(via Unscrewing the Unscrutable)
McDermott leads pledge in House, omits 'under God'
By Jim Brunner and Alex Fryer
Seattle Times staff reporters
WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott turned a routine recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance into a political flap this week when he omitted the words "under God" while leading the House of Representatives in the pledge.
McDermott, D-Seattle, said he recited the pledge before Tuesday's House session the way he had learned it as a child in Illinois, before the words "under God" were added, and that he meant no offense. When he came to "under God," McDermott paused while the rest of the House said the words and then continued on with the pledge.
"That's how I've always said it," McDermott said yesterday. "I make my pledge to my country and that's the end of it."
Of course, that's where the common sense abruptly came to a screeching halt, as various congressmen and women immediately chastised Rep. McDermott for "embarrassing the House and disparaging the majority of Americans who share the values expressed in the pledge."
Morons.
The First Amendment of our constitution clearly states- "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ". Without getting too detailed, it's pretty obvious that this meant that government should not be in the business of selecting which religions it would ESTABLISH as the GOVERNMENTS religion. For those intellectually challenged, this means that the House of Representatives should not say "god" when debating laws anymore than they should say "Buddha" or "Zoroastria" 'cause see, that would be EXCLUSIVE.
I blogged about the Supreme Court Case concerning the pledge earlier here, and brought up a few of the relevant quotes from certain political figures concerning the issue.
Thomas Jefferson-
Gentlemen,-The affectionate sentiments of esteem and approbation which you are so good as to express towards me on behalf of the Danbury Baptist Association give me the highest satisfaction. . . . Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God; that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship; that the legislative powers of government reach actions only and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” thus building a wall of separation between Church and State. Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties. I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessing of the common Father and Creator of man, and tender you for yourselves and your religious association assurances of my high respect and esteem.
Taken from -Jefferson, Writings, Vol. XVI, pp. 281-282, to the Danbury Baptist Association on January 1, 1802.
"The United States have adventured upon a great and noble experiment, which is believed to have been hazarded in the absence of all previous precedent -- that of total separation of church and state. No religious establishment by law exists among us. The conscience is left free from all restraint and each is permitted to worship his maker after his own judgement ... Such is the great experiment which we have tried; our system of free government would be imperfect without it.", [President John Tyler, 10th US President and supporter of state-church separation]
"I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute -- where no Catholic prelate would tell the president (should he be Catholic) how to act, and no Protestant minister would tell his parishioners for whom to vote -- where no church or church school is granted any public funds or political preference -- and where no man is denied public office merely because his religion differs from the president who might appoint him or the people who might elect him." [President John F. Kennedy]
"When the government puts its imprimatur on a particular religion it conveys a message of exclusion to all those who do not adhere to the favored beliefs. A government cannot be premised on the belief that all persons are created equal when it asserts that God prefers some." Supreme Court Justice Harry A. Blackmun in the Lee v. Weisman ruling, 1992.
And just to remind you the man who wrote the pledge, Sir Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, wrote the pledge as follows: 'I pledge allegiance to my Flag and (to*) the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.' He considered placing the word, 'equality,' in his Pledge, but knew that the state superintendents of education on his committee were against equality for women and African Americans. [ * 'to' added in October, 1892. ]
If a MINISTER realized that God didn't belong in the pledge, why is this so hard for all of the other religious folks to understand?
Would anyone even be having this conversation if someone said "Under Allah"? I think not.
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Anyone have a spare million? I need a new ride.......drrrooooooolllllll.....
(via Barking Moonbat)
How would you define the most amazing production car in the world? Would it be:
The car with the most horsepower?
The car with the fastest top speed and acceleration?
The most expensive car?
At the moment, the Bugatti Veyron appears to have it all:
A W-16 engine that can produce 1,001 horsepower
A top speed of 250+ mph (400+ kph)
A zero-to-60 time of three seconds
A zero-to-180 time of 14 seconds
A price tag somewhere in the $1 million range.
Go to the Bugatti Website, click "concept cars" at the top, and select "Veyron".......and as BM said, make sure your bib is in place before you click the link if you don't want to ruin your shirt.....
And I can accept that spare million in either check or money order....thanks much....
How would you define the most amazing production car in the world? Would it be:
The car with the most horsepower?
The car with the fastest top speed and acceleration?
The most expensive car?
At the moment, the Bugatti Veyron appears to have it all:
A W-16 engine that can produce 1,001 horsepower
A top speed of 250+ mph (400+ kph)
A zero-to-60 time of three seconds
A zero-to-180 time of 14 seconds
A price tag somewhere in the $1 million range.
Go to the Bugatti Website, click "concept cars" at the top, and select "Veyron".......and as BM said, make sure your bib is in place before you click the link if you don't want to ruin your shirt.....
And I can accept that spare million in either check or money order....thanks much....
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
You have GOT to be kidding me................
...(via LGF)
Spain to Float Iraq Proposal to France, Germany
MADRID, Spain (Reuters) - Spain will ask anti-war allies Germany and France to join in a proposal calling for a U.S. exit from Iraq (news - web sites) and a new international presence in the country, a Spanish government source said Tuesday.
"The idea is to see if Spain, France and Germany can help the United States find an exit from Iraq...and devise a formula for an international presence there that would not be perceived as an occupation by most of the population," the source said.
So lemme get this straight. Spain leaves Iraq so they can appease the terrorists in Europe and hope that they decide to leave them alone. Foolish, but done nonetheless. France and Germany, two nations that did nothing but whine and moan about "US Imperialism" when we were liberating Iraq have now decided in their infinite wisdom that the US needs to leave so that an "international presence" which would "not be perceived as an occupation by most of the population" can take over.
Do these people honestly think Iraqis care what color helmets are the ones in the tanks on the street corners? Does it even matter as long as they aren't Iraqis?
I can't imagine what life would be like if say, Canada was occupying the US for our own good after they removed a violent tyrannical dictator. I am pretty sure that I would grow weary of their presence over time. But as most polls have indicated, the majority of Iraqis don't want us to leave, and disagree with the extremists who are trying to foment unrest and dissent among the population. And if one takes a poll of the Kurdish areas, it's almost unanimous.
One thing I have noticed is that the Iraqis aren't too keen on the UN and other countries that were aginst the war and apparently were de facto if not directly supporting Saddam. France in particular seems to have quite a few connections within the Oil-for-Kickbacks program. Why any Iraqi's would request help from the countries that tried to keep Saddam in power is pretty baffling to me.
Then we have this-
Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos has mentioned the possibility of sending Arab forces into Iraq, and of a future international presence that would not include soldiers from countries which have been a part of the U.S.-led coalition.
Hey Miguel- Arab forces are already there. Al-qaeda, Al-Ansar, Hizbollah, Hamas, and Iranian republican gaurds have been fighting US forces for the last year in Iraq. And somehow I don't see how getting the fine militiamen from Palestine to come to the rescue is going to help. Saudi Arabia has forces, but they are kinda busy fighting terrorists at home right now- go figure.
Stehpen Den Beste from USS Clueless has two posts here and here that detail why the Europeans seem to think we need them to come save us. Euro-elitism, for lack of a better word.
I think it's pretty obvious- Germany, France and Spain are in danger of becoming irrelevant politically in the international scene, thus the need for a European Union (which Britain appears very hesistant to join to say the least).
I think what's funny is that these countries think we give a flying fuck what they think.
We have Britain, Italy, most of Eastern Europe, Australia and a handful of others helping us out in Iraq right now. Why we would want France or the UN to come in and screw everything up is beyond me. And I imagine the Iraqis feel the same way.
Spain to Float Iraq Proposal to France, Germany
MADRID, Spain (Reuters) - Spain will ask anti-war allies Germany and France to join in a proposal calling for a U.S. exit from Iraq (news - web sites) and a new international presence in the country, a Spanish government source said Tuesday.
"The idea is to see if Spain, France and Germany can help the United States find an exit from Iraq...and devise a formula for an international presence there that would not be perceived as an occupation by most of the population," the source said.
So lemme get this straight. Spain leaves Iraq so they can appease the terrorists in Europe and hope that they decide to leave them alone. Foolish, but done nonetheless. France and Germany, two nations that did nothing but whine and moan about "US Imperialism" when we were liberating Iraq have now decided in their infinite wisdom that the US needs to leave so that an "international presence" which would "not be perceived as an occupation by most of the population" can take over.
Do these people honestly think Iraqis care what color helmets are the ones in the tanks on the street corners? Does it even matter as long as they aren't Iraqis?
I can't imagine what life would be like if say, Canada was occupying the US for our own good after they removed a violent tyrannical dictator. I am pretty sure that I would grow weary of their presence over time. But as most polls have indicated, the majority of Iraqis don't want us to leave, and disagree with the extremists who are trying to foment unrest and dissent among the population. And if one takes a poll of the Kurdish areas, it's almost unanimous.
One thing I have noticed is that the Iraqis aren't too keen on the UN and other countries that were aginst the war and apparently were de facto if not directly supporting Saddam. France in particular seems to have quite a few connections within the Oil-for-Kickbacks program. Why any Iraqi's would request help from the countries that tried to keep Saddam in power is pretty baffling to me.
Then we have this-
Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos has mentioned the possibility of sending Arab forces into Iraq, and of a future international presence that would not include soldiers from countries which have been a part of the U.S.-led coalition.
Hey Miguel- Arab forces are already there. Al-qaeda, Al-Ansar, Hizbollah, Hamas, and Iranian republican gaurds have been fighting US forces for the last year in Iraq. And somehow I don't see how getting the fine militiamen from Palestine to come to the rescue is going to help. Saudi Arabia has forces, but they are kinda busy fighting terrorists at home right now- go figure.
Stehpen Den Beste from USS Clueless has two posts here and here that detail why the Europeans seem to think we need them to come save us. Euro-elitism, for lack of a better word.
I think it's pretty obvious- Germany, France and Spain are in danger of becoming irrelevant politically in the international scene, thus the need for a European Union (which Britain appears very hesistant to join to say the least).
I think what's funny is that these countries think we give a flying fuck what they think.
We have Britain, Italy, most of Eastern Europe, Australia and a handful of others helping us out in Iraq right now. Why we would want France or the UN to come in and screw everything up is beyond me. And I imagine the Iraqis feel the same way.
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Taking Chance Home..................
An incredibly moving story of a Marine escorting the remains of a fallen soldier to his final resting place...via BlackFive.....YOU GO READ NOW......
Womens Rights in Pakistan.....or most Islamic cultures for that matter...
(via Instapundit)
Pamela Bone writes the following article in the Age, the Australian publication, concerning womens rights (or lack thereof) in Islamic cultures.
An Excerpt-
Sargodha: A woman is in hospital after having both legs amputated because of severe injuries inflicted by her brother-in-law and mother-in-law, who clubbed her for her alleged illicit affairs. The woman, who was fighting for life, said the real reason was that her brother-in-law was trying to force her to arrange his marriage to her younger sister, but her sister had instead eloped with her paramour. - Dawn.
What chance of this woman becoming an international symbol, as has the boy who so tragically lost his arms during the invasion of Iraq?
Why is international public opinion not outraged at the treatment of women in Islamic fundamentalist societies? Why is it easier for millions of people around the world to see America as the great evil, rather than the countries in which governments ignore such horrific abuses of women?
No, the US didn't go into Iraq, or Afghanistan, to liberate women. Indeed, by the standards of the region Iraqi women were not badly oppressed - notwithstanding the hundreds who were executed by Saddam's son, Uday, for "dishonouring" their country (which meant speaking out about corruption in government). Nothing was done by Western governments to help the women of Afghanistan until Osama bin Laden became a threat. While South Africa was subjected to years of sanctions over the oppression of blacks, no sanctions are applied to countries because they condone or promote the oppression of women.
Yet if there is ever going to be a peaceful world there are few things more important than lifting the status of women. The hatreds of bin Laden and his kind will not be assuaged; but in general, fundamentalism wanes as prosperity increases. And as a United Nations report notes, a large part of the reason so many countries in the Middle East are overpopulated, economic basket cases is the repression of women.
I'll go a step further and state that more specifically, the more educated the female population of a country is, the more prosperous the country is altogether. Education for women in Islamic cultures is almost non-existent. In particular in Afghanistan, it wasn't until the US booted the Taliban out that women were allowed to return to schools. If women are allowed to attend universities and primary schools, they are more informed about their own health and well-being as well as having a chance to become something other than a pre-selected wife. I believe that this is a large reason for the misery and poverty inflicting many Islamic cultures. When you keep half of your population out of schools and the workforce, you are handicapping your country against the rest of the world. You are destined to fail if women are repressed in this way.
What is distressing to me is that many of the feminist movements in the US and other Western countries are on the wrong side of this debate. Not to say they don't support womens rights, but it appears that many of these groups are more concerned with condemning Bush and the administration rather than supporting other women in the countries we are liberating. How can any of these groups find more fault with Bush, who led the charge to liberate these countries from regimes that horribly oppressed women, than with the regimes themselves? If these feminists are as commited as they say they are, they would be protesting the fact that we haven't invaded Iran or Syria yet. Iran beat a female Canadian journalist to death last year and it barely made the news. But there was no shortage of news showing radical feminists protesting Bush and his evil imperialistic ways.
Does anyone else find this hypocritical?
It's really sad that these groups are protesting against a president who has liberated millions of women from repressive regimes. Somehow I find something wrong about this.
I understand that domestically, Bush has plenty of enemies in the abortion debate, as well as other womens issues. And I am pro-choice, so I agree with these arguments. But there is a bigger picture going on here. Bush will only be around for one or five more years, then we can debate about these subjects again ad infinitum in our open society. But there are people who want us dead or enslaved to Islam NOW, and these people are repressing the hell out of their women. I would think this would be more important.......................But what do I know anyways.....my Mom is only a lawyer......
Some further reading on the subject of Islam and women-
Islam and Women- an atheists perspective-
A Declaration of Women's Rights in Islamic Societies
Women's Movement in Islamic Countries
Pamela Bone writes the following article in the Age, the Australian publication, concerning womens rights (or lack thereof) in Islamic cultures.
An Excerpt-
Sargodha: A woman is in hospital after having both legs amputated because of severe injuries inflicted by her brother-in-law and mother-in-law, who clubbed her for her alleged illicit affairs. The woman, who was fighting for life, said the real reason was that her brother-in-law was trying to force her to arrange his marriage to her younger sister, but her sister had instead eloped with her paramour. - Dawn.
What chance of this woman becoming an international symbol, as has the boy who so tragically lost his arms during the invasion of Iraq?
Why is international public opinion not outraged at the treatment of women in Islamic fundamentalist societies? Why is it easier for millions of people around the world to see America as the great evil, rather than the countries in which governments ignore such horrific abuses of women?
No, the US didn't go into Iraq, or Afghanistan, to liberate women. Indeed, by the standards of the region Iraqi women were not badly oppressed - notwithstanding the hundreds who were executed by Saddam's son, Uday, for "dishonouring" their country (which meant speaking out about corruption in government). Nothing was done by Western governments to help the women of Afghanistan until Osama bin Laden became a threat. While South Africa was subjected to years of sanctions over the oppression of blacks, no sanctions are applied to countries because they condone or promote the oppression of women.
Yet if there is ever going to be a peaceful world there are few things more important than lifting the status of women. The hatreds of bin Laden and his kind will not be assuaged; but in general, fundamentalism wanes as prosperity increases. And as a United Nations report notes, a large part of the reason so many countries in the Middle East are overpopulated, economic basket cases is the repression of women.
