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Politics: Did Obama Bomb Pakistan??...and Other News

According to today's reports, the US is suspected of launching two missile attacks earlier today in areas of north western Pakistan killing 18 people.  It is not known whether or not the dead were Taliban, Al Qaeda, or even people with hostile feelings/intents towards the US.  Obama's press secretary Robert Gibbs is choosing to remain mum on the issue saying, "I'm not going to discuss that matter".  Regardless of intent, if the US has in fact launched this attack, it wouldn't be much of a departure from Bush's policy of 'shoot first, ask questions later'.  

Also in today's news, we have learned that President Obama has signed the order to close Guantanamo Bay Prison....in a year.  This decision has already garnered him some criticism amongst some of his biggest supporters many who believe the prison should be closed right away and without delay.  Basically, there are 240 people who are being held there.  Some have been locked away for many years without charges or evidence against them to substantiate their captivity. 

President Obama has also ordered the closing of secret CIA prisons. This actually raises a few questions.  How do we Americans know ALL the prisons will be shut down if they're "secret"?  Will the locations of these prisons be revealed publicly?  

On the subject of torture, President Obama signed an order restricting US personnel to interrogation methods provided in the Army Field Manual. What about rendition flights?  Will those stop too?  How about outsourcing torture to countries like Syria and Egypt like Bill Clinton did?  Will we ever know who is being held by the CIA and why?  

Does President Obama know of ALL the 'secret prisons' and torture practices around the world enough to make sure his orders have been followed thoroughly?  Doubtful.  From John F. Kennedy's experience with the Bay of Pigs to Ronald Reagan's experience with Iran-Contra, we've witnessed the CIA appearing to be operating in a world outside the full knowledge of the president.  This is also called 'plausible deniability' meaning that the president is purposely kept in the dark and able to deny knowledge and responsibility for possible illegal actions. However, the extent of a president's knowledge on certain events cannot be fully verified.  

Politics: President Barack H. Obama (day 1)

Isn't it great that we no longer have to say "President-elect" any more?  I'm beyond words to think that the 8 long years of Bush's disastrous reign is finally over.  Good riddance!  

Today marks an historic moment around the world.  Many of us around the world are no doubt filled with hope and pride as we look ahead to the near future led by the first African American President of the US.   Although, his message of hope and change continues, President Obama, didn't sugar coat things in his inaugural address. He laid out his plan for this ‘new era of responsibility’ and vowed to meet the many challenges that lay before all of us.  

History buffs can watch some past inauguration speeches here.  Interestingly, JFK's speech has been whittled down to a mere 4 minutes and I'm having a tough time finding the entire thing.  I've also included this link for those of you who'd like to read the speeches from every US President since George Washington.

Politics: Obama to Undo Bush Executive Orders

 

"Change" is apparently coming...soon.  Shortly after Inauguration Day next Tuesday, Barack Obama plans to reverse some of George W. Bush's most controversial executive orders.  Although, not all of these will happen immediately, many insiders believe the following will be taken care of ASAP.  

-  Torture of terror suspects will supposedly end.  

-  Guantanamo Bay Prison will be shut down.

-  Presidential Signing Statements will be limited.

-  Secrecy privileges of Vice Presidents and family members of past Presidents will be revoked.

I'm more or less an "I'll believe it when I see it" type, but am optimistic that if Obama follows through, it will help put things on the right track and restore the rule of law in the US.  Wouldn't it be nice if we all could have an Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind experience and simply wipe the past 8 years from memory?