Challenge to Readers IV

Help find the answer to the following question.

I don't know about the readers, but I've had a lot of fun posting a challenge now and then. Today's challenge is about one of my favorite movies; "Three Days of the Condor". The lead actors are Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway and Cliff Robertson. Robert Redford (Turner) plays the part of a CIA employee who is employed to read novels and books from around the world and to simply file reports on the various plots that he encounters. Faye Dunaway is the innocent bystander and Cliff Robertson (Higgins) plays a CIA leadership role.

I've chosen this movie and challenge because I believe it has relevance to our current foreign policy situation (I'll explain in more detail at the end of the challenge). Sometimes, art does mirror reality.

The movie takes place in 1975 and is centered in New York City. To refresh your memory; Turner leaves the office to get lunch for everyone at a local eatery. Upon returning, he finds everyone in his station has been assassinated.

The question is this; What did the Redford character, Turner (code name: Condor) uncover that lead to the elimination by assassination of his entire station in New York City?

Have fun with this. More importantly, go watch the movie again as it has remarkable parallels to the realities of today.

The challenge has ended.

Congratulations! That challenge was solved rather quickly. In the final scene; Condor asks Higgins, "Do we have plans to invade the Middle East?" Higgins replies; "today it's oil, tomorrow it's food." Condor goes to the New York Times with the entire story. Higgins goes on to say; "you have done more damage than you know." Condor responds; "I hope so." The backdrop for a few scenes in the movie is the twin towers. Life does imitate art; I can see Dick Cheney now shuttling back and forth between the White House and CIA Headquarters to gin up an excuse to invade Iraq. Cheney was busy dodging the draft when the movie first came out, but I suppose he saw it and said to himself; "I think I'm going to grow up and do that some day." He did; and a lot of Americans and Iraqis are dead because of his evil.

tomtoak

Wisdom From the Woods VI

Wisdom from the Woods is an occasional column that outlines complex issues.

Today's picture is a look at Mount Washington in New Hampshire from the Great Gulf Wilderness. The Great Gulf trail is one of the most rugged trails on the east coast. Many lives have been lost along this trail as the weather on Mount Washington can change in a matter of minutes. I've enjoyed climbing this ridge many times, but there were an equal number of times that I was denied the summit because of deteriorating conditions.

This picture and the harshness of the environment which it represents serves as metaphor for our dilemma in Iraq. I remember one time making the ascent towards the summit and my friends and I were enjoying 60 degree weather and blue skies. Half way up the ridge, the weather turned; clouds moved in and the temperature dropped over 30 degrees. The wind accelerated to over 30 miles an hour and a light mist started falling. A sheet of ice developed on every surface. We felt trapped because we all risked serious injury trying to climb down the rocks. We all made it down to the tree line safely and back to our camp. To this day I feel that there was a lot of luck involved.

Seems like every day in Iraq situations can "turn on a dime" like the weather in the Great Gulf. The people of Iraq have been fighting each other and their neighbors for over 1000 years. Nothing the United States can do will change that. There will be peace one day and turmoil the next.

When conservatives scoff at Barack Obama because he has stated his intentions do deal with our enemies in the region, I get perplexed. Obama is only following an outline that was first proposed by the Iraq Study Group that was assembled during the Bush administration. The Iraq Study group, comprised of 5 Republicans and 5 Democrats (lead by Republican James A. Baker III and Democrat, Lee H. Hamilton) made the following recommendation:

"Recommendation 9: Under the aegis of the New Diplomatic Offensive and the Support Group, the United States should engage directly with Iran and Syria in order to try to obtain their commitment to constructive policies toward Iraq and other regional issues. In engaging Syria and Iran, the United States should consider incentives, as well as disincentives, in seeking constructive results."

The Bush administration gave no credence to the Iraq Study Group and largely ignored the report. I believe that Obama is taking cautioned steps forward in this regard; but just like the Great Gulf Wilderness, trouble most likely lies ahead and can appear seemingly out of nowhere. If the litmus test for success in Iraq is the end of all violence, we will be there for the next 1000 years. Why don't we just say "we won the war"? It's over!

tomtoak

Why the Decision on Iraq was Wrong!

Lincoln Chafee stood tall when it came to a vote in Congress on the U.S. involvement in Iraq. He was a Republican Senator, and he had severe reservations about the intelligence presented by the Bush administration. Why did Lincoln Chafee doubt the administration and why did he take the principled stand to oppose the war in Iraq?

I can't speak for Lincoln Chafee, but I think that the same things that were going through my head went through Linc's head. Let's take a look at some key points.