I'll go a step further and state that more specifically, the more educated the female population of a country is, the more prosperous the country is altogether. Education for women in Islamic cultures is almost non-existent. In particular in Afghanistan, it wasn't until the US booted the Taliban out that women were allowed to return to schools. If women are allowed to attend universities and primary schools, they are more informed about their own health and well-being as well as having a chance to become something other than a pre-selected wife. I believe that this is a large reason for the misery and poverty inflicting many Islamic cultures. When you keep half of your population out of schools and the workforce, you are handicapping your country against the rest of the world. You are destined to fail if women are repressed in this way.
What is distressing to me is that many of the feminist movements in the US and other Western countries are on the wrong side of this debate. Not to say they don't support womens rights, but it appears that many of these groups are more concerned with condemning Bush and the administration rather than supporting other women in the countries we are liberating. How can any of these groups find more fault with Bush, who led the charge to liberate these countries from regimes that horribly oppressed women, than with the regimes themselves? If these feminists are as commited as they say they are, they would be protesting the fact that we haven't invaded Iran or Syria yet. Iran beat a female Canadian journalist to death last year and it barely made the news. But there was no shortage of news showing radical feminists protesting Bush and his evil imperialistic ways.
Does anyone else find this hypocritical?
It's really sad that these groups are protesting against a president who has liberated millions of women from repressive regimes. Somehow I find something wrong about this.
I understand that domestically, Bush has plenty of enemies in the abortion debate, as well as other womens issues. And I am pro-choice, so I agree with these arguments. But there is a bigger picture going on here. Bush will only be around for one or five more years, then we can debate about these subjects again ad infinitum in our open society. But there are people who want us dead or enslaved to Islam NOW, and these people are repressing the hell out of their women. I would think this would be more important.......................But what do I know anyways.....my Mom is only a lawyer......
Some further reading on the subject of Islam and women-
Islam and Women- an atheists perspective-
A Declaration of Women's Rights in Islamic Societies
Women's Movement in Islamic Countries
Monday, April 26, 2004
Begun the baseball war has.....
Skillzy photoshop genius..... Click the "Fight the Dark Side" banner for more updates......
A little history: I am originally from Beantown, and have been lucky to witness some great sports moments through that city. However, none of them were Red Sox moments. Almost every single negative sports memory from Boston is due to the Red Sox. But just like sisyphus rolling that boulder, I continue to allow those loveable misfits from Yawkey way to torture me every year. I should know better by now.
But I do it anyways...............DEFEAT THE DARK SIDE!!!!!!!
A little history: I am originally from Beantown, and have been lucky to witness some great sports moments through that city. However, none of them were Red Sox moments. Almost every single negative sports memory from Boston is due to the Red Sox. But just like sisyphus rolling that boulder, I continue to allow those loveable misfits from Yawkey way to torture me every year. I should know better by now.
But I do it anyways...............DEFEAT THE DARK SIDE!!!!!!!
Iraq- Myth Vs. Reality- Victor David Hanson explains........
I missed this one on Friday, but as usual VDH gives us another column devoted to debunking the common misconceptions about the war in Iraq, and does so in a detailed, factual way.
Here are the common myths- I put my condensed answers in bold, read here for the full explanations...
Myth #1: America turned off its allies..
There are more international forces in Iraq than Afghanistan right now. Remember, everyone was kosher with sending troops to Afghanistan, but the reality is more international troops are in Iraq than Afghanistan.
Myth #2: Democracy cannot be implemented by force.
Germany, Japan, South Korea.........
Myth #3: Lies got us into this war.
Then the entire world was lying. Every country on the UNSC as well as Hans Blix himself admitted that Saddam was not coming clean concerning his WMD programs. And if Saddam was the one telling the truth, then why didn't he allow unfettered access to wherever the inspectors wanted to go? This would have prevented or at least delayed military action. If you have nothing to hide, you don't act like you're hiding something. Especially not if doing so means you will be forceably removed from power.
Myth #4: Profit-making led to this war.
If by this you mean the UN-Oil for Kickbacks program, then you would have an argument. But show me how many gallons of Iraqi oil have been sold at a profit by American companies. Oh wait- they haven't sold any. In fact, regular Iraqi's have more control over there own resources than at any time during Saddams reign. And the US taxpayers are spending billions to allow Iraqis to sell their own oil. Some profit margin.
Myth #5: Israel has caused the United States untold headaches in the Arab world by its intransigent policies.
The Arab dictators will continue to blame the JOOOOOS and the US for their own failures as long as they can keep their own populaces from blaming themselves. Once this happens (as is beginning to happen in Iran), less attention will be payed to the Palestinians, and more towards internal revolution.
Here are the common myths- I put my condensed answers in bold, read here for the full explanations...
Myth #1: America turned off its allies..
There are more international forces in Iraq than Afghanistan right now. Remember, everyone was kosher with sending troops to Afghanistan, but the reality is more international troops are in Iraq than Afghanistan.
Myth #2: Democracy cannot be implemented by force.
Germany, Japan, South Korea.........
Myth #3: Lies got us into this war.
Then the entire world was lying. Every country on the UNSC as well as Hans Blix himself admitted that Saddam was not coming clean concerning his WMD programs. And if Saddam was the one telling the truth, then why didn't he allow unfettered access to wherever the inspectors wanted to go? This would have prevented or at least delayed military action. If you have nothing to hide, you don't act like you're hiding something. Especially not if doing so means you will be forceably removed from power.
Myth #4: Profit-making led to this war.
If by this you mean the UN-Oil for Kickbacks program, then you would have an argument. But show me how many gallons of Iraqi oil have been sold at a profit by American companies. Oh wait- they haven't sold any. In fact, regular Iraqi's have more control over there own resources than at any time during Saddams reign. And the US taxpayers are spending billions to allow Iraqis to sell their own oil. Some profit margin.
Myth #5: Israel has caused the United States untold headaches in the Arab world by its intransigent policies.
The Arab dictators will continue to blame the JOOOOOS and the US for their own failures as long as they can keep their own populaces from blaming themselves. Once this happens (as is beginning to happen in Iran), less attention will be payed to the Palestinians, and more towards internal revolution.
Saturday, April 24, 2004
New York and the NFL show some class...........
(Via NFL.com)
Tillman honored at NFL draft
NEW YORK (April 24, 2004) -- Pat Tillman was praised at the NFL draft as a hero by commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who wore a black ribbon with Tillman's name on it and a Cardinals helmet pin with the No. 40 attached.
Tillman, who left the Arizona Cardinals in May 2002 to join the Army Rangers, died April 22 in an ambush in Afghanistan. His jersey was hung below a video screen, along with a photo of the former Cardinals safety.
"Pat Tillman personified the best values of America and of the National Football League," Tagliabue said Saturday, flanked by five Marines. "Like other men and women protecting our freedom around the globe, he made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life for his country."
A moment of silence then was held in Tillman's honor, after which the crowd at Madison Square Garden chanted "U-S-A, U-S-A."
"It puts things in perspective," Iowa tackle Robert Gallery said of Tillman's death. "The guy gave up a career in the NFL, which shows what kind of man he is. He is a hero to all of us, especially the guys in football."
The Cardinals took Tillman in the seventh round of the 1998 draft, the 226th player chosen. He developed into a starting safety known as a hard hitter and special teams demon.
All NFL staff members wore ribbons and pins in honor of Tillman.
His death hit the NFL hard, from veteran players and coaches to the members of this year's draft class.
"It's real tragic," Virginia Tech cornerback DeAngelo Hall said. "He decided to leave the NFL and go fight for his country, fight the good fight. He loved his country, and you know how big a role model he is. He said, `This is what I need to do.' He's a hero."
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
Copyright 2004, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved
I imagine there won't be as many whining primadonna's this year playing in the NFL. I'm sure there will still be some, but Specialist Tillman's death will certainly put things in perspective for many of us this year, fans and players alike.
Gregg Easterbrook offers a fitting eulogy....
Tillman is the epitome of a hero
Tillman honored at NFL draft
NEW YORK (April 24, 2004) -- Pat Tillman was praised at the NFL draft as a hero by commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who wore a black ribbon with Tillman's name on it and a Cardinals helmet pin with the No. 40 attached.
Tillman, who left the Arizona Cardinals in May 2002 to join the Army Rangers, died April 22 in an ambush in Afghanistan. His jersey was hung below a video screen, along with a photo of the former Cardinals safety.
"Pat Tillman personified the best values of America and of the National Football League," Tagliabue said Saturday, flanked by five Marines. "Like other men and women protecting our freedom around the globe, he made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life for his country."
A moment of silence then was held in Tillman's honor, after which the crowd at Madison Square Garden chanted "U-S-A, U-S-A."
"It puts things in perspective," Iowa tackle Robert Gallery said of Tillman's death. "The guy gave up a career in the NFL, which shows what kind of man he is. He is a hero to all of us, especially the guys in football."
The Cardinals took Tillman in the seventh round of the 1998 draft, the 226th player chosen. He developed into a starting safety known as a hard hitter and special teams demon.
All NFL staff members wore ribbons and pins in honor of Tillman.
His death hit the NFL hard, from veteran players and coaches to the members of this year's draft class.
"It's real tragic," Virginia Tech cornerback DeAngelo Hall said. "He decided to leave the NFL and go fight for his country, fight the good fight. He loved his country, and you know how big a role model he is. He said, `This is what I need to do.' He's a hero."
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
Copyright 2004, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved
I imagine there won't be as many whining primadonna's this year playing in the NFL. I'm sure there will still be some, but Specialist Tillman's death will certainly put things in perspective for many of us this year, fans and players alike.
Gregg Easterbrook offers a fitting eulogy....
Tillman is the epitome of a hero
Friday, April 23, 2004
Happy 14th Birthday Hubble!!!........................
Some amazing pics from the Hubble telescope on its 14th birthday.......
The new Hubble image, released to mark the telescope's 14th birthday, shows a remarkable ring of star birth in a galaxy that's been punched through by another.
Some of its greatest acheivements
Hubble has taken about 645,000 exposures and probed about 20,500 celestial targets.
Hubble has whirled around Earth 82,000 times, racking up more than 2 billion miles. That's like making 359,000 round trips from New York City to Los Angeles.
Each day the orbiting observatory generates enough data--500 gigabytes-- to fill 106 DVDs.
The telescope's observations have amounted to nearly 19 terabytes of data, enough to fill about 19 million novels. The Hubble data is equal to the entire book collection at the Library of Congress.
Hubble's digital archive delivers more than 1,600 gigabytes of data a day-- equal to 340 DVDs--to astronomers all over the world.
Astronomers have published nearly 5,000 scientific papers on Hubble results.
In Hubble's 14-year lifetime, about 4,500 U.S. astronomers and about 1,000 astronomers from other countries have used it to probe the universe.
The new Hubble image, released to mark the telescope's 14th birthday, shows a remarkable ring of star birth in a galaxy that's been punched through by another.
Some of its greatest acheivements
Hubble has taken about 645,000 exposures and probed about 20,500 celestial targets.
Hubble has whirled around Earth 82,000 times, racking up more than 2 billion miles. That's like making 359,000 round trips from New York City to Los Angeles.
Each day the orbiting observatory generates enough data--500 gigabytes-- to fill 106 DVDs.
The telescope's observations have amounted to nearly 19 terabytes of data, enough to fill about 19 million novels. The Hubble data is equal to the entire book collection at the Library of Congress.
Hubble's digital archive delivers more than 1,600 gigabytes of data a day-- equal to 340 DVDs--to astronomers all over the world.
Astronomers have published nearly 5,000 scientific papers on Hubble results.
In Hubble's 14-year lifetime, about 4,500 U.S. astronomers and about 1,000 astronomers from other countries have used it to probe the universe.
Rest in Peace Pat Tillman....You were a Hero......
U.S. Army Ranger and Ex-NFL Player Pat Tillman Killed in Afghanistan
April 23 — Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who swapped a glamorous football career to enlist in the U.S. Army, has been killed in action in Afghanistan, ABCNEWS has learned. The 27-year-old former football player was killed in direct action during a firefight in eastern Afghanistan Thursday, Pentagon sources told ABCNEWS.
A former member of the Arizona Cardinals, Tillman, along with his brother Kevin, enrolled with the U.S. Army Rangers a year after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
According to a Pentagon source, Tillman was killed in action when his unit's patrol was attacked by small arms fire and mortars during a coordinated ambush in eastern Afghanistan.
One enemy combatant was killed, and Tillman was the only U.S. soldier killed during the ambush, said Pentagon sources. His brother, Kevin, a former minor league baseball player with the Cleveland Indians, is in the same platoon.
Last year, the brothers were awarded an Arthur Ashe Courage Award meant for individuals whose contributions transcend sports. The award was accepted by their younger brother, Richard, while the brothers were away.
Tillman, an unrestricted free agent, traded a $3.6 million, three-year contract with the Cardinals for military service.
This man is a hero. He gave up his privileged life as a pro-football player making millions to join our armed forces. You cannot argue that this man lived by his prinicples. He obviously felt it was more important for him to fight al-qaeda than tackle wideouts and running backs. He could have easily stayed in football and supported the troops in other ways, but instead chose to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect each and every one of us from danger.
Rest In Peace Pat Tillman. You are a hero and your memory will live on.........
April 23 — Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who swapped a glamorous football career to enlist in the U.S. Army, has been killed in action in Afghanistan, ABCNEWS has learned. The 27-year-old former football player was killed in direct action during a firefight in eastern Afghanistan Thursday, Pentagon sources told ABCNEWS.
A former member of the Arizona Cardinals, Tillman, along with his brother Kevin, enrolled with the U.S. Army Rangers a year after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
According to a Pentagon source, Tillman was killed in action when his unit's patrol was attacked by small arms fire and mortars during a coordinated ambush in eastern Afghanistan.
One enemy combatant was killed, and Tillman was the only U.S. soldier killed during the ambush, said Pentagon sources. His brother, Kevin, a former minor league baseball player with the Cleveland Indians, is in the same platoon.
Last year, the brothers were awarded an Arthur Ashe Courage Award meant for individuals whose contributions transcend sports. The award was accepted by their younger brother, Richard, while the brothers were away.
Tillman, an unrestricted free agent, traded a $3.6 million, three-year contract with the Cardinals for military service.
This man is a hero. He gave up his privileged life as a pro-football player making millions to join our armed forces. You cannot argue that this man lived by his prinicples. He obviously felt it was more important for him to fight al-qaeda than tackle wideouts and running backs. He could have easily stayed in football and supported the troops in other ways, but instead chose to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect each and every one of us from danger.
Rest In Peace Pat Tillman. You are a hero and your memory will live on.........
Thursday, April 22, 2004
My, what a Fisk happy day!!
Ryne McClaren pointed me towards this painfully funny fisking of Maureen Dowd by ace-o-spades. Warning: Put drink down before reading this link.
A well done Fisking......creationist smackdown...
World Wide Rant fisks a creationist...I love the smell of fried neurons in the morning.....you go read now.
Never underestimate the power of Newsmedia when applied properly....
Recently there has been a grassroots movement between the civilian and military population here in the US attempting to raise money to give to troops in Iraq to help pay for "items that established aid organizations and government bureaucracies are not designed to handle and that fall in the gaps between large-scale assistance programs - yet can make an important difference."
