Election Issues 2006: April 2006 Archives

Newsweek's Michael Hirsh wrote an excellent article on preparations to stay in Iraq for 10 years or more. The cost of remaining in Iraq has risen every year since the invasion and 2006 will set another record. Iraq is now costing our national debt 9.8 Billion Dollars per month, and that cost shows no signs of slowing its growth in the future. Iraq could easily cost the U.S. more than WWII or Viet Nam in 2006 dollars if we remain there another 10 years.

The Washington Times reports: "Iran has expanded its uranium-conversion facilities in Isfahan and reinforced its Natanz underground uranium-enrichment plant, a U.S. think tank said amid growing speculation about U.S. military action."

Think about think tanks for a minute. Why do they get funding? Do they make their living speaking truth to money and power, or by selling what money and power want to buy? Beware the think tanks.

On May 1st, we are going to see the French demonstrations occur in American streets as millions of illegal immigrants and many citizens take to the streets to shut down business, schools, transportation, services in the name of the Mexican flag which they will brandish proudly. An enormous number of American citizens, many who fought and suffered in our military to protect and defend our borders against hostiles are going to be infuriated by this display of foreign national power on American soil. It remains to be seen if it will become 'bloody Monday', but, the ingredients are there.

I just heard Chris Matthews report on the Scarborough Show on MSNBC, that Rep. Tom DeLay will announce tomorrow that he will not seek reelection in November. The poll numbers no longer give him a 50-50 chance given the trials he will be going through between now and then.

This is a victory for the anti-incumbent sentiment that is growing across the country and being reflected in poll after poll. The folks over at Vote Out Incumbents for Democracy should be dancing a jig tomorrow, as their organization is all about forcing inept, corrupt, and irresponsible incumbents out of office. As a member of that organization, I see this as a small victory for the movement they represent.

The RNC and DNC will be paying far more attention to independents this year than ever before or, they will regret it in a number of key races. These last 5 years have seen a huge growth in Independent voter organizations springing up at the state level, and now there is CUIP, Committee for a Unified Independent Party. Watch Out, they are growing.