Occupation 101

I shared this video once before, but I think I ought to post it again, given that we now have a new administration in power - one that would do well to consider the case presented here:

Obama orders Air Strike in Pakistan

This has not really been remarked upon in the American media, but the British Media has had quite a bit to say about it:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/24/pakistan-barack-obama-air-strike

Essentially President Obama gave the green light on air strikes in Pakistan. These strikes killed 18 people.

I have no problem with pursuing terrorists. But are these air strikes likely to do anything more than kill innocent people and increase hostility toward the United States? I find that very doubtful.

It is sad to see the president already responding to world affairs with militarism. Predictable in an American leader, and consistent with what Obama has said all along about Afghanistan and Pakistan, but sad nevertheless.

Let's see how far Obama goes with this militarism. Signing the order to close Gitmo was a very positive step; and in general I'm impressed with Obama's first week, he's off to a good start. This air strike, however, is a bad sign and not a wise decision on Obama's part. It's likely that Obama will be better Diplomatically than Bush and Clinton, but that is not really saying very much for him.

Finally, why isn't the American media saying more about this air strike? Why are they silent? I sometimes like to imagine that we actually have the free and independent press that our constitution advocated and championed - then I watch the news and am reminded how far away from our ideal we are.