Month: April 2019

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Quick Analysis

Media Ignores Trump Economic Success

One of the most important news items, the virtual rebirth of the American economy under the Trump Administration, is also one of the most under-reported.

The reasons for that are political.  Obviously, it is a success for a White House that most of the media almost desperately attempted to prevent getting elected, and, once that effort failed, did everything possible to cripple. The magnitude of the Trump economic revival could be sufficient to get the President re-elected, an outcome that media seeks to prevent at all costs.

There is also an embarrassment factor, as key left-wing writers and politicians claimed Trump’s policies were incompetent or worse.  Just two examples: The New York Times’ Paul Krugman predicted that Trump’s policies would lead to a “Global recession, with no end in sight.”  Obama himself mocked Trump’s promise to revive manufacturing employment, stating that “those jobs aren’t coming back.”

Obama’s approach of extensive regulation at home and timidity in confronting China abroad provided poor results for American industry and related employment, continuing a downward spiral that could be traced back to the Clinton Administration. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Slate’s Jordan Weissman,  noted:  “Things have not worked out quite as the 42nd president hoped. Normalizing trade with China set our rival on a path to becoming the industrial powerhouse the world knows today, decimating American factory towns in the process and upending old assumptions about how trade effects the economy. Thanks to a growing body of academic research, we’re only just now beginning to understand the extent of the economic fallout…”

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In October, Forbes noted that “Comparing the last 21 months of the Obama administration with the first 21 months of Trump’s, shows that under Trump’s watch, more than 10 times the number of manufacturing jobs were added.”

The extraordinary rise of the U.S. economy is continuing. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 3.2 percent in the first quarter of 2019. Current-dollar personal income increased $147.2 billion in the first quarter. Disposable personal income increased $116.0 billion, or 3.0 percent, in the first quarter. Personal saving was $1.11 trillion in the first quarter, compared with $1.07 trillion in the fourth quarter.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Total nonfarm payroll employment in March rose by 196,000 jobs (see figure), beating market expectations (175,000). The month of March continued the longest streak of growth on record (102 months). Job gains in February were revised up by 13,000, and January jobs were revised up by 1,000 for a cumulative increase of 14,000 jobs.

The White House notes that  “In total, the economy has added over 5.5 million jobs since President Donald J. Trump was elected. The March jobs report reflects a sharp rebound in job growth… Since the President was elected, job gains have surpassed 100,000 jobs in 26 of the 28 months. The average jobs growth in the past 12 months is a robust 211,000 jobs and jobs growth in the past 6 months has averaged 207,000 jobs. Both the 12-month and 6-month averages remain above the 2017 average of 179,000 jobs gained per month…Since the President’s election, the manufacturing industry has added 480,000 jobs and 209,000 jobs in the past 12 months. The report indicates that strong jobs growth is being coupled with wage growth. Nominal average hourly earnings rose by 3.2 percent over the past 12 months, marking the 8th straight month that that year-over-year wage gains were at or above 3 percent. Prior to 2018, nominal average hourly wage gains had not reached 3 percent since April 2009. Taking inflation into account, there is evidence that real wages are also growing. Based on the most recent Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index data from January, inflation in the past year was 1.4 percent, and based on the most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) price data from February, the inflation in the past year was 1.5 percent.”

A particularly unique accomplishment: black and Latino unemployment is at an historic, all-time low.

Great news, all around. Just don’t expect to read much about it in the media.

Chart: White House graphic

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Quick Analysis

NATO at 70

The NATO alliance has reached a major milestone—its 70th anniversary. The Washington Treaty, which established the alliance, was signed April 4, 1949.  It has succeeded in its primary mission of protecting Europe from first the Soviet Union and the aggressiveness of Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization not only is the longest-lived alliance in history, but also is the most successful, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (who will remain in the position until 2022) told a joint session of Congress on April 3.

Describing the current threat, Stoltenberg noted that Russia and China are major competitors. “For the first time, we have combat-ready troops deployed in the east of our alliance,” he said. “We have increased the readiness of our forces, tripled the size of the NATO Response Force, modernized our command structure, bolstered our cyber defenses, and we have stepped up support for our close partners, Georgia and Ukraine, sovereign nations with the sovereign right to choose their own path.”

Speaking at a press conference in March, Stoltenberg said “Russia violates the INF Treaty by deploying new nuclear capable missiles in Europe.  And we will also address the aggressive actions of Russia in the Black Sea region.”

He stressed that the fight against terrorism is a long-term effort. He also emphasized the growing threat of cyber attacks.

He summarized NATO’s 2018 accomplishments:

  • We strengthened our deterrence and defence, including with a new Readiness Initiative.
  • We agreed a major update of the NATO Command Structure, with two new commands – one for the Atlantic and another to support military mobility in Europe.
  • We carried out Trident Juncture 2018, NATO’s largest exercise in a generation.
  • We boosted our cyber defences, including with a Cyberspace Operations Centre.
  • We stood united in calling out Russia for its use of a nerve agent on British soil and its breach of the INF Treaty.
  • We stepped up in the fight against terrorism, with a new training mission in Iraq, and more support for Afghanistan.
  • We deepened our partnerships, from Ukraine and Georgia to Jordan and Tunisia.
  • We worked more closely than ever before with the European Union, including on maritime security and military mobility.
  • We invited North Macedonia to become a member of the Alliance, showing that NATO’s door remains open.
  • We completed the move to this new headquarters, a modern home for a modern Alliance.
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The most controversial issue facing the Alliance remains the level of funding.  Some nations with strong economies, Germany being the most notable, have failed to contribute their fair share.  In essence, the American taxpayer has been paying for the defense of some nations who could well afford to contribute equally.  President Trump has frequently addressed the issue.

