Wednesday, July 02, 2008

McCain in Colombia

Let's see, McCain goes to Colombia of all places, to discuss free trade and support for the non-revolutionary government.

Then today we learn the Colombian military rescued 15 hostages held by FARC terrorists for six years, something they'd briefed the US on in advance. Was the Maverick a diversion, involved, or just a good luck charm?

MORE 7/2/08

Perhaps the rescue story will stifle this Huffpo hit piece. Confusing--unless I'm misreading this, the Democrats seem to be against free trade in that region, ie, in favor of a continuation of terrorist groups brokering the deals.

MORE 7/3/08

That was one awesome rescue operation. And nice touch with the Colombian troops fooling the FARC captors by wearing Che! shirts. Mention of those shirts brings to mind the campaign volunteers in Texas and their banner. While it's likely most of Obama's supporters are glad about this rescue outcome can that safely be said for all of them?

[ht Poli-yy]

MORE 7/3/08

Some must have been wondering what the big deal was about McCain being in South Carolina. Or Missouri. Or a host of other Columbia's. Sorry, brain fart--spelling corrected.

As to questioning the timing--still think it was strange. Accuse me of engaging in McCain Derangement Syndrome or being part of the lefty conspiracy galaxy if you like, but had Obama showed up down there and FARC released all the hostages as a some kind of good will gesture I'd be questioning the timing as well. It's hardly tinfoil hat territory when dealing with political campaigns.

But Buchanan's analysis makes sense--staging it would have required a payoff of FARC to ensure success. Any bloodshed or failure would have made McCain's presence look worse, much too high a risk for him to be taking for no reason. So I'm going with "good luck charm" as posed in the initial post. The important thing is that it worked, the good guys won, nobody got killed and it embarrassed a bunch of thugs while pointing out that McCain's on the right side of the issue.

4 comments:

Liz said...

It was no coincidence that McCain was in Columbia when the hostages were released. I'm sure Bush had something to do with this to make his buddy McCain be in the news also - look presidential. Bush knew this was going down and probably gave McCain a heads up - might want to go visit Columbia and talk about trade. Gee - and everyone was wondering why McCain went to Columbia instead of addressing the needs of our people in America?? Now we know don't we!

A.C. McCloud said...

Gee - and everyone was wondering why McCain went to Columbia instead of addressing the needs of our people in America?? Now we know don't we!

Liz, while I question the timing as well, McCain's trip was more about highlighting the Democrats' ridiculous opposition to free trade and democratic reform in South America than anything else. The voters can stand to have him gone for 3 days.

Barack is scheduled to go on a Middle Eastern visit soon, will that be a problem for you as well?

Anonymous said...

People please learn how to spell my country's name correctly its Colombia not Columbia!!! Thank you :)

A.C. McCloud said...

People please learn how to spell my country's name correctly its Colombia not Columbia!!! Thank you :)

So very sorry! My track record in spelling bees wasn't the best.. I will make the appropriate corrections post haste.