Osama In My Backyard

Earlier today, Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani named several individuals that are being commissioned to investigate the circumstances behind the raid that killed Osama Bin Laden.

To assure no outside interference, Pakistan's Parliament demanded that an independent commission be issued rather than a military probe.  The panel's mandate includes establishing the full details around the former Al Qaeda leader's presence in Pakistan.

Surely, the most paramount concern will revolve around Osama's capacity to remain undetected for some time while residing so close to a major city.

A five-man panel, including a retired Pakistani General, will be led by a judge throughout the course of the investigation.

Goodluck, Nigeria

At least 14 people were killed by a series of bombings in Nigeria on Sunday.  The attacks, occurring in bars across the country, came just hours after the country's 14th president, Goodluck Jonathan, was sworn into office.

Upon taking office, President Jonathan cited electoral reform and anti-corruption as the spotlight of his administration, after coming into office under "very sad... circumstances."  Nigerian security agencies have launched investigations to help subdue the criminals and quell the unrest caused by the election decision. 

Nigeria is pseudo-segregated between the Southern Christians and the primarily northern Muslim.  President Jonathan is a southern Christian himself.  His victory in the election is seen as a disruption in the country's agreement, which alternates power between the Christians and Muslim parties every two terms.

"Go to Hell" - Venezuela to U.S.

Earlier today, Venezuelan Oil Chief Rafael Ramirez had some interesting words to say to America.

"The imperialists (that's us) can go to hell.  Their sanctions mean nothing to us.  No one is going to impose this kind of action against us."

This was in response to 'sloppy' sanctions imposed on them in regards to its ties to Iran. 

Venezuela continues to strain our relationship with statements like 'We will no longer guarantee oil supplies to U.S.'  This, of course, is raising the United State's national security concerns.  It reminds me of 2008, when Hugo Chavez chanted in front of a roaring crowd of thousands  "Go to hell, Yankees.   Go to hell 100 times!" when describing Washington.  What a nice business partner.

Currently, 43% of Venezuelan oil is imported by the U.S., comprising 24% of U.S. foreign imported oil.  Though this would strain our nation's resources, I feel like Venezuela would ultimately suffer from this decision, economically. 

However, this should be yet another wake-up call for Americans.  There are a great variety of factors contributing to high gas prices - many of which are within our control.  So, if the people our country does business with doesn't like us, that is all the more reason to find our oil elsewhere... like, in our own backyard.

AIPAC Committee 2011

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke tonight at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Conference.

He began by immediately professing his alliance with America, specifically naming several congressmen and women.

"The people of Israel thank you...  for defending Israel's right to defend itself... as it secures peace..."  He assured the U.S. that "Israel is America's indespensible ally."

Surely, this is a relief to the people who were frustrated with Obama's comments earlier last week.

He discussed progressions in technology, naming Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and also addressed our planet's dependence on oil;  how it poisons the world and encourages terrorism.  He set forward a 10 year plan to cut his country's addiction to oil. 

Eventually, he got to the root of the discussion:  the unrest in the Middle East.  He stressed that "It's time to stop blaming Israel for all the region's problems."

"We want peace because we know the agony of war."  Peace between Palastine and Israel is only possible if Palastine can accept a Jewish state.

Alwaleed on Israel

Fox News Correspondant Neil Cavuto today held an interview with Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal.   He is a member of the Saudi royal family, and the nephew of Saudi King Abdullah.  His wealth has earned him the alias as the 'Arabian Warren Buffet'.

Lately, the media claims that President Obama has 'thrown Israel under the bus', with his speech yesterday.   In it, he claims that Israel's best chance for peace is to go back to the borders they had in 1967, which are  significantly smaller.  Not surprisingly, the Israeli Prime minister refuses to honor Obama's Mideast agenda.

Alwaleed, however, praised Obama's decision, calling it 'prudent' and claiming that Israel must abide by the President's road map.   He claims that much of the middle East conflict does not stem from the Israeli conflict, and that it is in fact the Egyptian people who threw Mubarak under the bus.   

Many people feel like America has turned its back on one of its most important allies, and have unleveled the playing field.   Some of the same people who claim they want peace are the very same who denounce Israel and desire it's eradication.

America's Next Top President

As the freak show comes to a close, the Campaign begins to take focus.  The GOP primary is starting to take shape, as the potentials and hopefuls are vying for their spot in the 2012 Presidential race.

This weekend, two potential candidates, Donald Trump and Mike Huckabee, bowed out of the next 2012 edition of  'Who Wants to Be a President?'

