Songs In My Head

River

Joni Mitchell

I'm In Love!

Grayson done found me not one, but TWO perfect women!

Be still my heart. I done got the vapors!

UPDATE: AH MAH GAWD! They have a theme song! Evil beta Blogger won't let me post video's any more so follow this link. I think it's destiny that I move to Utah, join one of the crazy Mormon communes and marry em both!

Jay Bookman, ISG and Me

Jay Bookman is currently holding a live Q&A session on AJC.com.

I submitted the following:

Jay, one recommendation that is not getting much play in the press is number 16 which requires Israel to cede the Golan Heights to Syria in exchange for a secure peace agreement. In a document full of hail mary’s this seems to me to the longest ball. What do you think of the chances of Israel agreeing to this recommendation?

Jay's response:

To Griftdrift: Actually, if that occurred in the context of a larger peace agreement, as the ISG report envisions, I think Israel would indeed go along with returning the Golan to Syria sovereignty, if not to Syrian military control. Israel would have to be guaranteed that the strategically critical Golan Heights would not be militarized by Syria. In the ISG report, as I recall, they put conditions on the return, such as stationing of international or even US troops in the Golan as a guarantee for Israel. It’s still a longshot, but so is every hope for peace in that region. - Jay

Which leads me to my real point. How the hell does Jim Wooten have a so called "blog" and Jay doesn't?

Press Conferences and Linda McCartney

Watching Tony Blair and President Bush speak on the same dais, I am reminded of the infamous Linda McCartney tape. You know the one. Where the board operator pulled down all the channels so you mostly heard Linda's off-key warbling on "Hey Jude".

Most giggled and so did I. But I was also struck by the fact you could still faintly hear Paul singing. It drove home the point that you don't really appreciate a good singer until they are put side by side with a bad singer.

So about Tony and George speaking side by side...

A Question For English Only Proponents

Now that a Georgia county, yes county, has made English its official language and a state legislator has proposed law to require all state documents printed only in English, I am reminded of an exchange I had years ago with a co-worker.

Co-worker: Why can't these people just learn the damned language.

griftdrift: So I take it that in the year 2080 when Hispanics become the majority you will be okay with Spanish being the official language and you being forced to learn it?

Co-worker: *silence*

Kos Is Steve Spurrier

Steve Spurrier enjoyed running up the score. Simply winning was never enough. He felt the need to crush his opponent until there was no doubt that his way was the right way.

In politics moving the argument to your side is generally considered a victory. It may only be by a touchdown but usually that is enough. A desire to run up the score is usually seen for what it is. Hubris amounting to nothing positive.

Kos is Steve Spurrier.

I can't stand Steve Spurrier.

The Baker Report: To The Left, So What?

The reaction of the left to the ISG report is a bit baffling. Many see it as face saving for a failed administration. Many more see it as too little too late. Many just see through a prism that is found more frequently on the left these days. If it doesn't cover everything we determine is important, it's just not good enough.

A few items in the report where the left should agree.

• Iraq is a disaster
• The primary cause is sectarian violence, not al-Qaida
• Current policy is not working and should be changed
• Troops should be withdrawn
• Resources should be redirected to Afghanistan

Given there are so many points of view advocated by the left explicity stated in this report, its a bit shocking to see it roundly denegrated.

It is true many of the findings of the report have been known for years. Some of them espoused on this very blog. Frustration that no one listens until a blue ribbon commission comes along to give blessing is understandable. But instead of pooh-poohing the politics of the situation, the left should be celebrating the fact that it was likely the continued pressure for realistic assessments that led us to this point.

It is tragic every time a soldier dies. 10 more died in Iraq today. But the fact is any tactician will tell you withdrawal in the face of enemy forces is the most dangerous maneuver. It is delicate and it is time consuming. Immediate and absolute withdrawal might prevent deaths in the present but possibly would defer those deaths to the future as one of any horrific scenarios comes to fruition in the rapid vacuum we would leave. We had our chance at rapid withdrawal years ago and for not taking that opportunity the Bush administration should be held accountable. In the present, however, its simply no longer a reasonable option.

The troops are coming home. Not as fast as some of you may like, but they are coming home.

If it takes the blessing of some "grand old men" (and one woman) to get our boys and girls home as soon as possible, so what?

The Baker Report: To The Right, So What?

