Category: National

Much continues to be made of the Senate’s recent failure to pass a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Of course, it was a political diversion from more important stuff. And the rhetoric was predictably partisan; most of it grounded in raw, pandering expedience.

Having said that, it’s worth noting that:

*The Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution makes some ponder the possibility that what happens in Massachusetts won’t always stay in Massachusetts.

*The law of the land (prohibition, separate but equal, restricted voting rights) as we know, can be as protean as a Supreme Court composition and societal mutation. What happens if Congress’ Defense of Marriage Act is overturned?

*Massachusetts Republican Governor Mitt Romney’s quote on the subject still makes the most sense. “Marriage is not an ‘evolving paradigm,'” stated Romney. “It is deeply rooted in the history, culture and tradition of civil society. It predates our constitution and our nation by millennia. The institution of marriage was not created by government, and it should not be redefined by government.”

Alexander Radfar has a small retail carpet shop. But the bulk of his Oriental rug business is related services. He does appraisals, certifications and major repairs. He picks up; he drops off. He cleans – by hand. Very old school. No steam.

The steam he reserves for his other passion: Iran. The Tehran native came to the United States shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution to study art and escape a sectarian sinkhole.

“I didn’t like where the government was going,” he recalls. “I couldn’t live in that religious atmosphere.”

While his father was a Muslim (Turkish extraction) and his mother a Christian (Russian side), he gravitated toward neither. If anything, he loosely identifies with the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism. He also wears a mezuzah around his neck that shows an affinity for his best customers and friends, who are Jews.

Once here, he realized that not unlike Thomas Wolfe, he couldn’t go home again – at least not until the mullahs had returned to their mosques. His father told him to stay put in the U.S. He had served in the Iranian military, which was tantamount to being pro Shah.

“The government of Iran was not elected by the people,” Radfar says. “It’s a sad state of affairs. I wanted to show my anger.”

And he displayed it by getting involved in some anti-Iranian regime demonstrations in Tampa. His says his photo was taken by someone he didn’t trust.

He didn’t return for the funerals of his parents. The rest of his family is here.

Radfar, 55, loves his life in the United States as well as Tampa, where he has been for 26 years. He cherishes his American citizenship and proudly recites “Aug. 12, 1996” as the day he “became an American.” His English is excellent.

His take on today’s Iran is hard line.

“The Iranian people are good people,” he stresses. “They are friendly, warm people with a barbaric government that uses the bumper sticker of Islam. They are destroying that society in the name of Islam.”

He refers to Iran’s president, Mahmoud Amadinejad, as a “loose, wild dog that barks. And when it barks at night, it destroys the peace. And needs to be shut down. It’s no time for a ‘come here, puppy,’ approach.”

He says economic sanctions are not the answer. In fact, they would make Amadinejad “bark more,” contends Radfar. “The government has plenty of money and those with connections to the government can survive. They will kill to survive. I wouldn’t pressure him.”

Radfar, however, doesn’t like the military option either.

“If the U.S. were to send a million troops, Iran will have 10 million,” he says. “It is a power way stronger than Saddam. And then you would have (Supreme Leader Ali) Khamenei announcing a worldwide jihad against America.”

So what does that leave?

A way to “vanquish” Amadinejad and a change in metaphors. The Iranian government is a “fire ant nest,” Radfar says. “You don’t have to bomb the nest. You kill the queen.

“He travels a lot inside the country,” notes Radfar. “You hope for an ‘accident.'”

However the U.S.-Iran confrontation plays out, emphasizes Radfar, divided allegiances won’t be a factor.

“I am an American,” he underscores. “A real American. I would feel sorry for those people, but it wouldn’t turn me.”

Al Gore has spent a lot of time lately basking in the national – and international – limelight. Because of his catalytic role in the high-profile documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth,” he has been applauded and lauded for his consciousness-raising on behalf of global warming. Apparently he – and it – are pretty convincing.

Less credible, however, are his categorical denials of further interest in public office. As in re-upping for another presidential run in 2008.

