Obama’s quagmire?

The war in Afghanistan is a 9 year war at this point. The war was begun on solid reasons and was executed in a manner that quickly obtained our intended result, expelling the Taliban government and destroying Al-Queada’s ability to function. We then ignored, neglected and squandered our chance at rebuilding a country that has been in a constant state of war and rebellion for 30 years.

The result is a strong Al-Queada, destabilized nuclear Pakistan and increasing death toll of American soldiers. President Obama has been in office less than 12 months but already the Afghan war is “Obama’s War.” I don’t fully support this notion but I do acknowledge that Obama is at a cross roads. Regardless of the immoral dereliction of duty that got us into this situation in the first place President Obama now has the task of fixing it. (None of the dereliction is or was the result of anything our armed forces and those serving did or did not do.)

My question now is how much do we put on Obama? He is the leader who now has to decide to escalate, maintain or stop our engagement in Afghanistan. I use the word escalate because I am not going to play word games by calling it a “surge” in an attempt to avoid any Vietnam comparison, like our last administration so successfully did.

If President Obama decides to escalate the war by increasing troops the only way this can be done is to move troops out of Iraq. I am in favor of us getting out of Iraq because Iraq country is going to fall apart, all we can do is delay the inevitable. The other way to add troops into Afghanistan is to institute a draft. I do not think the public will stand for that? Maybe I am wrong?

From what I have read and learned, simply maintaining the current 45,000 or so troop level only continues the level of neglect and improper allocation of military resources that brought us to the current situation. Ignoring things at this point is not an option because Al-Queada has regained the strength and capabilities it once had.

Stopping the war in Afghanistan is a possibility. The results would be devastating to the people of Afghanistan. Doing so is not something we have not done in the past. We did the same thing after we helped Osama Bin Laden kick out the Soviet Union and when we refused to offer air support to the Kurds and Shiites at the end of the first Iraq war.

My emotional / moral side wants us to do the right thing, my pragmatic side simply wants us to do what is best for our country. Considering I don’t think we are out of the woods with our economic troubles I flinch at the idea of dumping billions, borrowed from China, into a war my grandkids will have to deal with. What do you feel and think?

DD

HEALTHCARE OPTIONS WE NEED

Even though accusing a black man and a Jew of promoting Nazi policies is illogical let alone understandable it has kept the media from explaining the multiple but complicated solutions to our healthcare problems. Considering Republicans think government is unable to do anything right I am amazed they believe the government has the man power let alone ability to set up panels to discuss or push death on old people. To help cut through the clutter here is a list of some healthcare options we need now.

1. Allow “ANYONE” to buy into Medicare just like they would any other insurance option.
This creates a government option that is in place operating and ready to go. No learning curve is needed for doctors or the public. The administrative costs of Medicare are lower than private healthcare so that alone will save millions if not billions in total healthcare dollars spent.
2. Allow Americans to cross state lines to find the best policy.
Increased competition is the heart of a free market so why not let it loose. Insurance companies would be able to cut redundant over head costs. The number of state processing centers and state policy specialists could be trimmed due to national standards, condensing 50 different systems into one.
3. Make it illegal for insurance companies to exclude or disqualify Americans due to “pre-existing conditions.”
This makes insurance companies more focused on maintaining the health of their customers rather than weeding out those who actually need the product they provide. This also assures americans that they will not be denied coverage even after paying premiums.
4. Repeal the law that stopped Medicare from using its sizable buying power to negotiate lower drug prices.
This restriction was passed during the Republican control of congress and demonstrates how Republicans work to undermine the success of government even when they would scream at any hint of doing such in the free market.

Other solutions exist but these are key to creating a system that puts us on par with the rest of the modern world. Let me know your ideas, and more important make sure your elected officials know!!!!

Dale Dunkin

AFGHANISTAN, SHOULD WE STILL BE THERE?

