Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Did you see the Photos of the Day that featured water polo play in The Hill District at Ammon Swim Pool?

In case you missed it, you can check out the Post-Gazette's Photo of the Day feature from Wednesday, August 15, 2011. http://www.post-gazette.com/photooftheday/



and


It has been great to have some open water polo practices at Ammon Swim Pool, a Citiparks facility.

Kids (mostly) play from 11 am to 12:30 this week, Monday to Friday, ending on August 17, 2011.

Adults are going to try to get one more game in, pick-up style, on Thursday night, tonight, from 6:30 to 8. High school and college kids are most welcome to join us too. And youngsters as well. The pool is open. Kids can come to the shallow end, of course. There is plenty of water.

My invite email:


Hi Fellow South Side Pops, (plus a few other hand-picked friends via BCC)

Let's give this one more try while the catfish are jumping and summer
has yet to fade --- WATER POLO, in pick-up, community style, but with
regulation, floating goals.

Ammon Rec Center has an nice outdoor swim pool. It is with plenty of
shallow and deep water. We'll play in 4 foot, again. So, swim ability
is NOT a real big factor. Bring the kids, as they can kick around in
the shallow end as the pool will be OPEN to the public.

Pay $3 for kids and $4 if over 16 at the gate, if you do NOT have a
Citiparks, annual, pool tag.

Invite everyone and anyone, as we can have bigger squads or else subs.

Patrick, a fellow SS Pop, played goalie in Romania as a kid. He is
something to watch and try to score upon, if he isn't on YOUR team.
Some of lifeguards have stayed to play if their shift(s) are over as
it is so much fun.

Easy parking right by the pool on the street.

To get to Ammon from the South Side, cross the Birmingham Bridge and
go STRAIGHT up, (not to Oakland nor Downtown). Follow Kirtpatrick
Street until it ends, at Bedford, at the corner of the pool. The Josh
Gibson baseball field is behind the pool. Bedford Ave also goes next
to the Civic Arena from Downtown. Go about 6 blocks to the pool at the
top of The Hill. If you bike, it is a steep hill.

My kids are out of town, so we really need a dozen guys (and gals) to
make it 'fun.' The pool closes in a few days, so this will be our last
attempt until I get a school pool made available. Don't hold your
breath for that to happen, sadly. But that's another email for another
month.

FWIW, Wednesday's P-G has photos of the day and two of the images are
from yesterday's water polo practice with the kids.
http://www.post-gazette.com/photooftheday/ See image 5 and 6.

Earlier on Thursday, from 11 am to 12:30, a group of kids from North
Allegheny are going to venture to The Hill and play a game or two with
our kids. I'm still looking for players....

Thanks for the consideration. Come if you can. Bring the youngsters.
Last time was a blast. Right, Scott?????



Scott's reply:

Sorry to miss tolorrow's water polo action. I had a great time learning and playing last time and echo Mark's comments about Patrick. On one particular play he dove in one direction to knock back a hard shot. The rebound unfortunately went right back to the shooter who fired on a now empty goal only to see the submerged Patrick somehow rise like phoenix in the opposite direction, knock the ball down, then scoop it up and throw a perfect lead pass the length of the pool to Mark's son Grant who easily scored a breakaway goal on the overmatched opposing goalie, no Patrick he.

Have fun and do let me know when there's another chance to play.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Charter School seeking K, 1 and 2 grade students

THERE IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR CHILDREN AT THE NEW IMAGINE PENN HILLS CHARTER SCHOOL OPENING ON AUGUST 24, 2011. IMAGINE ALSO OPERATES THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL ENVIRONMENTAL CHARTER AT REGENT SQUARE.

We are accepting kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades.

THE SCHOOL WILL ADD GRADES OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS TO BECOME A K-8.

TUITION IS FREE AND TRANSPORTATION IS PROVIDED
IF YOUR CHILD ATTENDS FAISON OR WILKINSBURG SCHOOLS YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY TAKE ADVATAGE OF THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY.
ALSO RANKIN, DUQUESNE, AND GARFIELD (WITH THE CLOSING OF FORT PITT SHOULD LOOK CLOSELY AT THIS NEW SCHOOL.
GOOD SCHOOLS ARE BECOMING VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND FOR A LOT OF BLACK CHILDREN IN THIS AREA.

