Does Force Matter?

Perhaps one of the most hotly debated subjects that often takes place across the globe is the impact if any in the use of force or the big stick so as to ensure compliance. Interestingly enough the subject is not limited to the household and many parents, but extends to the wider national community in terms of domestic laws, and even internationally in relation to mutually accepted treaties among states. What makes some children obedient, and others not? Can the tough approaches in punishment favored by a few societies in trying to curb crimes working, or can one draw any conclusions from the increase rates of recidivism? Why did Iraq fail to abide by the NPT agreements even in the face of overwhelming Security Council and US force, while Japan, Brazil and Germany choose to? What prompted Libya and North Korea choose to finally comply with the international treaty, when Iran still appeared willing to disregard any perceived threats? These and many others are legitimate questions , that have baffled social scientist and policy makers alike as they attempt to grapple with issues such as justice, social welfare for children and wider matters that contribute to peace ,security ,and development .
In the early stages of the US Presidential Republican and Democratic War of wills the Chicago Senator and Democratic contender had the gumption to suggest publicly that America can be better served if it talks to its enemies such as Cuba and Iran. This banishment of the big stick and pro carrots approach advocated by the Senator was nothing new as such, but a pragmatic approach that neo- liberal theorist such as Joseph Nye and Robert Keohane believed in as described in their theory called Soft Power. The Republican Senator from Arizona Mc Cain, almost fell to the floor consternation , as he first did everything to contain himself from breaking down in hysteria at the suggestion by opponent the possible future Commander in Chief, that never served his country militarily- as the senior Senator never fails to remind us.
Later in an effort to sound Reagan like, he was quoted as saying that “Senator Obama will do everything to loose the war and win the election,”or some reference to that effect. Most military minded men have adopted what is commonly viewed as the Offensive Realist theoretical approach where the big stick, tough talking and power approach is believed to make places such as Cuba, North Korea, Iraq, Libya and Iran keep in line. Political Science along with its sister study International Relations are not exact sciences; it is extremely difficult to draw any distinctive conclusions as to why states follows rules at the international levels. Libya for example finally burned it nuclear ambitious playbook acquired from Pakistan’s nuclear proliferation bandit Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, soon after the invasion of Iraq by the USA. Many including the 43 rd President Mr. G. W Bush believes its because of his big stick approach in Iraq and Afghanistan. Brinkmanship master Kim-Jong-il, has finally decided to curb his nuclear ambitions , and save the lives of the suffering millions in North Korea his country.
It is the same dilemma that faces other Social Scientists that attempt to study matters of compliance on the domestic front, both in the homes and the general population. A former St. John graduate made the news recently when he attempted to be a Good Samaritan in the New York City, and was robbed of his car and murdered in the process for his efforts. What was intriguing to me was the fact that this very modern educated young man was awaiting a possible wife that his mother was expected to choose for him all the way back in India. What’s at play there is it fear? A perfectly normal and friendly young Bangladesh devoted Muslim young lady on her second year in Graduate school in New York, disappear for a week from class. Upon enquiries, she indicated she just got married to someone from home living in Texas that she never saw a day before she was married. Good old democratic America? “Dad seeks husband for beautiful educated daughter.” “Must be from the military or businessman.” So stated the classified add I happen to stumble upon in one of Islamabad Daily papers in Pakistan. Care to explain? A young 18 year old Mali virgin girl was given to a buddy of mine as part of his relaxing entertainment for a week -end by associates of his boss, who told him “she is all yours to do as you please, and will do what ever your hearts desire.” What’s at stake here?
As I walk along the campus of a certain New York University campus, I saw several young ladies proudly wearing their Muslim hijab head shaft and other paraphernalia. One might want to believe that these kids are subjected to some repressive force in the homes that demands that they hold steadfastly to this cultural tradition. However upon conversing with a few, you get different impressions. One proud young English speaking, South American native acquaintance even admitted that she defied her parents that felt she should avoid wearing it, as they had concerns for her safety in volatile post 2001 climate.
Again, in similar fashion to the international arena, there are many parents like public officials and policy wonks that would swear by the Bible, Bhagavad Gita, Koran and Torah that the tough approach works marvelously, is sanctioned from above, and therefore must be correct. Some of the older generations would even proudly present themselves as examples to show that ‘back in the day,’ there parents exerted real force and they are the positive result today. This topic will continue to be around for some time, I am sure as to the merits or not of the use of force to achieve desired end of obedience at home and compliance in the wider environment. I’ll keep you posted on this and other observations.

