SUNDAY through THURSDAY, December 28, 2003 through January 1, 2004

HAPPY NEW YEAR

• 2003 was the year in which we were forced to establish a new relationship between America and the world, in our own defense and in defense of an ever-changing "coalition of the willing".  World-wide terrorism as the powerful, shadowy strategic policy of extra-national criminals forced that posture upon us: the Bush Doctrine of pre-emptive self-defense.  Anyone who says that our actions in Afganistan, in Iraq, with Libya, and in cooperation with the Far East powers regarding North Korea have not made the U.S. and its allies safer is either terminally stupid or is lying.   We are at war; and we will be at war for years to come.  Already, terrorists are attacking their own people and countries of origin - a sure sign of desperation and of a strategy that has lost throughout the centuries-old history of terrorism. (See "Lessons of Terror", by Caleb Carr).
• 2004 will be a year of critical decision-making for Americans.   The choices, both regarding domestic policy and regarding foreign policy, will not be more clear.  It is not that the Democrats have nothing to offer, or that the Republicans have gotten it all right. There is room for accomodation, if there is the will.  But simply railing against President Bush and continuing to question the validity of his Presidency are non-starters.  The Democrats must realize that: Americans will not sublimate our nationhood to some amorphous multi-national system; world trade is a necessity, but must be modified and made more fair before large sections of our work force are decimated; national defense trumps most other considerations; and some trees must be hugged...others must be cut down.  The Republicans must realize that: in dealing with other nations, the judicious use of both carrot and stick - and above all predictability over the long haul - are vital to effectiveness; "world trade" should not mean "world greed" writ large, and American multi-national businesses should be required to keep business decisions in context with established national policy; the perception, and generally the facts, of their environmental policies stink; and President Bush is the right man in the right place at the right time - and he must be supported and re-elected without equivocation.
• So, let us all hope and pray for a better year, a year with more peace and good will.  And let's get to work to make it happen.

THURSDAY through SATURDAY, December 25 through 27, 2003

Merry Christmas
Family time.  Not a time to be too critical.  But life goes on; and information is always power.

• A recent offering in this section discussed hunger and the homeless.  Then came an article in The Day on Christmas Day, perhaps from Scrooge, entitled: "We need facts about hunger, not claims the sky is falling",  (Commentary, pA9).  It does provide facts that place the issue in a more balanced perspective.
• Regarding Health Savings Accounts, proposed and touted for years by many of us who are in the business of providing health care, they are finally here in a form that does not include the poison pills included in the original "demonstration project" grudgingly allowed by the health insurance industry and by the liberals in 1996.  This is a very important development and should be seriously considered by all who are having trouble getting and keeping health insurance.  And then there are those described in a recent editorial in the WSJ entitled: "Teddy's Nightmare" (Tuesday, December 23, 2003, Opinion, pA14).  With regard to Senator Edward Kennedy's fulminations on this issue, as well as on the issue of school vouchers, I am reminded of the comment made in another context: Have you no shame, sir?

WEDNESDAY, December 24, 2003

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS in Legalese (Author unknown)

 Whereas, on or about the night prior to Christmas, there did occur at a
 certain improved piece of real property (hereinafter "the House") a
 general lack of stirring by all creatures therein, including, but not
 limited to a mouse.

 A variety of foot apparel, e.g., stocking, socks, etc., had been affixed
 by and around the chimney in said House in the hope and/or belief that
 St.  Nick a/k/a/ St.  Nicholas a/k/a/ Santa Claus (hereinafter "Claus")
 would arrive at sometime thereafter.  The minor residents, i.e.  the
 children, of the aforementioned House were located in their individual
 beds and were engaged in nocturnal hallucinations, i.e.  dreams, wherein
 vision of confectionery treats, including, but not limited to, candies,
 nuts and/or sugar plums, did dance, cavort and otherwise appear in said
 dreams.

 Whereupon the party of the first part (sometimes hereinafter referred to
 as ("I"), being the joint-owner in fee simple of the House with the
 party of the second part (hereinafter "Mamma"), and said Mamma had
 retired for a sustained period of sleep.  (At such time, the parties
 were clad in various forms of headgear, e.g., kerchief and cap.