 Stoltenberg has noted that “… all NATO Allies made a pledge to invest more in defence, to improve burden-sharing in our Alliance. And and I expect all Allies, including Germany of course, to make good on the pledge we made together. We didn’t make this pledge to please the United States, we made it because we live in a more unpredictable and more uncertain world. Allies reduced defence spending after the end of the Cold War when tensions went down, but now tensions are going up again and we have to invest more in defence.

“Germany as all other Allies are now making progress. The good news is that after years of cutting defence spending, Germany and all other Allies are adding billions to their defence budgets. So I welcome the progress we have seen, increased investments from Germany, but of course I expect more from all Allies.

“Then, let me add that burden sharing is not only about spending. Burden sharing is also about contributions to different NATO missions and operations. Germany is a lead nation in Afghanistan, has been there for many years. Germany leads one of our battlegroups in the eastern part of the Alliance, in Lithuania. And Germany is also now responsible for our high-readiness force in NATO, and Germany is also leading the NATO activity in the Aegean Sea.”

The article concludes tomorrow, with a summary of NATO’s 2018 Annual Report

Photo: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks to a joint session of the U.S. Congress in advance of the alliance’s 70th anniversary, April 3, 2019. NATO photo

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Foreign Policy Update

SYRIA

Once again Syria is in the news for refusing a UN request to deliver a convoy of urgently needed humanitarian aid to the Rubkan encampment. The US State Department called the action appalling and said that Washington remains “deeply concerned” about the deteriorating situation. The Holy Month of Ramadan is to begin with the majority of the Rubkan encampment composed of suffering women and children. Reports indicate many have not eaten for days due to the lack of UN access and basic food supplies.

UN Security Resolution 2449 calls for the organization to have unfettered and consistent access not only to the encampment but to all vulnerable populations throughout the country. The United States does not impede any person from leaving the encampment. To date, the US is the largest single donor, providing more that $9.5 billion in humanitarian assistance to those affected inside Syria since the start of the crisis.

IRAN

Referring to US attempts over the past year to get countries to reduce their importation of Iranian oil to zero, Brian Hook, the Special Representative for Iran and Senior Policy Advisor to the Secretary of State said that balancing our national security and economic interests puts “…us in the position to not issue any new exceptions, to [further] our campaign of maximum economic pressure on the Iranian regime.”

The current set of Significant Reduction Exceptions (SREs) are due to expire May 2, 2019. By continuing the SRE’s Washington is attempting to force Iran to change its destructive behavior, respect its citizens rights, and return to the negotiating table.

Historically, oil composes about 40% of the Iranian regime’s annual revenue stream and is the number one source of cash, according to Hook. Prior to the imposition of sanctions oil sales accounted for $50 billion in revenue. This the start of sanctions last May that number has been reduced by more than $10 billion. The United States has sanctions nearly 70 Iranian banks and over 100 corporations. Recent reports indicate that some Hezbollah fighter are receiving only 50% of the regular pay from Iran as sanctions start impacting the regime’s ability to fund terrorism.

LEBANESE HEZBOLLAH

For the first time the State Department, under its Rewards for Justice Program, is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the disruption of the financial mechanisms of the global terrorist organization Lebanese Hezballah.  

The organization receives funding from Iran and generates about $1 billion annually from a combination of direct financial support from Iran, international businesses and investments, donor networks and money laundering activities.

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JAPAN

During meetings in Washington last week the US and Japan reaffirmed their bilateral security and defense relationship through their continuing efforts to build and strengthen a free and open Indo-Pacific. The talks also emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation on space capabilities and reaffirmed joint defense priorities. The bilateral discussions included calls for “full respect for freedoms of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the seas, and reiterated the important of activities that support those principles.

RUSSIA

The State Department Spokesman, Morgan Ortagus, in prepared remarks condemned the decision by President Putin to provide expedited Russian citizenship to Ukrainians living in Russia-controlled eastern Ukraine. He stated that “Russia, through this highly provocative action, is intensifying its assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

He added that President Putin’s decision creates a “serious obstacle to the implementation of the Minsk agreements” and the reintegration of the Donbas region.

The Minsk agreements were signed by Russia and called for the full restoration of Ukrainian government control over eastern Ukraine.

DARIA NOVAK served in the United States State Department during the Reagan Administration, and currently is on the Board of the American Analysis of News and Media Inc., which publishes usagovpolicy.com and the New York Analysis of Policy and Government.  Each Saturday, she presents key updates on U.S. foreign policy from the State Department.

Illustration: Pixabay

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Progressive Defense of Venezuelan Dictatorship

Several key left-wing American politicians, organizations and celebrities have behaved shamefully by supporting the barbaric and illegal ruler of Venezuela.

