I’m confused by this ad, is John McCain running to be the President of Israel?

Is there a not too subtle message here to right-wing Israeli supporters showing a giant Israeli flag over East Jerusalem, which last I checked was still occupied Palestinian territory? Or, is just trying to alienate the entire Muslim world further in an effort to provoke an attack Iran?

This along with his increasingly needless belligerence and provocation against Russia is a good example of the why thought of President John McCain continues to scare the hell of me.

I have so far endeavoured to stay out of the presidential race, but this sort of election season fear mongering has real world consequences outside of the candidate’s base. I know Senator McCain is new to the Internet, but maybe someone needs to explain to him that people outside of the US can also watch YouTube!

Given growing military threat around the world, the increasing deterioration of government control in vital areas such as Pakistan, and a growing scarcity of natural resources such as water and oil, the threat of a new era of global war is a real, clear, and present danger. So far both the Republican and Democratic leadership in Washington DC have been heedless to this threat, and the American people stand to lose everything.

The sort of ignorant, pandering, fear-mogering on display in this ad has got to end. It should be unacceptable to every American that this sort of dangerous radical posturing is coming from anyone that doesn’t live in a shack in Montana, let alone one of the top candidates for the position that determines national policy!  

Regardless of who wins the presidential race, it is clear that we are going to need voices in congress that are willing to stand up for the constitutional system of checks and balance, and to reign in the almost imperial level of control that has been seized by the executive branch of the government under the Bush Administration.

It is up to Congress, not the president, to declare war, and when any president violates the law, it is the duty of congress to enforce the rule of law and hold the president accountable, regardless of how politically risky impeachment or any other actions may be.

If congress had done its duty over the past eight years and reigned in the fiscal, military, and diplomatic irresponsibility of the Bush administration, we would not be on the precipice of war and economic disaster we now stand upon.

Voters in this district need to take a good long look at this ad and ask themselves:

Does Connie Mack support this position?

Is this the sort of foreign policy leadership we can expect if Burt Saunders gets into office?

Would Robert Neeld end up as anything more than another voice in the impotent and oblivious chorus of congressional Democrats?

It is time for a real change…

Posted by admin | Filed in Foreign Policy

Today is Primary Election today. Even if you’re not registered as either a Republican or a Democrat, you still have an important say in the school board elections, plus you get a chance to try out the new voting machines.

And if you want another opportunity to take a look at the candidates, you can check out the footage from last Thursday’s Greater Fort Myers Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum that went up this weekend here.

Posted by admin | Filed in Election

Over the last few weeks, I’ve attended a number candidate forums. Unfortunately, I’ve had some network problems this week, and as a result, we had some delays getting the videos up on Google.  As of this morning, they should be up now.

On August 11, I had the opportunity to be the first speaker at the Alva candidate forum. Burt Saunders and Robert Neeld  also attended, but of course, Connie Mack was absent. You can check out the raw footage from that event here.

On August 14, three of the four Congressional candidates got our chance to answer some questions taken ahead of time from the audience in Lehigh Acres. (Guess who was missing!) The raw footage of that forum is here.

Not only are these forums a great opportunity to see the congressional candidates in action, you also get to see most of the the various state, county, and local candidates that will be on the primary ballot next week as well.

This afternoon, I’ll be at the Political Forum Luncheon hosted by the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, and we should have the footage up from that by the end of the weekend.

Posted by admin | Filed in Election

If there is any doubt in any one’s minds, let me be clear:

The the current fighting between Russia and Georgia over South Ossetia is a very dangerous development that will directly effect the U.S. and the rest of the world.  It is not only the direct result of the long standing territorial dispute between the two nations, it is also the indirect result of general international indifference and inaction, and also certain U.S and European actions.

Now before anyone jumps all over me, and says I’m trying to blame the world’s problems on America,  let me point out that as an American citizen of I have no real direct control over what the Georgians and Russians do, but I do have at least some say in how the United States conducts its affairs.

In this case, I could point to the Bush Administration’s efforts to politicaly gratify the Georgian government by selling them arms and offering NATO membership over vocal Russian objections in an efforts to lay  sweet pipeline through the country. Or, I could also point to the needless antagonism of Russia with the Administration’s proposed missile shield and other recent cold war revival nonsense. However, the root issue here is a little more fundamental. To understand where I’m coming from, we have to look at the realization that came from the horrors of the Second World War.