The website is here- Spirit of America .
Certain blogs decided to make a competition out of seeing who could raise the most money , with Michelle from A Small Victory firing the first shots across the bow. It's been a great example of the generosity that makes up the character of many people in the blogosphere, such as it was with Chief Wiggles.
Then, Dan Henninger from the Wall Street Journal wrote an editorial challenging the readership to help raise money for this worthy and important cause. He hoped to raise a few thousand bucks, maybe even break in to the six digit area.
Well, as of yesterday afternoon, some 3,694 Journal readers (and their friends) had contributed $707,750. The individual contributions ranged from $3.50 to $50,000.
By today it's probably well past a million, and it's probably safe to say that Spirit of America will get the funding needed to get that media operation running in Iraq so we can balance out the terrorist enabling staions such as Al-Jazeera (spit!).
From the WSJ yesterday-
"Jim Hake (director of Spirit of America) is stunned by the response. He says his friends in the Marine Corps are stunned. We are not. The generosity of this newspaper's readership is well known to those of us at Dow Jones who have witnessed it repeatedly over the years.
Mr. Hake is now purchasing the TV equipment -- new PCs, camcorders, editing equipment and the like -- which will be delivered directly to Camp Pendleton in California and loaded on the earliest available Marine transport plane bound for Iraq. When the dust settles, Mr. Hake will post a verbal and financial accounting of the project on the group's Web site, spiritofamerica.net. Mr. Henninger plans a follow-up soon in the Wonder Land column.
As to the project exceeding its funding goals, Mr. Hake says this ensures that the rebuilding and upgrading of community TV stations in Iraq can be extended. He has no intention of letting Spirit of America become "big and stupid." Any additional funds will be used as in all the group's projects up to now -- to respond to requests initiated by U.S. troops in Iraq or Afghanistan for help with small, nonmilitary, civil reconstruction projects.
We suppose one can divine political implications from this remarkable stateside outpouring, but we think we'll forgo the politics and let the goodwill of our readers speak for itself."
I'm sure that the New York Times would be more than happy to help out this way too, right?
Right?
Money grubbing evil capitalists................
The website is here- Spirit of America .
Certain blogs decided to make a competition out of seeing who could raise the most money , with Michelle from A Small Victory firing the first shots across the bow. It's been a great example of the generosity that makes up the character of many people in the blogosphere, such as it was with Chief Wiggles.
Then, Dan Henninger from the Wall Street Journal wrote an editorial challenging the readership to help raise money for this worthy and important cause. He hoped to raise a few thousand bucks, maybe even break in to the six digit area.
Well, as of yesterday afternoon, some 3,694 Journal readers (and their friends) had contributed $707,750. The individual contributions ranged from $3.50 to $50,000.
By today it's probably well past a million, and it's probably safe to say that Spirit of America will get the funding needed to get that media operation running in Iraq so we can balance out the terrorist enabling staions such as Al-Jazeera (spit!).
From the WSJ yesterday-
"Jim Hake (director of Spirit of America) is stunned by the response. He says his friends in the Marine Corps are stunned. We are not. The generosity of this newspaper's readership is well known to those of us at Dow Jones who have witnessed it repeatedly over the years.
Mr. Hake is now purchasing the TV equipment -- new PCs, camcorders, editing equipment and the like -- which will be delivered directly to Camp Pendleton in California and loaded on the earliest available Marine transport plane bound for Iraq. When the dust settles, Mr. Hake will post a verbal and financial accounting of the project on the group's Web site, spiritofamerica.net. Mr. Henninger plans a follow-up soon in the Wonder Land column.
As to the project exceeding its funding goals, Mr. Hake says this ensures that the rebuilding and upgrading of community TV stations in Iraq can be extended. He has no intention of letting Spirit of America become "big and stupid." Any additional funds will be used as in all the group's projects up to now -- to respond to requests initiated by U.S. troops in Iraq or Afghanistan for help with small, nonmilitary, civil reconstruction projects.
We suppose one can divine political implications from this remarkable stateside outpouring, but we think we'll forgo the politics and let the goodwill of our readers speak for itself."
I'm sure that the New York Times would be more than happy to help out this way too, right?
Right?
Money grubbing evil capitalists................
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Hey -Ayatollah Ali Khamenei!!! YOU'RE NEXT BUDDY!!!
The Mullarchy in Iran is getting nervous..they are chaining 75 year old journalists to their hospital beds. Hey Mullah boy- get your stuff packed and call your buddies in Syria- your days are NUMBERED....
Tuesday, 20 April 2004
Iran: Rights Group 'Revolted' At Treatment Of Ailing Journalist
By Golnaz Esfandiari
Reporters Without Borders is expressing outrage over the treatment of ailing 75-year-old journalist Siamak Pourzand, who has been imprisoned in Iran since 2001. Pourzand, who is now in a Tehran hospital after suffering a heart attack, has reportedly been chained to his bed by authorities.
Prague, 20 April 2004 (RFE/RL) -- Iran's Siamak Pourzand, a well-known journalist and film critic, has been through some difficult times during the last three years.
In November 2001, Pourzand disappeared. Only later did relatives and friends discover that he had been arrested by Iranian police. He was held for months in solitary confinement with no access to either his family or to his lawyer.
In May 2002, Pourzand was charged with antistate activities and "links to monarchists and counterrevolutionaries" and sentenced to 11 years in prison. His trial was described by Human Rights Watch as a "mockery of justice."
Iran's state news agency reported that Pourzand had confessed to his crimes, but his family and human-rights groups say the confession was extracted using psychological pressure and torture.
Pourzand was granted prison leave in December 2002 but was re-arrested on 30 March 2003. Amnesty International and the media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) say he was held in solitary confinement in appalling conditions with no access to his own lawyer.
Now, Pourzand is in hospital in Tehran, after suffering a heart attack in late March and lapsing into a coma for a few days. His eldest daughter (from his first wife), Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi, who lives in the United States, told RFE/RL that her father's condition is critical.
"After several strokes over the last few months, he finally had a massive coronary, and he was finally taken -- at the behest of the infirmary in prison and various doctors who have begged the judiciary system to have him treated in a more sophisticated medical facility -- he was taken to a public hospital entitled Modares, and there he has been chained to his bed with two [guards] around him," she said.
Pourzand's (second) wife, Mehrangiz Kar, is a prominent human-rights activist who also lives in the United States. She says she and Pourzand's children have had no direct contact with him since his re-arrest one year ago. His sister in Tehran is the only family member who had been able to meet him since his incarceration.
At that meeting, Reporters Without Borders says Pourzand was unable to walk, barely able to speak, and told his sister not to sign anything in connection with him.
Pourzand's daughter says Tehran's chief prosecutor, Said Mortazavi, told her father that he will not be released in the near future. "Mortazavi specifically told him two weeks ago that he wasn't going to let my father go because he's afraid that if he lets my father go that my father would basically divulge to the world the atrocities that are committed every day in the prisons of the Islamic Republic and the human-rights violations."
Pourzand's case has been noted by various international human rights groups, who have called for his release.
In a statement today, Reporters Without Borders said it was "revolted" by Pourzand's treatment and called for his release. RSF said it will hold the Iranian authorities responsible for the deterioration in Pourzand's health.
Agnes Devictor, of RSF's Iran desk, says Pourzand's case highlights the way journalists are treated in the Islamic Republic.
"Unfortunately, we already had one case -- Zahra Kazemi's case," she said. "She died in detention last year, and I think the Iranian authorities still do not understand that they have to change their way of dealing with journalists in jail."
Kazemi, an Iranian-Canadian photographer, was arrested last year in front of Tehran's Evin prison while taking pictures of the families of political prisoners. She later died in a hospital because of a blow she received to her head during her detention.
Many observers say Pourzand, who also ran a cultural center in Tehran, was arrested in an effort to intimidate intellectuals and prevent them from expressing critical views of the Iranian establishment.
Following Pourzand's arrest, several writers and journalists in Iran were questioned about a variety of issues.
Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi says, "My father is a cultural figure. He's never been a political activist, so to speak. He's just being used as a tool because these people feel the need to [silence] every single cultural figure and intellectual and free thinker of any age and background. It's the assassination of a character, breaking down the spirit."
---
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty © 2004 RFE/RL, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, 20 April 2004
Iran: Rights Group 'Revolted' At Treatment Of Ailing Journalist
By Golnaz Esfandiari
Reporters Without Borders is expressing outrage over the treatment of ailing 75-year-old journalist Siamak Pourzand, who has been imprisoned in Iran since 2001. Pourzand, who is now in a Tehran hospital after suffering a heart attack, has reportedly been chained to his bed by authorities.
Prague, 20 April 2004 (RFE/RL) -- Iran's Siamak Pourzand, a well-known journalist and film critic, has been through some difficult times during the last three years.
In November 2001, Pourzand disappeared. Only later did relatives and friends discover that he had been arrested by Iranian police. He was held for months in solitary confinement with no access to either his family or to his lawyer.
In May 2002, Pourzand was charged with antistate activities and "links to monarchists and counterrevolutionaries" and sentenced to 11 years in prison. His trial was described by Human Rights Watch as a "mockery of justice."
Iran's state news agency reported that Pourzand had confessed to his crimes, but his family and human-rights groups say the confession was extracted using psychological pressure and torture.
Pourzand was granted prison leave in December 2002 but was re-arrested on 30 March 2003. Amnesty International and the media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) say he was held in solitary confinement in appalling conditions with no access to his own lawyer.
Now, Pourzand is in hospital in Tehran, after suffering a heart attack in late March and lapsing into a coma for a few days. His eldest daughter (from his first wife), Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi, who lives in the United States, told RFE/RL that her father's condition is critical.
"After several strokes over the last few months, he finally had a massive coronary, and he was finally taken -- at the behest of the infirmary in prison and various doctors who have begged the judiciary system to have him treated in a more sophisticated medical facility -- he was taken to a public hospital entitled Modares, and there he has been chained to his bed with two [guards] around him," she said.
Pourzand's (second) wife, Mehrangiz Kar, is a prominent human-rights activist who also lives in the United States. She says she and Pourzand's children have had no direct contact with him since his re-arrest one year ago. His sister in Tehran is the only family member who had been able to meet him since his incarceration.
At that meeting, Reporters Without Borders says Pourzand was unable to walk, barely able to speak, and told his sister not to sign anything in connection with him.
Pourzand's daughter says Tehran's chief prosecutor, Said Mortazavi, told her father that he will not be released in the near future. "Mortazavi specifically told him two weeks ago that he wasn't going to let my father go because he's afraid that if he lets my father go that my father would basically divulge to the world the atrocities that are committed every day in the prisons of the Islamic Republic and the human-rights violations."
Pourzand's case has been noted by various international human rights groups, who have called for his release.
In a statement today, Reporters Without Borders said it was "revolted" by Pourzand's treatment and called for his release. RSF said it will hold the Iranian authorities responsible for the deterioration in Pourzand's health.
Agnes Devictor, of RSF's Iran desk, says Pourzand's case highlights the way journalists are treated in the Islamic Republic.
"Unfortunately, we already had one case -- Zahra Kazemi's case," she said. "She died in detention last year, and I think the Iranian authorities still do not understand that they have to change their way of dealing with journalists in jail."
Kazemi, an Iranian-Canadian photographer, was arrested last year in front of Tehran's Evin prison while taking pictures of the families of political prisoners. She later died in a hospital because of a blow she received to her head during her detention.
Many observers say Pourzand, who also ran a cultural center in Tehran, was arrested in an effort to intimidate intellectuals and prevent them from expressing critical views of the Iranian establishment.
Following Pourzand's arrest, several writers and journalists in Iran were questioned about a variety of issues.
Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi says, "My father is a cultural figure. He's never been a political activist, so to speak. He's just being used as a tool because these people feel the need to [silence] every single cultural figure and intellectual and free thinker of any age and background. It's the assassination of a character, breaking down the spirit."
---
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty © 2004 RFE/RL, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Mark Steyn nails it again............
The Steyn man hits the nail on the head again with his essay entitled Stop whimpering, we're in a battle
.
An excerpt-
Sometimes the defeatist whimper emerges as a cocky metropolitan sneer, like that of Rod Liddle in last week's Spectator, braying that Iraq was better off under Saddam. Sometimes it comes out as whiney narcissism, like that of the White House reporters at President Bush's press conference last week. Bush wasn't on good form. He was punchy and rambling. But no matter how bad he was, the press corps looked worse. I happened to watch the speech from the United States Naval Academy where I was taking part in their foreign affairs conference and I can tell you the questions I got from the midshipmen were a lot smarter than the ones the President got from the blow-dried blowhards. What do you think your biggest mistake was? Are you going to apologise to the American people? Do you think you'll lose the election? If you had to name the most pathetic loser to occupy the Presidency, would you have difficulty coming up with a name other than your own? Etc, etc.
The biggest whimpers of all come from the 9/11 Commission. Have you been watching it? Me neither. But, when I catch the odd 10 minutes, I begin to feel as anti-American as Margaret Drabble and Harold Pinter. In its ghastly exhibitionist ersatz-legalism, it represents all the most malign features of American life. Tony Blair should have offered to loan Lord Hutton. Instead, a mélange of hacks and has-beens mugs for the cameras round the clock, and any piece of government paper from the summer of 2001 containing the words "plane" and/or "Muslim" is taken as evidence of Bush's complicity.
As they say- read the whole thing....
.
An excerpt-
Sometimes the defeatist whimper emerges as a cocky metropolitan sneer, like that of Rod Liddle in last week's Spectator, braying that Iraq was better off under Saddam. Sometimes it comes out as whiney narcissism, like that of the White House reporters at President Bush's press conference last week. Bush wasn't on good form. He was punchy and rambling. But no matter how bad he was, the press corps looked worse. I happened to watch the speech from the United States Naval Academy where I was taking part in their foreign affairs conference and I can tell you the questions I got from the midshipmen were a lot smarter than the ones the President got from the blow-dried blowhards. What do you think your biggest mistake was? Are you going to apologise to the American people? Do you think you'll lose the election? If you had to name the most pathetic loser to occupy the Presidency, would you have difficulty coming up with a name other than your own? Etc, etc.
The biggest whimpers of all come from the 9/11 Commission. Have you been watching it? Me neither. But, when I catch the odd 10 minutes, I begin to feel as anti-American as Margaret Drabble and Harold Pinter. In its ghastly exhibitionist ersatz-legalism, it represents all the most malign features of American life. Tony Blair should have offered to loan Lord Hutton. Instead, a mélange of hacks and has-beens mugs for the cameras round the clock, and any piece of government paper from the summer of 2001 containing the words "plane" and/or "Muslim" is taken as evidence of Bush's complicity.
As they say- read the whole thing....
Monday, April 19, 2004
For My Big Sis.......Don't send me anymore Michael Moore books.....
Yep, I have a big sis, and she works in the publishing industry, therefore she has access to many different sources of reading material at little cost to her. I have been the lucky recipient of many great books from my sister over the years, and I am most grateful that she has helped to increase the size of my reading shelf. I still have books to finish from last Christmas.
That being said, I now have to address something for my sister so it is perfectly clear, I FUCKING HATE MICHAEL MOORE. A LOT.
