McCain 2008

As a committed McCain supporter I cannot express my sincere happiness.

Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is dropping out and endorsing Senator McCain. Now, it is all up to Super Tuesday.

http://www.economist.com/daily/news/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10598269&top_story=1

The Resurrection of John McCain

Excellent piece. If I could put read this to every narrow minded Evangelical Republican and all those starry-eyed Democrats I would convince them that this man must be our next president.

Florida will determine a lot heading into Super Tuesday. McCain 2008!

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1706450-1,00.html

Prodi resigns after losing confidence vote

Though Prodi did not have a stable government, he does have a point that Italy cannot afford changing governments in a period of global economic uncertainty.

A Berlusconi return would be fun to watch, however.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/24/europe/italy.php

McCain has big win in South Carolina; Huckabee falls short

On to Florida to take on Giuliani! McCain 2008!

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/20/america/20carolina.php

When freedom stumbles

Excellent overview at the state of freedom in the world.

http://www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10534384

Nicholas Burns, State Department's No. 3 diplomat, is resigning

Godspeed to one of America's most refined diplomats.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/01/18/america/State-Department-Burns.php

A Center called McCain

Cohen outlines some excellent points about Sen. McCain and the election.

1) A split GOP threatens itself.
2) McCain worries Democrats.
3) McCain is the best GOP candidate to draw independent.
4) McCain has the experience to deal with our challenges.
5) McCain would blur partisan lines.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/17/opinion/17cohen.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Republican voters, in big shift, favor McCain over his rivals

This is good news for Sen. McCain. I stood by him in 2000, during the criticisms of the Iraq war, during the immigration debate, in his near-melt down last summer, and continue to do so today.

He is what our country needs right now - not the ambiguous "change" message.

My friend Todd Moellenberg, a freshman at the University of Texas - Austin, puts it best:

It's less about his [McCain's] political stances and more about my belief in his genuineness and consistency between his expressed opinions and Congressional actions. It's his steadfast rationality; the fact that he consistently loses popularity when running is because he doesn't shape shift as a candidate. I think every other candidate lacks such a quality, instead pandering to the crude will of the people rather than qualified logic.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/14/america/14poll.php

Rules for the next president

Former Secretary of State and current Georgetown professor, Madeline Albright, raises some valid points in her memorandum to the next chief executive.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/13/opinion/edalbright.php

Europe can't agree on anti-dumping rules

The EU behemoth has proved once again that it cannot legislate on an across-the-board basis. China is certainly a growing concern for not only the U.S., but the world.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/13/business/trade.php

Grinding poverty defies China's boom

Having been to China, I can assure you there is poverty in the midst of growth and prosperity. It seems the Chinese government is simply hiding it and ignoring it.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/13/asia/poverty.php

In France, ministers look for a 2nd job

This is a fascinating article that reveals one of the idiosyncrasies of the French political system: "accumulation of mandates."

It seems like a good way to influence local politics, but that can come at a high price. American federalism is unique in this sense from France.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/13/europe/france.php?page=1

Hard-work theme of Australia's new leader running out of steam

As expected this was not major news. Also, I doubt it will draw the attention of regular Americans.

The change message is a simply slogan used to lure voters. I hope that does not happen in November. Too much is at stake for us to be on vacation.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/13/asia/australia.php

Bush, visiting Holocaust memorial, says US should have used bombing to help Jews in Auschwitz

Ironically, I visited the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum today.

A good point is raised: why did the U.S. and its Allies not act and end the most tragic event in the modern era?

It also forces me to think of how President Wilson turned away from the Armenian genocide and how President Clinton did the same with Rwanda.

Today, we face the challenge of Darfur. It seems the UN wanted to handle this, but have been overwhelmed. I am sure their will be outcry over why the U.S. was not involved more heavily in the future. Unfortunately, the world community is adverse to having a U.S. policing authority.

President Bush's quote, however, proves the incredible faith and resilience of the human spirit:

"I was most impressed that people in the face of horror and evil would not forsake their God. In the face of unspeakable crimes against humanity, brave souls — young and old — stood strong for what they believe."

