LIBYAN ACTION RAISES BIG QUESTIONS

Coalition forces, clearly led by the U.S., bombarded Libya for a third straight night Monday, targeting the air defenses and forces of Libyan ruler Moammar Gadhafi, stopping his advances and handing some momentum back to the rebels, who were on the verge of defeat just last week. Libyan rebels were ecstatic at the show of support and force.

COMMENTS:

In the international theater, coalition forces have a right under U.N. sanctions to take action in Libya. The U.S. has tried to downplay its leadership role, but it has the gun power and the savvy to carry on such an operation. Obama has been quick to say that we are going to turn the job over to Britain and France in short order because he lacks substantial support back home. I am ambivalent; I suppose, strictly from a humanitarian standpoint, that we are doing the right thing. I’ve heard the argument that, although Ghadafi is a horrible dictator, we might end up with someone worse in charge in Libya; does that excuse Ghadafi’s behavior or that fact that he murders and butchers? But, we cannot afford to get mired down in another Iraq or Afghanistan, either from the standpoint of available troops or money. The danger of our getting drawn into a protracted conflict is high, and we need to make known the fact to Washington that we do not want to get very deeply involved.

TODAY’S QUERIES & ANSWERS:

Q. I heard that a guy in Texas has a face transplant. I’ve never heard of such a thing. (Ali ~ Schenectady, NY)
A. He had been disfigured in a power line accident. This is the first procedure of its kind. But, I guess he won’t have to pay for it; when they go to collect, they won’t be able to recognize him.


Q. For days on end, we’ve been hearing that they are “racing to connect power” at the Japanese nuke plants. If they’re racing, what’s taking so long? (Karla ~ Redding, CA)
A. Japanese people have shorter legs. Stop and think about it. If there have been several explosions and the big earthquake shook things loose, what are the odds that pumps will work anyway? This problem is not going to quickly go away, and the danger is far from over.


Q. I hear that California Republican Party is in a shambles. Is that true? (Pete ~ Fullerton, CA)
A. That’s the understatement of the year. Party registration is at a rock-bottom 31 percent of registered voters; Republicans are divided on immigration policy; a sizable chunk of Latinos say they would never vote for a Republican; GOP state legislators are split on whether to cut a deal with Gov. Jerry Brown or stonewall his plan to balance the state's budget through a combination of tax extensions and budget cuts. No Republican holds a state office. If they are going to gain any credibility, they need Charlie Sheen to lead them.

TODAY’S QUOTE:

“I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.” ~ Unknown

TODAY’S VIDEO:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ih1zLdonis&NR=1