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Letter to the editor:
Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 | 2 a.m.
It was a brilliant move by President Barack Obama to nominate former Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Republican, to replace outgoing Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. Hagel has been supported for the job by many, including Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer and retired Gen. Colin Powell, a Republican. Hagel is a Vietnam combat veteran with two Purple Heart awards and a hater of war. It will be interesting to see how the Republicans line up on Hagel’s confirmation for the job.
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Hagel is A-OK with a major reduction in the fighting ability of the US armed forces.
Hagel has a low regard for state of Israel.
Hagel is A-OK with Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.
I am sure that comrade Obama is extremely happy with this choice, too.
Obama's pick is to dismantle the defense department as we know it.
Obama, Liberals and Hagel want to eliminate our national defense so we must rely on the United Nation for our defense in the future one world order
Why is Obama doing this? So Obama can spend the saved money on our dependency society.
--
Hagel has long been an outcast of the Republicans because of his extreme liberal views
- Hagel is against the Obama sanctions on Iran to prevent building a nuclear weapon
- Hagel supports Assad in Syria
- Hagel was against the Obama surge in Afganistian
- Hagel is anti-Israel
Fact is bagel is far to the left of Obama, Clintion, Kerry, and Schumer.
Hagel had to pled and promise to change with Schumer through a series of meeting to reluctantly gain his support
Savvy pick? No, not really. Mediocre at best. Chuck Hagel is a Viet Nam NCO and purple heart recipient. Some call him a war hero. Hagel is also a personal friend of President Obama with a friendship that goes back to their Senate days together. Hagel is more left politically than Obama, and many democrats, on defense and gutting of the Pentagon budget. If these are the qualifications for a Defense Secretary now-a-days then Hagel is a good choice. Make no mistakes, Hagel is a lightweight when it comes to a Senator and by all accounts has an indefensible voting record as a Republican in the Senate. Still he will likely be confirmed after a fight and be the Defense Secretary. But I can almost guarantee with absolute certainty that Hagel will serve only under Obama and not be asked to stay on with another democratic/republican President after 2016. I hope with all my heart I am completely wrong. For the good of our country and the world.
CarmineD
In reply to Sam Pizzo; you wrote an excellent letter to the editor, Sam.
Actually Sam, I was laughing while I was reading Carmine DiFazio's post. It was really providing me some good comical entertainment.
Oh yeah, Carmine! That Chuck Hagel sounds like real trouble for our country and the world. So, what do you think Carmine? Is it once Chuck Hagel is confirmed as Defense Secretary we had all better run towards our dugouts and dive into our "life-line bunkers" and bury our heads?
Here is Chuck Hagel in a political nutshell;
Sen. Hagel believes in bipartisanship and compromise. He values diplomacy over the deployment of US military force. He backs international cooperation rather than unilateralism.
Yeah, I'll say Carmine, for a Republican to have those credentials; I can see why all you right-wing fanatics would oppose Hagel's confirmation.
From all accounts, Hagel is a modern day Neville Chamberlain who underestimates the true nature of those opposed to the United States and other Western-style countries. He, like the guy with the Cheshire Cat grin, thinks that by bowing and scraping to those who detest the United States and what it once stood for, they will "like" us. Nothing could be further from the truth since all they respect is those that stand up to them in a determined fashion. Anything else they see as a sign of weakness. Insulting our allies, such as Israel, and toading up to the mullahs will get us only more of the same - upheavals, unrest and violence. When Osama Obama steps onto Air Force One and the pilot asks, "Where to?" The lowlife replies, "Anywhere. We've got troubles everywhere."
Bradley,
Thank you for your support on my current letter to the editor.
Pres.Obama's pick of Sen.Chuck Hagel for Defense Secretary is about as in your face of a nomination the Pres.could ever put forward. If you think Pres. Obama isn't trying to out fox the Republicans,guess again.
Typical of Obama to hire an angry old white male
"Yeah, I'll say Carmine, for a Republican to have those credentials; I can see why all you right-wing fanatics would oppose Hagel's confirmation." @ BChap
I am none of these. And neither should be a good Secretary of Defense. And the same should be true for the Def Sec on the other side of the political aisle. As I recall here, you were pushing Colin Powell for Secretary of State and Def and I told you it would never happen for either.
