Obama On NASA And Isreal In 2008

[Danube]

Obama on NASA:

"In a dramatic reversal of policy, Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama on Saturday told supporters on the Space Coast he no longer favors slashing NASA’s budget, declaring that the United States “cannot cede our leadership in space.” (Oh yes it can)

Though he said nothing specific about sending astronauts to the moon or Mars - the central focus of NASA’s plans and key to the hopes of many space supporters - Obama was more supportive of the agency than he had ever been publicly.

“Under my watch, NASA will inspire the world, make America stronger and help grow the economy here in Florida,” he told 1,400 people at Brevard Community College in Titusville, a community economically dependent on the Kennedy Space Center...

“I know it’s still being reported that we were talking about delaying some aspects of the Constellation program to pay for our early-education program,” he said. “I told my staff we’re going to find an entirely different offset, because we’ve got to make sure that the money going into NASA for basic research and development continues to go there. That has been a top priority for us.”

http://localhostnews.com/?p=1067

Guess it was easier to cede that leadership than he thought


On Israel:

"In the 21st century, it is unacceptable that a member state of the United Nations would openly call for the elimination of another member state. But that is exactly what he (Ahmadinejad) has done. Neither Israel nor the United States has the luxury of dismissing these outrages as mere rhetoric" (looks like it's ok now). Mr. Obama added: "We must preserve our total commitment (haha) to our unique defense relationship with Israel by fully funding military assistance (now it's a personal embargo of weapons) and continuing work on the Arrow and related missile defense programs. This would help Israel maintain its military edge and deter and repel attacks from as far as Tehran and as close as Gaza."..


He took Israel's side against those who would fault it for its actions in Lebanon in the Summer of 2006. "When Israel is attacked, we must stand up for Israel's legitimate right to defend itself," ..


And Mr. Obama rejected the idea, put forth by Israel's false friends, that America does Israel any favors by exerting pressure in the name of peace (well now we have those nasty zoning violations in Jerusalem). "We should never seek to dictate what is best for the Israelis and their security interests. No Israeli Prime Minister should ever feel dragged to or blocked from the negotiating table by the United States," Mr. Obama said. "When I am president, the United States will stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel"..

New York Republicans, according to an article in the New York Post yesterday, are preparing to attack Senator Obama for his supposed lack of support for Israel. "Obama's commitment to Israel is open to question, and that would help us with Jews," the Post quotes a "prominent New York Republican" as saying. We're no shills for Mr. Obama, but these Republicans haven't checked their facts (oh yes they did). At least by our lights, Mr. Obama's commitment to Israel, as he has articulated it so far in his campaign, is quite moving and a tribute to the broad, bipartisan support that the Jewish state has in America...

Mr. Obama spoke of "a clear and strong commitment to the security of Israel: our strongest ally in the region and its only established democracy." Quoth he: "That will always be my starting point." Mr. Obama spoke of the threat of Iran"President Ahmadinejad has denied the Holocaust. He held a conference in his country, claiming it was a myth. But we know the Holocaust was as real as the 6 million who died in mass graves at Buchenwald, or the cattle cars to Dachau or whose ashes clouded the sky at Auschwitz. We have seen the pictures. We have walked the halls of the Holocaust museum in Washington and Yad Vashem. We have touched the tattoos on loved-ones arms. After 60 years, it is time to deny the deniers,"

So much for that


Obama And Israel
http://www.nysun.com/editorials/obama-and-israel/69154/

 

[Siddhartha]

Would you want a POTUS who could not change his mind in response to new data or new situations?

 

[Danube]

Would you want a POTUS who could not change his mind in response to new data or new situations?

Obama is a chameleon - a shapeshifter. He spins fairy tales and tells people what they want to hear - then he leaves them high and dry. Discarding allies and siding with their enemies is not adjusting to new information. People were concerned during campaign that Obama would turn on Israel and sympathize with Arabs and Muslims and that's exactly what has happened. His supporters scoffed at any threat to Israel and Obama swore up and down about maintaining the strength of commitment other US leaders have maintained.