WE MAY BE FINISHED ACCEPTING STUDENTS ON FRIDAY AUGUST 12, 2011
CALL OR EMAIL THE INFORMATION BELOW ASAP!

RANDALL TAYLOR
FORMER SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER EAST END OF PITTSBURGH
412-867-8170




1) Students name
2) Address
1) Date of birth
2) Place of Birth
3) Grade entering
4) Last school attended
5) Students lives with?
6) Mother and Father Name
7) Address
8) PHONE NUMBER
9) E-Mail
Send Info to rxtaylor6501@comcast.net
Call me for any questions at 412-867-8170
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Spit out your gum and all other negative thoughts, such as "I can't do that." Our final exam is a mega challenge.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Pittsburgh Cyclist in history

Thanks for the review.

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

-----Original Message-----
From: Ernest Schimmerling <eschimme@gmail.com>
Sender: acaracing@googlegroups.com
Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:22:58
To: Allegheny Cycling Association<acaracing@googlegroups.com>
Reply-To: eschimme@gmail.com
Subject: [ACA Google Group] Just thought you might be interested

There is a book out (published in 2010) about Frank Lenz, a Pittsburgh
cyclist who attempted to ride around the world in 1892 on "safety"
bicycle with inflatable tires, which had just been introduced. He
sent back notes and photographs as he traveled. Lenz headed west and
made it as far as Turkey before disappearing in 1894. Another
American cyclist, William Sachtleben, who had already been around the
world in the other direction, went to Turkey to investigate what had
happened.

Starting in the 1880s, Lenz was a member of the Allegheny Cycle Club.
He raced in and around Pittsburgh and toured thousands of miles on an
"ordinary" high-wheel bicycle on some of the same roads we ride on.

The book seems to be based on diaries these cyclists kept on their
various trips, as well as newspaper articles. It provides details and
photographs that I find curious and surprising. (I'm only half way
done reading the book; the writing style is just so-so passable but
the story holds its own so far IMHO.)

The book is on Amazon at
http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Cyclist-Adventurer-Mysterious-Disappearance/dp/0547195575

(There are also soft cover and iPad versions.)

There is a Wikipedia entry on Frank Lenz at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Lenz_(cyclist)

Monday, July 25, 2011

A+ Schools meeting about Pittsburgh Public Schools budget stuff

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC)
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Elizabeth Seton Center
1900 Pioneer Avenue, 15226
Brookline



Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Northview Heights Citizen's Council
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Northview Heights Gymnasium
525 Mount Pleasant Road, 15214
Northview Heights

Sunday, July 17, 2011

water polo at Summer Dreamers

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Friday, July 15, 2011

Julian Heicklen, now a candidate in New Jersey

From: Julian P Heicklen
PROGRESS REPORT OF JULY 14, 2011

Hi Tyranny Fighters: a mini progress report

I am the Libertarian Party candidate for the NJ Assembly in the 37th District.

I was distributing campaign pamphlets at the corner of Main and Salem
Streets in Hackensack, NJ on Friday, July 8, 2011 during the noon
hour.  A police officer walked by and told me that I had to inform
police headquarters in order to do that.  He continued on his way.  I
ignored his request and continued distributing pamphlets. Apparently
no public official understands the U. S. Constitution.

Mark Schmidter, who was arrested for defying Judge Belvin Perry's
order against distributing literature at the Orange County Courthouse
in Orlando, FL, has his trial date set for July 26, 2011.  I encourage
those of you in the Orlando area to attend his trial and show your
support.  As far as I know Keith McHenry and John Kurtz are still in
jail serving their sentences for distributing food and taking pictures
of police, respectively.

I wish to hold a protest demonstration with as many people as possible
from Thursday, August 18–Monday, August 22, 2011.  My tentative
suggested schedule of events is:
Thursday, August 18, 5:00–7:00 pm: Distribute food to the poor with
"Food not Bombs" people.

Thursday night, August 18: Sleep out in Lake Eola Park

Friday, August 19, 7:30–9:00 am and 11:30 am–1:30 pm: I will
distribute fully informed jury literature at the Orange County
Courthouse.  Others are welcome to join me, but be prepared to be
arrested.