As expected, much is being made in right wing circles on the ISG recommending negotiations with Syria and Iran. Convenient cherry picking is the sport of the day. While quick to point out that Iran hates our guts and Syria hates practically everything it touches, many right voices ignore the reports recommendations for serious concessions from both nations.

In order to get the Golan Heights back Syria not only has to follow a complete hands off policy towards Lebanon but must also take a pro-active role in recognition of Israel throughout the region.

Yes, Iran gets to keep its nuclear program but must submit to stringent international oversight via the U.N.

As Jim Baker has pointed out over and over again, for over 40 years we still continued to talk to the Soviet Union even as they preened on their hollow horse screaming threats of crushing the west. Even your hero Reagan did.

What else do you offer? Another flavor of the same disastrous policy you advocated? A policy which has brought us to this point?

If talking to our worst enemies is required to fix this horrific mess, so what?

The Baker Report: The Reaction

Reaction in the blogosphere is interesting.

The left doesn't like it because there's no outright criticism of Bush and no ponies.

The right doesn't like it because it suggests we talk to the evils.

Hmmmmm. Both sides hate it. Usually a hopeful sign.

Georgia Political Podcast Ep. 8

For all those interested in Georgia Politics, you should definitely take a listen.

Download the Georgia Political Podcast.

I was actually sitting in the background watching the action, swilling beer and making faces. Georgia Gang ain't got nothing on these guys.

The Baker Report: Tough Pill To Swallow

As I continue to read the report, I am continually struck by its freshness and frankness. However, on occasion I cross a section that gives pause and makes me wonder if this is possible.

Much will be made of the reports recommendation to engage Iran and Syria. So far the focus has been on Iran and eventually the pundits will pounce on the recommendation for the U.N. to continue as the point in negotiations regarding Iran's Nuclear program. Lost in the chatter may be the report's recommendation regarding the Golan Heights.

Recommendation 15 lists concessions required by Syria.

• Adherence to U.N. resolutions regarding territory sovereign to Lebanon
• Cooperate with investigations into political assassinations in the region
• Cessation of aid to Hezbollah
• Influence Hezbollah and Hamas to return Israeli prisoners
• Cessation of undermining the elected goverment of Lebanon
• Cessation of arms shipments through Syria to Hamas
• Assist in influencing Hamas to recognize Israel

A difficult hill to climb, but with real diplomacy between Washington and Damascus, not impossible.

As I read Syria's required concessions, I wondered what Israel would be required to concede.

Recommendation 16:

• In exchange for these actions and in the context of a full and secure peace agreement, the Israeli's should return the Golan Heights, with U.S. security guarantee for Israel that could include an international force on the border, including U.S. troops if requested by both parties.

Uh oh. Here lies the item that may vex the whole deal.

In the current geo-political world, the West Bank and Gaza dominate Israeli security issues. In a traditional military sense, the Golan Heights are more important.

The Heights dominate the Galilee region of the Jordan Valley. Prior to the 1967 war, Syria used the geographical advantage to lob artillery and rockets into Israeli positions. An army that controls the Heights controls the region.

The Golan is a maze of ridges and boulder strewn hills. It provides a natural fortress for any occupying force. In the 67 war, a significant portion of the Israeli casualties occured in the bloody battles of the Golan.

It is worthy to note that in the following 40 years while the other territories acquired by Israel in the Six Day War, the Sinai, the West Bank and Gaza, were all reoccupied by Arab nations, the Golan Heights have never been seriously discussed.

For the Israeli military and body politic to give up such a vital region to such a bitter enemy may be the toughest pill to swallow.

The Baker Report: Quote Of The Day

The report addresses one area of the chaos that has largely been ignored by the Western press. Criminals. Many "insurgents" are active criminal enterprises taking advantage of the lawlessness.

As one knowledgeable American official put it, "If there were foreign forces were in New Jersey, Tony Soprano would be an insurgency leader."

More evidence that we are now and for some time have been involved in a police action. The melange of enemies in Iraq have created a situation that no longer involves counter-terrorism but security. Although our combat forces are incredibly skilled, we do not use them to root out the mob. It's simply not what they are designed to do.

The Baker Report: The Whole Thing

You can download the entire report here.

Guess I will be doing a little more than watching the UEFA Champions League this afternoon.

