As is typical of someone from my generation, I always find myself comparing the present to the past. The United States of 2016 is no doubt split by political ideologies that could not be more further apart. When I think about the different stages of my life, I am unable to recall a time when Americans were so politically polarized. The Red State voter is motivated by a deep resentment for Barack Obama, and the Blue State voter is exhibiting the same kind of emotion for Donald Trump. Personally, I hate this time of year. It seems to be impossible to express oneself politically without offending a friend here and there. Recently my blog posts have been more political, and I also post the occasional news link on Facebook. Each time I post a political blog, I find myself worried about possibly offending friends with different political ideas. I wonder, am I the only one who feels this way? I can think of three friends in particular, one in Washington, one in Tennessee, and one in New York City, for whom I have tremendous respect and admiration. All three work very hard, and have created successful careers and relationships. I don't know how or why we ended up on the opposite end of the political spectrum, but here we are. With Social Media at everyone's fingertips in one form or another, it only takes a few seconds to write a political comment or link an online article. Recently, one of my friends posted his thoughts about Donald Trump, and I agreed with much of his assessment. In totality, though, I did not agree with main thrust of his argument. I wanted to reply, and provide my perspective. Then I remembered, how many times have I written something that rubbed him a bit raw? Probably more times than I would like to admit. Don't get me wrong; none of my friends are thinned-skinned. All three love to laugh and reflect on some of the more absurd daily details of life. The problem is with me. Actually, the problem is with a bunch of folks, not just me.
Lets face it: roughly one-half of the country is conservative and one-half is not. You know just as well as I do that the two separate voting groups are for the most part, cemented to their overall political perspective. Nothing I post in my blog is going to change someone's mind about not voting for Donald Trump, and no amount of reasonable argumentation is going to convince someone in Midland, Texas, to vote for Hillary Clinton. No doubt the recent past was different. During the elections of the 1970's and 80's, the Independent voter accounted for more than ten percent of the electorate. It was possible to sway an undecided voter here and there with a well-argued commentary or speech. You would think that in 2016, if the Independent voter is down to three or four percent, and the rest of the country is evenly split, that the Independent voter would be even more valuable today. I just don't buy it anymore. When Trump spends the next week, screaming himself hoarse before thousands and thousand of supporters, he will not be impacting his final vote tally, and neither will Hillary, campaigning with Elizabeth Warren in Rhode Island one day and Joe Biden in Delaware the next. This election will work itself out in a fashion very similar to 2008 and 2012. The side that motivates its voters to not only get to the polls, but to drag two or three like-minded voters along for the trip, will reap the rewards of victory. The Democrats have run circles around the GOP when it comes to registering and getting people to the polls on election day, so the Republican Party had better be working up a sweat chasing down those unregistered conservative voters. I think that this election will highlight the importance of the precinct workers more than every before. In 2012, a number of odd things accurred in certain respective precincts across the nation. It was nothing that would have impacted the final outcome, but both sides are being very careful to ensure precinct representation.
So why do we keep writing blogs, and linking stories, and watching debates, when we all know that our efforts aren't changing the mind of even one voter? Since I know that turnout and getting voters to the polls will have the real impact on this election, then why did I link that article today on Facebook which trashed Obamacare in Alaska? Can anyone out there who reads my blog (U.S. citizens only, please) honestly say that some random blog post of mine from the last year caused you to reconsider your choice for president? I have been trying to keep my political commentaries and links to a minimum, but inevitably something I read online will nag at me until I offer a rebuttal. The truth is, I like my friends and I don't want them to think that our political differences have the power to put a strain on our friendships. The three individuals of whom I speak are truly amazing people and I am fortunate to know them. I am beginning to consider the possibility that we have become so different in the way we view our nation and how we believe society should evolve, that the time has come to separate. I realize we tried it once before, but I dare say the circumstances are different. Red State and Blue State citizens seem to be so polarized, that maybe we would all get along so much better if we just went our separate ways. Have you looked at the violence that accompanies political rallies today? Its disengenuous to blame Trump; American flags were getting burned and Mexican flags waved long before Donald decide to bully his way into this election. The truth is, we are like an old married couple that have grown apart, and for some reason, sentiment probably, we refuse to even begin the discussion of separation. Here is the reality, folks. Red Staters were not happy with many of the developments of the Obama years, and if Trump wins, I can guarantee you that the Blue Staters will be at least as agitated with some of Trump's actions. Keep in mind, he has already announced his willingness to utilize Executive Action in the same manner as his predecessor. At the end of the day, I hope we can find a way to reach across the divide and not aggravate our friends with opposing viewpoints. Maybe we can get past this election without having to split apart as well. Its possible that an emeny may invade our towns and cities and force us to remember the things that kept us together all these years. God Bless America.