 Suddenly, and without prior notice or warning, there did occur upon the
 unimproved real property adjacent and appurtenant to said House, i.e.,
 the lawn, a certain disruption of unknown nature, cause and/or
 circumstance.  The party of the first part did immediately rush to a
 window in the House to investigate the cause of such disturbance.

 At that time, the party of the first part did observe, with some degree
 of wonder and/or disbelief, a miniature sleigh (hereinafter "the
 Vehicle") being pulled and/or drawn very rapidly through the air by
 approximately eight (8) reindeer.  The driver of the Vehicle appeared to
 be and in fact was, the previously referenced Claus.

 Said Claus was providing specific direction, instruction and guidance to
 the approximately eight (8) reindeer and specifically identified the
 animal co-conspirators by name: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet,
 Cupid, Donner and Blitzen (hereinafter "the Deer").  (Upon information
 and belief, it is further asserted that an additional co- conspirator
 named "Rudolph" may have been involved.)

 The party of the first part witnessed Claus, the Vehicle and the Deer
 intentionally and willfully trespass upon the roofs of several
 residences located adjacent to and in the vicinity of the House, and
 noted that the Vehicle was heavily laden with packages, toys and other
 items of unknown origin or nature.  Suddenly, without prior invitation
 or permission, either express or implied, the Vehicle arrived at the
 House, and Claus entered said House via the chimney.

 Said Claus was clad in a red fur suit, which was partially covered with
 residue from the chimney, and he carried a large sack containing a
 portion of the aforementioned packages, toys, and other unknown items.
 He was smoking what appeared to be tobacco in a small pipe in blatant
 violation of local ordinances and health regulations.

 Claus did not speak, but immediately began to fill the stocking of the
 minor children, which hung adjacent to the chimney, with toys and other
 small gifts. (Said items did not, however, constitute "gifts" to said
 minor pursuant to the applicable provisions of the U.S.  Tax Code.)

 Upon completion of such task, Claus touched the side of his nose and
 flew, rose and/or ascended up the chimney of the House to the roof where
 the Vehicle and Deer waited and/or served as "lookouts." Claus
 immediately departed for an unknown destination.

 However, prior to the departure of the Vehicle, Deer and Claus from said
 House, the party of the first part did hear Claus state and/or exclaim:
 "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!" Or words to that
 effect.

SUNDAY through TUESDAY, December 21 through 23, 2003

TIME MAGAZINE PERSON OF THE YEAR: THE AMERICAN SOLDIER.  Excellent choice.  Let's hope that his or her leaders are worthy of his sacrifices.
On the home front, we read that "Hunger and Homelessness Increase in U.S", (by Siobhan McDonough, AP, Friday, December 19, 2003).  This is reportedly documented by a 17% increase in requests for emergency food assistance and in a 13% increase in requests for emergency shelter assistance.  Of these groups, 40% were from families with children!  Sobering statistics anytime, but especially in the Christmas season.  And contrary to the suspicion of a generous public in the 1980's that a lot of this story dealt somehow with the "undeserving underserved" and the "welfare cheats", the nagging concern today is that the greedy and sometimes criminally rich (read "Wall Street scandals") are largely to blame.  My opinion is that we have done a fair job of addressing the Welfare problem, but that our leaders are doing a poor job so far of dealing with "corporate welfare" and its cheats.  A sense of righteous outrage is appropriate here, appropriately transmitted to our elected officials. Meanwhile, many just-plain-folks are going without shelter and without adequate food, mainly in our large cities.  Let's do what we can for them, especially during these winter months...and during this Christmas season.

GS

FRIDAY and SATURDAY, December 19 and 20, 2003

This has been a GOOD WEEK for American foreign policy.  Saddam Hussein gets caught. France and Germany,and maybe Russia agree to restructure the massive debt that they piled on Iraq during the 1990's...after we announce that no obstructionists will be allowed to get Iraqi rebuilding contracts.  Libya's General Gadaffi agrees, after nine months of secret negotiations with the U.S. and with the British government, to give up all WMD's and to allow unfettered inspections to guarantee this.  And the U.S. Navy captures a boat in the Persian Gulf carrying $8 million in hashish and several al Qaida members.  That is what President Bush means by his policy of pre-emptive self-defense, clearly articulated in his July 4, 2003 speech to 25,000 Americans at Wright Patterson Air Force Base: "Without America's active involvement in the world, the ambitions of tyrants would go unopposed, and millions would live at the mercy of terrorists.  With American's active involvement in the world, tyrants learn to fear, and terrorists are on the run....The United States will not stand by and wait for another attack, or trust in the restraint and good intentions of evil men.  We are on the offensive against terrorists and all who support them.  We will not permit any terrorist group or outlaw regime to threaten us with weapons of mass murder.  We will act whenever it is necessary to protect the lives and the liberty of the American people."

