General Michael Hayden, former director of the CIA, says the way to defeat ISIS is to destroy their conviction to radical Islam. How best to do that? Defeat them in battle numerous times. It is his belief that as ISIS continues to grow and win confrontations it affirms to them they are doing the will of Allah. It justifies their cause and allows them to continue to recruit. Just as winning breeds winning, the opposite is true. Consequently, what France and the Russians are now doing is spot on. Bomb their key sources such as oil that increases their wealth. It is striking how well their campaign is progressing. Eventually, some ground forces will be needed from sources still unknown.
With one year of bombing by the USA, how is it we have been relatively ineffective? The reason being Obama refuses to allow any of our engagements that might strike civilians. So our planes keep coming back with un dropped bombs. The problem with our President’s rationale is ISIS is killing far more civilians than Obama thinks he is saving. In actuality, that’s Obama’s excuse for not doing what he should be doing that harkens back to his core beliefs in his religion and lack of true beliefs in the goodness of America. He’s really not that hard to understand once you truly know what he is and the way it makes him react…or more significantly not react.
At this point France appears it does not want to invoke NATO’s action. With Russia’s Putin and the French efforts, President Hollande may feel NATO may tie his hands and delay what he wants and needs to do now. He knows Obama won’t be of much help and the USA normally must lead NATO. France may convene the coalition that the USA should be doing. Obama is merely words. Can we ever forget, what is now becoming infamous, “The Paris attack is a setback.” Ex President JImmy Carter can relax now. Our National mistake will go down as our worst President in modern history. At least Carter did react when necessary. And one must admire Carter and his exemplary handling his battle with cancer.
Polls…..Donald Trump continues to play havoc with the polls and concerned Republicans. His words like “Bomb the S___ out of Isis gives him popularity with many, but he is mostly visceral. Few specifics. His appeal is to peoples emotions. First let’s look at Fox News latest poll of people who vote in the primaries. Trump is at 28%, Carson the biggest slippage to 18%, Rubio at 14% (up 3%) Cruz at 14% (up 3%) and Bush at 5% (up 1%. Christie would easily make the main debate stage now with 3%. Keep in mind in a general Presidential election, likeability is number one. and issues number two. Ted Cruz is easily the least likeable. Here’s a key….honest and trustworthy. It is Trump by a wide margin, the least trusted among Republicans. Not even close. For instance, Rubio is gets the highest overall marks. Trustworthy 57%, 31% no. Trump comes in at 41% trustworthy while 55% find Trump untrustworthy. Trump down 4% while Rubio is up 20%. Only Hillary Clinton is worse than Trump at 58% untrustworthy. Down 20%. If the election was held today, taken of both Democrat and Republican registered voters Rubio beats Hillary by 8%. The rest beat her by about 5% including Trump. It is the Donald leading in both the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire primary. But, he is stagnant.
The key elements, at present, helping the GOP is the immigration issue and terrorism. 65% of the public think Obama is not aggressive enough on terrorism. 26% think he is about right. 4% think he is too aggressive. That 4% must be Islamic’s. 83% of the public think it is very likely to somewhat likely Isis will attack the U.S. soon. As for accepting Syrian refugees, at last count 25 governors are refusing to accept any Syrian refugees. Naturally, our President wants his brethren in. Up to 65,000 over a multi year time span. Technically Obama can override the Governors. But, even numerous Democrat’s are balking. It’s possible there might be enough votes to override Obama’s veto. BUT, here’s the kicker. The House has to appropriate funding for incoming refugees. New Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, says all items are “on the table.” Meaning no money no refugees. Ryan knows the public is behind him on this winning GOP issue. Ryan explains matters well and is tough enough to see to it.
So twelve months from now we shall elect a new President. Thank goodness we’ll have a true American President again. This is the man who suggested getting jobs for the terrorists would help. But, if Republicans are smart, a TV ad with Hillary telling us “We need to have empathy for the terrorists” would be joy to behold. Stay tuned for updates on this site. www.jacksjargon.com