It’s very merry indeed for Pres. Obama’s favorite corporate friends, who are being allowed to do business with anyone they choose, including black-listed nations.
“It’s not a bad thing to grant exceptions if it represents a conscious policy decision to give countries an incentive,” said Stuart Eizenstat, who oversaw sanctions policy for the Clinton administration when the humanitarian-aid law was passed. “But when you create loopholes like this that you can drive a Mack truck through, you are giving countries something for nothing, and they just laugh in their teeth. I think there have been abuses.”
What’s more, in countries like Iran where elements of the government have assumed control over large portions of the economy, it is increasingly difficult to separate exceptions that help the people from those that enrich the state. Indeed, records show that the United States has approved the sale of luxury food items to chain stores owned by blacklisted banks, despite requirements that potential purchasers be scrutinized for just such connections.
It’s a tough job playing Grinch amidst oblivious applause, though I do find the discomfort from Charles Krauthammer delicious, but since few others are doing it…
Ho. Ho. Ho.
It’s almost here.
…and to our troops across the globe serving, fighting or standing a watch, we know you signed up for the duty, but we also know the sacrifices you make, including those of your families. We never forget… no matter where you are in the world, though why we’re still on duty in some spheres is a sobering example in just how mismanaged U.S. priorities remain.
Combat zones
* Iraq
* Afghanistan
Additionally, we have troops serving in…
* Africa
* Kenya
* Cairo, Egypt
* Sinai Desert, Egypt
* South Korea
* Japan
* Philippines
* Diego Garcia
* Jakarta, Indonesia
* Singapore
* Thailand
* Malaysia
* Australia
* Marshall Islands
* New Zealand
* Germany
* Souda Bay, Greece
* Italy
* United Kingdom
* Spain
* Norway
* Sweden
* Belgium
* Portugal
* Netherlands
* Greece
* Greenland
* France
* Poland
* Turkey
* Qatar
* Bahrain
* Kuwait
* Oman
* United Arab Emirates
* Antigua
* Colombia
* Saint Helena
* Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
* Netherlands Antilles
Merry Christmas.
This post has been updated.
Merry Christmas TM. Is your dessert fruit tart still all there or did the hubby get at it?
I hid the damn thing!!!
Happy Holidays to all.
Whatever one thinks of when and where and how our servicemembers are deployed — and I have very big questions and concerns — respect and appreciation for each of them, and for their families, is very real.
Thanks, too, to the millions who will be working today and tomorrow to help keep us safe and healthy and provided with various necessities.
It’s been a very rough few years for many – jobs lost, homes lost and more. It can be especially difficult in a “celebratory” time. We won’t forget each other.
Finally, Merry Christmas, Taylor, and thanks for providing the space and the thoughts here at TM.
I am *so* looking forward to your weekly column here at TM.com starting the Saturday after New Years, Joyce.
Dr. Wayne Dyer says that at any moment we have the choice to block out everything & choose happiness. I’ve been through some horrendous trials in my life, some I didn’t think I’d ever survive. But I learned Dyer is correct. A respite is only one thought shift away.
I’m anticipating it too, Taylor.
Peace, Joy, & Happiness to all the folks here and everywhere, civilian and military, now and always.
TM-thank you for this forum-it is a blast.
Godspeed everyone.
This forum wouldn’t be anything without all of you, LJ. I read & learn from almost everyone, and even those hopelessly lost teach me something about the reach of logic.
Consider this a wide open thread. I’ve updated the post with a bit of news I found interesting and feel free to add your own…
Lake Lady put up a *wonderful* Christmas food thread. Join in!
http://www.taylormarsh.com/2010/12/23/what-are-you-cookin-for-christmas/
Keep fighting the good fight, Taylor, and thank you for letting me be a part of this community.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you too, Ladywalker68. Always love hearing from you.
Merry Christmas to everyone who shares thoughts here.. Have a wonderful holiday season.
Happy Holidays, Everyone! Enjoy your family and friends. Hope 2011 is a decent year for us all, amidst the downturn in the economy, etc. Thanks for your blog, Taylor. Have a good one! Peace.
A happy Holiday(OH MA GAWD WHAT ISN’T EVEN THAR!!! I just quoted faux notnews!!!) to everyone.
Ms. marsh that is SOME list of deplotments there. I frankly had NO idea we were so many places. Hell, one or two of em night actually even WANT us there!!
Happy, happy, merry, merry. Just don’t happy, happy and drive!
My goodness, that is along list of places !! I also wish the military all the best this Holiday Season !! I also like to wish Taylor as well as all the other great people on this board a Happy Holiday. Looking forward to more posts !!!
Haven’t been around much in the last few months but it is goood to catch up with all and read the new folks. Gotta go take a look at the Christmas food thread.
Merry Christmas to you all!
Very happy to see you, djjl.
And I am thrilled you are back. I’ve missed you.
Merry Christmas djjl!! Wonderful to hear from you — !! Happy New Year as well…
Merry Christmas Taylor and to all the TMsters!
It’s a virtual whiteout here in southern, Indiana tonite. Our fourth snowstorm in a row, lol!
Anyhoo, I shall be leaving this Sunday morning and be gone for a week. Going away to spend time with family to bring in the new year and LOTSA football!
Hope this one is better than this last horrible one, but I have my doubts.
Anyhoo, again, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Fight back against conservatives in congress.
Sign this petition demanding congress and the President enact a progressive agenda. Pass this link around. Post it on blogs around this country. The Peaceful revolution has begun.
http://www.change.org/petitions/view/to_congress_and_the_president_enact_this_legislative_agenda_into_law
Merry★* 。 • ˚ ˚ •。★Christmas★ 。* 。*TO YOU
° 。 ° ˚* _Π_____*。*˚★ 。* 。*。 • ˚ ˚ •。★
˚ ˛ •˛•*/______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛★ 。* 。*★ 。* 。*
˚ ˛ •˛• ｜ 田田｜門｜
Love your card! Boggles my mind how you figured it out?
Good morning everyone and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
I don’t post much but i read daily. Taylor, your place and the the people who post here are invaluable to me! Thanks to all.
Merry Christmas morning to all
We got about eight inches of a beautiful fluffy snow that is clinging to all the trees.Every view is a post card. I am just going to take the day to enjoy the simple things that nature offers and the coziness of family.
Like all the others Taylor,I appreciate this space you provide and your firey, thought provoking, writing everyday. I look forward to see what everybody is thinking about the topics you choose and the writers you have added to your forum are just top notch!
Now I’m going to bake “doggie treats” for my grand puppies.
Warm thoughts to all~