Showing posts with label Tennessee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tennessee. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Saturday, August 8, 2015
The expansion of ISIS and its intended future targets.
Link: A. The expansion of The Islamic State.
B. Hamas aiding ISIS in Sinai?
This blog has regularly taken the opportunity to provide information regarding the recruitment efforts ands expansionist intentions of the extremist group, The Islamic State (ISIS). From out perspective, the United States and its European and Arab allies have not been nearly proactive enough regarding the ISIS' ability to establish itself rapidly in almost any part of the world. In fact, the allies haven't been proactive whatsoever. Until now, that is. We are beginning to see a bit more attention paid to the activities of ISIS, and more importantly, groups that have aligned themselves with the Islamic State. June and July were pivotal months regarding the expansion of ISIS from within the conflict zones of Syria and Iraq, to Egypt, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, Kenya, and possibly even the United States itself. As detailed in our blog posting from July 8 (Link B), ISIS arrived with a bang in Sinai, taking out one Egyptian checkpoint before being dispatched themselves. Although the international press had published occasional stories regarding certain established terrorist groups pledging allegiance to ISIS, it was the attack in Sinai that sounded the alarm. From a strictly military perspective, the attack was a disaster. The ISIS fighters, most of whom were local Palestinian recruits with a few veterans of Syria thrown in for good measure, managed to kill a handful of Egyptian soldiers, but they lost roughly two hundred of their own. We know from a source on the scene that the Egyptian soldiers, especially the ones attacked at the original checkpoint, exhibited tremendous courage and determination. No doubt their ability to keep ISIS from quickly moving through the checkpoint and on to larger targets, saved many lives. In the end, though, the attack achieved its goals. ISIS wanted to announce to the world that the conflict was no longer limited to Syria and Iraq, and also demonstrate its ability to recruit and utilize dedicated supporters was basically unlimited.
Since the early July events in Gaza, ISIS has not conducted anymore high-profile attacks outside Syria and Iraq, at least not of which we are aware. In July, an Islamic extremist gunman opened fire on a U.S. military facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, killing four Marines and a Sailor. Was this deranged young man connected to ISIS? Not according to the U.S. government. He was a frequent visitor to ISIS-friendly websites, message boards and chat rooms, and he recently spent six months in Jordan, which makes the "lone-wolf" declaration by the Obama Administration seem to us to be bizarrely premature and suspiciously political. We suspect that the shooter probably had some contact with ISIS agents while in Jordan, who ratcheted up the hate and anti-infidel message which was spinning in his head when he returned stateside. The most difficult question to answer, is what kind of sleeper-cell network has ISIS, and Al-Qaeda beforehand, developed in North America? From our optic, Al-Qaeda appears to favor the well-planned, highly trained, carefully chosen target, patient approach with regards to its cells, while ISIS seems to have no problem just handing someone a gun or a vehicle full of explosives, and telling them that when the signal comes in, just go out and kill people. Interestingly enough, Bin Laden, Zawahiri and Al-Qaeda loved a carefully planned, well-resourced operation, and al-Baghdadi and ISIS seem to prefer operations that result in the highest casualty list, regardless of cost. In the end, though, all three were definite believers in the power of fear. However the operation comes about, in the end, it must create enough fear in the target communities, to make people consider changing the way they and their families live life.
