The Dominican Reality
June 11, 2008
In the ABOUT THIS SITE section of TheCandidacy.com I use some pretty strong words to describe the geopolitical situation here in the Dominican Republic (where I have lived for 5 years and currently blog from). In particular, I mention “wide-spread political corruption, abysmal public education, environmental degradation, inadequate healthcare, and alarming crime rates”. I stand by those characterizations 100%. Not surprisingly, I have taken a little heat from some Dominican friends. So, let me now put those comments into perspective. Read more
Interview with an Iranian Blogger (Part IV of IV)
May 16, 2008
This is Part IV of IV of my conversation with fellow blogger, writer and journalist from Iran – Kourosh Ziabari. If you haven’t yet read the previous three posts you can start here. Comments and feed back are welcome. – RHM
RHM: Again, you mentioned that you are awaiting trial and punishment of the Danish cartoonists. Let me ask you again: What crime should they be charged with and what do you think would be an appropriate punishment? Read more
Interview with an Iranian Blogger (Part III of IV)
May 15, 2008
This is Part III of IV of my conversation with fellow blogger, writer and journalist from Iran – Kourosh Ziabari. Parts I and II of the interview are available for your review. Comments and feed back are welcome. - RHM Read more
Interview with an Iranian (Part II of IV)
May 14, 2008
This is Part II of IV of my conversation with fellow blogger, writer and journalist from Iran – Kourosh Ziabari. Comments and feed back are welcome. - RHM Read more
Interview with an Iranian (Part I of IV)
May 13, 2008
If you’re a regular reader of TheCandidacy.com you know that I’m an active critic of U.S. foreign policy, a subject center-stage in this year’s presidential contest. Near the top of the foreign policy issue list is Iran’s nuclear program. The next president will have to tackle this issue head-on. Recently, I bumped into a fellow blogger, writer and journalist from Iran – Kourosh Ziabari. Here’s part I of IV of our conversation about Iranian and U.S. politics and culture (don’t worry, there are follow-up questions). Big thanks to Kourosh for taking the time. I enjoyed our discussion. Comments and feedback are welcome. - RHM Read more
How to Improve Foreign Policy
April 28, 2008
As former President Jimmy Carter and Secretary of State Condi Rice continue to spar over Carter’s recent meetings with Hamas’ leaders in the Middle East, one thing is for sure – the U.S. needs radical change in its foreign policy.
Personally, I’m not a big fan of Carter. I remember the “national malaise” of which he so famously spoke, and waiting with my father in long, long gas lines. As a President, he was pretty much useless. However, I’m not so quick to condemn his overseas trips and apparent “snuggling” with those who wish to see our demise. On the contrary, he may actually make himself useful. Read more
Hugo Chavez is “The Mouth of the South”
April 8, 2008
If you asked the average American to name a Latin American leader most likely they would say Fidel Castro. Castro, the 81 year old leader of the 1959 Cuban Revolution is one of the most easily recognizable Latin American figures in history (in addition to Che Guevara). Besides Castro, I bet a decent percentage of those surveyed would respond with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Why? Put simply, when Chavez speaks the world listens (or at least the world media does). He is the undeniable “Mouth of the South” and Latin Americans seem just fine with that. Read more
Redefining the Role of the US Military (Part II of IV)
March 6, 2008
In part I, I outlined just how big our military is in terms of people and budget. In addition, I mentioned that the next few posts would outline a new policy with regard to deploying our courageous men and women who wear the uniform outside of the country. This post is in regard to our multiple overseas bases. Read more
Redefining the Role of the US Military (Part I of IV)
March 5, 2008
It is an undeniable fact that the U.S. has the most powerful military the world has ever seen. And it should be when you consider the resources we put into it. The U.S. spends about $500 billion per year (which is about 50% of total military expenditures around the world) on its military. As a result, many people make the mistake of assuming the military’s power comes from money and gadgets. It doesn’t. What makes our military the best in the world is its people and we should keep that in mind whenever we discuss its role. Read more
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