Obama's Own Fireside Chat

President Obama is giving a speech Tuesday night about his plan for dealing with Afghanistan and a possible troop increase. He's already given his first order, sending out an extra group of Marines by Christmas. Finally, he's getting clearer on his plan, but not as clear as he could be. The one thing about Bush is he didn't dilly-dally (even though that screwed him over in the end). Come on, Obama, start making decisions and stop wasting time. You are the Commander-in-Chief, after all. (Oh, and as far as your plan for the war? I approve as of now, even if it is a little vague.)

Obama's Afghan Plan

More of the Same

Two teenagers (one 17, one under 16) in Afghanistan have come forward saying they were mistreated and abused at a U.S. military base. Practices against them include forcing them to watch porn, depriving them of sleep, and sexual misconduct. I thought we had gotten rid of this after Bush had packed his bags and headed back to Texas...hmmm.

Afghan Teens Allege Abuse

Couple Sneeks Into White House

I've been meaning to blog for awhile, but it's been pretty hectic, so I'm finally getting around to it. I had been thinking about that couple who snuck into the White House during the State Dinner with the president (prime minister? Something like that) of India. I just have to say, that couple has some guts. But then again, some people will do anything to get publicity (cough cough ballon boy's parents cough cough). Either way, their now facing a slew of civil charges, so they got what was coming.

P.S. In the words of Jay Leno, "The last couple that weren't welcome that entered the White House? Stayed there for 8 years."

Obama Crashers (The Not-So-Glamorous Side)

Two Doors, One Building

Once again, I was on msn.com, and I was looking for something to blog about. There's a couple of places popping up around the country that have an interesting idea. There are two doors that lead to one place. One door is for people with insurance, and the other is for people who pay upfront with cash. Doctors, when hired, are told not to tell patients about the opposite door. Those who pay with cash are treated much better than those with insurance, and get friendlier service, a shorter wait time, and a more comfortable experience. I never knew doctors could be THAT callous (I mean, they're still getting paid either way!). Ridiculous.

Oh yeah, here's the link to that story.
Two Doors

Salazar is Pretty Cool, I guess

So on Saturday, Representative Salazar met with my mom in Fruita. They were discussing health care (shocker!). I really have no clue how this ties into political parties or government (besides maybe making the stretch of him representing everyone and gathering opinions at the local level), but I just think it's cool my mom knows him. Apparently they hugged (watch out, Dad!)

What Are They Thinking?

Ok, so on MSN.com (where, if you've noticed by now, I get basically all my news), I saw this article about one of the five al-Qaida members being tried in the U.S. for their parts in the Sept. 11 attacks. While I was mildy upset about them being tried in civilian court, I'm more upset to learn that Zacarias Moussaoui escaped the death penalty. I know I'm supposed to be against the death penalty, seeing as that's what Sister Grace told me in fourth grade, but seriously? This man is responsible for the worst attack on American soil. He's responsible for over 3,000 American deaths. Apparently, the US court system is going to let one wretched life go unharmed while thousands were trapped in hijacked planes and burning buildings because of this a**hole. I mean, really? Where's the justice that is supposed to be upheld? What about all those families who lost loved ones on 9/11, who were counting on the US court system to deliver a just punishment? I just don't see the justice in this. I've heard of getting away with murder, but getting away with over 3,000 murders?!

Also, I don't really know a whole lot about the five being tried now, but I'm assuming they are not U.S. citizens, so why are they being tried in CIVILIAN courts? And, according to the article, Massaoui was expected to make anti-US tirades when in the courtroom (although he didn't). I feel like this man has made a mockery of the US (court system and all). I know America is the land of second chances, but this guy has to be on his third or fourth. When's it going to end? When he gets released for good behavior?

Obama's Approach to Afghanistan

So I was just reading on MSN about Obama's stance on the War in Afghanistan. According to Defense Secretary Robbert Gates, a decision is to be made this week concerning a possible troop increase in the Taliban-run country. Obama said in March that he was going to come up with a better strategy for the war, but he has done little to fulfill that promise, and people are getting antsy. He was presented with four plans, but rejected all of them. He asked for them to be revised and combine the best elements from all of them. All plans call for a troop increase and a solid exit strategy.

Usually I'm not a big fan of wars, but in this case, I'd like Obama to stop wasting time. He's had 8 months to come up with a plan. It's me belief that this should have been a top priority directly after 9/11, as the Taliban in Afghanistan poses quite a threat. However, I think we should enter with a responsible, plausible plan in order to minimize troop loss and the amount of time spent there. So while I'm happy Obama is testing the waters and predicting possible downfalls of each plan, it's time to jump on the boat and get something done. Let's stop wasting time, and eliminate the threat ASAP.

Here's a link to the article from MSN:
Obama's Afghan Decision Sends Messages

Call Me Crazy, But There's Got To Be A Better Way

So I was searching the NBC Nightly News website for inspiration for a blog post, and I ran across the segment about Grand Junction that aired last Wednesday. It was all about health care and how we make it work here in Happy Valley. One of the doctors from St. Mary's said that we can't just "pick up what works here and stamp it somewhere else." I had been thinking about this for some time, and I was happy such a knowledgeable man shared my thinking. Although I support the idea of health care reform, I'm not a fan of a national blanket approach. Here in Grand Junction, we've found a method that works for us. So why can't we stick with it? What if, instead of a national health care policy, lawmakers delegate the power to the states? Because I do think that quality health care should be available for everyone, I like the idea of it being available on a national basis. But I don't like the uniformity involved. What if instead lawmakers issued a mandate, like they did for the drinking age? If the states want money, they need to supply affordable health care for everyone. The states can choose to provide the public option or not. They can require a certain amount of coverage required, or not. That way, health care can be readily available for everyone, but places like Grand Junction can keep the system that works for them? Come on, Washington. Let's compromise on this.

See for yourself. Here's the link to the NBC Nightly News Video:
Grand Junction, CO

Josh Penry Pulls Out of Governor's Race

I just found out that Republican Josh Penry pulled out of the race for Governor Bill Ritter's seat. Penry cited the lack of funding for his campaign as well as the fact that he doesn't want to split the vote when it comes to making sure a Republican maintains the governor's seat as his reasons for dropping out of the race (this all according to The Denver Post and KJCT News Channel 8). While I'm not sure I want to see the Republicans keep the position of governor, I do know that I would prefer not to see the incumbent keep his seat. Governor Ritter did try to avoid making cuts to education, reducing the $1 billion cut to only $260 million, but at the same time, he voted to reduce the number of natural gas drilling permits in the state of Colorado. Now I guess I'll have to pull for Scott McInnis to receive the Republican nomination, seeing as he can accurately represent our interests here on the Western Slope.