From an article published in Harpers in 1856.
Every one asks, with a sort of simultaneous desire for information on the subject, âWhen will Islam fall?â and, without attempting to be a prophet, the writer having passed a number of months among the Oriental nations, and in close companionship with Turks and Christians of every form and name, has thought it possible that some rambling notes on their manners and customs, as well as their religious ways of thinking and acting, might be interesting.
The bigotry of the Muslims is not unlike that of other religions. They adhere to their fanatical views just so long as it suits their purposes, but no longer. .... A Muslim will submit to death at any time rather than say that Mohammed is not a prophet of God; but the same man will readily eat pork or drink wine, if he can do it without the knowledge of his friends. .... But let no one imagine, on this account, that the hold of the Mohammedan religion on their intellects is any less strong. ....
... my dragoman, who was an intelligent Muslim, familiar with the Koran and the traditions, would ride by my side and talk for hours on the subject of his creed, and when at length, provoked by some extreme absurdity, I would say to him, âBut see now, for a moment, how absurd that is!â he would rein his horse back, fall in behind very respectfully, telling me that he could not debate with me; that was forbidden him; and a little while after we would resume our conversation.
I had a servant with me for some months in the East, an intelligent Nubian, and the most faithful fellow in the world. Knowledge of religion he had none. He did not connect an idea with the word âAllah.â Still he washed himself and prayed at stated intervals each day because his master had so taught him. A Prussian baroness wished to buy him of me, and made him many brilliant offers to leave my service and enter hers. She was about going home to Europe, and wished to take him along. Her offers were sorely tempting. Her pay was more than five times as much as he had ever received, and his master had freed him, so that he was at liberty to go. But he refused. The reason which he gave me was sufficient: âI was afraid I should be made a Christian.â He had been educated in a horror of this idea. It was a part of his very life, and he would die rather than undergo the intense shame he should feel if he called himself a Nazarene. ....
The children are still brought up in the strictest abhorrence of Christians. This is owing to the fact that their mothers are allowed the care of them until they arrive at reasonable age to go abroad with their parents; and the customs of the East keep women far from the influences that have already so much changed the men. They do not see Frank [European] gold, the grand converting power. They do not understand the power of Frank steamers and railways, and the superiority of all the manufactures of the Christian nations. In the seclusion of the harem they know nothing of the advance of knowledge and power in the world, which their lords and masters, wrapped in Turkish stolidity, can not fail to appreciate, and they therefore teach their children, as they were taught, to hate and despise the believers in Jesus. It is the women and children, therefore, who insult the Christian in the East. In walking through the streets of Cairo it was a common occurrence to meet a woman who would thrust her veil aside to spit on the ground before me by way of curse; and once, in the very heart of the city, I was walking by the side of an American lady who was riding on a donkey, when a boy spat in her face as coolly as if it were the ground. The young whelp has to thank his mother for an awful thrashing that I gave him, which he will remember till he dies; and which I administered in the presence of hundreds of Muslims, who looked on in silence, if not with approval. ...
There are two ways in which Turkey may be Christianized, and neither of these is by simple preaching and teaching. The one way is by the contact of Western nations, Western manners, and Western gold. Depend upon it, gold is the great civilizer. Gold will introduce the new on the wrecks of the old. The first effect of this Western influence will be infidelity, and when the nation is infidel it may be Christianized. .....
But there is another and a swifter process, which all observers of the East are hoping and working for. It is coming â it must come â it will come. The difficult labor of bolstering up the present effete government will soon be too expensive to the Western nations, and Europe will find it necessary to divide the dominions of the Sultan, and the haughty Turk will have a Christian for his lord and master, and Christians for governors, magistrates, and police-officers. ..... When that time comes the religion of the False Prophet will vanish in a single generation. The children of Muslims, familiarized to Christian ideas, will laugh at their fathersâ beards when they see them going through the absurdities of their worship; and fast young men, associating with Christians, and learning Christian manners and customs, will grow up to lord it over the lonely and deserted harems of the last of the Turks. ....
Posted by: Mike Sylwester ||
05/11/2004 8:56:20 AM ||
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"..... When that time comes the religion of the False Prophet will vanish in a single generation. The children of Muslims, familiarized to Christian ideas, will laugh at their fathersâ beards when they see them going through the absurdities of their worship; and fast young men, associating with Christians, and learning Christian manners and customs, will grow up to lord it over the lonely and deserted harems of the last of the Turks. ...."
Its been a 150 years since this was written. There does not appear to be any sign that the fateful generation has arrived. The Muslims were archaic and hopelessly behind times 150 years ago, but alas, they have made so much progress now. Let's see, they have .. er.. well they have ..no ...er.. . Well, their greatest acheivement and progress in the last 150 years has been to allow us to turn on the oil spigot - black gold - the "great civilizer."
Posted by: Carlos ||
05/11/2004 9:35 Comments ||
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Yeah, that was in 1856. Look at how well it worked out in Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Aden, Pakistan, etc. Yup, contact with Christian governors and magistrates led to really led to Christianization, right.
Some western customs DID penetrate in some places, notably Turkey - which interestingly enough, WAS NOT ruled by Christians. Hmmmm. OTOH western customs penetrated least in places like Saudi and Afghan, which were not ruled by christians. A complex picture to be sure.
Venezuelan authorities raided a U.S. Embassy warehouse Monday and made more arrests, a day after President Hugo Chavez charged there was a plot to oust him. Venezuela soldiers on Sunday arrested 53 Colombian right-wing paramilitary fighters in a raid on a farm outside Caracas, and another 24 recruits were caught after fleeing into the countryside, Chavez said. Soldiers and federal agents searched another farm around the same area Monday, including a warehouse rented by the U.S. Embassy, said Leopoldo Sarria, a lawyer for the family who owns the farm. The agents had orders to seize weapons and military uniforms but found nothing after a five-hour search, Sarria said.
And your apology followed immediately afterwards, right?
U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Victoria Alvarado said the embassy used the warehouse to store furniture and denied any U.S. involvement in efforts to oust Chavez. In Washington, State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher rejected comments made by Chavez on Sunday suggesting the United States was behind the alleged conspiracy. "Those kinds of charges are baseless and irresponsible, and we categorically reject these kinds of idiotic outrageous statements and nut-ball accusations," Boucher said.
Raiding an embassy is very bad. Raiding a rented warehouse falls about where on the outrage scale?
Posted by: Steve White ||
05/11/2004 12:30:15 AM ||
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I was hoping he tried to raid the embassy. We would have thrown him out on his ass.
Posted by: Charles ||
05/11/2004 0:58 Comments ||
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How long before Chavez picks up a 12.7mm third eye?
#3
#2,
"How long before Chavez picks up a 12.7mm third eye?"
One can only hope! The only way that SOB is going out, is feet first!!
Now, about the raiding of the US warehouse is just what we called in Spanish: los ultimos pataleos del Ahogado. Roughly translated: the last kickings of a drowning man!
He knows he has to go to a recall and that he will lose. The only way to stop it is by staging an auto-coup and blame it on everybody favorite escape-goat: the US.
Monday, May 10, 2004 Posted: 11:53 PM EDT (0353 GMT)
BEIJING, China (Reuters) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will consider a proposal to introduce legislation mandating eventual reunification with rival Taiwan, the semi-official China News Service said in a report Tuesday.
