I apologize for not having written anything of any marginal value lately. As it turns out, some things beyond my control have garnered much of my attention. So, as it turns out, this is an optimal moment in time for the usual trusted standby feature, in which I can half-ass my way through the post.
Obama Attends Conservative Dinner Party; Causes Media Whispers
I swear, sometimes I think there is nothing better to do in the world of the press, than to drum up controversy when there is none. If this is true and Obama did visit the home of George Will for a gathering, what's the big deal?
Personally, I see it as a positive. But let there be no doubt, there will be many on the left who might be a bit worried about this development. On the same token, some on the right may be tempted to read further into this than is required for basic comprehension and understanding.
The only way we are going to know how Obama is going to govern is going to come after he is inaugurated and starts signing or vetoing the ham, sausage, and bacon sandwiches that Congress will be delivering to his desk. But what a slap to the face of his base of supporters it will be, if he compromises with the right. Those who hate conservatives with every ounce of their beings will feel betrayed, and the same group may turn on him in the future.
Extortion: Russian Style
We've all been reading the news concerning the dispute between Russia and the Ukraine over natural gas prices. It seems this is becoming an annual event and every year we see the same old tired outcome.
The problem is that cutting off gas supplies to the Ukraine also causes those in Western Europe to suffer. Those that are paying the prices set by thuggish capitalists in Moscow must bear the burden, along with those for whom the action is originally intended. Simply put, Russia's way is to apply undue pressure through the EU.
Since this is becoming an annual occurrence, it would seem that the EU will need to form some strategies for the future. Ukraine's economy may not be able to bear the price hikes from their malevolent neighbors as easily as its western counterparts. So it would make sense for the EU to be the humanitarians they often chide the Americans for not being enough of, and help the Ukrainians make the payments. This would ensure the flow of gas for the short-term.
For the long term, maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea for the EU countries to support a massive conversion to electric heat. It will be costly and may not be easy. But in the bigger scope of things, it will make Europe less dependent on Russia and decrease their ability to extort money from others.
2 comments:
I like the idea of the conservative dinner thing, especially because obama was so forthright in his detestation of FOX and, particularly, Hannity. Creepy to have a president so vociferous against our viewpoints.
To call David Brooks a conservative..or even Kristol much of the time, is a stretch, but it was 'safe' for obama to invite them. Brooks has become as squishy as Noonan has..even worse, really.
As for the Russian Extortion, Mr. Z.'s kind of an expert on that...maybe I'll have him blog on what the European feelings are on this. He tells me Schroeder as Chancellor was in Putin's pockets and now is working with him..the Germans are furious at Schroeder now because this cutting off energy is scary and blackmail.
Z,
Do you mean the same Schröder that sued someone in the media for saying he dyed his hair?
What a laugher.
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