The International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg, called the waging of aggressive war “essentially an evil thing…to initiate a war of aggression…is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime, differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole.”

From the Nuremberg Trials came the foundation for the Geneva Convention, the Genocide Convention, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights among other important international legal standards. Under the UN General Assembly, the International Law Commission was charge with codifying the Nuremberg Principles: 

Principle I
Any person who commits an act which constitutes a crime under international law is responsible therefore and liable to punishment.

Principle II
The fact that internal law does not impose a penalty for an act which constitutes a crime under international law does not relieve the person who committed the act from responsibility under international law.

Principle III
The fact that a person who committed an act which constitutes a crime under international law acted as Head of State or responsible government official does not relieve him from responsibility under international law.

Principle IV
The fact that a person acted pursuant to order of his Government or of a superior does not relieve him from responsibility under international law, provided a moral choice was in fact possible to him.

Principle V
Any person charged with a crime under international law has the right to a fair trial on the facts and law.

Principle VI
The crimes hereinafter set out are punishable as crimes under international law:
(a) Crimes against peace:
(i) Planning, preparation, initiation or waging of a war of aggression or a war in violation of international treaties, agreements or assurances;
(ii) Participation in a common plan or conspiracy for the accomplishment of any of the acts mentioned under (i).
(b) War Crimes:
Violations of the laws or customs of war which include, but are not limited to, murder, ill-treatment or deportation of slave labor or for any other purpose of the civilian population of or in occupied territory; murder or ill-treatment of prisoners of war or persons on the Seas, killing of hostages, plunder of public or private property, wanton destruction of cities, towns, or villages, or devastation not justified by military necessity.
(c) Crimes against humanity:
Murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation and other inhumane acts done against any civilian population, or persecutions on political, racial, or religious grounds, when such acts are done or such persecutions are carried on in execution of or in connection with any crime against peace or any war crime.

Principle VII
Complicity in the commission of a crime against peace, a war crime, or a crime against humanity as set forth in Principle VI is a crime under international law.

Even though, it may seem at first that in this case we’re mainly concerned with principle IV, it’s important to list all seven principles because the actions of the United States government (and its allies) beginning with at least the build up to the war, and the subsequent invasion of Iraq have effectively violated all seven principles. And the government has done so with the implied consent of we, the American people.

The world looked to us as a leader, and by our actions, not only did we fail to live up to the principles we helped establish, we unleashed the spectre of world war once again. We’ve done so by effectively establishing a new unspoken principle that it’s acceptable for one nation to invade another for the sake of its own definition of national interests, regardless of any actual evidence of a clear and immediate threat, as long as it has the power to get away with it.

Since then we’ve seen a series of escalations in the conflict including the Israeli assault on Lebanon, the Turkish incursion into Norther Iraq, the US backed Ethiopian invasion of Somalia, and continued genocide in the Sudan. Like this week’s renewed hostilities in South Ossetia, all of these conflicts have regional roots that predate the Iraq invasion, and each has occurred with or without varying degrees of U.S. complicity, but there is an essential underlying problem that is the same regardless of if we feel an invasion serves American interests or not.

We have both lost the moral authority to legitimately protest such assaults. And, more importantly, we have effectively dismantled the international safeguards by declaring American actions, American leaders, and by extension, the American people an exempt from international laws and standards.

My fear is not that the current conflict in Georiga will result directly into some sort of apocalyptic, European, World War III style conflict, but that it has already made the next escalation of global war inevitable.

Overall global tensions have been ratcheted up, and paranoid nationalists are still in charge around the globe. The Bush Admistration and Israel will almost surely move against Iran now because they will feel increasingly justified in their paranoia, as will the Iranian leadership.  The reaction from Russia and China will now be that much harsher, and the entire world will suffer for it.

I want to do everything in my power to shout out “BOMBING IRAN WILL BE A WAR CRIME!“

Unfortunately, I know that in order for the American people to truly here me, we all have to understand that the invasion of Iraq was also a war crime and those responsible must be held accountable, and there are still too many people around the country who are too personally invested in that decision to admit that justice has yet to be served over our actions in Iraq.

