Merkwurdigliebe: “I’m all for supplementation. But what good is supplementation if the current technology isnt up to capacity to handle the strain on the grid, that would accompany living in a large urban area. And solar wont work wonders in Seattle, Anchorage, or Helena where sunlight isnt always plentiful. I’m all for using it…once the kinks have been succesfully worked out…theres certainly room for supplementation when technology catches up, which it will. I’m just being realistic…the idealist in me is all for you solutions, in the time frame you allow. However the cynic and the realist in me, as well as history in general, can sum it up nicely…dont hold your breath, at current pace.”

Obviously, not much research has been done on your part regarding the solar industry. I have a feeling you’ve been listening to too many fox news reports regarding the ‘downfalls’ of renewables. If Germany can do it, why the hell can’t the United States of America? And you wonder why people label you an oil stooge? It’s statements like that one…….an oil/coal justifier. Kinks? What kinks? You cite kinks, without naming them. The only thing you mention is ’storage capacity’. Supplementation of the current system is very feasible at the present time, and you know it. What you’re citing is the fact that we can’t go COMPLETELY solar. Why is it oil/coal/gas justifiers always cite the fact that there IS NO OTHER WAY. It’s a bunch of bullchit, and you know it. If solar panels weren’t feasible, then why do so many countries in europe use them? Why are there ANY in use??

If Anchorage, Fairbanks, and remote places in North Dakota don’t get enough sun to use solar panels, then they can stay on the current system. But, why would that stop you from implementing them in places that CAN use them?

Merk,

I can’t help but think that that all sides are just biding their time, being ‘good,’ until ‘the evil one’ leaves. Then all hell would break loose.

A telling sign would be how many of those who fled during the violence have returned. They know what’s going on. If they’re remaining as refugees it’s because the alternative holds direr consequences.

Without knowing the specifics of Biden’s ’solution,’ I have to agree. More, Turkey will have to cede some territory to create a true Kurdish state. Any shiite state would be quickly absorbed into Iran, so we may as well give Iran some land as well. In trade for some land for the Kurdish state. The Sunnis would have what’s left and probably be happy for it. The ‘issue’ would be holy places and access.

Coach is right, we DO have to get the hell out of there, but you’re right too in that it can’t be TOO hasty.

This is a classic ‘case’ for the UN. Unfortunately, the major powers, ESPECIALLY the US, have treated that entity like an ugly step-child and it’s scarcely prepared for the role. And as long as the major powers continue to exhibit their nihilihistic greed, the UN will just be a paper tiger.

(Merkwurdigliebe)

Coach– I’m just not confident that Iraq can fully stand on its own yet, but its certainly getting there. My biggest concern is that both political parties back home will sabotage/exploit what good is being done in order to get votes. I would be happy with us leaving with still some violence, but the Iraqis able to handle whatever comes their way…which hasnt happened just yet.

History and my gut tells me that If well pull out too soon, the whole region devolves into chaos (that the Iranians or Saudis might not be able to control/contain, ala the French Revolution)…and we’d be forced to go right back in to fix everything…again.

To be fair, the only Dem with a reasonable plan is Biden, with his three-way split of the country, which may not be needed if the violence continues to lessen…we’ll have to see. As for reparations, dont hold your breath…the mere idea of such aint gonna fly in flyover country

Jed Clampett

what does a lizzard know about ending things the “right” way? All they know is destruction, anguish, prohibitions, financial dependance, and punishment. All those things contrary to what we have been taught as correct.

Well, stated Merk. Well put. However, if Iraq has a functioning Army, a functioning government, and ‘violence is down’, how would it be a ‘precipitous withdrawal’?? Isn’t that a bit radical?

In other words, I guess we have a green light to stay as long as we want, or as long as there is some sort of resistance, right?

If that’s the case, it’s typical pretentious American thinking. All of this was started under false pretenses (intended pretenses), and yet, we can stay there forever……without reparations.

(Merkwurdigliebe)

Coach– History has proven again and again that in a vacuum of power, chaos reigns.

Several examples, current and ancient:

Vietnam/Indochina- - We precipitously withdrew, the North Vietnamese overran the South, and fighting spilled over into Laos and Cambodia, the latter in which the Khmer Rouge killed over 2 million people…until they were stopped by the invading N. Vietnamese.

