Green Options » war http://greenoptions.com/tag/war Posts tagged 'war' Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:34:35 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en $400 Per Gallon Gas And The Green War Of The Future http://gas2.org/2009/10/19/400-dollar-per-gallon-gas-and-the-green-war-of-the-future/ http://gas2.org/2009/10/19/400-dollar-per-gallon-gas-and-the-green-war-of-the-future/#comments Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:34:35 +0000 Tina Casey http://gas2.org/2009/10/19/400-dollar-per-gallon-gas-and-the-green-war-of-the-future/ It costs $400 per gallon to transport fuel to remote combat locations in Afghanistan.

The U.S. military has been pushing for the development of alternative fuels for a while now, and nobody paid much attention until the Pentagon finally put a price tag on the oil habit. As reported by Roxana Tiron in thehill.com, last week Pentagon officials disclosed that getting conventional petroleum fuel to remote combat locations in Afghanistan costs a whopping $400 per gallon.

There couldn’t be a more clear illustration of why the “drill baby drill” mentality is a non-sequitur when it comes to energy security.  Regardless of whether petroleum fuels are domestic or imported, they need to be transported to their point of use.  That’s not much of a problem when you’ve got modern seaports, highways and fuel depots, but to paraphrase one infamous former Secretary of Defense, you have to fight the war you have, not the war that’s got the ideal infrastructure to support your fuel of choice.

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]]> http://gas2.org/2009/10/19/400-dollar-per-gallon-gas-and-the-green-war-of-the-future/feed/ WATER: #1 Global Security & Health Concern http://ecoworldly.com/2009/10/07/1-global-security-health-concern-water/ http://ecoworldly.com/2009/10/07/1-global-security-health-concern-water/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:56:31 +0000 Zachary Shahan http://ecoworldly.com/2009/10/07/1-global-security-health-concern-water/

Water scarcity resulting from climate change is the number one issue the world will have to grapple with in the future, according to chief climate scientist and Nobel Peace Prize-winner Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri.

On the one hand, we will have more water around us with sea level rising. On the other hand, though, drought caused by climate change will leave possibly billions of people without clean water.

This will cause great health and global security issues. Most of these problems will be caused by water imbalances.

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]]> http://ecoworldly.com/2009/10/07/1-global-security-health-concern-water/feed/ UN Speeches Ramp Up Rhetoric in US – China Climate Change Arms Race http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/09/23/un-speeches-ramp-up-rhetoric-in-us-%e2%80%93-china-climate-change-arms-race/ http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/09/23/un-speeches-ramp-up-rhetoric-in-us-%e2%80%93-china-climate-change-arms-race/#comments Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:40:42 +0000 Joe Walsh http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/09/23/un-speeches-ramp-up-rhetoric-in-us-%e2%80%93-china-climate-change-arms-race/ After spending some time bringing together Israel and Palestine for a handshake photo-op in New York, President Obama turned his attention to a problem that may prove equally daunting: global cooperation on climate change.

In his first UN appearance since taking the Oval Office, Obama staked a lofty position for the US, promised that the US is “determined to act,” and that the US “will meet our responsibility to future generations.” Chinese President Hu Jintao matched Obama’s rhetoric, pledging that the Chinese would commit to a host of progressive steps around renewable energy and emissions reductions, but also cautioning that developing economies like China’s “should not … be asked to take on obligations that go beyond their development stage.”

The summer saw a lot of pre-positioning in advance of Copenhagen, and with today’s UN General Assembly marking the beginning of a series of mini-summits in the lead-up to December’s big climate change conference, the volume on those announcements will only increase along with their frequency and grandeur.

