News Goffer

Tough question.

I sorta answered this in another blog.  My personal opinion... and I repeat... MY personal feeling is that we (the US) need to stay as neutral as possible.  I value Israel as an ally, I don't think I've been very shy about my support of Israel, but I'm tired of being her nursemaid.  Or worse, her partner in crime.  I don't care about Palestine and Israel's issues per se.  I don't care about Israel and Iran... or Syria and Israel.  I am primarily concerned with the shit going on HERE.  I would not support Israel if she attacks Iran without cause.  I wouldn't lift a finger to help, assuming Obama makes clear his displeasure before hand.  If she wants to tangle with the big boys, let her do her thing.  If, however, Iran attacked Isreal for no cause, I would consider our fight.  I hope I don't offend ANYONE with my personal views.  All I want to do is be friendly with everyone... make love, not war. 

Marge.. I guess it's hard for me to be impartial.  I do like Hillary.  She's one of the brightest woman I've ever seen... with a passion and dedication that I admire.  Does NOT necessarily mean I agree with all her views... nor all her actions.  But I admire her tremendously.  It's for sure gonna chap Bill's butt knowing he's not even 2nd banana.  But a little humility will do him good.  He's got an awful lot to offer as well. 

I guess it's good to have differing opinions

This might be a good thing. I still don't like her, but she probably has some insight and experience that will be helpful. Maybe Bill Richardson can be the second term SOS???

It's not good to have yes men all around you. Good for him. Last time I doubted Obama, I was given a rude awakening. Also, she'll still be under his thumb, so it's safe! 

Hillary Clinton plans to

Hillary Clinton plans to accept the job of secretary of state offered by Barack Obama, who is reaching out to former rivals to build a broad coalition administration, the Guardian has learned.

//www.guardian.co.uk/...

AW: Agreed. If Iran attacks Israel with nuclear weapons, should the US sit idly by and do nothing??

If you would read or listen to the exchange again,

You would know that she said "could" not WOULD.  And it was an answer to a direct question of what she would do if Iran attacks Isreal.  I'm not supporting her position necessarily but simply pointing out the TRUTH.  Please don't take words out of context simply to bolster your own argument.  I still can't get over everyone's insistence to point out differences between Hillary and Obama DURING their campaign.  It was no worse...no better... than anyone else.  Republican or Democrat.  They ALL said disparaging things about their opponents.  That's getting a little old.  I might go back and check out what Richardson said.  He sure wasn't standing there going "vote for Obama... he's better than me!"

I totally agree with you David ET about the need for change.  But it's also a fact that some of the old timers CAN contribute to the Obama administration.  Let's not cut off our nose to spit our face!
 
Come on.. eough with the personal attacks.  You want to start talking morals again?  It's a lose-lose situation. 
 

For God's Sake, NOT Hillary

Hopefully, the speculation surrounding this shrew's possible appointment is nothing more than a smokescreen to throw off the pack of wolves in the media.

Bill Richardson has genuine diplomatic experience, having been assigned to the UN as an ambassador, plus having earned a Master's degree in international affairs from Tufts. (Not too shabby). As a former Secretary of Energy, that also lends credibiity when it comes to dealing with oil producing nations. The man has made diplomacy his career.

Hillary Clinton's greatest achievement? Being on the Board of Directors for Wal-Mart. 

Oh, and she can say "obliterate".

Is sharing your husband with an endless list of skanks considered an act of diplomacy? I know they say "charity begins at home", but........

Throughout the campaign, Barack Obama's misson statement has been "Change". So, it's puzzling (and troubling) that so many of the names that are being considered for Cabinet positions and other posts are people with very close ties to the Clinton administration. Not that they were all bad. They weren't. I think people like Bill Richardson or Madeline Albright, and maybe Donna Shalala would be good choices because they aren't polarizing figures. But if you're trying to create the perception of change, this isn't what I think what the bulk of voters had in mind. Not even the die hard Democrats.

If it happens, it doesn't make much sense

Tonight Obama said he will have at least one republican in his cabinet. What a pimp!!! I love this guy. Also, Hillary won't even do this for more than 1 term. I don't see why she would do this and give up her senate seat. Anyway, she has so much money abroad along with hubby that it's a major problem.... especially in Emirates!

Chuck Hagel

He should elevt Chuck Hagel, to counter Ralph Emanuel, when it comes to Iran. Having Hagel and Biden around the table at once while discussing Iran would comfort me much more than having old Biden sitting there alone confronting Clinton the oblitirator and Emanuel the pro Iraq war ziocon.

Too Early to Speculate ...

I think it is too early to speculate on what will be the US's policy towards Iran. This announcement however is not innocent either. If Clinton is named secretary of State which I agree is not the most astute choice, it is however an interesting information on three levels in my opinion.

First to the McCain/Clinton Constituency both those who voted for Obama ( that is the original supporters of Clinton) and to the more conservative Americans that Obama does take into account that the issue of Iran's nuclear ambitions are not taken for granted.

Second: Assurance to the Israelis that they will not be let alone

Third: A warning to the Russians that this new Administration will be open to dialogue but won't be naive in its foreign policy as was for instance the Carter Administration.

On the otherhand I believe that the US policy in regard to IRan will not be clear before the Iranian Election in late 2009. That leaves a great deal of uncertainty for the next administration in defining a clear stance on Iran in a bid that the next President will be a more moderate Khatami Like President and not the current Far Right Ahmadinajad.

The urgent matter in Foreign Policy for the US will be focused and shaped by its new relation with Russia, particularly because of the Arms Race between NATO and the Russian Defense corridor Medvedev and Putin are trying to implant in Eastern Europe. It is a milder Cold War race than the one that opposed the USSR and the USA but it is an element of rivalry and in someways  the future of IRan's nucleare program may well be solved or complicated based on how the Russians and the Americans will choose to cooperate or not. On the otherhand the Israelis behaviour towards Iran can only be moderated if they are reassured that Iran will curb its ambitions or if Iran's leadership sends more positive signals towards Israel. The latter condition would only be possible with a more moderate president in Iran than is the case today but that is still months away.

Many things can happen till then. That is why it is all the more urgent and also an oppurtunity for the Iranian Civil Society to express itself and show that it exists independantly of the Iranian leadership and their short or long term interests.

It is vital for the Diaspora in touch with the civil movement in Iran to collaborate and find common ground to boost the demands on Human Rights and more Freedom in Iranian Society.  

soon we'll know

Obama's policies will soon be more clear once he announces his cabinet. If he chooses Hillary Clinton as secretary of state , that would be a disaster and a sell out by Obama versus what he promised. 

Hillary is the one who ridiculed Obama's idea of direct talk with Iran and threatened Iran with Obliteration.Obama is already elected, he owes nothing to Hillary who threw every piece of dirt at him with her Kitchen sink strategy.

Obama should believe and rely on the PEOPLE , who brought him to power
and not the same old status quo Washinton politicians who blocked him
every step of the way,

Bill Richardson would be a good , humble choice for the secretary of
state vesus Hillary's controversial, two faced, egotistic , self serving, shallow, abrasive and moody attitude!!