Neocons Must Go Now
I am glad the New York Times invites different voices to express themselves on the Op-Ed page but do I really have to be subjected to John Bolton and John Yoo, two neoconservatives who preach the gospel of American exceptionalism.
Today, they write in their piece that the Senate should have its Treaty power restored, whereby any treaty signed must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate, and that President Obama should not allow treaties to pass by the other common method used by modern presidents, called an Congressional-executive agreement by them, and also known as joint resolutions. Texas joined the union by joint resolution back in 1845, not by treaty.
Now all of this sounds good and fine. The Constitution is our sacred document. As Americans, it is the one thing we all agree is a paramount document. But that is all noise to distract the reader into buying what they are really selling: that America is the exception to every rule that the international community wants to put forward.
Remember John Bolton, he who was appointed to the UN during a recess and had at one point as a stated goal to destroy the institution. And John Yoo, a guy who believes in the Unitarian executive theory, and, save for this article, would just as well see the Capitol fall into the reflecting pool and disappear forever.
These guys simply don’t want the United States to consider the Kyoto Accord and its successor agreements. They don’t want the United States to be subjected to the International Criminal Court, which could find that some folks working in the name of this country actually committed war crimes (see Dick Cheney; se also Henry Kissinger).
These guys simply want the United States to play by its own rules and never have to yield to international pressure.
America is an exceptional country. It is the land of opportunity. It is a beacon of freedom. It is a place where dissidents and dissonance are welcome. But that doesn’t make it more equal than everyone else in the world. If we stand for equality in this country, then we must be compelled to accept equality in the world community.
Some might say I am naïve in thinking this way; that we must protect this country from entangling alliances and follow those sacred words of George Washington. Well, President Washington was addressing the notion of taking sides. Kyoto and the ICC are about collaboration and accountability to make this world a better, safer, and cleaner place.
NFL: Week 17 Picks
Carolina (-3) at New Orleans
Still playing for the division title, the Panthers will be doing everything to win this game, and it will work.
Houston (-3) vs. Chicago
The Texans are a late season surprise. The Bears are a special teams force. But, alas, the Bears will miss the playoffs as they lose in Texas.
Pittsburgh (-10.5) vs. Cleveland
Romeo, Romeo…wherefore art thou? Gone after this game. A casualty of continued mediocrity for the new mistake by the lake.
Detroit (+10) at Green Bay
I guarantee nothing here.
Cincinnati (-3) vs. Kansas City
Cincinnati, now that it’s way too late, is actually performing like a solid football team.
Buffalo (+6) at New England
This will be a close divisional contest that New England will win.
New York Giants (+6.5) at Minnesota
They say the Giants will rest, but I wouldn’t be so sure that means they are going to lay down. Ths rivalry is long and heated, and sometimes results in bizarre outcomes.
Tampa Bay (-13) vs. Oakland
Tampa Bay can still make it and they have the easiest shot with Oakland in town. Down goes the Cable Guy!
Atlanta (-14) vs. St. Louis
Blowout from the starting kickoff. Enough said.
Indianapolis (+3) vs. Tennessee
Home dog will prevail against the mighty Titans. This could turn into an exhibition game since both teams are already locked into the playoffs.
Philadelphia (-1) vs. Dallas
The Cowboys’ luck will run out—probably because of something Tony Romo does. Will the Eagles make the playoffs? Lots of scoreboard watching in this one.
Baltimore (-12.5) vs. Jacksonville
Baltimore needs a victory here. Jacksonville needs the season to be over.
New York Jets (-3) vs. Miami
This is the game of the week. Who would have thunk it? In sloppy GIANTS Stadium, I see a late score to pushe the Jets over the top.
Seattle (+6.5) at Arizona
Seattle will play well for Coach Holmgren on the final Sunday. Arizona’s free fall will continue.
San Francisco (-3) vs. Washington
The 49ers are going one way and the Redskins are going the other way.
Denver (+8) at San Diego
All signs point to San Diego winning going away, but I just don’t trust them in a big spot like this. Rivers has too much hate inside of him.
NFL: Week 16 Picks
Last week was one for the ages. OUCH! If you are still reading this blog, it means you have a sense of loyalty. Or, you are looking at my picks and going the other way, which is a method I used when my father was a gambling man.
Anyway, I actually feel good about the picks below. This could be a redemptive weekend.
