The White House has decided that the best thing for the security of our nation is to pull the CIA’s authority to interrogate prisoners captured in combat as well as threats against America. This new route in how we handle terrorists shows a dramatic shift in policy among circles in the government we will be handing authority form a government agency with a history and a past track record in dealing with these situations over to a political and beaureucratic unit housed within the FBI that must follow protocol sent from the White House covered with oversight from the National Security Council. Many critics of this plan as well as former Justice Department officials say that this shift moves us back into a pre 9-11 role of handling these situations. With a multi agency collaborative interrogation group being dubbed the HIG it is easy to wonder if anything will get done with this oversight. The possibility is there for the government to meddle in these interrogations which could possibly hinder a successful operation. This happened once before during the Vietnam War with LBJ calling in to on ground battlefield commanders.
With President Obama’s approval rating at 51.8% and congressional approval rating barely clinging to 30.4% there is a key word for this situation. As many news reporters, government officials, and lobby groups throw around, the word is not torture, nor security, not even defense. They key word in a situation like this is results. The President and his cabinet are seriously looking for a win, especially since the continual decline of the economy coupled with staunch hostility for the health reform plan. Everyone is wondering if this new group will produce results. In the short term, no, it will not. Insiders know that collaboration between various government agencies is not smooth sailing to say the least. Especially here with a rookie handpicked team that will have to develop a practical base for this to even work. In the long run, it may produce results. But in this long term view the question lies, will this appease the “Change Hungry” American public. With 36.8% of the population believing this country is heading in the right direction can this new tactic work? Or are we allowing Capitol Hill and the White House to make tactical decisions behind maple desks in the comfort of their own chairs? Or should we allow those who already those who already have their hands dirty and have worked in this environment to continue doing their job? Grant it, the system we have for prisoner interrogation is not perfect but then can it ever be? With all the black marks against the CIA with prisoner abuse and torture they still have produced results. Do we want the problem solved or do we want to just sweep it under the rug solely because of faults and mistakes made in the past. World War II was not won on Capitol Hill, It was won on the beaches of France, in the air above England and upon the seas of Japan as well as through the countless efforts of the OSS and MI-6, under the cover of darkness in back alleys and basements doing what was necessary to get the job done.
We are faced with a new enemy now and we need to re-establish a new game plan to solve these threats and deal with the interrogation of prisoners. We must trust our leaders to make the best decision that ensure our safety.
And that’s how the cookie crumbles…
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Hail to the Chief
This is an editorial i wrote for several office members in my former office. This was written this past January.
Hail to the Chief
January 19, 2009
2:45 PM
At noon on January 20th, 2009 President Elect Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. No matter what your political affiliations are, this inauguration ceremony will be a momentous and historical occasion. The nation in a democratic matter elected a President. Hostilities aside, isn’t this what we want? Isn’t this the best thing for America? If you staunchly oppose Obama, in all actuality, shouldn’t matter. This shows us one thing. The system of government we have works. Plain and simple. The ideals and laws that are constitution cemented are still as true today as they were in the days of the Continental Congress. For two hundred and twenty two years our constitution though relatively young in the eyes of the international community is still strong. Our Union is still strong. Our over-all goal of freedom for the citizens of the United States of America is resolute and is as strong as Iron. As we as a nation move from the Era of one President to the other we need to look at three key points: 1) Our system still works and is still strong. 2) This is our President, the leader of the free world, and the greatest personal symbol of freedom to all mankind. 3) This is the leader that God has placed to lead our country.
Our system works….
Many countries around the world do not enjoy the freedom that we as Americans hold dear. We have stood the test of invasions and attacks on our country. We have withstood National scandals and conspiracies. We have withstood a Civil War. We have withstood several economic collapses. Yet through all of this we are still here. Look at the history of some of the most powerful countries of the 20th century. Germany’s Third Reich, The state of Communist Russia, The Empire of Japan, The emergence of Fascist Italy, and the terrorist threat abroad. All of these governments have collapsed. We live in a blessed country. We as Americans so often take for granted the freedom that we have. Some of the brightest Americans at the time penned words stronger than iron, declaring their independence from the tyranny of England. Later they penned the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which still ring true today in the livelihood of every American. The system works, and the system is strong.
