Domestic Security success, Foreign Policy failure

The recent, foiled Christmas hijacking calls into question U.S. domestic security readiness. Obama quickly ordered overviews of the system, but rejected any characterizations of systemic failure. He is right. This isolated incident should not indict the Homeland Security department and its programs. Overall, it has done a great job countering terrorism and empowering domestic security personnel (their successes are just unreported by the media). The rapid extinguishment of the situation exemplifies the progress made in protecting domestic security.

Nonetheless, the incident underscores the lacking foreign policy goals of the U.S. Yemen recently and rightfully has drawn attention from policy experts and foreign analysts (see recent Boston Globe article, infra). The biggest foreign policy issue still isn't necessarily one troublesome spot, Afghanistan, but many failed states. These include Yemen, Somalia, etc. For too long, U.S. foreign policy has ignored failed states because individually, each of them present no substantial foreign policy problem or asset. Afghanistan under the Taliban should have taught a lesson. So long as failed states exist, and continue to be lawless, they offer havens to al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups. The war on terrorism should not be limited to Afghanistan and specific terrorist organizations, but to building up and promoting the governments and economies of states on brink of failure.

Today's Boston Globe articles

1. Obama Presidency: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/12/27/obama_ends_first_year_with_some_progress_and_more_work_ahead/

Pragmatism is a good way to sum up his year. His critics, especially disillusioned liberals, might use unprincipled. Nonetheless, his second year will be the real yardstick.

2. Community Music: http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/12/27/medford_fife_and_drums_corps_headed_for_down_under_performance/

I attended one of their outdoor performances in 2007, and they were very talented. I'm glad to hear that they are expanding their reach internationally, especially at a difficult time for community art groups.

3. Health Care Reform: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/12/27/states_with_wider_health_care_fight_senate_bill/

As I emphasized before, these states have a legitimate complaint. A health care bill that discourages states' innovation will be unpopular, counterproductive, and maybe even unconstitutional.

4. Foreign Policy: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2009/12/27/sign_the_land_mine_treaty/

The U.S. should ratify the treaty. Land mines are antiquated weapons, and outlawing them should be among the easier of the international issues that the U.S. is confronting.

5. Future: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/12/27/its_2010/

Dream on. It's a good thing - so long it's grounded in the present.

6. Social Psychology: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/12/27/the_loneliness_network/

I am unconvinced that loneliness is 'contagious': how does it spread? What about the environment? Finally, if human beings are wont to cast off an apparent loner, how can it spread so effectively?

7. Art History: http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/12/27/michelangelo_redefined/

I admire Michelangelo, and believe he stands tall above his age. But art history, including famous artists, must be studied within their times and greater social histories. That is true for Michelangelo and Jay-Z.

Lazy American Students?

A recent Boston Globe op-ed bemoans the apparent "laziness" of American college students, when compared with their international classmates. It points out two flaws among American students: a poor work ethic, and a lack of substantive knowledge. The article is highly popular among Boston.com and Globe readers, and has generated many responses. Today, the author replied to the article and some responses.

This article captures a vital issue in the college student's experience. As a recent graduate, I have experienced some of the situations the author describes. I, too, haven't been immune to some of the poor habits the author delineates, such as paying insufficient attention in class. My classmates, even at a renowned university, sometimes behave similarly in the classroom and toward their school work. Likewise, many international students whom I have befriended do work hard and put much into their studies.

Nonetheless, some of the author's arguments merit criticism. First, American students aren't wholly lazy or inattentive as the author claims. They may commit several of the distractions that the author purports, but generally, I see fellow classmates as attentive and respectful in the classroom. Second, the author seems to blame students for lacking a work ethic rather than focusing on outside causes. I believe that poor preparation in high school, especially for living and studying independently of parents, and distractions, such as partying and social life, play a large role. Third, international students aren't as studious as the author portrays. Many of them do not study or work as hard as American students, and in their home countries, many college students (such as Chinese) often put little effort into school. Finally, the author's observations are limited spatially and temporally. Her conclusions are derived from a few colleges, thus far, and more importantly, may have been before the economic downturn (or observing mostly freshmen, who are wont to slack off), which certainly imbued many college students, including me, with a stronger work ethic and drive to acquire substantive knowledge and skills.

Despite its many questions, the article deserves praise and should be read by fellow students, parents, and any concerned citizens. I hope the Globe publishes a Letters section with some of the best responses, both for and against, the article's arguments. Winter break and the turn of the year is an ideal time for current and future students (and parents) to consider and contemplate on such issues. In fact, while immodesty and excess marked the turn of the previous decade (1999-2000), lean times and the need for a positive work/study ethic properly will mark this upcoming decade. It begins not on January 1, but in freshman year.

