Young Wan (not from Waterford but from Dublin) makes it big!

Madd Finn

President Obama is to appoint flame-haired colleen Samantha Power, originally from Waterford, as the new US Ambassador to the United Nations.

She is a respected academic and Pulitzer Prize winning author, on the strength of her book A Problem from Hell- America in the age of Genocide, which discusses major murderous international crises from the 1990s including Rwanda and Bosnia.

Doubtless many in Ireland will be happy for her but one constituency that will not be best pleased is the Zionist lobby in the US. They regard Power as an anti-semite and Israel hater, largely on the basis of an answer she once gave on TV to a hypothetical question on what should be US policy if genocide threatened in the Middle East. She said that America should support, with military backup, the existence of an independent Palestinian state even if it angered a "prominent domestic constituency", which the more paranoid supporters of Israel took to mean a US military invasion of what they like to call "Judea and Samaria".

Some outraged pro-Israel bloggers have already taken to the Twittersphere . It's only going to get more apoplectic.

Interestingly enough the only other country previously to be represented in the UN by an Irish born diplomat was Israel, whose future president Chaim Herzog, who grew up on Dublin's South Circular Road, was that country's UN ambassador in the 1970s.

I'm going to enjoy this!

InTheTrees

Waterford? I just watched her speaking on the TV and she said how she arrived in the USA with a "strong Dublin brogue"?

I was surprised because she sounds 100% american now. Not a hint of Ireland.

Still I'm very proud anyway even if she isnt from Dublin...

Apparently the Republicans are going to go after her Hard. Its not going to be an easy nomination process at all.

Amerika

Hmmm... Obama's US world apology tour -- version 2.0?

Manach

Dublin alright - as per wikipedia.

bumper234

Madd Finn wrote: »

President Obama is to appoint flame-haired colleen Samantha Power, originally from Waterford, as the new US Ambassador to the United Nations.

She is a respected academic and Pulitzer Prize winning author, on the strength of her book A Problem from Hell- America in the age of Genocide, which discusses major murderous international crises from the 1990s including Rwanda and Bosnia.

Doubtless many in Ireland will be happy for her but one constituency that will not be best pleased is the Zionist lobby in the US. They regard Power as an anti-semite and Israel hater, largely on the basis of an answer she once gave on TV to a hypothetical question on what should be US policy if genocide threatened in the Middle East. She said that America should support, with military backup, the existence of an independent Palestinian state even if it angered a "prominent domestic constituency", which the more paranoid supporters of Israel took to mean a US military invasion of what they like to call "Judea and Samaria".

Some outraged pro-Israel bloggers have already taken to the Twittersphere . It's only going to get more apoplectic.

Interestingly enough the only other country previously to be represented in the UN by an Irish born diplomat was Israel, whose future president Chaim Herzog, who grew up on Dublin's South Circular Road, was that country's UN ambassador in the 1970s.

I'm going to enjoy this!

WHAT??????
Cheeky fookers trying to steal or talent...She's a DUB!!!!!

Samantha Power
Director for Multilateral Affairs
Samantha Power is an Irish American academic and writer, and, following an appointment by President Barack Obama on June 5, 2013, the designate to be the 28th United States Ambassador to the United Nations. Wikipedia
Born: September 21, 1970 (age 42), Castleknock, Ireland
Spouse: Cass Sunstein (m. 2008)
Children: Declan Sunstein
Books: "A Problem from Hell": America and the Age of Genocide, More
Movies and TV shows: A Prince Among Men, Rush to War
Education: Harvard Law School (1999), Yale University, Harvard


i ask NAY....DEMAND!!!! that the mods change the scurrilous title of this thread to something more appropriate. I suggest Yet another fine Dublin woman makes it big....suck it culchies:D

MidlandsM

she's not from waterford, at all....

Madd Finn

Sorry. I seem to remember some connection with Waterford when profiles about her appeared in the Irish papers when she started to become well known a few years ago.

Did she grow up there? Or perhaps just get married there? Maybe some Dessies can cast some light on this.

Anyway. The howls from the dark side of American politics have started already. Keep 'em coming.