My sister and I have had our differences of opinion over politics before, but lately it has elevated to a new level due to the fact that I may not be voting Democrat this year, and may end up voting for Bush. I have grown weary of everyone blaming Bush for the worlds ills instead of where it belongs, Radical Islam.
Bush didn't pilot the planes on 9/11. Radical Islam did.
Bush doesn't tell his daughters that God will praise them if they strap a bomb to their chests and blow up women and children with it. Radical Islam does.
Bush isn't the problem in Iraq right now. Radical Islam is.
But the media apparently sells more newspapers if it shifts the blame away from those really responsible, than to find ways in which to pin it to Bush. This is truly sickening. But this is NOTHING compared to the crap-spewing donut-raiding US-hating enemy of freedom known as Michael Moore.
Here is the latest example of some the great bovined ones words of wisdom-
"First, can we stop the Orwellian language and start using the proper names for things? Those are not “contractors” in Iraq. They are not there to fix a roof or to pour concrete in a driveway. They are MERCENARIES and SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE. They are there for the money, and the money is very good if you live long enough to spend it.
Halliburton is not a "company" doing business in Iraq. It is a WAR PROFITEER, bilking millions from the pockets of average Americans. In past wars they would have been arrested -- or worse."
Really Mr Moore? Let's see what one of those mercenaries thinks about this description-
"What will my son be told about me, if I die in Kabul or abroad? 'He was a mercenary. What did he care for the humanitarian reasons? He was just in it for the money.'
I'd do it for nothing, if I could keep my family afloat. I'll bet you every one of those lads they hanged from the bridges felt the same. Maybe there are some people out there for whom this war could be just about money, or all about oil, but I sure don't know any of them."
I've noticed in all of the comments from people like Moore who claim the security officers from companies such as Blackwater were "mercenaries" who do not deserve sympathy neglect to mention that the four who were murdered in Fallujah were protecting a FOOD CONVOY. Not a big shipment of oil, or money, or guns, but FOOD. So does any sane person truly believe that a mercenary would risk his life to make sure poor hungry people got food? If you live in Moores world, you do.
But wait! Michael has more to say!
"There is a lot of talk amongst Bush's opponents that we should turn this war over to the United Nations. Why should the other countries of this world, countries who tried to talk us out of this folly, now have to clean up our mess? I oppose the U.N. or anyone else risking the lives of their citizens to extract us from our debacle. I'm sorry, but the majority of Americans supported this war once it began and, sadly, that majority must now sacrifice their children until enough blood has been let that maybe -- just maybe -- God and the Iraqi people will forgive us in the end."
So now Moore hopes that enough soldiers will die so those who supported the war will "learn their lesson" in regards to Bush and Iraq.
Moore hopes US soldiers die. Period. Spin it all you want, this is what he said- "that majority must now sacrifice their children until enough blood has been let.".
He's not just on the other side, he is the freaking enemy.
For some light reading sis, if you're still reading this far, I suggest you peruse the following sites to get some more background on this treachorous little lying filth, and suggest that you take anything he will soon spew out with a planet sized grain of salt.
MooreWatch
Bowling for Truth
Moore Exposed- the website that asks- "Should a 320lb man advise us on the evils of consumption?"
Micheal Moore Hates America
Moore Lies
And Michael Moore, I hope that you would continue to endorse the Democrats, thus confirming the suspicion I have that they are no longer the party of sanity and reason.
Way to go Spain!!...........Enjoy your dhimmitude........
"Peace in our time: Spanish leader pulling troops from Iraq"
MADRID, Spain (AP)- The prime minister ordered Spanish troops pulled out of Iraq as soon as possible Sunday, fulfilling a campaign pledge to a nation still recovering from terrorist bombings that al-Qaida militants said were reprisal for Spain's support of the war.
The new Socialist prime minister issued the abrupt recall just hours after his government was sworn in, saying there was no sign the United States would meet his demands for staying in Iraq — United Nations control of the postwar occupation.
Wonderful. Spain elects its new Chamberlain and tells the terrorists that if you bomb a European nation during an election, they will scatter in to the shadows like frightened roaches. Fortunately, there are still some men of principle in Spain-
"Mariano Rajoy, Aznar's hand-picked candidate to face Zapatero in the election, said Zapatero's decision made Spain "much more vulnerable and weak in the face of terrorism." Zapatero has "thrown in the towel" rather than try to exhaust all possibilities of getting a new U.N. resolution to meet his demands, Rajoy said. And Aznar, who deployed the troops, said Sunday this would only lead to more violence and chaos in Iraq.
"That will not be good for Spain, not a good day for the coalition, and a very good day for those who don't want stability and democracy in Iraq," Aznar said on "Fox News Sunday."
I really don't think Spain and Zapazero fully realize the implications here. By removing the troops from Iraq, this will serve to confirm to the terrorists that if they strike a little fear in the hearts of the voters, they can get what they want. How anyone can look at this and see it differently confounds me. And you can pretty much gauruntee an attack from the terrorists in the US before our next election. It would be almost a no-brainer at this point for Al-Qaeda.
Allah-pundit has the best photoshop picture for this news.....
And in related news, Najaf residents are none too pleased that the lunatic Al-Sadr has decided to hide behind the mosques in this holy muslim city. He says he wants to be a martyr, I say- why not give him what he wants?
MADRID, Spain (AP)- The prime minister ordered Spanish troops pulled out of Iraq as soon as possible Sunday, fulfilling a campaign pledge to a nation still recovering from terrorist bombings that al-Qaida militants said were reprisal for Spain's support of the war.
The new Socialist prime minister issued the abrupt recall just hours after his government was sworn in, saying there was no sign the United States would meet his demands for staying in Iraq — United Nations control of the postwar occupation.
Wonderful. Spain elects its new Chamberlain and tells the terrorists that if you bomb a European nation during an election, they will scatter in to the shadows like frightened roaches. Fortunately, there are still some men of principle in Spain-
"Mariano Rajoy, Aznar's hand-picked candidate to face Zapatero in the election, said Zapatero's decision made Spain "much more vulnerable and weak in the face of terrorism." Zapatero has "thrown in the towel" rather than try to exhaust all possibilities of getting a new U.N. resolution to meet his demands, Rajoy said. And Aznar, who deployed the troops, said Sunday this would only lead to more violence and chaos in Iraq.
"That will not be good for Spain, not a good day for the coalition, and a very good day for those who don't want stability and democracy in Iraq," Aznar said on "Fox News Sunday."
I really don't think Spain and Zapazero fully realize the implications here. By removing the troops from Iraq, this will serve to confirm to the terrorists that if they strike a little fear in the hearts of the voters, they can get what they want. How anyone can look at this and see it differently confounds me. And you can pretty much gauruntee an attack from the terrorists in the US before our next election. It would be almost a no-brainer at this point for Al-Qaeda.
Allah-pundit has the best photoshop picture for this news.....
And in related news, Najaf residents are none too pleased that the lunatic Al-Sadr has decided to hide behind the mosques in this holy muslim city. He says he wants to be a martyr, I say- why not give him what he wants?
Friday, April 16, 2004
Caloo Calay! Joyous of Joyous Days!!! Monty Python comes to the rescue!!
Python film to challenge Passion
Monty Python's film The Life of Brian is to return to US cinemas next month following the success of The Passion of the Christ. The Biblical satire will be re-released in Los Angeles, New York and other US cities to mark its 25th anniversary.
Adverts will challenge Mel Gibson's blockbuster with the lines "Mel or Monty?", "The Passion or the Python?"
Distributor Rainbow said it hoped the film would "serve as an antidote to all the hysteria about Mel's movie".
Some memorable moments from this great film-
Life of Brian (1979)
Brian: Excuse me. Are you the Judean People's Front?
Reg: Fuck off! We're the People's Front of Judea
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reg: All right, but apart from the sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh water system and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?
Attendee: Brought peace?
Reg: Oh, peace - shut up!
Reg: There is not one of us who would not gladly suffer death to rid this country of the Romans once and for all.
Dissenter: Uh, well, one.
Reg: Oh, yeah, yeah, there's one. But otherwise, we're solid.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian: I am NOT the Messiah!
Arthur: I say you are Lord, and I should know. I've followed a few.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reg: If you want to join the People's Front of Judea, you have to really hate the Romans.
Brian: I do!
Reg: Oh yeah, how much?
Brian: A lot!
Reg: Right, you're in.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
[A line of prisoners files past a jailer]
Coordinator: Crucifixion?
Stan: Yes.
Coordinator: Good. Out of the door, line on the left, one cross each.
[Next prisoner]
Coordinator: Crucifixion?
Stan: Er, no, freedom actually.
Coordinator: What?
Stan: Yeah, they said I hadn't done anything and I could go and live on an island somewhere.
Coordinator: Oh I say, that's very nice. Well, off you go then.
Stan: No, I'm just pulling your leg, it's crucifixion really.
Coordinator: [laughing] Oh yes, very good. Well...
Stan: Yes I know, out of the door, one cross each, line on the left.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Suicide Squad Leader: We are the Judean People's Front crack suicide squad! Suicide squad, attack!
[they all stab themselves]
Suicide Squad Leader: That showed 'em, huh?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian: I'm not a roman mum, I'm a kike, a yid, a heebie, a hook-nose, I'm kosher mum, I'm a Red Sea pedestrian, and proud of it!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian: I'm not the Messiah! Will you please listen? I am not the Messiah, do you understand? Honestly!
Girl: Only the true Messiah denies His divinity.
Brian: What? Well, what sort of chance does that give me? All right! I am the Messiah!
Followers: He is! He is the Messiah!
Brian: Now, fuck off!
[silence]
Arthur: How shall we fuck off, O Lord?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian: There's no pleasing some people.
Beggar: That's what Jesus said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reg: Hello, Sibling Brian.
Brian: Thank God you've come, Reg.
Reg: Well, I think I should point out first, Brian, in all fairness, we are not, in fact, the rescue committee. However, I have been asked to read the following prepare statement on behalf of the movement. "We the People's Front of Judea, brackets, officials, end brackets, do hereby convey our sincere fraternal and sisterly greetings to you, Brian, on this, the occasion of your martyrdom."
Brian: What?
Reg: "Your death will stand as a landmark in the continuing struggle to liberate the parent land from the hands of the Roman imperialist aggressors, excluding those concerned with drainage, medicine, roads, housing, education, viniculture and any other Romans contributing to the welfare of Jews of both sexes and hermaphrodites. Signed, on behalf of the P.F.J., etc." And I'd just like to add, on a personal note, my own admiration, for what you're doing for us, Brian, on what must be, after all, for you a very difficult time.
______________________________________________________
This is excellent news, because if ever there was a time when a movie like this needed to be re-released, it would be now. I can't think of a better film to counter The Passion than the genius in The Life of Brian......yes, I am a Monty Python geek......I blame my parents, they forced me at gunpoint to watch Faulty Towers and it all went downhill from there......
Monty Python's film The Life of Brian is to return to US cinemas next month following the success of The Passion of the Christ. The Biblical satire will be re-released in Los Angeles, New York and other US cities to mark its 25th anniversary.
Adverts will challenge Mel Gibson's blockbuster with the lines "Mel or Monty?", "The Passion or the Python?"
Distributor Rainbow said it hoped the film would "serve as an antidote to all the hysteria about Mel's movie".
Some memorable moments from this great film-
Life of Brian (1979)
Brian: Excuse me. Are you the Judean People's Front?
Reg: Fuck off! We're the People's Front of Judea
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reg: All right, but apart from the sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh water system and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?
Attendee: Brought peace?
Reg: Oh, peace - shut up!
Reg: There is not one of us who would not gladly suffer death to rid this country of the Romans once and for all.
Dissenter: Uh, well, one.
Reg: Oh, yeah, yeah, there's one. But otherwise, we're solid.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian: I am NOT the Messiah!
Arthur: I say you are Lord, and I should know. I've followed a few.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reg: If you want to join the People's Front of Judea, you have to really hate the Romans.
Brian: I do!
Reg: Oh yeah, how much?
Brian: A lot!
Reg: Right, you're in.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
[A line of prisoners files past a jailer]
Coordinator: Crucifixion?
Stan: Yes.
Coordinator: Good. Out of the door, line on the left, one cross each.
[Next prisoner]
Coordinator: Crucifixion?
Stan: Er, no, freedom actually.
Coordinator: What?
Stan: Yeah, they said I hadn't done anything and I could go and live on an island somewhere.
Coordinator: Oh I say, that's very nice. Well, off you go then.
Stan: No, I'm just pulling your leg, it's crucifixion really.
Coordinator: [laughing] Oh yes, very good. Well...
Stan: Yes I know, out of the door, one cross each, line on the left.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Suicide Squad Leader: We are the Judean People's Front crack suicide squad! Suicide squad, attack!
[they all stab themselves]
Suicide Squad Leader: That showed 'em, huh?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian: I'm not a roman mum, I'm a kike, a yid, a heebie, a hook-nose, I'm kosher mum, I'm a Red Sea pedestrian, and proud of it!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian: I'm not the Messiah! Will you please listen? I am not the Messiah, do you understand? Honestly!
Girl: Only the true Messiah denies His divinity.
Brian: What? Well, what sort of chance does that give me? All right! I am the Messiah!
Followers: He is! He is the Messiah!
Brian: Now, fuck off!
[silence]
Arthur: How shall we fuck off, O Lord?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian: There's no pleasing some people.
Beggar: That's what Jesus said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reg: Hello, Sibling Brian.
Brian: Thank God you've come, Reg.
Reg: Well, I think I should point out first, Brian, in all fairness, we are not, in fact, the rescue committee. However, I have been asked to read the following prepare statement on behalf of the movement. "We the People's Front of Judea, brackets, officials, end brackets, do hereby convey our sincere fraternal and sisterly greetings to you, Brian, on this, the occasion of your martyrdom."
Brian: What?
Reg: "Your death will stand as a landmark in the continuing struggle to liberate the parent land from the hands of the Roman imperialist aggressors, excluding those concerned with drainage, medicine, roads, housing, education, viniculture and any other Romans contributing to the welfare of Jews of both sexes and hermaphrodites. Signed, on behalf of the P.F.J., etc." And I'd just like to add, on a personal note, my own admiration, for what you're doing for us, Brian, on what must be, after all, for you a very difficult time.
______________________________________________________
This is excellent news, because if ever there was a time when a movie like this needed to be re-released, it would be now. I can't think of a better film to counter The Passion than the genius in The Life of Brian......yes, I am a Monty Python geek......I blame my parents, they forced me at gunpoint to watch Faulty Towers and it all went downhill from there......
Metrosexual....shmetrosexual...bah- the REAL sexual......
via Four Right Wing Wacko's
The Retrosexual Code
A Retrosexual man, no matter what the women insists, PAYS FOR THE DATE.
A Retrosexual man opens doors for a lady. Even for the ones that fit that term only because they're a female.
A Retrosexual DEALS with IT, be it a flat tire, break-in into your home, or a natural disaster, you DEAL WITH IT.
A Retrosexual not only eats red meat, he often kills it himself.
A Retrosexual doesn't worry about living to be 90. It's not how long you live, but how well. If you're 90 years old and still smoking cigars and drinking, I salute you. If you are still having sex, you are a God.
A Retrosexual does not use more hair or skin products than a woman. Women have several supermarket aisles of stuff. Retrosexuals need an endcap (possibly 2 endcaps if you include shaving goods.)
