Faster than a speeding conjunction! More powerful than a participle! Able to leap run on sentences in a single bound! Look! On TV! It's Ivy League! It's Big Ten! It's Teleprompterman!
OK, now let's get a bit serious. I am sure that many of you, like me watched with baited breath as President Obama addressed the nation on the outcome of his first 100 Days in office. I am equally sure that those with a critical nature, like me systematically picked apart the speech as if it was being presented by a member of a third grade debate team.
President Obama's opening remarks were incredibly strong, but it was easy to tell that they were scripted, and displayed for the President on a remote teleprompter, which may have been located somewhere to his immediate right side. Yes, the President's opening remarks about the state of the economy and the Swine Flu epidemic were extremely powerful, but that was about the only part of the hour long song and dance that was.
Opening the floor for questions, it became immediately obvious that the President had preferred individuals to which to turn. Most of the questions were subdued, and appeared to be designed to evoke a non-committal response from the President. Indeed the questions were designed to be clear an too the point; however, as many of us have previously observed, being clear and to the point often tends not tho be the forte of the President.
One of the very first questions centered on the Government's readiness to combat the swine flu epidemic. Now to the average layman, that we seem to be a question which could be answered in as little as 30 seconds. Goodness knows George Bush proved that just about any question could be answered within a matter of 30 seconds. President Obama, seemed to drum on for more than 10 minutes, often restating himself. At times it appeared as if the President was either fishing for a response, or waiting to be advised of how to respond. Several times during the dialog about the Swine Flu, the President's eyes could be observed as shifting low and to the right, as if he was reading his answers. That same behavior was even more prevalent while the President was responding to the question of whether or not the United States could secure Pakistan's nuclear weapons to ensure that they do not fall into the hands of Bin Laden and his band of thugs. After more than 5 minutes, President Obama still left the reporter begging the question. Had the question been posed the George Bush, the response would have been something to the tune of "They do not want to even think about trying to get a nuclear weapon" with the "They" relating to Bin Laden and the Taliban.
Then there was, and this could have been me, but there was the constantly annoying "Uh's" and "Um's". I honestly lost count after 50. The President has a law degree from Harvard, certainly he must have taken public speaking at some point during his tenure in college. Professor Smith would have thrown a desk at me if I resorted to "Uh's" and "Um's" during a speech, yet they seemed to be the primary basis of President Obama entire vocal presentation this evening.
Here's the bottom line America; as President of the United States, or any senior states-person for that matter, one should be able to effectively present him or herself vocally and without the assistance of a teleprompter or someone using a remote audio device. It was clear as to when the teleprompter was turned off, because that was the point where the "Um's" and "Uh's" began to take over. Heck, why not just throw in a "You know what I'm saying" for the road? In the world of public speaking, a teleprompter becomes a crutch. As with any crutch, after continued usage, it will eventually break. Save for one small exception, George W. Bush, America Presidents have typically been fairly articulate speakers. I am not to sure what happened with G. W. Bush, because his father G. H. W. Bush was an excellent public speaker. After this evening's speech, I am honestly beginning to question President Obama's public speaking abilities as well. Perhaps that is the reason he avoided appearing on Tavis Smiley's State of the Black Union show. Tavis, with his immense vocabulary would have completely embarrassed the future President of the United States.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Not Yet Goose, It's Time To Buzz The Tower
In this case, the tower was the entire island of Manhattan, NY and the aircraft was Air Force One.
Most of us remember the images of 9/11, and those of us who don't we either not born yet, or just plain retarded. The events of 9/11 occurred nearly eight years ago, but the images are still fresh in the minds of many people, especially those who lost loved ones in the World Trade Center Towers.
Some people are still nervous about airliners flying at the standard prescribed altitudes, so imagine the shock and awe experienced by many at the sight of a 747 flying low and just over the skyline of Manhattan.
The United States Air Force was directed to get pictures of Air Force One flying by the monuments of the United States. This action was supposedly authorized be a high ranking official in the Department of Defense, but there was one small problem; the Mayor of New York was never notified, and as a result, neither were the people of New York.
So here we have people at work in the New York high rises, observing a jumbo jet airliner seemingly flying directly at them. The even forced an immediate mass exodus from the offices, and mostly likely cause a few first responders to poop in their pants. In short, the flight sent the entire island of Manhattan into a state of alarm.
Look, I am all for the photo ops, just like the next guy, but hey, we have to use a little common sense. New York City is already on pins and needles when it comes to dealing with air planes; why add to the fear?