Germany, circ early 1800s: Napoleon created the Confederation of the Rhine out of North German states…when Napoleon withdrew, it collapsed and subsequent squabbling between the city-states kept Germany from unifying for another 70-odd years.

The Balkans, twice: The Ottoman Empire precipitously withdrew following the 1st and 2nd Balkan Wars…the Balkans devolve into violence, and World War I is started.

Again, in the late 80’s and early 90’s: Josif Tito died, the Yugoslav central state withered, crumbled, and precipitously withdrew from ceceding territories. The choas that insued led to a 3-way civil war between Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia, leading to the ethnic cleansing of many Bosnian Muslims. It also by proxy led to Kosovo and other continuous problems in the region.

I’d much rather clean up the Iraq mess the right way, and then assign blame later…but one thing’s for sure, precipitous withdrawal is not the way to do it.

Merk: “precipitous withdrawal from Iraq leading to more chaos in the region”

Is there any way you can prove that there would be more chaos in the region if we left? And, if the violence IS IN FACT DOWN, then why can’t we leave?

And, the reason to give a stink about the invasion, and do something about it, is to deter future generations from trying to do this exact thing. Remember, these donkeys came from the Nixon administration, which got off scot-free…….

(Merkwurdigliebe)

Coach– I’m equally frustrated with both parties. And the Dems are wrong on just about everything…socialized dmv medicing, precipitous withdrawal from Iraq leading to more chaos in the region, only turning to green as opposed using some sort of a more balanced system between oil and greener tech. Not to mention that all of their grand schemes involve raising taxes in some way. So when the Dem talk about reform of wasteful govt, because it’s swimming in money, then I’ll listen. And the Repubs are just as bad and in many cases, worse.

Iraq: whats your point? You can be against the invasion all you want, but it really doesnt matter a hill of beans at this stage. Unless you have a time machine, nothing changes the fact that we’re still there on the ground. So, I read the drop in violence as a way to exit and un-FUBAR the whole situation, at least to a degree that we maintain some sort of workable status quo for the region. Finding the right way to exit in no way condones the invasion. Finding a way to stay does, which is not what I’m suggesting at all.

Green: I’m all for supplementation. But what good is supplementation if the current technology isnt up to capacity to handle the strain on the grid, that would accompany living in a large urban area. And solar wont work wonders in Seattle, Anchorage, or Helena where sunlight isnt always plentiful. I’m all for using it…once the kinks have been succesfully worked out…theres certainly room for supplementation when technology catches up, which it will. I’m just being realistic…the idealist in me is all for you solutions, in the time frame you allow. However the cynic and the realist in me, as well as history in general, can sum it up nicely…dont hold your breath, at current pace.

Merk, no, I didn’t expect you to roll over and die. UNCLE! But, The Dems are wrong about everything??????? You are kidding, right? Were they wrong about WMD’s? Were they wrong about the connection between Saddam and Al Qaida? Are they wrong about the genocide in Africa? I think it’s time to start looking up the voting records of the republican senators and then come to your own conclusion about who’s keeping us stagnant here in America. McCain the maverick voted 50% party line up until 2006 when the Dems won a majority in Congress. Since then, it’s been 97% party line. The dems compromise, the repubes don’t. Period. So, while I understand your frustration with democrats, although it’s mostly unjustified, it seems you should be as frustrated, if not more frustrated with the republicans. But, you’re not.
As far as parroting republican talking points:

Iraq: You cite violence is down. But it’s still more than before we invaded. So, what’s your point? Is that some kind of justification, which you always seem to do. You may not have been FOR the invasion, but you certainly find many ways to justify it.

Green: I mentioned mandating solar panels on all government buildings, and new homes, and this was your response:
“I just read an article on solar panels, that at present we have excellent ways of gathering solar energy. The problem is storing it, and transferring it to its uses.”
Yes, I agree that solar technology is not ready to completely take over. But, it’s called supplementation. Yet, you go to the extreme and cite reasons to NOT use it. That, my friend, comes straight from the republican playbook. It’s akin to the people who go extreme when you mention electric cars. “What am I supposed to do with my current car??” As if we’re going to go collect all combustible engines and blow up all gas stations.