Rev Wright and Bill Ayers say Israel maintains apartheid. Wright claims Jews in Israel are not the real Jews but interlopers. Obama demonstrates he is close to his friends on Israel. Of course Obama was also friends with Yasar Arafat spokesman Rashid Khalidi (during campaign the LA Times held back a video of Obama praising him at a fundraiser).

Of course Israel isn't the only ally the Obama has turned on. Indeed the countries that seem to do best are nations who are closer to enemies then friends. While Russia is announcing it will help Chavez Nuke up (and it's helping Iran do the same) and get him a "space program" Obama is unilaterally disarming the US while Russia gets to keep building. Obama rules like a hostile foreigner.


"Surrendering an ally is no strategy at all"

"Barack Obama has come up with an interesting strategy for dealing with the evildoers of the world. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Surrender your friends, if necessary

The public scolding of Israel and the warning that it must make nice with those determined to "wipe it off the map" are now revealed to be tactics in the plan to make the Middle East over in a way to please the Islamic radicals. The observant among us have seen this coming. America's true friends - Britain, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Norway and Poland in addition to Israel - have been getting the back of Mr. Obama's hand from the day he took his oath. The commitment to constitutional government and the ancient traditions of intellectual freedom that make up the cultural heritage of the West have been snubbed when not ignored, the natural allies of America lectured to when not insulted."

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/apr/16/surrendering-an-ally-is-no-strategy-at-all/

 

[Skitzer]

Would you want a POTUS who could not change his mind in response to new data or new situations?

In regards to those 2 issues, what is the new data or situation since 2008?

 

[Tom]

In regards to those 2 issues, what is the new data or situation since 2008?

as far as Israel, building settlements in occupied territory.

as far as NASA, the budget deficit.

However, the premise that Obama doesn't support Israel and NASA is false. Obama hasn't treated Israel any different than past Presidents, the difference is some people are just suspicious of Obama because they think he's not like them.

And the deal with NASA is driven entirely by the budget. I don't agree with cutting NASA funding, but I also don't agree with NASA's priorities as I understand them. I think we should be focusing on robotic exploration while we work on bringing the cost of manned exploration down.

 

[Fear No Evil]

Why is it the only programs Obama really wants to cut are things that actually benefit us? I bet if we dared suggesting cutting money for the national endowment for the arts (or things like that) he'd say things like that need to stay even in a tough economy.

 

[CycloWizard]

as far as Israel, building settlements in occupied territory.

as far as NASA, the budget deficit.

However, the premise that Obama doesn't support Israel and NASA is false. Obama hasn't treated Israel any different than past Presidents, the difference is some people are just suspicious of Obama because they think he's not like them.

And the deal with NASA is driven entirely by the budget. I don't agree with cutting NASA funding, but I also don't agree with NASA's priorities as I understand them. I think we should be focusing on robotic exploration while we work on bringing the cost of manned exploration down.

So you're arguing that he cut NASA's budget to keep the deficit down? How do you explain the other (approximately) $1.1 trillion in new budget items last year then? Is that his attempt to fight deficit spending?

 

[zsdersw]

Why is it the only programs Obama really wants to cut are things that actually benefit us? I bet if we dared suggesting cutting money for the national endowment for the arts (or things like that) he'd say things like that need to stay even in a tough economy.

The strongest and best move is always the one that gives you the most gain for the least cost. Cutting the National Endowment for the Arts and other minutia in the federal budget is not among such moves. That's not to say cutting NASA's budget is a smart move either, for those and other reasons, but it's a bigger dollar amount than the National Endowment for the Arts or "things like that".

 

[Thump553]

I'm absolutely astonished the GOP and it's backers are arguing against getting private enterprise more involved in space and weaning near space manned expeditions off the public dole. I guess when it's 5000 engineers on the public payroll the GOP wants to protect its constituents. Is the GOP a political party with principles or a labor union?

We landed on the moon in 1969, the same year as Woodstock. It's time for our government to raise its outer space sights higher-a better replacement for the Hubble. manned exploration of Mars and the asteriod belt, etc.-what Obama has proposed we do.