Today's Boston Globe articles

1. Gun Control: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/12/20/gun_permits_surge_in_state/

True, the economy has much to do with it; but doesn't the Supreme Court decision last June, which interpreted the Second Amendment as a right to own guns, also have a large role?

2. Supreme Court: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/12/20/justices_revisit_ruling_forcing_lab_analysts_to_testify/

The current rule is silly, and should be overturned. However, all these 5-4 decisions and overturning precedent - especially so quickly - will damage the credibility of the Court.

3. Obama: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/12/20/mr_president_where_is_the_passion/

I agree - the president lacks passion and drive, especially when confronted with tough issues. He needs to be more steadfast and decline compromising on some issues, especially when it gets tough, or else he will get nothing done.

4. Christmas: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/12/20/christmas_was_a_riot/

Yeah, it was a riot back then, same today with rioting consumerism. There was never any "jolly, good olde Christmas", so can we drop it now?

5. Youth Soccer: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/12/20/hog_the_ball_kid/

We need creativity, skill and technique. I do not agree that those values could not be taught on the soccer field without giving up on camaraderie and group play.

Red Sox making some calculated moves, but still not enough

The Red Sox introduced their two offseason acquisitions, John Lackey (SP) and Mike Cameron (OF). I think both are decent players and will contribute to the team in 2010 and beyond. Lackey has a proven big-time record, and is familiar with the competition in the AL East. Nonetheless, he is in his early 30s and five years is a lengthy commitment. Cameron, meanwhile, will mostly be a role player who has much outfield potential and asset. Mindful of the team's first round exit and (maybe) Yankees' success, Theo Epstein is moving boldly.

Even so, I still ask, where is the offense? The Red Sox's struggles last season came in scoring runs, especially against good pitching. If Bay in fact is going, as reported, the Red Sox will lose one of their primary run producers. They must supplant him with a proven run producer, with power, if they intend to contend. Will Adrian Gonzalez be available? Besides Bay, the rest of the free agent market, in terms of offense, looks thin. Regardless, Theo must improve the offense by February, even if it means pushing the bank.

Today's Boston Globe articles

1. Climate Change: http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/articles/2009/12/13/under_the_icy_north_lurks_a_carbon_bomb/

A good point: greenhouse gases do not stem from only fossil fuels. Peat, like many other natural deposits, contain sizable organic material that releases CO2 when burnt. The scientific community finally is looking to deforestation and burning as other, major causes of global warming.

2. Al-Qaeda: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/12/13/al_qaeda_looking_to_yemen_as_next_base/

The situation in Yemen is alarming, and hearkens back to Afghanistan in the early 1990s. The U.S. should focus on restoring peace in Yemen lest it become another lawless state and haven to al-Qaeda.

3. Hope: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/12/13/heres_hoping_within_reason/

Ideally, we should be able to live (and act) in the present but still think about the future. Striking a balance is key. The article should define what constitutes "within reason".

4. Race: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/12/13/throw_out_the_race_card/

Race is like an original sin, something America can never dissociate itself from. Let's hope Barack Obama and his presidential legacy can help pave way for more progress on racial relations.

5. Online Universities: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/12/13/freeharvardeducationcom/

Copyright law currently does not cover enough about dissemination via the internet. Overall, I think websites such as Finalsclub are socially beneficial, but professors, as the original sources of the information, should have final say. How universities deal with professors who do (not) permit such dissemination is a matter of internal policy.

Health bill compromise - worth it or unprincipled?

Is the recent, modified version of the health care reform bill a worthy compromise aiming to save the effort, or abandonment of key principles? This is an interesting question (even going forwardwith later revisions) that deserves thought. The public option, long espoused by liberals, has been jettisoned in favor of a federal umbrella regulator (my vague sketch) that oversees private health plans. Will this arrangement be similar to the Mass Connector, with power to negotiate with health plans and physicians? Or will it be like the FDA, with token regulatory power over many industries? Remember, Supreme Court jurisprudence holds insurance regulation as a state power, i.e. not interstate commerce, so federal regulation is a step forward. But is it enough? Looking at the opponents of reform, it seems clear that opponents aren't seeking to overthrow the entire effort, but undermine it piece by piece. They hope to defeat reform by watering down its key elements, until the bill that gets passed will implement little substantial reform. Thus, is compromising on the public option, while remaining steadfast on allowing federal funds for abortion, the wrong focus for the reformers? Finally, expanding Medicare to 55 year olds is unwise. The system is already reaching insolvency, and added eligibility will only add to the demand for Medicare reimbursement. Just a thought - Medicare in its original form, enacted in 1965, has been viewed as placating opponents of reform while enacting token reform. Many historians view Medicare as the end of any hopes for national health insurance. Will this compromise repeat history?