Friday, August 19, 8:00–11:00 pm: Take pictures of police in downtown Orlando

Friday  night, August 19: Sleep out in Lake Eola Park

Saturday, August 20, noon–3:00: parade in downtown Orlando (or maybe
at Disneyland) with signs and banners

Saturday, August 20, 8:00–11:00 pm: Take pictures of police in downtown Orlando

Saturday night, August 20: Sleep out in Lake Eola Park

Sunday, August 21, 10:00 am–noon: Non-denominational prayers for the
people of Orlando to gain an understanding of freedom

Sunday, August 21, noon to dusk: Picnic in Eola Park

Sunday night, August 21: Sleep out in Lake Eola Park

Monday, August 22, 7:30–9:00 am and 11:30 am–1:30 pm: I will
distribute fully informed jury literature at the Orange County
Courthouse.  Others are welcome to join me, but be prepared to be
arrested.

Monday, August 22, 5:00–7:00 pm: Distribute food to the poor with
"Food not Bombs" people.

This is just a suggested program.  Your input and ideas are welcome.
It might be good idea to have a few speakers for the occasion.  I
think that Mark Schmidter, John Kurtz, and Keith McHenry would be
appropriate choices.  You may suggest others.

In order to have a successful event, we will need the cooperation and
help of the Orlando area Tyranny Fighters and other groups.  I hope
that each of you will not only suggest ideas, but offer your
assistance in whatever way you feel appropriate.

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS ETERNAL VIGILANCE

THE PRICE OF JUSTICE IS ETERNAL PUBLICITY

Yours in freedom and justice—Julian

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Computer Art Contest -- Something to do this summer, and you can win!

Looking for something creative to do this summer? Enter this art contest kids. You might win a new laptop for your efforts.
Worldlabel.com has put together and sponsored a contest around my
open source drawing program, "Tux Paint". It's open to kids around the
world, ages 3 to 12. There will be 10 winners, and the top 3 will receive
an OLPC XO-1 laptop!

For more, see my show press release at Tux Paint's website:

http://www.tuxpaint.org/latest/worldlabel.com-tuxpaint-kids-summer-drawing-contest-2011.php3

And for the official announcements and rules, go to the source:
http://blog.worldlabel.com/2011/tux-paint-kids-summer-drawing-contest.html

The contest is open through Sept. 12, 2011.

Friday, July 08, 2011

No Needle News

------Original Message------
From: SI com Alerts
To: mark@rauterkus.com
ReplyTo: cnnalerts@cnn.com
Subject: 2004 Athens Summer Games News
Sent: Jul 8, 2011 5:34 PM



Alert Name: 2004 Athens Summer Games News

IOC adopts "no needle" policy for 2012 Olympic Games in London
07/08/11 03:26 PM, EDT
DURBAN, South Africa (AP) -- The IOC will enforce a "no needle" policy for the 2012 London Olympics that bars athletes from possessing syringes and other medical equipment that could be used for doping.
Read the full story at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/more/07/08/IOC-adopts-no-needles-policy.ap/index.html

______________________________________________________________________

Receiving too many alerts?
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http://audience.cnn.com/services/si/alerts/manageAlerts.jsp?source=si

______________________________________________________________________

2011 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
A Time Warner Company.
All Rights Reserved.


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Thursday, July 07, 2011

Fw: Last Chance for the Moon Park Fiddle and Rock Violin Workshop

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®


From: Steven Vance <stevenvance@stevenvance.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2011 12:25:03 -0400
To: Steven Vance<stevenvance@strollingviolins.com>
Subject: Last Chance for the Moon Park Fiddle and Rock Violin Workshop

Dates:  Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Robin Hill Center, 949 Thorn Run Road
Instructor: Steven Vance
Ages: 10-18  
Fees: $25.00/Residents, $30.00/Non-Residents
Moon Parks and Recreation is proud to present a new camp for 2011.  This camp will introduce you to Fiddle styles by teaching shuffle bowing, double stopping and 1-2 tunes you can go home and play that night! It will also feature rock classic tunes with Yamaha Electric Violins, Viola and Cello plus sound effects and looping station.  Experience is required - must be playing their instrument for 2 years.  This is a great opportunity to learn from one the areas top musicians !

No online registration now.  Call Moon Parks at 412-262-1703 

If you can't make this one we will be doing another one on Monday August 1 from 1-4 PM.  Same details.

Hope to see you there.