On a positive note, the new administration in Nigeria seems intent on destroying Boko Haram (BH)once and for all. The terrorist group has basically been on the run for some weeks, as the joint military efforts of Chad, Nigeria, Benin and Cameroon have left BH very little room to maneuver. BH achieved a great deal of attention with its announcement of allegiance to ISIS, but ISIS is smart enough to stay out of northern Nigeria, at least for the moment. The same can't be said for Libya, which seems to become more of a complicated mess everyday. The fact that Libya hasn't already been united under one Islamic extremist banner is a surprise in itself, because it certainly seems destined to happen. But for the time being, the United States and Europe continue to utilize some form of diplomacy to effect positive change, while at the same time, ISIS does its business out in the desert, visiting one isolated community after another, and adding them to the cause. I'm not sure if the current Libyan government sits in Benghazi or Tripoli, or if any government is currently being recognized by the United Nations. But the U.N. and the United States have been aware of the delicate state of affairs in Libya, since long before the Benghazi incident which killed five Americans. You could not plan a more advantageous situation for ISIS, as the people are desperate for someone to institute a bit of law and order, and maybe get the water turned back on. As demonstrated in Iraq, ISIS has learned the art of local government, and is expanding its footprint in Libya by providing communities with some level of organization and relief.
ISIS has also become active in Yemen, but to what degree is still a mystery. ISIS has also established itself in many of the large, urban township communities in central and southern Africa, which has the potential to be an unlimited source of recruits. Has ISIS found its way to the townships of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo? When young people see no future, the color of their skin makes no difference. They will be a captive audience when the ISIS recruiters show up, with stories of glory on the battlefield, the holiness of killing infidels, and the providing of a wife (in this world, and forty additional ones in the next). But one of the most important thing that ISIS can provide is something that the planners at the U.N. and the Pentagon haven't really started to notice: ISIS provides these young people with DIRECTION, a cause, a reason to get up in the morning. One can never overestimate the value of "raison d'etre". If the various governments in Africa are unable to solve endemic problems of unemployment and homelessness, then we should have a good idea from where the next batch of young recruits will originate. Maybe the next Gaza-like statement will be in Pretoria, or Nakuru. One thing is certain: the problem of global youth unemployment will only feed the fire of discontent that continues to provide extremists like ISIS with young people who are willing to die for the cause.
B. Hamas aiding ISIS in Sinai?
This blog has regularly taken the opportunity to provide information regarding the recruitment efforts ands expansionist intentions of the extremist group, The Islamic State (ISIS). From out perspective, the United States and its European and Arab allies have not been nearly proactive enough regarding the ISIS' ability to establish itself rapidly in almost any part of the world. In fact, the allies haven't been proactive whatsoever. Until now, that is. We are beginning to see a bit more attention paid to the activities of ISIS, and more importantly, groups that have aligned themselves with the Islamic State. June and July were pivotal months regarding the expansion of ISIS from within the conflict zones of Syria and Iraq, to Egypt, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, Kenya, and possibly even the United States itself. As detailed in our blog posting from July 8 (Link B), ISIS arrived with a bang in Sinai, taking out one Egyptian checkpoint before being dispatched themselves. Although the international press had published occasional stories regarding certain established terrorist groups pledging allegiance to ISIS, it was the attack in Sinai that sounded the alarm. From a strictly military perspective, the attack was a disaster. The ISIS fighters, most of whom were local Palestinian recruits with a few veterans of Syria thrown in for good measure, managed to kill a handful of Egyptian soldiers, but they lost roughly two hundred of their own. We know from a source on the scene that the Egyptian soldiers, especially the ones attacked at the original checkpoint, exhibited tremendous courage and determination. No doubt their ability to keep ISIS from quickly moving through the checkpoint and on to larger targets, saved many lives. In the end, though, the attack achieved its goals. ISIS wanted to announce to the world that the conflict was no longer limited to Syria and Iraq, and also demonstrate its ability to recruit and utilize dedicated supporters was basically unlimited.
