A Bad Week For Hillary

Hillary has not announced if she intends to run.

Even so, the week she's had could not have been much fun.

Hillary got pilloried by pundits in the press;

Just a taste of what's ahead if her decision's yes.

She used private e-mail servers when she headed State,

Breaking rules that she'd condemned in earlier debate.

Looking like a hypocrite - like rules do not apply.

When you are a Clinton, GOP expects a lie.

This just feeds their narrative...  Republicans believe

Mrs. Clinton's motivation's only to deceive.

Cover up Benghazi and mistakes she might have made;

This gives them the ammunition for which they have prayed.

I don't know why Hillary would run for President.

What is it she's won after her millions have been spent?

Criticism, controversy...  Thus, I have to ask

Why would Mrs. Clinton even want that thankless task?

"No-one's Ever Lost Money Betting Against Peace in the Middle East"

(Courtesy of Truthdig.com)

Israelis and Palestinians are on the outs...

Secretary Kerry wants to soothe them.  I've my doubts.

Israel's reneged on deals to set some prisoners free.

Talks are breaking down because the 2 sides can't agree.

Netanyahu doesn't trust Abbas (who feels the same.)

Currently, they both insist the other guy's to blame.

Palestinians are angry, and they have a right

Watching new Israeli settlements grow overnight.

Now Abbas is saying he'll appeal to the U.N.

That derails the framework talks and nothing happens then.

Kerry's gone to see if there's another thing to try;

Rumor says we might release an old Israeli spy.

If we plan to free their spy we should get something back;

Major issues needing breakthroughs aren't a thing we lack.

Make them stop the settlements and honor deals they've made;

If there aren't concessions then it isn't worth the trade.

Iran - Give Peace A Chance

(Photo/www.nydailynews.com)

Secretary Kerry's back in meetings with Iran

And he's making progress as they hammer out a plan.

We'll start easing sanctions if Iranians agree

They'll shut down their centrifuges...  Then, we'll have to see.

Israel is furious; they say we shouldn't trust

Anything Rouhani says, but I believe we must.

There's no peace for Syria - a civil war that's spread;

Daily bombings add names to the growing list of dead -

Iran might be crucial in negotiating peace.

They could offer al-Assad a cushy, long-term lease.

When we isolate Iran we're cutting off our nose

Just to spite our faces; stepping on the Persians' toes.

Middle East Update - Bad Timing for a Visit

Secretary Kerry doesn't seem to be enjoying himself on this trip.  (Photo/Presstv.ir)

Secretary Kerry has been in the Middle East;

Pretty awkward timing for his trip - to say the least.

Many of our "allies" in the region aren't thrilled

With our current policies and so relations chilled.

Kerry went to Cairo first; he'd not been in a while.

Next day, Egypt put its former President on trial.

Military overthrew his government and now

Claims that it was not a coup...  But I cannot see how.

Even though it's clear from all the evidence we've got,

State Department hasn't said if it's a coup or not.

U.S. law forbids assistance to a government

Which has come to power through a coup. The law is meant

To promote democracy, so now we're kinda stuck...

'though we'll send them aid, their military's out of luck.

Kerry went to see the Saudis next; they're also mad.

Feel the U.S. backed out on agreements that we had.

They've turned down a Council Seat 'cause we did not attack

Weapons sites in Syria...  Ain't chutzpah that they lack.

Any place where radicals are bred goes back to them;

They're the ones who fund those mosques and schools (which costs a gem.)

Now they're scared those angry chickens may come home to roost...

Here's an idea for you; just stop giving them a boost.

I wish Secretary Kerry luck - which he will need -

'cause the only thing on which the region has agreed

Is that the United States is, somehow, all to blame...

I guess it is comforting that some things stay the same.

Dear GOP... Live With It

From the left: new U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power, President Barack Obama, outgoing National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, and incoming National Security Adviser Susan Rice (Photo/NewYorkDailyNews.com)

Want some proof Obama is all done with playing nice?

National Security Adviser, Susan Rice.

Her appointment's bound to make Republicans see red.

They're still mad at her over some talking points she read.

They believe that Sunday morning interviews she gave

Following Benghazi were just lies she told to save

President Obama in his presidential race;

I think they believe she should retire in disgrace.

GOP was very clear that they would not confirm

Susan Rice as Secretary in this second term.

NSA appointments don't require their consent.

'though he'll have to pay, Obama's coin was well spent.

Dr. Rice is loyal, smart, experienced, and tough.

As U.N. Ambassador, she's proven that enough.

Has the background which she needs to offer good advice.

GOP will have to learn to live with Susan Rice.

Across the Pond - China and the Middle East

It doesn't take a crystal ball to know that China wants to play a role in the Middle East.

China's leaders want involvement in the Middle East.

They are welcome to a role; I don't mind in the least.

I wish them all kinds of luck in brokering a peace.

See if they enjoy the job of being world police.

