DeM Banter: rough situation...options limited...lines drawn...tired military....limited funds...now what? National Journal May 4, 2013 Syria is testing the idea that nations can't cross the United States. What happens if other countries copy it? The United States can’t bluff. That is the consensus inside the White House on the issuing of “red lines,” including President Obama’s …
Global Strike Falls Victim To Budget Cuts By Brian Everstine
DeM Banter: Posted an article a few days ago by Dr Haass on the future of the US and policy...my thoughts... the trend lines are all in the wrong direction... this is trend line in the wrong direction... AirForceTimes.com May 1, 2013 The Air Force has canceled its premier nuclear security exercise. The Global Strike …
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Top General: 5 Bad Habits For The Pentagon To Fix By David Cook
DeM Banter: Not sure I disagree...but I have to say... I have a really bad feeling about this. Christian Science Monitor (csmonitor.com) April 30, 2013 The Pentagon has not had to do any serious belt-tightening for years, and Gen. Martin Dempsey, the nation's top military officer, says some budget disciple could be beneficial. Gen. Martin …
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DoD’s Push To Dump Bad Leaders JCS chief wants troops to review COs By Andrew Tilghman
DeM Banter: WARNING: CULTURE CHANGER...Always tough for the military to face a culture change, but this is huge! Many more benefits than drawbacks... so now let's sit back and observe who fights it, where, when, and why...Wonder if it will work? Note which service is the most resistant? Why do you think that is? Army …
The Dark Side Of Energy Independence By Benjamin Alter and Edward Fishman
DeM Banter: as mentioned in Wondering Where the Lions Are and Quantum Look...energy independence is huge! Granted...there are issues to face...but are they worthy of not pursuing it? China will need energy for a long time to come....what do you think? Stay dependent on the mid-east? New York Times April 28, 2013 Pg. SR5 JUST …
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Obama’s Syria Dilemma By Aaron David Miller
DeM Banter: there are no good options when it comes to Syria...but if anyone can think of any...I'm sure the White House is interested. ForeignPolicy.com April 26, 2013 Damned if he does; damned if he doesn't. Barack Obama has a real problem. It's self-inflicted, really -- and it's a cautionary tale against articulating public positions …
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THE REGRETS OF U.S. ISOLATIONISM By Joseph I. Lieberman and Jon Kyl
DeM Banter: "Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future, too." -Marcus Aurelius So happy to see this dialog ongoing... I fear we have time and time again believed that we (as a nation) were smarter than history...honestly... I don't think we can be. …
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The Greatest Job in the World (and the news): DeMarco Banter
DeM Banter: I honestly believe serving in the US Military is the greatest job and honor in the world. It is indeed a life of service, working with some of the greatest people in the world, serving what is the greatest nation in history. That is why issues like those below just hurt. There are …
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Compare and Contrast: East/China and West/NATO…
DeM Banter: Never wanting to be one of those "decline of the West" type bloggers... I just could not help put ponder the "rise of the East" in reading through some of the news this AM. Interesting times for sure... one can not help ponder what the conversations will be in 2023. Reuters.com April 23, …
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DRONES INSTILL HATRED OF U.S., SENATE PANEL IS TOLD By Ernesto Londono
DeM Banter: I don't think one could call me a "dove" by any stretch...but there are so many effects that are coming from the drone policy that it is utterly impossible to even imagine them all at this point in history. One can't help but ponder what this will look like when China and Russia …
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