Steven Vance
Executive Director
Extreme Strings Academy
2549 Penn Ave 
PIttsburgh  PA  15222

Yamaha Certified String Educator

Certified Teacher of the Mark O'Connor American Violin Method 




Big Loss for Big Media

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From: "Craig Aaron, FreePress.net" <info@freepress.net>
Date: Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:52:41 +0000
To: Mark Rauterkus<mark@rauterkus.com>
ReplyTo: info@freepress.net
Subject: Big Loss for Big Media

Free Press Action Fund

Dear Mark,

We won!

Today, in a sweeping victory for communities across the country, a federal appeals court overturned the Federal Communications Commission’s attempt to weaken media ownership rules.

Had these rules gone into effect, it would have unleashed a new wave of media consolidation across the country.

In 2007, the FCC ignored letters and calls from millions of Americans and tried to rewrite its media ownership rules to let companies own both newspapers and TV or radio stations in the same town. This change would have opened the floodgates to new media mergers, leading to even more layoffs in newsrooms while thinning out diverse perspectives from local news.

We sued the FCC for ignoring the public outcry. Today, we won. The court tossed out the FCC's flawed rules, but also upheld all other media consolidation restrictions and told the FCC it needed to do better to support and foster diverse voices in the media – all crucial decisions for our fight to build better media.

This isn’t just our victory – it’s your victory, too.

The court pointed to public comments from people like you as deciding factor in overturning the FCC’s attempt to change its rules. Today it’s clear: Your voice and actions make a huge difference.

This court decision should send a wake-up call to the FCC: It must listen to the public and stand up against media consolidation in all its forms.

But the fight doesn’t end here. Right now around the country, local stations are using loopholes and backroom deals to get around media ownership rules and consolidate their coverage of local news. This court case makes clear that the FCC needs to strengthen their rules and address this growing epidemic as well. Click here to tell the FCC to stop this covert media consolidation.

Today’s victory is a big moment for the movement to build better media. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Onward,

Craig Aaron
President & CEO
Free Press

P.S. – We need your help sustaining our efforts. In court, at the FCC and in Congress we’re up against huge companies with lots of money and lawyers. We don't take money from government, political parties or businesses – so we depend on you. Help us fight the next media ownership fight. Please donate today.

P.P.S. – Read more about the details and background of today’s big decision.

Free Press Action Fund is a national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Learn more at www.freepress.net

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Fw: CITY SEEKS COMMUNITY'S SUPPORT IN FINALIZING WAR MONUMENT INVENTORY

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®


From: "Hanna, Dolores" <Dolores.Hanna@city.pittsburgh.pa.us>
Date: Wed, 6 Jul 2011 11:57:27 -0400
To: Hanna, Dolores<Dolores.Hanna@city.pittsburgh.pa.us>
Subject: FW: CITY SEEKS COMMUNITY'S SUPPORT IN FINALIZING WAR MONUMENT INVENTORY

FYI  

 

 

From: Office of the Mayor - PRESS RELEASE [mailto:noreply@pittsburghpa.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2011 11:36 AM
To: Subscribers
Subject: CITY SEEKS COMMUNITY'S SUPPORT IN FINALIZING WAR MONUMENT INVENTORY

 

 

Office of the Mayor - PRESS RELEASE

 

 

CITY SEEKS COMMUNITY'S SUPPORT IN FINALIZING WAR MONUMENT INVENTORY

Sent 07/06/2011 @ 11:36 am

 

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl today called on citizens to help complete the City's inventory of war monuments and memorials. In addition to the City’s current list of over 90 war monuments, the City's Department of Public Works and City Planning is coordinating the effort by asking community members to help in identifying other neighborhood memorials by complete a War Monument Identification form located at http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/warmonuments/.

War monuments could be objects such as a memorial, honor roll, artwork, or monument pertaining to any war or individuals who served in a war, including plaques, free-standing sculpture, and/or free-standing stone or bronze monuments.

The City is asking that residents please complete the online or paper form and return the form to the Public Art Manager by close of business, Thursday, September 1st, 2011, either by digital form, fax, email, or hardcopy.

Once information is received from the public, location and condition data will be integrated into a database to create the complete inventory.   Then, City staff will perform on-site condition evaluations of each piece and a professional conservator will provide a long-term maintenance plan for these pieces.