The Price of Superpowerdom

The Price of Superpowerdom


Can anyone of you have some sympathy for Russia the past superpower, and China the emerging one? Come on people give them both a break. I am talking specifically to you in the media, and every speaking head International Relations expert out there. Look at the data, in 1979 Superpower Russian dominated USSR invaded Afghanistan, and suffered the world indignation and especially American condemnation. The result of that debacle was the introduction to the world to fanatic Muslim fundamentalism, the final destruction of Afghanistan, and demise of the Soviet Union as we all knew it. In 2008, Russia still reeling from lost of world power , status and influence is again to make a Leonid Brezhnev like invasion move against neighboring Georgia. The possible result might just be World War 111 if Secretary of State Condi Rice, perennial disgruntled political neo-conservative hark John Bolton ,or any unpopular sleeping duck have any thing to say about it. Notice that no one is really loosing much sleep over the millions of Chechnyans that have lost their lives at the hands of the brutal and sadistic Russians since the demise of the Soviet Empire. http://www.newstatesman.com/200401260014
So let’s see the comparisons, for those too young to remember, America invaded Vietnam and Cambodia and that’s no problem, she invaded a non- threatening and sovereign state Iraq, and that’s fine by most accounts as well. Her close Allie Israel with tactic support invaded and destroyed Lebanon and no back lash resulted. A baby war created in Panama on the verge of an end to the imbalanced and unfair Canal treaties. The result of this was arrest and conviction of its political leader Manuel Noriega, as well as continual regional political and economic status quo.


As for the Chinese, they are simply the emerging superpower that many envious nations and people love to hate or perhaps hate to love. They have done everything that all other global or pretending powers have ever done and yet are treated with derision and contempt. At this proud moment in their history where the entire world is getting a chance to savor what resilient people can achieve as manifested in one of the most spectacular Olympics ever , and what do they get in return? They are repeatedly questioned as cheaters on age related issues involving young gymnasts .On other fronts they are mocked by the tasteless and uncouth Spaniards basketballers even after sponsoring the nuvo rich Southern European ingrate's national teams to the tune of over 150 million dollars. They help beat America in the pointless and illconcieved Korean War ,and will never heard the end of it. In addition the country had to resort to every trick and pressure possible to get a seat on the glorified and powerful UN Security Council or join nuclear club to make company with the likes of a second rate power such as France. It did not stop there, there was Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tibet, Sudan, Asian Flu, Human Rights abuses, and please don’t forget their cultural taste in foods, environmental neglect, one child policy . These and several other petty political, social, and economic issues are daily thrown in the face of the Chinese.
I am not sure if this ploy is working against China the new economic and political power horse on the block. They obviously are not planning to disappear anytime soon, and could care less about what the world thinks about them. Social capitalism -as defined by China and its billion and more growing population-is the new model that is ready for export. War mongering is a thing of the past, and so is the influence of Russia or that of any other possible Cold- War Super Power victor.

Secretary of State Holywood Mancrush smoking Gun sequel

So Condi has a man crush on of all people Danzel Washington. Come on Ms. Rice , you know we won't fall for that crap again, the fiction must stop. We understand your position as an ultra- loyal neo-con and female Republican pit bull makes you and ardent defender of the 43rd President ,and the tenuous legacy involving this oil war efforts. Can any remember "we don't want the smoking gun to turn out to be a mushroom cloud," comment ? That incidentally was a veil reference to Saddam's crime of having weapons of mass destruction that both her and Uncle Colin Powell fed us as he help further tarnish the image for the UN led by the world's sole super power. It was however later revealed to be a deliberate lie , but tell that to the over 600, 000 Iraqis that loosed their lives and witnessed the total destruction of their country , as well as the many decent American and allies military personnel that are no longer with out today due to this heavily disguised profiteering disguised that will forever make the fellow Board members of Chevron and Haliburtun grin from ear to ear. Explain that to the destabilization that has occurred in the Middle East as a result of the long drawn out and costly war. While you are it explain to Americans still reeling from the after effects of September 11Th , as to why they are no longer safer seven years later because Big Ben still alive and the jokey Pakistanis are continually playing footsies with Pashtoon cousins in the border of their country and Afghanistan while thousand of women dread the full re-emergence of the Taliban pseudo- religious bandits.

