Monthly Archives: May 2011

(Community Matters) today in Politico

(Community Matters) just as I’m warming to calls we should take out their nuclear capability and get the hell out:

Mike Allen’s Politico: POPPING ON AIR – Senate Foreign Relations Chairman John Kerry, on “Face the Nation”: “I’ve had some early conversations with high level officials of Pakistan. And there’s an indication to me there is an enormous amount of introspection going on … I know for a fact they’re thinking of a government inquiry outside of the military. For the first time there is major criticism in Pakistani papers of the intelligence network and the military in Pakistani papers of the intelligence network and the military in Pakistan. And so, I see this as a time for us to be careful, to be thoughtful, to proceed deliberately but determinately in order to lay on the table the things that we know have to change–the relationship with the ISI, the double dealing, the attitude and frankly wastefulness of resources towards India.” http://bit.ly/jqUKRG

(Community Matters) Agenda: U.S.-Pakistan After bin Laden

The killing of Osama bin Laden has caused U.S.-Pakistani relations to fester. But, as analyst Reva Bhalla explains, the two countries need each other.

Colin: The summary execution of Osama bin Laden is an emotional triumph the United States and other countries touched by al Qaeda. Its manner will doubtless keep media and moralists busy for some time. But the hot debate now is the relationship between the United States and Pakistan, two countries that need each other.

Colin: Welcome to Agenda. And joining me to discuss this is STRATFOR’s senior geopolitical analyst, Reva Bhalla. Reva, Pakistan has very staunchly defended itself against U.S. criticism that it must have known about Osama’s redoubt in Abbottabad. It said it did work in cooperation with U.S. intelligence, and of course it arrested the Bali bomber, Umar Patek in that very same city in January, and presumably interrogated him.

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(Community Matters) In the AAS: Is health program for needy Travis County residents growing too fast?

Central Health is an extraordinary addition to our community’s safety net. It’s no surprise during these economic times that demand has far exceeded expectations.

Public healthcare can’t provide Cadillac services; we have to figure out our Chevy. And, the program must live within a budget. Invite in some of our best and brightest to offer new service delivery, prevention and treatment protocols. (Tommie Meredith & Dr. Bill Rice might be a good start)

(Community Matters)  The Consequentialist: How the Arab Spring Remade Obama’s Foreign Policy – have only skimmed, and it’s an important piece

I disagree with the characterization of the President’s position if this moral theory suggests a belief in the ends justifying the means. Realist might be a better characterization; and, I’m heartened to read about philosophical & idealistic ambitions. They favorably guide objectives as they evolve. Also proud we’re pursuing our interests and spreading our ideological objectives with stealth, modesty and military strength.

(Community Matters) Senate Republicans have locked arms to gut an agency which could actually protect consumers against bankers. I’m wondering if anyone other than bank lobbyists even weighed in on drafting of their demands. Time for another recess appointment, Mr. President

(Community Matters) Attorney General Vacates Immigration Ruling Over DOMA Questions.  Thank you again, Mr. President (& Mr. Holder)

Advocate

(Community Matters) Happy Cinco de Mayo – feels like I ought to beat up on the French just a little bit today – metaphorically speaking only of course (maybe tequila shots)

(Community Matters) Quick, unexpected trip to Paris to stay with my friends Jill McRae & Stephen Yelenosky.  Thx gosh for Continental miles and friends with nice places abroad.

(Community Matters)

(Community Matters) The NRA drops King & Spalding, the law firm which backed out of defending DOMA for Speaker Boehner and the GOP.

To be clear, our decision is not motivated by any position on the statute itself. As you know, the National Rifle Association is a single-issue organization dedicated to the protection of the Second Amendment. We are, however, often involved in controversial issues on which emotions can run high.

(Community Matters) This is the story circulating:

Sohaib Athar, a.k.a. @ReallyVirtual, had no idea the helicopters he was complaining about on twitter were part of the top secret mission that killed Osama bin Laden Sunday night. 10 hours before bin Laden’s death was announced Athar posted: “Helicopter hovering above Abbottabad at 1AM (is a rare event).” From the article: “During the raid, Athar speculates that he was two or three kilometers away from the shooting that took place. Once news broke that bin Laden had been killed in Abbottabad, Athar tweeted, ‘Uh oh, now I’m the guy who liveblogged the Osama raid without knowing it.’”

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