Just back from our annual trip to South Lake Tahoe. Eight days away from home and without access to the internet was nice. However, now that I am back, here are some thoughts on what has gone on while I was away.
AIR TRAGEDY: Let's assume for a minute pro Russian separatists were behind the downing of Malaysian flight 17. What do they think they gain from this? They are not going to receive greater sympathy for their cause and they have only further served to isolate Russian president Vladimir Putin. As long as he supports the rebels, Putin only serves to show the sane world he is as much a threat to peace in the region as are the rebels.
ISRAEL/PALESTINE AT WAR: Is this really a surprise to anyone? We all know Israel will do whatever it feels it has to in order to protect their sovereignty. If the Muslim world could have their way, most would prefer to see Israel gone, at least that is what Israel would like everyone to believe. Based on their history, Israelis are not going to be convinced otherwise. However, most of the world supports a free Palestinian state just as it once supported a free Israeli state following World War II. The problem isn't whether or not the Palestinians deserve a free state so much as can they manage one without tolerating the existence of groups like Hamas and their desire to rid the region of Israel. My guess is after the dust settles, nothing of significance will have changed and the two sides will be at it again in another year or two.
WORLD CUP: Both Germany and Argentina showed the world they were the two most deserving teams to meet in the final. Five time winner, and cup host, Brazil showed how far they have fallen and can no longer be considered among the world's elite. Meanwhile, the USA continued to show it is unable to make a deep run into the tournament but may be ready to in another four years with a new generation of players. Now, will FIFA decide to move the next cup from host Russia or will any nations refuse to participate in it in order to make a statement that they will not be a part of Vladimir Putin hosting a month long PR campaign. While hosting the winter Olympics, Putin managed to create havoc in the Ukraine. What will he do in another four year's time? The last thing the sporting world needs to do is give this guy another chance to host a major athletic event. Why not move the 2018 World Cup now to another site all together?
ON THE BORDER: At what point is a central American not a refugee? It is easy to argue on behalf of an eight year old who must leave home or face certain death. However, when male teens arrive and admit to having murdered people back home and belonging to American gangs, they should not be afforded refugee status. They need to be placed on a plane and sent right back home. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Our border and immigration policies are a mess and deserve better than a one size fits all solution. There is no sound reason not to deploy our military to the border and take control of it rather than merely trying to patrol it with a few thousand border patrol agents. We need a more secure and flexible process for those seeking refuge in our country so we can deny and return those who do not belong here. Not doing so only continues to tells our citizens and the rest of the world we do not take protecting our border seriously.
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