Obama, Ignoring Local Outrage, Set to Expand U.S. Military Presence in Colombia

Obama, Ignoring Local Outrage, Set to Expand U.S. Military Presence in Colombia

www.alternet.org< br />

Obama continues to defend the expansion of U.S. military operations in Latin America, but against what threat?

Barack Obama continues to defend the expansion of U.S. military operations in Latin America, arguing that the U.S. is not establishing bases in Colombia but simply extending existing agreements with the country.

(visit the link for the full news article)

In Colombia, this renaming is part of the Uribe administration's strategy to slide the agreement through without submitting it to the Colombian Congress for approval. You see, the Colombian constitution requires congressional approval for international treaties and the submission of such agreements to review by the Constitutional Court, but not for extensions of previous treaties.

So Obama is expanding our presence in Colombia, by technically 6 bases, while trying to make appear less than it is. In fact he is even trying to get this done without respecting the law of Colombia that requires the matter to go before the congress, who it seems would not approve of this build up.

I guess by change he meant less middle east more south america?

What a crock of poo.

This is once again about OIL. No coincidence that Colombia is a neighbor of Venezuela, right?

How daft does Obama think we are? How long does he think those who supported him (think Animal here) are going to continue to lick his boots while he trots through the poo and roach infested political fields of his predecessors?

More troops committed to another nation far from home? Why?

I am really getting sick of this poo, i am tired of getting short-changed by the new administration.

I am tired of living in one of the most war like nations on the face of the planet.

www.alternet.org< br /> (visit the link for the full news article)

This is somewhat conflicting with what Hillary said
www.nytimes.com...

What do you think?

Originally posted by ModernAcademia
This is somewhat conflicting with what Hillary said
www.nytimes.com...

What do you think?

For sure! This is what my article said about "not creating bases in Colombia":

Barack Obama continues to defend the expansion of U.S. military operations in Latin America, arguing that the U.S. is not establishing bases in Colombia but simply extending existing agreements with the country.

Under U.S. military terminology -- using euphemisms that call to mind George W. Bush's "Clear Skies Initiative" -- the proposals for Colombia would not be bases because they would not be property of the U.S, but instead be called Forward Operating Locations, or Cooperative Security Locations.

Nonetheless, the U.S. would still have control over what happens in those installations, as it does in bases, and is insisting on immunity under Colombian law for its personnel. Argentine President Cristina Kirchner said it well when she joked to Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe last week, "Come on, nowhere in the world is a Gen. Fernandez going to give orders to a Gen. Johnson!"

So yes, these are US bases in everything but name. It is simply one more sham perpetrated on the people by the government.

I think equating the use of terminology in this instance with GW Bush's "Clear Sky Initiative" is perfect!.

[edit on 24-8-2009 by Animal]

At what point will Americans wake up and demand a return to Constitutional government? At what point should we take to arms to make this happen? I am absolutely sickened by everything this administration is doing and believe that REAL change is now in order. I hope to God that we can avoid violence and bloodshed in this country - vote Independent and third-party in all of the next elections.

Originally posted by kozmo

At what point will Americans wake up and demand a return to Constitutional government?

The point of no return, sadly.

It's gotten to the point where some of my foreign buddies are really, really upset with Obama FOR US. They were rooting for him just a few months ago, and now they're seeing that he's just a more charismatic version of what we've had for a long while.

Change we can believe in? Sure, if the change he's talking about is the only money that's left in my pockets.

For those that voted for this backwards-@ss, socialist, Chicago-style political wanna-by thug who went to church to listen to anti-American sermons, I hope you all choke on his "change".

At least you have a pretty mouth to look at while he lies to you. Great to see we will be spreading our forces out even more. Who's at home watching the fort?

I support our troops and hope they return safely.

