Liberia - Don't the editors
Liberia - Don't the editors of the Star/Tribune ever read their history?
Or even go to the movies?
In a Wednesday editorial, the Strib renewed the left's curious call to send US troops to Liberia - a nation embroiled in a war in which there are no "good guys", where every one of the belligerent groups is just as noxious and depraved as the last. Naturally, it's also a war in which there is no impact or even compelling interest to US national security. Naturally, quips TalkRadio, because it's the only kind of war the left ever supports.
Still, does the Strib editorial board realize the deja vu some of us are feeling here?
At last, war-weary Liberians have a tangible glimmer of hope. The arrival of just a few hundred Nigerian peacekeepers brought a dramatic easing of gunfire and a renewed flow of humanitarian aid.
With 200 international troops on the ground and more to follow, controversial President Charles Taylor is now the major barrier to ending hostilities. He has promised to resign Monday and leave for exile in Nigeria. The sooner he goes, the better. When he is gone, his ragtag group of soldiers will have little left to defend. Reportedly he has threatened to stay unless he receives immunity from war crimes prosecution. Though he should be brought to justice, the immediate priority should be to get Taylor out of the country.
Sound familiar?
Somalia was a nation full of factions, each as despicable as the other. And we intervened with roughly the same initial results - the shooting stopped for a while - and the same initial goals (ie, really no clear ones at all).
Liberia is a mess. It'll take decades, say some experts, to develop the things Liberia needs to stop the plagues that have bedeviled it for the past century; self-sufficiency, literacy, the ability to live peacefully in a multi-tribal society. And I've seen no evidence that the US is ready for that, rather than another bump 'n run peacekeeping mission.
It's about facile symbols, to some on the left:
Reportedly, small groups of soldiers and rebels put down their weapons and embraced each other upon hearing about the presence of the international troops. Clearly, both sides welcome the peacekeepers and are ready to end this bloody war.
Any bets on how long that'll last?
The Ad - As I noted yesterday, the "Gray Davis" commercial I heard was a Limbaugh production (and a damn good one!).
Tim Graham, in the Corner, talks about the Katie Couric interview that spawned the bit.
Checklist - Vodkapundit is fond of writing these sorts of "Life's Little Checklist"-y kinds of things.
Today's list - "50 things to do before you die" - is perhaps titled a bit aggressively for a guy who's forty and whose daughter starts junior high in a few weeks, but it's worth a look, for purely amusement purposes (no wagering, please):
50 Things To Do Before You Die
Slum through Europe Twenty years ago this summer!
Skydive solo without a static line - Someday.
Drink your age in Jell-O shots - Vodkapundit must like to vomit a lot.
Own a classic convertible - Had a Jeep CJ7 once. I think it counts.
Total said convertible, walk away, and laugh - See #3, above
Buy a bottle of the real Absinthe - Nope.
Pilot an airplane - Not yet.
Change careers - Several times, so far.
Walk the Golden Gate Bridge - Nope.
Have sex in public without getting caught - Mmmph Glrph
Get caught Nope.
Do something regrettable in Vegas - The only thing "regrettable" I'd do in Vegas is go there at all.
Fail completely at something big - Oh, lordy, have I ever.
Succeed at something even bigger - I'll let you know in a few years.
Make a pass at a clergyman or woman - What if she wasn't ordained at the time?
Have kids and love them to death - Check. But not literally to death.
Change a stranger's flat tire - Check.
Join an improv comedy troupe - Does the Don Vogel Show count?
Build a fort - Many times.
Ride in a hot air balloon - Not yet.
Spend a day at a spa - Puh-leeeeeeze.
Sneak into a movie - I can honestly say I've never stolen so much as a candy bar, much less a movie fare, in my life.
Have a drink thrown in your face - Check
Jump in a river/lake/ocean fully dressed - Hm. I think so.
Win over a hostile crowd - Sorta.
Spend a summer as a Renaissance Fair geek - I'd rather win the hostile crowd.
Drive from coast to coast - Someday.
Laugh because it hurts - Sounds like a koan to me. How about eating because I'm full?
Eat at a diner called "Mom's" - Never even seen one.
Look for buried treasure - Check.
Learn how to paint - Houses? Check.
Comfort someone who is dying - Not yet.
Commit all seven deadly sins in one afternoon - Dude. I'm 40. If I have time for that, I have time to do laundry.
Take ballroom dance lessons - I came very close, once.
Smack Carson Daly with a brick - Bad karma.
Buy a $500 bottle of wine - If we could split it 100 ways, sure!
Drink a $500 bottle of wine - Yet another alcohol-related goal. This guy seems to have issues.
Roll down a hill of freshly-cut grass - Check.
As an adult Check
Pilfer office supplies - Never on purpose.
Get a pedicure - At the spa? Jeez, what sort of alternate-lifestyle hell have I dropped into?
See a movie at a drive-in - Check.
Get a tattoo in the Philippines - That sounds painful.
50 over the posted limit - Hm. Once, I think.
Do something gentlemanly for a hooker - Er, yes, I believe I did. Long story.
Eat all the green M&Ms - Check.
Abuse your authority - Never.
Be subpoenaed by Congress - Depends on the definition of the term "Congress".
Try for four in one night after age 30 - Mmmph glrmph
Sleep in until at least Tuesday - I'd settle for eight straight hours these days.Read the original to see how Vodkapundit stacks up.
Posted by Mitch at
August 8, 2003 07:18 AM
