many ways to capture the lime light. During the mid 90s he courted Papal favor, and from 1995 to 1998 while the arrangements and preparations for the Pope's Cuban visit were ongoing he was in the spotlight
The fawning press captured his every word and simplistic American representatives waxed poetic about the democratic changes the Papal visit would bring. It is four years later, what has changed? Nothing! Cuba is no closer to democracy today than it was in 1959 when Castro installed himself and the ruler of the island. In fact, it is probably further away, as Castro has anointed his brother Raul as his successor - so much for the democratic process!
In the succeeding years, it has become fashionable for American elected representatives to visit Cuba shilling for American Corporations. These fawning sycophants are manipulated by Castro and his American corporate cronies like Archer Daniels Midland, searching for ways to get into the American taxpayers pocket to enhance corporate profits. Castro promises trade and open markets, Archer Daniels Midland provides the merchandise. The missing ingredient is the financing, which Archer Daniels Midland is trying to supply.
Unwilling to accept the risks inherent in trading with the Castro government, Archer Daniels Midland is using its vast political influence to sway the many politicians beholden to the company via extensive campaign contributions, both hard and soft money. The disgusting scenario would culminate with a change in the current laws which then would allow US Government loans and financial guarantees for goods purchased by the Cuban government.
When Castro defaults - and he will default - on his financial obligations the American taxpayer will be left holding the bag. Money Mr. Carter, specifically American taxpayers monies, is the reason behind the disgusting parade of American elected officials paying homage to the tyrant, who routinely tramples the human rights and dignity of the Cuban people.
A cornerstone of your administration was the Camp David Peace Accord. Mr. Castro has done much to undermine that agreement and has steadfastly supported the terrorist policies of Iran. The US State Department lists Cuba and Iran as terrorist states, and Iran is linked with arms shipment to the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas terrorists conducting the current wave of suicide bombings in the Middle East.
Five short months before the cowardly attacks of September 11, Castro visited Teheran. During his visit he agreed with Ayatollah Khamenehi that Iran and Cuba can hand in hand defeat America, and swore publicly to destroy the United States.
Why sir, would you join the disgraceful parade of American elected officials like Reps. Diane Watson, Sam Farr, Mike Thompson and Bob Filner pandering to a vicious supporter of international terrorism for the sake of corporate profits. Callously insulting the memory of the brave men and women killed on 9/11, by presenting an NYPD and NYFD cap to a tyrant who has sworn to destroy the United States. Unconscionable!
This past Wednesday, you are quoted in the NY Times as saying the best way to bring about democratic changes in Cuba is: "not to punish the Cuban people themselves by imposing an embargo on them, which makes Castro seem to be a hero, because he's defending his own people against the abusive Americans."
Sir, what in God's creation would prompt you to make such a preposterous statement?
Blaming the embargo for the chronic shortages of food and medicine of the Cuban people is ludicrous. American companies, Archer Daniels Midland and its Spanish subsidiary Alfisca are a prime example, have been circumventing the embargo with impunity for years. Spain has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the Cuban tourist industry. Mexico, Canada and other countries have been trading with Cuba for years - embargo be dammed!
The truth is the Cuban government could buy anything it desires in the world market. The problem is they do not have hard currency available and they have stiffed their creditors so many times not even the World Bank is willing to lend or guarantee loans to the Cuban government. Who in their right mind would lend to the dictator, who has openly stated poor countries have no obligation to repay their debt?
Mr. Carter as a former president of our country, you bring the prestige and legitimacy of the office every place you visit. How can you lend your prestige and legitimacy to a man who has for the past 40 years systematically oppressed and virtually enslaved the Cuban people?
May I remind you sir; your administration's outreach to Castro was thwarted by your concerns over the Cuban military presence in other countries and their involvement with terrorist entities in Latin America and throughout the world. Twenty years later, nothing has changed Mr. Carter.
You are at a crossroads Mr. Carter, which direction will you take. Will you allow yourself to be dragged into the abyss of political corruption, corporate greed, international terrorism, and human rights violation perpetrated by the Castro government?
I urge you take the high road, Mr. Carter. Maintain your integrity. Forego the trip.
Respectfully,
Oscar B. Pichardo
E- mail Qbnchzhd@aol.com
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The above is sent to you by
FOR FREEDOM & JUSTICE GROUP Cooper City, Florida
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ForFreedomandJustice
I dont think we could have stopped a revolution if the people truly wanted a change in government, with or without support..
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