The socialist regime of Nicolas Maduro, the follow-up to the reign of hard-left predecessor Hugo Chavez, has resulted in both the loss of political freedom and a desperate humanitarian crisis, including a lack of food, medical care, and other necessities, for the people of their nation. The illicit “government” (which gained power in a stolen election) is propped up by Russian and Cuban troops, who defend it against its own citizenry. It has also invited the terrorist organization Hezbollah in for support.

Forty-nine nations across the globe, including most of those in Latin America, call Maduro an illegitimate leader and support Juan Guaido, who was elected on January 5, 2019, as President of the National Assembly, the only remaining democratically elected and legitimate institution in the country.  Relevant articles of the Venezuelan constitution clearly place him as the legal interim President.

The hard left has sought to portray the Trump Administration’s opposition to Maduro as “Yankee imperialism.”  The facts speak otherwise. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay and Peru do not recognize him as a legitimate leader.

The U.S. State Department describes Maduro’s actions: “Nicolas Maduro…has consistently violated the human rights and dignity of its citizens, plundered the country’s natural resources, and driven a once prosperous nation into economic ruin with his authoritarian rule and socialist economic policies. Maduro’s thugs have engaged in extra-judicial killings and torture, taken political prisoners, and severely restricted freedom of speech, all in a brutal effort to retain power.”

Maduro has increasingly relied on the Special Action Force of the National Police (FAES) that he created in 2017 to carry out illegal raids and extrajudicial Only 1% of the total generic viagra 50mg people are found to be impotent. These drugs offer the same prescription viagra without results as the product does not really do that. This ED drug is beneficial for heart but it should be taken as advised by the doctors to have the cheapest 100mg discount viagra sale deeprootsmag.org with the help of water but always 1 hour prior to making love. Chiropractors in Los Angeles are trained health professionals who prefer recommending such medicines to their patients. the cost of viagra killings.

On April 5, 2019, the United Nations Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Venezuelan Education-Action Program on Human Rights, (Provea) announced the discovery of several clandestine detention centers, On March 20, 2019, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, FAES executed 37 people in connection with illegal home invasion raids in January.

The regime has deployed the National Guard and civil militias known as colectivos to crack down on peaceful protesters. According to the National Assembly, the former regime is responsible for at least 40 protest-related deaths so far this year. There have been 175 protest-related detentions and 7 deaths, in addition to 1,255 persons detained since January 21, 2019. 864 prisoners of conscience are imprisoned.

Presidential contenders Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii have objected to U.S. opposition to Maduro. Gabbard and Sanders are not alone.  New York’s Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota have denounced what they claim, in various phrases, is an alleged American supported “coup” in Venezuela. California’s Rep. Ro Khanna describes the constitutionally legitimate leader of Venezuela, Juan Guaido, as a “self-proclaimed leader.” He terms American efforts to sanction the Maduro-controlled Venezuelan oil organization as “misguided.” Hard-left celebrities have joined their political soulmates. Sean Penn has called Nicolas Maduro a “proven leader.”

A Wall Street Journal editorial noted: “Socialism is again going mainstream in the U.S., or at least in the Democratic Party, and apparently the 21st-century version includes the international socialist solidarity that marked the 20th. As Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro hunts for allies amid a revolt of his desperate people, he is finding rare support among America’s Democratic socialists…Incredibly enough, this is the socialist solidarity that America’s premier Democratic socialists are joining.”

The Democratic Socialists of America has launched a “Venezuela solidarity campaign” to oppose U.S. sanctions.

Photo: Caracas Tourism

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U.S.-Japan Coordinate Pacific Defense

In contrast to the Trump Administration’s concerns about some NATO members, notably Germany, not doing their fair share for mutual defense, the White House has been pleased with Japan’s efforts to counter the growing threats from China.  

The U.S. – Japan Security Consultative Committee, with the participation of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Kono, and Minister of Defense Iwaya met in Washington on April 19.  The two nations agreed to continue to play  an “ indispensable role in upholding a rules-based international order and promoting their  shared values, noting that their strategic defense policies aligned with each other.” The United States reiterated its commitment to the defense of Japan through the full range of U.S. military capabilities, including conventional and nuclear.

The participants “affirmed their strong commitment to realize a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific,’ a shared vision for a region in which all nations are sovereign, strong and prosperous. The U.S.-Japan Alliance serves as the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and remains iron-clad amid an increasingly complex security environment…[they] reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining readiness to face threats in the Indo-Pacific region, and discussed tangible ways to implement the National Defense Strategy and Japan’s National Defense Program Guidelines. Both parties agreed to enhance alliance capabilities and interoperability across the conventional, cyber, and space domains.  Secretary Shanahan expressed appreciation for Minister Iwaya’s leadership, which has further strengthened the alliance and helped to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

In a thinly veiled reference to China, both Washington and Tokyo expressed concern about “geopolitical competition and coercive attempts to undermine international rules, norms, and institutions present challenges to the Alliance and to the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.” In return, they stressed the need to deepen regional cooperation, led by the U.S. and Japan. They also noted the rapidly evolving challenges in space, cyberspace, and the electromagnetic spectrum. In response, they pledged to deepen their joint endeavors to counter the threats.

