Update no.266

Update from the Heartland

No.266

8.1.07 – 14.1.07

Blog version: http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/

To all,
I have updated my website in various places, mostly notably “My Writing” page to display my latest published work – The Encyclopedia of Media & Politics.
The complete notation is:
Schaefer, Todd M., and Thomas A. Birkland (eds.). The Encyclopedia of Media & Politics. Washington, DC: CQ Press, 2007.
CQ Press is a division of Congressional Quarterly, Inc.
I backed into this project upon the recommendation of a friend. The project went through several evolutionary changes and presented me with a significant departure from my previous writing – a worthy challenge. I wrote 200 relevant biographies of which 149 were published in the reference volume. The items ranged from:
Arunah Shepherdson Abell to Mortimer Benjamin Zuckerman [alphabetically], and
John Peter Zenger (1697 – 1746) to Sidney S. Blumenthal (1948 - ) [chronologically].
I am also polishing the final draft of my third screenplay -- The Disappearance -- based on Philip Wylie's 1951 novel of the same name. I wanted to write this one for quite some time, and I am glad it is nearly done. I wrote it on speculation -- because I wanted to -- and, since we have not yet acquired the screenplay rights, this work may never see the light of day. Now, I need to finish "The Living Gift of Life" -- the founding history of the National Marrow Donor Program and the Marrow Foundation -- as well as my novel of a family's survival in the wintertime Rockies, "Apocalypse Endeavor." So many stories, never enough time.

Wednesday night, the President gave his much-anticipated, primetime speech on the Battle for Iraq. I thought George did a good job with the speech and the message. We have to admire his commitment, conviction and determination. While I like the President's intention to redouble our efforts to take the fight to the enemy, my concern remains insufficient combat troops on the ground to properly execute the plan. We must control the ground to give the political solution any chance for success. The tactic can be labeled "clear, hold and build." Unfortunately, the President’s plan depends upon the fundamental objectives and commitment of Prime Minister Nouri Kamel al-Maliki and his government. If we seek to win the Battle of Iraq, the military must secure and control the ground – the streets, the neighborhoods, the bridges, the borders – but, the diplomats must find the keys to helping the Iraqis overcome their parochial sectarian animosity toward those not like them. The naysayers are correct in the sense that the ultimate keystone of any solution rests with the Iraqis. They must want peace and stability more than they want revenge and retribution. I remain skeptical of the Iraqi will for peace. The President indirectly acknowledged as much and set the stage for closure if the Iraqis fail to heal the wounds of their society. The essence of any solution rests with the Iraqis. If they are unwilling to seek peace, then we must leave them to their bloodbath. The bottom line remains that the essential political solution has little prayer of succeeding without security on the ground. One last sad note: the chorus of the naysayers is deafening, making it almost too hard to think.

In a recent thread regarding homosexual rights, a contributor stated, “It is the means, not the end, where we differ. Otherwise we remain on the same side of rights.” We have argued various court rulings, the constitutionality of the Equal Protection Clause, a sliver of the public good related to the various aspects of the homosexual rights issue. Other than last week’s thread, we have not discussed “the means” by which non-heterosexual citizens realize equality and the same rights and privileges taken for granted by heterosexual citizens. Those who are discriminated against can choose to remain quiet and out of sight, and hope society obtains some sort of benevolent introspection and epiphany of generosity. That approach did not work so well for women's suffrage or racial integration. If non-heterosexuals do not confront society as other disadvantaged citizens have done, what stress could be applied to force the majority to examine the basis and content of their discrimination? What is the correct means to examine our societal discrimination against citizen, based on sexual orientation?

The continuing debate on embryonic stem cell research brings a new discovery of stem cells farther up the differentiation tree. Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Boston coaxed a variety of mature cells from young free cells found in amniotic fluid. The discovery offers numerous cellular developments without jeopardizing the embryo. The Press reports suggest proper peer review, however most of us are outside the community; perhaps one of the medical doctors subscribing to this forum can provide more insight from within the medical/biological research community. Nonetheless, if true, the finding portends further advancement of stem cell research. All that said, we must take this news with some reserve. While farther up the differentiation tree approaching single cell division, these cells are not from the single cell divisions that are the beginnings of life. Embryonic stem cell research remains a vital element of our knowledge of the molecular activity that causes a cell to divide, replicating itself, and continues dividing into cellular branches that eventually lead to the broad variety of mature cells that define a mature human being or any other living creature. Progress continues. Let us not divert ourselves from the vital need for Federal funding and participation in embryonic stem cell research.