GS

THURSDAY, December 18, 2003

Several months ago in this section, and long before he went to the head of the class of the current Democratic beauty contest, I suggested that Howard Dean was the Republican stealth candidate for the Democratic nomination...if the Democratic Party would be dumb enough to nominate a candidate as far left as he.  That is still my position.  In fact, I'll make a prediction: no matter how the early Democratic primaries turn out, I predict that the Democratic Presidential ticket will be Richard Gephardt and Joe Lieberman.  That would be a horse race, although I pick George Bush to win by 10%.   How's that for chutzpa?

GS

MONDAY through WEDNESDAY, December 15 through 17, 2003

A number of subjects (targets?) today.

• A news report regarding the comments of "a top Vatican Cardinal" about the capture of Saddam Hussein ("I have seen this man in his tragedy...and I had a sense of compassion.") proves that we all have bad hair days.  Maybe it was only gastric indigestion.
• The Democrats and other liberals in Connecticut smell blood; and they say: "it is good".  Governor Rowland so far can be convicted only of gross STUPIDITY.  So far, his serious lapses are not impeachable.  Let due process take care of the rest.
• "Morning-after pill"; "Plan B".  Here are some more euphemisms, like "pro-choice", for sugar-coating abortion...the intentional killing of a human being.  At the same time, conservatives, Catholic and otherwise should belatedly recognize that continuing to equate contraception with abortion literally throws the baby out with the bath water.  Enough!
• So the EU is having trouble deciding how to allocate voting power among the member States in its Constitution.  Suggestion: read the U.S. Constitution!
• A recent book review in The Day (theday.com), Sunday, December 14, 2003) of Claire Gaudiani's publication on philanthropy has all the earmarks of a hatchet-job.  Now I'm going to have to read it.
• To the Iraqi people:  Saddam Hussein is in custody.  The main targets of the remaining terrorists are now the Iraqi people themselves. Are you now finally ready to earn your own democracy through your own efforts?  Let's go, folks: enough of the complaining and ducking.  Time to come out of all the other holes.  We Americans can't do it all for you.
• And the perennial topic: Public Education.  The U.S. Supreme Court has taken up a case, regarding university support of Theology education, which will also address the matter of school vouchers.  This issue and the "No Child Left Behind" law are both being attacked by "the usual suspects".  Yesterday's editorial in The Day strikes a conciliatory, positive note on the subject ("Defeatism is Premature", December 16, 2003, Opinion, pA8).  Good.  But I'm not ready to forgive and forget.  (Please see my offerings on this web site under "The Involved Citizen, Public Education Politics").
• Finally, another example of lawyers and a litigious public getting in the way of the practice of Medicine.  An article in The Day on Sunday, December 14 (pB5) tells about a highly allergic 11 year old in New Milford, Ct.  It is quite good at describing the legal disputes among parent, school and state law.  It says nothing about a newer medical treatment that may solve both the medical and legal issues: Xolair, an anti-IgE compound that is now available for just such cases.  Wonderful.

SUNDAY, December 14, 2003

Consider this an early Christmas present, in appreciation for following my ruminations on this web site.
Here’s some advice for living a long, healthy and happy life.

