Iraq Veterans Stand against Obama

As I have mentioned in the last post, Iraq War veterans are seriously concerned with Senator Barack Obama’s defeatist policy in the Middle East. For the victory of US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, a new advocacy group called Vets for Freedom (VFF) was established by retired Captain Pete Hegseth who served for the 101st Airborne Division.

Captain Hegseth joined the US Army upon graduation from Princeton University. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge and Bronze Star Medal for his mission in Iraq. He will enroll the master’s course at the Woodrow Wilson School for Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

Hegseth founded VFF on November 11, 2007, Veterans Day, with the help of veterans fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, to explain American strategy in Iraq. In the Mission Statement, VFF declares the following.

Our mission is to educate the American public about the importance of achieving success in these conflicts by applying our first-hand knowledge to issues of American strategy and tactics in Iraq.

More importantly, the Statement emphasizes bipartisan nature of VFF.

We support policymakers from both sides of the aisle who have stood behind our great generation of American warriors on the battlefield, and who have put long-term national security before short-term partisan political gain.”

This part of the Statement matches the agenda of Global American Discourse. Originally, this blog is trans-partisan. I have been criticizing Senator Barack Obama, because he does not assume imperialist mission of America. Also, Obama does not believe in the world led by the Best and the Brightest Nations of top industrialized democracies.

Then, why is Captain Hegseth critical to Barack Obama? In the last post, I have mentioned his article to National Review Online (“Right You Are, Joe: America's enemies will see Obama as weak.”; October 21), arguing that Obama’s foreign policy is too naïve to America’s enemy and adversaries.

In another article, referring to Amir Taheri, an Iranian-born neoconservative journalist (“Obama Tried to Stall GIs' Iraq Withdrawal”; New York Post; September 15, 2008), Pete Hegseth criticizes Senator Obama because he jeopardizes the negotiation for the US-Iraqi Security Pact (“Barack, Revealed”; Troop Blog; September 16, 2008). Though Obama recognizes progress of security in Iraq, he still argues that the Iraq War is a quagmire the surge has not made sufficient success. Hegseth condemns Obama as the following.

In Obama’s world, foreign-policy contorts to meet domestic politics, and commanding generals accommodate arbitrary political timelines. From his perspective, facts on a foreign battlefield exist to the extent they comport with his judgment, rather than his judgment comporting to facts on a foreign battlefield.

It is not only poor understanding of strategic value of Iraq that erodes Obama’s credibility as the Commander in Chief. According to FOX News, Los Angels Times refuses to release a videotape of Barack Obama’s dangerous ties with a pro-Palestine activist Rashid Khalidi (“LA Times Refuses to Release Tape of Obama Praising Controversial Activist”; Fox News; October 28, 2008).

Amil Imani, Iranian-born American and pro-democracy activist, compares current Obama boom with the Carter bubble after the Watergate Scandal (“Can America Afford Another Jimmy Carter?”; New Media Journal; October 10, 2008). When America is on the verge of repeating the same mistake, leftish global public opinion applauses the man who is completely unqualified for the Commander in Chief.

In an environment like this, it is noteworthy that brave veterans stand up. Whether the next president is John McCain or Barack Obama, it is private citizens of willing who can lead the public toward a better direction. The world needs dedicated commitment by the Best and the Brightest Nations consisted of the United States, Europe, and Japan. Therefore, I recommend readers to pay attention to VFF.

More Attention to Foreign Policy: America's Enemies Will See Obama as Weak

It is regretful that the presidential debate had been predominated by the economy, and both candidates did not manage to discuss foreign and security issues in this critical period. Currently, the United States and Iraq is negotiating on bilateral security pact. In addition to the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, nuclear threat by Iran and North Korea has not been eliminated. Russia and China are challenging the liberal world order guarded by America, Europe, and Japan.

A warrior who served in Iraq has raised a serious concern to Senator Barack Obama’s defeatist foreign policy, through quoting his running mate Senator Joseph Biden. An article by this brave soldier brings a vital fact home to the public, that is, current debates and commentaries on election are off the point to determine the quality of presidential candidates.