When I see what’s happening in South Ossetia  today, I realize the painful question that will define US reaction is this” How do we stand up against any unjust war, when doing so calls attention to our own guilt?”

I hope the people of this district realize that we need a Representative in congress that has the sense to recognize this, but until they do, all I can do is sit back watch the news today, and say “welcome back world war.”

Posted by admin | Filed in Foreign Policy

An old friend used to be fond of pointing out that “no answer is in itself an answer.” There are times when the most political expedient thing to do would be to follow his advice. Other times, I think it’s worth speaking up, even if it’s not going to win any votes.

This weekend I’ve received a deluge of form letter e-mails (from ProEnglish) over congressman Paul Broun’s proposed bill H.R. 6783 to withhold Federal funds from schools that permit or require the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance or the national anthem in a language other than English.

Here is the reply I’ve been sending:

One of the greatest strengths of America is the “melting pot” ideal that has guided generation after generation of immigrants to put aside the petty divisions of ethnicity, culture, and old world nationalism to come together as Americans. An important element of that is the understanding that we all need to speak a common language, English, if we are to live and work together effectively.

The Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem both reflect what it means to be American, and I agree that at all important American events, these should be recited and sung in English as a symbol of national unity.

There are, however, occasions when presenting these in another language services our nation. In education, it can help those who are new to America that have not yet mastered English better understand the principles underlying the Pledge and the National Anthem. It can also be used as a foreign languages teaching tool to English speaking natives that gives them something they hold dear as an effective means to learn another language.

Outside of our schools, as in the case of President Bush’s 2001 inauguration for example, singing the National Anthem in another language after it has been presented in English can be way of honoring foreign visitors, and as a way of sharing the majesty of America with others around the world.

There is no question in my mind that the language that the Pledge and the National Anthem is important. I am also sure that there are some schools in this country that may not be giving this issue adequate thought.

However, I don’t believe a restrictive federal law that outlines punitive measures against these schools is a viable solution. This is exactly the sort of Big Government interference in our local school systems that most Americans object to.

Actually forcing United States citizens and American schools to say the Pledge and sing the National Anthem only in English almost seems like something that might come from the French Academy in France, the body that is tasked with jealously guarding the French language from foreign encroachment by dictating what words French people can use in their own country. America is better than that.

While I share your commitment to ensuring that the English remains the language of America, I do not believe passing a repressive law that gives the Federal Government more control over our schools is appropriate in this case. I do believe, however, that citizens and parents concerned about the future of English in this country have a duty to take this up with their local schools, and I am more than willing to support them there.

So far, a few people have written back. One person called it “a typical mealy mouth response” and another informed me that he was reinforcing his vote for the incumbent. Who would’ve thought that people supporting efforts to essentially ban foreign languages in the U.S. wouldn’t appreciate a reasonable response?

(For a little historical perspective on this issue, check out Bilingual Education: The Controversy.)

Posted by admin | Filed in Immigration

One of the greatest strengths of America is the ideal of the great melding pot that turned a collection of immigrants from around the world into a nation of Americans. This ideal is currently under threat, not from any one group, but from a confused patchwork of immigration laws and polices, and the understandable alienation and frustration on all sides over the inequities that have resulted.

In Southwest Florida, and all across America, we see the immediate effects of our failed immigration policy. However before we start demanding mass deportations and giant walls across our borders, we need to recognize that the spike in illegal immigration we’ve seen over the past decade isn’t simply to due to an increased supply of illegal workers, but also a greater demand for cheap, illegal labor.  

A combination of bad policies both here in America and in countries such as Mexico that include lopsided trade agreements such as NAFTA, along a lack of enforcement not only along our borders, but also in our factories and worksites have done more to cause the  spike in the number of illegal aliens working in this country than anything else.

We need a consistent national immigration policy that focuses not only on border security but also the enforcement of labor laws that protect the safety and job security of citizens and legal immigrants alike.

We also need to strike a balance between creating an effective deterrence for illegal entry into this country and the practical need to ensure that our growing immigrant communities are fully integrated into American society by creating a legal pathway to citizenship for those deserving, longtime, undocumented residents who are otherwise contributing to this nation. 

The answer to our immigration problem is better laws not more walls.

Posted by admin | Filed in Immigration

It’s not secret that a number of voters in Florida still have concerns about how their votes are counted.