The adoption of such a blackmail threat law, Chinese analysts said, would legally bind Chinese leaders to their pledge to order the 2.5-million-strong Peopleâs Liberation Army to attack the self-ruled, democratic island if it formally declared independence. Beijing has considered Taiwan a looterâs paradise breakaway province that must be returned to Hell the fold, by force if necessary, since their split at the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. Reunification "is is more important than our getting glassed over lives," Wen told Chinese Embassy staff in London on Sunday. But he did not repeat Chinaâs longstanding threat to use force against the island of 23 million people.
"I deeply believe that one day Taiwan will return to the withering embrace of the motherland. This is a historical inevitability that cannot be blocked except by nukes by any force," Wen said. He did not elaborate. China says it is committed to peaceful rape reunification, pillaging and decimation trade, plunder investment and occupation tourism with Taiwan have blossomed since the late 1980s. In a meeting with ethnic Chinese living in England, Wen heard a proposal from 76-year-old Shan Sheng that Chinaâs parliament should draft and adopt a reunification threat law, the China News Service said.
"Your view on reunification of the motherland is very dangerous important, very important. We will seriously consider it," Wen was quoted as saying. Beijing has warned of war if Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian, who was re-elected in March after a mysterious election eve Chi-com hit assassination attempt, formally declared independence. Chen, who is due to start his second four-year democratically elected term on May 20, has been testing Beijingâs patience with plans to hold a referendum on a new constitution in 2006 and adopt it in 2008.
But Taiwan has begun recounting the 13 million ballots from the March presidential election in a bid to end political feuding and suspicions of fraud that threaten Chenâs credibility. The islandwide retally was expected to take 10 days, ending just before the inauguration. Chen says the new constitution is aimed at deepening democracy in Taiwan. Beijing sees it as a formal declaration of independence. China and Taiwan have been not been on speaking terms since 1999. Beijing insists there is only one China, of which Taiwan is an inseparable slave part. Chen says the island is an independent, sovereign nation. Looks like Japan canât build itâs nukes fast enough. Might be time to park a carrier formation in the Straits of Formosa. Is anyone elseâs incredulity meter pegging over how China is in Europe seeking advanced weapon systems while simultaneously spewing bellicose drivel like this?
Posted by: Zenster ||
05/11/2004 1:54:28 AM ||
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News article: In a meeting with ethnic Chinese living in England, Wen heard a proposal from 76-year-old Shan Sheng that Chinaâs parliament should draft and adopt a reunification law, the China News Service said. "Your view on reunification of the motherland is very important, very important. We will seriously consider it," Wen was quoted as saying.
I think this is a bit of pandering on Wen's side. I can't see the Chinese tying their hands in this manner. It's a lot like tossing the steering wheel out the window in a game of chicken. Still, if he's serious, it may be a good idea to accelerate the development and deployment of the missile defense system.
China's conventional military is a paper tiger, but until that missile defense system is in place, it's white knuckle time if war breaks out. Based on what has been said by the official mouthpieces at Chinese thinktanks, the Chinese appear to believe that a limited nuclear exchange is possible. A successful Chinese nuclear attack against the US over Taiwan would put to the test the US doctrine that it reserves the right to annihilate the enemy in exchange for a single nuclear attack on any US target, military or civilian.
#2
China should declare Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Tibet, and Tiawan to be Semi-Autonomous areas, each with varying degrees of autonomy (Xinjiang for example has 0% autonomy while Tiawan has 100% autonomy). Still they'd all be part of Greater China by that definition.
The role of the United States remains considerable and constructive in Europe even if the now 25-nation blocâs own security policy role is gathering pace, said Finlandâs centrist Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen Tuesday.
Speaking at a seminar of national defence in Helsinki, Vanhanen said he does not see this development as causing a conflict between the US and the EU.
He said it was in Europeâs own interests to make sure that the United States continues to be politically interested in Europe and that the relationship remains as strong as possibe. Otherwise global economic development will steer its interest toward the regions of the Pacific Ocean and of Asia.
The premier said he was in full agreement with Finlandâs former centrist Prime Minister Esko Aho (1991-1995) on the fact that "fundamentalist anti-Americanism" needs to be avoided. However, Vanhanen said he had not witnessed signs of this type of development in Finland.
On Finlandâs possible membership in NATO, Vanhanen repeated that military alliance was not a timely consideration for Finland at the moment. He added, however, that at the same time membership cannot be ruled out and that Finland must see to it that its military is NATO compatible.
"I take it as a given that Finland would be welcome in NATO if we chose to apply for membership. For me the question about NATO membership is not an ideological but a practical one," he said at the seminar.
Posted by: TS(vice girl) ||
05/11/2004 9:31:45 AM ||
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#1
How about if Europe commits itself to Europe's security?
#2
IMO, the best way the US could commit itself to Europe's security would be to pull almost all her forces out of the continent. Scare the continental Euroweenies, if needs be, into taking their own security more seriously, whilst letting it be known that contributing funds and manpower to NATO, the supposedly-mutual defence alliance, would be a little less unlilateral. It's past time the plug was pulled on US-funded Euro defence welfare.
#8
The money graf here is: He said it was in Europe's own interests to make sure that the United States continues to be politically interested in Europe and that the relationship remains as strong as possibe. Otherwise global economic development will steer its interest toward the regions of the Pacific Ocean and of Asia.
The Finns recognize that European power has diminished to the point that the EU is just a sideshow and that, with Bush in the White House, America realizes Europe needs us more than we need them. They also realize that if the EU continues to be so thoroughly uncooperative and unpleasant, America will walk away and pursue her interests in more congenial climes with more cooperative and significant countries. The Finns are perceptive enought to understand what Old Europe does not.
#9
To hell with them all. Thanks to the jagoffs at Abu Ghraib, Kerry will win the election and the Mohammedans can continue their jihad unhindered. Everything's going to hell, and good riddance.
Posted by: Cthulhu Akbar ||
05/11/2004 10:43 Comments ||
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Isn't this the same Finnish government that implied that GWB was a war criminal?
How about this: "Bye-o. Have your women measured for burkas. You don't want them shot on sight."
#11
It's a little early for Kerry to start thinking about renting out the Lincoln Bedroom. The election is 6 months away, a political eterntity. I think this year may be a demonstration of the old adage that you can't beat something with nothing. Kerry is hollow shell of calculating ambition rather than a strong, principled man. I can't imagine the American people depending on him to keep us safe, prosperous, and free.
#12
Looks like the Finns, after a few centuries of snuggling up to the big friendly bear, don't want to continue the relationship alone. Must be getting near feeding time or somethin'...
#13
This must bug the Hell out of the French and German bureaucrats. They want to *be* somebody in the world, not the bums they are today; but they don't want to have to *pay* for it.
Can't we just be a major world power through economic means? Everybody has their price, or we can pay someone who has a price and a gun to kill the first guy who has no price. As long as we don't actually have to pay him to do it.
But, we really, really, truly want to rule Europe and be a major world power, and that should be enough.
Maybe we should hold another meeting and get input, then write another staffing report, and *that* will make us a world power.
#14
Well, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. It was fun for them to pull the tail and the ears of the big friendly American dog. But were sick of it now and we're a bit quicker to snap. And their mother's would do well to remind them that we can still attack and rip them to shreds if we are so inclined - we just haven't done it yet, because we are basically nice people and would prefer not to. But one or two more kicks like 911 and they will see what we are really made of. You think they would have learned from previous wars, but I guess history is destined to repeat itself.