Still, with Obama facing an uphill battle on domestic climate change legislation and China hiding behind their “developing” status, Copenhagen is threatening to become little more than a public relations event with little real concerted action. The US will have to avoid making the push for global leadership on climate change into a new breed of arms race that would find Obama and US policymakers at a significant disadvantage against the Chinese in the following ways:

Paying Lip Service is Costly – China, India and other developing countries want the US-led West to subsidize their carbon reduction efforts. If the West balks and no comprehensive global agreement emerges, the US could still find itself saddled with costly commitments made in going toe-to-toe with China as a demonstration of leadership and willingness to cooperate. For example, at the UN, President Jintao made the headline-grabbing promise to plant enough new trees in China to cover the area of Norway. Jintao also promised to get China to 15% renewable energy within 10 years, a much more ambitious timeline than any US plan. While it may not represent the kind of economy-crippling commitment that China fears will result from a global agreement, these programs will be costly, and Obama has his hands full just trying to pay for health care.

Democracy’s Dilemma - Not only is Obama hamstrung by health care, an increasingly troublesome war in Afghanistan, and an economy that is still teetering; but, he also has the mettlesome matters of bipartisanship, political pressure and budget restraints. While a strongly Democratic House could barely pass a weakened climate bill, Jintao and the Chinese have a one-party system overseeing a command economy that gives the Chinese a lot more adaptability as circumstances dictate in Copenhagen, in the world press, and on the geopolitical landscape.

The World Won’t Grade on a Curve - The Chinese are already crying foul over efforts to stifle their economy for the sake of climate change action and the world community is not expecting much from the world’s fastest growing economy and most voluminous emitter. Commitments like those above are enough to make a splash and convince the world that China really is trying. By contrast, Senators from Obama’s own party are refusing to discuss the prospect of domestic climate change legislation unless it includes trade protections. That kind of opposition in his own party makes a lot of his words ring hollow while the Chinese will certainly be able to deliver on whatever proposals they float. There are no handicaps in this game, so even if they overshoot on a much lower standard, the Chinese promise to steal Obama’s thunder.

Conventional wisdom says you should never enter a land war in Asia. The same might be said for wars of words.

Flickr photo.

]]> http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/09/23/un-speeches-ramp-up-rhetoric-in-us-%e2%80%93-china-climate-change-arms-race/feed/ Midwives in Afghanistan Try to Rebuild Women’s Health Care System http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/07/28/midwives-in-afghanistan-try-to-rebuild-womens-health-care/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/07/28/midwives-in-afghanistan-try-to-rebuild-womens-health-care/#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:02:04 +0000 Jennifer Lance http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/07/28/midwives-in-afghanistan-try-to-rebuild-womens-health-care/ Afghan midwives trying to rebuild professionFor women of Afghanistan, pregnancy and delivery are dangerous.  The war torn country has the “world’s second-highest death rate in women during pregnancy and childbirth”, second only to another war torn country Sierra Leone. The medical journal Lancet reports that 78% of these maternal deaths could be avoided. The New York Times reports:

For every 100,000 births, 1,600 mothers die; in wealthy countries the rates range from 1 to 12. In one remote northeastern province, Badakhshan, 6,507 mothers die for every 100,000 births, according to a 2005 report in the medical journal Lancet. In all, 26,000 Afghan women a year die while pregnant or giving birth. The main causes of these deaths are hemorrhage and obstructed labor, which can be fatal if a woman cannot obtain a Caesarean section. Even if the mother survives, obstructed labor without a Caesarean usually kills the baby.

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]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/07/28/midwives-in-afghanistan-try-to-rebuild-womens-health-care/feed/ New Rules: Think Tanks and Titty Bars http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/07/05/new-rules-think-tanks-and-titty-bars/ http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/07/05/new-rules-think-tanks-and-titty-bars/#comments Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:01:24 +0000 Rhonda Winter http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/07/05/new-rules-think-tanks-and-titty-bars/ “You can’t call yourself a think tank if all of your ideas are stupid.”

-Bill Maher

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]]> http://ecolocalizer.com/2009/07/05/new-rules-think-tanks-and-titty-bars/feed/ Knitting for Victory http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/05/25/knitting-for-victory/ http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/05/25/knitting-for-victory/#comments Mon, 25 May 2009 17:30:55 +0000 Kelly Rand http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/05/25/knitting-for-victory/ In remembrance and in honor of all that are and have served in the U.S. military on this Memorial Day, it only seemed fitting to recall knitting efforts that have taken place during war times past.