Unlike some military ventures the United States of America has chosen to engage in, the U.S. had clear reason and solid moral ground to invade and occupy the country of Afghanistan. The invasion has now lasted almost 8 years and appears to have no end in sight. Our original objectives have only partially been reached, for a military operation our current objectives are unclear. What path should we as Americans take in Afghanistan? Should we stay, and why?
The Afghan government sheltered if not actively supported the known terrorist organization of Al-Qaeda, which planned and executed the attacks on 9/1 killing just over 2900 people. Very quickly after the attack of September 11th CIA operatives and assets were on the ground building strategic connections with regional warlords and chiefs, often referred to as the Northern Alliance, as well as tracking and militarily engaging Al-Qaeda. The initial objective was to create tactical assets within the Northern Alliance to overthrow the Taliban Government and organization of Al-Qaeda. The other objective was to find capture and or eliminate Osama Bin Laden and other key leaders of Al-Qaeda. The CIA was soon followed by the full capability of the US military. The military employed the strategy of tactical insertion of special forces for short term highly focused attacks on Al-Qaeda. The highly trained special forces after a short time were withdrawn back to the states to prep for starting a war in Iraq. The special forces were replaced by National Guard units. Almost 8 years after the first military operations started in Afghanistan we still have not caught Osama Bin laden and Al-Qaeda is now expanded its influence into the northern tribal areas of Pakistan and controls if not disrupts all but the central capital of Kabul. The ability of Al-Qaeda to directly reach beyond Afghanistan is unclear.
The question I have is what is our goal in Afghanistan? Do we think we can build “democracy” in a country that has been in an almost constant state of war for 30 plus years? Is it our job to establish democracy / nation build around the world? Al-Qaeda is a real threat and if we do nothing they will attack us again if they are not already able to do so now. How long do our kids or grandkids have to be there until the “objective” is achieved?
Rarely do I lack an opinion, but I don’t think we as a nation are not ready nor can we afford the political, social and economic costs required to get the job done in a quick manner.
Tell me what you think. What is your way out of Afghanistan? Help me get off the fence because I hate being so undecided.

Dale Dunkin

My attempt to influence.

The last few weeks as I listen to the talking heads go back and forth discussing the Obama budget I felt a need to do something. Tonight I finally found an outlet. Below is a letter to one of my elected officials. Share with us the letter you sent or want to send or simply comment on my letter.

Question for US.

A lot has happened since my last post, but one question keeps repeating in my mind the last few weeks.  Maybe you have been thinking the same thing? 

What (can / should / must) I do to answer President Obama’s call to serve our communities and country?

As a Mormon we are taught to serve our communities.  We usually do our service through what ever project or need the ward is working on.  We have been asked to do more by leaders other than our new president.  What will you do?  What do you have planned?  Are you excited about the possibility to act in a larger way but don’t know where to start?  That is me.

I want to hear what you plan to do, and advice on what I should do.  How can we get involved to make a real difference?  Let US know.

Good to be back.

Dale Dunkin

Party Above All Else?

Today an interesting insider political process occurred.  Each of the two parties joined separately into a caucus to decide committee appointments and general party organization.  Even though our system of government allows for as many parties as the people can vote in we currently only have two main parties, for discussions sake Democrat and Republican.  Greater attention was paid to these important but procedural caucus meetings this year.  The shift in power from party to party and special events within each party spurred this increased attention. 

The democrats had to decide the “fate” of Joe Lieberman, Connecticut Senator who is technically

CHANGE STARTS WITH YOU!

You have made history.  Barak Obama is going to be your next president.  Barak Obama won because he stood for Change in America. 

Will the excitement you felt when Barak Obama was announced Americas President Elect fade?  Will you watch to see if this historic figure succeeds or fails?  Now is not the time for you to be complacent!!!  You have work to do……..

What will face Barak Obama his first day in office?

Change we can believe in

If you missed Barack Obama’s 30 minute prime-time TV program tonight I recommend you watch it.  

 

Besides a message of hope this is some of what I got from this ad.

Economic rescue plan:

·         Cut taxes for working families making less than $200,000.

·         Tax credit for businesses that keep jobs in US

·         Eliminate credits for businesses that transfer jobs overseas.

·         Low cost loan program to small business.

 

Energy plan:

·         15 billion dollar plan to support alternative energy – including business grants.

·         Programs to speed up US Auto maker’s production of alternative fuel cars.

·         Tax credits for purchasing fuel efficient cars.

·         Tap natural gas reserves in America

 

Children / Education:

·         Funding for early childhood education

·         Increase teacher pay with increased accountability.

·         Tax credit for tuition for those who serve their country. (Peace corp., military etc.)