Amerika

Madd Finn wrote: »

Anyway. The howls from the dark side of American politics have started already. Keep 'em coming.

The "dark side" asks of you, in a non-howling manner... What qualfies her for the top postion of US Ambassador to the UN?

Madd Finn

Amerika wrote: »

The "dark side" asks of you, in a non-howling manner... What qualfies her for the top postion of US Ambassador to the UN?

I don't think its her "qualifications" or lack of them that upset the righteously apoplectic. And what are the "qualifications" for such a post anyway? Is there some certificate you have to take?

What "qualifications" other than a dangerously self-righteous paranoia did that idiot John Bolton, to name but one, ever have for the post?

Amerika

Madd Finn wrote: »

I don't think its her "qualifications" or lack of them that upset the righteously apoplectic. And what are the "qualifications" for such a post anyway? Is there some certificate you have to take?

So I take it she has none?

What "qualifications" other than a dangerously self-righteous paranoia did that idiot John Bolton, to name but one, ever have for the post?

Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, 2001-2005; Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs, 1989-93, Department of State. Good enough?

old hippy

She's a dub and for a few years in the 70s I went to school with her. I always wondered what happened to her

Madd Finn

Amerika wrote: »

So I take it she has none?

Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs, 1989-93, Department of State. Good enough?

ROFLMAO. That sounds like Jim Hacker's job from Yes Minister, before he became Prime Minister. And I think it was meant to be so obtuse as to raise a laugh.

So Ms Power (or Mrs Susstein if you like) has been a national security advisor, a student of international affairs and an award winning author on a related topic. For a job like "Ambassador to the United Nations" where her role will be to identify America's interests on the issues that arise on a day to day basis and to advocate America's position, as laid down by the administration, she seems eminently qualified. In as much as there is a qualification for such a role.

Assistant secretary of International organization affairs????? As a great American of yesteryear might say "You CANNOT be serious, maaan!!!" :eek: :eek: :eek:

Furthermore, I think it is an inherent part of an ambassador's role to project a positive and respetable image of their country to the international community. America has not always done that well. Some of its diplomats have come across as supercilious, paranoid, xenophobic, resentful small-minded lightweights who project an image of a dangerous and unlikeable people (I'm thinking in particular of guys like Bolton, Bremer and that guy described as a "retired US diplomat" who lived in Ireland and was frequently on TV during the Iraq war harranguing the Irish in general for being Anti-American and Anti Semitic. I think his name was George Dempsey)

But what's not to like about a leggy Irish red head?

Still, I'm sure the neocon nitwits will find something.

Amerika

A student of international affairs, author… that counts for diddly squat, as we say over here. And you sure about national security advisor? That’s the job he’s giving to Susan Rice (who coincidentally has the weakest credentials of any national security advisor in the history of the office)… the other half of Obama’s “Politics First, Foreign Policy Last” scheme. I do know Power was a human rights adviser (part of the The U.S. Department of Blame America First) for Obama, which is as slim pickings as you can get to argue for the vaulted post. She has basically zero qualifications to serve as our ambassador to the UN, unless being a left wing militant who has never show any interest in defending America is all that’s now needed. Thank god the US constitution protects us, and trumps any damage she would commit us to.

But I will give you one point… John McCain thinks she would be fine for the job. And McCain thought Sarah Palin would make a fine VP and President if need be… therefore I guess I should hold judgement on Power for the time being.

bumper234

Kudos to the mods for doing the right thing and amending the thread title. Dublin gets too much bad press lately so we needed this to balance our karma or something

InTheTrees

Amerika wrote: »

So I take it she has none?

Why?

Why do you "take it she has none"?

Because someone on the internet doesnt answer your question?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samantha_Power

Amerika

InTheTrees wrote: »

Why?

Why do you "take it she has none"?

Because someone on the internet doesnt answer your question?

I think you know that comment was posted to the particular individual, and was based on the response to a question I had asked.

