Capturing Memory: Herbert York and John Silard, Champions of a Nuclear Free World
Mar 02, 2010
2009 saw the passing of Herbert York and John Silard who each played important roles in the efforts to bring about the nuclear free world that President Obama has called for.
Herbert York helped lead and organize the scientific community against the ABM Missile.
He played a lead role in educating Senators Cooper (R-Ky) and Hart (D-Mich) to oppose the ABM. That was the first time the Senate went to great lengths to question a weapons system. Senate staffers organized science briefings for Senators and their staffs. The breakthrough education took place in small groups as Senators learned why the ABM was a reckless weapon. I lobbied against the ABM and my Senate staff friends told me how attentive Senators were to York and his colleagues tutorials.
York's role made a significant difference in the Senate rising out of its then somnolence by seriously challenging a weapons system. So effective was the work of York and his allies that though the Senate failed to kill the weapon, it was by a 50-50 vote. That legitimized a more active Senate role on these matters. That is part of Herb York's legacy.
John Silard's obituaries recognized his pioneering civil rights legal advocacy. What the obits omitted was John's constant policy initiatives on nuclear weapons control and non-proliferation. His memos were filled with ideas and in the late 70s and early 80s I had a chance to work with him as we interested Senators in promoting resolutons that debated the issue and tried to prod reluctant Executive Branch officials. John used his skills to draft resolutions to less hostile Committees. John knew that the Senate can be a place where ideas form, policy initiatives develop on issues such as nuclear non-proliferation that others want to ignore.
York's and Silard's contributions for today go directly to the Obama initiatives for a nuclear free world. As we work for that world we need the New Start treaty, efforts to control nuclear proliferation and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. York's and Silard's legacy asks us to use our intelligence and imagination to persuade Senators to pay attention to what the stakes are in not acting. I know it is hard to open up the auditory channels of those Senators who love to talk. Our challenge is to find the ways that they will listen and be persuaded.
America's Soft Power
Mar 01, 2010
The United States cannot solve the problems of the world on its own, and the world cannot solve them without the United States.
As the world’s only remaining superpower, America has the ability to affect the behavior of other nations through coercion, economic strength and the power of attraction. Hard power relies on coercion and raw economic power. Soft power influences others through public diplomacy, broadcasting, exchange programs, development assistance, disaster relief, exchange of ideas and culture - everything from Hollywood to Shakespeare to orchestras.
In his inaugural address, President Barack Obama informed all countries, friendly and unfriendly, that there was a new attitude in the White House. He advised those countries “on the wrong side of history” that the United States “will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
Frank Gaffney goes ballistic -- again
Feb 26, 2010
Frank Gaffney, one of the right wings most extreme figures, goes off the deep end once again.
A long-time lover of missile defense, he finds conspiracies where there are none to prove that President Obama is selling missile defense down the river to Islam.
The Washington Post Al Kamen on Feb. 26 captured Gaffney's loony logic: "The missle defense logo that bombed."
Gaffney sees the Obama campaign logo being combined with an Islamic symbol to undermine the Missile Defense Agency-- only to find that the logo is three years ago adopted -- gasp -- during the Geoge W. Bush years.
See below.
In the House - House Election News - Nomination Shake 'N' Bake
Feb 26, 2010
Nomnination Madness
Jockeying for the Democratic Nod in Pennsylvania
After a hectic few weeks, the crowded field for the Democratic nomination to succeed the recently deceased Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) seems to be narrowing down. Democratic party leaders will choose a nominee on March 6th.
There was initial speculation that Murtha’s widow, Joyce Murtha, might receive the nomination. However, she indicated earlier this week that she was not interested in filling the position and endorsed Murtha district director Mark Critz. Another potential candidate, former Lt. Governor Mark Singel, dropped out yesterday and also endorsed Critz. That leaves Critz and former state Treasurer Barbara Hafer as the leading candidates, although there are a few dark horse candidates remaining as well. With the high profile endorsements of Singel and Joyce Murtha, Critz may be the favorite.