This Citywide project has been created and will be completed in collaboration with the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum, the Senator John Heinz History Center, the Northside Leadership Conference and the help of the Veterans and community organizations throughout the City.

For more information, please contact Morton Brown, Public Art Manager, at 412-255-8996 or morton.brown@city.pittsburgh.pa.us.

For more information and images of City-owned artworks and other demographic information by neighborhood, please visit www.pghsnap.com.

###

Contact:
Joanna Doven
Press Secretary
Office: 412-255-2694
Cell: 412-475-2387
Email

 

 

© 2011 City of Pittsburgh | Office of the Mayor | Facebook| Twitter
Having trouble seeing this message? Click here to view it in your browser.
If you would like to unsubscribe from PRESS RELEASE, please click here.

 

 

Call for safety boaters - 2011 Search for Monongy 1.2 & 2.4-Mile Open Water Swim

 
When: Saturday, July 9, 2011 9:00 AM
Where: Heinz Quay
North Shore Dr. & Art Rooney Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212



OK 'yackers, time to put your paddling skills to work! Our Meetup group is going support an endurance swimming event - the http://www.searchformonongy.com/ Search for Monongy 1.2 & 2.4-Mile Open Water Swim[/url]. It's put on by the U.S. Masters Swimmers (USMS) http://www.alleghenymountainmasters.org/ Mountain Masters chapter in Pittsburgh. The course runs between Heinz Field and the Clemente Bridge on the Allegheny River. Small craft boaters will be part of the safety crew, monitoring the swimmers, keeping them from going off-course and calling in help if one of them has a problem. No special skills or gear are required. All you need is your kayak, PFD, paddle, whistle, and basic paddling skills. We will meet at Heinz Quay, the same place as we launched last year for Paddle at the Point. Please arrive before 9:00 AM. This will give us time to stage our gear, and then meet with the safety coordinator for instructions. The first swimmers are off at 10:00. The last swimmers will be off the water by 12:30.

We're meeting at Heinz Quay (the ramp in front of Heinz Field, where the Gateway Clippers land on game days) . We will drop off our boats and gear at the curb, next to the Fred Rogers Memorial (same place we put in for Paddle at the Point last year), and then carry our kayaks down the grassy slope or steps to the river's edge, and then past the Fred Rogers Memorial to the launch. Someone will be there to watch your gear and help transport it.  On-street parking will be available.

By the way, what is "Monongy"? Legend has it that Monongy, the man-fish lives in the river. There are records that go as far back as the French and Indian War that describe encounters between British soldiers and strange aquatic creatures. The local Indian tribes referred to this creature as "Monongy". There was even a Monongy craze in the early 1930's through the late 1950's. Sightings occurred on a weekly basis and the police department created a task force whose sole purpose was to investigate sightings of the creature. No evidence was ever produced to lend credence to the claims until May 12, 2003 when a privately owned fishing vessel was the first to take photos of the creature. The photos were available on line for a short time until they were inexplicably taken down. Speculation persists that the government has procured the photographs and are covering up the existence of Monongy. Crypto zoologists from around the world still frequent the Monongahela every year to catch a glimpse of the elusive water beast.

This Meetup listing will be updated as more details come available. I hope our group has a good turnout. Last year, we had a great time, and the swimmers greatly appreciated our help.  Hope to see many of you there!
Check it out!

Sunday, July 03, 2011

Two of the top stories of the year in high school sports ...

10. City League memories: Schenley, one of the most storied basketball programs in Western Pennsylvania history, plays its final game, as the City League school will no longer exist. Peabody, which used to have a tremendous baseball program, is another City school that closes its doors after the school year.

11. No more City League? The City League considers a plan to possibly join the WPIAL in a few years. But financial problems in Pittsburgh Public Schools put the plan on hold for the foreseeable future.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Fwd: [ACA Google Group] Protocol when crashes occur at the track

Chris posted:

To: acaracing@googlegroups.com


I'm sorry to report that there were two crashes at the oval last
night. While I wasn't there first-hand, I understand the officials did
an excellent job of maintaining calm and tending to the injured
personnel.

