Many of you have seen the comments from Philip Butler on one or more of the mail lists. If so, you have probably wondered, "Just who is Philip Butler, and why does his opinion count?" Well, from the biographical information at Military.com

"Doctor Phillip Butler is a 1961 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a former light-attack carrier pilot. In 1965 he was shot down over North Vietnam where he spent eight years as a prisoner of war. He is a highly decorated combat veteran who was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legion of Merits, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Heart medals.

After his repatriation in 1973 he earned a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California at San Diego and became a Navy Organizational Effectiveness consultant. He completed his Navy career in 1981 as a professor of management at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He is now a peace and justice activist with Veterans for Peace."

 Ok, he's a highly decorated combat veteran, with a distinguished post military career. So just what did he say about John McCain

Very interesting article coming up from the opinion of a reader who is concerning about the situation in the Caucus. It seems to me finally the American opinion is taking conscientious about GEOPOLITICS and comprehends what the old fashion of politics of the 20th century is gone!

And for the sake and PEACE in this small rock called PLANET a new alignment of POWER will be welcomed soon rather than later.

  Article published today in USA TODAY page 12A. on August 19, 2008

Superpowers flex muscle, but at what cost?

Earl Beal - Terre Haute, Ind.

In the power politics of international relations, superpower behavior is governed by the concept of geopolitical spheres of influence. When a superpower nation meddles in the internal affairs of another and attempts to exert undue political or economic influence in its perceived sphere, that's when trouble starts.

The trouble started when President Bush pressured Poland and the Czech Republic to establish a missile-defense system in their territories. This policy was then, and continues to be, seen by some as a direct threat to Russia, not to mention Bush's push for democratic reforms in former Soviet Republics still considered vital to Russia's national security interests.

Also, if Russia placed ballistic missiles in Cuba and/or Venezuela, this would constitute a direct threat to the U.S. Washington's hue and cry over such a move would be surpassed only by Bush's hypocrisy when he and his Pentagon took the "dramatic," "brutal" and "disproportionate" measure of invading a sovereign Iraq in 2003. As a result, what do we have?

The hemorrhaging of our national treasure in terms of lives lost.

Thousands of courageous people wounded.

A cost of more than $10 billion a month to finance this fiasco.

5 million Iraqi refugees scattered and without homes.

Percy H Florez

Faint media attention has been paid to the invalid wife John McCain cheated on repeatedly, then dumped for the twenty-year younger playgirl daughter of a millionaire.

I did discuss the first Mrs. McCain in an earlier post. Thoughts on values, forgiveness, trust, & why I can't vote for John McCain

Well, as Paul Harvey would say, here’s the rest of the story.

While the American media is bluffing about the “Invasion of Georgia” the Bush administration just receive a lap in his face as a consequence of his erroneous and horrendous mishandling of the situation in the Middle East; special remarks on his attitudes an action in the illegal war in Iraq.

Percy H Florez

In an address to the Texas Association of Broadcasters, Rick Norriega again addressed the issue of what he characterizes as Cornyn’s “blank check” and “rubber stamp” endorsement of Bush policies.

James Shannon, writing for The Examiner Online provided details on a bill of particulars from the Noriega campaign which illustrate a few of Noriega's profound differences with Cornyn:

In Lubbock Wednesday, Rick Noriega, campaigning to become the next U.S. Senator from Texas discussed his comprehensive plan for immigration reform.

Noriega if elected, will become the first Latino ever elected to the United Staes Senate from Texas. Texas population is almost 40% Hispanic by current U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

If, like me, you feel this is an important race, and want to provide the support Rick needs to take back this seat for Texas, contribute now to his campaign.

 Eric Finley of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported on Ricks plan.

I have regularly posted positive articles on Rick Noriega, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. Rick, who would be the first Hispanic ever elected to the U.S. Senate from Texas, is indeed a dynamic, intelligent, experienced man.

Today I thought it might be informative to take a look at who Rick is running to defeat.

If, like me, you feel this is an important race, and want to provide the support Rick needs to take back this seat for Texas, contribute now to his campaign.

Sorry it's a day late, but this New York Times editorial is still well worth reading ... if you have not done so already.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/07/opinion/07thu3.html

Yesterday Rick Noriega, U.S. Senatorial candidate from Texas, issued a call for the Iraqi government to pay the costs of our military support of their government out of the $80 billion oil profits they generate each year. As a combat veteran of the Asian conflict, Rick has long demonstrated an in depth knowledge of the region, and our involvement.

I have included Rick's message below. If you are ready to replace John Cornyn and his 97% support of GW, I also invite you to join North Texans for Rick Noriega, and help us elect this exciting young man, who will be the first Hispanic U.S. Senator ever elected by Texas.