Daily Archives: Dec. 27, 2007

Pakistan going from bad to worse

Dec. 27, 200711:16 a.m.

BhutoblastThe assassination today of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto shows again how Pakistan — our ally in the war on terrorism and a nuclear-armed country — is volatile and extremely dangerous. The 54-year-old Bhutto returned to Pakistan from an eight-year exile on Oct. 18, and she narrowly escaped an assassination attempt that very day. Though Bhutto had much popular support in Pakistan, she was hated by Islamic extremist for her support of the war on terror, and she was a fierce critic of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf.
Bhutto’s assassination raises new concerns about the stability of Pakistan. Meanwhile, American military official acknowledged earlier this week how our more than $5 billion in U.S. aid to Pakistan has largely failed to bolster the Pakistani military effort against Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Instead, Pakistan has spent much of the money to purchase weapon systems aimed at India.

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Terrorism | Comments (73)

Enforcement slowing down illegal immigration

Dec. 27, 200711:13 a.m.

IllegalimmigrationThe crackdown on illegal immigration, combined with an economic downturn in housing and construction, appear to be reducing the numbers of Mexican immigrants entering this country, according to a Los Angeles Times article.
Among the many signs cited of a slowdown: According to a recent survey of Mexicans, about one-third fewer than a year before said they planned to seek work abroad. And in fiscal 2007, which ended in September, U.S. border officials apprehended some 877,000 illegal border crossers — down about 20 percent from the year before.
T ougher border and workplace enforcement seems to be having an impact, but some experts insist the slowdown follows a familiar pattern and is mainly about the sluggish economy.
Moreover, there are still an estimated 12 million illegals living and working here, many in complicated mixed families, with some children born here and legally U.S. citizens.
Is America willing to balance enforcement with pragmatism and compassion?
Posted by Randy Scholfield

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Immigration | Comments (16)

A duty to care for Earth

Dec. 27, 20071:03 a.m.

Popechristmas Like a growing number of Christian leaders, Pope Benedict XVI is concerned about our stewardship of the Earth. At Christmas Mass, the pope spoke of our “ill-treated world” and “the abuse of energy and its selfish and reckless exploitation.” The Vatican also recently started purchasing carbon credits to offset its energy use.
Meanwhile, some conservatives, such as Brit Hume of Fox News, have claimed that the text of the pope’s World Day of Peace message, to be delivered Tuesday, shows that the pope is a global warming skeptic. Hardly. The pope appropriately warns against drawing hasty conclusions on how to find an ecological balance. But he also says that “prudence does not mean failing to accept responsibilities and postponing decisions” and that technologically advanced countries need to reassess their high level of energy consumption and “search for alternative sources of energy and for greater energy efficiency.”
Posted by Kristin Mehler

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Environment | Comments (165)

Bush can improve American image abroad?

Dec. 27, 20071:02 a.m.

Bushdepartingaf1 President Bush is planning to travel widely in 2008 to improve America’s image abroad.
He might do more good by staying home. Bush has cratered America’s standing abroad, even among our closest allies. Consider a recent Pew Center study of attitudes in 47 nations that found “extensive” anti-Americanism. The perception that America acts unilaterally is shared by 89 percent of the French, 83 percent of Canadians and 74 percent of Britons. In the Middle East, America’s reputation is at rock-bottom.
America’s tarnished image is partly caused by the “arrogant bunker mentality” (in Mike Huckabee’s words) Team Bush has shown in its post-Sept. 11 foreign policy.
Bush is going to turn that around in a few trips? Good luck.
Posted by Randy Scholfield

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Foreign affairs | Comments (97)

Sunday liquor sales paid off

Dec. 27, 20071:01 a.m.

Liquorstore Saturday’s snowstorm provided an interesting postscript to Wichita’s debate over Sunday liquor sales and the City Council’s April approval of such sales. Because the blizzard largely wiped out Saturday shopping, Sunday sales “basically saved my Christmas holiday,” Anton Kowalski, owner of Anton’s Vintage Wine & Spirits, told The Eagle. Sounds like an affirmation of the council’s wise move to let businesses decide which days of the week to open.
Posted by Rhonda Holman

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Wichita government | Comments (31)

Edwards afflicted with tardiness

Dec. 27, 20071:00 a.m.

Edwardsfingerhead “While most people who come out to see him are willing to endure some delays, his habit of lateness has alienated others, some of whom say it is just plain rude,” the New York Times reported about Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards’ habit of being late to campaign events.
Bill Clinton may have been able to get away with routine tardiness, but it’s not smart campaigning for Edwards.
Posted by Kristin Mehler

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Presidential race | Comments (7)