Dennys Global Politics: Libya Update: No-Fly Zone Allies Pound Gadafi Forces Over Weekend

Image via Wikipedia

Dennys Global Politics: Libya Update: No-Fly Zone Allies Pound Gadafi Forces Over Weekend: "Once the United Nations and The Arab League agreed to a no-fly zone late last week, they wasted little time in implementing it. That has to be the fastest the United Nations has ever moved to agreement or action to help a besieged people.



From the sea over 100 miles away, the UK and America lobbed cruise missiles at Gadafi installations, most especially his air defense ones. After all, if you are going to send up French and American planes to enforce the no-fly zone you first have to take out the military capability of Gadafi to fire upon them."

Japan: Nuclear Update, Earthquake, Tsunami, Nuclear Political Cartoons

Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in San Luis Obispo County, California, USA - this plant sits on an earthquake fault - Image via Wikipedia

What is the truth about radiation levels?



From Denny:  The Japanese keep changing and downplaying the radiation level numbers. At one point last night one Japanese official said the radiation levels at the troubled nuclear plant had reached 1,000 times the healthy levels. He was later forced to back off on that number, claiming it was a mistake in translation. No, it wasn't. Read that as a diplomatic way for a bureaucrat to get out the truth, knowing he would have to walk it back but at least the information would get out to the public.



Prez Obama sends in nuke specialist team 



Finally, America got smart and sent in their own teams to monitor and assess the threat level. The American military was to try and douse the troubled reactors with water from a helicopter dump today but had to sideline that idea as the radiation levels were far too high for safety of the crews.  The Navy is also keeping their ships out of harm's way of the radioactive plumes from the plant explosions.



This is one of those times I'm pleased this White House, the Pentagon and the world intelligence community read this blog.  Yes, I yell at them: a lot.  They often need it as they can be such brick thinkers and too slow to react in a crisis situation.  Thank God, they decided to hear me now and act for the sake of everyone concerned: the entire world.  To their credit they are constantly monitoring the health of the military stationed in Japan as well as the crews helping with the rescue and relief efforts.  That sure takes a load off of my mind. Good going, guys.

Japan: Nuclear Plants in Peril 3 Days After 9.0 Earthquake, Tsunami

Image via Wikipedia

From Denny:  BREAKING NEWS: Today it was confirmed by Japanese officials that three reactors are in complete meltdown. 



The news is constantly shifting and changing as fast as the earthquake shook this small nation in the Pacific Ocean. Sitting atop three continental plates, Japan lives in the most dangerous place in the world for severe and frequent earthquakes and resulting tsunamis: The Ring of Fire.



Japan is now 13 feet wider than before the earthquake. Japan as a country has also moved an additional eight feet from its previous position. This 9.0 earthquake has moved the Earth's axis. How much has yet to be determined. The previous 9.0 earthquake off Chile months ago moved the Earth's axis by three inches. It's no wonder the night sky constellations no longer are seen in the same positions as a year ago.



At this point in the nuclear crisis it is difficult for officials to assess fully the situation while they are trying to prevent a huge nuclear disaster beyond what is already unfolding. There are at least six nuclear reactors in crisis stages, from overheating to partial meltdown status. For some, the cooling systems have failed completely, others the containment walls exploded.

Women in Peril: Ivory Coast Protesters

From Denny: The defiant leader of the Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo, ordered his forces to fire upon thousands of unarmed female protesters. Six were killed. In this culture, when women march as protesters it is considered a last resort against an unrestrained Army.



Photo: A main square in the Abobo neighborhood of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, today now littered by piles of burning trash. Road blocks by supporters of Alassane Ouattara have prevented normal traffic in this once bustling area. Barricades were erected by locals in an effort to limit incursions by security forces and militias loyal to the Ivory Coast leader Laurent Gbagbo.



Photo by Rebecca Blackwell/AP



It was a horrible day of barbarism when Gbagbo ordered tanks to attack the protesters and then the soldiers opened fire upon the unarmed women yesterday. The women were demanding Gbagbo cede power and protesting his refusal to leave office. You see, another man won the presidential election on 28 November 2010, yet the former leader refuses to give up the office.



From Patrick Achi, spokesman for the internationally recognized new government of Alassane Ouattara, "Indeed, we anticipated everything short of imagining that one could shoot live rounds at unarmed women, all the more with tanks."



This three month long struggle for the new government to take office has resulted in almost 400 killed. Firing upon unarmed female protesters shocked the nation, shattering a cultural taboo, a belief system that assumed soldiers could never stoop so low as to fire upon a women's march.



The organizer of the women's march, Sirah Drane, age 41, said the protesters were gathered at a traffic circle in Abobo. She was about to address the crowd when the tanks rolled into the square.



