This week, I have 2 articles that I'd like to call your attention to, and I also want to make some comments of my own.
The first article presents the clear evidence of Iran's incitement to genocide, according to the Genocide Convention, of which Iran is a signatory. Most importantly, this article outlines clearly the steps that can and most certainly SHOULD be taken against Iran, all under international law. Yet, NONE of these have been done. It's easy enough to understand why people are reluctant to go to WAR with Iran, but there are NO excuses whatsoever for failing to bring Iran and its genocidal leaders before international tribunals with charges of incitement to genocide. This shows that the world, unfortunately including the U.S., does not really mean "never again". It's nothing but empty words! They're only concerned about genocides AFTER they happen. It's so much easier just to wring one's hands after the fact!
Our second article delineates how clearly the Obama administration has NOT supported Israel, and how much they have followed the Arab line in this conflict. Note that this is about ACTIONS taken or not taken, NOT about what they CLAIM to have done or plan to do for Israel.
This brings me to the point I want to talk about this week. The election season is in full swing in the U.S., and anybody old enough to vote should realize that the politicians, especially the candidates for President of the United States (including the incumbent) will say ANYTHING at all that they think will win them votes, particularly in the swing states. By the same token, they will try to AVOID saying anything that might lose them votes. In other words, it's the season of pandering.
The best thing to do is to close your eyes and ears to EVERYTHING that they say at this time, whether it's things you LIKE to hear or things you DON'T like to hear. It really doesn't matter, folks!
So, how SHOULD you decide whom to vote for? I have two suggestions. First, look at the candidate's actual actions in the past (and even now!). When he had a real opportunity to make a decision regarding an issue that you consider important, what did he do? You'll find that this is often quite at odds with whatever things they're saying right now. Obama is supporting gay marriage now? That's wonderful, but where was he when he could really have made a difference? Still "evolving"! Republicans are speaking loudly against health care for all now? Unfortunate, but what actually happened in Massachusetts when Romney was governor there?
My second suggestion is to follow the money. Political campaigns, especially presidential ones, are incredibly expensive these days (thanks, in part, to the Supreme Court's action to prevent limits on campaign contributions). This means that ANY candidate must spend a LOT of time raising money. How can they convince people and corporations to give up their hard-earned (or not-so-hard-earned) cash? In one word, ACCESS! Of course, they can NOT promise any particular vote or action on any particular issue, since that would make the money a bribe! But they can and do offer ACCESS to the person or company that has donated generously to their campaign.
Now, here's the difficult part. You need to try to find out WHO has donated, and you need to try to determine WHY this person or company might want access. What is their interest? What will make life easier or more profitable for them? If this will also improve YOUR life, then perhaps your interests are actually aligned with them. If not (which is FAR more likely unless you're very rich!), then their interests are probably at ODDS with yours. Of course, one big problem here is that many corporations actually donate to BOTH candidates and BOTH parties because they're basically hedging their bets and because they want to be sure to have influence and access no matter WHO wins.
So remember: ignore words now, look at past actions, and try to follow the money.
That's it for this week!
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