CarmineD
"If you think Pres. Obama isn't trying to out fox the Republicans,guess again." @ samspeaks
It's not the Republicans that will do Hagel's nomination in. It's the Democrats. Here's a wonderful quote from the Karate Kid that applies:
"Mr. Miyaki: Are you ready Daniel?
Daniel: Yeah, I guess so.
Miyagi: [sighs] Daniel-san, must talk.
[they both kneel]
Miyagi: Walk on road, hm? Walk left side, safe. Walk right side, safe. Walk middle, sooner or later
[makes squish gesture]
Miyagi: get squish just like grape. Here, karate, same thing. Either you karate do "yes" or karate do "no." You karate do "guess so,"
[makes squish gesture]
Miyagi: just like grape. Understand?
Daniel: Yeah, I understand.
Miyagi: Now, ready?
Daniel: Yeah, I'm ready."
The Karate Kid
Now look at Hagel's voting record in the Senate. And tell me what side of the road he walks on?
CarmineD
Hagel is not a chickenhawk which puts his squarely at odds with the GOP's armchair warriors such as Dick Cheney who used five deferments to aviod going to Vietnam.
Carmine,
Their is an old saying fight fire with fire.This is exactly what Pres. Obama is doing with the Republicans.Even you can see that.
Sam:
If that's the President's motive, and it surely should not be for his nominee as Sec of Def, then Hagel is a good choice. It accomplishes the former, but is not the best qualifications for the latter.
CarmineD
Hagel is a reasonable choice. He put his life on the line and did his duty in Viet Nam. So if the "enemies of this country" think we can't WHEN WE NEED TO, they might remember that when you attack the U.S., you get a real response. He also sees the NEED to CUT DEFENSE. Hundreds of American bases and posts throughout the world without contribution to our security. What a waste of our money and life styles.
Carmine,
I dosn't matter who the Pres.picks. Even when he picks a Republican there's no support from the party.
When Sen. Hagel left the senate Sen. Mitch McConnell called him "a clear voice on foreign policy and national security".
During a pre-taped appearence on on ABC's this week McConnell appeared to back off that view.Saying only that Sen.Hagel has been outspoken on foreign issues.
It dosn't get any clearer that this, even when it's one of your own Republicans. If he or she has a different view,out come the fangs.
Sen.McConnell will pay dearly in the midterm elections for his nutty performance in past few years.
It remains to be seen just how much the DOD will be able to refrain from chalking up even bigger debts under any Sec of Defense for either party.
The world is a dangerous place, with lots of instability, and the US can no longer afford to be the only defender of the world's population.
If the politicians really want balanced budgets and deficit reduction with minimum revenues they must accept that we cannot be so heavily invested in wars around the globe.
Mali is the latest mess, with France sending troops, Britain, Germany and the US supporting logistically. Let's see what happens there.
Why is it that we think the answer to everything is killing? The world must find just ways to reduce poverty, then the extremist organizations would be less attractive and have less influence and power.
I have a feeling that if Pres. Obama had appointed Junior Samples to any of those Cabinet positions Sam Pizzo would approve of it.
ByPress,
I just might do that!!!
Comment removed by moderator. ALL CAPS
Sam I'm surprised that you feel that the president should try to out fox instead of do whats in the best interest of the nation. Playing games with our military is not a cat and mouse game.
If the U.S. wasn't sitting there with hundreds of thousands of personnel and Billions in equipment, other nations would INVEST SOMETHING in their own defense. Witness France today--unable to refuel their aircraft?? So U.S. runs in and does it for them.
Sam says:
"There is an old saying "fight fire with fire". This is exactly what Pres. Obama is doing with the Republicans. Even you can see that."
...And gets chastised by those who want to refuse the president the people he chooses.
Sam, I guess its got to be McCain or Lindsey Graham -- maybe Jim DeMint?
A not so civil war is approaching, Fox News addicts vs the real America...
Pay no attention to the people who will tell you, after Obama remarks the sky is blue, that it is really green.
Of course Hagel will have problems with Republican'ts during his confirmation process. He appears to agree with Eisenhower's warning against the military/industrial complex we currently enjoy - thanks cons. He wasn't KILLED, he was only wounded - twice. He appears to have voted his convictions - REPEATEDLY! He was, after all, only an NCO - not an officer and, worse, not even in a "good" war but in Vietnam, of all places. Finally, his most serious crime: he was nominated by OBAMA!