In a highly important specific area, the two nations “affirmed that international law applies in cyberspace and that a cyber attack could, in certain circumstances, constitute an armed attack for the purposes of Article V of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty.”

Support was expressed for Washington’s attempts to negotiate an end to the North Korean nuclear and missile threat, a topic of key concern to Tokyo.  North Korean missiles have been launched in test flights near Japanese territory. Both nations noted the importance of their joint efforts, including those of South Korea, to maintain peace in the area. Cooperation with Australia, India, and the ASEAN nations was emphasized.

The discussion included a number of specific recommendations, including:

  • Deepening cooperation on space capabilities
  • Bolstering capability and enhancing their respective integrated defense for both air and missile threats, including through the timely and smooth deployment of Japan’s Aegis Ashore.
  • The importance of modernizing and adapting the Alliance’s capabilities to meet both current and future needs, including through the introduction of advanced weapon systems to Japan such as F-35, E-2D, V-22, stand-off missiles, and Aegis Ashore.
  • The two nations will promote the standardization of defense equipment, sharing of defense networks, and cooperation on emerging technologies.
  • Both Washington and Tokyo will strengthen and enhance information security practices across the whole of government to protect classified information, maintain technological superiority, and preserve our shared economic and defense advantages in the face of evolving threats to the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
  • The U.S. and Japan will deepen operational cooperation as a means to improve Alliance readiness, interoperability, and deterrence, including the steady implementation of mutual asset protection; bilateral presence and joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations; increased scope of logistical support under the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement; and ongoing exchange of liaison officers. 
  • The two Governments will promote joint/shared use of the facilities of the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and U.S. Forces, in addition to operational training areas, to enhance interoperability, deterrence, and response capability, and to build a stronger relationship with local communities.
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Photo:  AH-64D helicopter boarding a MSDF destroyer in support of island landing operations (Japan Self Defense Forces)

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Can Sri Lanka-Type Attacks Happen in U.S.?

Can the type of terrorist attack that occurred in Sri Lanka on Easter happen in the United States?

290 lives were lost and up to 500 injuries resulted from what that nation’s government calls a “new form of terrorism.” 24 people have been arrested. There are concerns that further explosive devices may still be present at diverse locations. An IED (improvised explosive device) was found and deactivated near Bandaranaike Airport, near Colombo, the capital city.

World Watch Monitor had previously reported that the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka described numerous attacks against Christians and Muslims in the past several years, and placed blame on a Buddhist nationalist organization called Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) or the “Buddhist Power Force.” SriLanka is 45th on the Open Doors 2017 World Watch List, which ranks the 50 countries where Christians are most under pressure for their faith.

According to Reuters, “The Christian community had already felt under pressure in Sri Lanka in recent years. Last year, there were 86 verified incidents of discrimination, threats and violence against Christians…This year…recorded 26 such incidents, including one in which Buddhist monks allegedly attempted to disrupt a Sunday worship service, with the last one reported on March 25.”

Sri Lanka’s total population is approximately 22 million. 70% are Buddhist, 12.6% are Hindu, 9.7% are Muslim and 7.6 Christian, according to the country’s most recent census.

The current assault, however, may be the work of an Islamist extremist group. Foreign Policy reports that Sri Lanka’s government says the attacks were carried out by National Thowheeth Jama’ath, a little-known radical Islamist group. According to the Straits Times, 10 days before the attacks, a police official warned security authorities about a potential threat to Christians by National Thowheeth Jama’ath. Until recently, National Thowheeth Jama’ath was known primarily in for destroying Buddhist statues. In 2016, its Abdul Razik, described as the groups’ secretary,was arrested and charged for inciting racism. However,The Staits Times noted that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that he and other top government officials had not been informed of the threat, and that “we must look into why adequate precautions were not taken”. The Jerusalem Post reports that Islamic extremist Imam Moulvi Zahran Hashim may be the mastermind behind the attacks.

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According to international security expert Grant Haber, “Authorities know Sri Lanka could absolutely happen in the US. You can bet there are terrorist plans already in action to attack places of worship in America. For decades I’ve been warning government officials that we’ve been going about the IED crisis the wrong way. We are giving our enemy a huge leg up” says Grant Haber, foremost expert on IED’s and Homemade Explosive Devices, such as the ones used in Sri Lanka. Once contained to troubled and distant lands, pipe bombs and other improvised explosive devices (IEDs) now pose a serious threat to federal, State, and local government facilities here in the United Slates. These devices can be easily and inexpensively assembled and placed in busy population centers. Schools, shopping malls, stadiums and other public places where people walk freely all are potential targets for terrorist attacks. Guarding against terrorist attacks involving IEDs starts with a basic understanding of a typical bomb. People must recognize that a bomb usually is made to look like all everyday widget and that the stereotypical bombs with burning fuses are virtually non-existent. The only common denominator that exists with all explosive devices is that they are intended to explode. For this reason, it is important to suspect anything that looks unusual, and to let a trained bomb technician determine whether it is an explosive device.”