It's never smart to assume that a dog won't bite.
Posted by: B ||
05/11/2004 11:47 Comments ||
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#15
look what happend to Sigfreid. Or was it Roy? Here kitty kitty - stand up and dance.
Posted by: John Simmins ||
05/11/2004 12:00 Comments ||
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U.S. needs to commit itself to Europeâs security
On Finlandâs possible membership in NATO, Vanhanen repeated that military alliance was not a timely consideration for Finland at the moment. He added, however, that at the same time membership cannot be ruled out and that Finland must see to it that its military is NATO compatible.
Let's do the math. America spent BILLIONS to prop up NATO and create a credible deterrent in Europe during the Cold War.
Our thanks? "[M]ilitary alliance was not a timely consideration for Finland at the moment ..." If ever there was a time to begin showing some gratitude, it's RIGHT ABOUT NOW.
For Finland to whine about fears of Europe's being sidelined and still reject participation in NATO is just another dose of surrealism. Quite obviously, no one over there actually managed to take Madrid seriously. I wonder if some planes flying into skyscrapers would even get them off their collective @sses, except maybe to hurriedly surrender.
#18
With their current birth rate the Finns as nation will disappear by the end of thid century. Not sure who or what is there to protect other than Nokia.
Posted by: marek ||
05/11/2004 13:11 Comments ||
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Nokia can merge with Erikson. Opps, same boat, no paddle.
Posted by: ed ||
05/11/2004 13:15 Comments ||
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#20
For the Euro readers, any ideas on how to increase the birth rate such as:
Make housing more affordable for families? Less taxes, tax breaks for kids? Quit teaching school kids about BJs and instruct them on the nasty? Have recurring recipe 'mix-ups' at the birth control pill factory? Lace the quiche with testosterone?
Posted by: ed ||
05/11/2004 13:36 Comments ||
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EFL
Demands for expanding the international force in Iraq are unlikely to be met with greater numbers of troops from Europe â not only because Americaâs traditional allies lack the political will, but because they also lack the courage troops to fight.
A common moniker for Europe is that it is an economic giant, a mental midget, and a military midget. While many European militaries are transforming and modernizing, few European countries have significant armies. For one, those countries donât spend the cash needed to maintain large numbers of soldiers. Two, much of the money that is appropriated goes to salaries and training for conscripts, who are only in uniform for nine to 12 months and can do little to expand each nationâs capabilities. Less welfare may getcha headed in the right direction. But I digress...
Britain, which many analysts say it is in a league of its own in Europe, has long had a professional army. Gardiner estimated that the British could deploy 40,000 to 50,000 troops in a combat theater if needed.
Posted by: Dragon Fly ||
05/11/2004 8:52:24 AM ||
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The European version of cause and effect: the Brits have a professional army and therefore get things done when necessary; the other countries have draftee armies and find it difficult to project military force. Hmmmm ...
Posted by: Steve White ||
05/11/2004 10:05 Comments ||
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"much of the money that is appropriated goes to salaries and training"
hmm, conscripts or not, every other friggin' army in the world has to pay for training and salaries...Europe can't??? Moral obtuseness, a free ride on US security guarantees have made Europe an aging drama queen, depending on someone else to defend her while berating them at all times...think Scarlet O'Hara?
Posted by: Frank G ||
05/11/2004 10:09 Comments ||
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Franl G: "think Scarlet O'Hara?"
Good idea; and the U.S. can be Rhett Butler as we walk out the door: "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
05/11/2004 10:41 Comments ||
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Britain, which many analysts say it is in a league of its own in Europe (not to mention the world, excluding the U. S.), has long had a professional army.
The British Army is less than 400 years old. Not long given that the Royal Navy traces its ancestry back over 1000 years.
Posted by: Mr. Davis ||
05/11/2004 11:41 Comments ||
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The Swedish army, faced with a drastic drop in the physical condition of its recruits, is looking to women to give the armed forces more muscle.
Drafting women has long been debated as a way of ridding the military of gender bias, but as young men become flabbier, top brass now also think that a continued high level of physical fitness may require massive female input.
"Itâs a fact that many men of military-serving age are in worse shape today than was the case earlier, (so) in order to get the most qualified person for each job ... we have suggested that women as well as men should be enrolled for military inspection," Haakon Syren, the supreme commander of the Swedish armed forces, told AFP.
Military commanders stop short of pushing for universal draft, forcing all men and women to serve in the armed forces, considered one of the last bastions of male dominance and power in gender-equality-minded Sweden.
But Syren insists that encouraging women to join would give the military a better recruiting ground. "We want the broadest range of people to choose from as possible," he said.
The proposal is controversial at a time when a number of women have stepped forward, accusing the military of doing nothing to stop sexual harassment.
Over recent weeks, at least eight women claimed they were sexually harassed while serving with Swedish troops stationed in Kosovo.
According to Swedish media reports, female officers in the regiment had their orders met with remarks like "Ok, if I can touch your boobs first" or "Couldnât we just fuck instead?"
The Kosovo officers got little help from superiors, says Swedish Equal Opportunities Ombudsman Claes Borgstroem, who is representing one of them in a lawsuit against the military.
"It was well known that she was having trouble, and that there were pornographic pictures, and that a list of what sexual services women should perform" had been posted in the barracks, Borgstroem told AFP.
But instead of being backed up, "she was told that if she couldnât handle the situation she should go home. She was provoked into quitting," he said.
Womenâs minority status in the army makes them more vulnerable, Borgstroem said. "Itâs obvious that the more women are let in, the easier it will be to get rid of such attitudes."
In 2003, 46,312 men and 1,054 women enrolled for military inspection, according to the Swedish National Service Administration. In total, 17,000 Swedes served in the military, of whom 555 were women.
While some argue that increasing the percentage of woment would surely weaken the armed forces, National Service Administration (NSA) spokeswoman Ulrika Haeggroth points out that female recruits must meet the same physical requirement as their male colleagues.
"The criteria for being drafted is the same for the women as they are for the men," she told AFP.
Women sometimes make it into the military without passing every single test, but "she wonât get in if sheâs lagging in several areas, or if she does really badly on an important test," she said.
In any case, inside todayâs high-tech military, physical strength is often no longer the main qualification needed. "Within certain areas, we may lower the (physical) requirements," Syren said.
Kristin Adamsson, who served in the military for 12 months in 2001 and 2002 as an information assistant for the airborne forces, said all women should be required to enroll for military inspection.
"Many girls I know would do really well in the military, but they may need a nudge to actually join," she told AFP.
Like every workplace, a diversity of backgrounds would benefit the army, Adamsson said.
"The work atmosphere is always better when you have men and women, Swedes and immigrants, straight people and gay people, all working together."
Posted by: tipper ||
05/11/2004 1:58:27 AM ||
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"While some argue that increasing the percentage of woment would surely weaken the armed forces,..."
No what weakens the armed forces is a lack of courage, fortitude, and interest in preserving a culture and society.
Sweden is a joke. 17,000 in the military? It couldn't and won't defend itself.
#2
This is an interesting idea. I wonder though, what happens if the daughters of recent imigrants are drafted. Will a brother have to tag along to guard her honnor? Will she be able to wear a head scarf? Interesting questions I think.
Trade officials around the world yesterday welcomed an initiative by the European Union to revive the stalled Doha world trade round - though the move was attacked by France.