First of all, TV debates on the economy were no help for voters because Barack Obama simply criticized the Bush administration. Shortly after the final TV debate, Democratic consultant Chris Lehane said, "The debate was like a Rorschach test. If you like McCain, you probably thought he won, and if you like Obama, you probably thought he won. And since there are more Obama supporters than McCain supporters, then it is a good night for Obama" (“McCain deals no lethal blows in final debate with Obama”; Los Angels Times; October 16, 2008). This implies that Senator Obama’s “victory” over Senator McCain in the poll after the debate is a skewed result. Just think again. If Barack Obama showed a successful blueprint on the economy, why was he defeated by Joe the Plumber a.k.a. Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher?

The three time debates on the economy were not meaningful. More importantly, foreign and security issues are marginalized, while US leadership on the global stage stands at crossroads now.

According to a BBC report, it is the success of the surge in Iraq that has made foreign and security policy less of a priority (“US campaign bypasses foreign policy”; BBC News; 17 October, 2008). Sojourner, a journal of a Christian evangelist organization, warns that the coalition has not exterminated insurgents completely in Iraq, and careful attention is still required (“The Sad Truth about the Surge”; God’s Politics; October 17, 2008).

However, Senator Joseph Biden, Democratic candidate for Vice President, remarked the following controversial comment that spurred foreign policy debates.

Mark my words: It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy. The world is looking. We’re about to elect a brilliant 47-year-old senator president of the United States of America. Watch, we’re going to have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy. He’s going to have to make some really tough - I don’t know what the decision’s going to be, but I promise you it will occur. As a student of history and having served with seven presidents, I guarantee you it’s going to happen. (“Biden predicts international crisis if elected - McCain reacts”; The Vote Blog, Christian Science Monitor; October 21, 2008)

Senator John McCain jumped on this comment (“The Trail: A RETORT TO BIDEN McCain Jumps on Talk of Early Test for Obama”; Washington Post; October 21, 2008). Governor Sarah Palin followed McCain (“Palin agrees with Biden that Obama presidency will create crisis”; The Vote Blog, Christian Science Monitor; October 21, 2008).

In view of rising doubts to Senator Obama, Captain Pete Hegseth, Chairman of Vets for Freedom, has contributed an article to criticize his foreign policy (“Right You Are, Joe: America's enemies will see Obama as weak”; National Review Online; October 21, 2008). Captain Hegseth says that Joseph Biden understands Obama’s fatal weakness as the Commander in Chief as this presidential candidate believes in “peace through engagement” so naively that his policy will invite attacks to the Free World, rather than deter them. Also, Hegseth mentioned that Biden shows no concern that America’s enemies will test John McCain, if he is elected.

Hegseth argues lucidly and strongly. I agree with him. Obama is too innocent to believe that dictators like Mahmud Ahmadinejad, Hugo Chavez, Fidel Castro, and Kim Jong Il, will turn friendly to our Free World. Also, Obama is too innocent to believe that the United States listen to demands of radicals and enemies to improve relations with them.

I guess Senator Biden think of succeeding the presidential job. Judging from his comment, Biden scorns the inexperienced and unqualified presidential candidate deep in his heart. But it is all right for him. Barack Obama is more likely to be assassinated than any other president, if he is elected. Then, it is Joe the 6-term Senator who enjoys the great chance to become the President of the United States. How smart he is!


Other Links of Interest:

“After Debate, Glare Of Media Hits Joe: Plumbers Union, Tax Collectors Notice”; Washington Post: October 17, 2008

“Where McCain, Obama stand on the issues”; International Herald Tribune; October 20, 2008

“About Joe the Plumber, ‘average’ guy”; Patchwork Nation Blog, Christian Science Monitor; October 22, 2008

Obama and McCain differ greatly on the Arts

Americans for the Arts Action Fund compared the two presidential candidates on policies and funding for the arts. Both candidates met with members of the organization in April.

Since February, Democrat Barack Obama had been publishing what amounts to a comprehensive policy statement on the arts and arts education. Here in PDF form are Obama's arts policies. He also has outlined his position on funding the arts in speeches in Texas and Pennsylvania.
Obama has a clear set of priorities for the arts.

After several requests, Republican John McCain finally did state his position on the arts by publishing a short statement in the Salt Lake City Tribune earlier this month.