On the Republican side, party officials have failed to recruit any marquee names. They are left to select between the ’08 nominee, William Russell, and local businessman and first-time candidate Tim Burns. Party officials are rumored to be leaning toward Burns, but Russell has indicated a willingness to run as an Independent spoiler if he does not get the Republican nomination. If Russell follows through on those threats, whoever the Democratic nominee is would be heavily favored to win.
Palin-tology: reckless and dangerous
Feb 26, 2010
Former Alaska Governor has said some crazy things over the years, but perhaps none so whacko as her recent comments on Fox about war with Iran .
"Say he [Obama] decided to declare war on Iran," she said on Fox News last week. "I think people would perhaps shift their thinking a little bit and decide, well, maybe he's tougher than we think he is today."
Great. All the President needs to do is launch another war -- a third conflict for American military forces, and maybe his popularity goes up a few points.
Palin seems to fail to understand the lesson of George W. Bush. It took a few years, but Americans became fed up with both the Iraq War and the Bush cowboy policies.
Perhaps Palin is looking for ways to prove her manhood, err, womanhood.
Watch what Jon Kyl says . . .
Feb 25, 2010
While many people were rightly upset over a recent piece in The Cable by Josh Rogin entitled "No 'New START' in 2010, Hill sources predict," they may have overlooked some very important words by Arizona Senator John Kyl.
Kyl is the bête noire of those promoting a new nuclear reductions treaty and a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
He has sent a series of missives along with many of his colleagues raising issues such as nuclear weapons modernization and missile defense. He has also delivered a number of speeches on the same topics.
As the British would say, he is constantly throwing a spanner into the works (i.e., monkey wrenches).
Dick Cheney's Path to Bipartisanship
Feb 23, 2010
President Obama has finally achieved the bipartisanship for which he has been virtually begging since his agenda collapsed in Congress in the first year of his term. And the Republican partisan who showed him the way was former Vice President Richard Cheney, the meanest gun in politics. In his recent exchanges with Vice President Joe Biden, Cheney opposed virtually every Obama policy except for one: Cheney approves Obama policy in Afghanistan.
Finally, Obama knows how to get bipartisan support: concentrate on military intervention abroad, For generations, the presidents of both parties have unified the nation by fighting undeclared wars all over the world. The parties draw together to support the US troops sent abroad to fight "Just" wars and to establish American military bases, a Roman strategy without the pizza.
Cheney's approval arrives just in time to help Obama replace his failed agenda to reform health care, to regulate financial institutions, to solve the crisis in unemployment. With the Congress in total gridlock over domestic matters, Obama will gain political approval from Republicans and Independents by concentrating on Afghanistan and Iraq, with Iran waiting-on-call followed by likely insurgencies in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Priorities determine bipartisanship. Cut Medicare but capture Osama Bin Laden.
The Veep plugs the program
Feb 18, 2010
Vice President Biden’s speech speech today at the National Defense University was an important part of the Obama Administration’s campaign to promote its nuclear weapons agenda.
The Vice President was introduced at the event by Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Also in the audience was Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General James Cartwright as well as Under Secretary of State Ellen Tauscher and National Nuclear Security Agency Director Thomas D’Agostino.
The clear message: this speech was a Big Deal and the government is united behind the President’s agenda.
This speech followed the Vice President Wall Street Journal OpEd a couple of weeks ago and both are part of the long-awaited Administration offensive.
Today, the Vice President opened by citing President’s Obama’s Prague speech:
In the House - House Election News - Trouble In River City
Feb 18, 2010
Brad Ellsworth (D-IN)
BREAKING: Rep. Brad Ellsworth to run for IN Senate
It is being reported theat Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-IN) will run for the Senate seat left open by Evan Bayh’s surprise retirement. While Ellsworth will be a strong Senate candidate this decision instantly creates a competitive race for his House seat and a top Republican pick-up opportunity. The moderate Ellsworth and fit the district well with his strong law and order credentials from his days as a sheriff but it was won by both McCain and Bush in the Presidential races.
State Rep. Trent Van Haaften is said to be considering running on the Democratic side. There were already a number of Republicans running long-shot challenges against Ellsworth. More prominent and viable Republicans are likely to get into the race in the coming days.