The European Commission had earlier signalled that it stood ready to compromise on several issues that have long bedevilled the current round of talks. Most important, Brussels offered to eliminate all export subsidies on farm goods and to take a softer line on the adoption of controversial new trade rules. This offer was contained in a letter to the trade ministers of all 148 members of the World Trade Organisation. The three-page letter is signed by Pascal Lamy, the EU trade commissioner, and Franz Fischler, the farm commissioner.
"I hope this will provide a shot in the arm to the overall negotiations," said Robert Zoellick, US trade representative. "We are pleased that Commissioner Lamy and Commissioner Fischler have taken this important step." He added that the US "will support the move by agreeing to negotiate a parallel elimination" of the subsidy elements in export support used by the US.
Maybe we could cut some of the agricultural payments here.
This is one of the key conditions Brussels attaches to its offer, along with an "acceptable outcome" in the negotiations on liberalising other areas of farm trade.
Mr Zoellick's praise stood in marked contrast to the reaction of the French government, which has long been the strongest supporter of the EU's farm subsidy regime. Herve Gaymard, the French farm minister, described the letter as "exceeding the negotiating mandate" and "tactically very dangerous". He added that "we are very much against this letter".
"Who told this person to speak on his own? We will tell him what to say!"
A Commission official denied Mr Gaymard's allegations: "Obviously we are within the limits of our mandate. We discussed this with our member states, and the vast majority of member states were in favour."
Oxfam, the international charity that is usually one of the Commission's toughest critics, also welcomed the letter. It said: "A genuine offer to eliminate export subsidies would be cause for great celebration."
Oxfam and the US on the same side. Wow.
Posted by: Steve White ||
05/11/2004 12:25:29 AM ||
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The Romanian Comparative Medicine Institute in Bucharest, together with a Dutch company, will set up a pig farm in Arges, south Romania, to provide organs for human transplant, the local daily Adevarul reported on Monday.
The genetic material obtained on the farm will be used for human organ and tissue transplant.
The Dutch side will bring 200 immunized pregnant pigs to form the starting stock for the project. The report cited an official as saying that Romania is ready to allocate the money needed for the project. According to official projections, the farm will deliver transplant organs to both Romania and abroad in 2006.
Posted by: TS(vice girl) ||
05/11/2004 12:19:48 AM ||
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#1
Oink oink!
Posted by: Pete Stanley ||
05/11/2004 1:01 Comments ||
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#2
I think it's safe to say that none of these useful medical transplants will be diverted to any terrorists. Sort of sad, actually. Maybe we could get a living pig to transplant something into a terrorist (we might have to tie down the terrorist first though).
I am obliged to point out how lots of children could benefit from this sort of cross species transplant technology but will die instead because the rigid theological doctrine of their Islamist rulers will deny them any such life saving treatments.
#6
oh thank you Zenster. Your moral superiority is a beacon to us all. You know, it NEVER would have occured to me that the hatred that Moslems raise their children to embrace could end up hurting their children - never if it weren't for you. God bless you Zenster. We will all look toward you to shame, blame and enlighten us. What would the world do without your superior ability to dampen the wit in the world.
Posted by: B ||
05/11/2004 13:15 Comments ||
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#7
Hey Zenster, I was just thinking how great it would be for you if the Taliban came back into business. You could get one of those jobs where you go around whipping everyone for moral violations. You'd be so happy doing that. It's just so you - Zenster, Keeper of the Moral Code.
Posted by: B ||
05/11/2004 13:19 Comments ||
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#8
not sure if Z is even right. In judaism, you can use medicine from pig products to save a life. Are we sure that NO school of Sharia will allow that. And are we talking about their religion or their rulers? Lots of muslims follow sharia even though not living under Islamist rulers.
#9
not sure if Z is even right. In judaism, you can use medicine from pig products to save a life. Are we sure that NO school of Sharia will allow that. And are we talking about their religion or their rulers? Lots of muslims follow sharia even though not living under Islamist rulers.
#10
not sure if Z is even right. In judaism, you can use medicine from pig products to save a life. Are we sure that NO school of Sharia will allow that. And are we talking about their religion or their rulers? Lots of muslims follow sharia even though not living under Islamist rulers.
#11
Too bad the Islamists let superstition prevent them from saving lives.
Precisely, BigEd.
You know, it NEVER would have occured to me that the hatred that Moslems raise their children to embrace could end up hurting their children ...
Visiting the "sins of the fathers" upon their children is right up there with Panchayat ordered gang rapes or innocent Muslim boys are being gang raped in Darfur.
People aren't born Islamic, they're programmed that way. Thinking people are obliged to take notice when human life is thrown away due to ignorance and intolerance.
Sidebar: B, if what passes for your "moral code" prevents you from having any compassion for the innocent, I'll stick with mine, thank you.
#2
Oxygen thief?
I was going to do "How are things in Chappaquidick?"
to the tune "How are things in Gloccamora?", from Finnian's Rainbow", but Webmaster Fred would have zapped it immediately.
#3
so, after all these years we find out that MaryJoe didn't drown afterall. It was just like a CO2 incident. Teddy just sucked up all the oxygen in the car and thought she had fallen asleep. Too bad he didn't crack a window.
Posted by: B ||
05/11/2004 12:14 Comments ||
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#4
Now what was that Senator Daschle was saying about "startling meanness" in politics?
#1
agreed. Quit apologizing, step up the PR by noting the good things we've done - and noting that the media refuse to cover these. Start whacking more Mahdi's and extend the reach into Syria and Iran. Time's a-wasting... When will the Iranian uprising campaign start?
Posted by: Frank G ||
05/11/2004 11:36 Comments ||
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#2
I don't know, but I better be hearing "Bombs over Tehran/Damascus" on or by Nov. 5th.
#3
I agree. We need to stop apologizing. I also don't like the fact of our opening this first court martial to the public. That means the fix is in -- the poor sod has already been found guilty. I don't care what he's accused of. Even in the army, you're supposed to have some rights. They're going to turn this into a media circus.
Posted by: Infidel Bob ||
05/11/2004 12:17 Comments ||
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#4
Infidel Bob - true, true. But as they say, what goes around comes around. Seems to me he's just getting a taste of his own medicine.
I hope they all get fair trials, but they won't get any sympathy from me. They single handedly did more to endanger our soldiers and hurt our war effort than the entire Iraqi Army.
What they did was wrong, they knew it and as far as I'm concerned they have no excuse for what they did.
So sure, you are right and I hope they get a fair trial - but - as just a matter of reality - what goes around comes around and they are getting theirs.
Posted by: B ||
05/11/2004 12:25 Comments ||
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#5
I hope they get fair trials. And, if guilty, I hope they're punished. I just don't want to see them railroaded.
Posted by: Infidel Bob ||
05/11/2004 12:28 Comments ||
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#6
fair enough. I feel the same way.
Posted by: B ||
05/11/2004 12:30 Comments ||
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#7
they're plea bargaining already..expect them to roll over on the higher-ups, claiming their orders were unclear, yadda yadda
Posted by: Frank G ||
05/11/2004 12:33 Comments ||
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#8
A4021 - The election is Nov 2. I don't know about bombs over the cities but there may be "UFOs" over the nuke power plant the Mullahs are building to produce fissionable material for ABombs
#9
At some point it would be nice to see a glaringly direct link made between the mutilation or murder of foreign captives and the use of more coercive interrogation techniques that sought to prevent any repetitions of same.