There was an even more interesting follow up story also by Julie Checkoway. The story, and embedded video, talks about how important the arts can be to our lives. I give kudos to McCain for recognizing his lack of knowledge in the area.

The Democratic Party platform includes a statement on the arts, but the Republican platform does not.

McCain has no use for the arts, nor any policy to support anything to do with creativity in this competitive world.

Perhaps most telling is the voting record of each of the presidential candidates. Obama sponsored the Artist-Museum Partnership Act. McCain has voted for cutting or terminating funding for the National Endowment for the Arts in several different Senate votes. More information is available at www.artsvote.org.

Nothing on the McCain-Pail website about the arts.

When it comes to the Vice Presidential candidates, Sarah Palin offers an interesting contrast. While Mayor of Wasilla she cut funding for the Dorothy G. Page Museum and summarily fired its director, John Cooper. As governor of Alaska, there was a miniscule increase to the state arts council funding - most likely to continue receiving Federal funds - but somehow it ran out of money before the grants could be adjudicated. This article at artNet pretty well summarizes her actions. If she behaves anything like McCain, she will not be in favor for continued funding of the NEA.

Massachusetts Ballot Question 1

THE MOHAWK THEATRE IN NORTH ADAMS now being restored.



Voters in Massachusetts will have a crucial decision to make at the polls in November - and it's not just the presidential election.

Once again, they'll be faced with a proposal to get rid of the state income tax - an initiative that's getting more attention this time around because of the economic crisis.

It's called Question 1 - a proposed repeal of the state income tax and of course, the capital gains tax. The greedy are never satisfied.

Supporters say it will take money out of the hands of Beacon Hill politicians who have done nothing but waste it for years. Ask someone making minimum wage in North Adams who gets fuel assistance, Or a senior who uses the Spitzer Center. Or any teacher.

We have a bridge to fix, a city that is already running on fumes, and don't need to see local aid take another hit.

I think it's a reckless idea.

"This is throwing a bomb into government," said Peter Meade, head of the Vote No on 1 Committee. "If you vote yes, you're voting to increase the tax on your home."

For more information about how this measure will affect your town or city, check out this interactive map and web site.

A Touching "To Kill a Mockingbird" at Barrington Stage

The stage set designed by Marion Williams is evocative of the South. All photos by Kevin Sprague.

Although I enjoy reviewing many Berkshire events for Berkshire Fine Arts, I don't always land the plum assignments, and so I had to reluctantly defer to Editor and Publisher Charles Giuliano to review this new production which you can read here. I went to see it anyway, and here's my twitter synopsis: To Kill a Mockingbird at Barrington Stage is wonderful. The in-depth BFA critique will appear in a day or two, but I wanted to alert you to this show - one of the most dramatic and moving dramas Barrington Stage has ever done. Julianne Boyd and her gifted cast certainly deserved the standing ovation they received on Opening Night. And my eyes were wet. Yes, this old cynic was moved to tears by what he saw, and this coming of age story set in the South should strike a chord deep within you, too.

Harper Lee's book, To Kill a Mockingbird has become a classic book, mandatory in High School classrooms, and a still popular motion picture for which Gregory Peck received an Oscar for his role of Atticus Finch. The staged version is not identical to either the book or the film. I found it even more powerful and spellbinding when performed live.

An understanding Miss Maudie (Debra Jo Rupp) helps Scout (Grace Sylvia) and Jem (Christian Meola) to understand their father.
Atticus (David Adkins) is threatened by a lynch mob.
The riveting trial of Tom Robinson (played by Jerome Spratling).
Atticus, played by David Adkins lets out a blood curdling scream when he discovers his children were harmed.
Scout (Grace Sylvia) learns a life lesson from Atticus (David Adkins)

Coming Up: This Wonderful Life, Carousel and Streetcar Named Desire

Barrington Stage has also announed a Christmas presentation of the one-man show, This Wonderful Life for December 3-20 on their Main Stage. It promises to be a wonderful twist on Frank Capra's timeless film, so full of hope and happiness, humor and and holiday cheer.