Roger Warrick says:
"Intolerance is a word that has been said more and more on a daily basis. As a matter of fact, it was recently highlighted on a popular Sunday morning talk show by general Colin Powell, (former secretary of state of the united states of America during the George. W. Bush administration. He is widely beloved and was often thought of as a primary republican presidential candidate by people of both political persuasions.
Today, i am amazed at the various comments that general Powell is now a less than honorable person. It was even suggested by several reporters at a news network that is very proud of saying "our reporting of the news is always fair and balanced". They inferred that general Powell should be more appreciative and grateful . He should put the 'party' before the American people. In their today's reality, he was elevated to a four star general, secty of state because he was a good old boy, and that his abilities to lead and serve have no merits and that he should shut his mouth.
General Powell was trying to correct a sinking ship. He was trying to wake up his fellow republicans that things have gone to far to the political right in America. He felt it was foolish to let a few die hearts lead this grand old party by their loud intolerance into a political wilderness . He further stated that if not quickly corrected this will ensure total isolation in any future national elections .
I strongly believe that the two party system "is best for America." i firmly believe in thoughtful opposing views. From this mixture good solutions that are beneficial to most American are often arrived.
In conclusion, i say to general Powell , you sir, tried to shine some light on their plight. My advise is to allow the "bubble people' to continue to live in their world. They elected to punish the messenger. At this time and place in my humble opinion, it is "best for America" to let them do so. Only time will rid us of this tea party cancer. In a democracy, people that can not or will not compromise are doomed to fail."
I say:
Nice thoughts Roger, thanks for taking the time to share...
Chuck333,
"Sam I'm surprised that you feel that the President should try to out fox,instead of to do whats in the best interest of the nation".
I'm more surprised in you that you have not picked up on the Republican Minority leader Sen. Mitch McConnell who does this every day.He introduced a bill(debt ceiling) and when the Pres.said he would go along with that Sen. McConnell objected. Both sides play the same game,some are more obvious and cunning than others like,(Sen.McConnell).
Sam......Good letter.
YES, Chuck Hagel will do a good job.
And the fact that republicans don't want him is
proof.
Carmine.......
And PRESIDENT OBAMA will again swear in on the
same Bible Abe Lincoln swore in on.
I told you that PRESIDENT OBAMA is a new version
of Abe Lincoln.
Honest Abe is back.
Sam:
Hagel will be confirmed after a fight. Presidents usually get their way except under rare instances. With events in the world, like Mali and Algiers, and others that have been festering for the last 6 years, Hagel has his work cut out for him. I don't think he's up for the job. [I hope I'm wrong, as I said]. Sec. Panetta said early on he would not stand guard over the Defense Department while it's budget is gutted . One of the reasons he's leaving and not being held over. Hagel will [cut the Def budget]. Obama wants the funds for social programs instead. Hagel will accomodate him.
On January 22, Clinton will testify before Congress on Benghazi. She will be asked and have to answer why weren't military resources requested from areas adjacent to Libya to save the murdered Americans. Like our Air Base in Aviano, Italy. Just hours away. Recall it was 9-11 and all our troops were on high alert in the region. Listen carefully to her answers and then relate it back to what I said above about cutting/gutting the Def budget.
CarmineD
Carmine,
"Hagel has his work cut out for him.I don't think he's up for the Job".
The reason you don't think he's up for the job is because Pres.Obama Picked a Republican (Hagel).You sound a lot like Sen.Mitch McConnell who praised Hagel after he left the Senate,and who now says negative things about him. Try and find a way to look at the man or woman rather than the party,it's more honest and healthy.
"The reason you don't think he's up for the job is because Pres.Obama Picked a Republican (Hagel)." @ samspeaks
Not at all. I'm against him for the same reason Sec Panetta said he would not continue in the job. He [Panetta] doesn't want to have the Defense budget gutted on his watch. Panetta said that several times. Hagel will cut the Defense budget. Why? Because that's what Obama wants and Hagel will do it. Now, with all the troubles in the world, and I'll be happy to list them all for you, is the absolute worse time to cut the Defense budget. Why does Obama want it gutted? Obama wants to use the defense savings to reprogram into social programs.
Watch the Benghazi hearings. Follow the questions asked of Clinton next week. Why US troops weren't sent to save the murdered Americans. And listen to the answers she gives.
CarmineD
Maybe Carmine would like Diane Feinstein better...You forget..OBAMA WON THE ELECTION!! He gets to pick who he wants for his cabinet! If the Republicans complain too hard, just go with Diane.