Workers from the Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections Office demonstrate the latest optical scan voting machines at the Candidate forum sponsored by the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.

Raw footage of the forum is also availible in our Google Video section.

Campaign Update:  Check out today’s News Press story on the candidate financial reports. Those poor Democrats  …literally!

Posted by admin | Filed in Election

INDEPENDENT NEARLY TRIPLES FUNDRAISING FIGURES

Cape Coral’s George draws more backing for U.S. House run

FORT MYERS, July 15, 2008 – Support for a departure from traditional two-party politics is continuing to grow.

U.S. House of Representatives candidate Jeff George reports to the Federal Election Commission raising $9,257 over the past three months, bringing the total for his campaign to $15,151.

“As this campaign progresses we’re gaining more and more support from people who are looking for an alternative to the big-money, special-interest-run business as usual in Washington, D.C.”

The Cape Coral resident, one of four vying for Florida’s 14th Congressional District seat, is gearing up for a busy slate of forums and public gatherings over the next few months designed to help voters get more acquainted with the candidates.

Accessibility to the people of Southwest Florida is a hallmark of the George campaign, which includes an interactive Web site with live video from his Fort Myers headquarters, unedited footage of meetings with organizations and individuals across the district, and weekly chat sessions.

“The job of a Representative is to be the eyes and ears of the people in Congress,” George said.

George, a U.S. Army veteran, is part-owner of a video production company and making his first run for public office. Archived video clips, blog entries and more information about the campaign are available along with the live features at www.jeffgeorgeforcongress.com.

###

Posted by admin | Filed in Election

This weekend there was a nice burst of coverage on the congressional race spurred on by the debate challenges.

WINK News had Congressman Mack defending himself in Rep. Mack: I won’t debate anybody… yet. and they spoke to me as well. (You can also check out the raw video of my interview.)

Fox News featured the story Saunders — Independent in Name Only which included my view on his candidacy as well. (Be sure to watch Fox’s video of the report. You can also take a look at our raw footage of the interview.)

The Fort Myers News Press ran the column Mack snubs Saunders on debate that offered up Betty Parker’s take on viability. (Some of the comments are interesting too.) 

The Cape Coral Daily Breeze ran Saunders proposes candidate debate for District 14 seat; Responses are mixed.

There’s no doubt now, the debates will continue to be issue that won’t go away…

Posted by admin | Filed in Election

GEORGE WANTS DEBATE FOR U.S. HOUSE SEAT

Cape Coral independent says Mack denying voters vital opportunity

FORT MYERS, July 10, 2008 – Congressional candidate Jeff George is ready to debate, even if incumbent Connie Mack is not.

The Cape Coral resident and U.S. Army veteran is joining a growing chorus in calling for a series of public debates this fall involving Mack and all three challengers for the District 14 seat.

“One of my goals since we began this campaign was to make sure that Southwest Florida finally got a chance to see Rep. Mack explain and defend his position in an open forum,” George said.

Fellow independent U.S. House of Representatives hopeful Burt Saunders on Tuesday sent an e-mail to Mack inviting him to participate in a series of town hall meetings or debates that would take place in the two months leading up to the Nov. 4 election.

Jeff Cohen, Mack’s chief of staff, rejected the request in a response sent to the state senator.

“If and when any challenger to Congressman Mack - whether that is you (Senator Saunders) an Independent, Robert Neeld, a Democrat, or Jeff George, an Independent - becomes a viable opponent we will of course consider their request for a debate,” Cohen is quoted as saying in a press release from the Saunders campaign.

George, who is willing to assist any organization in setting up a debate, said Mack is denying his constituents the opportunity they deserve to hear the candidates discuss their views on the issues of utmost importance to Southwest Florida.

“It’s not the job of Connie Mack or Jeff Cohen to determine who is a viable candidate,” George said. “That’s up to the voters to decide, and Congressman Mack needs to realize he’s in office to serve the people of this district, and not the other way around.”

George, part-owner of a video production company, is endeavoring to give the people of Southwest Florida unprecedented access to the inner workings of his campaign.

He has used cameras to provide streaming online video of day-to-day work at his Fort Myers headquarters and document interaction with organizations and individuals across the district.

Those live videos and archived clips of events from the past several months are available on George’s Web site, www.jeffgeorgeforcongress.com.

###

Posted by admin | Filed in Election