Noble Gesture... I remember reading suggestions over the years of an anti-American bias in the Nobel literature awards. Today, however, I see irony at work in the committee's award for economics and to put the best possible spin on it - hope in the peace award.
This was hardly a propitious time to recognize the American author of the efficient markets hypothesis, no matter what you think of the theory! [Oh well, I miscalled that one]
Awarding the peace prize to Obama is in a way ironic also. His speeches are wonderful, his goals noble but his accomplishments are hopefully to come. Perhaps, this is merely the Nobel committee's not too subtle celebration of no more Bush? In any event they haven't done Obama or America any favors.
Whack-A-Mole According to some American politicians, the Taliban may not be such bad guys after all - at least in comparison to Al Qaida. According to these experts, we should concentrate on adopting a counter terrorism strategy... zapping Al Qaida from afar with drones and up close with special forces. This is in lieu of a counterinsurgency strategy which would include anti Taliban operations. Presumably we [rather the Afghans] should learn to live with the Taliban [irrespective of their treatment of the 50% + females in the population]. Foolish me, I thought the Taliban was directing attacks including suicide bombings on the government, foreign troops as well as diplomatic missions? This sounds strangely reminiscent of the late 1990's and the then new game of whack-a-mole. Look where that got us!
Maybe, the US congress can reauthorize assassinations as part of this alternate strategy. What will Nancy have to say about that? I wonder if she will even remember being briefed on the matter?
New Boy on the Block Once upon a time, a colleague and I were meeting with our new boss. The only memorable moment was when the new boss said he didn't wish to be treated like the new boy on the block. To which my colleague replied he won't be unless he acted like one.
China has arrived on the scene in a big way. Soon to be the world's second largest economy; no doubt in a few decades it will be the largest. Time will tell how they will get treated; they get good marks [now] on their behavior with North Korea, they are unhelpful on Iran and Afghanistan; they were a player in the stimulus game and talk a good speech on climate change. Their behavior in Africa, their military buildup and the history in dealing with neighbors isn't reassuring either. The Chinese are aggressive; if you have doubts ask the Indians, Tibetans, the Vietnamese, Malays, the Mongolians and the Uighur. School is out on China.
Oxymoron Congress and/or the Administration will find cost reductions in a new health insurance program; they may find costs to avoid in the future [i.e avoiding projected cost increases] but since when is cost avoidance the same as cost reduction?
Obama asking his cabinet to find$100 million in cost reductions in a $3 trillion budget is a typical oxymoron.
Establishing an organization with 32 czars is another; if they have any authority don't they need to be vetted by the senate, if they are staff positions [responsibilities but no real authority] 1] why bother? 2] how unwieldy? Reminds me of the old corporate joke about visitors from HQ..." Hi, I am from the head office and I am here to help!" This is a classic oxymoron.
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