A Retrosexual does not dress in clothes from Hot Topic when he's 30 years old.
A Retrosexual should know how to properly kill stuff (or people) if need be. This falls under the "Dealing with IT" portion of The Code.
A Retrosexual watches no TV show with "Queer" in the title.
A Retrosexual does not let neighbors screw up rooms in his house on national TV.
A Retrosexual should not give up excessive amounts of manliness for women. Some is inevitable, but major reinvention of yourself will only lead to you becoming a froo-froo little puss, and in the long run, she ain't worth it.
A Retrosexual is allowed to seek professional help for major mental stress such as drug/alcohol addiction, death of your entire family in a freak treechipper accident, favorite sports team being moved to a different city, favorite bird dog expiring, etc. You are NOT allowed to see a shrink because Daddy didn't pay you enough attention. Daddy was busy DEALING WITH IT. When you screwed up, he DEALT with you.
A Retrosexual will have at least one outfit in his wardrobe designed to conceal himself from prey.
A Retrosexual knows how to tie a Windsor knot when wearing a tie -- and ONLY a Windsor knot.
A Retrosexual should have at least one good wound he can brag about getting.
A Retrosexual knows how to use a basic set of tools. If you can't hammer a nail, or drill a straight hole, practice in secret until you can -- or be rightfully ridiculed for the wuss you be.
A Retrosexual knows that owning a gun is not a sign that your are riddled with fear, guns are TOOLS and are often essential to DEAL WITH IT. Plus it's just plain fun to fire one off in the direction of those people or things that just need a little "wakin' up".
Crying. There are very few reason that a Retrosexual may cry, and none of them have to do with TV commercials, movies, or soap operas. Sports teams are sometimes a reason to cry, but the preferred method of release is swearing or throwing the remote control. Some reasons a Retrosexual can cry include (but are not limited to) death of a loved one, death of a pet (fish do NOT count as pets in this case), loss of a major body part, or loss of major body part on your Ford truck.
When a Retrosexual is on a crowded bus and or a commuter train, and a pregnant woman, heck, any woman gets on, that retrosexual stands up and offers his seat to that woman, then looks around at the other so-called men still in their seats with a disgusted "you punks" look on his face.
A Retrosexual knows how to say the Pledge properly, and with the correct emphasis and pronunciation. He also knows the words to the Star Spangled Banner
A Retrosexual will have hobbies and habits his wife and mother do not understand, but that are essential to his manliness, in that they offset the acceptable manliness decline he suffers when married/engaged or in a serious healthy relationship - i.e., hunting, boxing, shot putting, shooting, cigars, car maintenance.
A Retrosexual knows how to sharpen his own knives and kitchen utensils.
A Retrosexual man can drive in snow (hell, a blizzard) without sliding all over or driving under 20mph, without anxiety, and without high-centering his ride in a snow bank.
A Retrosexual man can chop down a tree and make it land where he wants. Wherever it lands is where he damn well wanted it to land. Except on his truck--that would happen because of a "force of nature", and then the retrosexual man's options are to Cry, or to DEAL with IT, or do both.
A Retrosexual will give up his seat on a bus to not only any women but any elderly person or person in military dress (except 2nd Lt's).
(NOTE: The person in military dress may turn down the offer but the Retrosexual man will ALWAYS make the offer to them and thank them for serving their country.)
A Retrosexual man doesn't need a contract -- a handshake is good enough. He will always stand by his word even if circumstances change or the other person deceived him.
A Retrosexual man doesn't immediately look to sue someone when he does something stupid and hurts himself. We understand that sometimes in the process of doing things we get hurt and we just DEAL WITH IT!
The Retrosexual Code
A Retrosexual man, no matter what the women insists, PAYS FOR THE DATE.
A Retrosexual man opens doors for a lady. Even for the ones that fit that term only because they're a female.
A Retrosexual DEALS with IT, be it a flat tire, break-in into your home, or a natural disaster, you DEAL WITH IT.
A Retrosexual not only eats red meat, he often kills it himself.
A Retrosexual doesn't worry about living to be 90. It's not how long you live, but how well. If you're 90 years old and still smoking cigars and drinking, I salute you. If you are still having sex, you are a God.
A Retrosexual does not use more hair or skin products than a woman. Women have several supermarket aisles of stuff. Retrosexuals need an endcap (possibly 2 endcaps if you include shaving goods.)
A Retrosexual does not dress in clothes from Hot Topic when he's 30 years old.
A Retrosexual should know how to properly kill stuff (or people) if need be. This falls under the "Dealing with IT" portion of The Code.
A Retrosexual watches no TV show with "Queer" in the title.
A Retrosexual does not let neighbors screw up rooms in his house on national TV.
A Retrosexual should not give up excessive amounts of manliness for women. Some is inevitable, but major reinvention of yourself will only lead to you becoming a froo-froo little puss, and in the long run, she ain't worth it.
A Retrosexual is allowed to seek professional help for major mental stress such as drug/alcohol addiction, death of your entire family in a freak treechipper accident, favorite sports team being moved to a different city, favorite bird dog expiring, etc. You are NOT allowed to see a shrink because Daddy didn't pay you enough attention. Daddy was busy DEALING WITH IT. When you screwed up, he DEALT with you.
A Retrosexual will have at least one outfit in his wardrobe designed to conceal himself from prey.
A Retrosexual knows how to tie a Windsor knot when wearing a tie -- and ONLY a Windsor knot.
A Retrosexual should have at least one good wound he can brag about getting.
A Retrosexual knows how to use a basic set of tools. If you can't hammer a nail, or drill a straight hole, practice in secret until you can -- or be rightfully ridiculed for the wuss you be.
A Retrosexual knows that owning a gun is not a sign that your are riddled with fear, guns are TOOLS and are often essential to DEAL WITH IT. Plus it's just plain fun to fire one off in the direction of those people or things that just need a little "wakin' up".
Crying. There are very few reason that a Retrosexual may cry, and none of them have to do with TV commercials, movies, or soap operas. Sports teams are sometimes a reason to cry, but the preferred method of release is swearing or throwing the remote control. Some reasons a Retrosexual can cry include (but are not limited to) death of a loved one, death of a pet (fish do NOT count as pets in this case), loss of a major body part, or loss of major body part on your Ford truck.
When a Retrosexual is on a crowded bus and or a commuter train, and a pregnant woman, heck, any woman gets on, that retrosexual stands up and offers his seat to that woman, then looks around at the other so-called men still in their seats with a disgusted "you punks" look on his face.
A Retrosexual knows how to say the Pledge properly, and with the correct emphasis and pronunciation. He also knows the words to the Star Spangled Banner
A Retrosexual will have hobbies and habits his wife and mother do not understand, but that are essential to his manliness, in that they offset the acceptable manliness decline he suffers when married/engaged or in a serious healthy relationship - i.e., hunting, boxing, shot putting, shooting, cigars, car maintenance.
A Retrosexual knows how to sharpen his own knives and kitchen utensils.
A Retrosexual man can drive in snow (hell, a blizzard) without sliding all over or driving under 20mph, without anxiety, and without high-centering his ride in a snow bank.
A Retrosexual man can chop down a tree and make it land where he wants. Wherever it lands is where he damn well wanted it to land. Except on his truck--that would happen because of a "force of nature", and then the retrosexual man's options are to Cry, or to DEAL with IT, or do both.
A Retrosexual will give up his seat on a bus to not only any women but any elderly person or person in military dress (except 2nd Lt's).
(NOTE: The person in military dress may turn down the offer but the Retrosexual man will ALWAYS make the offer to them and thank them for serving their country.)
A Retrosexual man doesn't need a contract -- a handshake is good enough. He will always stand by his word even if circumstances change or the other person deceived him.
A Retrosexual man doesn't immediately look to sue someone when he does something stupid and hurts himself. We understand that sometimes in the process of doing things we get hurt and we just DEAL WITH IT!
Thursday, April 15, 2004
Oliver and Fidel...The Love story.......
Oliver Stone went to Cuba a few years ago to interview Fidel Castro for the film Comandanate. It was to air on HBO, but apparently HBO and the press found it to be too soft on Fidel, no small feat.
So, Mr Stone went back to try again, and has a new film Looking for Fidel. It has been written that Mr Stone was more critical this time of Fidel, but after reading the following interview with Stone, I can't imagine how bad the first one was......
Some excerpts-
ALB: Let me ask you about the part [in the film] where Castro's in front of eight prisoners charged with attempting to hijack a plane [to Miami]. He says to them, "I want you all to speak frankly and freely." What do you make of that whole scene, where you have these prisoners who happened to be wearing perfectly starched, nice blue shirts?
OS: Let me give you the background. He obviously set it up overnight. It was in that spirit that he said, "Ask whatever you want. I'm sitting here. I want to hear it too. I want to hear what they're thinking." He let me run the tribunal, so to speak.
ALB: But Cuba's leader for life is sitting in front of these guys who are facing life in prison, and you're asking them, "Are you well treated in prison?" Did you think they could honestly answer that question?
OS: If they were being horribly mistreated, then I don't know that they could be worse mistreated [afterward].
ALB: So in other words, you think they thought this was their best shot to air grievances? Rather than that if they did speak candidly, there'd be hell to pay when they got back to prison?
OS: I must say, you're really picturing a Stalinist state. It doesn't feel that way. You can always find horrible prisons if you go to any country in Central America.
ALB: Did you go to the prisons in Cuba?
OS: No, I didn't.
ALB: So you don't know if they're any different than, say, the prisons in Honduras then?
OS: I think that those prisoners are being honest.
Thanks Oliver. Not that it comes as a big suprise that the liberal leaning Hollywood would bend over backward apologizing for a dictator, but every once in a while you really have to wonder. Expecting an honest answer from a jailed dissident when the dictator is hovering behind the camera? Is Stone really this stupid? How could a guy become so successful at making movies yet have no common sense to understand a coerced statement when he sees one?
Filing this one under -Things that make me head hurt.
Fidel should be dead. Period. He's a Dictator who assassinates political rivals on a regular basis. He denies his people rights and freedoms that we in the US take for granted.
The one thing that Fidel was responsible for that makes ME want to go kill him is keeping Ruben Gonzales from realizing his potential audience until after his exposure from the Afro-Cuban All-Stars and Ry Cooder and the Buena Vista Social Club.... This is a tragedy. Ruben was probably one of the most eloquent and soulful piano players I have ever heard, and because he was trapped in fascist state by a dictator, he wasn't able to truly give the world his music until a few years before his death. Mr Gonzales passed away last December. While we are lucky that he recorded at all, one wonders how many more albums would be out there if he wasn't trapped in a dictatorship.
Thankfully, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights is on the job and will soon get Fidel to release all political prisoners!!
What's that? You say Cuba is a member of the UN Commission on Human Rights?
Ah. Well then. Never mind.
Fidel, please die now. Thank you.
(Via Instapundit)
So, Mr Stone went back to try again, and has a new film Looking for Fidel. It has been written that Mr Stone was more critical this time of Fidel, but after reading the following interview with Stone, I can't imagine how bad the first one was......
Some excerpts-
ALB: Let me ask you about the part [in the film] where Castro's in front of eight prisoners charged with attempting to hijack a plane [to Miami]. He says to them, "I want you all to speak frankly and freely." What do you make of that whole scene, where you have these prisoners who happened to be wearing perfectly starched, nice blue shirts?
OS: Let me give you the background. He obviously set it up overnight. It was in that spirit that he said, "Ask whatever you want. I'm sitting here. I want to hear it too. I want to hear what they're thinking." He let me run the tribunal, so to speak.
ALB: But Cuba's leader for life is sitting in front of these guys who are facing life in prison, and you're asking them, "Are you well treated in prison?" Did you think they could honestly answer that question?
OS: If they were being horribly mistreated, then I don't know that they could be worse mistreated [afterward].
ALB: So in other words, you think they thought this was their best shot to air grievances? Rather than that if they did speak candidly, there'd be hell to pay when they got back to prison?
OS: I must say, you're really picturing a Stalinist state. It doesn't feel that way. You can always find horrible prisons if you go to any country in Central America.
ALB: Did you go to the prisons in Cuba?
OS: No, I didn't.
ALB: So you don't know if they're any different than, say, the prisons in Honduras then?
OS: I think that those prisoners are being honest.
Thanks Oliver. Not that it comes as a big suprise that the liberal leaning Hollywood would bend over backward apologizing for a dictator, but every once in a while you really have to wonder. Expecting an honest answer from a jailed dissident when the dictator is hovering behind the camera? Is Stone really this stupid? How could a guy become so successful at making movies yet have no common sense to understand a coerced statement when he sees one?
Filing this one under -Things that make me head hurt.
Fidel should be dead. Period. He's a Dictator who assassinates political rivals on a regular basis. He denies his people rights and freedoms that we in the US take for granted.
The one thing that Fidel was responsible for that makes ME want to go kill him is keeping Ruben Gonzales from realizing his potential audience until after his exposure from the Afro-Cuban All-Stars and Ry Cooder and the Buena Vista Social Club.... This is a tragedy. Ruben was probably one of the most eloquent and soulful piano players I have ever heard, and because he was trapped in fascist state by a dictator, he wasn't able to truly give the world his music until a few years before his death. Mr Gonzales passed away last December. While we are lucky that he recorded at all, one wonders how many more albums would be out there if he wasn't trapped in a dictatorship.
Thankfully, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights is on the job and will soon get Fidel to release all political prisoners!!
What's that? You say Cuba is a member of the UN Commission on Human Rights?
Ah. Well then. Never mind.
Fidel, please die now. Thank you.
(Via Instapundit)
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
Do you believe in miracles?......
Preds tie series at 2-2 with 3-0 win
Another soldout house at the Gaylord Entertainment Center watched the Nashville Predators tie their best-of-seven Western Conference Quarterfinals playoff series against the top-seeded Detroit Red Wings at 2-2 with a 3-0 victory on Tuesday night. Led by a 41-save effort from goalie Tomas Vokoun and goals from Steve Sullivan, Vladimir Orszagh and Greg Johnson, the Predators now head back to Detroit for Game 5 with the series' last two victories.
Allow me to remind everyone, Nashville has THE LOWEST payroll in the NHL right now, and during the year they were still lucky to break even. Detroit has more all-stars/soon-to-be Hall of Famers on one team than probably any team in the playoffs right now. If there ever was a more lopsided matchup by the numbers, I haven't seen it. But during the season, the Preds and Wings, who are in the same division, split the games they played against each other, 3-3. Perhaps the match that lit the fire behind this years season for the Preds was their come-from-behind win against Detroit back in November. After that win, the Preds gained a level of confidence that has carried them on in to the playoffs despite having the least amount of talent and size compared to the rest of the playoff teams. They really are this years cinderella story. The question is, can they carry this momentum back to Detroit?
The Joe Louis Arena will not be an easy place to do it. Detroit had the best home record this year, and I wonder how much longer Vokoun can hold out. His has stopped 82 of 83 shots in the last two games, and one has to wonder- with all of the offensive firepower of Detroit, can they be held scoreless for that much longer?
As it said, this is why they play 'em...........GO PREDS BABEE!!
Another soldout house at the Gaylord Entertainment Center watched the Nashville Predators tie their best-of-seven Western Conference Quarterfinals playoff series against the top-seeded Detroit Red Wings at 2-2 with a 3-0 victory on Tuesday night. Led by a 41-save effort from goalie Tomas Vokoun and goals from Steve Sullivan, Vladimir Orszagh and Greg Johnson, the Predators now head back to Detroit for Game 5 with the series' last two victories.