We could, surely, use a break 'cause it's a thankless job.

Think we've got a deal worked out and then one side will lob

One more precondition or extension of a wall

And the treaty falls apart with no progress at all.

Syria has made the Middle East a powder keg.

Secretary Kerry has done everything but beg,

Looking for assistance.  If the Chinese want a turn

I'd say that's an offer we cannot afford to spurn.

(Cartoon courtesy of FunnyJokesandLaughs.wordpress.com)

Across the Pond - Syria and Russia (Still)

A Syrian rebel leader committing cannibalism. (Photo/ForeignPolicy.org)

Want to help the Syrians, but - wait...  Before we start.

Who is it we're helping?  Rebel ate a soldier's heart,

Then cut out his liver and, it seems, he ate that too.

That is not the kind of guy I want to help.  Do you?

If the U.S. gets involved we'll only make things worse;

That's unless John Kerry gets the Russians to reverse

Their position on Assad and that's not looking good...

Russia says they've caught a spy in Moscow's neighborhood.

He was found with wigs and cash and offers to employ

Someone to spy on the Russian homeland for us.  Boy...

Bet that put a crimp in Secretary Kerry's style.

Getting Putin's help in Syria might take a while.

Across the Pond - Kerry's Russian Visit

"Did you guys forget to make the appointment?" (Photo/ABC News)

Kerry met with Putin hoping they could strike some deals.

Putin kept him waiting; Kerry sat and cooled his heels.

Three whole hours Putin made the Secretary wait.

It's been 6 or 7 for some local Heads of State.

But, what else could Kerry do?  It's not like he could leave.

We need Russia to insure Assad will not receive

Weapons that he's using on his people. Kerry must

Just endure these slings and arrows; re-earn Putin's trust.

Clearly, Putin feels the need to prove that he's in charge.

Even his supporters say his ego's pretty large.

Let him win these childish games if that is what it takes.

Secretary Kerry knows he plays for higher stakes.

Dear Secretary Kerry... Unsolicited Advice for North Korea

Kim Jong-un keeps ramping up the tensions overseas:

Making plans for bringing Austin, Texas to its knees,

Opening reactors, shutting down a factory,

Threatening to launch a missile if we don't agree.

Seems he wants the sanctions lifted, so he's talking tough.

If the man were rational I'd swear it's all a bluff,

But he doesn't strike me as a very stable guy.

Doesn't seem to care that we could blow Pyongyang sky high.

How are we supposed to deal with someone who's a loon?

Maybe we should send in Dennis Rodman pretty soon.

He can speak the language; he's established a rapport.

Our Marines could land him on the North Korean's shore.

Dennis could explain to Kim Jong-un the basic facts;

Talking tough is one thing, but if North Korea acts,

It will be the Russians and the Chinese who are mad

And they might arrange a swift reunion with his dad.

Dear Secretary Kerry... Sincere Sympathies on Your Dream Job

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry...  Poor bastard.

Secretary Kerry has his work cut out for him;

Situation in the Middle East is pretty grim.

Civil war in Syria; the circumstances dire.

Innocent civilians getting caught in the crossfire.

Plus 2 million refugees have packed their things and fled.

Assad's neighbors have to try and keep those people fed.

War's been dragging on for 2 years now; no end in sight.

The United States stayed on the sidelines of the fight.

Now - so rumor has it - CIA is helping out;

Shipping arms to rebels so the battle's not a rout.

Trying hard to pick and choose who's gonna get the guns

In a region that's known warfare since Attila's Huns.

Egypt's on the brink of a collapse...  They're out of cash.

Thus, their fragile government may hit a wall and smash.

Even with intentions that are pure as driven snow,

Morsi's in a bind if the economy won't grow.

And, of course, there's Israel and Palestine, as well.

You call that the Holy Land?  It's more akin to Hell.

It's no wonder Hillary decided that she'd quit;

Let poor Secretary Kerry try to deal with it.

Massachusetts Republicans - Screwed?

Thanks, but no thanks?

Massachusetts cannot get Republicans to run;

Scott Brown, Bill Weld - even Tagg (Mitt Romney's eldest son)

All declined to make a try for Kerry's Senate seat...

Do not want to work their toches off for a defeat.

It's an uphill battle for their Party in my state.

Any chances that will change aren't looking really great.

With these major players out, their Party's in a pinch.

Seems Ed Markey only needs to get by Stephen Lynch.

Can't say that I blame Scott Brown - who lost a bruising race -

His decision proves he isn't just a pretty face.

Bet he runs for Governor and I predict he wins.

(We forgive Republicans a multitude of sins

When they're our Republicans - the Massachusetts kind -

Not the ones in Washington, who've clearly lost their mind.

We don't like to give those guys a solitary vote.)

I bet Scott Brown hasn't, yet, retired his barn coat.

Dear America... You're Welcome.

Senator William "Mo" Cowan, MA

You don't have  to thank my state ('though, probably, you should.)