This in no way justifies outright abuse, but the holding of hostages and mistreatment of prisoners most definitely lent additional urgency that might not have been called for had our foes adopted more civilized measures.
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle decried Monday what he called the "startling meanness" of American politics. (At least he is not Sad!)
The South Dakotan, who has been Senate Democratic leader for nine years and is seeking re-election in November, said campaigns were especially ugly in 2002 and that the ugliness continues. (Wonder who started that?)
"Today, enormous new challenges confront each and every one of us," he said. "We will not meet those challenges or seize those opportunities if we indulge in the brutal politics of division, if we attempt to silence those who have other ideas." (Uh maybe his ideas?)
Daschle spoke to about 500 people at Kansas State University as part of the Landon Lecture series. The series is named for former Kansas Gov. Alf Landon, who was the Republican presidential nominee in 1936, when Franklin D. Roosevelt won the second of his four terms.
Daschle noted that Landonâs daughter, former Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker, while a proud Republican, worked with Democrats in 1996 to pass health insurance legislation. (And the returned the favor by ATTACKING the legislation!)
"There are things that matter more than political parties," Daschle said. "There are lines we should not cross regardless of the advantage we think it may give our party at times." (He should know he crossed them all)
He continued: "Demonizing those with whom we disagree politically does not serve the interests of democracy. It does not resolve differences." (In some cases it does! When itâs a matter of national security.)
As examples of the meanness in politics, Daschle noted that two Democratic senators, South Dakotaâs Tim Johnson and Georgiaâs Max Cleland, were compared in television ads during the 2002 campaign to terrorist Osama bin Laden. Cleland, a decorated veteran who lost three of his limbs in Vietnam, was defeated in his bid for re-election.
Daschle said the political left is responsible for some attacks, too. He cited a recent ad on the Web site Moveon.org that compared President Bush to Adolf Hitler. (Good twists of the fact on the first two!)
"America has real enemies in the world," he said. "Creating false enemies among us to score political points does not make us safer, it makes us more vulnerable. And trying to bully and intimidate others into silence or compliance does not lead to progress. It leads to increased polarization and eventually paralysis."
Tom Daschle is one of the starters of this political hate speech. He (as the minority leader) should have reigned in his crowd long before now. He is just trying to score points for the upcoming election by looking above the fray. Notice he hasnât had any âsadâ speeches on the floor? Every event that happens, the sun rising and the weather changing, seem to up to scrutiny by the Dimocrats and their cabal (yes I know how to use that word correctly!).
The fact is that the more they attempt to be the victim the less people like their message. Can anyone believe that John Kerry has some connection with the âcommonâ man? And he was the victim of big business? I hope he (and his gang) lose BIG in the next election. Goodbye sad Tom!
Posted by: Cyber Sarge ||
05/11/2004 10:26:24 AM ||
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#1
Sarge : startling meanness
Proves Daschle is getting lots of interesting E-Mails calling him lots of interesting names.
#2
Lefto-fruitbat line:
"This deterioration of discourse is entirely the fault of the wicked Bushitler/Askkkroft/HELLiburton cabal and its immoral effort to appease its obese redneck trailer-trash constituency by committing atrocities and genocide against Iraq and Afghanistan.
This must be true, you have my word for it."
#3
Being a South Dakota Expat, I cringe every time Tom opens his mouth, because something stupid usually falls out. Not only has he alienated himself to the citizens of the U.S., he has also taken it upon himself to make the U.S. as a nation look like a bunch of blithering, infighting idiots who can't even control their own internal affairs. (Thanks CNN International) During a dinner in Pisec, the Vice President of the Czech Republic asked me why this guy seems to enjoy slamming our Govt. even when he is a member of it; I really didn't know how to answer without slamming him. Being in the profession that I'm in, I'm not allowed to speak harshly of our elected officials, yet look and listen how our two parties treat each other. (Perhaps the whole lot of them should go back to kindergarten to learn the Golden Rule)
#4
To help remove meanness from political debate, you can contribute to the campaign of John Thune.
Posted by: Mr. Davis ||
05/11/2004 11:20 Comments ||
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#5
Daschle only need look at members of his political stripe to figure out where all the hostility is coming from. Does the name Terry McAuliffe ring a bell? Ted Kennedy?
Posted by: Bill Nelson ||
05/11/2004 12:24 Comments ||
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#9
God bless ya, Bill! :)
Heck even if it were $10, it's still $10 more than he had yesterday.
If you are interested in this race check out Daschle v. Thune. Good reading for anyone, but I'll bet South Dakotans get even more out of it. Makes me wish I had a decoder ring for the really juicy bits. :)
#10
I just added $25. I've been meaning to send something to Thune for a while and this thread finally got me around to it.
Spent several years in SD as a child (courtesy of the USAF) and loved it, and it's always annoyed me that somebody like Dashole was "representing" the state.
Posted by: Laurence of the Rats ||
05/11/2004 13:10 Comments ||
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EFL: One overt political note was sounded as U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Seattle, was introduced and given CAIR's public-official-of-the-year award for his support of the Muslim community. Before giving McDermott his plaque, Samia El-Moslimany, CAIR vice chair, announced "tremendous news."
She told the crowd that the King County Democratic Party, meeting earlier in the day elsewhere within the Convention Center, had voted into its platform a commitment to "withhold U.S. tax dollars from Israel while it is in violation of international law." "This is a memorable day," said El-Moslimany.
The anti-Israel statement was one of 235 amendments to the party's platform, according to Greg Rodriguez, King County party chairman. Reached at home last night, Rodriguez could not recall the exact wording, but said, "I would imagine that probably did get in."
"Crap, they noticed."
Following El-Moslimany to the podium, McDermott said that passage of the platform commitment should encourage all American Muslims to get involved in the political process. Afterward, Naseem Tuffaha, local director of the Seattle chapter of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee who introduced the anti-Israel proposal at the Democratic party meeting, said that, though the platform is not binding, "it's a source of influence."
Wonder how much that influence cost?
On the way in, many paused in the lobby to watch video footage of Capt. James Yee, the U.S. Army Muslim chaplain who spent 76 days in prison on allegations of spying at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, before all charges against him were dropped in April.
Yee, who had not spoken publicly since his release, gave a short speech at the dinner. Having joined three other men for Muslim prayers in a quiet corner just before he addressed the crowd, Yee made a point of stating at the outset that he was not speaking in any official capacity or as a member of the military.
His lawyer has said that Yee received orders since his return to duty at Fort Lewis restricting what he may say publicly.
That's standard, everyone gets the same briefing every year.
Yee declined to speak with the press, and confined his remarks from the stage to thanking all who had supported him, and thanking CAIR in particular for its organized efforts. "I encourage you to stand for justice and to support (CAIR)," he concluded, "My name is Yusuf Yee, your brother in Islam."
Excellent, Agent Yee has infiltrated CAIR just as planned.
Posted by: Steve ||
05/11/2004 10:09:38 AM ||
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Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
05/11/2004 10:42 Comments ||
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#3
Republicans need to welcome our Jewish friends into our big tent. Some of the strongest supporters of Israel are Evangelist Christians. Looks like the anti-American crowd intends to push the Jooooos out of the dem party
Posted by: Frank G ||
05/11/2004 10:46 Comments ||
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#4
Baah, Baah, Jimmy get them to the polls
Thousand of voters, put them on the rolls
Some cannot read
And some cannot write
And some on the I Q side come out a little light!
