Strappado Wrack

Strappado Wrack
Provocative Political Archive Articles for Unlocking the Meaning of Current Affairs

Monday, March 31, 2014

Standoff Over Disputed Territory

Political feuds are normal in the real world. But when it spills over into threat for open warfare, bystanders start to take notice. Lessons of history have value for even the most obstinate defender of turf. Intractable disputes increases the avoidance of internal errors. But when the intensity of stubborn behavior spills over into the public sector, it ceases to be private business and risks becoming a civic nightmare. So what does a Texan election riot have to do with an impending run-up elections in Jammu and Kashmir? Both are worlds apart, but the similarities of each bear a striking resemblance of rigid inflexibility. 

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Friday, March 28, 2014

The Wal-Mart we all know and love

What does a famous pin ball wizard have in common with the planet's largest retailer? An internet version of the old bar room game has not exactly mastered the cyber world, as it has in the bricks and mortar arena. But why worry about e-commerce when you have so much  of the retail market in your hands? And it’s growing all the time . . . Second hand cars from a reliable source! Test drive your dream auto, even if a little used. Or how about running down the aisles to find those midnight snacks, now that food is on the grocery list when shopping at the house that Sam built?

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Thursday, March 27, 2014

Hee Haw returns to Foggy Bottom

The planting season is in full swing and the seeds are ready to germinate. The miracle of growth and synthesis awaits the gentle rain and the warm sun. But for the noble tillers of the land, the gift of life has arrived early. No need for anxiety of this seasons weather. The harvest has just been guaranteed. Yes, the 'great white father' in Washington  is showering his benefits upon the plains of our good earth. 

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Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Trailer Trash TV

We all know it - ain't nobody's business, but his own. But media executives are all excited that the public could get a fresh look at the man, who brought us so much memorable entertainment.  Even the thought of a walk on the wild side with Bill, gives a rush to the faithful. Hasn't it been far too long since the hero of the voyeur crowd - had their man back? O'Reilly has it right! "Mr. Clinton could host a reality program called, "Temptation Office."  A mock Oval Office set would be built and various temptations would be put before the star. The audience would vote on how long he would hold out. 

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Tuesday, March 25, 2014

“Velvet Conservatism”, this Seinfeld is no ordinary Joker

As the country looks for reassurance and even tempered advice, many turn to those who have a style of being meek, mild and calm. The manner of the delivery, is often more important, than the meaning of the message.  So say the public.  The attraction for avoiding the hard questions, is as popular as the latest hit on the nielsen parade of reality TV. But when it comes to politics, few are any better with the grin, soft tones and non threatening demeanor than the neo-con in chief - the editor of the Weekly Standard. You know his face, but do you know the man? William Kristol is a work in progress; a background that is disguised, while an ordinary man, image is promoted. Do you really know this man? Well, can you see through the media transparency? 

Monday, March 24, 2014

The Imperial Bush We Feared

Gentleness and slack has been shown the President. Expectation for a successful administration has always been our hope. As time passes and events play out their twists and turns, the true nature of the man becomes visible. All leaders have flaws. Most seek to serve their own interests. But when a fatal fault is exposed, it instills fear and dread. The evidence for this conclusion, did not come from a detailed analysis of policies or their relative success or failures. This judgment comes from the literal meaning of his own words. Mr President, do you really believe what you said? 

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Friday, March 21, 2014

No Surprise - Terrorism Is Winning

Anyone who thinks that the 'so called' War on Terror has had any success, is sorely mistaken. Those who commit acts of violence and cause suffering from their Terror are inflicting results that few are willing to admit. It never ceases to amaze the denial that most bring to this subject. What's the surprise, EVIL is the normal condition . . . Now that does not make any part of this deplorable situation acceptable. It only illustrates the extent of the derangement that occupies the twisted minds of the participants, and is at the core of the conflict.