She told of the horror: "That's when we saw the tanks. There were thousands of women. And we said to ourselves, 'They won't shoot at women.' ... I heard a boom. They started spraying us. ... I tried to run and fell down. The others trampled me. Opening fire on unarmed women? It's inconceivable."



For some time now the international community has been pressuring Gbagbo to step down, recognizing the newly elected leader as the legitimate government. Yesterday's killings elicited an immediate rebuke from the American government.



From U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley, "The moral bankruptcy of Laurent Gbagbo is evident as his security forces killed women protesters."



From the U.N. Security Council: "We are deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in the Ivory Coast and that it could lead to a resurgence of civil war there."



It was just last week when the Gbagbo security forces shelled the Abobo neighborhood. You can see why the locals put up barricades against them. It was shocking to see how Gbagbo's Army was willing to use war-grade weapons upon unarmed civilians.



Since this most recent level of aggression, the new government of Ouattara has been forced to arm for self-defense. What was once a peaceful resistance is now an armed one. Ouattara's camp is led by rebels from the north as well as soldiers who have been defecting from Gbagbo's Army.



A veritable parade of delegations from African leaders have visited Abidjan, Ivory Coast's commercial hub, to convince Gbagbo to leave office. Of course, Gbagbo is defiant, rejecting all suggestions and proposals, even offers of amnesty.



Gbagbo lost the election in November by 500,000 votes. He grew angry at the United Nations, ordering them of the country, accusing them of meddling in state affairs. Read that as Gbagbo was unable to spin the election results in his favor.



Please remember these women - and this country - in your prayers.

International Womens Day is 8 March 2011.

*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!



*** Come by for a visit and check out my other blogs:



*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes



Dennys Global Politics

The Social Poets - news, politics, political cartoon humor

The Soul Calendar - science, astronomy, psychology

Visual Insights - photos, art, music

Dennys Art Sanctuary

Beautiful Illustrated Quotations - spiritual quotes, philosophy

Best Spiritual Posts - my own best as well as links to other spiritual posts from all viewpoints

Poems From A Spiritual Heart - poetry

The Healing Waters - health news

Dennys People Watching - people in the news

Dennys Food and Recipes

Romancing The Chocolate - chocolate recipes and more food

Unusual 2 Tasty - different twists on favorite foods and international

Comfort Food From Louisiana - Cajun, seafood and more comfort food goodies

Dennys Funny Quotes - humor

Ouch Outrageous Obnoxious And Odd - more crazy humor

Dennys Blog Feeds - see what's posting at all Denny's blogs at a glance

Dennys: News Politics Comedy Science Arts Food - an online newspaper

Dennys Global Politics: Libya News Update: Political Cartoons of Gadhafi Last Stand

Dennys Global Politics: Libya News Update: Political Cartoons of Gadhafi Last Stand Today news reached the West that Gadhafi air bombed a rebel held town in eastern Libya in a desperate attempt to retake control. Two bombs were dropped near al-Brega.



Why did Gadhafi choose that town when so many others are now under rebel control? Try the fact this town possesses key oil and natural gas facilities: money makers.

Italy: Women Fed Up With Whoring Bersculoni

Image via Wikipedia

From Denny: Billionaire Berlusconi may finally be on the road of The Long Goodbye much like Egypt's Mubarak. Tens of thousands of women, with husbands and boyfriends, have been protesting Bersculoni and his latest sex scandal for two weeks now. There is only so much embarrassment a country can take and Italy is fed up with Bersculoni, his arrogance and his cavalier depravity. The status quo is about to change.

Breaking News: Egypt Jubilant, This Blogger Called It Right: Mubarak Leaves

Image by robertxcadena via Flickr

From Denny:  This blogger gets to tell the mainstream media, "You were wrong!" They were claiming Mubarak would not leave. This blogger told them Mubarak was just doing his military leader version of The Long Goodbye. "I told you so!" never felt so good because now the Egyptian people have a real chance at democracy and truly free and fair elections of their own choosing.



It will be exciting to watch it unfold over the months ahead.  Do not underestimate the Egyptian people.  They will not allow a fundamentalist Islamic regime to grab power.  They are fed up with being held down, oppressed, and treated like starving dogs.



Right now the status is that Mubarak left Cairo last night after giving his unwelcome speech as the crowds swelled to millions in the Tahrir Square. The mainstream media were churning out stories of how Mubarak was still in power but with much less power since he transferred much of it to the new Vice President Omar Suleiman .