Here is the bottom line America; the act in and of itself was totally insensitive. No two ways about it, the act was a truly boneheaded move. At an absolute minimum, the Mayor of New York should have been advised of this alleged photo op weeks in advance. Doing that would have allowed the Mayor to communicate with the residents of Manhattan and prepare them for the event. The Department of Defense, indeed the United States Military, and to a grander scheme the White House, are not above the law. No one in this country is above the law. Stunts such as that Top Gun Air Show Fly By should have been cleared through the local elected officials first.
Now, I am going to give credit where it is due. The President addressed the matter behind closed doors with the authorizing official. Although I feel that the President was correct in admonishing the one who authorized the fly by, I also think the President, in his capacity of Commander In Chief of the US Armed Forces, should issue a formal and unscripted apology to the people of New York. Perhaps make an impromptu trip to Manhattan and speak to the people directly. At least in doing so, the President will show that he is still in control of the United States Armed Forces, and he is truly concerned for the overall well being of the citizens of Manhattan.
Most of us remember the images of 9/11, and those of us who don't we either not born yet, or just plain retarded. The events of 9/11 occurred nearly eight years ago, but the images are still fresh in the minds of many people, especially those who lost loved ones in the World Trade Center Towers.
Some people are still nervous about airliners flying at the standard prescribed altitudes, so imagine the shock and awe experienced by many at the sight of a 747 flying low and just over the skyline of Manhattan.
The United States Air Force was directed to get pictures of Air Force One flying by the monuments of the United States. This action was supposedly authorized be a high ranking official in the Department of Defense, but there was one small problem; the Mayor of New York was never notified, and as a result, neither were the people of New York.
So here we have people at work in the New York high rises, observing a jumbo jet airliner seemingly flying directly at them. The even forced an immediate mass exodus from the offices, and mostly likely cause a few first responders to poop in their pants. In short, the flight sent the entire island of Manhattan into a state of alarm.
Look, I am all for the photo ops, just like the next guy, but hey, we have to use a little common sense. New York City is already on pins and needles when it comes to dealing with air planes; why add to the fear?
Here is the bottom line America; the act in and of itself was totally insensitive. No two ways about it, the act was a truly boneheaded move. At an absolute minimum, the Mayor of New York should have been advised of this alleged photo op weeks in advance. Doing that would have allowed the Mayor to communicate with the residents of Manhattan and prepare them for the event. The Department of Defense, indeed the United States Military, and to a grander scheme the White House, are not above the law. No one in this country is above the law. Stunts such as that Top Gun Air Show Fly By should have been cleared through the local elected officials first.
Now, I am going to give credit where it is due. The President addressed the matter behind closed doors with the authorizing official. Although I feel that the President was correct in admonishing the one who authorized the fly by, I also think the President, in his capacity of Commander In Chief of the US Armed Forces, should issue a formal and unscripted apology to the people of New York. Perhaps make an impromptu trip to Manhattan and speak to the people directly. At least in doing so, the President will show that he is still in control of the United States Armed Forces, and he is truly concerned for the overall well being of the citizens of Manhattan.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Gee, Let's Tell Them How We Do It.
When I wore the uniform of our great nation, I was once cautioned about loose lips and their impact on the overall security of all parties concerned. Indeed somethings are better left unsaid. Well, that notion seems to not apply in our present day in age in America.
Recently we've heard in the news about the decision to close Guantanamo Bay, and release the suspects presently held in that facility. Well, let us call them political prisoners, because the jury is still out on whether then acted alone or if 9/11 was an inside job. On any account, an executive decision was made to let them go. Only time will tell if that decision was a sound one.
Now, albeit that it is bad enough to free the political prisoners, for they will have many stories of how the American "Big Bad Wolf" was so mean to them. Hey, it's just their word against our word. Everyone knows that Hear-Say does not hold up in any court of law, unless some form of evidence is provided to justify the other party's allegations. What is that considered? Would that be Adverse Adjudication? Things that make you go, Hum.
If you have been following the news, like me, you know that the Obama administration recently decided to release certain key memos from the Bush administration outlining the methods employed at Guantanamo Bay. What a big "Wow" that is! Our nation is already limping from the stomp on the toe of releasing the political prisoners, and to ease the pain, we shoot ourselves in the foot by providing those same prisoners with credibility. What's dumb? Swinging from one tall building to another. What's dumber than that? Swinging without a rope to hold on to. Let us ask John McCain if the Vietcong were openly honest with United States about all of the methods used on our POWs during their stay in the Hanoi Hilton.