During WWI and again in WWII, women and families picked up knitting needles to help in the war effort. The American Red Cross organized many volunteer groups that knit various items for soldiers serving overseas. Socks, sweaters, helmet liners, scarfs, caps and blankets were just a few of the items that were knit up and shipped to those serving.

During WWII, the knitting effort was further encouraged and women were told to “knit for defense” and “knit for victory.” Patterns and tutorials were readily made available to those who wanted to feel like they were contributing during this trying time, even First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was seen supporting the war effort in this way.

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]]> http://craftingagreenworld.com/2009/05/25/knitting-for-victory/feed/ Private Contractors Hoard Water From US Soldiers in Iraq http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/05/12/short-supplies-cause-us-soldiers-to-steal-water-from-private-contractors-in-iraq/ http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/05/12/short-supplies-cause-us-soldiers-to-steal-water-from-private-contractors-in-iraq/#comments Wed, 13 May 2009 00:57:30 +0000 Jennifer Lance http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/05/12/short-supplies-cause-us-soldiers-to-steal-water-from-private-contractors-in-iraq/ US soldiers lack drinking water in IraqWe’ve all heard stories of how US soldiers in Iraq have been forced to travel in Humvees lacking armor protection; however, the shortage in military supplies includes basic necessities.

Many soldiers stationed all over Iraq lack adequate supplies of drinking water. Commanders have been forced to steal water from the private contractors to meet the basic needs of their troops.

An Army training document on preventing heat casualties state that in hot desserts, a soldier can lose up to four gallons of water per day.  A 1957 field manual, states “in hot deserts, you need a minimum of one gallon (of water) per day” for survival.  Army Staff Sgt. Dustin Robey explains, “We were rationed two bottles of water a day…We were on missions, I ran out of water.” 

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]]> http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/05/12/short-supplies-cause-us-soldiers-to-steal-water-from-private-contractors-in-iraq/feed/ Pentagon Spends Economic Stimulus to Develop Alternative Fuels and Save Energy http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/04/13/pentagon-spends-economic-stimulus-money-to-develop-alternative-fuels-and-save-energy/ http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/04/13/pentagon-spends-economic-stimulus-money-to-develop-alternative-fuels-and-save-energy/#comments Mon, 13 Apr 2009 23:19:55 +0000 Jennifer Lance http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/04/13/pentagon-spends-economic-stimulus-money-to-develop-alternative-fuels-and-save-energy/ Pentagon uses stimulus money to go greenThe US Department of Defense is the largest consumer of energy in the United States spending $18 billion a year.  Fueling jet engines and running generators at operating bases use up much of the Pentagon’s fuel.

Coupled with economics, dwindling natural resources, and the dangers of transporting fuel in war zones (half of all US casualties in Iraq are from attacks on fuel carrying convoys), the military plans to spend economic stimulus money on alternative fuels and energy conservation.

Traditionally, the Department of Defense has cared little about saving money. The recent shift towards alternative fuels as a military priority is an effort to reduce casualties rather than save natural resources or funds. “The honest-to-God truth, the most compelling reason to do it is it saves lives,” said Brigadier General Steven Anderson, director of operations and logistics for the Army.  Saving money, preserving dwindling natural resources and lessening U.S. dependence on foreign sources are lesser priorities of the alternative fuels and energy conservation initiatives.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Wars have set the record for the most fuel consumption of any war in US history.  Since the War on Terror began in 2001, the amount of oil consumption has increased from 50 million gallons to 500 million gallons a year at bases.  Using Economic Stimulus Package money, the Pentagon has several alternative fuels and energy saving projects planned.