For the 2009 season, Boyd also plans to direct a fully staged Carousel by Rogers and Hammerstein, as well as the classic Tennessee Williams play, A Streetcar Named Desire. Still to be revealed: the third summer attraction, probably a comedy.

For tickets and information, you can always visit the Barington Stage website.

You can also hear Jullianne Boyd talk about Mockingbird on You Tube.

Columbus Day Weekend

A "Trock" Dancer Prepares

It was both whacky and wonderful in the Berkshires over the Columbus Day Weekend. My friends from Boston could not get a room nearby, so they did not get to enjoy the Trockaderos de Monte Carlo who played the Hunter Center at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA. It was a great show, and you can read my review here:

Larry Murray's Berkshire Fine Arts Review

Since I wrote it, several people have asked me about some of the more unusual dance phrases I employed in the critique.

So here are a couple of images to illustrate what a ponche and a "fish" dive are.

The ballerina is doing a "ponche" with one leg en pointe and the other pointing at midnight, a feat which i have never seen a male dancer able to perform.

And this is the gorgeous "Fish" Dive, which is as complicated as a it is beautiful and only lasts a second or two.

Another wonderful review of this performance was published by the very astute Gail Burns which you can find here:

Gail Sez Review

While North Adams is in no danger of becoming another Provincetown, it surely was nice to see a little diversity in the artistic offerings. And the sold out houses for the "Trocks" indicates that there is a market here for both more dance, and more camp.

The Peril of Terrorist President Barack Obama

The most serious concern in the forthcoming US presidential election is that American voters are extremely upset with recent economic crisis. Once the public become cool headed, Obama’s incompetence and inaptitude for president will be apparent. Though Senator Obama criticizes Bush economic policy, he is no expert on the economy. His personal ties with William Ayers and Reverend Jeremiah Wright are serious defect as the Commander in Chief. This is beyond moral issue. America is at war against terrorists.

Allies worry Obama’s possible presidency. It is the third time to mention that Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, hopes to sign a bilateral security agreement with the United States before the election. Apparently, Foreign Minister Zebari does not trust Barack Obama.

Iraq is not the only ally that is seriously concerned with Barack Obama. Japanese policymakers and opinion leaders are critically dismayed with the rise of Obama. Despite political hurdles of pacifist constitution and isolationist public opinion, Japan has made unprecedented contribution to America’s war in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, Japanese leaders worry that Democrats see China more important than Japan.

Former Chief of National Security Chamber Atsuyuki Sassa insists that Senator John McCain is much more preferable for Japan, in view of threats posed by North Korea and China (“Seiron: Hopefully, McCain Win the Election”; Sankei shimbun; March 28, 2008). Also, Yoshihisa Komori, a leading pro-American conservative, says that he was impressed with John McCain’s sincere expectation to Japan as a key US ally. While McCain demands Japan’s active involvement in global security, he defends Japan in trade and economic negotiations. Komori says McCain is the man whom Japan can trust (“Republican McCain’s sincere viewpoints to Japan”; Nikkei Bizinesu; February 12, 2008).

Actually, it is John McCain who defends Japanese position on North Korea. The Bush administration removed this rogue regime from the terrorist list. While Senator Barack Obama approved this deal, Senator John McCain criticized it because of insufficient consideration to the Japanese abductee issue. McCain warns that this agreement with North Korea will ruin the US-Japanese alliance which is the keystone of Asia-Pacific security.

Foreign policy is not the only weakness of Obama. In the economy, two Japanese economists named Masashi Murakami and Reiko Osawa argue that Obama will not hesitate to devalue dollar, which will curb export to US market from Japan and Asian economies (“What is the CHANGE: Analyzing the Obama Risk”; Nikkei Bizinesu; August 18, 2008). Judging from what they say, Barak Obama is not the right leader to manage international policy coordination to overcome this economic crisis.

Barack Obama received an F grade in foreign policy and national security when he talked with General David Petraeus. He is not strong in the economy. Some people may say OJT will make Obama a good president. At least, he is an excellent communicator. A blog roll site of Global American Discourse, Always on Watch quotes a comedian Jackie Manson.

Barack Obama is popular because of the way he looks, the way he talks, and the way he presents himself – but remember that’s his field of expertise. His primary accomplishments include looking good, lying with a straight face, and associating himself with powerful radical activists. When you think about it, he is exactly who un-American liberals want living in the White House.

