Monday, July 25, 2011

Tom Rogan Thinks..

I want to focus on just one issue today: The reality of evil in the world and the need to confront this evil. 

In Norway, one gunman launched a killing spree against children and attempted to murder as many people as possible by bombing central Oslo. In Afghanistan, the Taliban executed an eight year old boy because his father refused to collaborate with them. 

These acts are evil. If they are not evil, then evil has no meaning.

While we should never allow emotion to dictate policy or our reaction to these atrocities, we must be resolute in our responses. This means that where we face groups and individuals who are focused on committing such terrible abuses against us, we have a responsibility to stop them. We must persuade reconcilable elements to join a meaningful peace process (as for example occurred in Iraq and N Ireland) and we must capture or destroy those who are irreconcilable to a just peace. To do otherwise is to allow evil to triumph.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Tom Rogan Thinks..

1) The debt talks seem to gathering steam.. though I would hope that the savings will exceed $4bn. If not then the solution will be temporary.

2) Hopefully this will continue. (Obama fundraisers deserting him)

3) These guys should be tried for treason. (British Taliban fighters detained in Afghanistan)

4) HOT weather in US.

5) This guy is the definition of a major league ass hole.

6) The Space Shuttle program has been a great success for the United States. It is profoundly disappointing that the President has essentially cancelled our efforts in Space. I find this especially staggering in the context of the President's oft stated desire for a new more globally competitive, educated population. What is more encouraging for students to learn math and physics than the space program? Put simply - the space program made these subjects cool. Obama probably thinks his words are sufficient. Hopefully a future President will right this wrong decision.

7) Another Medal of Honor winner. Fantastic.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Tom Rogan Thinks..

1) The guy who attacked Murdoch was a fool who distracted proceedings.

2) The Senate debt talks are encouraging. If Republicans reject this plan they will be ignoring their duty as elected officials to seek a meaningful and substantive resolution to America's debt crisis. The cut/cap agenda is not politically possible and neither is a solution that resides solely on cuts. If the United States is to avoid the disaster of debt failure then we Republicans must pursue the art of the possible. The senate plan appears to offer the closure of loopholes as a solution for revenue increases alongside meaningful reforms to medicare/defense, discretionary spending and medicaid. These attributes should be welcomed as reasonable alternatives to tax increases and clearly preferable to doing nothing. The plan appears to be one that supports Republican interests. The tea party revolt was staged on the principle of national unity in the pursuit of a common necessity. Willful inaction would be a betrayal of that bold legacy.

3) The collapse of the Tevez transfer to Corinthians is indicative of the big problem that Man City have. They want a lot of money for a player who is temperamental and has huge wage demands.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Tom Rogan Thinks..

1) Herman Cain is not worthy of the Republican party. Watching his comments on Fox News Sunday last weekend, it was clear that he is a bigot. Eugene Robinson for the WPost sums up well -

2) This would be great for Everton. Saha is great but his vulnerability to injury means that other options are also needed.

3) So much bull s**t in the debt talks. What I would do - see my post from May 11th.

4) Today's interviews with Murdoch and co will be fun.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Tom Rogan Thinks..

1) Petraeus has done a  typically great job in Afghanistan. The strategy there is working and requires patient resolve. John Allen is an impressive officer who can ensure that this success continues.

2) The Met Police Commissioner (Head of Scotand Yard) was right to resign. I think Cressida Dick would be the best choice replacement.

3) The unions would be crazy to reject NY Gov. Cuomo's over generous offer.

4) Israel - Hizballah - Iran is heating up even more. Especially interesting in the context of Ahmadinejad's friction with the theocratic elite.

5) Manchester City appear to have got a good deal for Tevez.

6) This video reflects the terrible struggle underway in Mexico. Only resolve against the drug gangs can end the violence. These police officers gave their lives to try and save their country. Mexico reminds of me of how Columbia was in the 80s-early 90s.. in that country resolve and strong leadership has brought lasting peace. FARC, once thought invincible, now spend most of their time running around in the jungle trying to avoid Columbian special forces.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Tom Rogan Thinks..

I have been v busy with Wimbledon and other things recently. I will be back on tomorrow.