Here's the bottom line America; President Obama is trying to do the right thing, but he is doing it for all the wrong reasons. The release of the memos would have occurred anyway, but not for another 15 to 25 years and they would have been made available under the Freedom of Information Act. Much the same as for the documents of the Warren Committee. So there was really no justifiable reason for rushing the release of the Guantanamo Memos, save one small exception. President Obama has a woody for Former President George W. Bush. Any opportunity to slander the former President is being exploited, and that simply is not right.
Like many people in America, and this may or may not come as a shock to people, but I was not overly fond of George W. Bush either. I likened him to a child who was not allowed to play with G.I. Joe dolls, so he decided to turn the entire US Armed Forces into one big G.I. Joe play set. I did not find George W. Bush to be the most articulate of individuals, nor did I consider him to be intelligent; however, despite all of my concerns, and dislikes about George W. Bush, I would never have gone as far as to completely undermine him in the face of the entire world. President Obama's release of the Guantanamo memos, although supposedly well intentioned, merely served to undermine the administration of George W. Bush. I know there are many people who will disagree with my assessment, but let us call it what it is. Releasing the memos is one man's attempt to win over the confidence of the world by destroying the credibility of another. Little Johnny and Little Billy are in the 4th grade. Little Billy likes Little Sally and tells Little Johnny that he is going to send Little Sally an "I Like You" note. Little Johnny leaks to Little Sally's boyfriend Big Mikey that Little Billy likes Little Sally. Big Mikey beats Little Billy up on the playground at recess. A rose by any other name.
Whether we like it or not, those memos should not have been released. Not now, especially considering that we are engaged in a war against the principle of terrorism. In releasing the memos, we smeared our own faces with the same mud we've thrown at others. Loose Lips Sink Ships, or in the case of these memos, Loose Lips Sink Our Nation's Credibility.
Recently we've heard in the news about the decision to close Guantanamo Bay, and release the suspects presently held in that facility. Well, let us call them political prisoners, because the jury is still out on whether then acted alone or if 9/11 was an inside job. On any account, an executive decision was made to let them go. Only time will tell if that decision was a sound one.
Now, albeit that it is bad enough to free the political prisoners, for they will have many stories of how the American "Big Bad Wolf" was so mean to them. Hey, it's just their word against our word. Everyone knows that Hear-Say does not hold up in any court of law, unless some form of evidence is provided to justify the other party's allegations. What is that considered? Would that be Adverse Adjudication? Things that make you go, Hum.
If you have been following the news, like me, you know that the Obama administration recently decided to release certain key memos from the Bush administration outlining the methods employed at Guantanamo Bay. What a big "Wow" that is! Our nation is already limping from the stomp on the toe of releasing the political prisoners, and to ease the pain, we shoot ourselves in the foot by providing those same prisoners with credibility. What's dumb? Swinging from one tall building to another. What's dumber than that? Swinging without a rope to hold on to. Let us ask John McCain if the Vietcong were openly honest with United States about all of the methods used on our POWs during their stay in the Hanoi Hilton.
Here's the bottom line America; President Obama is trying to do the right thing, but he is doing it for all the wrong reasons. The release of the memos would have occurred anyway, but not for another 15 to 25 years and they would have been made available under the Freedom of Information Act. Much the same as for the documents of the Warren Committee. So there was really no justifiable reason for rushing the release of the Guantanamo Memos, save one small exception. President Obama has a woody for Former President George W. Bush. Any opportunity to slander the former President is being exploited, and that simply is not right.
Like many people in America, and this may or may not come as a shock to people, but I was not overly fond of George W. Bush either. I likened him to a child who was not allowed to play with G.I. Joe dolls, so he decided to turn the entire US Armed Forces into one big G.I. Joe play set. I did not find George W. Bush to be the most articulate of individuals, nor did I consider him to be intelligent; however, despite all of my concerns, and dislikes about George W. Bush, I would never have gone as far as to completely undermine him in the face of the entire world. President Obama's release of the Guantanamo memos, although supposedly well intentioned, merely served to undermine the administration of George W. Bush. I know there are many people who will disagree with my assessment, but let us call it what it is. Releasing the memos is one man's attempt to win over the confidence of the world by destroying the credibility of another. Little Johnny and Little Billy are in the 4th grade. Little Billy likes Little Sally and tells Little Johnny that he is going to send Little Sally an "I Like You" note. Little Johnny leaks to Little Sally's boyfriend Big Mikey that Little Billy likes Little Sally. Big Mikey beats Little Billy up on the playground at recess. A rose by any other name.