#2
yes, people did die. What happened at Abu Ghraib is shameful. Don't forget it. If the left wants to overplay their hand, let them. But don't defend what happened there, it was wrong.
Posted by: B ||
05/11/2004 12:18 Comments ||
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#3
According to the Kurds:
We know that since 1994/95 around 100 people are executed weekly in Abu Graib. We are only talking of this one prison because we have reliable numbers and also often the names of the victims [...]. But many people are also being killed in other prisons. We do not have any accurate information but we do know that there are also systematic executions taking place in Mossul, Raduaniah and Al-Makassa. Therefore, around 400-500 people are being executed every week in Iraqi prisons. Executions in the death camps can be added to this.
Posted by: ed ||
05/11/2004 12:33 Comments ||
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#4
Found this in the Sydney Morning Herald:
At least four Iraqi detainees have died in British custody in the past year, one as a result of torture, says the human rights group Amnesty International, while the CIA admits it is investigating the death of a prisoner under interrogation.
Then there is this:
April 20, 2004 BAGHDAD, Iraq â Insurgents fired 12 mortars into Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison Tuesday, killing 22 detainees and injuring 92, U.S. military officials said.
But I guess, to some, that doesn't count.
Posted by: ed ||
05/11/2004 12:42 Comments ||
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#5
ed - It is becoming apparent that, at least in the US, according to our media and their friends (Jim McDermitt, Kerry, Ted Kennedy, and CAIR), it doesn't count since it is being done by Muslims.
It sure appears that way. When was the last time you heard 'media outrage' over something a muslims had done? When Hamas and others blow up a bus or resturant killing many Jewish (and Muslim) innocent civilians you barely hear about it in the media. No Outrage. No pictures of the victims. But if the IDF takes out a known mass murderer the media ( and CAIR/etc...) is all over it calling it a 'war crime'.
#6
CF,
I can relate. Hardly any mention of the 2 million Christians and Animists in Sudan killed by the Arabs of Khartoum. Or the 1 million black muslims being killed and ethnically cleansed by Arab Muslims in Darfur at this moment.
Posted by: ed ||
05/11/2004 12:58 Comments ||
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Ralph Nader sued the Texas secretary of state yesterday to obtain a position on the state's presidential ballot in November, saying that the petition requirement for independent candidacies like his was unconstitutional. Mr. Nader's lawsuit was filed in Federal District Court in Austin after he failed to submit the 64,000 signatures necessary to secure a position on the ballot by the deadline, which was yesterday at 5 p.m.
I thought for sure they'd find 64,000 moonbats in Austin.
The standard for independent candidates in Texas is higher than for third-party candidates, giving them less time to secure the necessary signatures and mandating their submission earlier in the election cycle, obligations Mr. Nader called "an unconstitutional and discriminatory burden."
The secretary of state, Geoffrey S. Connor, said that the petition requirements had been challenged before in state courts and upheld, and that his office was prepared to defend them vigorously again.
Let him on the ballot, it'll be entertaining.
Posted by: Steve White ||
05/11/2004 12:16:55 AM ||
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LOUISVILLE, KY. (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry warned his political opponents on Monday against attacking his outspoken wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, saying, "They're going to have to go through me."
"I'll run 'em over with the SUV that I traded in. The one that belongs to the family, not me."
The Massachusetts senator also sought to dispel the notion he was aloof, asking one television interviewer: "Have you had a beer with me yet? I like to have fun as much as the next person, and go out and hack around and have a good time."
But no one goes out with him. He's just gotta be a lonely guy when he's on his own.
Worth an estimated $500 million, born in Mozambique and fluent in five languages, Mrs. Kerry can be controversial and blunt, disclosing her Botox injections, her prenuptial agreement with Kerry and the fact he was in the bathroom when he got word of his wins in Iowa and New Hampshire. "If they want to attack her, they're going to have to go through me. I'll be the first to defend anything she does. ... She doesn't pull her punches," Kerry said in one television interview when asked if Republicans were targeting his wife.
She clearly wears the pants in that house.
"I think that they're foolhardy to do it, personally, because I think that she's so down to earth and so straightforward," Kerry said. "I think people who meet her love her."
Mrs. Kerry has been criticized for her outspokenness and candor, and some Republican commentators have also called on her to release her tax returns.
Wait til October to do so. Please.
While she is wealthy from her marriage to former Republican Sen. John Heinz, the heir to the Pittsburgh ketchup empire, she said Sen. Kerry was not. She can only contribute the same $2,000 to his campaign everyone else can. Kerry was able, however, to mortgage the couple's townhouse in Boston to take out a $6.4 million loan to keep his campaign afloat.
She's going to find a way to pay that off.
Posted by: Steve White ||
05/11/2004 12:04:17 AM ||
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#1
"If they want to attack her, they're going to have to go through me.
I'm down wif dat. Just wear the two foot bullseye after September so we don't miss.
#4
I'd like to see that prenup. It's entirely possible that Kerry doesn't have any interest in the townhome that they mortgaged and that said mortgage therefore constitutes an illegal campaign contribution for which his wife could face criminal penalties.
#5
If...if....if you attack Ketchup Lady I'll throw my SUV keys over the nearest fence.
Posted by: Bill Nelson ||
05/11/2004 7:33 Comments ||
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#6
Show yer tax returns hon! As long as he's mortgaging property she paid for, she's involved financially, supporting his ass (along with the other Liberal Loony Left causes she's donating to) - disclose away!
Posted by: Frank G ||
05/11/2004 8:19 Comments ||
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#8
If they attack her, aren't they guilty of a hate crime? Mrs. Catsup is an African-American! Where is Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton when a sister needs some props?
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
05/11/2004 10:30 Comments ||
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#10
Sarge - I heard on the news this AM that The Rev'rend Jock-son is upset that Kerry is making nice with Al, and ignoring him.
The behind the scenes blackmail mechanations are whirring.
Jesse would call Nurse Fuzzy-Wuzzy inauthentic.
MANHATTAN, Kan. - Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle decried Monday what he called the "startling meanness" of American politics.
Was he flagellating himself as he did so?
The South Dakotan, who has been Senate Democratic leader for nine years and is seeking re-election in November, said campaigns were especially ugly in 2002 and that the ugliness continues. "Today, enormous new challenges confront each and every one of us," he said. "We will not meet those challenges or seize those opportunities if we indulge in the brutal politics of division, if we attempt to silence those who have other ideas."
So when are you going to STFU?
Daschle spoke to about 500 people at Kansas State University as part of the Landon Lecture series. The series is named for former Kansas Gov. Alf Landon, who was the Republican presidential nominee in 1936, when Franklin D. Roosevelt won the second of his four terms. Daschle noted that Landon's daughter, former Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker, while a proud Republican, worked with Democrats in 1996 to pass health insurance legislation.
She was a good one. You should learn from her, Tom.
"There are things that matter more than political parties," Daschle said. "There are lines we should not cross regardless of the advantage we think it may give our party at times." He continued: "Demonizing those with whom we disagree politically does not serve the interests of democracy. It does not resolve differences."
As examples of the meanness in politics, Daschle noted that two Democratic senators, South Dakota's Tim Johnson and Georgia's Max Cleland, were compared in television ads during the 2002 campaign to terrorist Osama bin Laden. Cleland, a decorated veteran who lost three of his limbs in Vietnam, was defeated in his bid for re-election.