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/01/12/africa/ME-GEN-Israel-Bush-Holocaust.php?page=1

Opposition sweeps to victory in Taiwan

This is an interesting development in Taiwan. The newly elected government will be puzzling for other nations supportive of the Taiwan nationalist movement. It is also worth considering how much of an influence mainland China had in the process.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/12/taiwan.election/index.html

Iraqis pass key reconciliation law

This is a good step forward, however, there should always be guarded optimism for the political process in Iraq.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/12/africa/iraq.php

Snow day in Baghdad

Sometimes, even the good news from Iraq makes it in the mainstream media.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/11/africa/11snow.php

Bush predicts Mideast peace treaty before he leaves White House

The prospects seem favorable. If this does not happen in the next year, we will likely experience a setback in the process for years.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/10/africa/10prexy.php

New U.S. president won't fulfill all Europe's desires

Atlanticism is in the best interest of Europe and the U.S. when facing radical Islamic extremism.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/10/europe/letter.php?page=1

Kerry endorses Obama for president

WHAT? WHY? Way to snub your 2004 running mate. My friend Tim McDonald puts it best:

This Obama fervor is stupid. It is stupid for the college students who are ignorant. It is stupid for the middle-aged progressives who vote feeling over brains. It is stupid for the damn media that dramatically influences public sentiment--by essentially making mountains out of mole hills on every damn thing that happens.

I think I should go visit the Kerry residence down the street from Georgetown...

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/10/america/10kerry.php

British government approves new nuclear power plants

The U.S. should consider this as an alternative to the tyranny of oil. A good sign of diversification of our energy sources can be seen in our 2007 agreement with Brazil over ethanol.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/10/business/nukeweb.php

Horror recounted at Taylor trial

Charles Taylor must be held accountable for his horrible acts and forced inscription of children into his rebel army.

McCain, Clinton win New Hampshire primaries

McCain 2008!

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/08/nh.main/index.html

This is definitely comforting. Obama clearly lacks experience compared to McCain. This campaign is definitely about change, but how drastic must it be? Is "hope" what we need when dealing with Al Qaeda, global warming, Social Security, healthcare and immigration?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22548943/

As troops do better on Iraq battlefield, relations with the media improve

This is good news for several reasons. A year since the surge was announced, it appears it has made significant inroads in curbing the insurgency and improving the situation in Iraq. The new leadership at the Pentagon has revamped our mission and direction. It is unfortunate, however, that the mainstream media generally dismisses these stories.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/06/america/military.php?page=1

U.S. says Iranian gunboats harassed warships

This is a deliberate effort by Iran to engage the U.S. in a major international scuffle ahead of President Bush's visit to the region. Iran is meddling with conflict and threatening to destabilize its neighbors including Iraq. Iran shall lose.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22537199/

U.S. Considers New Covert Push Within Pakistan

The U.S. strategy toward Pakistan must be revisited. Too long, have we flirted with President Musharraf. It seems he is playing both sides of the war on terror in an effort to prolong his regime. We cannot be a credible source of freedom unless we promote democracy there. By weeding out Al Qaeda and the Taliban we will eliminate some of Pakistan's internal problems.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/washington/06terror.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1199718042-vfu2uRJhBQ7H14Awj03ugQ

Justices to weigh what’s a humane execution

Capital punishment is an issue that will always dissuade from America's moral leadership.

I have yet to find a position in this debate. On one hand, I recognize certain violators of the law must not be a part of our society for their heinous crimes. On the other hand, is it really up to man to determine his fellow man's fate? Is that final judgment not up to God?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22527985/

Tape: American al Qaeda member renounces citizenship

What a bafoon. Who in his right mind would join Al Qaeda and give up American citizenship? I guess I answered my own question. I guess he does not value freedom and would rather deny it to others with terror.

The other troubling thing in this article is the call for attacks on President Bush during his upcoming Middle East tour.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/01/06/gadahn.tape/index.html?iref=newssearch

Questions on Iran as Bush heads to Mideast

Iran remains a threat to not only the U.S., but it's allies in the free world.

The one concern I do have about our Middle Eastern policy (or lack thereof) is why we did not take the necessary precaution when overthrowing Saddam Hussein's Sunni regime, which countered Iran's Shiite influence.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22531798/

Retracing steps, McCain is feeling rejuvenated

McCain is leading Romney by six points according to the latest CNN/WMUR poll.

A New Hampshire victory for McCain would be the momentum he needs to go into Michigan and South Carolina and on to the nomination.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22532827/

Huckabee’s jolt to GOP may benefit McCain

The article does a great job of pointing out the concerns among Republicans that Huckabee will lose miserably to the Democratic nominee (most likely Barack Obama).

This is good news for McCain.