I'd like to remind all of our members that when a crash occurs, please
keep the following in mind:
If you're anywhere near the crash, please don't turn your head, slow
or change your line. Just keep moving forward and get away from the
accident as soon as possible.
If you're down, stay down. The officials will do their best to clear
the track or stop the race if necessary. Do not attempt to get off the
track for the sake of the race. No race placement or finish is more
important than rider safety.
If you're tending to an injured rider, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOVE THE
RIDER off the track. Riders should only be moved after it's deemed
safe. The officials or marshals are there to take measures to keep the
riders from any injured parties. Again, no race placement or finish is
more important than the safety of a rider.
The race officials are in charge. Regardless of your experience or
medical background, the race officials are the most qualified to
command the situation. If you think you can help, please work under
the guidance of the race officials to determine how you can help. DO
NOT take it upon yourself to take control. You will only add confusion
and disruption to the race officials responsibilities. Your help, I'm
sure, will be appreciated but too many people attempting to take
charge will cause more harm than good.
If a crash has occurred behind you and you come back around to the
accident, please slow or stop to avoid the riders. It's ridiculous to
think about a race finish when a crash occurs. I can assure you it's
easy to restart the race if necessary.
And lastly, it's very strange to have so many crashes this far into
the season. I believe we've had four or five now in the last few
weeks. Please remember that personal responsibility is critical to
safe racing. Riders jumping out of line, intentionally blocking,
riding outside of their capacities or not maintaining their equipment
can cause accidents. It's understood that bicycle racing is an
inherently dangerous sport. However, some accidents can be easily
avoided by using common sense.

Thank you and let's hope we don't have any more accidents through the
end of the year. The summer picnic is only two weeks away and we
should be celebrating the sport we love.

Chris Popovic
2011 ACA President
chrispopovic@gmail.com
412-259-3737

--
--
Ta.


Mark Rauterkus Mark.Rauterkus@gmail.com
http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com
http://FixPA.wikia.com
http://CLOH.wikia.com
412 298 3432 = cell

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Libertarians say Obama's Afghanistan policy is a failure

Posted by: "Peace And Prosperity Partners" peaceandprosperitypartners@yahoo.com  

WASHINGTON - Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle responded to President Obama's June 22, 2011, speech with the following comments::

"President Obama's speech was disappointing, but not surprising. The withdrawals he announced are painfully inadequate. Obama's withdrawals, even if they are carried out as he described, will still leave about 70,000 American troops in Afghanistan, probably for years to come. The president is commander-in-chief of the military. He has the power to end the war now, and withdraw all American troops, and that's what he should do."

The U.S. has no business fighting a war in Afghanistan. Nearly three years ago, our Libertarian National Committee adopted a resolution ( http://www.lp.org/military- withdrawal- resolutions ) calling for the withdrawal of our armed forces from Afghanistan. We are saddened and angry that there are now more troops there than ever."

Obama talked about 'ending the war responsibly. ' I think the word 'responsibly' is a weaselly escape hatch in case Obama doesn't want to withdraw more troops later. He will just say, 'That would be irresponsible -- I need to keep the war going strong.'

"This war causes the Afghan people to justifiably feel a greater hatred toward America. It makes American taxpayers poorer. And it emboldens other would-be aggressors, who can point to American intervention in Afghanistan whenever they feel like doing the same elsewhere."

There are two big winners from the continuation of this war: Our military-industrial complex, which seems to have the president in its back pocket, and the Afghan government, which continues to enjoy tremendous benefits at the expense of the American taxpayer.

If anything, Republican reactions to the president's speech were even more ridiculous than the speech itself. Republican Senator John McCain fretted that this withdrawal was not 'modest' enough. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, feeling the need to criticize Obama despite the fact that they basically agree on everything, complained of an 'arbitrary timetable.' Republican House Speaker John Boehner worried about losing our 'gains' in Afghanistan. All these comments show an inability to comprehend an intelligent, modest foreign policy, as well as a serious lack of respect for American taxpayers.

The Libertarian Party platform includes the following:

International Affairs American foreign policy should seek an America at peace with the world. Our foreign policy should emphasize defense against attack from abroad and enhance the likelihood of peace by avoiding foreign entanglements. We would end the current U.S. government policy of foreign intervention, including military and economic aid. We recognize the right of all people to resist tyranny and defend themselves and their rights. We condemn the use of force, and especially the use of terrorism, against the innocent, regardless of whether such acts are committed by governments or by political or revolutionary groups.
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