Iran Deal

Well, how the tables have turned. Obama's first year in office went from an Iran unwilling to negotiate to where Iran is making demands that we accept their nuclear proposals.

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/01/02/iran.nuclear/

Afghanistan Rejection

17 of 24 of Karzai's official appointments have been rejected by the Afghanistan parliament. Can anyone say illegitimate government?

The "Score" of January 2, 2010

Y.M.D
2010.1.2
Captured
Afghanistan (military): -
Civilian: -
U.S.A. (and allies): -
Enemy (Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Haqqini, ect.): 27+
Wounded
Afghanistan (military): -
Civilian: 6
U.S.A. (and allies): -
Enemy (Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Haqqini, ect.): -
Killed
Afghanistan (military): -
Civilian: 5
U.S.A. (and allies): -
Enemy (Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Haqqini, ect.): -

Detail:
Civilians:
6 killed and 5 wounded by IED.

2010 total:
Captured
Afghanistan (military): -
Civilian: -
U.S.A. (and allies): -
Enemy (Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Haqqini, ect.): 35+
Wounded
Afghanistan (military): -
Civilian: 6
U.S.A. (and allies): -
Enemy (Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Haqqini, ect.): 1
Killed:
Afghanistan (military):
Civilians: 10
U.S.A. (and allies): 2
Enemy (Taliban, Al-Qaeda, Haqqini, ect.): 1

+ is representing a possibly higher number as rounding to the lowest possible is done when specific numbers are not given. If any totals are incorrect please leave a link to relevent information correcting the totals in the comment section.

The Races - Dishonorable Dropout

Dawn Hill has dropped out of the race for governor to....run for state Senate. When you commit to a run for office follow through no matter the cost. You either run knowing you are the capable candidate or you don't. A candidate should never run for a position based on how easy it will be, but on the commitment they have to do the job right for the people who they represent.

When I ran for City Council in Bangor last year I knew the odds were bad. However I knew I was qualified and more capable than others running. I knew the surgery was coming but I had a commitment to uphold and I still gathered the signatures anyway. I cared about serving my city and had made promises to run and represent the people of Bangor with common sense. A promise from me is not a false whisper of desperation but a guarantee to see the job through to the end unless I no longer believe in the cause.

Yet knowing the odds for city council had someone proposed a guaranteed job in politics or an election where I had better odds I would have refused them. Not because I am stubborn but because I stand on principles. One of those principles is standing up for what I believe in. If I begin running for an office I believe I am qualified to serve I have chosen my stage and will not divert for a more glorious or easily gained position. Dawn Hill clearly does not hold such convictions.

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20100102-NEWS-1020327