Archive for October, 2009
Debated by many President Obama has been selected as the Nobel Peace Prize. While we are engaged in two wars he has sought to create a universal dialogue for peace. What he achieves remains to be seen, but this is a award for hope. Hope that the United States will counsel with others. That we will not assume that our solution is the only solution.
He faces the task of bringing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to a end. A task complicated by a global financial financial crises. It’s a hope that we may work with others towards a peaceful world.
This is a award of hope, not achievement.
Why are we in Afghanistan? How will we know when we have succeeded?
The goal was initially the capture of Bin Laden. Side tracked by Iraq we have lingered in Afghanistan for 8 years now. After 8 years we are still debating our goal and strategy for being there.
The people of Afghanistan have a history of uniting against foreign powers and turning on each other when they have forced their exit.
They were our allies when they were fighting the Russians and will be our allies only when it benefits them, more troops will not change the equation.
What are we going to gain by remaining? Nothing but a mounting number of casualties and monetary debt. Get out now and let them fight each other.
Protect our borders at our borders, not in Iraq or Afghanistan.
There’s a debate taking place on coal powered plants located on reservations. Some tribes have barred environmentalist who are trying to shut them down.
“These are individuals and groups who claim to have put the welfare of fish and insects above the survival of the Navajo people when in fact their only goal is to stop the use of coal in the US and the Navajo nation,” said Navajo nation president Joe Shirley.
Many tribes are dependent on coal plants for jobs and seek to protect them from closing. A contrast to the image of native people living in harmony with the land.
Tribes today are family businesses running casino’s and other enterprises.
Close the coal fired plants that are dirty.