Since the early July events in Gaza, ISIS has not conducted anymore high-profile attacks outside Syria and Iraq, at least not of which we are aware. In July, an Islamic extremist gunman opened fire on a U.S. military facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, killing four Marines and a Sailor. Was this deranged young man connected to ISIS? Not according to the U.S. government. He was a frequent visitor to ISIS-friendly websites, message boards and chat rooms, and he recently spent six months in Jordan, which makes the "lone-wolf" declaration by the Obama Administration seem to us to be bizarrely premature and suspiciously political. We suspect that the shooter probably had some contact with ISIS agents while in Jordan, who ratcheted up the hate and anti-infidel message which was spinning in his head when he returned stateside. The most difficult question to answer, is what kind of sleeper-cell network has ISIS, and Al-Qaeda beforehand, developed in North America? From our optic, Al-Qaeda appears to favor the well-planned, highly trained, carefully chosen target, patient approach with regards to its cells, while ISIS seems to have no problem just handing someone a gun or a vehicle full of explosives, and telling them that when the signal comes in, just go out and kill people. Interestingly enough, Bin Laden, Zawahiri and Al-Qaeda loved a carefully planned, well-resourced operation, and al-Baghdadi and ISIS seem to prefer operations that result in the highest casualty list, regardless of cost. In the end, though, all three were definite believers in the power of fear. However the operation comes about, in the end, it must create enough fear in the target communities, to make people consider changing the way they and their families live life.
On a positive note, the new administration in Nigeria seems intent on destroying Boko Haram (BH)once and for all. The terrorist group has basically been on the run for some weeks, as the joint military efforts of Chad, Nigeria, Benin and Cameroon have left BH very little room to maneuver. BH achieved a great deal of attention with its announcement of allegiance to ISIS, but ISIS is smart enough to stay out of northern Nigeria, at least for the moment. The same can't be said for Libya, which seems to become more of a complicated mess everyday. The fact that Libya hasn't already been united under one Islamic extremist banner is a surprise in itself, because it certainly seems destined to happen. But for the time being, the United States and Europe continue to utilize some form of diplomacy to effect positive change, while at the same time, ISIS does its business out in the desert, visiting one isolated community after another, and adding them to the cause. I'm not sure if the current Libyan government sits in Benghazi or Tripoli, or if any government is currently being recognized by the United Nations. But the U.N. and the United States have been aware of the delicate state of affairs in Libya, since long before the Benghazi incident which killed five Americans. You could not plan a more advantageous situation for ISIS, as the people are desperate for someone to institute a bit of law and order, and maybe get the water turned back on. As demonstrated in Iraq, ISIS has learned the art of local government, and is expanding its footprint in Libya by providing communities with some level of organization and relief.
ISIS has also become active in Yemen, but to what degree is still a mystery. ISIS has also established itself in many of the large, urban township communities in central and southern Africa, which has the potential to be an unlimited source of recruits. Has ISIS found its way to the townships of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo? When young people see no future, the color of their skin makes no difference. They will be a captive audience when the ISIS recruiters show up, with stories of glory on the battlefield, the holiness of killing infidels, and the providing of a wife (in this world, and forty additional ones in the next). But one of the most important thing that ISIS can provide is something that the planners at the U.N. and the Pentagon haven't really started to notice: ISIS provides these young people with DIRECTION, a cause, a reason to get up in the morning. One can never overestimate the value of "raison d'etre". If the various governments in Africa are unable to solve endemic problems of unemployment and homelessness, then we should have a good idea from where the next batch of young recruits will originate. Maybe the next Gaza-like statement will be in Pretoria, or Nakuru. One thing is certain: the problem of global youth unemployment will only feed the fire of discontent that continues to provide extremists like ISIS with young people who are willing to die for the cause.
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