The Department of Homeland Security notes that “Many commonly available materials, such as fertilizer, gunpowder, and hydrogen peroxide, can be used as explosive materials in IEDs. Explosives must contain a fuel and an oxidizer, which provides the oxygen needed to sustain the reaction. A common example is ANFO, a mixture of ammonium nitrate, which acts as the oxidizer, and fuel oil (the fuel source). Concern about the use of explosives created from liquid components that can be transported in a stable form and mixed at the site of attack is the reason that in 2006 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security restricted the amount of liquids that passengers can carry on commercial aircraft.

Illustration: Pixabay

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“Shot Heard Round the World” May Need to be Heard Again

Most Americans have no idea of the importance of April 19 in history. Two hundred and forty-four years ago, “The shot heard round the world” was fired, beginning the American Revolution and changing forever the relationship between individuals and governments across the globe. It is a battle that continues to be fought, even in the United States.

The history is straightforward:

The British had been moving steadily to reduce both the private and community rights of their American colonies. The colonists, separated by time and distance from London, had grown accustomed not only to governing themselves, but to the practice of freedoms considerably greater than those in effect anyplace else across the globe. It was becoming increasingly apparent that the colonists’ liberties were being dismantled. To protect themselves from the escalating abuse, the colonists stored up ammunition to protect themselves.

The National Archives describes what happened next: “On the evening of April 18, 1775, the British authorities, acting on information that a supply of ammunition for the local militia was being stored in Concord, sent British regular troops from Boston to confiscate the arms. Skirmishes occurred in several places, most notably on Lexington town green and afterwards at Old North Bridge spanning the Concord River in Concord. The incidents are referred to as the Lexington Alarm and the Battle of Concord… The colonists felt wronged. They had been fired upon unjustly.”

Would those courageous patriots, who challenged the greatest military power of their time in a bid to preserve their rights, feel comfortable in today’s America?  The disturbing answer is no. The fact is, the rights those colonists fought for are now frowned upon by a growing segment of the political and cultural elites.

Even more controversial, the First Amendment, (protecting Freedom of speech, assembly, and religion) is in danger. Many on the Left jump at any opportunity to punish free speech: They object to the fact that “hurt feelings may be triggered” or a particular group may be “offended.”  

Over the past decade, progressive politicians had been at the forefront of the move to limit free speech. Senator Schumer (D-NY) actually introduced legislation to limit the First Amendment’s application to some political speech. (The measure was, fortunately, defeated.) Numerous campaign regulations limit the ability of the citizenry to openly support candidates without first jumping through bureaucratic hoops.

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Some elected officials are not shy about their goals. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) boldly announced that he would “love to be able to regulate the content of speech” He particularly spoke about restricting Fox News. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortex (D-NY) threatened Donald Trump Jr. with a subpoena merely for questioning her economic views.

On a governmental level, the trend reached a high point during the Obama Administration, when some dissenting reporters were harassed and their personal records were obtained by the federal government. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service was employed to suppress the Tea Party.  The former President’s Attorney General Loretta Lynch even considered “criminally prosecuting” those that merely disagreed with Obama’s climate change views.

 There is an even deeper challenge.  Those “Minutemen” who formed at the Lexington Town Green and at the Old North Bridge in Concord believed that all people had inherent rights. They stood on the principle that their individual rights didn’t come as a result of a law being passed, but from nature, or God. But today, Progressives hold the opposite view.

News commentator Chris Cuomo disturbingly displayed what has become a major thrust of Progressive political philosophy.

The exchange, as described in the Washington Times:   “CNN anchor Chris Cuomo…[Had an exchange with] Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore…Moore said ‘…our rights contained in the Bill of Rights do not come from the Constitution, they come from God.’ Cuomo disagreed: ‘Our laws do not come from God, your honor…’”

No less a person than a United States Supreme Court Justice has also expressed a similar lack of respect for the central principle behind the entire structure of American government and law. During the confirmation hearings of Obama Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan, Sen. Tom Coburn had a testy exchange in which he pushed her to state her belief in fundamental rights.  She evaded answering.

On this day, when far too few recall the significance of what those heroic patriots did, the rights they bequeathed to us are in real jeopardy.  It is time for Americans to again stand up to tyranny.

Photo: Minuteman Statue in Concord (AANM Photo)

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Threat From Space

Speaking at the 35th Space Symposium in Colorado, Acting Defense Secretary Patrick M/ Shanahan described the national security threats America faces in space, and outlined the necessary response to them.

We must confront reality.  Weapons are currently deployed by our competitors, that can attack our assets in space.  

Both China and Russia have weaponized space with the intent to hold American space capabilities at risk.  China’s communist government has exercised and continues to develop the capability to jam, targeting SATCOM, ISR and GPS.

The PLA is also deploying directed-energy weapons.  And we expect them to field a ground-based laser system aimed at low-earth orbit space sensors by next year. 

They’re also prepared to use cyber-attacks against our space systems, and have deployed an operational ground-based ASAT missile system.  And China has moved rapidly at advanced weapon capabilities, particularly hypersonics, that we are not capable of tracking.  Russia is doing many of the exact same things.  

Meanwhile, in the United Nations, both of them are pushing international agreements that we know they won’t abide by.  The threat is clear.  We’re in an era of great power competition.  And the next major conflict may be won or lost in space. 

Because of their actions, space is no longer a sanctuary.  It is now a warfighting domain.  This is not a future or theoretical threat.  This is today’s threat. 

