"The Russian Bear"

"Come into my parlor, said the spider to the fly", a statement from a children's story, yet it contains a valuable warning. Many times deception and disaster come cloaked in a cloud of friendship. I remember a picture in my history book of Hitler shaking hands with Stalin upon the signing of a non-aggression pact. Both were smiling and seemed friendly. Stalin later found out Adolph wasn't such a nice guy. In the movie "The Godfather", Don Corleone said, "Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer". A boxer will sometimes lure his opponent into a corner, feigning injury or weakness, only to render a knock-out blow to his foe. Just days before Pearl Harbor, Japan had diplomats in Washington, happily conversing with our president in a charade of friendship and cooperation.

Last week, President Barack Obama had a meeting with Russian President Dimtry Medvedev. This meeting was lauded as a renewal of friendship between two of the world's most powerful nations. This was to be a benchmark to a new era of trust and truth between former ideological foes. The photo-op of Obama and Medvedev seems eerily familiar to me.

A few days ago, the F.B.I. made a series of arrests of suspected Russian spies! Ten people were taken into custody on conspiracy charges. They have been accused of trying to gather information on United States foreign policy by attempting to gain the confidence of people in the government. Assistant U.S. Attorney, Michael Farbiarz, said "this is just the tip of the iceberg", a sobering statement. It also seems disturbing to me that statements have been made alleging that Barack Obama was aware of this situation before his handshake with the Russian president. The possibility of Obama knowing this and then embracing the Russian leader can be taken as another example of Obama's lack of experience as he dismissed the gravity of this surreptitious act.

Vladimir Putin has taken issue with the arrests as a trivial matter. This is certainly to be expected from the former K.G.B. chief. Robert Gibbs said this incident would have no effect on the new era of cooperation with the Russians and the United States.

We have given up our missile defense shield in Eastern Europe; we have made compromises over sanctions on Iran because of the Russians. Now, we are turning a blind eye on undercover foreign agents operating on our shores. WHAT ARE YOU DOING MR. OBAMA? Before a bear kills, he grabs you around the shoulders in a huge hug; then he disembowels you with his rear claws; the claws you don't see!

" Stubborn or Stupid?"

Why do we have coaches on a team? The answer: to show us our mistakes, and attempt to correct them. Everybody who has ever participated in a sport has heard some criticism from a coach or trainer. In boxing, your trainer can be invaluable; his experience can help to keep you from catching a beating by learning some simple fundamentals. Slipping a jab, bobbing your head, lateral movement, and cutting off the ring, can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Raw talent rarely can carry any athlete through a career. The White Sox had a player called Dick Allen. I once heard Harry Carey say, "Here comes Dick Allen, a million dollars worth of talent and ten cents worth of brains!" Dick didn't like to practice or take instruction.

If we refuse to learn from our mistakes our destiny is failure. If we do the same things over and over again, the results will always be the same.

The G-20 Conference just ended in Toronto. It was attended by the United States, Germany, France, Great Britain, Japan, Canada, Russia, Italy, China, India, Brazil and South Korea; plus several emerging nations. This group represents 85% of the world's economic output: a staggering number.

The near default of Greece is of great concern to these nations. The fruits of massive government spending have virtually destroyed the Greek economy. This near collapse has caused the Greek government to offer some of her nation up for auction in order to avoid complete economic destruction. Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, is seeking to put some restraint on government spending and entitlements in order to avoid the crisis that Greece is now facing. Germany is now realizing the failure of socialist economic theory. Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Halper, is advocating "fiscal consolidation"; spending cuts and added taxes. Socialist Canada is now recognizing the failed path of government control. These sentiments have been echoed across the board from most of the world's leaders, except for one prominent voice. Barack Obama continues to advocate more spending and continued stimulus packages from the government. Mr. Obama fails to see the "handwriting on the wall", he refuses to admit continued spending and the pursuit of greater debt is a foolish policy destined for failure. He insists that the world maintain spending, even though there have been riots in France, Germany, and Greece over failed government programs and financial irresponsibility.