Dallas (-4) vs. Baltimore
Dallas is peaking at exactly the right time of the season. This game is going to be close and could fall right on the number, but I am impressed with just how powerful the Cowboys are right now.
New England (-7.5) vs. Arizona
The Cardinals in cold Foxboro just doesn’t make a lot of sense. New England is still in a big playoff fight so they should dispatch the Arizona.
Cincinnati (+3) at Cleveland
The lowly battle of Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie. The Dawg Pound will be moaning as Cincinnati enjoys some more late season success at the hands of the ailing Browns.
Miami (-4) at Kansas City
The Dolphins need to keep winning. They are better in all facets of the game. December in Arrowhead could be tough but the Chiefs just do not have any game.
Detroit (+7) vs. New Orleans
Detroit may well win this game. They have been so close for so long now, and the Saints come limping in with their season over.
Tennessee (+2) vs. Pittsburgh
The team with the best record in football is a home underdog? This is very interesting. Pittsburgh, as good a team as it is, has been lucky, and is going to run out of that luck this weekend.
Tampa Bay (-3.5) vs. San Diego
Tampa Bay will win this game by at least a touchdown. San Diego has disappointed all season long. At least the weather is nice out there.
San Francisco (-5.5) at St. Louis
The 49ers will continue to show that they have integrity as a team even though there is little to play for, except for a tougher schedule next year and a lower draft pick.
Denver (-7) vs. Buffalo
In Mile High Stadium, flailing Buffalo will run out of gas against the high powered, if deeply flawed, Bronco team.
Houston (-7) at Oakland
If only Houston had started the season as well as it is finishing it, they would be considered for the playoffs.
Seattle (+4.5) vs. New York Jets
The Jets are 0-3 on the west coast. If they prevent going winless, it will not be by much.
Minnesota (-3) vs. Atlanta
This is a giant game between two emerging powers. I take Minnesota only because they are home.
Philadelphia (-5) at Washington
The Jim Zorn era may be getting shorter and shorter with each passing loss. Look for the surging Eages to keep their slim playoff chances alive here.
New York Giants (-3) vs. Carolina
The Giants are going to overpower the Panthers, everyone’s darling right now.
Chicago (-4) at Green Bay
Green Bay is done. Chicago still has a shot, and is a respectable team.
NFL: Week 15 Picks
I’ve become an average picker people. I don’t seem to have my early season form. Why? I don’t know but if you do, please tell me.
This week’s games offer some real excitement, critical matchups, and a couple of duds that would be better off in, say, London.
Enjoy the games.
Buffalo (+8) at New York Jets
Which Jets team will show up? Have the Bills fallen off a cliff? Divisional rivalry late in the season. I say it stays close. Take the Bills and the points.
Detroit (+17) at Indianapolis
Huge spread. Huge mismatch. Detroit is, as Charles Barkely is now famous for saying, “TURRIBLE.” The Colts are riding high. Poor Rod Marinelli. Well, at least he has a job for now.
Green Bay (-2.5) at Jacksonville
Two terribly disappointing teams playing a mostly meaningless game. Take the home underdog in Jacksonville.
San Diego (-5.5) at Kansas City
Now that San Diego is counted out, look for them to bust out a can of whoopass. Sorry KC.
San Francisco (+6.5) at Miami
Two rising teams. Maybe next year’s Super Bowl matchup? Not really, but this will still be a fun game to watch between two enthusiastic teams, one of which has playoff aspirations. Miami is the pick.
Seattle (-2.5) at St. Louis
The Who the Hell Cares Bowl. I don’t think anyone in either city is terribly interested. Maybe those poor television stations could save some money and not show up at all. I’ll take St. Louis.
Tampa Bay (+3) at Atlanta
Now this is a game. A playoff game for sure. Tampa Bay risks falling back in the race. Atlanta may have done its best work already. I’d stay away if I was actually putting my money anywhere, but I’ll take the Falcons.
Tennessee (-3) at Houston
Tennessee doesn’t need to win. Houston is just getting better and better but still outside of the playoff picture. The Titans are so damned professional, I can’t bet against them. If I could, I might make some money this week.
Washington (-6.5) at Cincinnati
Sorry Redskins fans, but your team is going to lose this game. Clinton Portis vs. Jim Zorn, The Reality Show, will continue.