Whether we like it or not, those memos should not have been released. Not now, especially considering that we are engaged in a war against the principle of terrorism. In releasing the memos, we smeared our own faces with the same mud we've thrown at others. Loose Lips Sink Ships, or in the case of these memos, Loose Lips Sink Our Nation's Credibility.
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Honeymoon Is About Over
Hello my fellow Americans. Seems as though I have been in a state of hibernation for a few months, but in truth, I have not.
Truth be known, the All Seeing Owl never really sleeps. I just observe from a high vantage point and absorb interesting bits of information. You know, information like what is going on with North Korea, the events in the Gulf of Aiden, our economy which seems to be in a perpetual coma. Yes, I watch from afar.
Now, some of my conservative readers may raise the question of if I was so critical of George Bush, then what would cause me not to be critical of Barack Obama? Indeed, several of you may have tagged me as hyper liberal. Please allow me to assure you that nothing is further from the truth.
You see America, it is like this. I view the first 90 days of a new President's first administration to be a "Honeymoon Phase", what most of us view as a probationary period, or the umbrella period associated with the Lemon Law. For those of you who really know me, I am neither liberal nor conservative. I am that middle of the road standard that is not afraid to voice an opinion about any one or anything.
In the words of Denzel Washington, "Rush Limbaugh ain't got nothing on me". I am Numinous Owl, the "All Seeing Owl", the one who is so direct he'll make Rush Limbaugh seem line, Howard Stern think twice, and Al Sharpton just sit back and scowl. That is right, I am that Numinous Owl. I am the one who said George Bush allowed his thirst for revenge to get us wrapped up in a quagmire to which there is no real escape even before Barack Obama talked draw down in during his campaign. I was the one who made it clear that George Bush's favorite acronym is DAISNAID. Indeed I was the one who openly said that it would be in Hillary's best interest that she tell Bill to shut the heck up because he was talking too much.
It does not matter if it is Republican, Democrat, or some make believe third political party. The All Seeing Owl believe in equal opportunity, and believe me, we stand by the Constitutional notion that all politicians are created equally. Without a doubt, the All Seeing Owl with not discriminate when it comes to addressing the issues which threaten to rip away at the fabric of our beautiful nation.
I watched from afar as the era opened and the Honeymoon Phase began. In 3 days, the Honeymoon will be over, and then it is back to business as usual.
Truth be known, the All Seeing Owl never really sleeps. I just observe from a high vantage point and absorb interesting bits of information. You know, information like what is going on with North Korea, the events in the Gulf of Aiden, our economy which seems to be in a perpetual coma. Yes, I watch from afar.
Now, some of my conservative readers may raise the question of if I was so critical of George Bush, then what would cause me not to be critical of Barack Obama? Indeed, several of you may have tagged me as hyper liberal. Please allow me to assure you that nothing is further from the truth.
You see America, it is like this. I view the first 90 days of a new President's first administration to be a "Honeymoon Phase", what most of us view as a probationary period, or the umbrella period associated with the Lemon Law. For those of you who really know me, I am neither liberal nor conservative. I am that middle of the road standard that is not afraid to voice an opinion about any one or anything.
In the words of Denzel Washington, "Rush Limbaugh ain't got nothing on me". I am Numinous Owl, the "All Seeing Owl", the one who is so direct he'll make Rush Limbaugh seem line, Howard Stern think twice, and Al Sharpton just sit back and scowl. That is right, I am that Numinous Owl. I am the one who said George Bush allowed his thirst for revenge to get us wrapped up in a quagmire to which there is no real escape even before Barack Obama talked draw down in during his campaign. I was the one who made it clear that George Bush's favorite acronym is DAISNAID. Indeed I was the one who openly said that it would be in Hillary's best interest that she tell Bill to shut the heck up because he was talking too much.
It does not matter if it is Republican, Democrat, or some make believe third political party. The All Seeing Owl believe in equal opportunity, and believe me, we stand by the Constitutional notion that all politicians are created equally. Without a doubt, the All Seeing Owl with not discriminate when it comes to addressing the issues which threaten to rip away at the fabric of our beautiful nation.
I watched from afar as the era opened and the Honeymoon Phase began. In 3 days, the Honeymoon will be over, and then it is back to business as usual.
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