Right now the Army is taking over the transition to new government, aiding the Vice President who is basically the new President until someone can be elected.  The Army came down on the side of the protesters, giving Mubarak a safe exit.  Today many of the military are out in the Tahrir Square celebrating with the protesters.  After all, how can Mubarak ask the military to fire upon their own relatives and friends?  It was never going to succeed for Mubarak to hold onto power.



Another interesting development is the protesters are demanding to know, "Mubarak, where is all the money?" You guessed it. Follow the money. Turns out today the Swiss banks froze Mubarak's assets until this all shakes out. I guess the next question is, "But did Mubarak move money to Saudi Banks?"  They do own controlling interests in several American banks.  Are they hiding any of Mubarak's money in America? As you recall, the Saudi monarchy wanted to prop up Mubarak because they fear their own people will riot and depose their regime.



Egypt has a lot of well-wishers in the Arab world besides in the West. Palestinians in the Gaza and the Tunisians all took to the streets, horns blaring, celebrating with jubilation.



From Egyptian anchor Amr Nassef, who was once imprisoned in Egypt for alleged ties to Islamists, cried emotionally on the air and said: "Allahu Akbar (God is great), the Pharaoh is dead. Am I dreaming? I'm afraid to be dreaming."



It's a good day in Egypt!  We wish them well.



Watch the video of the celebration as Richard Engel reports:

Breaking News: Mubarak Angers Protesters As Saves Face, Justifies Rule, Long Goodbye

Image by robertxcadena via Flickr

From Denny: Mubarak seriously ticked off the thousands of protesters in Tahrir Square in Cairo as they just heard him speak to the nation. He did not quickly capitulate to their demands to leave immediately.



Mubarak tried the argument of how the economy and "the little people" will suffer if they don't quit with the protests and come back to his style of law and order.  He attempted to sway any Egyptians sitting on the fence who have yet to side with the protesters.



Mubarak pointedly told "outside powers" that he will not give in to their demands. There must be more foreign countries calling than we know, pressuring him to leave. Interesting. Saudi Arabia is just as obnoxious. They threatened President Obama they will prop up Mubarak if Obama comes out in favor of the protesters. Like that would work at this juncture.



Mubarak is known for being a very stubborn man and so I certainly did not expect a former general to state precisely he would give in to them and leave now. What I did expect is exactly what he did. He did the usual military leader dance, detailing how he has been a true patriot for decades, how he loves his country, how he paternalistically always had their best interests at heart even if they are too stupid to understand. His one mild concession was to tell the protesters they had "legitimate demands and they were just."



Mubarak went on to try and sell "free and fair elections in September" and that's when he will make his graceful exit. Like most military leaders, Mubarak is tone deaf to his people. He repeatedly spoke about his grand vision for Egypt. Clearly, no one else shares his vision among his countrymen.



Mubarak claims he will give - let's see, maybe "share" is a better word - some of his presidential powers to  the newly created Vice President position. No one believes that either. Unanimously, the protesters rejected his speech and his vision.



What is clear is that Mubarak will leave, what he thinks is his own timing: September. The protesters do not trust him to keep his word for free and fair elections. Nor do they trust him to properly investigate and punish those security forces who killed hundreds of protesters.



What Mubarak has accomplished is to strongly unify the protesters and increase their numbers by the hour.  Government workers have thrown in with them, especially those on the almighty money maker, the Suez Canal.  Mubarak is worried about his economy now?  After that disastrous speech, the whole country will now refuse to come to work tomorrow.  He can't last until September.



Western journalists keep pounding the message that Mubarak is not stepping down. Yes, he is. He is doing it with his own version of the truth and trying to save his dignity. This is what every former general does and how he does it. Write it on a rock and take it to the bank. Stubborn or not, proud or not, resistant or not, Mubarak is out.

Egypt: Tahrir Square Excitement Builds, Protesters Await Confirmation Mubarak Leaving

From Denny: Just two hours ago we received word here in America that Mubarak is truly stepping down, yielding power to his newly created Vice President. The Army is expected to assist in the transition to a new civilian government. The protesters are gathered by the thousands in Tahrir Square in Cairo to await Mubarak's "See ya!" speech.



This Mubarek departure has been confirmed by CIA Director Leon Panetta. President Obama spoke about an hour ago in Michigan, declaring America will assist the peaceful transition to a new democracy for Egypt in any way it is asked.

Breaking News: Egypt Protesters Win, Mubarak Stepping Down!

From Denny:  The crowds in Tahrir Square are electrified. Mubarak is about to speak to the crowd. It is expected he is to announce he will step down immediately, yielding power to his newly created Vice President, that according to CIA Director Leon Panetta too.