Allow me to remind everyone, Nashville has THE LOWEST payroll in the NHL right now, and during the year they were still lucky to break even. Detroit has more all-stars/soon-to-be Hall of Famers on one team than probably any team in the playoffs right now. If there ever was a more lopsided matchup by the numbers, I haven't seen it. But during the season, the Preds and Wings, who are in the same division, split the games they played against each other, 3-3. Perhaps the match that lit the fire behind this years season for the Preds was their come-from-behind win against Detroit back in November. After that win, the Preds gained a level of confidence that has carried them on in to the playoffs despite having the least amount of talent and size compared to the rest of the playoff teams. They really are this years cinderella story. The question is, can they carry this momentum back to Detroit?
The Joe Louis Arena will not be an easy place to do it. Detroit had the best home record this year, and I wonder how much longer Vokoun can hold out. His has stopped 82 of 83 shots in the last two games, and one has to wonder- with all of the offensive firepower of Detroit, can they be held scoreless for that much longer?
As it said, this is why they play 'em...........GO PREDS BABEE!!
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Things that make me miss Taxachusetts: part 84
"Garden Statues covered up due to customer complaints".....
Excerpt from article-
HARTSVILLE, Tennessee - A garden center's nude statues proved a bit immodest for some in this small town.
G & L Garden Center responded to complaints by covering up the classical-style statues with stylish, two-piece crimson velvet sarongs.
It turns out leaving a little to the imagination meant a lot more customers for the $99.95 ornaments. Six statues have sold in the past couple weeks alone, and the attempt at roadside modesty is stopping traffic.
"He wanted to stop when he saw the naked women and the bikinis," Joan Philpot said of her husband of 50 years, Bill.
And yes, some customers are peeking.
"They are pulling the tops and looking underneath," said G & L co-owner Angie Langford. "They wonder what we're hiding."
Yes, we must keep the kiddies from seeing the boobies. Even if they are classical-style sculptures. Made of stone. In a garden shop. Surrounded by plants. Off of a highway.
(shaking head).....
Egads.......Folks, I'm a reasonable man, I love this state of Tennessee, don't want to leave, enjoy the southern hospitality attitudes, no income tax, I can even get past having a church every three feet.
BUT LEAVE THE BOOBIE SCULPTURES ALONE!!!!! They never did anything to you! Why you must cover the boobie?
Don't you know that covering the boobies makes baby Jesus cry?
On a related note, I imagine the folks who complained about the Hartsville scupltures haven't driven through the new roundabout off of Division street in Nashville and noticed "Musica"......they would definitely have driven in to the embankment and had to have been rushed immediately to the nearest church to flush there eyes with holy water, 'cause folks, there are LOTS of boobies in that...
Pssst..........."BOOBIES!!!!"
Excerpt from article-
HARTSVILLE, Tennessee - A garden center's nude statues proved a bit immodest for some in this small town.
G & L Garden Center responded to complaints by covering up the classical-style statues with stylish, two-piece crimson velvet sarongs.
It turns out leaving a little to the imagination meant a lot more customers for the $99.95 ornaments. Six statues have sold in the past couple weeks alone, and the attempt at roadside modesty is stopping traffic.
"He wanted to stop when he saw the naked women and the bikinis," Joan Philpot said of her husband of 50 years, Bill.
And yes, some customers are peeking.
"They are pulling the tops and looking underneath," said G & L co-owner Angie Langford. "They wonder what we're hiding."
Yes, we must keep the kiddies from seeing the boobies. Even if they are classical-style sculptures. Made of stone. In a garden shop. Surrounded by plants. Off of a highway.
(shaking head).....
Egads.......Folks, I'm a reasonable man, I love this state of Tennessee, don't want to leave, enjoy the southern hospitality attitudes, no income tax, I can even get past having a church every three feet.
BUT LEAVE THE BOOBIE SCULPTURES ALONE!!!!! They never did anything to you! Why you must cover the boobie?
Don't you know that covering the boobies makes baby Jesus cry?
On a related note, I imagine the folks who complained about the Hartsville scupltures haven't driven through the new roundabout off of Division street in Nashville and noticed "Musica"......they would definitely have driven in to the embankment and had to have been rushed immediately to the nearest church to flush there eyes with holy water, 'cause folks, there are LOTS of boobies in that...
Pssst..........."BOOBIES!!!!"
Monday, April 12, 2004
Astronauts Rusty Schweickart and Ed Lu on deflecting a NEA.........
I missed this Testimony before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Science, Technology and Space dealing with defense against asteroid impacts last week. But here it is for those interested.
Some excerpts-
"In summary, we faced the following facts:
1) Asteroid impacts with Earth have, do, and will continue to occur with devastating consequences to life. 2) Our detection program (the Spaceguard Survey) has produced a good statistical characterization of the overall threat and actual knowledge that at least 60% of the asteroids larger than 1 kilometer in diameter will not strike the Earth in the next 100 years. 3) Many impacts by asteroids less than 1 km in diameter, however, which occur hundreds of times more frequently than those over 1 kilometer, will cause unacceptable devastation at both local and regional levels. 4) The increasing capability of our detection programs in the next several years will result in a dramatic increase in the discovery rate of these smaller but very dangerous asteroids. 5) The media and the general public will become ever more aware of this threat and concerned that something should be done about it. 6) A known threat that can potentially destroy millions of lives AND can be predicted to occur ahead of time, AND prevented, cannot responsibly go unaddressed.
This inexorable logic led us to decide to take action and examine whether preventive measures could be taken to mitigate this threat, and if so, what specific course of action we would recommend.
The Challenge
It became immediately clear to us that the combination of advanced propulsion technologies and small space-qualified nuclear reactors, both operating in prototype form already, would be powerful enough, with reasonable future development, to deflect most threatening asteroids away from a collision with the Earth, given a decade or more of advance warning.
"
Sounds good so far......except for the "at least a decade of advanced warning" part. Once again, I reiterate, we are screwed if we get any less time than that to put together a mission. And this to me should add to the level of urgency concerning this issue.
The proposal-
"the most responsible course of action would be to mount a demonstration mission to a NEA (one of our choosing) which would accomplish two essential tasks; 1) gather critical information on the nature of asteroid structure and surface characteristics, and 2) while there, push on the asteroid enough to slightly change its orbit thereby clearly demonstrating to the public that humanity now has the technology to protect the Earth from this hazard in the future.
We furthermore determined that this demonstration mission could be done with currently emerging capabilities within 10-12 years.
We therefore adopted the goal of "altering the orbit of an asteroid, in a controlled manner, by 2015".
"
As I've stated before (and I need to put this in my astronomy links), the Deep Impact mission, will be experimenting with this capability in 2005, but once again, this is nowhere near the level of priority or funding encompassed within Nasa that it should be. I don't care what color the rocks are on Mars, or the composition of the moons of Uranus, until we figure out the asteroid issue permanently to the best of our capabilities. And we still need more funding for the various search programs currently scanning the skies for asteroids and other NEO's....
Some excerpts-
"In summary, we faced the following facts:
1) Asteroid impacts with Earth have, do, and will continue to occur with devastating consequences to life. 2) Our detection program (the Spaceguard Survey) has produced a good statistical characterization of the overall threat and actual knowledge that at least 60% of the asteroids larger than 1 kilometer in diameter will not strike the Earth in the next 100 years. 3) Many impacts by asteroids less than 1 km in diameter, however, which occur hundreds of times more frequently than those over 1 kilometer, will cause unacceptable devastation at both local and regional levels. 4) The increasing capability of our detection programs in the next several years will result in a dramatic increase in the discovery rate of these smaller but very dangerous asteroids. 5) The media and the general public will become ever more aware of this threat and concerned that something should be done about it. 6) A known threat that can potentially destroy millions of lives AND can be predicted to occur ahead of time, AND prevented, cannot responsibly go unaddressed.
This inexorable logic led us to decide to take action and examine whether preventive measures could be taken to mitigate this threat, and if so, what specific course of action we would recommend.
The Challenge
It became immediately clear to us that the combination of advanced propulsion technologies and small space-qualified nuclear reactors, both operating in prototype form already, would be powerful enough, with reasonable future development, to deflect most threatening asteroids away from a collision with the Earth, given a decade or more of advance warning.
"
Sounds good so far......except for the "at least a decade of advanced warning" part. Once again, I reiterate, we are screwed if we get any less time than that to put together a mission. And this to me should add to the level of urgency concerning this issue.
The proposal-
"the most responsible course of action would be to mount a demonstration mission to a NEA (one of our choosing) which would accomplish two essential tasks; 1) gather critical information on the nature of asteroid structure and surface characteristics, and 2) while there, push on the asteroid enough to slightly change its orbit thereby clearly demonstrating to the public that humanity now has the technology to protect the Earth from this hazard in the future.
We furthermore determined that this demonstration mission could be done with currently emerging capabilities within 10-12 years.
We therefore adopted the goal of "altering the orbit of an asteroid, in a controlled manner, by 2015".
"
As I've stated before (and I need to put this in my astronomy links), the Deep Impact mission, will be experimenting with this capability in 2005, but once again, this is nowhere near the level of priority or funding encompassed within Nasa that it should be. I don't care what color the rocks are on Mars, or the composition of the moons of Uranus, until we figure out the asteroid issue permanently to the best of our capabilities. And we still need more funding for the various search programs currently scanning the skies for asteroids and other NEO's....
From Iraq to Iran..........
As the news becomes more corroborated, it appears that the obvious connection between the Islamofascists uprising in Iraq and the Mullahs in Iran needs to be exposed to a wider audience.
Roger Simon has some thoughts..-
"Nowhere can we see that better in the see no evil, hear no evil international response to that fulcrum of Islamic fascism itself Iran. One of the most populous countries in the region with one of the most educated populaces, if not the most educated populace, its people are suffering under one of the most heinous regimes in the world, a mullahcracy that is the greatest single exporter of violent terror and frightening reactionary ideology extant. All of this is enabled, even de facto supported, by our European allies (yes, including the British, alas) who have treated the mad mullahs in much the same way they treated the Nazis in 1937, looking the other way to preserve their business interests. Meanwhile students are tortured, dissidents murdered, nuclear weapons constructed and millions of dollars sent overseas to support their Islamofascist brethren in Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond. "
There currently is a mass movement in Iran to remove the Theocratic regime and replace it with a democratic government. The primary motivating force behind this movement is the students in Iran who make up a large percentage of the population. Due to the stifling of education through theocratic dogma, this part of the population is currently on the outside looking in in regards to the 21st century, and they rightfully demand to be included. The mullahs in charge of the Iranian Theocracy are well aware that they do not stand a chance of survival if Iraq is successful in implementing a democracy. So their only means of defending their regime is to fund and aid the terrorist scum infesting Iraq right now, in the hopes that they create a violent and bloody resistance movement that will further plunge the country in to chaos and civil war.
The media in the US is ignoring this issue almost completely. For whatever reasons, no one wants to explain how these Iraqi "resistance" movements, who are made up of mostly un-employed ex-convicts, are getting enough funding for a seemingly endless supply of RPG's and other arms. One would think the connection would be obvious, but the navel gazing of the major media outlets seems to gloss over this point whilst spending inordinate amounts of time discussing the fact that Condeleeza Rice is a black woman, as if this somehow has any relevance to her position.
So today I challenge those other bloggers reading this site to follow what I have been meaning to do for a while, and that is to join up with the Blog Iran movement. This is one way in which we can use our collective influence to help change the lives of individuals through the beauty of free speech- (Click the previous link for instructions).
As it is said, if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.......
UPDATE: Amir Taheri expounds on the good news (yes! good news!) coming out of Iraq a year after the liberation....
"The educational system is back to capacity after more than 20 years with a record number of schoolchildren and university students.
The derelict infrastructure left by Saddam has been partly repaired, ensuring a majority of Iraqis with regular supplies of clean water and electricity for the first time since 1980.
Almost all hospitals have reopened while hundreds of Iraqi doctors have returned from exile to help rebuild the healthcare system.
The economy is also on the mend with at least 200,000 new jobs created in the past 12 months, half of them in the renascent government ministries. Iraq's post-liberation currency, the dinar, has gained almost 65 percent in value compared to its predecessor a year ago. By ending a system of command economy, Iraq is opening itself to outside investment. For the first time in more than 50 years foreign capital is flowing into Iraq reversing a trend of capital flight that had accelerated during the last years of Saddam's rule.
The vital oil industry is making a full comeback. Last month, Iraq managed to produce its full OPEC quota of crude oil for the first time since 1979.
Four government ministries are already under exclusive Iraqi control, indicating the ability of Iraqi technocrats and administrative personnel to replace the occupation authorities faster than anyone had envisaged.
Work on rebuilding some of the 4,000 villages destroyed by Saddam Hussein as part of his ethnic-cleansing strategy, has started. This is especially impressive in the southeast were Saddam had ordered the draining of the marshes that had been home to the Marsh Arabs for 1,000 years.
All but one of the top leaders of the fascist Baathist regime are now under arrest while much of the apparatus of oppression and corruption created by Saddam has been dismantled."
Read the whole thing.....
Roger Simon has some thoughts..-
"Nowhere can we see that better in the see no evil, hear no evil international response to that fulcrum of Islamic fascism itself Iran. One of the most populous countries in the region with one of the most educated populaces, if not the most educated populace, its people are suffering under one of the most heinous regimes in the world, a mullahcracy that is the greatest single exporter of violent terror and frightening reactionary ideology extant. All of this is enabled, even de facto supported, by our European allies (yes, including the British, alas) who have treated the mad mullahs in much the same way they treated the Nazis in 1937, looking the other way to preserve their business interests. Meanwhile students are tortured, dissidents murdered, nuclear weapons constructed and millions of dollars sent overseas to support their Islamofascist brethren in Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond. "
There currently is a mass movement in Iran to remove the Theocratic regime and replace it with a democratic government. The primary motivating force behind this movement is the students in Iran who make up a large percentage of the population. Due to the stifling of education through theocratic dogma, this part of the population is currently on the outside looking in in regards to the 21st century, and they rightfully demand to be included. The mullahs in charge of the Iranian Theocracy are well aware that they do not stand a chance of survival if Iraq is successful in implementing a democracy. So their only means of defending their regime is to fund and aid the terrorist scum infesting Iraq right now, in the hopes that they create a violent and bloody resistance movement that will further plunge the country in to chaos and civil war.
The media in the US is ignoring this issue almost completely. For whatever reasons, no one wants to explain how these Iraqi "resistance" movements, who are made up of mostly un-employed ex-convicts, are getting enough funding for a seemingly endless supply of RPG's and other arms. One would think the connection would be obvious, but the navel gazing of the major media outlets seems to gloss over this point whilst spending inordinate amounts of time discussing the fact that Condeleeza Rice is a black woman, as if this somehow has any relevance to her position.
So today I challenge those other bloggers reading this site to follow what I have been meaning to do for a while, and that is to join up with the Blog Iran movement. This is one way in which we can use our collective influence to help change the lives of individuals through the beauty of free speech- (Click the previous link for instructions).
As it is said, if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.......
UPDATE: Amir Taheri expounds on the good news (yes! good news!) coming out of Iraq a year after the liberation....