So finally, the woman that has made a career of building this wall of secrecy about her love life from Standford to the White house ,is publicly admitting before the world in an interview that she has a man crush on of all people, a black ineligible married male, and we are suppose to believe it correct? http://signorile2003.blogspot.com/2007/09/condis-best-friends-yesterday-on-show-i.htmlI I say no , we won't be suckered again into the clever Professor's net again and could care very little how much Larry King ,Wolf Blitzer or Tom Broker makes attempts to convince us otherwise.

Behind every smoking gun, is not always a mushroom cloud, first Canada's Minister, Peter MacKay interlocking speculations, and now this . Enough already.

Preventing a Nuclear Holocaust Nightmare

"I hope for the realization of a true peace free of nuclear weapons and land mines. Please convey the sincere prayer of the citizens of Nagasaki to the world."
Sayuri Yoshinaga


Can anyone really indicate to me when exactly an authentic leader might emerge and lead this country in the direction that it deserves? Well sorry; I guess that we are stuck with one of these two deceptive comedians for perhaps the next four to eight years. All I can say is, oh what a travesty! What can one really say; it is still an upgrade from what many were subjected to over the past eight years by the first and hopefully only MBA President in the history of the country. Trillion dollar deficits, home owners, real estate Brokers and Banking executives fighting to jump through windows to commit suicide due to the down turn in the economy and it’s effects on the housing and financial institutions and markets. Most importantly, war and its negative impact on energy and security, all the while average Americans are scared into looking unpatriotic if any dare to speak out about the foolhardiness of ill-conceived national security and economic policies. So in 2009 an opportunist and non- straight talking Senator that’s better able to convinced Americans that his wife is a more worthwhile interior decorator for the White House Drapes and Lincoln Bedroom, will be set to push the country into a more positive and different direction, correct? My question to that is what brand of whiskey are you drinking ‘my friend’?
Come on Americans aren’t you tired of being hated and ridiculed across the globe, by foreign leaders and countries that blame you for your own misguided leaders policies? When was the last vacation you went where you did not have to look constantly over your shoulder by some one that claimed that your country’s bullying foreign policy made them so enamored with the country that they now wanted to become a permanent resident?
So oil prices are now what 200 dollars per barrel and gas prices at the pump 15 per gallon? Even a lowly high school drop out that could not spell the word history, could have told you that America does not do well in long protracted wars. This is the country that invented fast foods and Mc Donald. Japan, Vietnam and Cambodian are Asians and Iraq and Afghans are Muslims and believe in fifty virgins when they go to heaven by violent means. Since no present or future leader has the courage like Richard “I am not a crook” Nixon to end the war and loose the battle, or brave enough to drop an atomic bomb like Truman, then you are stuck for another 100 years in the most expensive war in the history of the world, with limited returns for your military and nation’s sacrifices.
So where does that leave us, with one Presidential contender attempting to be hip in his pretense of wanting to “to bomb, bomb, Iran,” via imitation of an old Beach Boy song. This mind you was also the same one that threatened a couple unruly Sturgis bikers rally enthusiasts at Buffalo Chip with making his wife strip for them in his efforts to garner suspicious Conservative die hardliners that he has high moral credential as the country previous 43 Presidents as he served in the military, was discharged as a Captain and was a prisoner of war. Fortunately for his wife and the many attendees the thousand of bikers were too high too take him up on his offer.
At the same time you have his opponent that will do everything short of killing his Church old pastor that married him and christened his kids, Rev Jackson, and any found memories of his late white mom to prove that he is either black or white depending on the poll. Surprise, surprise one wants to “ cut his nuts off,” for what he Jackson claim’s were condescension to black people and one despise him for his dismissive attitude towards white women over 18 years of age that was not on his Columbia or Harvard debating team.
What would he do about the nation’s security? He will talk to Iran and Cuba and he would pull out immediately from Iraq. In addition, he would never destroy the environment by drilling in the Antarctic region, but at the same time, he would ban all nuclear weapons and energy program, and who know end all global conflicts. If this litany of promises continues, our Democratic contender might well get his face erected on Mt Rushmore along with other greats, as he might be able to make Americans love the United Nations and make the organization relevant again. While at it don’t be surprise if he help end domestic crimes, unite every global divided ethnic and racial groups and have the Congress, Senate and the government work on the same page in the interest of the American People as the founding fathers promised many decades ago. Yes, if any one can do it President Obama certainly can, that is if America believes. I would caution him to look over his shoulder for a sly veteran that was able to be a Republican and Democrat all at the same time for fourth years, loves his country by following his Admiral father to war, has no’ baby mama’ issues, and a possess an ultra -patriotic wife who is an heiress of the most popular beer in America. To be forewarned , is to be forearmed.