I've been sort of on tilt lately -- lots going on, lots to think about, and no way to even begin figuring out where things really stand until after the elections. So here are some quick thoughts by way of clearing my head to look at some specifics going forward.
- The only thing that matters in the elections is defeating the Republicans. There are no other issues: the Republican Party is a criminal organization, and we can't stand another Republican appointment on the Supreme Court.
- We need to increase the Democratic majorities in both house of Congress as much as possible. The good news is that if the public had an objective understanding of the situation, not a single Republican would win; the bad news is that the public is obviously far short of being well-informed, let alone objective. Nevertheless, the situation is very favorable.
- The Bush administration's brief in the detainee cases consists of two parts: the part that has broad support in the Republican caucus, and the part Cheney and Addington have been shoving down throats for six and half years. All of it is unlawful.
- The thing I most dislike about McCain is that he was willing to go along with them for the sake of his political ambitions -- he is a victim of torture and war crimes who was willing to aid and abet torture and war crimes.
- The Bush detainee policies will not survive in the next administration. Under Obama they will change a lot, but even McCain will change some things. After the elections, we will see where things stand.
- I'm not willing to compromise on anything at this point. Obama's job is to win, and if he does, then every issue should be looked at with fresh eyes and an open mind.
- Iraq must end ASAP. If it was up to me, I'd order an evacuation in 16 weeks, not 16 months. Anyone who thinks the surge was a "success" is a fool: success isn't possible when there's nothing to gain.
- In Afghanistan, we should either pacify the tribal areas of Pakistan and get out ASAP (leaving the occupation to Pakistan), or get out now ASAP.
- Terrorism is a crime, that's all that it is, and approaching the problem as a war is self-defeating -- witness the disgraceful, pointless failures and war crimes of the last six and half years.