Today's Boston Globe articles

1. Health Care Reform: http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2009/12/06/worries_grow_that_health_overhaul_could_price_out_many/

Can lawmakers satisfy the middle class while not burdening the lower classes? Subsidies are a politically sensitive question, and augmenting the cost is only a part of it.

2. Climate Change: http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/articles/2009/12/06/climate_change_dec_06_2009/

This summit will be key, especially for two leaders, Barack Obama and Hu Jintao. The international community demands, rightfully, much from them and their respective nations.

3. Climate Change: http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/12/06/wall_street_watching_talks_closely/

It's good that domestic businesses and industry have adjusted to future climate regulations. Could they lead the way to carbon control where government cannot?

4. Afghanistan: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/12/06/how_the_presidents_decision_making_on_afghanistan_war_plan_evolved/

Let's hope that President Obama weighed all the options and wasn't pressured by the deadline the media 'set'. Also, where was Vice President Biden? Isn't he supposed to the foreign policy expert?

5. Afghanistan: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/12/06/for_obama_another_roll_of_the_dice/

Any foray into Afghanistan is a roll of the dice. Nonetheless, I think the economy and health care are bigger issues for Obama, and those will determine his reelection fate, less so Afghanistan.

6. Asia: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2009/12/06/the_mystery_of_zomia/

I am unconvinced: first, what exactly is Zomia? It may be some term of convenience, rather than anything discrete. Second, did the inhabitants consciously chose to eschew civilization? Do not discard alternative factors such as estrangement or subjugation by the "lower" peoples. Finally, are Zomia's inhabitants really that common? Their differences may be greater than assumed.

7. Books: http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2009/12/06/shaker_worship/

The Shakers are often misunderstood or unrecognized, but they contributed to America more than most of thought. It is insightful to learn about them and their values, and compare to us.

Farewell to the quirky detective

Tonight will be the series finale of Monk (USA Network, 9pm ET), a show that has captivated many viewers. I have enjoyed every aspect of the show, including the mysteries, phobias and characters. Monk complements more classic detectives such as Sherlock Holmes in observing details and extracting deductions. The phobias, which define the protagonist more than anything else, provoke laughs and sympathies. Finally, the characters - including the wonderful supporting group of Natalie, Leland and Randy - really define the show, and makes it a rich amalgam of human stories and drama. Tonight, Monk will solve his final and most important case - the murder of his wife - and the denouements of each character will be established. Looking forward to it.

Before though, I'd like to list my ten (does any other number fit Monk?) most favorite episodes, which are chosen from many wonderful ones. They are listed chronologically.

1. Mr. Monk and the Candidate - a wonderful pilot episode

2. Mr. Monk and the Red-Headed Stranger - arguably the best mystery

3. Mr. Monk Goes to the Theater - Monk acting, it's a laugh

4. Mr. Monk and the Employee of the Month - meaning of friendship

5. Mr. Monk and the Kid - the most heart-warming episode

6. Mr. Monk and the Secret Santa - a fun and joyous holiday episode

7. Mr. Monk and the Garbage Strike - Monk and garbage do not belong

8. Mr. Monk is on the Run - great acting and drama

9. Mr. Monk's 100th Case - a terrific reminiscent episode with many characters

10. Happy Birthday, Mr. Monk - Natalie outsmarts Monk

Obama's speech leaves ample questions

I just finished watching Obama's speech, which overall was thorough, insightful and eloquent. He outlined his Afghanistan strategy and took responsibility for sending 30,000 additional troops in 2010 and 2011. I also liked how he tied Afghanistan to his overarching foreign policy. Nonetheless, his strategy raised several questions. First, Obama failed to address convincingly why an alternative strategy involving zero additional troops is not viable. Many critics have faulted current strategy, tactics and approaches and believe that the U.S. needs to deploy them better rather than send in more troops. Second, I am unsure whether Obama's strategy will pressure Karzai and Pakistan to be more accountable and involved in the war. If his timetable and emphasis on Pakistan are meant to send a message to those governments, how much would those leaders heed Obama? Third, the timetable is unrealistic. Sending in additional troops in 2010 and planning a withdrawal as early as mid-2011 is ambitious. Given the complexity of the situation and Obama's goals - counterinsurgency is a task of years, not months - a more flexible and far-off timetable would be better. Fourth, Obama failed to detail what he expects out of other allies, such as NATO members. Many of those governments face increased domestic pressure for withdrawing troops, and Obama should have given them some acknowledgment and outline for their continued role and need. Fifth and finally, he blurred military and political objectives without delineating the extent and limits of U.S. involvement. For example, he alluded to American involvement in Afghanistan's agricultural production - including, I presume illicit drugs - but in what capacity, military, economic or political? While a counterinsurgency strategy should emphasize nation-building, promising too much is desultory.