I'm afraid Mr. Obama is beyond learning from his mistakes. I don't know if it is arrogance or ideology, but, Mr. Obama seems willing to rush headlong into economic disaster rather than admit to the realization that he could be wrong. His fellow world leaders see the problem and wish to change course. Does Barack Obama have the ability to admit to error? Will the American economy collapse because Obama won't change?

"Where is Arizona!?"

I'll bet most of you remember the television show "Cheers". It had a great ensemble cast, who complimented each other with every line. It was well written and very funny. One of my favorite characters was Cliff Claven, the know-it-all mailman. Cliff had an explanation for everything. If Cliff didn't know something, he would make it up. Nearly every episode had some great example of Cliff's "knowledge" of innocuous facts, no matter what anyone asked, Cliff knew something about it. I found myself looking forward to hearing Cliff's observations from his endless "fount of knowledge". I can't imagine anything much more embarrassing than being shown as a fool in front of a group of people because you don't know what you're talking about; and everybody else does!

I remember Barack Obama, while making his run for the White House, saying he would go to all 57 states during his campaign. The press had some fun with that statement. Maybe the vote from those 7 extra states helped him out; you know that Cook County counting system. I remember Joe Biden talking about how F.D.R. went on television to tell the people about his plans to save the American economy back in the 1930s. Sorry Joe, no television back then, but, it was one of Joe's funnier gaffs.

Last week Milwaukee County Supervisor, Peggy West, made a very interesting statement. It seems Ms. West didn't know that Arizona shares a border with Mexico. She said, "...Arizona, a state way removed from the border...", in regards to Arizona's new immigration action to protect itself from illegal aliens. Wow, what a "Clavenism", this will follow her around for a while.

Let's see who Ms. West is. Ms. West received a degree in human services from Milwaukee Area Technical College (this is some endorsement for that school). She worked in human services for ten years before being elected to the Milwaukee Board of Supervisors. She was on the Milwaukee Democratic Committee executive board. She was the 2004 Hispanic Woman of the Year. It's really too bad she can't read a map of the United States.

This statement reveals something most telling about the democrat party. Even if you don't know what you're talking about, remember to follow the party line on every issue. I hope the people of Milwaukee are sufficiently embarrassed by Ms. West's lack of common knowledge about something a fifth grader should know. Perhaps those folks will think a little more about how much their prospective elected officials really know before they cast their next ballot. This practice should hold true across the entire nation. Find out what these people know, and how much of what they say is just so much "smoke up your butt". The final responsibility of having an idiot or a liar in office lies with us; we need to do our homework!

"Change in Command, Not Opinion"

As a former "non-com", I was privileged to have private conversations with many officers in many situations. I've exchanged private thoughts with platoon level officers, brigade level officers, and some command level officers. All conversation was held in confidence; this was understood, and policy of the military. A fly on the wall at any of those conversations would have heard some very interesting comments about some very prominent political leaders of the day. I heard the words "bumbling morons", used in reference to several members of Congress and the White House, on numerous occasions. This was years before George Bush or Barack Obama. Men in uniform have opinions, yet, most of the time these opinions are kept private. We respect the chain of command and we exercise confidentiality. A Commander-in-Chief, regardless of who he is, deserves a united front from his military; especially in time of war.

Earlier this week, General Stanley McChrystal resigned his post as commander in the war in Afghanistan, after an article in Rolling Stone magazine revealed comments from McChrystal and his aides that were less than complimentary about the current administration and its policy in Afghanistan.

McChrystal's mistake was letting the "fox in the hen house". He never should have allowed anyone from the media to get into the personal conversations of he and his men. I believe part of this mistake is because McChrystal is a "soldiers' commander"; he is all business, not political. He has proven himself in combat; he's gotten his fingernails dirty and understands what is necessary to attain victory in a very practical way. He's used to candor; not always an asset to politicians. Honesty is fine, just not in public.

Barack Obama really had no other option than accepting McChrystal's "resignation". Although, I'm sure he took some pleasure from this act, as Mr. Obama doesn't respond well to criticism of any type from anyone. My personal opinion is this is a giant blow to Obama's ego; it publicly raises a question about his leadership capabilities. I wish I could be around at those Joint Chief meetings; I'll bet they have opinions too. Now, all of this lands in Obama's lap, win, lose, or draw!