"The educational system is back to capacity after more than 20 years with a record number of schoolchildren and university students.
The derelict infrastructure left by Saddam has been partly repaired, ensuring a majority of Iraqis with regular supplies of clean water and electricity for the first time since 1980.
Almost all hospitals have reopened while hundreds of Iraqi doctors have returned from exile to help rebuild the healthcare system.
The economy is also on the mend with at least 200,000 new jobs created in the past 12 months, half of them in the renascent government ministries. Iraq's post-liberation currency, the dinar, has gained almost 65 percent in value compared to its predecessor a year ago. By ending a system of command economy, Iraq is opening itself to outside investment. For the first time in more than 50 years foreign capital is flowing into Iraq reversing a trend of capital flight that had accelerated during the last years of Saddam's rule.
The vital oil industry is making a full comeback. Last month, Iraq managed to produce its full OPEC quota of crude oil for the first time since 1979.
Four government ministries are already under exclusive Iraqi control, indicating the ability of Iraqi technocrats and administrative personnel to replace the occupation authorities faster than anyone had envisaged.
Work on rebuilding some of the 4,000 villages destroyed by Saddam Hussein as part of his ethnic-cleansing strategy, has started. This is especially impressive in the southeast were Saddam had ordered the draining of the marshes that had been home to the Marsh Arabs for 1,000 years.
All but one of the top leaders of the fascist Baathist regime are now under arrest while much of the apparatus of oppression and corruption created by Saddam has been dismantled."
Read the whole thing.....
PREDS WIN!!! PREDS WIN!!! PREDS WIN!!!....Ok, we have a series now....
The Nashville Predators beat the Detroit Red Wings yesterday 3-1 in what was the very first playoff hockey game to be played in the state of Tennessee. Not a bad way to start. Yours truly was lucky enough to be at the game, and let me tell you- the crowd was ELECTRIC. Tomas Vokoun made 41 saves - including 22 in the third period - that literally carried the day for the Preds. The Red Wings were down 2-0 going in to the third period and everyone knew that they would come out swinging. Detroit has a cast of hall-of-famers on their squad, and anytime they want to put the heat on, you better have a goalie playing out of his head. Vokoun rose to the occasion and completely shut down the wings in the third, only giving up a tough bouncer early in the period from Brett Hull (third all time scoring leader in the NHL). For a city that has become accustomed to the Titans, who have been to the playoffs all but one year over the last six, Nashville expects their teams to play this way at home, and yesterday was no exception. The Preds were never intimidated by a Red Wings squad that is by far bigger and stronger. Using their speed and havoc wreaking forward Jordin Tootoo, the Wings were never able to get in the groove. Tootoo, although not very effective with the puck, was able to get the crowd and the team fired up every time he took the ice. Not that it looked like anyone on the Preds needed firing up, as Adam Hall continued his playoff scoring ways with the game winning goal.
A great day for Preds fans, and all hockey fans in Tennessee. The team with the lowest payroll in the NHL takes down a team filled with living legends to keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive.
We still have a series here folks. If the Preds can pull another one out on Tuesday, there will be a game six in Nashville. Congratulations to the Nashville Predators, as this win was well earned....
A great day for Preds fans, and all hockey fans in Tennessee. The team with the lowest payroll in the NHL takes down a team filled with living legends to keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive.
We still have a series here folks. If the Preds can pull another one out on Tuesday, there will be a game six in Nashville. Congratulations to the Nashville Predators, as this win was well earned....
Friday, April 09, 2004
For those who were still wondering if removing Saddam was a wise decision......
Ali from Iraq the model has written this post entitled
The first candle.
Some excerpts:
"A year ago, words failed me as I met the 1st American soldier, and I still remember his name, “corporal, Adam” and all I could utter was “thank you!” how could I ever put my whole life in few words? How could I have thanked that soldier enough? How could I have told him what it meant to me to see him and his comrades-who brought me back to life- at last? Thank you Adam, Lieutenant Antonio, Captain Brian Curtis and all the coalition soldiers who I can’t remember their names, and those I never met.
It’s the 9th of April and I feel safe! And I don’t care what those ‘political experts’ on the newspapers and TV channels, say about the ‘occupation’, deteriorated security and ‘unemployment’. You can’t understand this, because you never experienced real fear this long. Let me tell you about it, as I’m one of those who passed Saddam’s filthy test of life.
The statue fell and with it, horror fell. You don’t know what it means to be scared to death most of your life, brothers and sisters. I knew that and I faced it during the reign of evil and darkness. I was afraid to talk, I wasn't allowed to think and I wasn't allowed to feel…I wasn't allowed to love."
I thank Ali for his kind words, and despite the fact that there are some in his country that don't see things the way he does, I have faith that the brave work done by the Coalition Soldiers has not gone unappreciated in every part of Iraq.......Good luck with your newfound freedom Ali, may you live in peace and liberty someday soon......
"But Bush lied!! People got, er, ah, Liberated!!....no wait, that's not right....Bush Lied!!! People stopped getting fed in to industrial shredders!!!!.....damn thats not right either.....DAMN THAT BUSH AND HIS DESPOT REMOVING WAYS!!!!"
Here's all I have to say to words like those-
You. Are. A. Moron.
Go. Back. To. Sleep.
The first candle.
Some excerpts:
"A year ago, words failed me as I met the 1st American soldier, and I still remember his name, “corporal, Adam” and all I could utter was “thank you!” how could I ever put my whole life in few words? How could I have thanked that soldier enough? How could I have told him what it meant to me to see him and his comrades-who brought me back to life- at last? Thank you Adam, Lieutenant Antonio, Captain Brian Curtis and all the coalition soldiers who I can’t remember their names, and those I never met.
It’s the 9th of April and I feel safe! And I don’t care what those ‘political experts’ on the newspapers and TV channels, say about the ‘occupation’, deteriorated security and ‘unemployment’. You can’t understand this, because you never experienced real fear this long. Let me tell you about it, as I’m one of those who passed Saddam’s filthy test of life.
The statue fell and with it, horror fell. You don’t know what it means to be scared to death most of your life, brothers and sisters. I knew that and I faced it during the reign of evil and darkness. I was afraid to talk, I wasn't allowed to think and I wasn't allowed to feel…I wasn't allowed to love."
I thank Ali for his kind words, and despite the fact that there are some in his country that don't see things the way he does, I have faith that the brave work done by the Coalition Soldiers has not gone unappreciated in every part of Iraq.......Good luck with your newfound freedom Ali, may you live in peace and liberty someday soon......
"But Bush lied!! People got, er, ah, Liberated!!....no wait, that's not right....Bush Lied!!! People stopped getting fed in to industrial shredders!!!!.....damn thats not right either.....DAMN THAT BUSH AND HIS DESPOT REMOVING WAYS!!!!"
Here's all I have to say to words like those-
You. Are. A. Moron.
Go. Back. To. Sleep.
Thursday, April 08, 2004
Reality Check- VDH style......
As usual, Victor Davis Hanson uses his masterful way with words to remind everyone just what we're fighting for as the Marines get ready to rout out the human waste infecting Falluja and other parts of Iraq....
some excerpts-
So let us get a grip. Bush yet again must remind the American people that we are at war not merely in the Sunni Triangle or in the Afghan badlands, but rather globally and for the liberal values of Western civilization. There is no mythical pipeline in Afghanistan; Halliburton executives are not lounging around the pool in Baghdad chomping on cigars and quaffing cocktails; and in this age of sky-high gas prices there is no sinister cabal that has hijacked Iraq oil. Sharon is not getting daily intelligence briefings about Iraq. The war is what it always was a terrible struggle against an evil and determined enemy, a Minotaur of sorts that harvested Americans in increments for decades before mass murdering 3,000 more on September 11.
Everything that the world holds dear -the free exchange of ideas, the security of congregating and traveling safely, the long struggle for tolerance of differing ideas and religions, the promise of equality between the sexes and ethnic groups, and the very trust that lies at the heart of all global economic relationships- all this and more Osama bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, and the adherents of fascism in the Middle East have sought to destroy: some as killers themselves, others providing the money, sanctuary, and spiritual support.
We did not ask for this war, but it came. In our time and according to our station, it is now our duty to end it. And that resolution will not come from recrimination in time of war, nor promises to let fundamentalists and their autocratic sponsors alone, but only through the military defeat and subsequent humiliation of their cause. So let us cease the hysterics, make the needed sacrifices, and allow our military the resources, money, and support with which it most surely will destroy the guilty and give hope at last to the innocent.
Every day I wake up to NPR, primarily because it gets me so enraged at the quagmire hunters in our media that the snooze button isn't necessary- I am awake immediately. As usual, this morning was no exception.
Here's my edited version of what it sounded like.
"This is Bob Edwards with Npr. This morning we go to our correspondent in Iraq, Gina Quagmire....Gina- I guess things aren't going so well in Iraq right now?
Gina: No Bob, it's bad. Real Bad. Every single Iraqi wants the US to leave so they can become a caliphate state. Nobody likes us. I mean, granted we did get rid of Saddam, but that's old news now. No one cares about Saddam anymore, they just hate hate hate the US. Here's my interview with a local Iraqi-
"DEATH TO AMERICA!!! KILL THE JOOOOOS!!!!DIE INFIDELS!!! Oh, but thanks for getting rid of Saddam, that was nice."
See Bob? They really hate us. Bad bad bad.
Bob: sounds bad Gina. I guess Bush should be drawn and quartered for this, right Gina?
Gina: Absolutely Bob. If it wasn't for Bush, everyone in the world would love us unconditionally, and there would be peace on earth. Alas, we will have to wait another eight months for Kerry to come and fix all of our problems.
Bob: So the Iraqi's are glad that we got rid of Saddam, right?
Gina: All except for the ones who he hired to brutally rape and oppress there own countrymen. They aren't glad at all. Add some more unemployed to the list that Bush was responsible for. How will he create jobs for these people? I mean, you can't organize a rape squad overnight, these things take time you know.
Bob: I understand. So is there any chance at all of anything positive going on in Iraq right now? Anything at all?
Gina: No Bob. It's Bad. I told you already. Everyone hates us. I lie and say I'm from Canada just so I can get a cup of coffee.
Bob: Thanks for the report Gina...
Yes, this was an exaggeration, but honestly, not by much. And this is what drives me crazy. While our country has removed a tyrannical dictator from Iraq, if you listen to the reports on NPR you would think we were simply there to kill Arabs. I have spoken to soldiers returning from Iraq, and they are upset in much the same way. I can't imagine how frustrating it is for a guy from the Army to come back after he built some hospitals and schools for Iraqis where there were none before and then turn on NPR and never hear anything about it. It's like it didn't even happen......
Get a grip people. We still have "occupying" forces in Japan and Germany TO THIS DAY. And what's interesting is that during the rise of the USSR, none of them were in a big rush for us to leave. Just ask South Korea today. No one ever said achieving what we set out to do in Afghanistan and Iraq would happen overnight, nor that it would be painless and without setbacks. But I guarantee you this- if we back down now, all the efforts and lives that were spent trying to liberate 50 million people will all be for naught.
some excerpts-
So let us get a grip. Bush yet again must remind the American people that we are at war not merely in the Sunni Triangle or in the Afghan badlands, but rather globally and for the liberal values of Western civilization. There is no mythical pipeline in Afghanistan; Halliburton executives are not lounging around the pool in Baghdad chomping on cigars and quaffing cocktails; and in this age of sky-high gas prices there is no sinister cabal that has hijacked Iraq oil. Sharon is not getting daily intelligence briefings about Iraq. The war is what it always was a terrible struggle against an evil and determined enemy, a Minotaur of sorts that harvested Americans in increments for decades before mass murdering 3,000 more on September 11.
Everything that the world holds dear -the free exchange of ideas, the security of congregating and traveling safely, the long struggle for tolerance of differing ideas and religions, the promise of equality between the sexes and ethnic groups, and the very trust that lies at the heart of all global economic relationships- all this and more Osama bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, and the adherents of fascism in the Middle East have sought to destroy: some as killers themselves, others providing the money, sanctuary, and spiritual support.
We did not ask for this war, but it came. In our time and according to our station, it is now our duty to end it. And that resolution will not come from recrimination in time of war, nor promises to let fundamentalists and their autocratic sponsors alone, but only through the military defeat and subsequent humiliation of their cause. So let us cease the hysterics, make the needed sacrifices, and allow our military the resources, money, and support with which it most surely will destroy the guilty and give hope at last to the innocent.
Every day I wake up to NPR, primarily because it gets me so enraged at the quagmire hunters in our media that the snooze button isn't necessary- I am awake immediately. As usual, this morning was no exception.
Here's my edited version of what it sounded like.
"This is Bob Edwards with Npr. This morning we go to our correspondent in Iraq, Gina Quagmire....Gina- I guess things aren't going so well in Iraq right now?
Gina: No Bob, it's bad. Real Bad. Every single Iraqi wants the US to leave so they can become a caliphate state. Nobody likes us. I mean, granted we did get rid of Saddam, but that's old news now. No one cares about Saddam anymore, they just hate hate hate the US. Here's my interview with a local Iraqi-
"DEATH TO AMERICA!!! KILL THE JOOOOOS!!!!DIE INFIDELS!!! Oh, but thanks for getting rid of Saddam, that was nice."
See Bob? They really hate us. Bad bad bad.
Bob: sounds bad Gina. I guess Bush should be drawn and quartered for this, right Gina?
Gina: Absolutely Bob. If it wasn't for Bush, everyone in the world would love us unconditionally, and there would be peace on earth. Alas, we will have to wait another eight months for Kerry to come and fix all of our problems.
Bob: So the Iraqi's are glad that we got rid of Saddam, right?
Gina: All except for the ones who he hired to brutally rape and oppress there own countrymen. They aren't glad at all. Add some more unemployed to the list that Bush was responsible for. How will he create jobs for these people? I mean, you can't organize a rape squad overnight, these things take time you know.
Bob: I understand. So is there any chance at all of anything positive going on in Iraq right now? Anything at all?
Gina: No Bob. It's Bad. I told you already. Everyone hates us. I lie and say I'm from Canada just so I can get a cup of coffee.
Bob: Thanks for the report Gina...
Yes, this was an exaggeration, but honestly, not by much. And this is what drives me crazy. While our country has removed a tyrannical dictator from Iraq, if you listen to the reports on NPR you would think we were simply there to kill Arabs. I have spoken to soldiers returning from Iraq, and they are upset in much the same way. I can't imagine how frustrating it is for a guy from the Army to come back after he built some hospitals and schools for Iraqis where there were none before and then turn on NPR and never hear anything about it. It's like it didn't even happen......
Get a grip people. We still have "occupying" forces in Japan and Germany TO THIS DAY. And what's interesting is that during the rise of the USSR, none of them were in a big rush for us to leave. Just ask South Korea today. No one ever said achieving what we set out to do in Afghanistan and Iraq would happen overnight, nor that it would be painless and without setbacks. But I guarantee you this- if we back down now, all the efforts and lives that were spent trying to liberate 50 million people will all be for naught.
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
Tman In TN Medical Update: I KNEW it!!!!
...Once a day keeps prostate Cancer away? I should, uh, probably not have any problems with prostate cancer if this is true....Ahem...back to you regularly scheduled programming....
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
Kos and Blackwater, Jews and Nazis, and Air America vs. Sanity..................