This is our President, the leader of the free world….
At noon Barack Obama will assume the highest and most powerful government office in the free world. Though our ideals and political ideals may greatly differ from that of the Obama administration we as citizens of America have the duty to rally behind Obama. We need to put our differences aside for the common good of America. Lincoln once quoted the words of Jesus saying “A house divided cannon stand.” We need to be reminded of the words of JFK’s inaugural address “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Believe it or not America needs every one of us right now. The coming days will be filled with stress in the government and we need to give our support to the President of the United States, Barack Obama.
This is the leader that God has placed to lead our country…
If you believe that the Bible is the infallible word of God and all of its words are for teaching, preaching and for reproof then you will be encouraged by its words. The Bible is full of advice for life, even life in the political realm and support of its leaders. Hebrews 13:17 says 17Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. The book of Romans talks about authority that is established over us. That authority is only in power because God has placed them in authority over us. We need respect that authority and not try to cause harm or adversity to its regulations lest they contradict the word of God. RO 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [2] Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. [3] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. [4] For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. We need to pray for our leaders. Though we may not politically agree with all of their decisions they are still in a position over us because God has placed them there. Daniel 2 talks about this as well. God raises up kings and kingdoms. “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made known to us the king’s demand. (Daniel 2:20-23, NKJV” This is vital to the Christian community who oppose the upcoming administration. We need to be in prayer for our country and our leaders during this trying time.
History will run its course. Presidents will come and go, but the constitution will prove steadfast and will be shown as strong as iron. Let historians in the future dictate whether or not a President was worthy of Greatness, as for us as a country we need to rally behind the current government, stand with them in prayer, and obey the laws they place over us. This is what true freedom means. The system works, this is our president, and this is whom God has ordained.
Therefore when I salute the President of the United States I not only salute the office and the respect it deserves but also the man, for this is the man that is right for America at this point in history no matter how much I dislike the idea. When I pray, I will pray that God guides him. And as an American I will rally together with my fellow citizens and support him, till another takes the office.
God Bless America
Shane M. Pucher
Hail to the Chief
January 19, 2009
2:45 PM
At noon on January 20th, 2009 President Elect Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. No matter what your political affiliations are, this inauguration ceremony will be a momentous and historical occasion. The nation in a democratic matter elected a President. Hostilities aside, isn’t this what we want? Isn’t this the best thing for America? If you staunchly oppose Obama, in all actuality, shouldn’t matter. This shows us one thing. The system of government we have works. Plain and simple. The ideals and laws that are constitution cemented are still as true today as they were in the days of the Continental Congress. For two hundred and twenty two years our constitution though relatively young in the eyes of the international community is still strong. Our Union is still strong. Our over-all goal of freedom for the citizens of the United States of America is resolute and is as strong as Iron. As we as a nation move from the Era of one President to the other we need to look at three key points: 1) Our system still works and is still strong. 2) This is our President, the leader of the free world, and the greatest personal symbol of freedom to all mankind. 3) This is the leader that God has placed to lead our country.
Our system works….
Many countries around the world do not enjoy the freedom that we as Americans hold dear. We have stood the test of invasions and attacks on our country. We have withstood National scandals and conspiracies. We have withstood a Civil War. We have withstood several economic collapses. Yet through all of this we are still here. Look at the history of some of the most powerful countries of the 20th century. Germany’s Third Reich, The state of Communist Russia, The Empire of Japan, The emergence of Fascist Italy, and the terrorist threat abroad. All of these governments have collapsed. We live in a blessed country. We as Americans so often take for granted the freedom that we have. Some of the brightest Americans at the time penned words stronger than iron, declaring their independence from the tyranny of England. Later they penned the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which still ring true today in the livelihood of every American. The system works, and the system is strong.