Yes, it is his association with radical activists that makes his fundamental creed questionable for the presidential job. William Kristol, neoconservative columnist of the New York Times, says that Obama’s relationship with William Ayers and Reverend Jeremiah Wright must be questioned seriously (“The Wright Stuff”; New York Times; October 5, 2008). John McCain criticizes that Obama is not honest about his connections with those domestic terrorists (“McCain: Ayers ‘Still Wants to Destroy America’”; Weekly Standard Blog; October 13, 2008). If Obama is willing to destroy America, and devastate a liberal world order, it is no use to offer any kind of OJT to him.

The most serious problem is that quite a few supporters of Barack Obama, both in the United States and abroad, are cultic. Currently I conduct some opinion polls on the website of a Japanese information survey company, called Yoron Chosa.net. When I say something satirical to Obama on this site, Obamanias in Japan called me a racist. It is quite Orwellian. Once you criticize Obama, his supporters label you a racist. Can people in America and the world wake up from cult memorization by Barack Hussein Obama, a friend of terrorist?

Keeping an Artistic Eye on the Universe with the Hubbble Telescope

With the deployment of the Hubble telescope, the richness of the universe has become a source of artistic inspiration. Perhaps it is because the same parts of the human brain are used for both creativity and analysis. Science and art merge, and both disciplines are grounded in both objectivity and passion - though some will debate this point. The main difference is that science uses analysis and observation as its foundation, art more often depending on emotion and feeling. But there is no doubting the frequent merging of all these elements.



The Hubble Photograph Website


These images are freely available from the Hubble website, and are easily manipulated in graphics programs such as Photoshop. I have only made some minor tweaks to these photographs, and my preferences are layered on top of those made by the scientists who preceded me. The colors we see are rarely the actual ones captured by the Hubble, but rather used to make the structures of space more visible, and one would guess, more interesting.


What I find most interesting about these images is that I have purchased oil paintings with similar themes over the decades, before these images became known. Interesting.


Sturn and its rings.







Three images above: The birth of Galaxies in the Maternity Ward of the Universe.



As good as movies have become, no special effects artist has yet to mimic the dazzling complexity of the Universe.



Above is Mars laid flat like a tangerine peel.



Painting or photograph?

Bill Kristol’s Advice for the Victory of John McCain

In view of continual Obama bubble, William Kristol, Founder and Editor of the Weekly Standard, has written a noteworthy article to suggest a victory strategy for Senator John McCain (“How McCain Wins”; International Herald Tribune; September 29, 2008). Quite unexpectedly, this is the first time to mention Kristol’s publication in Global American Discourse. As widely known, William Kristol is a co-founder of the Project for a New American Century with Robert Kagan, and both Kristol and Kagan have been supporting John McCain presidency since the election in 2000.

It is the latest financial crisis that gives Senator Barack Obama an advantage over McCain. In view of this, Kristol argues that McCain needs to take unconventional measures. A candidate of ruling party tends to minimize the risk of current problem, but the financial crisis is so serious that it cannot be resolved with a single legislation, he says. Therefore, Kristol insists that McCain emphasize that America needs a strong leader to make tough decisions in this emergency. Also, William Kristol argues that McCain free Palin from Bush influence.

The Economist expressed a similar viewpoint in late August. It insists “The Republican candidate is fighting hard, but he needs to do more to separate himself from George Bush” (“Bring back the real McCain”; Economist; August 28, 2008).

As I said in the last post, it was John McCain who won the debate on points, despite public image. Remember, it is leftish BBC that argues this! Barack Obama cannot show persuasive alternatives, but simply blame economic crisis and provoke anti-Bush sentiments. There is no wonder. A former Japanese journalist, Yoshiki Hidaka, points out that the Democrat is not prepared for policymaking to lead the nation, in his Japanese language book “America Kyoran”.