“I have no interest in running for public office,” Gore recently told the New York Times. “I have run for office. I have run four national campaigns. I have found other ways to serve my country, and I am enjoying them.”

What Gore, 58, wants us to believe is that nothing is more important right now than devoting his energies into helping save the planet from itself. It’s a moral crusade.

He would also have us believe that — climactic Armageddon scenarios notwithstanding — he would absolutely preclude availing himself of the world’s best possible environmental forum with the most conceivable impact and leverage: the U.S. presidency.

What he told the Times is what the Times had to be told. Otherwise, Gore looks like the quintessential political opportunist who simply took his greenhouse slide show to the next level.

Look for Gore to undergo one more re-invention: Democratic deus ex machina. Waiting in the wings as the Democratic Party, sensing the presidency is theirs for the re-taking, looks longingly for the best “Anybody-But-Hillary” candidate as 2008 draws nigh. Which means the one who won the popular vote in 2000, who has spoken out against the war in Iraq and who has the ear of many in the international community could become lecturer-in-chief.

You can almost see Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean, the presidential candidate backed personally by Gore in 2004, sketching his Gore ’08 draft slogan. “Save the Planet, Save the Country, Save the Party.”

Possibly in that order.

Given President Bush’s track record in bringing democracy and stability to the Middle East and the Administration’s ever-eroding moral high ground, perhaps it’s time to think outside the sandbox. Talk to Iran.

Being backed into a face-saving, nationalistic corner is no safe place for an apocalyptic leader such as Mahmoud Amadinejad.

Kissinger talked to Le Duc Tho. Nixon spoke to Mao. Martin sat down with Lewis. Ali with Frazier. There’s precedent.

So, Osama bin Laden has weighed in again. Another poke in the eye. This time to say the United States can’t even convict the right person for 9/11 complicity.

Actually, it’s yet another excuse to derisively remind America that we have a better chance of finding Jimmy Hoffa than him.

For many Americans, it will never be possible to square the life sentence given convicted Sept. 11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui with the horrific happenings of that awful day. His vile, anti-American manner only magnified matters.

As it turned out, no chance of parole and 23 hours a day of solitary confinement will have to do.

There was, however, one capital punishment option apparently not considered. Life in prison – in the general population.

The “Star Spangled Banner” in Spanish? At least there’s bipartisan agreement on something. Even President George Bush and Sen. Ted Kennedy agree it’s not a good idea for this country’s national anthem. National identity isn’t trumped by the multi-culturalism card.

Frankly, “Nuestro Himno” sounds more like a Balkanization ballad — another refuge for the unassimilating – especially with self-serving, agenda-driven lyrics due out next month in a remix.

Imagine “La Marseillaise” or “Wilhelmus” in Arabic or “Das Lied der Deutschen” in Turkish? Surely, France, Holland and Germany can’t.

But, OK, nothing would be as unacceptable as Roseanne Barr’s English version of the national anthem. That really made us see red – instead of red, white and blue.

Now it’s the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Peter Pace, who has stepped forward in the ever-ratcheting debate over the track record and tenure of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. In honoring his code and defending his boss, Gen. Pace may have been more candid than he intended.

“People can question my judgment or his judgment,” conceded Pace. “But they should never question the dedication, patriotism and the work ethic of Secretary Rumsfeld.”

Precisely.

No one is denying that Rumsfeld is dedicated, patriotic, conscientious — and rhetorically quick on his feet. It’s all about highly questionable judgment – and accountability. When “liberation” kick starts looting – of arsenals and munitions dumps as well as museums — you know the game plan is flawed.

The U.S. State Department is considering sending every U.S. passport holder a “World Citizens Guide” in hopes that those for whom the “Ugly American” stereotype fits all too well will finally get it. As in, like it or not, you are an extension of a country that needs serious worldwide image help. Don’t make it easier for those too readily disposed to dislike us. And don’t, of course, make it harder on yourself. The Guide is actually the work of the non-profit Business for Diplomatic Action Inc.

Some tips:

*”Familiarize yourself with the local geography to avoid making insulting mistakes.” Have a map and read it.