I was 12 years old during the Cuban Missile Crisis; I think that Linc was near to my age. We all feared the possibility of nuclear war with the Soviet Union. This was a gut wrenching time in American history. We stayed glued to our TV sets and watched transfixed as Adlai Stevenson presented the United States case before the United Nations. Stevenson presented irrefutable evidence of Soviet missiles being placed in Cuba, a country just 90 miles from the United States (the video does not show the entire United Nations episode). The evidence was compelling. There were pictures of missiles, silos under construction, and Soviet ships delivering the cargo at Cuban ports. Nobody could deny the reality of the situation.

Some 40 years later; Colin Powell makes a similar presentation to the United Nations regarding weapons of mass destruction in a far away place, Iraq. The presentation was weak and was based on intercepted conversations that the intelligent listener had to question. There was no visible evidence accept a picture of a truck that later proved to be an agricultural vehicle.

I sat and watched the Powell presentation before the United Nations and asked myself; How the hell could 40 year old technology used in 1962 be superior to the technology available today? We can actually read license plates on automobiles from space based satellites; and, all we get is an agricultural truck? In 1962, we had pictures of airfields, excavations, ships, missiles and ground personal working to employee missiles; and 40 years later with much improved technology , we get a milk truck?

Eventually, we find out that Colin Powell was mislead on the claim of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Powell goes on to say that we should never have invaded Iraq. Powell resigns from the Bush administration and eventually endorses, Barack Obama as the next President.

I think that a reasoned person that had the opportunity to live the United Nation's moments surrounding the Cuban Missile crisis should not have been fooled by the presentation by our government on Iraq. Powell's presentation before the world was pathetic in hindsight. Powell himself agrees. Those that are too young to have first hand knowledge of the Cuban Missile crisis should view the linked videos. Those of you that watched Adlai Stevenson in 1962 and then watched Colin Powell 40 years later; and did not question the believability of the Iraq threat, should be ashamed of yourselves.

tomtoak

Lincoln Chafee for Governor of Rhode Island

I want to be among the first to endorse former Senator Lincoln Chafee for governor in 2010. I know; this is awfully early and Chafee has not formally announced his intentions. Today, Chafee did say that he will spend the next months laying the groundwork for a potential Independent campaign for governor. I want to give a few reasons why I think he can be successful.

First and foremost; Lincoln Chafee has always followed his own heart and mind. Nobody controls Lincoln Chafee. To me he has been a true "profile in courage". I must admit though, I did not always vote for him. Lincoln always had my vote until his last senatorial election, when through no fault of his own, circumstances got in the way. I owe Lincoln Chafee; big time! The election of 2006 was the hardest decision I ever had to make in a voting booth. At stake was control of the U.S. Senate following the many years of Republican leadership that tarnished the Nation. I felt ill voting against Linc. This is something I'll always remember; control of the Senate rested upon the shoulders of Rhode Island voters. I made a promise that day to myself; if given a chance to make it right, I would offer my support.

Lincoln Chafee always seemed to take reasoned pathways through politics. He never stuck to ideology when reason took him in an opposite direction. He stood tall when the country was facing the blunder that would become Iraq. He not only stood tall, he stood alone at times and faced the snickering response of his fellow Republicans. Lincoln Chafee was right, the snickering hoards were wrong!

I remember Linc being interviewed on national TV following the vote on Iraq in the Senate. He was standing on the Capitol steps and he simply stated; what if we're wrong? What if there are no weapons of mass destruction? He argued that the evidence presented was thin (more on this in tomorrow's post). He argued that we would lose stature throughout the world. He was right. Thank you Lincoln Chafee for not following the crowd.

Another important point that is seldom discussed but needs to be part of the debate on our Iraq decision; the Constitution only gives the U.S. Congress the power to declare war. Legislators that voted to give away their constitutional authority to one man, President Bush, did not live by their oath of office. The Congress simply authorized Bush to make the decision. Every legislator that voted to empower Bush in this way should have been impeached for breaking their oath. I'm including John Kerry, Hillary Clinton and every other congressperson charged with protecting our freedoms. Some of these folks took away our freedom with their vote on that painful day. Linc Chafee voted to protect our freedom.

Following Linc's defeat, he wrote an incredibly powerful book that all progressives should read. The book; "Against the Tide - How a Compliant Congress Empowered a Reckless President" is one book that you just can't put down. I must admit though; my 87 year old mother was so upset when I gave it to her to read, she stopped half way through and returned it. She said she was losing sleep over it. There's no meanness in the book; there is only statement of fact and discussion of experiences that make you seriously question the leadership of the entire Bush administration.