The Baker Report: Three Main Recommendations

Lee Hamilton and James Baker on CNN state the group has three primary recommendations. (Note:These are not exact quotes but as close as I could transcribe)

1. Change in primary mission of US forces that will enable the US to move forces out of Iraq responsibly..should evolve to support of Iraqi army which would take over combat operations. U.S. combat forces could then begin to move out. All combat brigades out by first quarter 2008.

2. Prompt action by Iraqi govt to achieve milestones partifuclarly on national reconciliation..if the Iraqi government fails to make progress towards milestones, the U.S. should begin removing political, economic and military support.

3. New, enhanced diplomatic efforts in Iraq and the region..the US should work with the government of Iraq to create an international support group which should include Iran, Syria, the Gulf States, Egypt and the U.N. perm five Security Council members.

There's little here that has not already been leaked but I am struck by the reach of the recommendations and the strength of the language. Both Baker and Hamilton give the impression they are throwing a lifeline to a drowning man. The question is will Bush grab the rope?

The Baker Report: A Prediction

The full report is scheduled to be released at any time. Details are already leaking out.

Here is a sentence I predict will be latched onto by the administration and right wing outlets.

Violence is increasing in scope and lethality. It is fed by a Sunni Arab insurgency, Shiite militias, death squads, al-Qaida and widespread criminality.

Here is the sentence immediately following that I predict those entities will ignore.

Sectarian conflict is the principal challenge to stability.

Not al-Qaida. Yes, they are there. No one doubts this fact. But only the delusional believe they are the primary cause of the death spiral in Iraq. Here's hope that my prediction is wrong. But we all know it won't be.

We're Gonna Need A Tote Board

NY George Pataki is "visiting" Iowa and New Hampshire.

I've completely lost count of how many people are exploring an 08 run. Hell, there's four just from New York!

It's going to be completely insane but a lot of fun.

Revisionist History

I really hate it when jackasses start effing with history to suit a political agenda.

U.S. forces, under the United Nations flag, fought gallantly to beat back a Communist Chinese invasion of South Korea. But the U.S. stopped short of invading North Korea and accepted the standoff at the 38th parallel that still divides the two countries to this day. Acceptance of the Communist tyranny in North Korea set up the situation that exists today...

Conveniently excluded from Joseph Farah's whine is the fact that the U.S. did invade north of the 38th parallel all the way to the Yalu River. At that point about a million Chinese crossed the border pushing the U.N. forces back the 38th parallel. Stalemate not unlike WWI's western front ensued.

But in Farah's mind, if we had just tried a little harder, all would be better in the world.

It's important to remember when certain people rattle the saber and question the will of the American people they also usually ignore critical facts regarding the tactical situation. This same type of thinking poured our men and women into a desert nation without adequate re-inforcements, adequate gear and an adequate objective. Instead they were given fantasies of being greeted with roses and hosannas.

Yet, these people also have the gall to call people who question this insanity as unpatriotic.

Songs In My Head

Sunday Morning Coming Down

Sign Me Up Baby

NASA plans a moon camp.

Fly me to the moon

And let me play among the stars.

Quote Of The Day

Doug Monroe on the demise of Buckhead.

Previously, it was a nightclub district where people could get drunk and killed.

So they are tearing down the nightclubs and putting up yet another "mixed use" development? And the rest of ITP-land sighs a quiet meh. Buckhead was lost years ago and frankly for those of who have topped 30 the loss was akin to shedding yet another layer of dead skin.

I only half kid. For years there has been a quiet war involving the city, the bars and the residents. It escalated to the point where the city Liquor Licensing Board began using it's near unfettered power to strong arm bars into behaving. Given, as Doug points out, that Buckhead had become a liquor laced O.K. Corral, the move by the city might have been warranted. Unfortunately for the rest of us, the LLB and City Council, apparently drunk with power, began using the same tactics on Virginia Highlands, Little Five Points and some notable gay bars.

The war in Buckhead bled into other entertainment districts who had no connection to the high dollar mayhem just to the north. It created a distinctly unfriendly environment for tavern owners in the city; ultimately causing some to vow to never to open another business in the city limits.

So they are going to raze Buckhead and put up a billion Bed, Bath and Beyonds? If that gets the city off the backs of the less murderously inclined venues, then selah.

P.S. Soda fountains, Doug? Dude.