Comments and contributions from Update no.265:
"Did not see the Cooper broadcast. Wish I had. Any way to get to it in some kind of archives?
"I too support McConnell and Hayden for the positions mentioned.
"I agree with your differentiation between wars and battles, (with your examples).
"I'm surprised at Shalakashvili's making any type of public statement about gays in the military, but it's about time we took a more reasoned look at it. So good for him.
"Pelosi and Reid and their folks in the Congress on their sides of the aisle are going to give this country major pain, cause a lot of harm, and do other things not good for this country---in my opinion. Plus harm various aspects of our foreign policy directions. The 2008 election year is shaping up to be a major battle in the USA political arena. 2006 was a sad enough year in my opinion, because the Republican leadership just did not see, or possibly believe what they did see, about the way the winds of America were beginning to blow with vigor and determination to somehow do things differently. Staying the course was not then, and is not now, a viable option.
"I try to stay out of the discussions on stem cell research, not because I am against it---I'm not. I'm for it---in a closely controlled manner. Much good can come from this.
"I also pretty much stay away from discussions on gays themselves, or the various issues before many courts and in the written and spoken opinions of various people. I believe totally in equal protection under the law. How that concept is interpreted, either broadly or narrowly, is and will be an on-going thing in America; unfortunately, in my opinion, taking away substantial time, money, the efforts of many prominent people, including Congress, etc from other badly needed undertakings. There are needed solutions for Many problems in this country. I say as much as possible we should focus on Them.
"I pretty much stay out of politics too, as I can. Sometimes though, one just has to stand up and be heard. I don't like politics, and I don't like many if not Most politicians. Very few people aspiring to some political position actually mean what they say when they speak those very idealistic words about why they want to be the people's representative for this or that. And if they DO mean it at first, that idealism quickly fades away when they get into the realities of politics. The possibility of making a lot of money---even if legally---also attracts many who so aspire. As does the lure of real Power. A chance to right wrongs, do good things about this or that, fix problems, etc, gets too often kinda lost in the shuffles.
"Having said all that I hereby declare that I will not run, and if elected will not serve in Any political position on any level of government---this year or in any year in the future for the remainder of my life. Do I need to clarify that in any way?"
My response:
CNN.com should have a re-broadcast schedule and perhaps even a video archive; check their website . . . well worth the effort. Very well done program.
I think we were all surprised by General Shalikashvili’s remarks regarding gays in the military, and I certainly agree that it is time for a reexamination of females and homosexuals in the combat arms.
The next two U.S. political years are going to be ugly. And, if my suspicion comes to fruition, I would withdraw the troops. None of us are interested in keeping our men and women in the meat grinder of combat while caught between the partisan political wrangling of the Executive and Legislative branches. I do not see the 2006 election as some overwhelming mandate, as Nancy & Harry have claimed, but the results are sufficient to wreak havoc on the engaged military. We should have reacted with overwhelming force after the Golden Dome Mosque bombing in February 2006 [220], thus, I agree . . . staying the course died nearly a year ago.
I cannot stay out of the embryonic stem cell research debate – it is too important. I want it very closely controlled and I want the results publicly available to everyone for the widest possible benefit. That is precisely why the Federal government MUST be deeply involved and that means money -- he who gots the gold makes the rules.
There certainly are numerous issues facing the Nation – social security, homeland security, out-of-control Federal financial management, Federal corruption, campaign finance laws, border control, anonymous earmarks, immigration reform, et cetera ad infinitum ad nauseum. I truly wish the People would see the light and eliminate minority discrimination from the list, however, we are not so lucky. Too many citizens devote too little thought to make this issue right . . . so we continue the debate, and I seek more voices in the choir.
I most assuredly share your opinion of today’s politics and politicians in America. Unfortunately, the mobilized extremes hope and pray the moderate majority remains apathetic and complacent, so they can continue to dictate their agenda on everyone as the pendulum swings.

