Letters to the Editor
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I agree with James Galbraith & Thomas C with one caveat
My main problem with McNamara is not the way he followed Johnson and his administration into the war with an eye on preventing a World War from breaking out. The biggest problem I have with Mac is the fact that in his memoir, he does not go far enough. He either refuses to admit, or refuses to recognize that the war was a primary result of and reason for JFK's assassination. Further, he provides a parachute of honor to those responsible for hoodwinking the nation into supporting that war. There never was any "honor" in pursuing it (though there might have been in planning it in the context of preventing its spread). The combination of extreme greed, racism, unconscionable willingness to kill, destroy, and maim in pursuit of profit and power, and a passive and compliant press resulted in that catastrophe. Protection of those responsible, and failure to utilize his own access to the press to fully disclose these facts prevented us from a full understanding of the lessons to be learned. Hence, we find ourselves in the exact same situation again, only worse.
One measure of how much worse is the fact that the cheerleaders for this disaster continue to seek the spotlight and pound their chests with no sense of shame or even reflection.
So yes, I do think the comparison is unfair to Mac. But it is useful nonetheless.
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Hey, Mike?
* Support for the surge in 2006/2007/2008: correct.
Grading my own homework, I give myself a score of 7 out of 10. Whether that is a good or bad grade is in the mind of the beholder.--Michael O'Hanlon
Now that John McCain can walk in a Pentagon pre-planned secured zone in Iraq while wearing a bullet proof vest and being surrounded by a couple hundred military personal and having helicopters flying overhead I guess the surge is working, Michael. Way to go man. You got that one right. Or maybe not.
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Glenn: Didn't You Lowball The Iraqi Death Numbers? Why?
Glenn said, "The war they unleashed resulted in the complete devastation of another country for no good reason. It has led to the death of 100,000 innocent human beings -- at the very least."
100,000 is far less than the survey estimates which have come up with numbers closer to 1,000,000. I assume Glenn is just trying to avoid controversy but how did you arrive at the 100,000 number, Glenn?
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proud of a c-
7 out of 10 is a C- where I teach, one point away from a D+. Not a grade my students usually crow about. Is this the best Brookings can do?
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He gives himself a C-
At my daughter's school, a 70% score (7 right out of 10) is the equivalent of a low C- (70%-72% = C-, 69% = D+). So, by O'Hanlon's own reckoning (which is, as Glenn rightly argues, a wildly inflated opinion of himself) he is just barely getting a passing grade. So much, for doing great,even in his own eyes. .
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Tar Heel Democrat:
I guess great minds think alike!
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I, also ...
... appreciate Thomas C and James Galbraith interjecting and amending wrt McNamara.
TheRedSnapper, apparently my understanding of history is horribly deficient. Do you have a cite for the second part of this: the war was a primary result of and reason for JFK's assassination.
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Sociopaths
O'Hanlon's continued defense of the indefensible is a hallmark of a sociopath.
The amazing thing about the Bush regime is how these conscienceless sociopaths (aka right-wing authoritarians) flock together without screwing each other.
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O'Hanlon does himself no favors.
Reading through his short laundry list of 'predictions', you notice two things:
1. He's chosen a bunch that, conveniently, were pretty much correct if blindingly obvious (thus hardly insightful).
2. He provides no references, links, dates, times, venues, anything to give us some idea about when and where he made these 'predictions'. For all we know, he made all ten predictions to his cat at home as opposed to any public venue where they might have been heard. Certainly he's earned no benefit of the doubt here.
Do I think he's actually lying about making these predictions of his? Not really.
Do I think he's gaming the question here and presenting statements here that might not withstand close scrutiny? A resounding "yes".
As I said, he's doing himself no favors with this 'response' of his and should really know better. But there you go.
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Right on as usual, with one exception
Right on target as usual, Glenn. I really don't know why or how people like O'Hanlon get up in the morning knowing that all their stupidity will soon be revealed to the entire world thanks to your tireless efforts. That, and the other matter of them being perpetually wrong on pretty much everything they write or speak on.
The only quibble I have is this:
"For some reason, that prompted O'Hanlon to write a lengthy response in National Interest to my article -- entitled "O'Hanlon Strikes Back" -- "
I was half expecting at least a few pages of material, given the extent of his almost complete wrongness, but his "lengthy" reply amounted to only 6 paragraphs (several very short ones) plus his ridiculous grading list. Surely entire books can (and hopefully will) be written on his epic stupidity and duplicity.
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Necessary attributes
Wanted: Foreign Policy Expert for McCain administration
Must be able to make McCain believe that ideas were his rather than the expert in foreign policy's ideas.
Must be keenly aware of what McCain wants to hear so that McCain can be led to believe that someone is in agreement with him.
The knowledge of ego stroking is of paramount importance. It must be subtle enough so that it does not appear that the expert is mocking McCain, but strong enough so that McCain does not miss the elevating experience.
Previous experience with the Bush administration and taking orders from Richard, without talking back, is highly desirable.
An inclination toward fascism will make communicating with one's betters in certain select corporate entities will enhance one's possibility of reward upon retirement in as little as four years.
Previous experience in starting wars against countries unable to adequately defend themselves is highly regarded, but enthusiasm for sadistic acts is acceptable where there is a lack of relevant experience.
Understanding the necessity of profit at any cost, (Constitution, rule of law, due process, civil liberties be damned,) is a character trait that will advance one's prospect of having his or her election bought in advance of meaningless voting.
The American people must be viewed from a callous and disrespectful perspective in order to accomplish goals set forth by god "himself" in the seventies.
Must be able to show reverance for an omni-everything or pan-omni invisible adult friend whether one actually believes such nonsense is not a prerequisite for hire.
The pay will shock even the most corrupt of applicants. Do not be afraid to state one's highest selling price. The company will do everything in its power to meet new hire's expectations.
A few high level positions are available although there is only one slot available for each position the new hire is willing to betray.
Closing date Jan 19, 2009.
Feel free to call, any number will do since we begin recording the moment the first number is dialed. You may rest assured that you will get through to the proper authorities.