They pulled the trigger. Was it a bang? Or a Pop? More importantly, will the projectile of a joint release from the IEA members' strategic petroleum reserves prove to be a ricochet that produces a self-inflicted wound?
Much of the immediate commentary in the business press since yesterday's announcement has been superficial and unenlightening.
Continue reading "Strategic Reserves, Strategic Reservations" »
When my daughters were growing up, and coming to me for advice on some crucial problem in their lives, I would put them through a three question drill to clarify the issue (not necessarily resolve it):
1) What's the worst outcome you can anticipate?
2) Are you prepared to accept it?
3) If not, what are you capable of doing and willing to do to prevent it?
Again, these questions do not resolve the issue, but they set the boundaries of possible consequences and responses. It seems that a lot of adults in high places need to ask these questions on some critical issues.
Continue reading "End Game" »
One of America's glaring hypocrisies is to lecture the world on the 'Rule of Law' as we contrive infinite stratagems to bypass, bend, fold or mutilate it, if we do not just outright ignore it. Libya and the War Powers Act is an excellent case in point. The only humor in this is that the Administration's contention that the US is not engaged in hostilities is more absurd than Anthony Weiner's assertion that he could not positively affirm the identity of his personal 'real estate' in a photo that he took.
Continue reading "Libya, The War Powers Act, and the Rule of Law" »