I will give you credit on the Russian front, though. I noticed you’re all for diplomacy and isolation on this one. Cheers……

Merk,

There are two things ‘wrong’ with your position. Being anti-everything, Libertarian, means you are simply ensuring the status quo. It would be nice to think that a ‘break-away’ party would evolve, but it’s been over 100 years now and all efforts have come to naught.

Better to choose from one of the viable options and work to improve from within. I’ll admit the foolishness to such an endeavor but if enough folks band together, change is possible.

I’ve been a Dem since the 50s. I’ll confess I was ‘lured’ by ideals and personalities. For the last thirty years however, my position has been driven more from distaste and disgust for the Right than for admiration for the Left. The lesser of two weevils?

(Merkwurdigliebe)

Coach– Seriously? I’m not going to take the Dem side on anything, because they’re wrong on just about everything…if I though more govt was a solution, I’d move to Sweden

Where have I defended the invasion? All I’ve ever said is that violence is down, at that it should be viewed as a springboard to withdraw in a fashion that suits our interests in the region. Those on the right use it as a talking point for proving the Iraq War. I see it as a light in the tunnel, a way out. Repubs want to stay unconditionally. Dems want a precipitous withdrawal. I’m for neither.

And just because I take a realist stance on oil and green tech (the problem with solar panel storage must be addressed, no?) doesnt make me an apologist or an oil stooge. Repubs want nothing but oil, Dems nothing but green, and I tend to favor a happy medium of both. I’m all for implementing solar panels. And I’ve stated such before, along will calling for clean coal gasification, more nuclear power, expanded solar, wind and water power capacity, as well as plain old higher efficiency using gas. Yet YOU continue to paint me as some sort of oil obsessed madman…the only area where we really disagree is the timetable to set such a system up…as I’ve said previosly, I’m for measured, gradual change, not status quo

And you’re damn right I blame the Dems. I blame the Repubs as well. They’re two sides of the same corrupt coin. So, I’m not going to take the Dem side, just as I havent taken the Repub side. You may not see the Dems as part of the problem, but anyone with any sense or half a brain does. So to do so would be an affront to my principles of limited, responsible govt and personal responsibility, because really, both parties are just offering their own visions for govt control, via social programs (the dems), or in the name of security (the Repubs). Sorry to disapoint if you were expecting me to roll over and take for the Dem cause…cuz I’m not going to. If that makes me out of step on these boards, so be it…but nothing I’ve said on here brings me close to the values of either party, as they stand now.

I’ve been body surfing and board surfing for most of my life and I can tell you that in general, surfers are very passionate environmentalists. That our future prez loves being in the ocean is a very good thing. This IS relevant to the campaign.
By the way, if you have an untrained eye, Obama is body surfing that wave perfectly.

Jed Clampett

Teh beauty of it is… the real GOD, spirit, whatever you will, forgives everything, here and now as long as the desire for change is true and followed up by action that shows it. You don’t have to wait till your about to die, then it’s too late. You merely have to forgive yourselves and don’t pay atttention to the interference being thrown up by the extras.

PS. Cancer and some other illnesses are caused by the Hertzian waves being carelessly tossed about from everywhere. The planet is electric an these waves, even from satellites, affect it on a molecular level. Tesla tried to protect us, but was shouted out by those who would rather harm us… those who follow the distorted fallacies in the holy books and ignore the righteous messages. The ancientes understood this and rejected that sort of technology outright. They preferred to generate constructive energies, the world was happier and more prosperous then, paradise if you will.
What is at stake is very important, we must protect our homeworld, it is time to awaken and act. If Pakistan can make the effort to remove a bad prez, why can’t this FREE nation?

Jed Clampett

Would love to join you coach. But I left her in Mexico and traded her for apair of eagles wings.

What kind of coward takes a ‘friend’ to mexico and then leaves him stranded there to fend for himself, not knowing if he has any funds to get home with?
One without a soul or a heart that is suffering the ravages of cancer because of the evil he has done. Nature exacts a heavy price on those that do more harm than good.

Oops, that was me. RS ’switched’ names on me and I wasn’t on my toes.

Bad Dennis!! Bad Dennis!!

Sorry Mass.

Hell, the states of Alaska and Hawaii are younger than McClain.

Coach has been going yard of late.

“We’re pompous, pretentious, and behind the times. But, then again, isn’t that the definition of conservatives?”