Yes, as the descent in to madness of the left continues (one wonders just how deep you can dig a hole), I have some interesting real life/idealist nonsense comparisons for you.
Marc Zuniga of the daily kos (spit!) believes that the security forces from Blackwater are only "there to wage war for profit". However, there are members of this force who disagree with that analysis completely. In fact it appears that a large number of the people who work for Blackwater are ex-military, mostly special ops folks, who served honorably in the Armed forces. By Marc's logic, you could say that the majority of our Armed Forces volunteer to serve so they can "wage war for profit"- since they voluntarily sign up, and then get paid to shoot at people, they are "waging war for profit". Obviously this logic is insane because most of those who either have served or know people who have served in the Forces were not there to "wage war for profit". They were there to serve their country. Period. My cousin spent three years in Bosnia with the Army as a 2nd LT in charge of a Bradley regiment, and he was NOT there to make a profit. The eight gentlemen from Blackwater who defended the U.S. government's headquarters in Najaf on Sunday against hundreds of hired thugs from Al-sadrs gang weren't there to "wage war for profit". They were there to do there job, and make a living, much like my cousin did in Bosnia. So sorry Kos, but sit down and STFU.
It would have been nice if Marc would have apologized to everyone and went back to whining about Bush and the evil neo-cons, but Noooooo. Thanks to Air America, he went on live Radio and continued his bile inducing rant about the Blackwater "mercenaries". What has been interesting is that when Marc made the original comments about the Blackwater men, his post was relayed to various advertisers for his site who then wisely pulled their ads, so as not to be associated with a frothing lunatic. The John Kerry Blog was among those who yanked their connection to the Daily Kos. So on the Air America show, you had Janeane Garafolo (spit!) and Marc ranting about how those evil Right Wing Blogs had concocted a witch hunt to deprive the Daily kos from active support from the left. Sure enough Instapundit approved Little Green Footballs was the main target for attack, because of its large audience. But here is where logic decides to jump out the window and fall to its death. LGF was labeled a Nazi site, because of the whole Kos episode. For those who are unaware, LGF deals primarily with defending Israel from it's many detractors.
So LGF was accused of being Nazis.
Jew lovers who are Nazis.
Words fail me.
And apparently logic has decided to take a leave of absence from the left. Way to go morons.
You're beginning to make it hard to justify defending the democrat viewpoint. Each and every day I lean more towards voting for Bush, primarily due to crap like this.
Hey Zell! Wait up!
Monday, April 05, 2004
Operation Valiant Resolve...................
The LA times reports the following-
FALLOUJA, Iraq -Thousands of Marines surrounded this anti-American stronghold early today in preparation for a complex raid to retake control of the city and apprehend those responsible for last week's slayings of four U.S. security contractors.
The highly anticipated action, dubbed Operation Valiant Resolve, was expected to be one of the biggest military offensives since the fall of Saddam Hussein's government a year ago.
All roads leading to this city of 300,000 were cut off and barricaded with tanks and concertina wire. Working through the cold and windy desert night, under a large moon, Marines set up camps for detainees and residents who might flee any fighting. Before dawn, several Marine positions were hit by mortar rounds and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Bursts of automatic gunfire could be heard throughout the city.
The Belmont Club has posted their speculation, and as usual is quite extensive in describing the contextual analysis.
Victor Hanson wrote a compelling journal entry over the weekend which ends with the question "So the question remains did Saddam create Fallujah or Fallujah Saddam?"
An Excerpt-
"The enemy of the Middle East is not the West so much as modernism itself and the humiliation that accrues when millions themselves are nursed by fantasies, hypocrisies, and conspiracies to explain their own failures. Quite simply, any society in which citizens owe their allegiance to the tribe rather than the nation, do not believe in democracy enough to institute it, shun female intellectual contributions, allow polygamy, insist on patriarchy, institutionalize religious persecution, ignore family planning, expect endemic corruption, tolerate honor killings, see no need to vote, and define knowledge as mastery of the Koran is deeply pathological.
When one adds to this depressing calculus that for all the protestations of Arab nationalism, Islamic purity and superiority, and whining about a decadent West, the entire region is infected with a burning desire for things Western-from cell phones and computers to videos and dialysis, you have all the ingredients for utter disaster and chaos. How after all in polite conversation can you explain to an Arab intellectual that the GDP of Jordan or Morocco has something to do with an array of men in the early afternoon stuffed into coffee shops spinning conspiracy tales, drinking coffee, and playing board games while Japanese, Germans, Chinese, and American women and men are into their sixth hour on the job? Or how do you explain that while Taiwanese are studying logarithms, Pakistanis are chanting from the Koran in Dark-Age madrassas? And how do you politely point out that while the New York Times and Guardian chastise their own elected officials, the Arab news in Damascus or Cairo is free only to do the same to us?
I support the bold efforts of the United States to make a start in cleaning up this mess, in hopes that a Fallujah might one day exorcize its demons. But in the meantime, we should have no illusions about the enormity of our task, where every positive effort will be met with violence, fury, hypocrisy, and ingratitude.
If we are to try to bring some good to the Middle East, then we must first have the intellectual courage to confess that for the most part the pathologies embedded there are not merely the work of corrupt leaders but often the very people who put them in place and allowed them to continue their ruin."
Zeyad at Healing Iraq tries to explain the sheer savagery of certain members of the town-
"As disgusting and horrible the Fallujah images were, you could see bystanders children there watching casually, if not cheering, without blinking an eye. I would not call those children evil, because sadly they do norealizese what they have become. The people that defiled the dead bodies were not technically terrorists, Ba'athists, or insurgents, they were common folk which makes it even more depressing. All respect for humanity has long been lost in a large section of Iraqis. I admit this concept is difficult, if not impossible, to explain to a western audience. "
After all this, one does wonder how this is going to play out. It is now quite evident that the Marines were wise to take their time in responding to this tragedy, so that the maximum effect could be attained. Simply driving in to the town and randomly securing areas would be pointless, as it would increase the civilian casualties, and not really change the facts on the ground. Ideally, we drop a MOAB, level the city, problem solved. And the more I read of the utter barbarism that defines Falluja, one might think this IS actually an option. But it's not, and it won't be. Zeyad at Healing Iraq echoes what I was afraid of last week-
"Bombing innocents would create more outrage and anti-american sentiment from people who are still against others making trouble. The culprits that were shown on tv can be found easily via informants in the area, and they should be punished severely."
Let's allow the Marines a chance to perform at the level for which they are known. Combined with Air support, the troops should be able to make quick work of the terrorists infecting this region, and hopefully begin the long painful process of removing them from the regular civilians who DO wish to join the new Iraq. And to keep this along the international flavor, there is increasing evidence that the attack in Fallujah, and the desecration of their bodies, was the work of Islamists seeking vengeance for the Israeli murder of Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. Leaflets found at the scene said the operation was in the name of Yassin. al-Hayat reports in its Friday edition that responsibility for the attack has been taken by a group called Phalanges of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. The group said the deaths were a "gift to the Palestinian people." Wonderful. Let's keep this in historical perspective however. No one should think that Iraq will magically bloom in to a secular, America-loving democracy over night. Don't forget that the Nazi "Werewolves" a guerrilla/terrorist movement founded by Heinrich Himmler in 1944, fought the occupying forces of Britain, America and the Soviet Union until at least 1947. There will be Iraqi versions of the Werewolves, no doubt, but as the Marines like to say- "No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy"..........
May this all end as soon as possible, and may there be as little as possible innocent civilian casualties as well as little as possible US Marine casualties. As for the mujihadeen who will be eliminated in the swiftest way possible, I hope you all die painfully. And say hello to Yassin and Saddam when you get to Hell. Bastards......
Friday, April 02, 2004
More on Fallujah- The Democratic Underground takes Moonbattery to new levels....
Michelle at A Small Victory has a post about some comments read over at the DU website concerning the Fallujah massacres...
A little April Fool's quiz..
Guess which quote from Democratic Underground is not real:
[All quotes deal with the death of the four dead American contractors whose bodies were dragged through the streets and hung from a bridge in Fallujah]
Contractors wear hardhats and carry lunch pails - These guys are mercenaries.
Death to ALL mercenaries. The beer is on me.
Sad, if I were the wife I would have said hell no you won't go; the wife must have said great pay-check and the hubby, yeah, can buy a Hummer when I get back.
These swine were MERCENARIES. Paid Hessians. Murderers for hire.
They're worse than Al-Queda. At least Al-Queda is fighting for a cause.
I say "too bad, so sad, bye-bye."
They are Mercenaries - They are in it for the money, they are thugs and hoodlums, working outside the boundaries of the law. And yesterday the Resistance got even with 4 of them in a barbecue ceremony, that alas pushed the bounds of good taste.
mercenaries - These men are just serial killers with a good retirement plan. They deserve what they get.
Answer below.
Suprise! They are all real. Every single one of those comments above were posted by real people on this DU thread.
I don't even have to make this stuff up. The DU is a gold mine of people making jokes of themselves.
Not that the DU was ever a bastion of sanity, but WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE???????
"At least Al-Qaeda is fighting for a cause"????????
Makes me want to smash things reading garbage like this. I understand that it's important to have dissenting views in a democracy, but this goes beyond the realm of expedient politics. It delves in to savagery, and a complete lack of common decency. In regards to how people like this should be treated, words fail me.....
The knucklehead at the Daily Kos has this post-
"Let the people see what war is like. This isn't an Xbox game. There are real repercussions to Bush's folly.
That said, I feel nothing over the death of merceneries. They aren't in Iraq because of orders, or because they are there trying to help the people make Iraq a better place. They are there to wage war for profit. Screw them. "
Asshole. "Waging war for profit" so they could PROTECT SHIPMENTS OF FOOD TO STARVING PEOPLE FROM BEING STOLEN...yeah, screw them. How dare they try and help people get fed.
I can't see myself voting republican, because the Christian Fundamentalists and the other right wing nutjobs are also loopy to the point of insanity, but I cannot vote for anyone from the left that the folks posting crap like this would support. We are seriously in need of a third party for people who don't fall easily on to one side.
Finally, Ali, an Iraqi from the Iraq the Model blog has these words for those who wonder about Iraqis reactions to the massacres.
This is not between Isalmists and the west, not between Saddam loyalists and America this is between good and evil, light and darkness and I can’t sit and watch or explain anymore. You can say, “Nuke Mecca” or “nuke Fallujah” and you can chose the Spanish government’s attitude and submit to terror, or you can join us (Iraqis and coalition) in fighting dictatorship, terrorism and their-no less evil and damaging- propaganda machine. I call for serious measures upon such channels that provoke hatred and celebrate terror and show it as a heroic action. I say, “‘nuke’ Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabia, the terrorists and all dictators in the world. It’s either us or them”. The evil TV channels should be prevented from entering Iraq and spew their poisons into the minds of simple people. They’re more dangerous than the terrorists themselves and no rigid concepts such as ‘freedom of speech’ should stop us here. This is not journalism, its terror propaganda.
I don't think there's a need to change the coalition strategy in Iraq in a radical way, it's a very good one, but needs some fine adjustments. I think what should be done is that we go on with our plans to build a new free and democratic Iraq and show the people the benefits and beauty of freedom, but at the same time we should deal firmly with those who act only in response to hatred and fear and have no respect for any law or human values, in other words people who made it necessary that every country should have an efficient law system supported by a powerful police to make sure that law is respected and to punish, and even eliminate when it’s necessary, those who don’t fit in the society.
We have suffered enough to get our freedom, thanks to our friends who sacrificed much to achieve their peace and ours, and we can’t turn back and we will never accept slavery again. No, better to die free than live as slaves for our fears.
A little April Fool's quiz..
Guess which quote from Democratic Underground is not real:
[All quotes deal with the death of the four dead American contractors whose bodies were dragged through the streets and hung from a bridge in Fallujah]
Contractors wear hardhats and carry lunch pails - These guys are mercenaries.
Death to ALL mercenaries. The beer is on me.
Sad, if I were the wife I would have said hell no you won't go; the wife must have said great pay-check and the hubby, yeah, can buy a Hummer when I get back.
These swine were MERCENARIES. Paid Hessians. Murderers for hire.
They're worse than Al-Queda. At least Al-Queda is fighting for a cause.
I say "too bad, so sad, bye-bye."
They are Mercenaries - They are in it for the money, they are thugs and hoodlums, working outside the boundaries of the law. And yesterday the Resistance got even with 4 of them in a barbecue ceremony, that alas pushed the bounds of good taste.
mercenaries - These men are just serial killers with a good retirement plan. They deserve what they get.
Answer below.
Suprise! They are all real. Every single one of those comments above were posted by real people on this DU thread.
I don't even have to make this stuff up. The DU is a gold mine of people making jokes of themselves.
Not that the DU was ever a bastion of sanity, but WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE???????
"At least Al-Qaeda is fighting for a cause"????????
Makes me want to smash things reading garbage like this. I understand that it's important to have dissenting views in a democracy, but this goes beyond the realm of expedient politics. It delves in to savagery, and a complete lack of common decency. In regards to how people like this should be treated, words fail me.....
The knucklehead at the Daily Kos has this post-
"Let the people see what war is like. This isn't an Xbox game. There are real repercussions to Bush's folly.
That said, I feel nothing over the death of merceneries. They aren't in Iraq because of orders, or because they are there trying to help the people make Iraq a better place. They are there to wage war for profit. Screw them. "
Asshole. "Waging war for profit" so they could PROTECT SHIPMENTS OF FOOD TO STARVING PEOPLE FROM BEING STOLEN...yeah, screw them. How dare they try and help people get fed.
I can't see myself voting republican, because the Christian Fundamentalists and the other right wing nutjobs are also loopy to the point of insanity, but I cannot vote for anyone from the left that the folks posting crap like this would support. We are seriously in need of a third party for people who don't fall easily on to one side.
Finally, Ali, an Iraqi from the Iraq the Model blog has these words for those who wonder about Iraqis reactions to the massacres.
This is not between Isalmists and the west, not between Saddam loyalists and America this is between good and evil, light and darkness and I can’t sit and watch or explain anymore. You can say, “Nuke Mecca” or “nuke Fallujah” and you can chose the Spanish government’s attitude and submit to terror, or you can join us (Iraqis and coalition) in fighting dictatorship, terrorism and their-no less evil and damaging- propaganda machine. I call for serious measures upon such channels that provoke hatred and celebrate terror and show it as a heroic action. I say, “‘nuke’ Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabia, the terrorists and all dictators in the world. It’s either us or them”. The evil TV channels should be prevented from entering Iraq and spew their poisons into the minds of simple people. They’re more dangerous than the terrorists themselves and no rigid concepts such as ‘freedom of speech’ should stop us here. This is not journalism, its terror propaganda.
I don't think there's a need to change the coalition strategy in Iraq in a radical way, it's a very good one, but needs some fine adjustments. I think what should be done is that we go on with our plans to build a new free and democratic Iraq and show the people the benefits and beauty of freedom, but at the same time we should deal firmly with those who act only in response to hatred and fear and have no respect for any law or human values, in other words people who made it necessary that every country should have an efficient law system supported by a powerful police to make sure that law is respected and to punish, and even eliminate when it’s necessary, those who don’t fit in the society.
We have suffered enough to get our freedom, thanks to our friends who sacrificed much to achieve their peace and ours, and we can’t turn back and we will never accept slavery again. No, better to die free than live as slaves for our fears.
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