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]]> http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/04/13/pentagon-spends-economic-stimulus-money-to-develop-alternative-fuels-and-save-energy/feed/ Rebuilding Iraq Also Means Reviving Its Damaged Marshlands http://ecoworldly.com/2009/03/22/rebuilding-iraq-also-means-reviving-its-damaged-marshlands/ http://ecoworldly.com/2009/03/22/rebuilding-iraq-also-means-reviving-its-damaged-marshlands/#comments Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:03:49 +0000 Alex Felsinger http://ecoworldly.com/2009/03/22/rebuilding-iraq-also-means-reviving-its-damaged-marshlands/

Iraq’s marshlands are the largest wetland habitat in the Middle East, but years of damming, drainage, and pollution have rendered the area inadequate for the survival of the area’s plants, animals, and humans.

Untold numbers of people, many of whom living in extreme poverty, have been displaced by the drying marshlands. After initial improvements after the expulsion of Saddam Husein’s regime, water levels have shrunk down to below 2003 levels due to drought, causing many who returned to the area to leave.

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]]> http://ecoworldly.com/2009/03/22/rebuilding-iraq-also-means-reviving-its-damaged-marshlands/feed/ The Laws of War, the Geneva Convention and Protecting the Environment http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/03/20/the-laws-of-war-the-geneva-convention-and-protecting-the-environment/ http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/03/20/the-laws-of-war-the-geneva-convention-and-protecting-the-environment/#comments Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:50:24 +0000 Amiel Blajchman http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/03/20/the-laws-of-war-the-geneva-convention-and-protecting-the-environment/

While many of our readers are well aware of global environmental laws that are specifically written to protect the environment, such as the Kyoto Protocol, the International Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Law of the Sea and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), this post would like to explore what some of the laws of war and humanitarianism (the Geneva Convention being the most famous) hold for protecting the environment.

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]]> http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/03/20/the-laws-of-war-the-geneva-convention-and-protecting-the-environment/feed/ The Environmental Cost of War in the Middle East http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/03/15/the-environmental-cost-of-war-in-the-middle-east/ http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/03/15/the-environmental-cost-of-war-in-the-middle-east/#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:12:17 +0000 Amiel Blajchman http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/03/15/the-environmental-cost-of-war-in-the-middle-east/ A new report on the environmental costs of conflict by the Strategic Foresight Group has highlighted the environmental damage in the Middle East due to constant conflicts and wars throughout the region.

While a sobering read, even more sobering to readers will be understanding how the environmental costs of conflict are not limited only to the Middle East, but that war costs the environment no matter where it occurs.

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]]> http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/03/15/the-environmental-cost-of-war-in-the-middle-east/feed/ 80% of Wars Occur in World’s Most Biologically Rich Areas http://planetsave.com/blog/2009/02/20/80-of-wars-occur-in-worlds-most-biologically-rich-areas/ http://planetsave.com/blog/2009/02/20/80-of-wars-occur-in-worlds-most-biologically-rich-areas/#comments Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:46:48 +0000 Alex Felsinger http://planetsave.com/blog/2009/02/20/80-of-wars-occur-in-worlds-most-biologically-rich-areas/

Over 80% of conflicts from 1950 to 2000 happened in some of the planet’s most biologically diverse regions, a new study has concluded.

The research, titled “Warfare in Biodiversity Hotspots” and published in the new issue of Conservation Biology, used environmental group Conservation International’s data to compare the earth’s battle zones to 34 “biodiversity hotspots.”

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]]> http://planetsave.com/blog/2009/02/20/80-of-wars-occur-in-worlds-most-biologically-rich-areas/feed/ Military’s Green Ammunition: Eco-Friendly War? http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/17/militarys-green-ammunition-eco-friendly-war/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/17/militarys-green-ammunition-eco-friendly-war/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:35:59 +0000 Derek Markham http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/17/militarys-green-ammunition-eco-friendly-war/ Military Ammunition The announcement of a new ‘Green Ammunition‘ for the military brings up an interesting question. Can war be eco-friendly? I find it interesting (twisted, actually) that something that is designed to kill can be called green.

Now, before you castigate me for being a peacenik hippie who’s missing the point (yes, I am a peacenik), let’s look at the issue.