• the first rule of service is survival; be ruthless about that, if necessary;
• get at least 7 hours of sleep per night; if you get less at times, catch up ASAP;
• if you snore or if your nights are restless and fitful, get checked out for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: most cases are diagnosed after the heart attack or stroke...or after the third auto accident;  and no alcohol within 4 hours of going to sleep...alcohol wrecks good sleep;
• alcohol, in any quantity, is a poison to the brain, the heart and the liver; (“just the facts, ma’am”);
• there is stress, and there is STRESS; avoid the STRESS that is defined by resentment... like the plague; that STRESS will kill you;
• NO SMOKING; it’s irresponsible;
• “people who need people are the luckiest people in the world”, in the words of that great ballad; everybody needs somebody, so find, hold and cherish your soul-mate;
• get a yearly physical exam, complete with blood tests including serum lipids; and take lipitor if your serum  Cholesterol is above 210 or the LDL is above 120;
• take an adult aspirin daily, unless you are allergic to aspirin; and carry two adult aspirins on your person for emergency use in case of acute chest pain or related symptoms (remember that the use of Cox 2 inhibitors like vioxx and celebrex negate the heart-beneficial effects of aspirin); and don’t be in denial if such symptoms occur: call 911;
• take folic acid, 1 mg daily (need a prescription); take vitamin E, 400 units and vitamin C, 500 mg daily.
• and “don’t forget to smell the flowers” every day.

GS

FRIDAY and SATURDAY, December 12 and 13, 2003

• A few days ago in this section (December 1-3, 2003), I commented on "the Geneva Accord currently being discussed".  Shortly thereafter, I received from a good friend a copy of an article published in the New Republic on December 15, 2003 ("Fantasy", by Yossi Klein Halevi and Michael B. Oren), and another article published recently in the Jerusalem Post ("Peace Farce").  From these sources it would appear that the actual "Accord" is much less than it is cracked up to be: perhaps yet another example of "diplomats" and "statesmen" putting band-aids on cancer.   Words and wording really matter. Copies of these articles will be available shortly among the offerings under The Involved Citizen - September 11, 2001.
• "Push is on for larger military; Congress moves after years of downsizing" (by Tom Squitieri, USA Today December 12-14, p1A).  Another Finally; and it is proving to be a bi-partisan effort.
• For those readers who think that all that is on this web site is "sturm und drang", please visit "A Bit of Whimsy".   Daily life would not be tolerable without a robust sense of humor.

THURSDAY, December 11, 2003

In these commentaries, I try to provide informed opinion and sources of information.  The original disclaimer published in March of this year, at the outset of this effort, remains in effect: I will be informed and involved; and I reserve the right to change my mind if new facts or circumstances arise.
Two great current sources of controversy revolve about The Patriot Act and the mounting Federal Deficit.  Two recent articles in the WSJ are worth reading in order to balance the often biased reporting of the liberal media:

"The Patriot Act Under Fire", by Eric Posner and John Yoo, Tuesday, December 9, 2003, Opinion, pA26;
"We Can Cut The Deficit In Half", by Joshua B. Bolten, Wednesday, December 10, 2003, Opinion, pA18.
A quote from William Safire's article today in The Day ("Russia Returns To Its Old Ways", (Commentary, pA7) is directly on point with what I am trying to do here:

"As Americans seek to export democracy, we should draw a clear lesson about power and freedom from the troubling success of the cult of Putin: concentration of power in media, as well as control of money in politics by a government in office, enables a political clique to concentrate its power.  We have to resist that everywhere.  Freedom finds safety in numbers; democracy does best by protecting diversity."

GS

WEDNESDAY, December 10, 2003

Several topics today.

• The issue of the death penalty has been in the news again recently, and again referring to the problem of "prosecutorial misconduct".  This has been discussed in an earlier offering in this section.  I have not changed my opinion favoring this ultimate penalty...but only if fairness can be guaranteed.  All newer modalities of scientific evidence, like DNA, must be applied to all cases - past, present and future.  In addition, any police officer or prosecutor whose intentional misconduct contributes substantially to a false guilty verdict - of any kind - should be required to serve the same sentence handed down for the innocent accused.
• Isn't this election cycle exciting?  Now we have Algore, appearing and acting like he's on happy pills...trying to be someone else while "dissing" his former running mate.  Not nice!
• News Flash!  Our European allies, having refused to eat their broccoli, now want dessert.  Not likely.  Denying their participation in bidding for Iraq rebuilding contracts is not only a matter of fairness, but also would raise security issues for the U.S., in view of their earlier and continuing opposition to the whole undertaking.  Maybe next time....
• In one of the most significant decisions to be handed down in this session by the U.S. Supreme Court, major elements of the McCain - Feingold campaign finance reform law have been upheld.  Maybe now there will be a limit to the bidding war that goes on to buy elections.  "Freedom of Speech" has its limits, not only in "a crowded theater", but also in the marketplace of politics.
• An illuminating way to look at the Democrats was recently offered by Daniel Henninger in the WSJ (Friday, December 5, 2003, Opinion, pA12): "Democrats Sign Non-Compete Clause For U.S".  "Medicare, the public schools, trade, affirmative action, the environment, even the federal judiciary - persons of competitive or entrepreneurial instincts need not apply....Of late, however, the party has increasingly sounded as if it's become psychologically alienated from the private sector".  This was not always the case.  For over 30 years I was a Democrat. I ran four times for elected public office and I won three times as a Democrat.  They left me.  In fact, the Republicans of today are the Democrats I joined in the mid-60's. Today's Democrats are off the charts of common sense.