Do I feel a draft? Oh yeah, it's on the horizon. They're gonna need
your kids to defend us from Chavez (goshdarn commie!). I smell a war
folks, you know we've just GOT to have some oil sources closer to
home, dontcha know. After all, Chavez is just one more tinpot
dictator from some south american country that we don't really
care about right? Of course these bases will also help to save us from
the coc aine scourge that is killing off Americans. Dangit! we need
more illegal aliens to come up here so we can sign em' up and
send em' off to die for the Empire.
America is on it's last legs people, thrashing around like a wounded
animal in it's death throes. Let's see if I can remember other empires
that had wars on a gazillion fronts and lost their asses - there's
Germany and Japan in WW2, uh and Rome after about 200 AD......
and WHO will be the victors that write our future history? It won't be
us (the US) that's for sure.

reply to post by Asktheanimals


Very well written. Nothing to give a good ol' shiver to the spine then a good dose of reality.

Having two sons that are still under 10, I seriously hope that A) there is a God and B) he figures out a way to turn this county around before we are forced to learn Chinese, Russian or some other pig latin BS language.

I fear very much that like all other great empires that p#ssed away their blessings and good fortunes, the US could be on the same track. The sad part is that most of us realize what is happening, where this road "could" lead and yet a dipsh#t was elected to drive us quicker down that path. I don't know how long he will serve as prez but he is going to make us much more vulnerable then Bumbling Joe Bidden.

Originally posted by kozmo
At what point will Americans wake up and demand a return to Constitutional government?

Yesterday?

At what point should we take to arms to make this happen?

I will never take up arms to advance ANY cause. Gandhi's satyagraha is the perfect tool for forcing change, there is NO need for violence. That is a myth hoisted onto us by the powers that be. Violent uprising will only cause more violence and oppression. There is no excuse for 'armed' anything besides hugs.

Originally posted by Roadblockx

For those that voted for this backwards-@ss, socialist, Chicago-style political wanna-by thug who went to church to listen to anti-American sermons, I hope you all choke on his "change".

You lose my support when you start with the slander and attacks. Not liking Obama and his policy actions is one thing. Taking that dislike and becoming a critic based on judgmental critique that passes judgment on entire groups is another, one I will not support.

Originally posted by Asktheanimals
I smell a war
folks, you know we've just GOT to have some oil sources closer to
home...

America is on it's last legs people, thrashing around like a wounded
animal in it's death throes.

This is my concern as well. More war, more instability, more financial insolvency, all in the name of our elected leaders working tirelessly for big business.

The BS and lies must end. The people need to wake up and make their rights and needs known.

Originally posted by Roadblockx

Having two sons that are still under 10, I seriously hope that A) there is a God and B) he figures out a way to turn this county around before we are forced to learn Chinese, Russian or some other pig latin BS language.

Bigotry pure and simple. The type that earns people a permanent place on my ignore list. I would ask, respectfully that if you want to participate in intellectual discussion of issues you refrain from your judgmental, bigoted, and downright ignorant responses, they have no place in a debate intended to combat ignorance.

I fear very much that like all other great empires that p#ssed away their blessings and good fortunes, the US could be on the same track.

This is surely the precedent. No nation lasts forever, or so it seems world history shows. There are so many lessons to be learned from history that our government is choosing to ignore.

reply to post by Animal




Please ignore me. I would rather that then be referred to der Leader by more of his sheeple. I guess I would be a little embarrassed too if I voted for someone that everyone else saw as a joke but I was too caught up in "Hope", "Change" and Yes we can... That bumper sticker is a b##ch to take off isn't it? My neighbor is still working on his. By the way, slander? It isn't slander when it's facts.

Not wanting to learn Chinese, Russian or any other pig latin language doesn't make me a bigot. Nice try slick. Maybe that works in Chicago style politics. You did everything but play the race card. I like English, love America and have no desire to learn another language. I was a military brat and traveled to many foreign countries. Many didn't like the US and that was fine with me. I am a citizen of the greatest country on earth and while many choose to think that not supporting a socialist makes you a bigot or racist, (just which part do I feel that way about, the white or black part of Obama), I think of those that oppose big government, socialism and want to reward hard work as a dieing breed. "Label" me as you want.



[edit on 24-8-2009 by Roadblockx]

I wonder how Gandi would have done against the Nazi's.... I respect those that think there are other means to deal with evil at its worst but lose compasion for them when the tanks, jeeps and infantry of evil are marching over their dead bodies. Good luck Gandi.