 

[MotF Bane]

I'm absolutely astonished the GOP and it's backers are arguing against getting private enterprise more involved in space and weaning near space manned expeditions off the public dole. I guess when it's 5000 engineers on the public payroll the GOP wants to protect its constituents. Is the GOP a political party with principles or a labor union?

We landed on the moon in 1969, the same year as Woodstock. It's time for our government to raise its outer space sights higher-a better replacement for the Hubble. manned exploration of Mars and the asteriod belt, etc.-what Obama has proposed we do.

You are somehow absolutely determined to give Obama credit for everything good, and the GOP the blame for anything bad.

 

[zsdersw]

You are somehow absolutely determined to give Obama credit for everything good, and the GOP the blame for anything bad.

Others on here are absolutely determined to give Obama the blame for anything bad and the GOP credit for everything good. There is no difference.

 

[Schadenfroh]

I'm absolutely astonished the GOP and it's backers are arguing against getting private enterprise more involved in space and weaning near space manned expeditions off the public dole. I guess when it's 5000 engineers on the public payroll the GOP wants to protect its constituents. Is the GOP a political party with principles or a labor union?

Private industry is heavily involved with Project Constellation. For example, my Uncle works for Pratt & Whitney on Ares I. United Technologies is not owned by the state.

As for the reasons why many right-wing people are such big fans of NASA and manned space exploration, I believe it has to do with nationalism and such achievements made by NASA cause great national pride. Not to mention, plenty of military applications for the R&D performed by national space programs, I doubt many have a problem with public military funding, which is likely what a large chunk of NASA funding really is....

This is why I prefer to be called a right-wing Democrat, as I have no problem spending public money on scientific endeavors rather than on expanded social-welfare or excessive tax cuts. I believe in a balanced budget, but like most, I have my priorities for public spending.

I applaud Obama if he does not cut Project Constellation or any part of the space program for that matter. Although, I would like to see some action rather than words. His statements on nuclear energy have also been promising, yet he discontinued the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository project.

It is a shame that nuclear energy, space exploration, etc. are becoming partisan"Republic Technologies" in the eyes of many.

 

[MotF Bane]

Others on here are absolutely determined to give Obama the blame for anything bad and the GOP credit for everything good. There is no difference.

True, I was just talking to Thump at the moment.

 

[Thump553]

I'm strongly in favor of space exploration and discovery, and have been all my life. I just don't see the sense in redoing what was done in my youth (with slide rules, no less) just so we can wave our flags with more enthusiaism. From what I know of Constellation (which admittedly is not a whole lot) it is a stopgap project at best.

Let's keep space exploration going, but the "easy" stuff should be self-sustainable in our so-called private enterprise system. Keeping it on the government dole stifles innovation. Save the government money and involvement for seed money and pure science projects.

Space exploration should not be used to have full employment as our military industrial companies-but it frequently has been, for political purposes. After all, it was pure politics that cited the Johnson Space Center thousands of miles from Cape Canaveral-there was no logistical or practical reason to do so.

Obama is, in my view, is trying to get the space program really moving, not gut space exploration-despite the spin put on it by government subcontractors worried about losing their place at the trough.

 

[CycloWizard]

I'm absolutely astonished the GOP and it's backers are arguing against getting private enterprise more involved in space and weaning near space manned expeditions off the public dole. I guess when it's 5000 engineers on the public payroll the GOP wants to protect its constituents. Is the GOP a political party with principles or a labor union?

We landed on the moon in 1969, the same year as Woodstock. It's time for our government to raise its outer space sights higher-a better replacement for the Hubble. manned exploration of Mars and the asteriod belt, etc.-what Obama has proposed we do.

People are calling out Obama for lying, nothing more and nothing less. Why is government involved in space exploration at all? What does it have to do with public welfare or anything else which is our government's nominal mission statement?

 

[Moonbeam]

People are calling out Obama for lying, nothing more and nothing less. Why is government involved in space exploration at all? What does it have to do with public welfare or anything else which is our government's nominal mission statement?