MONDAY and TUESDAY, December 8 and 9, 2003

An up-lifting article in the New York Times: "Tough New Tactics by U.S. Tighten Grip on Iraq Towns" (by Dexter Filkins, Sunday, December 7, 2003, p1).  FINALLY!  Perhaps the steep and deadly learning curve discussed in earlier offerings in this section is starting to plateau.
For more reading on this subject, the following are suggested - all of which I have either read or am in the process of reading:

• "The Lessons of Terror", by Caleb Carr, Random House, 2002;
• "What Went Wrong", by Bernard Lewis, Harper Collins, 2002;
• "Small Wars Manual", United States Marine Corps 1940, reprinted by Sunflower University Press;
• "America Unbound: The Bush Revolution In Foreign Policy", by Ivo H. Daalder and James M. Lindsay, Brookings Institution Press, 2003.

GS

SUNDAY, December 7, 2003

This, the anniversary of that "day that will live in infamy", should continue to be compared with 9/11/01.  In both cases, a comfortable and complacent America, in denial over the terrible events taking place around them in the world, received a wake-up call.  In both cases, our response - although late by about a decade - was the right one.
Because of our great strength in the world, neutrality will never be an option.  We must be and remain engaged, always in our own self-interest and also as a friend to those who wish us well and who need and appreciate our help.  The alternative is a vacuum - and chaos.  So, let's get used to these facts, folks.  Lack of consistency in our foreign policy from one administration to another has caused much of the distrust and animosity towards America that plagues our efforts now.  This is too dangerous a world to allow that invitation to mis-calculation any longer.

GS

SATURDAY, December 6, 2003

We learned from the Washington Post yesterday that the Bush administration is actively casting about for the next Big Idea to propose as a goal for the country in the next years.  One of these is reported as: "Return To Moon May Be On Agenda" (by Mike Allen and Kathy Sawyer).  As is true regarding the building of any major edifice, careful attention must first be given to the foundation and to the infrastructure.  I would maintain that the edifice called the United States is in need of some serious renovations, internally (eg. a stable work force and job market, a transparent and honest Wall Street, an educated and sober, drug-free citizenry, a moral compass, a home-land security system that actually works, a military establishment large enough to accomplish its assigned tasks), and externally (establishing a "new world order" based upon enlightened self-interest, pre-emptive self-defense, and "coalitions of the willing" - including the U.N. if it can get its act together).  And all this should be accomplished on a pay-as-we-go basis, instead of by passing the mortgages onto our children and grandchildren.  Given those tasks, there is no way that we should consider another trip to the moon or beyond...merely to bail out a mis-managed NASA.  No way, that is, unless we know that another nation has the ability and intent to do so, for economic and/or military purposes.  At this time a weakened America needs no more grandiose Big Idea than to bind up current wounds and get back to full fighting strength.  That is a light that is fully worth the candle for any President's second term.

GS

FRIDAY, December 5, 2003

Here are some suggestions regarding how to prepare for the cold and flu season, how to "winterize" yourself.

There is no intent or opportunity here to provide specific medical advice, or to allow the development of a physician-patient relationship with the reader.