Regardless... No, I don’t think she is unqualified for the post because of that response. The job of US ambassador to the UN should be a job for someone keen in diplomacy, tact, and rules and procedures… not a zealot. Remember the Hillary Clinton is a monster comment, which forced her to resign? Remember the comment that we should attack Israel to create a Palestine state? Do you think those represent the hearts and minds of Americans?

Let’s face it… Obama’s pick is about power, not Power.

(and before the comment is made... although I liked Bolton, and think he was far more qualified than Power, I didn't think he was a good pick either for ambassador to the UN)

old hippy

Amerika wrote: »

I think you know that comment was posted to the particular individual, and was based on the response to a question I had asked.

Regardless... No, I don’t think she is unqualified for the post because of that response. The job of US ambassador to the UN should be a job for someone keen in diplomacy, tact, and rules and procedures… not a zealot. Remember the Hillary Clinton is a monster comment, which forced her to resign? Remember the comment that we should attack Israel to create a Palestine state? Do you think those represent the hearts and minds of Americans?

Let’s face it… Obama’s pick is about power, not Power.

Did she actually call on Israel to be attacked?

Amerika

old hippy wrote: »

Did she actually call on Israel to be attacked?

edit... Sorry, I should have noted that this is a clip of Samantha Power in a interview recommending that one option is for the US to put in a meaningful military presence into Israel in order to forcibly create a Palestine state.

old hippy

Amerika wrote: »

At no point in that clip does she call for Israel to be "attacked".

She comes across as balanced and sensible. Over to you.

Amerika

old hippy wrote: »

At no point in that clip does she call for Israel to be "attacked".

She comes across as balanced and sensible. Over to you.

Should we reclassify what we did in Iraq to us just putting in a meaningful millitary presence over there?

old hippy

Amerika wrote: »

Should we reclassify what we did in Iraq to us just putting in a meaningful millitary presence over there?

I have an American parent but I'm Irish so I don't recall "we" doing anything to Iraq.

As I said; at no point in that clip does she call for Israel to be "attacked".

There's no doubt that the US should be more friendly to the idea of a Palestinian state, though. The apartheid that operates in Israel cannot be justified.

Amerika

old hippy wrote: »

I have an American parent but I'm Irish so I don't recall "we" doing anything to Iraq.

I'm a US citizen - just like Power, and that's the "we" I was referring to. You really didn't think that was the case?

As I said; at no point in that clip does she call for Israel to be "attacked".

If we (America) sent in a meaningful military presence into England in order to forcibly establish a completely seperate state for Scotland, would they say... Oh thank god we aren't being attacked?

There's no doubt that the US should be more friendly to the idea of a Palestinian state, though. The apartheid that operates in Israel cannot be justified.

I'd say we disagree on that.

old hippy

Amerika wrote: »

I'm a US citizen, and that's the "we" I was referring to. You really didn't think that was the case?


If we (America) sent in a meaningful military presence into the England in order to establish a completely seperate state for Scotland, would they say... Oh thank god we aren't being attacked?


I'd say we disagree on that.

Scottish independence is an entirely different situation. As far as I'm aware, there is no apartheid or wall (bar Hadrian's) in place. There are no attacks on Glasgow (unlike Gazza) and white phosperous isn't used on Scottish people when they rile against the status quo.

Samantha Power knows the score and I welcome her appointment. I say this as an Irishman who's also "proud" of his American heritage

Black Swan

Amerika wrote: »

MOD REMINDER FROM THE CHARTER:

Dr Galen wrote: »

Posting a link to a video hosted elsewhere does not constitute discussion. Not everyone is able to watch videos, for technical or other reasons, and points raised on a video are almost impossible to refute. It's OK to link to a video, but it should be accompanied by a detailed summary of its contents and arguments, and you must be prepared to discuss it.

Amerika

old hippy wrote: »

Scottish independence is an entirely different situation. As far as I'm aware, there is no apartheid or wall (bar Hadrian's) in place. There are no attacks on Glasgow (unlike Gazza) and white phosperous isn't used on Scottish people when they rile against the status quo.

You're, as we say over here, "moving the goal posts" my friend. It would be considered an attack, wouldn't it?