*When in doubt, dress up. “In some countries, casual dress is a sign of disrespect.”

*Watch your language. “Even casual profanity is unacceptable.”

*Even if you’re a captain of industry, try not to act like it. “Talking about wealth, power or status – corporate or personal – can create resentment.”

*Pace yourself. “We talk fast, eat fast, move fast, live fast. Many cultures do not.”

*Listen up. “Ask people you’re visiting about themselves and their way of life.”

*Tone it down. “A loud voice is often perceived as bragging.”

*Restrain yourself about religion and politics. In many countries, religion is “not a subject for public discussion.” As for politics: “Steer clear

The signs have been more than manifest for more than a year: Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is running for president.

Rudy Giuliani, arguably, will never be conservative enough on social issues for primary-voting Republicans. John McCain, by virtue of his upcoming commencement address at Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University, has formally relinquished his maverick cache. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist has been on a year-long, self-imploding bender of cheap political opportunism – from Terri Schiavo to immigration. Condi Rice could out-demographic Hillary Clinton or Colin Powell – but she has that Iraqi albatross.

Romney, 59, is very much in the hunt.

He’s run an Olympics and a venture capital firm before taking over as governor of “Taxachusetts.” He has both business and law degrees from Harvard. He was valedictorian of his undergraduate class at Brigham Young University. He looks good; speaks well; exhibits a sense of humor. He has well-scrubbed, bright kids and a wife who is more Laura than Hillary or Teresa.

*As chairman – and previously vice chairman – of the Republican Governors Association, Romney has been out and about working for GOP candidates and maxing out on his national forum. Just last week he honored the request of Michigan Congressman Pete Hoekstra to speak on behalf of that state’s Republican gubernatorial candidate, Dick DeVos. It’s one of many markers he can call in for 2008.

*He’s increasingly disinclined to compromise on gay marriage. And increasingly inclined to talk about it. Last summer he told MSNBC’s Chris Mathews: “Marriage is not ‘an evolving paradigm.’ It is deeply rooted in the history, culture and tradition of civil society. It predates our Constitution and our nation by millennia. The institute of marriage was not created by government, and it should not be redefined by government.”

A lot of people agree, and they’re not all fundamentalist Republicans.

*He looked compassionately conservative when Massachusetts took in Katrina evacuees last August.

*He has taken on welfare overhaul in his state. And when your state is Massachusetts, that is noteworthy. It was a winning issue for Bill Clinton in 1992.

*His recent State of the Commonwealth speech was filled with bullet points that will make good hustings material. To wit:

-He can balance a budget and cut a tax.

-Massachusetts was ahead of the curve with its “Welcome Home Bill” that extended new benefits to returning soldiers.

-Massachusetts has “the most highly educated workforce in the country.” Its fourth and eight graders rank first in the country in English and Math skills. Romney is even pushing for mandatory parental preparation courses for those parents whose children are not succeeding.

-Massachusetts is now poised to provide private, market-based health insurance to all uninsured citizens.

*The health insurance issue – regardless of devil-in-the-details critics — and the subsequent Op-Ed piece he penned for the Wall Street Journal have upped his profile at a time when many other wannabes are mired in Washington’s political dreck.

*And speaking of the recently passed health-insurance bill, it was the reason why Romney was invited on “Hardball” last Tuesday. Host Chris Mathews, who can be combative, usually doesn’t fawn over his guests — but he did over Romney. “Congratulations, Governor,” gushed Mathews. “That sounds great. Sounds like something the country needs.” Sean Hannity couldn’t have treated Katherine Harris in a more ingratiating manner. Mathews may cringe, but we’ll see that exchange again.

*Romney’s web site speaks volumes about his likely appeal. For sale are the requisite “Mitt Romney For President ’08” mugs, T-shirts, bumper stickers, magnets, mouse pads, greeting cards, golf shirts, baseball jerseys, tote bags and toddler and pet T-shirts. And, of course, those family-values trucker hats.

Oh, and there’s also a “classic thong” ($12.99) for sale as well.

*Did we say he’s got the look?