This is our President, the leader of the free world….
At noon Barack Obama will assume the highest and most powerful government office in the free world. Though our ideals and political ideals may greatly differ from that of the Obama administration we as citizens of America have the duty to rally behind Obama. We need to put our differences aside for the common good of America. Lincoln once quoted the words of Jesus saying “A house divided cannon stand.” We need to be reminded of the words of JFK’s inaugural address “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Believe it or not America needs every one of us right now. The coming days will be filled with stress in the government and we need to give our support to the President of the United States, Barack Obama.
This is the leader that God has placed to lead our country…
If you believe that the Bible is the infallible word of God and all of its words are for teaching, preaching and for reproof then you will be encouraged by its words. The Bible is full of advice for life, even life in the political realm and support of its leaders. Hebrews 13:17 says 17Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. The book of Romans talks about authority that is established over us. That authority is only in power because God has placed them in authority over us. We need respect that authority and not try to cause harm or adversity to its regulations lest they contradict the word of God. RO 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [2] Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. [3] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. [4] For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. We need to pray for our leaders. Though we may not politically agree with all of their decisions they are still in a position over us because God has placed them there. Daniel 2 talks about this as well. God raises up kings and kingdoms. “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made known to us the king’s demand. (Daniel 2:20-23, NKJV” This is vital to the Christian community who oppose the upcoming administration. We need to be in prayer for our country and our leaders during this trying time.
History will run its course. Presidents will come and go, but the constitution will prove steadfast and will be shown as strong as iron. Let historians in the future dictate whether or not a President was worthy of Greatness, as for us as a country we need to rally behind the current government, stand with them in prayer, and obey the laws they place over us. This is what true freedom means. The system works, this is our president, and this is whom God has ordained.
Therefore when I salute the President of the United States I not only salute the office and the respect it deserves but also the man, for this is the man that is right for America at this point in history no matter how much I dislike the idea. When I pray, I will pray that God guides him. And as an American I will rally together with my fellow citizens and support him, till another takes the office.
God Bless America
Shane M. Pucher
Loss of a Seat
Politics has always been motivated by numbers. Numbers of polls, number of votes, and especially the number of seats. Today we awoke to hear that Senator Ted Kennedy has died from brain cancer. Though some would think that the Republican party would be dancing in the dividing aisle there is a feeling of loss today in the Capitol building. A hush will be heard in the Rotunda and the smoking rooms of both sides. America today has loss a key political figure. Even though he had his problems and issues he is still a decent man. No man is perfect. He may have held ideals that we all disagree with but in the end he gave the entire American people something to learn and hold tight to. He showed us to continue fighting for what he loved even when adversity and death stared him in the face. He was the third longest serving US Senator and he had a common "Kennedy" way of looking at things. He was an outspoken voice for what he believed. The state of Massachusetts should be proud of the glorious political heritage he has left behind. Some people do not agree with how his family came into power. Though his family used the manipulation of the Mob and bootlegging to get their millions in the end his entire family has given their lives for this country. They have died fighting for what they believe. Two Kennedy memebers were killed for what they believed and a major rift was not once but twice torn into the very fabric of the American people. Senator Ted Kennedy died doing what he loved. Even after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer he continued the work that the commonwealth of massachusetts placed on him. He is a great american and will be dearly missed among the circles of power on Capitol Hill.
From the one time that i met him he was very corteous and friendly. He greeted me with a handshake and a smile and seemed to genuinely care about the individual who was standing before him. It was an honor that i will never forget.
From the one time that i met him he was very corteous and friendly. He greeted me with a handshake and a smile and seemed to genuinely care about the individual who was standing before him. It was an honor that i will never forget.
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