"Provocation"

In my younger days, I spent my time between card games, the race track, and a favorite tavern. Daryl was the owner, as a matter of fact, I only knew the tavern as Daryl's, even though that wasn't it's actual name. It was a blue collar place, not one of those noisy singles bars. Most of the patrons were working class guys; construction workers, printers, carpenters, and electricians. One of the "regulars" was Pat the "iron worker". Pat stood about 6' 4", and weighed around 225. He was a fairly quiet guy with a dry sense of humor and calm demeanor. Pat was also extremely strong. On one occasion, I remember some of the balls on the pool table being stuck in the table after Pat put in his quarter. A commercial pay pool table is about as heavy as a refrigerator full of food. Pat wanted to play pool, and he was serious. He reached down under the table with one hand, lifted the table to waist height, and shook it like a toy! The balls released and I had new respect for Pat!

Daryl had a substitute bartender, his name was "Big Mike", and he was big. He was a match in size for Pat. He was also a blow hard and a bully. He used his size to intimidate smaller and weaker men. "Big Mike" was a jerk.

One day while Mike was filling in for Daryl, Mike was exposed for what he was. Pat was in the bar minding his own business; Mike was spouting off at some poor guy in the bar. Pat said, "Mike, why don't you leave him alone, he's not bothering anybody?" Mike turned to Pat and glared at him mumbling a remark I didn't hear. Pat's expression changed as he rose from his bar stool and leaned across the bar. I'll never forget what he said, he looked directly into Mikes eyes and said, "You're making me mad, and believe me, you don't want to make ME mad!" I saw the color drain from Mike's face as he physically backed up and whimpered a weak "sorry" to Pat. Provoking Pat was a bad idea.

The point of this illustration is, if you look for trouble, and you look in the wrong place, you may live to regret it. Recently, Iran has done its' best to provoke Israel. It is no secret that Iran wants Israel destroyed. The constant haranguing statements about a middle-east without Israel; the denial of the Holocaust, and other provocative remarks are commonplace from the Iranian regime. Israel is well aware of Irans' nuclear ambitions, and the potential threat Iran is to Israel's security. Iran now, under the umbrella of "aid" to Gaza, is threatening to break an Israeli blockade to deliver "humanitarian" supplies to Gaza. This is a deliberate act of provocation; an attempt to cause Israel to use deadly force and ignite an already volatile situation. The Iranians must remember that Israel is not the United States, they will not wait. Israel will defend itself and they won't use limited response. This is especially dangerous now, as the United States seems to be distancing itself from Israel. No one will hold Israel back. I know reason doesn't rule very much in Iran; but Iran would be well served in reconsidering this provocative act. Back off while you can!

"The National Pastime"

In 1956, I went to my first baseball game with my great uncle Salvatore. I was only nine years old, and I was very excited. We were one of the first families on our block to have a television, and I still remember WGN televising Cubs and White Sox games in glorious black and white. I remember my uncle dressed in long slacks with suspenders, a clean and pressed white shirt, and a straw hat, slightly cocked on his head. Back then, nobody had team hats, jerseys, t-shirts, or jackets. As a little kid, this was an adventure of epic proportions; CTA bus ride, huge crowds, and that smell that only is found at a ball park. When we entered the ball park I was amazed; nearly every man in the place was dressed like my uncle. Back then, my uncle's outfit was proper attire for a baseball game. People still booed the umpire and cheered the home team just as they do today. The fans were enthusiastic and fun to be around. Conversations surrounded us as people exchanged ideas and opinions about the progress of the game. From that day on I was a baseball fan, and I've loved the game all of the rest of my life.

I'm sure back then there were people who behaved badly during those baseball games. Drunks and morons will always exist in our society; spoilers of many good times. Back then, a couple of dollars could give you a great day at the ball park, including ticket, transportation, hot dog and soda; pretty good value. Today, a day at the ball park costs what a family vacation used to cost. People spend well into the hundreds of dollars for a day of fun at "the old ball game". Major League baseball is big business; it also has a certain responsibility to its fans. It is incumbent on the Commissioner of Baseball to have some standards of conduct for those who attend a baseball game. Bud Selig is baseball's commissioner; everything that happens of any consequence each day in baseball crosses his desk. He is the responsible guy.