Carmine,
Leon Panetta is not leaving because of any so called defense budget cuts.He's leaving because he never signed on for another 4 years.Leom Panetta has made it clear the he is concerned about congress threatening the Defense Dept.with budget cuts with the debt ceiling uncertaintly.
You know as well as any body that Sen.Chuck Hagel
has no authority to cut defense spending as you have suggested he will do.I might remind you to check your sources.
"A top news story of the day is that Pres.Obama is SUPPOSEDLY cutting almost half-a-trillion dollars from the defense budget.But this is simply not true.Pres.Obama is not cutting a single dime out of military budget.He's actually INCREASING military spending over the next several years.Washington has again cleverly disguised a SPENDING increase as a CUT".
Military SPENDING will continue to rise under Pres.Obama's plan,just at a slower rate.(source)
Freedomworks.org/ Pres.- Obama-is-not-actually-cutting-military-spending
Sam.....
Good letter. What a pathetic group we have that presides over on the right!
They would be against any individual that President Obama might nominate. What ever Obama is for, the right wingers are against.....
It's becoming very funny, watching the GOP fall all over themselves...
They have now started fighting among themselves....
How much longer will the Republican Party be one of our two major parties????
"Military SPENDING will continue to rise under Pres.Obama's plan,just at a slower rate.(source)
Freedomworks.org/ Pres.- Obama-is-not-actually-cutting-military-spending" @samspeaks
Sam:
In Washington DC budget parlance, slower growth is a "cut." And for the Def budget/Sec who presides over it, at the worst possible time to do so with world events on the cliff everyway.
CarmineD
Carmine,
"In Washington DC budget parlance,slower growth is a "CUT". And for the Def budget/Sec who presides over it,at the worst possible time to do so with world events on the cliff everyday".
Spoken like a true Republican, calling a INCREASE in defense spending a "CUT". Sen. Mitch McConnell has to be proud of you. Changing the wording to convince yourself won't work. Americans are waking up to the tea baggers.The midterm elections will do the same amount of damage to the Republican party as the last re- election did on Nov.6,2012 when Pres.Obama won by a big majority.
BTW Sam: Senator Schumer from NY, who I like personally, is a Harry Reid wannabe. He has never served on the Armed Services Committee in his entire tenure in the Senate which I believe started in 1998. He doesn't know a good Sec of Def from a city dog catcher. He says after a 90 minute meeting with Hagel, based on the answers to his questions, that Hagel is the right choice for the job. Yeah, right. Schumer wants Reid's job as Speaker and he's not going to make waves on this nomination so he can get it.
CarmineD
"Spoken like a true Republican, calling a INCREASE in defense spending a "CUT". Sen. Mitch McConnell has to be proud of you. " @ Samspeaks
I'm not a Republican. I'm an Italian American like you. Born and raised Democrat. It's not political party talk. It's budget talk. Less growth is a cut. You may not agree but I don't make the budget rules. Washington does.
CarmineD
BTW Sam I can't stand McConnell. When he talks I keep wanting to pull the words out of his mouth. He's the only Senator who takes an entire session to speak his name and the state he's from.
CarmineD
Ever notice Sam that whenever McConnell is addressing the Senate there is nobody there except him. ;-) I opine other Senators have the same feeling as me about Mitch.
CarmineD
Carmine,
"I'm not a Republican,I'm an Italian American like you.Born and raised Democrat".
I don't believe I ever questioned your heritage.Yes I am Italian American like you.We just differ on our views,and party support.I do regard you as a true patriot,like most of our fellow commenters here in the LVS opinion page.
I also believe that it is very important to not get mad and hold any animosity toward one another,because of opposing views.
Sam:
I don't think we disagree on the important issues as much as it seems. I'm a contrarian thinker. Something I picked up from my studies of Latin and some of the great thinkers including Hegel [not Hagel]. The law of opposites: Thesis, antithesis and synthesis.
CarmineD
BTW Sam, if I were a Senator, and had the opportunity to vote for a Sec of Def, I would vote for Chuck Hagel. He has three attributes, among others, that I admire: He was an NCO in the Army, as I was;he abhors war, as I do; and he is very loyal to his family and friends, as I hope and try to be. He wll likely be confirmed, albeit with a nasty fight, and I wish him well and hope and pray he performs admirably in the job.
CarmineD