Because he who controls gravity controls the universe.

 

[Amused]

 

[Danube]

However, the premise that Obama doesn't support Israel and NASA is false. Obama hasn't treated Israel any different than past Presidents, the difference is some people are just suspicious of Obama because they think he's not like them..

Of course he has treated them differently. He has suspended arms shipments to them including choppers and bunker busters. Meanwhile he has sent billions of weapons to the Arab countries. Obama also went out of his way to humiliate Netanyahu in a tick for tack over Biden (the disputed building was also in Jerusalem). Obama doesn't like Israel and prefers the Arab Muslims he bows to - as many feared would be the case.

 

[Danube]

As for the reasons why many right-wing people are such big fans of NASA and manned space exploration, I believe it has to do with nationalism and such achievements made by NASA cause great national pride.

That's exactly a reason why Obama wants NASA deflated and have to rely on Russia to get into Space.

I am sure there are arguments for adjusting the NASA mission but that doesn't change fact Obama blew smoke up everyone's rear about "transparency", NASA, taxes, Israel etc. The one thing he was honest about was he did pretty much say he would disarm US.

Personally I think NASA has become a kind of joke with people like Hansen running amok. I wouldn't hang it out to dry though. NASA isn't going to get directed to Mars anymore than there will be drilling for oil (Obama allowed for "drilling exploration" which people took to mean drilling for oil.)

 

[Zorba]

I think we should be focusing on robotic exploration while we work on bringing the cost of manned exploration down.

There is the fundamental error in Obama's plan, you don't drive technology and lower cost by sitting on the sidelines. Although you also don't drive those things by pushing crap through.

 

[Freshgeardude]

I am just in the same boat as you. I have been severely disappointment by obama and his lies dealing especially with Nasa and Israel.


He lied to get florida's vote, now he is going to ruin our economy and has been a huge disappointment to the high population of jews here. If florida's electoral votes go to obama in 2012, i will serious be shocked.


Also, on election day, after people already put in their votes, he offically declared he wanted jerusalem split.

AFTER votes. He is the biggest liar to ever become president. the country forgave him too many times for all his little scandals. Hell, if bush, or clinton had at least one of the scandals attached to them, they never would have won any elections.

 

[ciproxr]

Israel is not the united states responsibility, they should fight and fund their own wars.

I applaud Obama for not supporting Israel and im offended that there are people in this world who think higher of them selfs than the rest of the world and expect special treatment.

 

[irishScott]

SURPRISE! Obalexama the Great is actually as much a politician as any other! Shocker.

Seriously, the further this guy's Presidency goes on, the more glad I am I voted for McCain. At least the guy was an honest politician in the sense that he was honest about being a politician. Obama's repeatably sacrificed his campaign's former idealism for politics.

 

[Sclamoz]

SURPRISE! Obalexama the Great is actually as much a politician as any other! Shocker.

Seriously, the further this guy's Presidency goes on, the more glad I am I voted for McCain. At least the guy was an honest politician in the sense that he was honest about being a politician. Obama's repeatably sacrificed his campaign's former idealism for politics.

You mean McCain the maverick? The guy who doesn't work for a party or special interests but for YOU?

 

[Freshgeardude]

Israel is not the united states responsibility, they should fight and fund their own wars.

I applaud Obama for not supporting Israel and im offended that there are people in this world who think higher of them selfs than the rest of the world and expect special treatment.

not when Israel has innumerable amounts of intel of the soviets arsenals, made hundreds of fixes to american technology, a training area on IEDs for american soldiers, a guaranteed safe zone for any american ship, vessel, plane, vehicles. provided intel, as well as stop countless terror attacks against americans high on the table. ( just recently Israel, which completely should hate this guy, saved Jimmy Carter, in what would have been an ambush to kill him)


ALL for FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So does offering some aid to an ally hurt? no.

is 2 billion (i believe is the amount of aid) enough to keep the country protected? hell no.


so stop bitching about the aid given to Israel, when aid given to other countries have DIRECT links into the massacre of people.