Arrangements have been made with the Egyptian Army to temporarily take over to oversee the transition to a newly elected democratic government. Most expect this to be a peaceful transition. This is not a military coup but rather an agreement between the Army and Mubarak. There are others in the West that dread the Muslim Brotherhood and wonder if that organization will try to take control in the euphoria of the moment among the protesters.



Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is threatening President Obama. Basically, they are taking America hostage economically by doing so. Saudi Arabia says they will prop up Mubarak if Obama demands Mubarak to go in a public way, humiliating him. And these dictatorship style governments in the Middle East wonder why their peoples want to get rid of them? It's all about their egos and "saving face" instead of what is good for the whole country and the benefit of the people.



Congratulations go to the Egyptian protesters who have risked their lives and their freedom to create their democracy.

31 More Egypt Revolution Cartoons

Cartoonists churn out new opinions at as fast a rate as the situation changes in Egypt during the protests.

From Denny: The fast pace of revolution is, well, why they call it a "revolution"! Events unfolding in Egypt are astounding to witness. The first few days of the week the protests were primarily peaceful with the exception of a few idiot looters.



In the early days the protesters called for Mubarek to step down immediately. Mubarek said "No!" but did dissolve his cabinet and created the first Vice President, a man of his own choosing, of course. The protesters were not well impressed and demanded Mubarek and his whole government leave. Mubarek was tired of his idea of concessions to the voice of his people.



Mubarek drew back the hated corrupt police force as a way to teach the people how much they needed him. That backfired. That act of depraved indifference for his people did not deter the protesters. Instead, they organized themselves in every neighborhood and created their own security task forces to guard themselves and their property.



Did I mention Mubarek also let loose thousands of violent prisoners, emptying them into the streets to terrorize the populace into submission? Then Mubarek closed down the internet and cell phone service which he later restored in a couple of days. He probably found out he couldn't run his own affairs without it.



Yesterday the protests turned violent with the odd addition of thugs on horses and camels riding into the protesters, swinging clubs and battering anyone they could. They especially went after foreign news crews with cameras to prevent the news from getting out of the country.



Clearly, Mubarek sent in those thugs in place of official police or the military. Who knows? Maybe those thugs are really plains clothes police who are afraid of what will happen to them if Mubarek does leave the country, abandoning them. That might explain the passion and the furor of which they fight because they may feel they are fighting for their own survival.



The Army refuses to fire upon the protesters, often joining in photo-ops and chants with them. Both the protesters and Mubarek have been competing for the loyalty of the Army. What's a ruthless dictator to do? Well, unleash every psychopath he can lay his hands on so he is not forced to let loose his 30 year grip on power.



If the protesters stand strong and fight back they will eventually win the day. A million protesters against a few hundred thugs will win in the end.



President Obama's response seems to be shifting and changing along with the situation. If Mubarek wants to live through this someone with a stronger will than Obama needs to convince this guy it's past due time to leave. Why not send a military man to talk to a military man?



And another question: Has Obama stopped the flow of foreign aid funds to Egypt yet? That's a reputed $1.3 BILLION  I would hope so until we know who will be in office running the country. Otherwise, our hard-earned taxpayers funds may end up in some Swiss bank account with a Mubarek (secretly) named owner. I guess we don't have to worry about hunting it down. Surely, WikiLeaks will blast those secret accounts all over the internet. It's enough to make you want to hide your cashed paycheck under the mattress. :)

Popular Posts 2010 at Dennys Global Politics

Check out some stellar political cartoons chronicling social issues and politics throughout the year, news analysis and opinion.

From Denny:  What a list of news that happened this year! Whew! Sometimes the news and politics were as toxic as the weather - and we all felt like we needed government issue gas masks. Take a look at some of the highlights:



Haiti earthquake

Volcanic eruptions in Iceland and Indonesia

BP Oil Spill Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico (my backyard in Louisiana)

Floods around the world

North Korea threatening to launch nukes

Finally getting the beginnings of a national health bill reform in America - which needs a lot of tinkering to perfect

Another woman appointed to the Supreme Court - not before the GOP humiliated her publicly and drug her through the mud for not being Christian enough - she's Jewish.

WikiLeaks documents released about the Afghan War

Unemployment high around the world like in America and the world economy floundering

Obama's popularity up and down, according to which fool he is listening to as the It Advisor Of The Moment.

The Republicans marching goose step as The Party of No Conscience, No Sense and Don't Care About the Middle Class





Popular Posts 2009 at Dennys Global Politics

See Cartoons by Cartoon by John Trever - Courtesy of Politicalcartoons.com - Email this Cartoon

New Years: Funny Quotes, Resolutions Tips, Poems



Poll: Most Admired People For 2010



Arrested WikiLeaks Founder Signs Tell All $1.3 Million Book Deal



Funny Life and Christmas Cartoons - 25 Dec 2010



GOP Grinch Refuse Healthcare to 911 Responders, Dems Say YES to Pass Bill



72 Posts Roundup at Dennys Blogs - 20 Dec 2010



What Is The Truth About Unemployment In America?