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]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/02/17/militarys-green-ammunition-eco-friendly-war/feed/ Mountain Gorillas Birth 10 New Babies While War Wages in the Congo http://ecoworldly.com/2009/02/03/mountain-gorillas-birth-10-new-babies-while-war-wages-in-the-congo/ http://ecoworldly.com/2009/02/03/mountain-gorillas-birth-10-new-babies-while-war-wages-in-the-congo/#comments Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:09:52 +0000 Bryan Nelson http://ecoworldly.com/2009/02/03/mountain-gorillas-birth-10-new-babies-while-war-wages-in-the-congo/ Mountain Gorilla Baby Peeking Around a TreeIn an inspiring testament to the resiliency of life even amidst war and conflict, the Congo’s critically endangered population of Mountain Gorillas increased over the last 16 months, including 10 new births.

The new babies were part of an overall population increase of 12.5% in UNESCO-listed Virunga National Park, where habituated Mountain Gorilla numbers jumped from 72 to 81 since the region’s last census in 2007. The report brings hope to the troubled nation, which has been wrought with bloodshed and political turmoil for decades.

But despite the encouraging news, serious threats still remain. In the months leading up to the last census, 10 of the Park’s apes were slaughtered by unidentified poachers during a violent insurgency. Some of the dead were discovered shot execution-style in the back of the head. It was the bloodiest year on record for the gorillas since famed primatologist Dian Fossey first began her efforts to save them in the 1960’s.

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]]> http://ecoworldly.com/2009/02/03/mountain-gorillas-birth-10-new-babies-while-war-wages-in-the-congo/feed/ Obama Can End our Economic Dependency on War by Curtailing Global Arms Sales http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/01/07/obama-can-end-our-economic-dependency-on-war-by-curtailing-global-arms-sales/ http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/01/07/obama-can-end-our-economic-dependency-on-war-by-curtailing-global-arms-sales/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 05:05:00 +0000 Jennifer Lance http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/01/07/obama-can-end-our-economic-dependency-on-war-by-curtailing-global-arms-sales/ US depends on global war sales to support the economy

Obama was elected as the first anti-war president since Dwight D. Eisenhower promised to end the Korean Conflict. War is big money to the US, and this country is the world’s top military spender!  Obama has given this country hope for change, but the biggest change we need is to stop war mongering. Since Pearl Harbor 67 years ago, the US has been on the nonstop warpath, whether covertly or overtly.

War is bad for the environment, bad for society, bad for culture, bad for our health; however, it is good for the economy. As Deepak Chopra wisely said, “Unless it can make as much money as war, peace doesn’t stand a chance.”

Last year, the US overtook Russia as the leading arms supplier to the developing world. The US made $24.8 billion in global arms agreements selling conventional weapons that included: tanks, self-propelled guns, artillery, armored personnel carriers, armored cars, major surface combatants, minor surface combatants, submarines, guided missile patrol boats, supersonic combat aircraft, subsonic combat aircraft, other aircraft, helicopters, surface to air missiles, surface to surface missiles, and anti-ship missiles.  The US dominated 41.5 percent of the global arms market, with Russia coming in second place with 17.3 percent. 70.5 percent of these arms sales went to developing countries.

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]]> http://redgreenandblue.org/2009/01/07/obama-can-end-our-economic-dependency-on-war-by-curtailing-global-arms-sales/feed/ Iraq Province Bans War Toys for Children: Should the US Follow Suit? http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/12/01/iraq-province-bans-war-toys-for-children-should-the-us-follow-suit/ http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/12/01/iraq-province-bans-war-toys-for-children-should-the-us-follow-suit/#comments Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:51:42 +0000 Jennifer Lance http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/12/01/iraq-province-bans-war-toys-for-children-should-the-us-follow-suit/ War toys banned in IraqBefore we had a preschool/playgroup in our community, we used to take turns gathering in each other’s homes for “mommy/daddy and me” socialization gatherings.  On one occasion, a mother brought a bag full of toy soldiers to the play date at my house.  I was extremely uncomfortable as the shooting and killing of these little plastic guys ensued.  As a child, I never played with toy soldiers or guns, as typically these toys are reserved for boys.  As a parent, I have consciously chosen to avoid such toys for my son, as I believe “peace begins in the home”.  Why would I want to promote violence in my child’s play time?