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Thursday, March 20, 2014

Events Speak for Themselves - Time for a Change



It has long been argued that a neutral policy for the Middle East would best serve American interests. Our appeals for balance, common sense and prudent restraint has invoked strong emotional responses from pro Zionist supporters. We have maintained a consistent condemnation for all acts of violence and terror. And our message has a clear focus on what benefits America and all her citizens. The current events of brutality and terror are completely out of control. Rationality is absent from the public debate. Sides are being drawn. And the entire world is watching. When will we, as Americans, face up to the harsh reality that Israel is no ally of our true national interests? 


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

CFR Has A New Name But Serves The Same Interests

Did you hear the latest? CFR now is being use to refer to campaign finance reform. And all this time it stood for Council on Foreign Relations, must have just been an error in spelling. But if you look behind the parties that make up the ultimate 'Old Boys Club', you see that both are in sync with an effort to insulate the same ideological pure disciples, in seats of power. The 'poster boy' for this guaranteed protection racket for incumbents is none other than the straight talk express 'media toy' Senator John McCain. 

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Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The Maps Tell The Story

Emotions hit another round of intensity with the uproar from the recently published map of Palestine from the State Information Service. The popular clamor asks, is this the ultimate goal of the PLO - remove Israel from the map of the middle east altogether? Few can offer even the faintest glimmer of the chances for a peaceful resolution to the full scale warfare that has erupted in this ancient land.  


Monday, March 17, 2014

Tariffs For Survival Or Profits For Multinationals

The deadline approaches for President Bush to accept or reject the recommendations from the International Trade Commission on protective Tariffs for the U.S. steel industry.The dire condition of a crucial domestic industry is beyond dispute. The core question - "We need to go to the root cause of the problem," the official said, pointing to the need to get foreign governments out of the business. 

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Saturday, March 15, 2014

School Vouchers Long Overdue

With the prospects that the U.S. Supreme Court are on the verge of a historic ruling, school vouchers may well be the last hope for saving the next generation. The idea of effectively allowing parents an alternative to government schools has been with us for decades. Back in the mid fifties, market proponents like Milton Friedman wrote extensively on The Role of Government Education.  Opportunities for children should be the standard, not conformity to bureaucratic curriculum. 

Thursday, March 13, 2014

The NWO on target, all systems go!

What happened when that list of "Axis of Evil" was drawn up? Where was Red China! Hard to imagine that they don't fit the definition of supporting terrorism. Maybe eliminating terrorism is not the real motivation behind this 'so called' war? Pick and choose the enemy flavor of the month must mean that we give a pass to strategic trading partners. Or what is that other name: "Permanent Normal Trade Partner".  is difficult to see any real differences in the end results of trade policy under either political party. Clinton clearly betrayed America during his tenure. 

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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

One Bad Guy Down, Three More Coming Up

In this part of the bad lands, we mete out justice with guns in hand. One hombre on the run, now bring on those other guys. Clantons and McLaurys may look strange in their towel head garb, but the coming shoot-out at this OK 'Iraqi/Iran' Corral will bring law and order back to town. Wyatt, Morgan, Virgil and Doc will tame these cowboys without the help of sheriff Johnny Behan - for we are the law. We'll walk them down and make them pay. 

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Tuesday, March 11, 2014

The Fox that Went Down the Wrong Hole

Tally-Ho! The hunt is on and the race has begun to see how fast a network can implode. In the slimy world of cable media, it seems easier to get to the top than understand the reasons that made the ascent possible. FOX News was the shining beacon on the hill, a glimmer of hope and promise that would usher in a new era of information and debate. Well, the experiment is over. It's fate has gone the way of CNN Headline News over a decade ago. What killed this sly fox? 

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Monday, March 10, 2014

Deconstructing the JFK Myth

This stirring call to action best remembers the King of Camelot. He inspired an entire generation of youth to the call of public service. What noble intentions they had when entering into the hallowed halls of government duty. It is sad that the premise was so flawed! The invocation needed to read: "Ask not what you can do for your country -- Ask what we can do together to insure individual Liberty" . . .

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