There's been a surprising lack of discussion of immense changes in American foreign, domestic and military policy in recent weeks.

1. Obama signs a bill enabling the army to arrest and detain people with no charge and no trial. That's stunning development in a country that calls itself a democracy.

2. He announces big cuts in the defence budget even as he also announces a switch in strategy to confront rising powers in Asia. He seems to be making the cuts by

  a) cutting down on the numbers of people in the mlitary.

This week, almost ignored by most of the news media except as a bare announcement, President Obama revealed he intended to raise a record one billion dollars for his next presidential campaign.

Can't discuss it right now. Children and wife demanding to be fed at a restaurant.

But think of the meaning of what he said. Hint- I said from the start Obama was bad news.

Remember the enthusiasm for Obama? Remember how he was going to introduce medicare, stop torture, get out of wars, Close Guantanamo,?

in fact, h e has followed Bush in just about every respect. He has massively stepped up the war in Afghanistan and exttended it into pakistan. Guantanamo is still a prison. And there are over a dozen such camps, mostly in Africa that our press never mentions. Congress just passed a blll authorizing torture - and obama will sign it.

Normally I would post this in politics but this article highlights an issue for those who  follow a faith. 

I will be honest and say that the source - alternet.org - is one that likes to ramp up the fear of the fundamentalist hordes taking over America any day now, but it is the argument of a former fundamental evangelist that got my attention and quote below.  

Did anyone watch is speech last night. The hall that was packed seemed very supportive.

         When I saw the web message that Obama got the Peace prize, I was pleased. To me, It was awarded because of what he stands for, not what he has done. He has visited African countries, giving them hope in their own leadership. He has extended the 'olive branch' to Iran. His mantra of reconciliation, and inclusiveness for all Americans, is in marked contrast to that of his predecessor. (On TV, I had watched G.W.Bush gloat: "People say I should reach out to other Americans. What the hell for?")

Anyone with an opinion on the beer summit at the White House today?  Is this a matter that should grab the President's time and attention or not?

I have been close to alone in expressing doubts about Obama. I don't like many of the people around him. I don't like much about his financial support. I didn't like his vagueness in the campaign. I think his pullout from Iraq is mostly smoke and mirrors. I look on his renewed war in Afghanistan with horror. But...

I have been close to along in expressing doubts about Obama. I don't like many of the people around him. I don't like much about his financial support. I didn't like his vagueness in the campaign. I think his pullout from Iraq is mostly smoke and mirrors. I look on his renews war in Afghanistan with horror. But...