Libya

President Obama’s actions in Libya seem unorganized and almost unplanned.  It is great to want to help Libya, and I think it is very necessary. However, it is also important to have priorities, a clear budget, goals and a defined endpoint and victory. Regardless what some people might say, we have entered a full-blown war with no true plan. Are we going to remove the leader of Lybia? Are we supporting the rebels with training and weapons? Are we going to be the rebels air force? 

Lawmakers should not be complaining that President Obama has not been consulting them before taking action, he did inform them like many other presidents have done in the past. The Senator that was calling for the President's impeachment, I think, is just doing it for publicity. Another serious problem is that estimates have been made stating the U.S. is spending 100 million dollars a day on efforts in Libya, even though we have no idea as to when our mission will officially end. How does Obama plan on paying for this? Most likely by increasing taxes Americans, like other tax and spend Democrats. 100 million dollars, however, is not a lot of money by government standards. It would just be good to have a clear object so that American's can know exactly the goal that the money is being spent to achieve. 

We do know the Obama administration would like to play a supporting role in helping the people of Libya rather than a leading one.  However, with no plans on how to conclude our involvement, the prospect of having Obama’s mission completed soon seems out of reach, no matter what the goals of that mission might be.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/03/25/key-libya-despite-nato-deal/

Kelly Ryan

Mubarak and his Money

Even though former President Hosni Mubarak was not Egypt’s best leader, he and his family do not deserve to have their local and international assets frozen.  After all, Mubarak did work to keep the Suez Canal open for trade and he also signed a treaty with Israel that helped promote world stability.  Every person in the world, regardless of social status, should have the right to do whatever they choose with their personal belongings.  They should have access to these belongings at all times, and should have the right to make their own decisions as to what they can do with their assets.  I also understand there is a great deal of controversy as to how Mubarak actually obtained so much money, but until he and his family are found guilty he should not be forced to give any of that money back to Egypt.  

I believe that Mubarak’s accounts and assets should be unfrozen, and that other government officials should make wise and hasty decisions to help solve problems in Egypt.  I understand this is much easier said than done, but I am sure many people would appreciate some structure and guidance in that nation in these trying times.  Those people who are responsible for violence, especially against peaceful demonstrators and journalists, should be brought to justice instead of trying to focus on phony politics, like what Mubarak does with his money.  

Source: http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2011/feb/21/egypt-moves-freeze-mubaraks-assets-ar-857094/

Kelly Ryan