We are not going to sit back and watch.  We are going to act.  We are going to deter conflict from extending into space, and ensure we can respond decisively if deterrence fails. 

Because the stakes are so high, we need to move with urgency.  Our presence in space underpins the department’s ability to defend our nation, deter aggression and project power globally.  Space is fundamental to our modern way of war. 

And our $19 trillion economy increasingly relies on space, from the GPS you use to navigate, to the delivery drones and self-driving cars of the future, to the phone you will tweet quotes from my remarks today, space is fundamental to our modern way of life. 

Looking forward, space power will not just be as vital to strength — it will be just as vital to strength and prosperity of our country as sea power was, centuries ago. 

And just as we developed the U.S. Navy to ensure freedom, free navigation of the seas, we need a military organization to ensure free navigation of the stars.  America’s future depends on space.  We will develop the forces and capabilities to protect and defend our space interests. 

In addition to the threat, we also see thousands of satellites going into space in the next few years, as the cost of launch continues to come down and space technology rapidly advances.  This will unlock new opportunities and increase the importance of space for the American economy. 

Unfortunately, the department is not moving fast enough to stay ahead.  In the language of the private sector, the market has shifted and our old business model won’t survive. 

We have a choice.  Change now, or maintain the status quo.  Facing this challenge, senior Pentagon leaders asked a fundamental question, what does a plan to win in space require?  This led to more questions such as should the department confront the contested space environment in a dozen different organizations, or as one enterprise?

Should we continue integrating space capabilities at the level of the Deputy Secretary or should there be a senior leader in the Pentagon who is accountable for space?  Should we man, train and equip for space in three separate services or consolidate based on one physical domain?

Should protecting and defending space continue to be the third priority of the STRATCOM Commander or should there be a combatant commander focused on space every day?  We realized that although we have the talent we need and the technology at our fingertips, the department does not currently have the organizational and leadership structure necessary to move fast, leverage new technology and defend our space interests.

Rather than watch the world evolve around us, we are seizing the strategic initiative.  We went back to the drawing board and came up with a new plan.  This plan will impose costs on our would-be adversaries and deny them any perceived benefits.

To paraphrase President Reagan, peace in space requires strength in space.  In order to do this, we will consolidate our space efforts into three parts, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command and the Space Development Agency.

Part one, and the largest change, is establishing the United States Space Force, the future sixth branch of our Armed Forces.  Our military is structured around physical domains, Navy on sea, Army on land, Air Force on air.

Given the changes in the environment, we now need a military service dedicated to protecting and defending space, the Space Force.  Just like the other military services, the Space Force will be responsible for organizing, training and equipping the military force.

Two elements of this organized train and equip mission are worth elaborating on.  First, professional development.  This is recruiting, educating and promoting space personnel.  Today, space experts, go through professional military education system focused on either air, land, or sea power.  Space is an add-on, a supporting effort, not the focus.

The Space Force will build a professional development system that recruits technical talent, educates them in space from the beginning and provides a clear promotion path, all to produce the quantity and quality of space leaders we need to protect and defend space.

Second, organizing and equipping includes force design and force development.  This means understanding the domain, the technology and warfare deeply enough to design future capabilities and deliver them, ensuring space power not only today but in the future.

The Space Force will develop requirements, work with interagency partners, engage with Congress and drive the organizational focus we need to win in space as the domain evolves.  In short, the Space Force will be responsible for developing military units that can protect and defend America’s space interests.

The initial numbers of the Space Force are small, 15[,000] to 20,000 people drawn from existing forces, and by creating the new service inside the Air Force, the additional cost is less than one-tenth of one percent of the DOD budget, or put another way, the Space Force will cost about $1.50 per American per year.

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With help from Congress, we will create the Space Force and ensure the focus is on growing warfighter capability, not bureaucracy.  The Space Force is a low cost, low bureaucracy proposal that will ensure that America will have the ability to protect and defend our space interests for decades to come.

Part two is our new joint combatant command, the United States Space Command.  Currently, space operations are under the purview of U.S. Strategic Command.  

The Commander, a friend to many of you, General John Hyten, is one of our nation’s leading thinkers on space, but as General Hyten himself says, space is never better than his third priority, he must focus on strategic deterrence and nuclear command and control.  

This construct worked well when space was primarily an uncontested supporting mission for others.  Today, we need a command and a commander that spends 100 percent of their time focused on space.  That is – that is why the President directed the establishment of the new unified U.S. Space Command and recently nominated General Jay Raymond, another friend of this audience, to take the helm.

I urge the Senate to take up his nomination.  We’re ready to establish the new command shortly thereafter.  Part three is the Space Development Agency, what I call the pacing element of our plan, which will architect our future space ecosystem.

The SDA will focus on developing and delivering the next generation of space-based communications and earth observation, while existing organizations continue their efforts – their current efforts.  Let me use satellite communications as an example of the value SDA is going to bring.

First, consolidation of activity and integration at scale.  Currently, the U.S. military relies on a patchwork of Navy NUOS and Army WGS and Air Force AHF military satellite programs with heavy lifting done by spot market buys and commercial bandwidth from providers.  The result is we have deployed over 130 different types of wide band terminals, in addition to narrow band and protected SATCOM terminals.  

