Not Killing People Not a Priority?

Bush just reaffirmed Condoleezza and her magic satchel's message that the US has been touting throughout the world lately. This time, however, he doesn't want a "fake peace" that others are calling for which will only delay fighting. I guess getting humanitarian aid in to people who need it during a temporary ceasefire isn't worth the effort.

The United States' reluctance to clamor for an immediate ceasefire is disheartening. Yes, Hizbollah is a threat, but right now, Israel is doing far more damage to Lebanese civilians than Hizbollah is to Israeli civilians. It's really too bad that current world military engagements preclude the option of having an internationl force pacify southern Lebanon and insulate it from Syrian and Iranian machinations. What we are left with are impotent cries from the international community and US appeasement of Israeli recklessness. I can only hope that better US leadership is elected this year in Congress and later in 2008.

TAGS: Lebanon, Middle East

A visit to the fish market in DC

A visit to the fish market in DC
Originally uploaded by ClassicPep.

We went to the DC fishmarket to supply our 4th of July celebrations. I love the fishmarket because it's one of the last places that truly feels like a market. I guess my time with Turkish Bazaars spoiled me. The markets here in the U.S. just start looking a little too homogenized for my taste. Maybe Wegman's is different, but it's still got much of the same atmosphere.

Anyway, the DC fishmarket, with its close quarters, sounds, smells and sights really makes me think of the nature of what this country has always been about - opportunity bringing people from vastly different walks of life together under one classically liberal framework. Seeing the fishmarket decked out with Independence Day regalia along with its typical charm reminded me that the United States' greatest strength is the mixing and exchange. We ARE an international community and cannot forget that.

Plus, if you're ever there, go to Clarence for live blue crabs. His section is pictured. Trust me, they're fresh and tasty. I steamed them myself.