Madd Finn

old hippy wrote: »

Did she actually call on Israel to be attacked?

No.

bumper234

Amerika wrote: »

I'm a US citizen - just like Power, and that's the "we" I was referring to. You really didn't think that was the case?


If we (America) sent in a meaningful military presence into England in order to forcibly establish a completely seperate state for Scotland, would they say... Oh thank god we aren't being attacked?


I'd say we disagree on that.

The difference here is that the people of Scotland are being given the choice via a referendum as to whether they wish to separate and become an independant state. The Palestinian people are not being given that chance.

If a Scottish person wishes to leave the country they can, If a pregnant Scottish woman wished to cross the border into the UK to get medical treatment she would not be held at the crossing for hours by armed soldiers for hours on end in pain while the soldiers decide if she is worthy.

Amerika

bumper234 wrote: »

The difference here is that the people of Scotland are being given the choice via a referendum as to whether they wish to separate and become an independant state. The Palestinian people are not being given that chance.

If a Scottish person wishes to leave the country they can, If a pregnant Scottish woman wished to cross the border into the UK to get medical treatment she would not be held at the crossing for hours by armed soldiers for hours on end in pain while the soldiers decide if she is worthy.

Ahhh, I see. So 15th Ocotber 1938 was just a liberation mission and not an attack.

bumper234

Amerika wrote: »

Ahhh, I see. So 15th Ocotber 1938 was just a liberation mission and not an attack.

Ok not sure where you are going with this? Something happened 74 years ago and?????? Be more specific...which invasion are you talking about? What has this to do with the systematic apartheid that is forced upon the Palestinian people?

old hippy

Amerika wrote: »

You're, as we say over here, "moving the goal posts" my friend. It would be considered an attack, wouldn't it?

You are basing your opposition to this fine, fwd thinking politician on the lie that she said Israel should be attacked. And you "moved the goal posts" by bringing in Scotland in the first place :rolleyes:, ffs.

vicwatson

Jaysus there are people from outside Waterford called Power y'know !!!! ;-)

Amerika

bumper234 wrote: »

Ok not sure where you are going with this? Something happened 74 years ago and?????? Be more specific...which invasion are you talking about? What has this to do with the systematic apartheid that is forced upon the Palestinian people?

That is when German troops marched into (some would say attacked) the Sudetenland in order to liberate the overly oppressed German speaking inhabitants of Czechoslovakia, with the consecration of the international community. I think it is a pretty good parallel to what we are debating.

(And tomorrow when I again get a chance to chat with Wild Bill Guarnere at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s World War II Weekend, I can’t wait to tell him modern thinking now contends that everything he went through all started because of some little misunderstanding. Knowing Bill, somehow I don’t think his response will be very family friendly. )

bumper234

Amerika wrote: »

That is when American troops marched into (some would say attacked) IRAQ in order to liberate the overly oppressed IRAQI speaking inhabitants of IRAQ, with the consecration of the international community. I think it is a pretty good parallel to what we are debating.

DUCWIDT?

Amerika wrote: »

(And tomorrow when I again get a chance to chat with Wild Bill Guarnere at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum’s World War II Weekend, I can’t wait to tell him modern thinking now contends that everything he went through all started because of some little misunderstanding. Knowing Bill, somehow I don’t think his response will be very family friendly. )

My great grandfather fought in WW1 and got mustard gas on the lungs. He then went on to fight in WW2 and lost both legs to a mine My Grandfather also fought in WW2 and was wounded twice so please don't come the whole vets will be so upset routine. This is all about you wrongly accusing her by saying "Remember the comment that we should attack Israel to create a Palestine state? Do you think those represent the hearts and minds of Americans?". and then you went off on a tangent stating that an invasion of Scotland blah blah blah.

vicwatson

They said on RTE last night that she has been quoted as saying she spent hours and hours in front of the mirror trying to get rid of her Irish Accent when she moved to Amerikay !

Nice woman.

Amerika

bumper234 wrote: »

DUCWIDT?

Yup... you described an attack.

bumper234

Amerika wrote: »

Yup... you described an attack.