Another contribution:
"'Battle' is the operative word not 'war' in Iraq. WWII was not the war in France, Belgium, Italy, or Germany, but the war in Europe and the Pacific. But, most of our US citizens have bought into Iraq being the end all stand against terror. What a foolish position. This war will not end until the Islamofacists are killed without reservation. They will kill us given any chance to do so. I'd rather it be them so freedom is preserved.
"Stem cell research must continue and will continue with or without the government. Science will bring astounding cures to ill people. That is enough to continue and the government must be a part of it and not watch from sidelines. We need them in it. The high road is to get on board and lead progress to a better world."
My reply:
The Internet and instant world-wide communications between individuals is both an incredible blessing as well as a dreadful curse. Citizens have access to raw information as well as disinformation and outright falsehood. Making matters worse, we have too few citizens who can appreciate the difference between battle and war. I think you hit the nail squarely on the head regarding the assumptions by so many citizens as well as powerful politicians that the Battle for Iraq was or is some portion of the endgame. Further, a number of us cautioned everyone who would listen that the Battle of Iraq as part of the War of Islamic Fascism was likely to be a long duration affair [68-71] – it took six long years to subdue Germany in combat and another 20 years to realize peace. Some might argue the aftermath of the war with Germany took 45 years to conclude. This quick fix mentality that American society has developed cannot serve us well in the current war. Embryonic stem cell research will continue in the private sector, hidden from public view, and in those states inclined to participate, like California and Massachusetts. Whether the participating states insist upon public disclosure and peer review is yet to be seen. The current administration’s ostrich-approach is naïve, ill-informed and ultimately injurious to the public good. Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?
. . . with this follow-up:
"Agreed. Too many of our citizens did not heed President Bush's warning about how long it was going to take in 2001. Moreover, I am leery of research claims without peer review. It is required for science to move in the right direction. Without it we would still have idiots in Utah claiming to have made cold fusion. The time is now for government to join stem cell research."

My first comment to the Blog:
"There are good points in your article. I would like to supplement them with some information:
"I am a 2 tour Vietnam Veteran who recently retired after 36 years of working in the Defense Industrial Complex on many of the weapons systems being used by our forces as we speak.
"If you are interested in a view of the inside of the Pentagon procurement process from Vietnam to Iraq please check the posting at my blog entitled, “Odyssey of Armaments”<http://rosecoveredglasses.blogspot.com/2006/11/odyssey-of-armaments.html>
"The Pentagon is a giant, incredibly complex establishment, budgeted in excess of $500B per year. The Rumsfelds, the Administrations and the Congressmen come and go but the real machinery of policy and procurement keeps grinding away, presenting the politicos who arrive with detail and alternatives slanted to perpetuate itself.
"How can any newcomer, be he a President, a Congressman or even the new Sec. Def. Mr. Gates, understand such complexity, particularly if heretofore he has not had the clearance to get the full details?
"Answer- he can’t. Therefore he accepts the alternatives provided by the career establishment that never goes away and he hopes he makes the right choices. Or he is influenced by a lobbyist or two representing companies in his district or special interest groups.
"From a practical standpoint, policy and war decisions are made far below the levels of the talking heads who take the heat or the credit for the results.
"This situation is unfortunate but it is absolute fact. Take it from one who has been to war and worked in the establishment.
"This giant policy making and war machine will eventually come apart and have to be put back together to operate smaller, leaner and on less fuel. But that won’t happen until it hits a brick wall at high speed.
"We will then have to run a Volkswagen instead of a Caddy and get along somehow. We better start practicing now and get off our high horse. Our golden aura in the world is beginning to dull from arrogance."
My reply:
My Update from the Heartland is an open political and current events forum. Anyone is welcome to contribute.
I imagine there are a few subscribers/contributors who will be interested in your book. Your observations regarding the military-industrial complex are certainly consistent with my experience.

My very best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Cheers,
Cap :-)