Gordon Brown Book: 9 Big Banks Manipulating World Economy - Check out the crooked world of global banking.















WikiLeaks, Obama Tax Cuts, Political Humor - 12 Dec 2010 - More Santa and WikiLeaks cartoons for fun.



Sellout Obama and Bush Tax Cuts Firestorm Angers America



World Politics: Funny WikiLeaks Cartoons



Political Cartoons: American and World Politics - 4 Dec 2010



Obama Presidency: Dead On Arrival in 2012?

Arrested WikiLeaks Founder Signs Tell All $1.3 Million Book Deal

Rape, treason and information-dealing pay off for WikiLeaks Assange.

From Denny:  Well, Assange just can't seem to stay out of the headlines. This guy must be a media exhibitionist. Now he's whining how he isn't rich enough to pay his own legal fees? This guy is supposed to be a billionaire. So, where did all his money go?



Apparently, Founder Assange is worried he can't keep his WikiLeaks "whistle blower" site running. Why? He says it is running out of cash since Paypal, MasterCard and Visa quit allowing payment donations through their sites to the WikiLeaks site. Assange states he has lost as much as  $650,000 since the three sites blocked his donors.  Get this: Assange was raking in as much as $130,000 a day in pure untaxed donations to the tune of almost $4 million per month before the financial crackdown. What a sweet con. And now it looks like the wild ride is over.

The International Spy poem - Libations Monday 13 Dec 2010

Step into the world of the spy and witness the effect they have upon the people they meet - until one day they meet someone who poignantly affects them. A true story from my travels - and childhood.

















The International Spy





A strange man sat down to talk

Acting like a best friend

His way was too familiar

He stirred a distant memory



Words he spoke stepped careful

Thoughts he said trotted calculated

Attitude sailed smooth, controlling



Clutching analytical mental paper

He placed me under his microscope

Probing for easy weaknesses

Character flaws to his advantage















Confident I had no strengths, too sure

The top dress of a spy is arrogance

Flattery he carried in his pocket

Revealing more about him than me



An aging man, shadow of a vibrant self

He talked on oblivious to my notice

Curious about my hotel choice in Europe

He inquired as to my reasoning for it















The days of the microscopic life flew

Back into my mind from childhood

Where I had grow up in this ugly world

Of the intelligence community gone bad



Cruel insensitive people studied children

And wives like we were things not people

Most cared not about us, a few felt pangs

Of terrible guilt for their meanest wrongs



I knew exactly what I had in front of me

As I vacationed in Europe for culture

When I was studied as a child I studied them

People are as interesting as they can be cruel















I considered what to say and measured my words

Knowing all would be recorded as infinite detail

This man was not here for what he presumed

Following up on a CIA child to recruit and destroy



What he never calculated was decades had passed

Training in all manners of wisdom was mine

So I let him engage to watch it all unfold and

He drank 8 shots of whiskey a glass as show















He drank all night, the bar owner glanced at me

I motioned to pour on and the old man drank

Like a lot of spies he learned how to drink

And sober up no matter how much he drank



Observe a sleepiness and then a head jerk

His eyes and speech would clear and sober again

He had mastered his body’s reaction

But still his emotional heart was raw















He was angry I would not match his drinks

Angry he could not intimidate nor bully

I spent the night repeating “No, thanks”

A woman waiting patiently for his real story



The questions he asked gave me information

I returned his questions with questions

Answering his while I led through the labyrinth

He had methodically constructed to trap me















He talked for hours long into the night

He worked hard to unbalance me

So I let him see my anger at his kind

I let him know the damage he had done



I unloaded condemnation and judgment

And the fury in his eyes threw daggers

As he watched his speech, I stood firm

Hurling words to pierce his hard heart



He had stepped into a hornet’s nest

And tried to calm and redirect but there

Was no going back, his words stumbled

As he tried to regain control never owned















I left him to ponder his inner fool that night

He showed up early the next morning

Humbler, still tenacious to fulfill his mission

Intervening, the awareness finally jumped him



It was never about me that night

He met himself reflected in my eyes

He was at the end of his long life

And now he realized why it had always







Felt











Wrong

















Denny Lyon

Copyright 4 Dec 2010

All Rights Reserved







*** For more poetry check out my poetry blog: Poems From A Spiritual Heart





*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!