If the GOP has any sense left, it will nominate McCain for president.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22513483/

Bush ties Mideast peace effort to fight on terror

A stable, prospering and free Middle East is crucial to not only the U.S. but the entire international community. How liberty takes form in the region will be much different than Western democratic thought. This is still a better option than Islamic extremism and violence.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/05/bush.radio.ap/index.html?eref=rss_latest

A Test of Democracy

Democracy is much more than elections. It is comforting to see how far Eastern Europe, specifically Georgia, has come since the days of the Iron Wall, humiliation, hunger, and hate.

The road to stability is long and even chaotic, but the happiness of people under liberty is the most rewarding experience in searching for a national identity.

http://www.economist.com/daily/news/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10472229&top_story=1

George Bush's last year

President Bush has a busy calendar in 2008. Regardless of his departure, I think we will look back at his presidency as not only one of extreme challenge, but also of courage and vision.

http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10431059

Iowa Caucuses 2008

The Huckabee victory in Iowa is bad news for Mitt Romney and good news for John McCain. On to New Hampshire!

The Obama victory in Iowa is bad news for Hillary Clinton and hope for John Edwards.

It will be interesting to see how the GOP race shapes out. The Democrats are in a three-way race.

Still, Senators Biden and Dodd had a good run.

What a night!

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/03/iowa.caucuses/index.html

Last bastions of smoking fall in France

I think the article puts it best:

But something about smoking seems so French. And here, there are fierce pockets of resistance. Opponents claim the ban signals the erosion of French liberté.

Is this a good step for France or a limitation on individual freedoms?

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/02/europe/smoke.php

Giving disorganized boys the tools for success

Organization is key to success in life. I consider myself extremely organized, and it has definitely made my educational career as well as involvement both on and off campus much more streamlined and efficient.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/01/america/01boys.php

U.S. official dies after Sudan shooting

As someone who is aspiring for some career in the foreign service and someone who knows a diplomat in Sudan, it is concerning to see the U.S. commitment there become more and more difficult.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22461187/

Farewell 2007, Welcome 2008

What defines who we are? Humanity has struggled with this question for years. Is it our successes, our failures, our relationships, our aspirations?

In 2007, I tried to address this issue in the context of my own life. My transatlantic venture to the Czech Republic last January proved much more self-revealing than any other trip I have taken. Although I participated in an extensive conference dealing with international relations, I still managed to find time to enjoy the beauty of Prague and reflect on my place in life. One brisk winter evening while crossing the Charles Bridge, I came to the following conclusions:

High school and college have proved a dramatic metamorphosis in my transition to young adulthood. I have made exponential progress in my education and created enduring friendships. This is what has truly shaped me into who I am today. My commitments on campus and in the community challenge and propelled me to new levels. This underlying purpose to my life outside school gives me direction and responsibility. Unfortunately, this somewhat distances me from the people I care about most – my family and friends.

Relationships nurture our development and effectiveness in society. For me, I have made them a barrier. I am generally a very reserved person; it takes a great deal to gain my confidence. This is somewhat a defense mechanism, but I have found that it has worked to my disadvantage. Many of my relationships simply come naturally within my commitments and compliment my objectives. I have taken the initiative to become more open to others and feel comfortable in doing different things with different people. I hope to get to the point where I value my relationships more and their essential role in my long-term strength.

Reasoning is our ability to transcend, learn and grow. This capability to mature is what characterizes us as humans. At this point, foresight, vision and innovation are what drive me forward. I hope to never lose this quality and always use it to my benefit. My voracious hunger for knowledge inspires me to break from my comfort zone and into the adventure zone. I look to Winston Churchill when he said, “To be really safe and happy, a man must have three or four interests.” We must be able to take our experiences and absorb all that we can to make us better people.

Religion also plays a role in who we are. Now, this is not a manifesto for the Judeo-Christian God, but rather, a personal set of values and goals. It can definitely apply to faith, and how it fits into one’s life. However, I am referring to a deep commitment and sacrifice for success. This genuine drive and determination must be resilient regardless of the situations and what is at stake. What your passion is will be up to you. Find it and pursue it, never giving up and always putting one's best effort.

In essence, this is what I am calling the Doctrine of the Common Man. These three “R’s,” if you will, are a formula to assist in the evolution of a high school/college student to a responsible adult. It is amazing how a simple walk on a five hundred year-old cobble stone bridge inspired such poignant thoughts in me. Take some time to outline your mantra, cherish your friendships, and value your understanding. Remember to be flexible and yet steadfast.

My personal revelation was likely years in the making. This cathartic look at my existence made me realize what I value most. In our materialistic society, we tend to overlook the events, people and ideas that shape our personas. I now challenge you to find yourself and see how the three R’s apply to you.