Luckily, my children are not growing up with real life violence surrounding them like the children of Iraq.  It is natural for such violence to enter into children’s dramatic play; however, children in Iraq are often mistakenly assassinated for their toy guns.  That’s why the organization La’Onf (the Arabic translation for the word nonviolence) has worked to get war toys banned in the Muthanna province.  Peaceful Tomorrows, an organization founded by family members of September 11th victims, explains:

One example of La’Onf efforts to apply nonviolent principles in practical ways in the interests of children is the campaign against war toys.

In too many instances soldiers shot and killed children who were carrying toy guns that looked like real guns.

The campaign began  with programs in which  children could trade in their toy guns for soccer balls.  It then expanded into lobbying efforts.   La’Onf’s campaign has now resulted in legislation banning the sale of war toys in the province of Muthanna.  La’Onf activists hope to see national legislation passed in the near future.

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]]> http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/12/01/iraq-province-bans-war-toys-for-children-should-the-us-follow-suit/feed/ The True Meaning of Maverick http://ecoscraps.com/2008/10/28/the-true-meaning-of-maverick/ http://ecoscraps.com/2008/10/28/the-true-meaning-of-maverick/#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:23:01 +0000 Gavin Hudson http://ecoscraps.com/2008/10/28/the-true-meaning-of-maverick/ Maverick, the true definition

Who do you want to be the next President of the United States of America?

(A) An unbranded cow.

(B) A politician who doesn’t listen to his/her associates (AKA “The Decider”).

(C) A tool of war.

(D) None of the above.

Image credit: maverick. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved October 28, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/maverick

]]> http://ecoscraps.com/2008/10/28/the-true-meaning-of-maverick/feed/ The Sarah Palin Chronicles: From A to Z http://redgreenandblue.org/2008/10/27/the-sarah-palin-chronicles-from-a-to-z/ http://redgreenandblue.org/2008/10/27/the-sarah-palin-chronicles-from-a-to-z/#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 05:43:44 +0000 Jerry James Stone http://redgreenandblue.org/2008/10/27/the-sarah-palin-chronicles-from-a-to-z/ Sarah Palin quotes from across the spectrum: from man not causing global warming, to the war in Iraq being a task from God, and how offshore drilling will save us - she says it all.

1. Introduction
It’s obvious why Sarah Palin got the VP nod. And Saturday Night Live makes this point most brilliantly: Hillary Clinton.

2. Sarah Palin On The Environment
Just one day before being picked as the GOP vice president, she wrote a letter to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urging him to shoot down policy aimed at pollution.

3. Sarah Palin On Ethics
Palin’s record is already dirty enough to warrant a trip to the free clinic, and that’s just as Governor! What is she capable of if elected as VP?

4. Sarah Palin On Energy and Big Oil
Sarah Palin dismisses alternative energy in favor of a pipeline built by God.

5. Sarah Palin On Foreign Policy
Colin Powell is jumping party lines because of Palin - can we afford her on the job training?

Image Credit: bobster1985 via flickr

]]> http://redgreenandblue.org/2008/10/27/the-sarah-palin-chronicles-from-a-to-z/feed/ The Sarah Palin Chronicles: Foreign Policy, Part Five http://redgreenandblue.org/2008/10/19/the-sarah-palin-chronicles-foreign-policy-part-five/ http://redgreenandblue.org/2008/10/19/the-sarah-palin-chronicles-foreign-policy-part-five/#comments Sun, 19 Oct 2008 19:55:22 +0000 Jerry James Stone http://redgreenandblue.org/2008/10/19/the-sarah-palin-chronicles-foreign-policy-part-five/ Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama today, listing McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin as one of the reasons why. Shocking!

<< Previous Post: Big Oil, Part Four

Is it gross - sure. Yet the picture sums up the last eight years of foreign policy quite nicely, don’t ya think? We’ve suffered through too much of this cowboy politics crap (pun intended) to allow it to happen again.