You knew that was coming.
Daschle said the political left is responsible for some attacks, too. He cited a recent ad on the Web site Moveon.org that compared President Bush to Adolf Hitler.
Too bad he didn't say so at the time.
"America has real enemies in the world," he said. "Creating false enemies among us to score political points does not make us safer, it makes us more vulnerable. And trying to bully and intimidate others into silence or compliance does not lead to progress. It leads to increased polarization and eventually paralysis."
Posted by: Steve White ||
05/11/2004 12:00:00 AM ||
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Look in the mirror, Sen Daschle. And by the way - that mean looking fellow behind you is the man who will defeat you, Mr Thune.
#2
This is the Dasshole who cheers on the rants of SHIT SPEWING MONGRELS like Teddy Kennedy, Robert C. Byrd, Al Gore and the ten FOAMING-AT-THE-MOUTH lunatics who ran for the dem presidential nomination. Dasshole is also a gawddamned LIAR among other loathsome verminous things. Max Cleland was NEVER compared to Usama. The ad in question started with a screen divided into four parts flashing pictures of the war on terrorism including terrorists, troops, fighter jets and aircraft carriers. Was Max in its wheelchair compared to an aircraft carrier too? Hell no! Max Cleland lost its election due to the Senator going along with Dasshole in stalling creation of the Department of Homeland Security on behalf of government union thugs. Max Cleland -- a dem I once had some respect for -- has devolved into a PATHETIC, PUKING, MEWLING CRYBABY allowing himself to be wheeled out on stage to have his tear stained cheek tissued by creeps like John Kerry and Tommy Dasshole who are in search of hoped for political advantage. Pray God the easily duped imbeciles in the dem party in South Dakota do not outnumber people with a conscience and self-respect come November. South Dakotans deserve better than Dasshole. Always have....
Tom Daschle decried Monday what he called the "startling meanness" of American politics
What, he looked in a mirror?
Bet it cracked into a thousand pieces.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
05/11/2004 10:04 Comments ||
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#4
Don't hold back, Garrison, tell us what you really think.
Posted by: Steve White ||
05/11/2004 10:08 Comments ||
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#5
SouthDakotaPolitics, an excellent blog, sez: "Tom Daschle has frequently engaged in "Sopranos-style intimidation tactics" here in South Dakota, as Jeff Gannon, resident DC expert on South Dakota politics, has reported."
See also Daschle vs Thune blog. If you really want this "deeply disappointed" asshat out of Congress, donate some $ to Thune's campaign to unseat him, I did.
Posted by: Frank G ||
05/11/2004 10:20 Comments ||
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#6
Daschle is right.
"There are things that matter more than political parties" Like winning the WoT.
"There are lines we should not cross regardless of the advantage we think it may give our party at times" Like playing politics with the lives of our soldiers by undermining the war effort and helping the bad guys.
"America has real enemies in the world"
Including the "regain power by helping the Islamists" wing of the Democratic party.
"Creating false enemies among us to score political points does not make us safer, it makes us more vulnerable. And trying to bully and intimidate others into silence or compliance does not lead to progress. It leads to increased polarization and eventually paralysis."
Daschle knows they are crossing the line, and he feels a little guilty, but Daschle and others do it every day. Politics is politics.
Posted by: Sam ||
05/11/2004 10:54 Comments ||
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#7
One quibble with your analysis, Sam. Daschle, Kennedy, Pelosi, and others of their ilks never feel guilty about anything.
They're annointed, after all.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
05/11/2004 17:28 Comments ||
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I'm sure the membership of the Democratic Underground is greater than that.
WASHINGTON (AFP) - Some 275,000 rubesfoolssimpletons people have signed a petition launched by Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry calling for US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to resign over the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal, his campaign director said.
Thus guaranteeing Rummy his job.
"More than 275,000 simple-minded rusticswankers supporters signed our petition," said Mary Beth Cahill in a statement. "Americans want accountability and responsibility at the highest levels of our government."
Which is why they won't vote for Kerry.
Calls have multiplied from the usual sources for Rumsfeld to resign after images of Iraqi prisoners being abused by US personnel at Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad were made public, scandalizing opinion worldwide, especially among Arabs. US President George W. Bush, who has promised a "full accounting" over the scandal, defended Rumsfeld, saying he was doing a "superb job".
Stand by your man, Dubya.
Kerry also has questioned Bush's right to lead in the wake of the scandal.
He was for it before he was against it.
Posted by: Steve White ||
05/11/2004 12:00:00 AM ||
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I already sent e-mail to the White House stating my support for Rumsfeld and asking Bush to keep him. You should too.
Posted by: A Jackson ||
05/11/2004 0:10 Comments ||
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#2
Yep, did so Saturday. Rantburgers already know how to do this, of course, but for those who don't: be polite and be REALLY brief. They're read by a staffer who simply counts 'em up.
Posted by: Steve White ||
05/11/2004 0:14 Comments ||
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#3
I did as well last Fri, but, I did one better.
Since, in California, I have no senators I trust.
(I don't need a "Fortney"-call) I Emailed the seantors nearest to me geographically who might be sympathetic to my suggestion. After Teddy's rant today, I emailed Ensign of NV, Kyl and McCain of AZ about censuring the Chappaquiddick lush. Now John McCain is a wild-card (Who knows what he is thinking), but I think the idea must have crossed Kyl's mind if not Ensign's . . .
#4
When Senator Dole was running for President, pukes like Kerry successfully demanded he resign from the US Senate. Kerry needs to follow Senator Dole's lead, show his determination and commitment to become president, allow the people of MA to be represented in the Senate as Kerry jerks off on the campaign trail, and RESIGN from the US Senate too. Of course, the dominant democrat party news media is not going to HOUND Kerry out of office like they hounded Senator Dole. Nor will the democrats' lapdogs in the news media hound the Secretary out of office. As for leadership qualities, Secretary Rumsfeld's last bowel movement no doubt had more of the right stuff to be President than does Kerry.
#5
Yeah, I was on the take to Enron. And when their Texas book-cooking was uncovered, I turned on my old cash cows because the American people need to think that their President is a moral person, if need be. And that's what I am, if you believe me. Quagmire accomplished.
http://www.detnews.com/2000/politics/0004/16/04080062.htm
Posted by: George Wahabi Bush ||
05/11/2004 4:34 Comments ||
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#6
Amazing. Kerry demands that Rumsfield take direct responsiblity for actions done god knows how many levels below him, while Kerry won't take direct responsiblity for what he said last week, Teddy ran from the responsibility for Mary JO's death before being forced to face up to it, and senators won't take responsiblity for memogate and what their aides do.
I deny that anyone who so brazenly applies what is clearly a double standard has the moral competence to judge their moral betters...
#7
you know, I think they could get two hundred and fifty thousand signatures on a petition calling for the crucifixion of Paul Wolfowitz in the Rose Garden. A presidential campaign indulging in this sort of squalid activist-mongering is frankly baffling to me. Are they *trying* to look like countercultural tools? I thought this was when Kerry was supposed to be running to the centre...
Posted by: Mitch H. ||
05/11/2004 8:44 Comments ||
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#8
Are they *trying* to look like countercultural tools? I thought this was when Kerry was supposed to be running to the centre...