Terrorism, Inc.

On Friday, May 6, two suicide bombers attacked a Pakistani paramilitary training camp.  Having killed 80 people in what is considered the 'first retaliation' for Osama's death, the Taliban affirm responsibility for this atrocious act.

As bedlams of issues and tension emerge from the east and west regarding Osama's death, the Taliban are still adamant about their jihad. 

In related news, the offspring of Osama Bin Laden are pursuing a lawsuit against America for the wrongful death of the World's formerly most wanted man.

Only Americans are capable of turning terrorism into a franchise.  Osama, the McDonald's of holy wars, was just the primary pariah in an entire civilization that is devoted to the downfall of American, sedentary lifestyle.  Now, there are tiny little franchise cockroaches of terror that most people would sooner disregard, and claim a faux victory in the name of America, than stomp out for good. 

As corny and cliché as it sounds, America's duty as the most free nation under the sun is to stamp out evil and promote freedom around the globe.  This is a full-time job.  We can't take a hiatus every time an insane, subversive revolutionary dies.  For every Osama that dies, there is another taking his place.  We are not at war with people, but with an insanely archaic ideology that is based off hatred, prejudice, and misogyny. 

UnCommon House Guests

A media event that was planned by First Lady Michelle Obama is precipitating into political outrage among many conservative news outlets.  Her event, a poetry reading that she is hosting from the White House, takes place Wednesday evening.  It sounds harmless enough.

However, one of her attending guests, a rapper named 'Common', is receiving a lot of publicity due to the nature of his songs, and the lyrics he uses.

Already, many media outlets are making a huge ordeal out of this.

Common, in an interview, talked about his support of the President.  He continued on to discuss his relationship with the controversial Reverend Jeremiah Wright.  The rapper claims that he, along with Obama,  has attended the Reverend's church since age 8, assuring that he only preaches about love and truth. 


Are entertainers who use violent imagery and impetuous, unfiltered lyrics be allowed to perform at the White House?  More importantly, are they appropriate role models?

Sold Down the River

There have been 20 major flooding events in and around the lower Mississippi River
Residents in Memphis, Tennessee were encouraged to evacuate their homes immediately, due to more possible flooding.  The mighty Mississippi is creeping closer and closer toward the city, leaving residents to head for higher ground.  The record high, 48 feet,  is just a few inches shy of the devastating 1937 flood.

Currently, there are over 370 people staying in relief shelters, with over 1,300 homes having been evacuated. 

The creeping river is a "slow-moving disaster", as one red cross member describes it , inundating houses and farms with floodwater, causing millions in damage and profit loss.

One emergency management director states  "We have held back the Mississippi River...  We didn't beat it, but it didn't beat us"

Some residents, however, should look on the bright side:  the trip to the river just got shorter.  Sun tanning on the roof is pretty bourgeoisie, citizens can fish from the comfort of their couches, and cleaning the dishes just got super easy.



This poor little girl is probably looking for her puppy.

Republican Primary Debate: Round 1

Last night, FOX news hosted the National Republican Primary Debate from the Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina. It featured five former Governors and Congressmen all vying for praise and notoriety, while introducing new, astute methodologies and opinions.

Surprisingly, some of the conservative, top-tier candidates were not in attendance, including: Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich.

Nevertheless, it was a chance for Americans to get a good look at presidential potentiality, complete with a fresh cast and contemporary ideas.

The FOX moderators questioned the potential candidates mostly about current events, including the circumstances preceding and following the demise of Osama Bin Laden. The national debt was an important topic of discussion, as was each individual's plan to balance the deficit and cut government spending.

Questionably, Pawlenty was last night's fan favorite, receiving the largest appraise for his statements.  He congratulated Obama on the killing of Bin Laden, but went on to criticize how the president has deferred the situation in Libya.  He then went on to describe his credentials, explaining his frequent visits overseas, parlaying his diplomatic candor. 

It's still very early, hence the extended absentees.  There is still a lot to discuss, and these potential candidates still have a long road ahead.

Post Mortem and Camera Shy

Is it Usama Bin Laden.  Or Osama?  It changes every couple of years.

Regardless, President Obama stated today that he will not release photos of the deceased high-profile terrorist.  The President saw no compelling reason for releasing the photo OR the videos, deciding that it would do more harm than good.

When asked about continued terrorist activities, the President's administration is persistent that it's imperative for parties to move forward in the peace process and negotiate a lasting relationship.