Lieberman Reviving Cold War dinosaur
Sealing his place as a solid conservative-Democrat (well out of touch with the vast majority of his party), Sen Joe Lieberman is involved directly in relaunching the Cold War-era
Committee on the Present Danger, a group of citizens of diverse political persuasions who will work to sustain and strengthen bipartisan support for the war on terrorism in Iraq and beyond.
The Committee on the Present Danger was first formed at the dawn of the Cold War in 1950 to "educate Americans about the growing threat of Soviet communism". Democratic senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson had revitalized the group in the mid-'70s; this time it was focused on working for a stronger stance toward the Soviets and the increased defense spending necessary to carry out that policy. Ken ("Iraq'll be a cakewalk") Adelman, Paul Wolfowitz (who was on Team B) and Neocon Richard Perle were among other members of CPD's last reincarnation.
Looking back at the Committee's history in the 70s, I am dismayed to see Neocon Michael Ledeen's direct activity. Israel had built up significant influence in the CPD in its last revitalization. Ledeen was the primary contact person who was connected with Oliver North and the Iran-Contra affair...and who
is a hawk on Iran today.
The CPD's rebirth allegedly took place at a gathering of 80-100 of Washington's leading neo-cons who gathered to discuss "Iraq and the War Against Terrorism." (sponsored by
Clifford May's group
FDD and funded largely by FOX New's commander-in-chief Rupert Murdoch).
Here's the message, basically. (American parents, please have a seat for this one). Here comes the draft. Uncle Sam will require the lives of many of your sons and daughters. The CPD's message will be (skipping over the niceties) "War, war, more war. Kill, kill, kill more Muslims. More more more terror attacks. More more more risk. More Homeland Security. Less safety."
Some say it should not be called a
Committee on the Present Danger and that it instead should be called the
Committee Committed to Blowing Up the World.
I am so very glad Al Gore helped marginalize Joe Lieberman early in the campaign season by endorsing Howard Dean instead. He let America know which candidate's direction he thought was appropriate for not only his party, but especially for our beloved nation.