*** Come by for a visit and check out my other blogs:



*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes



The Social Poets - news, politics

The Soul Calendar - science, astronomy, psychology

Visual Insights - photos, art, music

Beautiful Illustrated Quotations - spiritual quotes, philosophy

Best Spiritual Posts - my own best as well as links to other spiritual posts from all viewpoints

Poems From A Spiritual Heart - poetry

The Healing Waters - health news

Dennys People Watching - people in the news

Dennys Food and Recipes

Dennys Funny Quotes - humor







Photo Credits



Man's face in shadow photo by Derrick T @ flickr



Walking on a cobblestone street photo by loop_oh @ flickr



Woman's face in shadow photo by shazwan @ flickr



Bar photo by beerbybart @ flickr



Old man and whiskey photo by graywolfx47 @ flickr (a recovering alcoholic)



Clock photo by ~Duncan~ @ flickr



Fork in shadow photo by (matt) @ flickr



Tree in shadow photo by hapal @ flickr

Funny WikiLeaks Cartoons

WikiLeaks never fails to entertain and outrage the world. Check out the cartoonists lampooning with glee.

From Denny:  I figured since WikiLeaks is busy gathering up interesting government information around the world I might as well round up the best of the funny WikiLeaks cartoons. You know I used to be of the opinion that WikiLeaks founder Assange was just a very odd guy with an arrogance complex who enjoyed dealing in espionage and making a helluva profit at it. After all, all he does is sell the sizzle to his willing wide-eyed followers who believe his scam about justice and morality in the world. Meanwhile, Assange is selling secret information to various governments and stuffing his pockets full of wads of cash.  After he makes his profit he releases the rest of the docs, some in public domain, some not as important as he claims.



Like any "secret agent" who decides to become a double or triple agent he is now discovering the scam is getting more and more difficult to maintain. The wear and tear on him has begun to show visibly. He is increasingly more paranoid and disheveled. He is currently running from an Interpol arrest for rape charges in Sweden. His latest act of hubris is to think he can hold the world hostage. Yeah, that's right. This crazy man says he will release even more docs if he is arrested.  So, "How dare you arrest me?" is his taunt. Since when did world criminals dictate to anyone?

American and World Politics Cartoons This Week 4 Dec 2010

Lots of tax cuts cartoons to make you laugh - or cry.

From Denny: It appears that the Christmas holiday spirit is not living in Washington or much else in America. Black Friday, that famous holiday shopping day the Friday after Thanksgiving, turned into a Black And Blue Friday. It was a regular free for all all elbows and knees fight riot to get the best sales.



Now with the Democratic hold on the House going out of power in January we have a Lame Duck Congress trying to pass the basics. It looks like a Black And Blue Friday too. Only this time the stakes are far higher. Unemployment insurance benefits are now stopped for millions of Americans who need the meager pay. Why? Because Republican businessmen are too freaking cheap to pay their part of all the huge losses of people they fired for no good reason other than they are addicted to cheap labor overseas.



All our taxes will go up unless Congress gets its act together before January 1st. Right now it does not look like they have come to reasonable terms. In spite of the idiot Slurpee Summit where the Republican and Democratic leadership met with the President not much that's memorable has happened. Except for the fact they all agreed to sound like ditto heads when they came out of the meeting repeating the same lame lines from the scripted moment.



What these politicians should be doing is lowering every one's taxes down to a reasonable 10 percent. As it is the average middle class person bears the burden of the tax rates and tax collections with no way to escape. Think about it. You pay maybe 35 percent federal, then another 15 percent state and then there are other taxes for your county or city and before you know it most of your income is used up. Maybe the smart thing would be to force our politicians into part time employment with no health benefits so they get the idea of how expense all their shenanigans prove to be.







Why tax cuts for the rich should even be controversial is crazy. Even 55 percent of Republican voters do not think that the top 2 percent of the wealthiest should get an extension of the very expensive Bush Tax Cuts.

North Korea Throws Dangerous Temper Tantrum: Why?

North Korea bombs its neighbor to get the attention of a weary, and increasingly indifferent, world.

Heir to North Korea Kim Jong un - AP photo





From Denny:  This week North Korea shelled a small island, Yeonpyeong Island, off South Korea for three hours.  After the relentless and merciless shelling, the islanders evacuated.  This weekend, North Korea shelled the island yet again - only this time there were no people left to harm.



Normally, South Korea takes the temper tantrums of "the crazy uncle from the North" in stride, not reacting. But there is a game changer these days, a new sheriff in town: the crazy out-of-control son has taken over the helm of the crazy uncle.



The heir to the Starvation Throne, Kim Jong un, is also now a four-star general since his father installed him a year ago. He oversees a million man army. He also has his itchy fingers on the buttons of an arsenal that is the most concentrated into one small geographical area on the planet.



