Thomas Friedman - Politics

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The Department of Justice should not prosecute CIA officials who carried out Bush Administration interrogation methods. Obama got it about as right as one could when he decided to ban the use of torture, to release the Bush torture memos for public scrutiny, and to not prosecute the lawyers and interrogators who implemented the policy

Paying taxes is patriotic. "...at the same time, [Palin] declared that Americans who pay their fair share of taxes to support all those government-led endeavors should not be considered patriotic."

Israel should support the creation of a Palestinian state. the only stable solution is a two-state one

Israel should not build settlements in the West Bank. ...Israel’s disastrous and reckless West Bank settlements.

President Bush's federal tax cuts should not be made permanent. "get the government’s balance sheet in order"

Barack Obama should not offer Hillary Clinton the position of Secretary of State. When it comes to appointing a secretary of state, you do not want a team of rivals.

Georgia should not become a member of NATO. Using NATO as a tool against Russia was and is not sound policy

Financial Crisis was the most significant factor contributing to the Obama election victory. To be sure, it probably took a once-in-a-century economic crisis to get enough white people to vote for a black man.

Colin Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama will have a significant impact on the 2008 presidential election. That's a real affirmation that the country can trust Barack Obama as commander in chief.

The coalition forces' military action in Afghanistan has not been successful. "We are losing in Afghanistan...because there are not enough Afghans ready to fight and die for the kind of government we want.

Sarah Palin was not a good choice for John McCain's vice presidential candidate. Palin's environmental record tarnishes McCain's relatively "green" record

Changing the politics in the Middle East is an absolute justification for the invasion. Friedman Favored Changing Pathologies In That Part Of The World

The surge in military troops has made progress in Iraq. It has helped to stabilize Iraq and create a better chance there for political reconciliation.

The use of torture as an interrogation technique cannot be justified. "An America that presides over Abu Ghraib, torture and Guantánamo Bay deserves a thumbs-down"

Democracy is not advancing in the world. "oil is critical in blunting the democratic wave"

Congress should not suspend the gas and diesel tax from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2008. The idea is "so ridiculous, so unworthy of the people aspiring to lead our nation, it takes your breath away."

The U.S. government should implement a carbon tax. "My Preference And The Simplest Option - A Carbon Tax"

The U.S. should set a timetable to withdraw troops from Iraq. "It’s really time to set a deadline"

The Guantanamo detention center should be closed. "I will not vote for any candidate who is not committed to dismantling Gitmo"

The U.S. should promote democracy through military force. Friedman Supported War To Change Middle East Politics

The EU should accept Turkey as a new member. "So Important"

The North American Free Trade Agreement has been effective. NAFTA Has Spurred Modernization In Mexico

The invasion of Iraq has not been successful. "Democracy Is Not Emerging"

Based on the information available now, the invasion of Iraq was justified. "The Right Reason For This War Was Regime Change"

Based on the information available at the time of the invasion of Iraq, it was justified. Friedman Believed In Democratization

Iraq is engaged in a civil war. "We're Seeing Civil War In Iraq"

EVIDENCE: What should be the U.S. military strategy in Afghanistan? Maintain troop levels

EVIDENCE: Is Rush Limbaugh the most powerful person in the Republican Party? Yes

EVIDENCE: Were Rush Limbaugh's comments about "wanting President Obama to fail" appropriate? No

EVIDENCE: Should the U.S. store nuclear waste in Yucca Mountain, Nevada? Yes

EVIDENCE: Was Israel's use of military force in Lebanon effective? Yes

EVIDENCE: Was Israel's military action justified in the 2006 Lebanon War? Yes

UNKNOWN: Was Rahm Emanuel a good choice for Barack Obama's White House Chief of Staff?

UNKNOWN: Is Kirsten Gillibrand a good choice to replace Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate?

UNKNOWN: Should the U.S. negotiate with Iran directly?

UNKNOWN: What should be the U.S. military strategy in Afghanistan?

UNKNOWN: What is your view on gun control laws?

UNKNOWN: Is Sarah Palin qualified to be the President of the United States?

UNKNOWN: What parental involvement should be required in the abortion decision of a minor?

UNKNOWN: When should the government permit late term abortions?