As we look to future architectures, we have a once in a generation opportunity to consolidate and provide the department a unified, multi-domain command and control system for the first time.

Second, SDA will lead a true national team systems engineering effort.  This is similar to the systems engineering required for the Aegis system, or Navy’s strategic support program, which integrates missiles, nuclear weapons, shore infrastructure, communications in a submarine, all to produce a critical leg of our nuclear triad. 

The space systems engineering challenge is similar.  The launch vehicle, the satellite bus, the payload.  The standards and protocols, the mesh network, the ground stations, the terminals.  All of it. 

Third, SDA will harness the innovation and investment that’s taking place in commercial space.  The revenue generated by the global space industry may increase to over $1.1 trillion by 2040.  DOD must leverage the private sector investment, chasing this opportunity. 

Our space R and D needs to include our own research and development as well as other forms of R and D.  I refer it to as “rip off and deploy.”  The rip off and deploy is the commercial market innovations. 

Finally, SDA will judiciously combine commercial innovation with exquisite capabilities unique to DOD.  These will include sensors that can detect and track hypersonic threats, machine learning to make sense of the enormous data we will collect, A.I. to link sensors and shooters, and cyber-security designed in from the beginning. 

The result will be a space architecture that is resilient, responsive and ahead of the threat.  These breakthroughs will empower our forces with multi-domain command and control.  

We are moving with purpose and speed to get these plans in motion.  Dr. Fred Kennedy is already at the helm of the SDA.  He will drive the SDA to explore, prototype and demonstrate systems and architectures at a rapid pace that allows them to risk, try, fail, learn and succeed. 

We don’t intend to go at it alone.  Our objectives are too far-reaching to be achieved by any one entity, even one as large as the Department of Defense.  We need to leverage the asymmetric advantages provided by American industry and our allies that no competitor can match.  Together, we’re going to maximize and protect space.  

The end state is a national security space architecture that is proliferated, affordable, persistent and provisioned for A.I.  When we’re done, it should look something like the cell phone network we have on Earth.  Different devices can connect and be upgraded, and subscribe to the network.  Allies and partners will work together to make this happen. 

This will go beyond technology development.  As with all warfighting domains, we will not fight alone.  We will have allies with us every step of the way, partnering with our Space Force and stationed at Space Command. 

The new space economy is American-led.  Men and women in this room and across the country are coming up with new ideas and putting amazing new things into orbit.  We want to be a part of that.  

Of course, the department is just one piece of the puzzle.  Congressmen Rogers and Cooper got us started on this path, and I want to thank them for their leadership.  

President Trump cast a bold vision.  Vice President Pence is driving change to achieve it through the National Space Council.  Secretary Ross, our NASA administrator have been pioneers as they drive their organizations to go faster in developing space assets and pursuing exploration. 

As DOD accelerates our efforts, we will partner closely with the interagency, industry, allies and partners.  I look forward to our continued engagement and partnership with Congress, as we work together in crafting the F.Y. ’20 NDAA.  

Today, we need to establish the Space Force to protect our future.  As President Trump has stated, our destiny beyond the earth is not only a matter of national identity, but a matter of national security. 

Our competitors have made their choices.  Space is under threat.  But we are ready today and we will remain ready as these threats expand.  

To those who want to partner with us, buckle up.  We are seizing on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  We are starting now because we refuse to fall behind.  We can outpace our competitors and make it impossible for them to contest our dominance in space. 

Illustration: Chinese anti-satellite weapon, Fengyun-1C (From youtube video)

Categories
Quick Analysis

Foreign Policy Update

VENEZUELA

At a recent press conference in Dallas, Secretary Mike Pompeo addressed questions about the dire humanitarian situation in Venezuela. He talked about how during his recent trip to Columbia he witnessed the human suffering taking place.  “…thousands of people crossing from Venezuela. Now it’s a million-five in Colombia and three quarters of a million in Peru. These people are suffering tremendously. They – literally, they’re coming across the border to try and work a job, make a couple of dollars, buy some diapers and some food for their baby so that they can eat every other day, every other day. This is the Maduro regime’s legacy and it needs to end.” Large numbers of Venezuelans are leaving the country to escape violence, malnutrition, and other harsh economic conditions in the failing state.

The list of abuses by the Maduro government is long and egregious, according to the State Department. In 2017 Maduro created the Special Action Force of the National Police (FAES) which has carried out illegal raids and extrajudicial killings. This 1,300 member force is accused of killing 100 people in the last 6 months of 2018. Maduro also uses the National Guard and civil militias to crackdown on protesters. So far in 2019 they have detained over 1,255 people, are holding over 860 prisoners of conscience, including 95 members of the military and running numerous clandestine detention centers. The United States has pledged humanitarian aid to Venezuela but the Maduro regime is refusing to allow it into the country. Over 208 metric tons of relief supplies remain sitting on the country’s border.

NORTHERN TRIANGLE COUNTRIES

“Hundreds of millions of dollars have been provided to the Northern Triangle countries, and we have an enormous migration problem, people fleeing El Salvador, people fleeing Honduras, people fleeing Guatemala,” according to Secretary Pompeo. He added that “What we’re trying to do is get those governments to take this seriously, to assist their people of their countries so they won’t have to make this long, dangerous trek across Mexico. Pompeo said the goal is to have the people of the Northern Triangle countries remain in their home states, to have food and water, and be able to make their own decisions about how they desire to be governed.