In the TV debate with Senator Joseph Biden on Thursday October 2, Governor Palin did a good job. The Washington Post reports that Palin’s performance enables McCain to focus on forthcoming debates with Obama, as he will be no longer distracted with questions about competence of the Republican vice presidential candidate (“Attention -- and Scrutiny -- Shifts Back to McCain”; The Trail; October 3, 2008). David Brooks, Columnist of the New York Times, comments “When nervous, Palin has a tendency to over-enunciate her words like a graduate of the George W. Bush School of Oratory, but Thursday night she spoke like a normal person. It took her about 15 seconds to define her persona - the straight-talking mom from regular America - and it was immediately clear that the night would be filled with tales of soccer moms, hockey moms, Joe Sixpacks, Main Streeters, 'you betchas' and 'darn rights'” (“The Palin rebound”; International Herald Tribune; October 3, 2008).

Barack Obama may try to seize the opportunity of economic crisis, but can he really lead America? Can he really lead the world? If so, Hoshyar Zebari, Foreign Minister of Iraq, shall never say that he hopes to sign a bilateral security agreement before US presidential election.

Well done, Sarah Palin! Now, it is John McCain’s turn. It remains to be seen how much Kristol’s advice works in the forthcoming debates and the campaign itself.

The Trocks: Gentlemen Dancers in Tulle Tutus and Toe Shoes

The founder of the Boston Ballet, E. Virginia Williams, danced for the real Ballets Russe de Monte Carlo, the one founded by René Blum and Léonide Massine. It is a company that spawned many imitators. If she was still around today, I would take her to see their satirical successor, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo which makes its Berkshire appearance on October 10 and 11 at Mass MoCA in North Adams. It is a performance not to be missed.

Combining a wicked comic sense of humor with a devoted respect and true talent for classical dance, the all-male, 16-member "Clown Princes of Ballet" dance the fine line between high art and high camp. Presented with Jacob's Pillow, the "Trocks" whom the San Francisco Chronicle calls "one of the great comic creations of the American stage," perform parodies of ballet cornerstones complete with gargantuan toe shoes and diaphanous tutus. They have the ability to turn white ballets black, and to turn women's roles into opportunities for men.

These turbo-charged ballerinas are true athletes, with amazing flexibility, questionable artistic sensitivity, and the ability to spin like tops.

One of the most delightful aspects of the troupe is its outrageous sense of humor. Each of the dancers has a drag, excuse me, an travesti persona, and an alter ego. Take handsome and beautiful Joseph Jeffries for example.


His dancing name is MINNIE VAN DRIVER. Always running from rehearsals, costume fittings and performances, Miss Driver has a strong sense of movement. She has performed world wide and has a natural aptitude for touring. Famous for her beautiful port de bras, she gives credit to her many hours behind the wheel.


His alter ego is WILLIAM VANILLA. Despite the fact that he is American, he is very popular within the company. He is extremely personable, the ballerinas very much enjoy dancing with him, the management finds him agreeable, his costumes are never soiled, his fans admire his directness, he photographs well, he keeps regular hours, brushes his teeth after every meal, and he has never said a bad word about anybody. He will never really understand Russian ballet.

Another popular dancer is Calvin Gentry.


On stage he is known as HELEN HIGHWATERS. This waif was orphaned at the age of three when her mother, a ballerina of some dubious distinction, impaled herself on the first violinist’s bow after a series of rather uncontrolled fouette voyage. Helen was raised and educated with the “rats” of the Opera House but the trauma of her childhood never let her reach her full potential. However, under the kind and watchful eye of the Trockadero, she has begun to flower.


He also adopts the well known name of JACQUES d’AMBROSIA. As such he claims he was originally trained as an astronaut before entering the world of ballet. Strong but flexible, good natured but dedicated, sensible but given to unbelievable flights of fantastic behavior, Mr. d’Aniels is an expert on recovering from ballet injuries (including the dreaded “Pavlova’s clavicle”). The list of great ballerinas he has danced with is a long as the list of great ballerinas who will never dance with him again.

Here is a collection of candid photos of the artists as they carefully prepare for their upcoming appearance.



For Tickets go to the Mass Moca website.


The Trocks on line Website


Some background from The New Yorker


Deborah Jowett weighs in for the Village Voice


Boys who dream of being ballerinas. From Point Magazine.


Pitres a Pointes from Marseille - en français


And from London Ballet.com