The Life & Career Times of Leon Panetta Is US Media’s Favorite Topic Today. The headlines read like Leon is supposed to save the world.
CBS writes: “In a varied and accomplished government career, Leon Panetta has both balanced the budget and eliminated Osama bin Laden. Now as secretary of defense, he’s fighting multiple wars, pursuing al Qaeda, and trying to keep Iran from building an atom bomb.”
Dawn.Com shows the Pentagon in Damage Control PR Mode (aka “fibbing) reporting: “Pentagon clarifies Panetta’s remarks: WASHINGTON – The United States still believes that Pakistani officials were unaware about the presence of Osama bin Laden’s hideout in Abbottabad, says the Pentagon.”
Seattle Post Intelligencer goes with a ‘Leo The Mighty Strategic Budgeter’ story, writing: “Defense Secretary Leon Panetta outlines the main areas of proposed spending cuts during a news conference at the Pentagon.” Politico adds, “it’s all to reduce the national debt.”
Orlando Sentinal reports “We worried that Pakistan might give Osama bin Laden a heads-up,” clearly showing there’s a few mistrust issues going on here to work on for the USA between anyone who is non-American, and in their own country!
The LC Blog noted: “The cuts to the Pentagon’s budget pose risks to the military’s capability to respond to threats. But don’t worry.”
But wait… Panetta can also stop nuclear bombs being made. Just not the ones within America, yet.
IPBiz Blog chooses to focus on Panetta’s 60 Minutes Interview, writing: “U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta faces future challenges including halting nuclear bomb production in Iran. The Australian even pipes up with: “Iran could develop a nuclear bomb in about a year and create the means for delivery in a further two to three years, the US defence chief says.”
Zee news goes with ‘Panetta’s comment that “Pak knew Osama hideout” is old. Move on.’ This is probably as close as Pakistan will get to an apology of contrition from the US about Panetta’s accusations at top military level towards Pakistani’s government, when not seeking consent to enter another country not its own. ie: ‘breaking and entering,’ basic violations of international common courtesy. But let’s not major on that too much.
If you’re reading from America and need even more Panetta news to feel more secure, the intimate portrait of Panetta ‘Father of US Defense’ can be viewed in video form with this link: Video: At home with Leon Panetta.
I know generating news, fills up media space, that then attracts advertisers to news websites who profit from fear mongering tales, but in New Zealand, we’d simply bust through all of the hype by asking, “So when does the guy have time to take a ‘sh*t, shave and a shower’ each day, with all of this on his plate? It’s all a little bit too much. But so far, these headlines in just one day – would make one heckuva action packed movie!!!
If I recall, the surrounding facts around the Pakistan invasion issue, occurred the day after a certain Royal Wedding. At that specific world event’s time, this is when the initial invasions of Pakistan’s borders occurred without consultation or consent with Pakistan sought by the US prior, swinging the global spotlight that was on the UK, right back to America at the royal wedding time.
Although retribution for 9-11′s tragedy was long overdue, the children of the world went from a picture of romance, to bloody murder within 24 hours – where Americans were seen rejoicing at images of Bin Laden’s corpse in Times Square. It wasn’t pretty. What has Panetta got to say about the timing of all this, as well?
Though a bit clumsy at times with observing protocol, Leon Panetta is undoubtedly a man to watch over the next year or three.
Dustin Hoffman could play Leon in the film version of Panetta’s hectic job. The movie script version would have to be very carefully written so that against a backdrop of ‘economic bullying tactics’ in a GFC, Panetta’s character wouldn’t just come across as yet another celebrity distraction – covering up for the money and oil acquisitor guys of the USA.
Maybe James Cameron has the skills to write the script to give Panetta’s characterization in such a difficult role, more humane depth – if there’s enough interest in a future Panetta war/ defense story – as today’s media in the US seem to think there could be enough interest for one to happen – based on their extensive coverage put through the buzz machine of the USA today.
[Photo caption - US defense secretary Leon Panetta said closing the strait of Hormuz was a 'red line' for the US. Photograph: Pablo Martinez Monsivais for Associated Press]. Believe it or not, Leon can even tell other countries what to do with their own waterways, apparently.
Action Man Panetta… Watch the movie. He’s just too much!