Great line Coach. Couldn’t have said it better.

Merk, as you know we’ve all gone round and round with you about the war in Iraq, oil addiction, and various government entities. But, you’ll have to excuse us all if we act as though you’re a talking head for the republicans. But, then again, you’ll have to give us the benefit of the doubt on this one, as you HAVE defended the invasion of Iraq, and DON’T seem to be able to get onboard with ANY efforts to get away from oil. Your ever-present excuse is ’small steps’, and yet, you call that realistic.

To cite a recent example that stirs the ire of a lot of people on this blog: It was cited by you that ‘irrefutably’ violence was down in Iraq. That, happens to be a major talking point among all the parrots on the right side of the aisle. Yet, every day we hear of bombs going off in Iraq. You cite solar panels as not having the ’storage capacity’ as an excuse to not use them. Even though they can complement our current system, lessening demand for coal. You blame the democrats as part of all this problem without citing evidence, even though you know (you must know) that the reason nothing can get done with this current congress is due to the ever-present republican filibusters and presidential vetoes.

To call yourself a libertarian is commendable. But, to most of us in here, it’s just a facade. Until you take at least ONE democratic side of an issue, you’ll always be accused of being a republican parrot, right or wrong.

Now, Jed, where’s those bonghits?? I got next!

(Merkwurdigliebe)

Jed– I’ve never defended the invasion of Iraq (at least not for some time…the whold WMD claims had me fooled for a moment in 03-04), and thus are in the right to criticize Russia for doing the same. How am I a warmonger? All of the possible solution’s I’ve offered are to put pressure on Russia without resorting to combat. And, as usual, you have offered no solutions of your own…do you have any suggestions, or do you only know how to b*tch and pick imaginary fights?

Critical Mass– Sorry for being a bit hasty…but it irks me when fluff like this is passed as real/relevant news on the blog. Dont misinterpret my grievences with Obama as a support for the Republicans, as they have the same faults. It may be “cool” that he bodyboards, but its not necessarily a quality I look for in a prez. And I’m no fan of oil…I’m simply a realist who calls from measured change in gradual icliments away from oil…yet are somehow labeled an oil stooge…sure.

and Nationalization of oil is not a solution…it’s failed everywhere its been tried, barring Saudi Arabia. Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Oman, Iran, and other oil producing states all nationalized their oil industries (in accordance with the failed policies of the Washington Consensus)…which subsequently became indebted to govt assistance. They then simply grew into massive, overfunded, cronyist bureaucracies, unable to stand alone on the world market. Nationalizing oil is a quaint idea in theory, but a poor one in practice. Simply enforce the laws governing oil companies and removing their subsidies would do a lot more than nationalization.

Jed Clampett

Me too.

And I’m leaving before they make things harder on us.

Jed, first and foremost I think all politicians should have to wear uniforms like the pit crews in Nascar, Indycar, Formula One, etc…..That way we could see who pays them.

Secondly, we should eliminate everyone from political office who has worked for big oil in any way, shape or fashion.

Thirdly, we should have a nationwide tax evasion. It would be a neo-revolution. Along those same lines, quit putting money into social security and 401k’s, etc….you know, the political cookie jars….

Fourth, install the old greek law that states every two years the PEOPLE get to vote someone out of the Cabinet.

And last, but not least, eliminate the pardon.

But, hey. I’m a tree-hugging, democracy-loving, non-fascist/communist……I guess I’m out of place in this country, huh?

Jed Clampett

makes me wonder where those brave soldiers are that are meant to protect the US from enemies… foreign AND DOMESTIC. I’m waiting for a righteous hit squad to start removing those business elements that have separated themselves from society and reality. making themselves like gods manipulating the lives of their constituents. Perhaps, since no one seems to be doing anything to resolve the issues, perhaps we should start doing what the founding fathers tasked us with. Making sure the ones in power have our best interest at heart… and if not, use the various means of impeachment provided to us in the constitution… or force of arms (god forbid). Heart attacks for the leaders in this mess may be in order. what do you think?

Jed, welcome to America. Land of the hypocrite. Hell, we celebrate the day we supposedly ‘found’ America and then subsequently stole it from the Indians.

We invade a sovereign nation, then villainize Russia for doing the same.

We supply terrorists with capital and arms and ammunition, then villify Iran for doing the same.