Over the last two weeks we have had inter-league play on the schedule. As a Sox fan I can tell you this is huge. It is the only time of the year, outside of post season play, that the Sox see the Cubs on the field. Tickets for this game are at a premium; scalping is not unheard of. Fans are passionate and partisan; and they expect a great experience. I'm sure the Yankees vs. Mets series is just as important to New York fans; city rivalries go deep.

Last week, Lady GaGa went to the Yankees-Mets game. I'm sure there were numerous families there to root for their heroes and to enjoy the experience of Major League baseball. Lady GaGa added to the experience in a public display of bad taste, and bad behavior. She showed up in a Yankee jersey and not much else. She flashed obscene gestures at the press and some fans; she used obscene language and generally ruined the baseball game for many of those around her. This type of behavior may be okay at a back alley "cock fight"; it has no place at the National Pastime. GaGA is a marginal talent at best; I've seen her and I don't get it! She was using this baseball game as a place for self promotion; it was "hey look at me" time feeding her overblown ego. Now it is time for Bud Selig to step up and ban Lady GaGa from entrance to all future Major League Baseball events. He must send a message that baseball is still meant for family consumption. Commissioner, let's keep baseball the "National Pastime", not a celebrity "photo-op".

"Behind Closed Doors"

Most of my readers know I like baseball. I'm a lifelong White Sox fan, and proud of it! I like baseball history and have spent much time watching Bob Costas on his specials about the old time ball players of "way back when". As a boy, I remember those names like Ruth and Gherig as great icons of the game; as great heroes. I remember my great uncle Salvatore talking about Ty Cobb with reverence. Cobb, a devastating batsman and fielder was also known for his fierce competitive spirit. He would slide into a base with his spikes held high in the air, using them as a weapon against a potential tag by the opposing infielder. Unknown to many of the fans of his day, Ty Cobb was also a Georgia boy, and a stone cold racist. Cobb was a hater. Of course, the newspapers of the day never said anything about this; such a revelation would have been taboo about a man who was the hero to so many of America's youth. Behind closed doors Cobb was quite verbal about his feelings, careful not to let the general public know his true feelings, thus protecting his image.

Behind closed doors many things are said that are not for public consumption. When those "confidential" remarks escape those closed doors, we see sides of people that we don't expect.

Recently, we have had a look behind closed doors at the White House. Alleged conversation between Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) and President Barack Obama states that Mr. Obama has no intention to enact any border reform until he can obtain comprehensive immigration reform. If this is true, it means that Obama is holding the border hostage for political reasons. If this is true, it is a despicable act for a Chief Executive who is sworn to protect our borders.

Before I condemn Obama, I want to talk about Jon Kyl. Who is he? In April of 2006, Mr. Kyl was listed by Time magazine as one of "America's 10 best Senators". The National Journal listed him as one of the top conservative senators in the nation. He has served on the Republican Policy Committee as chairman, and the Republican Conference chairman. He is the Senate Minority Whip. He is extremely popular with his constituency winning his last election with a 53.3% majority victory. Kyl has a proven track record of integrity in office; his word is good. I find it difficult to believe that Senator Kyl would fabricate a conversation to achieve a political end; with his popularity among voters, it would be foolish and unnecessary. I believe Mr. Kyl is telling the truth. Accepting Kyl's statement as truthful reveals some damning character traits about Barack Obama. It shows a Chief Executive who will put his political agenda ahead of the good of the American people. Citizens' safety is secondary to politics. It shows a willingness to sacrifice the lives and well being of Americans in order to maneuver the public into accepting his point of view. He knows all the poll numbers, as does the American people, yet he continues in his personal vision, even if it means being derelict in his duty to protect our borders. I'm quite interested in seeing Mr. Obama's reply in this situation. Behind closed doors is the real man. Is this the man America voted for!?