 

International Issues:

·         Direct diplomacy with all nations to solve strategic regional situations.

·         Go after Al-Qaida in Afghanistan.

Do You Benefit? Part 1

Two economic plans have been intermingled below. My challenge to you, read each point and ask yourself; “Will this help me?” and ”Even if this doesn’t help me is this good for the majority of America?” Try and think about the plans in terms of you and the people you know.  Some will cheat by searching the Internet to find the authors of the points.  Be honest and you might be surprised. 

• A. SUSPEND THE TAX ON UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS. 
• B. ELIMINATE TAXES ON UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS. 
• C. EXTEND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.
• D. LOWER THE TAX RATE ON RETIREMENT FUNDS TO THE LOWEST TAX RATE, 10 PERCENT, ON THE FIRST $50,000 WITHDRAWN.  
• E. ALLOW PEOPLE TO WITHDRAW UP TO 15 PERCENT OF THEIR RETIREMENT FUNDS, TO A MAXIMUM OF $10,000 WITHOUT ANY PENALTY IN 2008-09. 
• F. ORDER THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT TO GUARANTEE 100 PERCENT OF ALL SAVINGS FOR SIX MONTHS.
  
• G. CUT THE TAX RATE ON CAPITAL GAINS IN HALF DOWN TO 7.5 PERCENT FOR TWO YEARS.
• H. A 90-DAY MORATORIUM ON HOME FORECLOSURES AT SOME BANKS. 
• I. A $3,000 TAX CREDIT FOR EACH ADDITIONAL FULL-TIME JOB A BUSINESS CREATES; THE TAX BREAK WOULD END AFTER 2010. 
• J. CUT TAXES OVERALL, REDUCING REVENUES TO BELOW THE LEVELS THAT PREVAILED UNDER RONALD REGAN. (LESS THAN 18.2% OF GDP)
• K. REDUCE TAXES ON THE FIVE LARGEST US OIL COMPANIES BY 3.8 BILLION A YEAR.
• L. MAKE ALL COLLEGE TUITION AT ACCREDITED INSTITUTIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

Tell us which points you agree with.  Part two will tell you who is associated with each point.  You may be surprised, either at who you agree with or who’s plan these points belong to.

Dale Dunkin

Taking on the name of Democrat

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we understand the meaning behind “taking on the name of…”  In fact this concept is familiar to most Christians as well as those of other faiths.  When we take on the name of Christ we dedicate ourselves to the Savior’s eternal atonement,

Republican Base Realizes McCain’s Poor Choice

The climax to a well timed announcement of John McCain’s Vice Presidential pick was followed by a long silence.  The republican base was still warming up to McCain in preparation for McCain’s inevitable republican presidential nomination.  The lead up to his nomination was anything but a resounding rally of support for this maverick.  Mike Huckabee stayed in the republican primary race longer than anyone would have expected, due to continued support from “true conservatives”.  The conservative base liked the idea of a ”true conservative” being on the ticket over a “Maverick.”  Evidence of this is McCain’s poor results in very traditional republican states.  McCain finished 3rd in Montana and Nevada; 6th in Wyoming; even in McCain’s home state of Arizona he only won 48% of the vote.  Forty eight percent was enough to help him win the state, but his home state support pales in comparison to Romney’s 51% and Huckabee’s 60% in their respective home states.  Romney even managed to get 90% of the vote in Utah.  Mormons know how to think as one.  McCain was in the tenuous spot of being the certain republican nominee without really having the republican base behind him.  He needed to gain support any and every place he could.  Choosing the correct VP could do this, maybe. Who could McCain choose?  He can choose a proven Republican Party conservative to lock in his base, someone with the economics knowledge to offset McCain’s self declared lack of knowledge, maybe an experienced person in a key swing states like Florida.  McCain knows that Barak Obama chose Joe Biden, a seasoned senator with years of experience in international and domestic policies, a track record of getting things done and regardless of your political persuasion a recognized political figure of this era.  To match such a pick McCain proves he is a maverick of historic proportions.  John McCain decides to pick an individual who classic conservatives have been describing for weeks as ”… a little too inexperienced for the job since she’s only been governor of Alaska since 2006.“  After one brief meeting with his VP pick he announces her to the world.  Sarah Palin will be the Republican Party Vice Presidential candidate for 2008.