NORTH KOREA

In recent remarks to the media, Secretary Pompeo responded to questions about North Korea and the ongoing negotiations. He pointed out that he personally has received a half dozen assurance from North Korean Kim and that he is “convinced we still have a real opportunity to achieve that outcome, and our diplomatic team will continue to remain in the lead.”

RUSSIA

With the recent release of the Mueller investigation papers Secretary Pompeo pointed out that “Russia interferes in a number of places. I’ve talked about it most recently in Venezuela, but the – they’re impacting Ukraine. The work that they’ve done to interfere with elections around the world, not only ours in 2016 but others, is serious, and there are real interferences. I don’t think there’s been a discussion between a senior U.S. official and Russians in this administration where we have not raised this issue about our concern about Russia’s interference in our elections.”

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Pompeo added that he will talk about the steadfast requirement that Russia not engage in activity that impacts the capacity of our democracy to be successful in the future. E said their interference “on our election creates risk there, and we will make very clear to them this is unacceptable behavior.”

SUDAN

The State Department announced this week that the United States supports a transition to a peaceful and democratic Sudan led by civilians who represent the diversity of Sudanese society. It said that “The will of the Sudanese people is clear: it is time to move toward a transitional government that is inclusive and respectful of human rights and the rule of law.”

Sudan’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism remains in effect, and Phase II discussions are suspended. Washington will continue to calibrate our policies based on our assessment of events on the ground and the actions of transitional authorities, according to the State Department.

DARIA NOVAK served in the United States State Department during the Reagan Administration, and currently is on the Board of the American Analysis of News and Media Inc., which publishes usagovpolicy.com and the New York Analysis of Policy and Government.  Each Saturday, she presents key updates on U.S. foreign policy from the State Department.

Illustration: Pixabay


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Quick Analysis

The Dangers of Reticence

Many in the media, who should know better, have been disturbingly reticent about the growing acceptability and advocacy of concepts which will eliminate the constitutional framework which has preserved American freedoms since the founding of the nation.  While singular bad ideas have been discussed and occasionally criticized, the totality of the approach many on the left have pursued has been ignored. Consider the list.

Democrat presidential contenders such as Beto O’Rourke, Pete Buttigieg, Elizabeth Warren, Kristen Gillibrand and Kamala Harris have discussed “packing” the U.S. Supreme Court to ensure that Progressive outcomes win.  In an era when one branch of the judiciary, the Ninth Circuit, frequently issues rulings based on its political preferences rather than statutory or Constitutional law, this represents a combined, dangerous attack on the sanctity of the legal process.  

Fearing an overbearing central government powerful enough to trample individual rights, the Constitution’s framers rendered presidential elections subject to an Electoral College which prevents a few large states from dominating Washington. Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Beto O’Rourke and Pete Buttigieg have discussed eliminating it.

The Founders also provided for a Senate where the states would be equally represented. The late Rep. John Dingle (D-Michigan) proposed abolishing that, too.

The Bill of Rights is under full-scale assault, with barely a whimper of protest to be heard in most news outlets.

In 2014, Tom Udall (D-New Mexico) and Charles Schumer (D-New York), proposed a measure that would limit free speech protections as they pertain to campaign donations. The proposed legislation gained 43 Senate supporters—all Democrats. At a Senate Rules Committee hearing in 2014, Schumer stated that “The First Amendment is sacred, but the First Amendment is not absolute.” The Republican minority was able to block the measure.

The Second Amendment is under constant attack.  In many Democrat-controlled jurisdictions such as New York City, it has, in practice, been wholly ignored.  

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The Tenth Amendment, which mandates that those powers not specifically granted to the federal government belong to the states or the people, has been virtually wiped out by an ever-growing federal presence in the daily lives of the American people.  

The Obamacare mandates that private organizations cover procedures that are directly opposed to their belief principles were a direct attack on Freedom of Religion. That assault on faith is growing more brazen.  Senators Diane Feinstein, Kamala Harris, (Both D-California) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) have implied that Catholics may not be fit to serve as judges.

And, of course, there is the growing acceptance of anti-Semitism on the part of the left.

Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Beto O’Rourke, Kamala Harris and independent presidential contender Howard Schultz, announced that they will not attend this year’s AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) event, which had traditionally been an important stop for presidential hopefuls seeking the support of Jewish voters. That’s just the icing on the cake. The growing tolerance of anti-Semitic leanings within the Democrat Party is highlighted by the rise to the position of Deputy DNC chair during 2017–2018 by Keith Ellison, (now the Attorney General of Minnesota) who travels within anti-Semitic circles. The harsh statements about Jews of several newly-elected Democrat members of the House of Representatives continues that trend.

Any of these individual enumerated attacks on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights would be worrisome.  Taken as a whole they are a cause for the deepest concern, particularly since they have received high-profile backing.  Yet these consolidated attempts to radically alter the core substance of American government, which has produced more freedom for more people than anything humanity has ever attempted, have barely been given any attention.

That silence, particularly on the part of those in the media, elected office, and elsewhere has its own dire significance.  As Dietrich Bonhoeffer observed, “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”