Since 1953, when the peace accord was signed to end the Korean War on that peninsula, America has had 38,000 troops on the border between divided North and South Korea. We currently have about 30,000 troops there. North Korea has starved under a Communist regime and built up a huge arsenal, developed nuclear weapons and has sold nuclear material to other crazy rogue states like Iran.



South Korea, during the almost 60 years of peace, has made better use of their resources and time. They are a thriving democracy and healthy world economy, selling Kia and Hyundai cars around the world. They also have now finally built up a million man army. South Korea has grown weary of American troops rumbling our tanks through their villages for generations. They want us out of South Korea as they now believe they can handle the crazy uncle to the North on their own. They are right. Let them handle the crazy uncle and the crazy son.



Communist China has a stake in all this. They possess a three million man army they built up - thanks to trade with America. Yes, they used their profits to build weapons and a military to both protect China and advance on neighboring countries. Sounds like a world power to me. Why should America be surprised they used our consumerism greed money to do it?



China has a vested interest in North and South Korea not unifying back into one country. After all, with the fall of traditional communism in the old Russia, who is left to carry the banner forward but China, Cuba and North Korea? Both North Korea and Cuba are faltering on that front. Dictatorships are dependent upon their charismatic leaders. Once the leader dies, so does that vision of the country and the system in place deteriorates - later to resurrect as something else by someone else.



Right now South Korea is making all the appropriate noises of anger and posturing. They also look like they will do little to nothing though they have the capacity. Over the decades they have become co-dependent upon America for direction and protection. For some reason, President Obama thought he should revert to a 60 year old mindset and send over some gunboat diplomacy. Like one American warship will scare a young nuclear power? Come on.















What is going on with North Korea? Several things. They are still starving. Anyone see the news clips in the past few months of a North Korean army marching in the square? The soldiers marched forcefully and proudly. They problem was that to any casual observer their uniforms were practically hanging off them like an emaciated runway model. Usually, in regimes like this, it's the military who are well fed. If the military looks to be starving we can only imagine the horrors going on in the cities and the countryside.



North Korea's young son, Kim Jong un, now a four-star general, is testing his power to bring the world to his doorstep to negotiate. North Korea has always done dangerous temper tantrums - or threats to do so - to get the world to give them free food and wads of cash to keep their regime afloat. This time, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said a definite no to their temper tantrum of late - no more freebies.



One main reason for the bombing of those hapless islanders is to create more unity among North Koreans by increasing North-South tensions.  It's a considered opinion among think tanks that to do so will help promote the new heir as a strong military leader, therefore inspiring loyalty to him.  The strategy is considered useful to pave the way for North Koreans to accept the new - inexperienced and untested - heir to power, Kim Jung un.



One of the most immediate needs as North Korea sees it is to pressure America and other countries back to the negotiating table, those six-party talks. Those talks have been stalled since April 2009 when it was North Korea that threw another of their famous temper tantrums and walked away from the negotiating table.  They were in a snit when there was world condemnation for the test-firing of their rocket.



Right now the reason for the current temper tantrum is that North Korea wants assurances that America won't attack. They desire a permanent security guarantee of safety. So, they go around attacking their vulnerable easy-prey neighbors in order to make the world feel it's a good idea to give them a security guarantee? Talk about warped thinking. They want others to honor their word yet North Korea breaks their word constantly. It's time for the world to quit taking these Bozos seriously.



And, it's about time America quit placating these destructive fools. It's also past due time we withdraw American troops from the Korean peninsula. Let China handle the temper tantrums in their back yard. Let South Korea negotiate with North Korea. It's time for America to withdraw and quit playing the world's policeman with deep pockets. The American people are weary of financing these dictatorships and their stupid games.



As it is, it's smarter to wait them out with sanctions. They can't starve forever. Sooner or later there will be a coup to take over the country. As it is, when the crazy uncle to the North dies there will be a military coup to kill the sons - especially the young and inexperienced novice: Kim Jong un, who is only 27 years old. The question then is whether South Korea will grow the courage to advance and reunify the North.  "If you will feed them, they will come."





*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!



*** Come by for a visit and check out my other blogs:



*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes



The Social Poets - news, politics

The Soul Calendar - science, astronomy, psychology

Visual Insights - photos, art, music

Beautiful Illustrated Quotations - spiritual quotes, philosophy

Best Spiritual Posts - my own best as well as links to other spiritual posts from all viewpoints

Poems From A Spiritual Heart - poetry

The Healing Waters - health news

Dennys People Watching - people in the news

Dennys Food and Recipes

Dennys Funny Quotes - humor

American and World Politics Cartoons - 27 Nov 2010

Lots to lampoon this week for cartoonists as they poke fun at crazy North Korea, the buffoon of the world.