Secretary Kerry running State? He's really good.

He's been training for this job for his entire life.

Wishing best of luck to him and to his lovely wife.

This meant that my Governor decided who would go;

Patrick picked his former Chief of Staff; a guy named Mo.

Cowan doesn't want to be our Senator for long.

Says he'll work with Kerry's staff; is bound to get things wrong...

But, it's hard to disagree with Deval Patrick's choice;

Senate-Designee provides an independent voice.

Speaks for Massachusetts; not for lobbyists or PACs.

I think that outweighs the Hill experience he lacks.

The 113th Congress - Hillary on the Hill

Secretary Clinton, faced with grilling on the Hill,

Answered questions civilly but, oh, if looks could kill...

Hillary, who's not a fan of Johnson's or of Paul's,

Might have left fresh corpses in the Senate's hallowed halls.

Paul (who would have fired Clinton), Johnson, and McCain

Focused on conspiracies and asked her to explain

Why she didn't know who killed our diplomats at first;

Pointing fingers, hurling accusations they'd rehearsed.

Mrs. Clinton took the blame but it's more widely shared.

G.O.P. would not have cut State's budget if they'd cared.

We have 20 Embassies which also face a threat...

State Department's coffers haven't seen an increase yet.

The Benghazi Conspiracy? (cont.)

Lindsey Graham, Kelly Ayotte, and John McCain.  (Photo/Getty Images)

John McCain and Lindsey Graham - opposed to Susan Rice -

Went before the media to offer their advice.

Said they'd block Obama if he chooses her for State...

Personnel advice from Sarah Palin's running mate?

Both men say that, after our Ambassador was slain,

Susan Rice was wrong and thus, according to McCain,

There is a conspiracy that rivals Watergate.

They want Rice investigated... Not the head at State.

I was once a fan of John McCain's.  Not anymore.

Chose him in 2000; would have in 2004.

Not the man he was back then; now all he does is grouse.

Maybe he'd like Rice if she saw Russia from her house.

Race for the White House - Hillary - 2016

Secretary of State Clinton and international delegates to Women in Service Institute at Wellesley. (Photo credit: Associated Press)

Hillary at Wellesley is like Benedict in Rome;

On that lovely campus, Madame Secretary's home.

Wasn't too surprising that they're urging her to run.

In 4 years, after our current President is done,

I would love to see that too. She'd have my full support.

Something that she didn't have, I'm sorry to report.

Thought her choice of husband proved her judgment badly flawed

So, back then I chose, instead, to give Barack the nod.

On his Team of Rivals Mrs. Clinton's headed State;

Where I've gained a great deal of respect for her of late.

Thoughtful and articulate...  She's funny and she's smart.

Guess it's not my problem if her husband broke her heart

Sorry she's retiring but hoping that it means

She intends to use the time to work behind the scenes

Getting ready for a run for President, 'cause then

I'll be voting Hillary - despite her taste in men.

Across the Pond - Chen Guangcheng

Chen Guangcheng says he wants to leave China.  (Photo credit: ABC.com)

Have you heard what's happening in China? What the heck?

Talk about confusing...  For, when Clinton made the trek

Over there for meetings, found herself the center of

Major controversy after push came down to shove.

Chen Guangcheng's an activist for Chinese women's rights

Who escaped imprisonment and fled.  He set his sights

On the U.S. Embassy; of course, we took him in.

That is where the problems Mrs. Clinton has begin.

Politburo wasn't thrilled the U.S. got involved

But, when Chen said he'd go home, we thought the problem solved

Brought him to the hospital - united with his wife...

Felt we had agreements he could get on with his life.

There it gets confusing 'cause, in less than half a day,

Chen Guangcheng began to claim we'd made him go away.

Said the Chinese had reneged and now he wants to fly

Out on Mrs. Clinton's plane.  What is it with this guy?

First he's blowing kisses; then he says we let him down.

Now he wants asylum; 'Can we get him out of town?'

Can't say that I blame him though for, just because he's blind,

Doesn't mean he isn't smart enough to change his mind.

Across the Pond - China

Secretary of State Clinton (Photo credit: Associated Press)

 

Secretary Clinton is in China for the week

And things could get tricky when the two sides meet to speak.

Chinese have their problems; situation's pretty tense

After a blind lawyer they'd detained climbed out his fence.

No one's saying where he is but China thinks that we

Have him hiding, right now, in the U.S. Embassy.

When you add the scandal that's surrounding Xilai Bo

(Murder allegations, wire tapping) chances grow

Ever slimmer we will get concessions from them now

As they deal with changes more profound than those since Mao.

Balances of power at the top are shifting fast.

Maybe the reformers are ascending there, at last?

Either way, I'm betting that the Syrians are screwed.

(Sorry for the language there; I'm usually not rude

But, I'm so disgusted with the "peace plan" now in place.)

Think the Russian/Chinese stance about it's a disgrace.