But that’s exactly what we’re getting with Palin - more crap! Hell, even Colin Powell is jumping party lines because of this lady. It’s the same political myopia as George W. but with a nicer rack. For example, how could any politician admit to not focusing on the war in Iraq…much? What has she been doing since 2003? And can we afford another administration who thinks God speaks to them? Seriously, that kinda thing never really works out for the best.

More on Palin >>

From Think Progress

Palin Hasn’t Given The War In Iraq Much Thought. Palin told the Alaska Business Monthly, “I’ve been so focused on state government, I haven’t really focused much on the war in Iraq. I heard on the news about the new deployments, and while I support our president, Condoleezza Rice and the administration, I want to know that we have an exit plan in place.” [Alaska Business Monthly, 3/1/07]

Palin Has Never Been To Iraq. In her only trip overseas, Palin visited Alaska National Guard troops stationed in Kuwait and Germany in July 2007. [AP, 7/25/07]

Palin Believes That The Iraq War Is A Task ‘From God.’ Speaking at the Wasilla Assembly of God church in June, Palin said that “our leaders, our national leaders, are sending [U.S. soldiers] out on a task that is from God.” [Huffington Post, 9/2/08]

Palin Believes The Iraq War Was Fought Over Oil. “We are a nation at war and in many [ways] the reasons for war are fights over energy sources,” Palin told BusinessWeek in an interview. [BusinessWeek, 8/29/08]

Palin Didn’t Have A Passport Until 2007. Palin first obtained a passport in July 2007 for her trip to Kuwait and Germany to visit Alaska National Guard troops. Her only other trips outside of the United States have been to Canada and Mexico. A Palin spokeswoman had previously said that Palin had also been to Ireland, although it was actually just a “refueling stop” on her Germany/Kuwait trip. [New York Times, 8/29/08; Politico, 9/2/08; ABC News, 9/12/08]

Palin Has Never Issued An Order To The Alaska National Guard. Maj. Gen. Craig Campbell, the service commander of the Alaska National Guard, has stated that Palin has never personally ordered the National Guard to do anything. [McClatchy, 9/4/08]

Palin Is Unaware Of The Bush Doctrine. During an interview with ABC’s Charlie Gibson, Palin was stumped about the Bush Doctrine, thinking it was the President’s “worldview.” [ABC News, 9/11/08]

Related posts:

Amy Poehler does the ‘Sarah Palin Rap’ on SNL [w/ video]
Palin Protests Federal Listing of Beluga Whales as Endangered
Setting the Record Straight: Sarah Palin and the Bridge to Nowhere

Image source: saintbob on Flickr

]]> http://redgreenandblue.org/2008/10/19/the-sarah-palin-chronicles-foreign-policy-part-five/feed/ How Much is Military Defense of Fossil Fuels Costing Us? Up to $215 Billion a Year http://planetsave.com/blog/2008/10/14/how-much-is-military-defense-of-fossil-fuels-costing-us-up-to-215-billion-a-year/ http://planetsave.com/blog/2008/10/14/how-much-is-military-defense-of-fossil-fuels-costing-us-up-to-215-billion-a-year/#comments Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:39:58 +0000 Shirley Siluk Gregory http://planetsave.com/blog/2008/10/14/how-much-is-military-defense-of-fossil-fuels-costing-us-up-to-215-billion-a-year/ Sgt. Randall M. Yackiel at Wikimedia Commons, public domain.)Is the Iraq War all about oil? Maybe not. But even former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan has acknowledged the action was “essential” to protect the world’s access to oil. With many of the world’s top-producing oil and gas fields in decline, is it unreasonable to suggest there will be more military action to defend our “right” to fossil fuels?

Not according to the National Priorities Project, which today released a report that finds the U.S. is spending $97 billion to $215 billion a year on military efforts to defend oil and natural gas reserves around the world. That means as much as 30 percent of the U.S.’s military budget is aimed at protecting access to fossil fuels.

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