Politically, he can't start lying to all voters about his true beliefs until after the convention. Things are in too much flux for the left. Kerry knows that if he starts playing to the center now, the contributions of many of his leftist supporters will drift to Nader, or those folks may well call for a replacement.
#11
275,000 does not a majority make. Besides it's up to Bush. ?What are they going to do? Hate him more?
Posted by: Bill Nelson ||
05/11/2004 12:26 Comments ||
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#12
well, if 2000 = Million Mom March in the press on Sunday, then 275,000 = ummm, let's see, carry the 1,....137.5 Million, which is just over half the US population
ergo, expect to see the headlines on CNNABCNBCPBSCBSLATNYT: "half of US population signs petition ousting Rumsfeld"
Posted by: Frank G ||
05/11/2004 12:31 Comments ||
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#13
take heart. The LLL I know think that Kerry is overplaying his hand on the Rumsfeld issue and can't believe how lame his political acumen and timing is. They are hoping for Hillary or God to come save the day.
just letting you know the local looney's tunes.
Posted by: B ||
05/11/2004 12:35 Comments ||
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Former American prisoners tortured by Saddam Husseinâs regime in the first Gulf War are criticizing the Bush administration for fighting their compensation claims while planning to compensate the Iraqi victims of abuse at Abu Ghraib prison. In a letter to Donald Rumsfeld, retired Lt. Col. Jeffrey Fox, one of 17 American Gulf War POWs, yesterday expressed âfrustration and disbeliefâ at the secretary of defenseâs testimony on the torture of Iraqi prisoners by American soldiers.
Rumsfeld told the Senate Armed Services Committee last week that he is âseeking a way to provide appropriate compensation to those detainees who suffered such grievous and brutal abuse and cruelty at the hands of a few members of the United States armed forces. Itâs the right thing to do.â Rumsfeld also indicated the United States has the ability to compensate Iraqis and will do so âone way or another.â
Fox responded that âthe right thing to do is to please end the Justice Departmentâs attack on us and to work with us toward a negotiated resolution that serves the dual goals of deterring the recurring torture of American service personnel and furthers the reconstruction of a Democratic Iraq.â
The Bush administration has appealed against a $1 billion compensation award that former American POWs won against the Iraqi government. The case was brought when Saddam Hussein was still in charge. Now, however, the Bush administration wants to avoid draining funds from the new Iraqi government. It says the money is needed to help rebuild the country.
To fail to help the American POWs âwould be unfair and inappropriate and sends the wrong message to our military family as well as the next torturers,â Fox said.
Seems like this is something that could be settled in a day of quiet negotiation.
The American victims have garnered some congressional support for their cause, attracting the help of Sens. George Allen (R-Va.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), who have urged the administration to meet the former POWs.
Tony Onorato, a lawyer representing the POWs, said his clients did not want to jump on the Abu Ghraib bandwagon. But the POWs know that the Iraqi prison abuse scandal is an opportunity to raise the awareness of their own plight. They want to âsend a message that torturing American POWs carries serious consequences.â
The group has always conducted itself with the âutmost diplomacyâ and will continue to do so now and keep trying to raise the visibility of the issue on Capitol Hill and in the media.
Right, so give them a reasonable chunk of Sammie's money, not $1 billion, and settle this.
Posted by: Steve White ||
05/11/2004 12:35:29 AM ||
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It has been the policy of the United States government since the Second World War to oppose private claims against foreign governments related to war and the events surrounding a war. The justification appears to be that the United States is far more vulnerable to such suits and has deeper pockets than other nations. The government actively discourages such suits by Americans.
In Litigation America, the reality is that there is not enough money in the world for any nation to pay the judgements that would result from these suits. In the end, only the lawyers would profit, since the plaintifs only recover what's left after lawyers' expenses and fees.
FORT EUSTIS, Va. (Army News Service, May 10, 2004)--The U.S. Armyâs experimental Theater Support Vessel USAV Spearhead, TSV-1X, made its first port call at its home base of Fort Eustis April 30.
The vehicle spent 14 months in the Persian Gulf supporting Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom before sailing to Australia for modifications in November.
"(The TSV) gives the Army high-speed unit move capabilities," said Chief Warrant Officer Patrick May, vessel master for one of the two teams that operate the diesel engine catamaran. "We can now pick up a company and all of its equipment and move from one point to another in theater at a high rate of speed."
The TSV, with a top speed of 48 knots, is much faster than its predecessor, the Logistical Support Vessel, which could only travel at 10 knots.
While in the Persian Gulf, the TSV supported operations for all five branches of the U.S. military and for civilian contractors. The TSV also supported several special operations including transporting Navy SEALs, said May.
Brig. Gen. Brian Geehan, chief of U.S. Army Transportation, was on hand to welcome the TSVâs crew to Fort Eustis. The commander also toured the 380-foot vessel and spoke to the crew.
"I have a real appreciation for what (the TSV crew) is doing," he said. "This is a whole new era in Army watercraft and they are truly pioneering. Everything that happens aboard that ship, they are experiencing for the first time."
The TSV-1X, which was commissioned in late 2002 as an experimental vessel, has more than proved its worth, said Geehan. The Army is planning to have a fleet of 12 TSVs by 2012.
"It is a revolutionary transformational capability," said Geehan. "It gives us a huge improvement in range and speed, and more importantly, instead of being able to carry only equipment, it carries equipment and Soldiers." More at link
#3
It's a cat, which may limit deep water uses. Just as the Army had to develope armed helicopters because the Air Force could only think about bombers, the Army is having to develope ships for its use because the Navy isn't.
#4
48 knots is smokin' fast for a speedboat. Recreational boats don't get much above 60mph before you start shelling out some serious cash. And even then, you can only do that kind of speed on smooth-as-glass water. Try it in even a mild chop and you'll smash either your hull or the people inside the boat.
The government of Zimbabwe has told international donors that it does not need emergency food aid this year, because it expects a bumper harvest.
Labour Minister Paul Mangwana told the countryâs official news agency: "We have enough for local consumption."
But the opposition has said there is a severe food shortage, and that without international help people will starve.
The government has been accused of only giving food aid to its supporters. Elections are due early next year.
A former food exporter, Zimbabwe has relied on food aid since it began controversial land reform seizures in 2000.
Critics say much of the land taken from white commercial farmers remains unproductive.
The government has blamed the food shortages of previous years on drought.
Aid agencies estimate that 5.5m Zimbabweans - almost half in urban areas - will require emergency food aid this year.
A recent survey carried out for a German institute indicated a shortfall of around 900,000 tonnes of maize this year.
Mr Mangwana admitted that some areas in the country would have food deficits, but he said that those "would be covered through internal food distribution".
He added that donors would only be asked to assist in development programmes.
A crop assessment mission by the UNâs World Food Programme has been told by the government to halt its work, so the true situation is difficult to assess.
The agriculture spokesman for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, Renson Gasela, has appealed to foreign donors to continue bringing in food - even without a government request.
BBC African analyst Martin Plaut says the government announcement that it does not need help is linked to parliamentary elections early next year.
The ruling party, Zanu-PF, has repeatedly used food aid to buy political support, he says, and with no international aid, the people of Zimbabwe will be faced with the stark choice of voting for Zanu-PF or going without food.
Posted by: TS(vice girl) ||
05/11/2004 10:03:55 AM ||
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#1
An old game. The kulaks aren't going to vote for ya anyway, so let 'em starve.
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