We say we need to get off foreign oil, but won’t nationalize our energy sector, therefore making all oil ‘foreign’.

We say we live in a democracy, where the people’s vote counts, but come presidential election time, the people’s vote is the third factor behind the erectoral college and the house of representatives.

We’re pompous, pretentious, and behind the times. But, then again, isn’t that the definition of conservatives?

Meanwhile, icecaps melt, species die off, wars over oil, and white people continue to shoot liberal politicians.

Hey Glieve: All I said was I think it’s cool. I didn’t say it makes him presidential. Take a bonghit and relax a minute. Don’t worry, we’re going to continue to kill Iraqis and then possibly Iranians, and Russians to keep your precious oil flowing. Don’t worry, nothing in congress is going to change the speculation on the world market in commodities. Don’t worry, republicans will keep pointing guns at people, and therefore creating more enemies, which means more conflicts to deal with, and therefore enriching oil and military/industrial complex. Don’t worry, all the things you talk about: wars, oil spikes, mortgage collapes, will continue to happen under republican rule. Don’t worry, the republicans will try something zany, like maybe enticing a war involving russia in order to scare the rest of the country into voting for them again…..
Don’t worry. Be happy. Your oil dominates the world still…..

Jed Clampett

:D

They are upset the guy is so likable, has good ideas, an excellent campaing team and alot of luck… since they already tried to bring down his plane and failed. yea some accident, a slide opened in flight, right after takeoff, I believe that one like I believe the single shooter theory.

Go Barak, show them how a real person enjoys life and the finer things in nature.

It’s interesting to see that the glib is so adamant about Russia invading Georgia to protect it’s oil pipeline. Much like the US invaded Iraq to take possesion of the oil fields. But that doesn’t seem like invasive hegemony when done by the US. It’s merely, ‘protecting our interests’. seems a bit hypocritical, don’t you think.

Glib, if you are such a warmonger, why don’t you have a rifle and a helmet on and making your way to iraq? maybe russia? perhaps china. you could be the lone american that is the catalyst for the next major conflict. You’d get your wish of being famous and making a difference in the world.

PEACE

(Merkwurdigliebe)

Mass– What a load of chit, pardon my french. This country doesnt need “cool.” This country needs strong, decisive leadership, and knowing how to bodyboard doesnt factor into the equation. All the “cool” factor in the world is going to mean zilch when it hits the fan in Pakistan, “cool” is meaningless when oil spikes up again, “cool” is a worthless quality when you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place concernign the economy, “cool” factor is the last thing you’ll need when a terrorist attack occurs, not to mention dealing with the daily decisions of running the world’s hyperpower…Russia invading a sovereign democracy for any reason should be news on that principle alone, reagardless of oil, and that effects the whole world…but hey, hard issues, decisions, and real life big-boy stuff isnt “cool”, right? But hey, that guy sure can bodyboard!

And yes Bush was the “cool” guy. And look what happened…so voting for someone based solely on “cool” factor is a wasted vote and brings up the question of should such people be allowed to vote. Voting is sacrosanct, and people need to start treating it as such, and not a popularity contest between who’s the best looking or coolest, but rather who’s best on the issues

Merkgulierblyimbgrese: Call me crazy, but I think this is completely cool. Russia involved in fights with its bordering countries is ‘old’ news to me. It’s been going on my whole lifetime. And, if it wasn’t for the oil pipelines, what would it have to do with us?

Anyway, seeing a presidential candidate bodysurfing? Well, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Bush, Bush, McCain, etc…have they EVER been able to do it? I know W could bodysurf in a keg of beer, or oil, but, sorry, this is cool. Obama is cool, which is exactly what this country needs..

Remember how Bush got elected, aside from having it stolen for him? He was the cool guy you’d like to have a beer with….

(Merkwurdigliebe)

File this under: completely irrelevant, and in no way, shape or form relative to Obama’s canidacy. Also file under: complete waste of posting space.

Russia’s now making rumblings about Poland…we’ll see how tough the get with a NATO state close to the power centers of Olde Europa…I’m guessing bluster this time, as Poland and the rest of the former Warsaw Pact countries and Eastern Bloc states wont be as easy to knock over as Georgia

Note to Barack;

If you find a tiki in a cave, LEAVE IT THERE!

Trust me. })