From Denny: Dark humor seems to be spreading around the world as everyone watches their own economies erode and slowly implode. To add to the Blow It All Up mindset along comes North Korea this week and they bomb the hell out of some hapless islanders off the coast of South Korea. "We want attention and we want it NOW!" screams North Korea to the world. Oh, please. What a bunch of Bozos.



Why does anyone give these guys money or food? Of course, North Korea does have the largest concentration of weapons in one small geographical location on the planet. What a sweet thought: As these Bozos fire off a missile, nuke or not, chances are high they have not properly maintained said accumulated weaponry and the end result is they blow up their own country.



Another scenario is they could end up sinking the whole island - along with South Korea as they blow up their entire arsenal. There would be a giant black hole created off China. Of course, China might figure out a way to make a profit off it as a tourist attraction.



Will someone please pay me to think up outrageous yet probable scenarios? What a gig. Oh, that's right, that job is already taken by the Pentagon and the CIA. No room for competition, ol' boys network? :)



The political fringe Tea Party continues to amaze and amuse us. Who knows? Maybe they will prove to end Washington gridlock and get the Republicans to implode? Karl Rove is already apoplectic since he can't control or strong arm the Tea Party. This should be prove to entertaining political drama for the next two years. At the rate this economy is going it may be the only channel any of us can afford to watch.



Our greatest amusement of all is what the media is trying to set up as the match-up between Republican Palin and Democrat Obama for the 2012 election. The sad thing is that the Democrats and the donors are already in the process to push Obama aside as his poll numbers drop like a rock. Palin is a screwball political pretender who is all about collecting as much money as she can stuff into her bank account.  It's the American way, right?



The real match-up will be between someone like Romney and a Democratic primary challenger yet to be named. Obama won't get the nomination for 2012. Sad, isn't it? Obama held a lot of promise but his presidency is done. Like President Jimmy Carter Obama doesn't listen to or cooperate with his Democratic Party either. That's what got Carter tossed aside for a second term. Carter is still shunned by Democrats. It looks like that will be Obama's fate as well since he has stiff-armed his own party faithful and they have finally had enough.



And on the terrorism front:  More amusement comes from the TSA corner as they continue to grope America for their anti-terrorism jollies.





World Politics:























































































































































































Tea Party politics:





















































































































Democrats blowing their chances to win The South to their column - especially the mess Team Obama created with the BP Oil Spill disaster - taking the side of BP was bonehead stupid is as stupid does:















Republicans who want to blow up the world:





















































































While former Speaker of the House Tom DeLay was finally found guilty of a few of his many crimes. The punishment has still not been handed down. He could get life in prison or probation and no time behind bars. Talk about a wide range of possibilities. He enjoyed styling himself as the Harsh Hammer of the Republican Party yet now he whines about how hard life has been for him. He was hateful beyond measure and now wonders why it came back to haunt him?















And from "our friends" over at the TSA:



































Watch out for the holiday eating:















Now that Thanksgiving is done, let the holiday shopping begin! Charge!!!

























Some happy news from the land of England:













*** Check out some more humor:



Friday Lite: Best Of Funny TSA Cartoons - 26 Nov 2010 - Check out what America is thinking about those TSA Pat Downs supposedly guarding us against terrorism.



Funny Thanksgiving Presidential Pardon 4 Turkeys Apple and Cider - Check out some funny trivia about presidential turkey pardons.



Funny Thanksgiving Quotes, Video, Cartoons and Food Posts - Enjoy some Thanksgiving humor along with more delectable recipes to make your mouth water waiting for the next holiday.



Monday Lite: Late Night Jokes, Thanksgiving and TSA Cartoons - 22 Nov 2010 - Check out the late night sarcasm about the TSA Pat Downs, Thanksgiving turkeys of the political kind like the Palin pride and Bush Who?



American and World Politics Humor - 20 Nov 2010 - Check out the national mind and the national conversation about politics and American culture this week from our favorite cartoonists.









*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!



*** Come by for a visit and check out my other blogs:



*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes



The Social Poets - news, politics

The Soul Calendar - science, astronomy, psychology

Visual Insights - photos, art, music

Beautiful Illustrated Quotations - spiritual quotes, philosophy

Best Spiritual Posts - my own best as well as links to other spiritual posts from all viewpoints

Poems From A Spiritual Heart - poetry

The Healing Waters - health news

Dennys People Watching - people in the news

Dennys Food and Recipes

Dennys Funny Quotes - humor