Yup,

Not a hypothetical one like yours either;)

Amerika

bumper234 wrote: »

Yup,

Not a hypothetical one like yours either;)

German troops marching into the Sudetenland is hypothetical? Ya’ll must have some interesting history books over there. :pac:

bumper234

Amerika wrote: »

German troops marching into the Sudetenland is hypothetical? Ya’ll must have some interesting history books over there. :pac:

Over where? And i was referring to your silly hypothetical attack of Scotland. Please try to keep up:rolleyes:

old hippy

vicwatson wrote: »

They said on RTE last night that she has been quoted as saying she spent hours and hours in front of the mirror trying to get rid of her Irish Accent when she moved to Amerikay !

Nice woman.

She was aged 9 years old. At the same time, I was still getting flack for having a mild American accent.

Brown Bomber

Amerika wrote: »

The "dark side" asks of you, in a non-howling manner... What qualfies her for the top postion of US Ambassador to the UN?

"rinky-dink do-gooder stuff,"

That is until she wanted a piece of the action and pushed for bombing Libya. She has blood on her hands. I personally feel no pride in sharing a birthplace with her; only mild shame

Overheal

Amerika wrote: »

The "dark side" asks of you, in a non-howling manner... What qualfies her for the top postion of US Ambassador to the UN?

She's Irish, the Irish race is ambassadorial to the frickin' world. You can't cross 2 borders these days without tripping over a Pat.

yara

InTheTrees wrote: »

Still I'm very proud anyway even if she isnt from Dublin...

what are you proud of exactly? that an irish born bint could now be the one spying on all un officials or the likes???

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spying_on_United_Nations_leaders_by_United_States_diplomats

your pride would be wiser given to more worthy people

bumper234

Amazing how so many have expressed shock that a US government official may be partially responsible for killing terrorists/innocents/non combatants and also could potentially be party to maybe spying on other UN people. They have been doing it to their own citizens for years now so why be shocked if they are doing it to everyone else.

PS she was born in Dublin but moved to the states at a very young so is for all intents and purpose American.

old hippy

yara wrote: »

what are you proud of exactly? that an irish born bint could now be the one spying on all un officials or the likes???

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spying_on_United_Nations_leaders_by_United_States_diplomats

your pride would be wiser given to more worthy people

Such hatred

yara

old hippy wrote: »

Such hatred

well she'd have to be to get where she is today, no more than that dude with the Roscommon connections that was being put in as head of CIA after the last guy got thrown out of the loop

they're all a pack of bastards on the obama administration end of!!

and don't get me started about susan rice!!

old hippy

yara wrote: »

well she'd have to be to get where she is today, no more than that dude with the Roscommon connections that was being put in as head of CIA after the last guy got thrown out of the loop

they're all a pack of bastards on the obama administration end of!!

and don't get me started about susan rice!!

Insightful stuff.

theUbiq

old hippy wrote: »

Insightful stuff.

No insight is required to see they are.

clairefontaine

Isn't this the same woman who called Hillary Clinton a monster?

Amerika

clairefontaine wrote: »

Isn't this the same woman who called Hillary Clinton a monster?

Yup (I guess Power does have some redeeming qualities ). And she had to resign from the Obama campaign because of it.

The Hill is reporting today that Democrats are now transitioning from B Obama to H Clinton in anticipation of the 2016 election. Wonder if Hillary will campaign on platform that “she’s not Obama?” It worked for Obama regarding GW Bush. And if Hillary does get the top spot, I guess Power is only looking at about 3 years max in the job if confirmed... before being considered for the post of Ambassador to Libya that is. :eek:

old hippy

theUbiq wrote: »

No insight is required to see they are.

I'd rather them than the shower before. Democrats may not be everyone's cuppa but they have restored a lot of faith in the US that Bush and his cronies destroyed.

clairefontaine

old hippy wrote: »

I'd rather them than the shower before. Democrats may not be everyone's cuppa but they have restored a lot of faith in the US that Bush and his cronies destroyed.

Not on this side of the pond they haven't. Even the obamabots are fed up.