Minnesota (+3) at Arizona
Two fast teams playing on a fast track down in the desert. This could be like an old AFL game with point being scored up in the 40s. I like Arizona.
Denver (+7.5) at Carolina
That extra half point scares me. Carolina should win, and maybe handily, but Denver is impossible to read. Based on that logic, and a hunch, I’m taking the Broncos to cover.
New England (-7) at Oakland
New England is in unfamiliar terrain. Oakland is in a landfill. Give the points and take the visiting Pats.
Pittsburgh (+2) at Baltimore
Great big physical game. OUCH! The Ravens are a solid team. Hopefully the sideshow between T-Sizzle and Hines Ward won’t take center sage. I like the Ravens at home.
New York Giants (+3) at Dallas
New York is in the playoffs. Dallas needs a win. Romo needs some big game integrity. Here on Sunday night, will he get it. Sorry, even if he does, I’m a Giants fan so I ain’t betting on him.
Cleveland (+14) at Philadelphia
Philadelphia is getting better. They had a great game last week. Cleveland is reeling. All the more reason to take the Browns to cover.
Last Week: 7-8
Season: 102-100-5
NFL: Saints v. Bears
Thursday night football, a regular staple now (which most of us still can’t see), is at it again.
Tonight the Bears host the Saints in Cold, Rain, and Snow.
Well, I married me a wife and she’s been trouble all my life… I’m going where the chilly winds don’t blow!
Wait, I digress.
Take the Bears, give the 3 points.
Pick: Bears (-3)
NFL: Week 14 Picks
Mike and Mike bring you their confidence picks every Friday on ESPN Radio. Well, I am bringing you my lack of confidence picks this weekend. Last week’s performance was the worst of the season, but perhaps there will be a rebound here.
Atlanta (+3) at New Orleans
I am a believer in Atlanta and not so much in New Orleans. Atlanta seems to be improving week to week. New Orleans is up and down, and a little injured.
Indianapolis (-14.5) vs. Cincinnati
Perhaps they could put the slaughter rule in effect here. Once Cincinnati goes down by 30, they can call the game.
Cleveland (+15) at Tennessee
Tennessee should handle the broken down Browns but I can’t picture a blowout, not with Tennessee’s offense.
Green Bay (-6.5) vs. Houston
Cold weather Packers should be able to handle the warm weather Texans.
Chicago (-7) vs. Jacksonville
The only thing left that even looks tough for the Jaguars (as opposed to the Jaguires) is the leather jacketed Jack Del Rio, and that’s an open question. Chicago looks to keep pace with the Vikings.
Minnesota (-10) at Detroit
The classic trap game. Lots of folks are saying pick Detroit but I think the Vikes are making a December run and will not be seduced into laying down on this one.
Philadelphia (+7.5) at New York Giants
Giants 27, Eagles 20. The extra half point puts me into the Eagles camp on this one.
Denver (-9) vs. Kansas City
The Broncos are due for a bad game after their great performance against the Jets. That’s why I am picking them to kill the Chiefs.
Miami PK at Buffalo
The game is being played indoors in Toronto. Pennington will enjoy that. The Bills will not.
Seattle (+7) vs. New England
New England should win this game, but after last week’s stinker against Pittsburgh, I have lost confidence in them.
New York Jets (-4) at San Francisco
I have no faith in the Jets. They are still figuring out how to be a winning team. They have been figuring it out since 1969. They should still win this game. But I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t.
Pittsburgh (-3) vs. Dallas
Brings back great memories for those who lived through the glorious 1970s. I like Roy Gerela to miss a few field goals, but I see Mel Blount intercepting a late Staubach pass and returning it for a touchdown.
St. Louis (+15) at Arizona
Arizona has peaked and is on its way down. St. Louis is down. This game will be played down to the Ram level and stay closer than two touchdowns.
Baltimore (-6) vs. Washington
Washington’s playoff hopes are fading. Early season media darlings Jim Zorn and Jason Campbell have been found out. Baltimore is a very good football team and will continue to show that this weekend. Did you hear that Ray Lewis was with Antonio Pierce and Plax? Neither did I.
Tampa Bay (+3) at Carolina
Tampa Bay has better offense and defense. The Panthers are not what we thought they were.
Last Week: 7-9
Season: 95-92-4
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