• Unless you are allergic to eggs (ie. you cannot eat eggs or egg products without having an allergic reaction), or have had signs of an acute infection within the last two weeks, or are immunocompromised, or are allergic to the preservative thimerosal, or are in the first trimester of pregnancy, you should  contact your physician about getting a flu shot...despite the late date and the imperfect match of this year's flu vaccine formulation.  And the rumors about reactions from the flu shot are untrue; reactions are rare and mild.  Flu vaccine should be received yearly in September or October.
• You should get a Pneumovax injection every 6 years.  The invaders that cause the largest number of pneumonias are becoming progressively more resistant to antibiotics.  Thus, the importance of having resistance on board beforehand.
• You should drink adequate amounts of fluids (1 1/2 - 2 quarts) daily.  You should get 7-8 hours of sleep daily.
• You should wash hands frequently, whatever your work or contacts.
• If you do develop symptoms and/or signs of a respiratory tract infection (muscle aches, weakness, sore throat, fever, runny nose, cough and/or wheeze...), you should treat yourself promptly with extra rest, extra fluids, warm water gargles, plain robitussin, and with children's neosynephrine or children's afrin nose spray for three days.
• You should refrain from any exercise or athletic program until all symptoms and signs have resolved fully...or for at least one week, whichever is longer.  If not, you risk developing a cardiomyopathy, an infection of the heart muscle that is often fatal.
• If at any time you develop purulent mucus discharge lasting longer than one hour in the morning, ("earth tones", as a patient calls it),  you should contact your physician for an appropriate antibiotic, something which can be prescribed by telephone without delay.  FYI...Zithromax is not effective for respiratory tract infections.  Better choices include Biaxin or Doxycycline, for a minimum of 10 days.
• If you have a history of chronic disease, diabetes, upper and/or lower respiratory allergies or asthma, COPD, or immunosuppression or deficiency, above decision points are accelerated.
• An older person (especially over 75 years of age) can be seriously ill - and can even have pneumonia - without manifesting any or all or the above symptoms or signs.  There may be just a vague sense of ill health, or a mild change in mental state...so beware.
• Young children get sick and sicker more quickly than do adults, particularly when they do not maintain adequate fluid intake...a common occurrence.  So beware.
• In any case, don't hesitate to contact your doctor early,and often if necessary.  We learned in medical school that the three attributes of a physician that are most important and valuable to a patient are: ability, affability, and availability...in reverse order!

THURSDAY, December 4, 2003

More regarding the current Iraq problem.  This is not entirely "Monday morning quarterbacking", since some plays were called before the snap, but they were over-ruled from the sidelines.  See "What Might Have Been", by Albert Hunt, in today's WSJ (Opinion, pA17) for the story of General Eric Shinseki, who was marginalized for giving professional advice that the politician - leaders of the Military did not want to hear.  In addition,  the General warned that "the last thing our country needs are flag officers who are political".  Amen.  Other errors of analysis and preparation were made, based upon political sensibilities rather than on predictable military expectations.  See "Report: Don't Call U.S. Troops 'Occupiers'", by John J. Lumpkin and Dafna Linzer, The Day, Friday, November 28, 2003, Nation, pA4), regarding a formal decision that allowed a vacuum which was filled by the crazies there while the citizenry cowered.  The result is a steep learning curve  for our soldiers - and hopefully for their leaders.

GS

MONDAY through WEDNESDAY, December 1 through 3, 2003

• An editorial title in The Day (theday.com) today caught my eye: "What's The Military Mind?"   I would prefer the title: "What were they thinking?"  Given the information regarding returning troops having to pay part of their way back from the front, and regarding the Reserve Army captain dismissed for having refused to waive a contractual agreement with his (and other) units about free time before re-deployment, and regarding veterans' hospital cuts and reductions in pay hikes, and regarding the total abuse of both the National Guard and the Reserves, and regarding the inadequate level of troop strength in Iraq to fight this guerrilla war and to secure civil order, Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld and his generals are still deep in denial.  If we are missing something , please let us know.  If this is all politics, a pox on all your houses.
• Here is a non-news item: "Israel Fumes at U.S. Over Peace Plan", by Mark Heinrich, Reuters.  No surprise there, as Ariel Sharon and his far-right group show their colors regarding a fair and equitable resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.  At least our government is finally awakening to the need to be even-handed, for the sake of ourselves and everyone else involved.  The Geneva Accord currently being discussed is "just what the doctor ordered".
• The But-Heads are alive and active, as usual: the Medicare-Drug Bill is finally passed...but it's not enough for some greedy geezers; a sweeping Forest Management law is enacted to try to prevent the devastating fires of recent years...but some Democrats and environmental groups call the plan reckless.  Stay tuned for many more "buts" and But-Heads.