What's with Robert Gates as possible Defense Secretary all about? If this is bipartisan, I don't like it. Isn't he one of the people responsible for perpetuating the Iraqi Occupation? Wouldn't one assume that he supports "the surge"? Didn't Obama promise us that he would withdraw troops from Iraq over the course of sixteen months? WTF?
If this news came before Hillary's name hit the transition team rumor mill, I may be more restrained and assume that it's just a rumor.
Speaking of Hillary Clinton. I would be quite pleased if she were the next Secretary of State. But it's looking like Bill's dealings may cost her the opportunity. Scandalous Bill. tsk
William Wyld
1 week ago
I've read different accounts of Gates behind the scenes with many saying he was valiantly trying to right some wrongs and was also instrumental in getting all those Generals to speak out against the war and to tell the truth about how ill equipped the soldiers are
ReplyDeleteI'm not pleased with the choice of Hilary at all. I think she is far too hawkish and far to involved in Isreal to the exclusion of other points of view.
I like Richardson, he has amazing diplomatic skills.
dianne, I'm with you on Richardson.
ReplyDeleteI also think we need Senator Clinton in the, um, Senate, where she's needed and effective. Teddy isn't going to be around forever, and we need strong people in leadership positions to pursue agenda items like health care reform.
If she accepts and makes it through the vetting process, she'll do it. And if she does it, I think she'll do a good job. She presents a good image of the U.S. to Europe (I think) but you're right about Israel. I've almost given up on anyone from any administration actually considering both sides in the P/I conflict. I'll have to learn more about Richardson.
ReplyDeleteRemember it's been less than a year since I took my head out of the sand hole it was in for a decade.
As for Gates. I'm suspicious of Republicans and it's hard for me to come around.
I think Gates came in very late and has done as decent a job as he could do given who he's dealing with in the White House. I saw him at a memorial for one of the soldiers and he grief was deep and genuine. He has seemed to me to not be terribly on board with Bush and Cheney. I could be wrong about this, but it has been my impression.
ReplyDeleteAs for the other, I think Richardson and Clinton would each bring something to the position. And I think we have to trust Obama. Whoever he appoints will be working for HIM, not themselves. I think we need to support his choices until they prove to be mistaken. But that's just me and nobody actually asked me.
Raven: it was just an opinion, not an indictment or lack of support for Obama's choices.
ReplyDeleteI'm not known for my knee-jerk political posts. And I maintain that I'm distrustful of all this bi-partisanship. Maybe that's just me, too.
Dianne and CR and Raven: keep after me. I miss details in politics. I make it my duty to try to be informed and even active but I'm not at all a political mind.
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting. I learn this way.
wow! we're really on the same mind schedule!
ReplyDeleteI left to find this link
http://www.richardsonforpresident.com/
and when I came back you had commented
Richardson's campaign site is still open and the 'About Bill' archives has some good info about him
I won't keep after you cause I think you're great as you are and I learn a lot from you
I will share though - I'm lovely that way ;)
Mr. kenju says that if Hillary becomes Sec. of State, she will be overseas a lot and Bill can run wild all he wants. I shudder to think....
ReplyDeleteI find Gates and Clinton equally frightening. Both of them are so bloodthirsty. If people like them get into the new Administration, the slaughter of the people of Iraq may not stop for another four or eight years.
ReplyDeleteI think Hilary is a big mistake. I'm beginning to be concerned about a number of his choices.
ReplyDeleteDoes Hillary know how to type and take dictation? Does she have to make coffee and buy presents for his family? Maybe she should stay in the Senate after all.
ReplyDeleteYes they are vetting Bill as we speak. I hope Hillary makes it, Sphinx! :)
ReplyDeleteAs I learn more, I'm now on the fence about Hillary. The truth is that I do admire her: she is brilliant and dynamic. BUT there is that part of her that is gung-ho about military might and she's an overly strong supporter of Israel.
ReplyDeleteFurther, I was illuminated to the fact that she is such a strong leader in her own right, that she may not want to follow Barack's plans. However, this should taken as a grain of salt because if Barack is considering her, he must know something that we don't. In his personal talks with her, they have touched on what she was willing to do and not do as Secretary of State.
Thank you all for commenting. I sometimes just put things out there and all the comments and further reading/TV pundits help to adjust and re-adjust my inicial reactions to things politically.