Good luck Linc while you make your decision. You have my vote.

tomtoak

To Honor a Hero

I was all set to selfishly pontificate about some issue on my blog today when reality hit me square in the face. Today on CNN, a story close to my heart appeared out of nowhere. I got a call 15 minutes before it aired and I luckily had just arrived home in time to view it. The picture is of Marine Corps Major John Ruocco; he was my friend, and he died a hero.

I've thought of writing about this for some time, but it just didn't feel right. With the story that aired today on national television, there could be no better time. Truth be known, I've kept this image in my picture directory at the top of the page on my computer since the spring of 2005. By doing this, I can be sure to view it every time I travel to that file.

John is the younger brother of the man who served as the; "best man", at my wedding. John's brother, Joe and I did everything together as kids. My wife and I just went to dinner with Joe and his wife, Helen last week and had a great time. I don't think I've ever seen, in my experience, two brothers that were closer than John and Joe. These brothers were years apart, but connected in every way. John naming his first son; Joey, is testament to that fact.

I never had a brother and I always felt that the Ruocco's were my brothers. While Joe and Nick were near to my age, Neil and John were much younger. Even with the age difference, our families were always together. Hunting, fishing, baseball, football, basketball, water skiing and working together is how we grew up. Heck; we even got into trouble on occasions, Joe and Nick broke my wrist one time by accident while we were wrestling. I got even and beaned Joe with a rock on the back of the head, by accident. We all survived until John was taken from us following a tour in Iraq.

Each of the brothers became very successful fulfilling their own dreams. Their parents, Nick and Mary, have been an integral part of my life since I was 7 years old. They not only supported their own children in their careers, they supported me in my career. John made a decision to enter the military and defend his country. He didn't have to enter the military, the draft was behind us. I faced the draft and was 1A my last 2 years of college, but I always joked that this was the only lottery I ever won. John was never looking for a way out and gave his life to his country; and for that, I am eternally grateful.

For those that may doubt the reality of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, get an education. Veterans deserve our full attention and understanding. For families that have suffered the loss of a loved one that may be related to Post Traumatic Stress, there is a great organization called "TAPS" (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) that is there to help.

To view the CNN broadcast regarding the heroism of Major John Ruocco and his family (click here).

Thank you John. Thanks to all of the veterans that have sacrificed to make us safe.

tomtoak

Wisdom from the Woods IV

Wisdom from the Woods is an occasional column that outlines a complex issue.



Today's view of the ledge was actually taken at dawn on the day before the vernal equinox. Readers should be aware that they can click any picture in the column and you'll get incredible resolution. You can get a good look at the Moon in the morning.

During my walk in the woods today, I began thinking about the extremely problematic situation of dealing with Pakistan and Afghanistan. Foreign policy issues today are so complex, it's like reaching into a burlap sack full of rattlesnakes; you know you have to come out with something, but you also know you'll most likely get bitten. Barack Obama is faced with the same problems as George Bush, but the traction lost during the Bush years in the search for Osama bin Laden is unforgivable. The great distraction of Iraq was an extreme case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The most notorious person on the planet was not in Iraq or even close to Iraq. Our Nation's excursion to Iraq was the largest foreign policy blunder in the history of this country. This is not just me saying this; people throughout government and the military that are a lot smarter than I am feel the same way.

Obama is now faced with the possibility of extended war along the Afghanistan border with Pakistan. He needs to be very concerned of involving us in another prolonged conflict with no end in sight. Hopefully, he can find the balance, capture bin Laden and get the hell out of there before he gets bitten.

It seems to me that the cooperation of Pakistan is the real key to success here. Of late, Obama is getting some increased cooperation from leaders in both countries; however, Pakistan still seems to be reluctant to go all out to capture the principals in the al Qaeda network. What other tools might Obama have if Pakistan doesn't pass the cooperation test?

I certainly hope that this never happens because I am talking about 2 nuclear powers here; but, I do feel that the United States could threaten to increase military support of India by providing selected advanced technologies. Pakistan, being a mortal enemy of India could not tolerate this. The trade off here would be to apply the pressure on Pakistan to deliver Osama bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri and other top al Qaeda operatives to the United States. Once the al Qaeda network is dismantled, there could be great rewards for Pakistan and an assurance of equality in military technology between the 2 nations.

I know; its the old carrot and the stick, and we're all tired of the United States using the stick. None the less; Pakistan needs to be able to control this extremist movement within it's borders. Any step the U.S. could take to accelerate that cooperation could lessen the time we have to be present in the region. We all know that Pakistan needs to take giant steps to eliminate the extremist within it's borders or it won't be long before these wackos have their fingers on a nuclear button.

tomtoak