*crickets chirping*

* crickets chirping *

Yes, it seems they've moved on to more honorable pursuits:

they're currenly busy trying to 'prove' Kerry -- who actually served in Nam -- is somehow less honorable than Bush -- who didn't.

~ crickets continue chirping ~

Shark, I got your back. Damn good entry. I felt it, and I realized that I haven't really thought about Iraq in several weeks. When I heard the latest casualties on the radio, it bounced right off me. I read about Iraq's soccer team today--does that count? Probably not, since the newspaper article was pretty much pro-war propaganda. Half of it was about how Udai (I'm not looking up how to spell his name) tortured Iraqi Olympians in some dungeon under their training facilities, and now things are so peachy in Iraq that their Olympic soccer team is having success--they are a symbol of our savior Dubya's philanthropic invasion and destruction of Iraq--for Iraq's benefit, of course. What the hell?

whew...

u just been sharked.

jack e. jett

Screw Iraq. Let's take a closer look at George Bush's medals.

All hell's breaking loose right now...

27 die as mortars hit mosque 63 wounded

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/cgi/NGoto/68074360?-1377

8 Oil Pipelines Attacked in South Iraq For Last 24 Hours

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/cgi/NGoto/68076337?-1377

Italy Ready to Pull out of Iraq And they mean READY!

We are ready to leave Iraq as early as tomorrow, should the government of Mr Allawi wants us to, Frattini said.

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/cgi/NGoto/68075431?-1377

British lawmakers consider impeaching Blair

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/cgi/NGoto/68075196?-1377

Mortar blast inside Baghdad government compound

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_971344,00050004....

60 journalists rounded up, Najaf

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/nation/94...

Poland & Italy say buh bye

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=38359

http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=38471

Lynn,

re. IRAQ:

What's really sad is that one could have typed:

"All hell's breaking loose right now"

...anytime between March 2003 and this very moment, and it would have been accurate.

(Another Update: on the Far Right side of the 'room', the crickets continue to chirp...)

Whoops! The BAD NEWS is coming in faster than we can keep up.

The Phillipines says "No way" on various assistance in Iraq.

Seems the "Coalition of the Kinda Sorta Willing" is quickly becoming the "Handful of Nations Stupid Enough to Participate in Bush's Blunder Are Currently Getting the Hell Out".

And let's not forget Colin Powell's Iraq Doctrine:

"You break it, you own it."

-vs- the Bush Mantra: "The Buck Stops Somewhere Else."

It's time the buck stopped at the President's desk.

But there are two more 'free' nations in the olympics. That's gotta count for something.

Votes, if nothing else.

More "good news" from Iraq. And I know that nobody gives a shit about Iraq, and could care even less about Nepalese folks, but while our leaders continue to fiddle, Iraq is a quagmire and charnal house.

And Bush's Blunder continues to claim innocent lives.

AUG 31, 2004 -

"Twelve Nepalese hostages have been killed by their captors in Iraq.

...A Nepalese diplomat confirmed the deaths hours after images were put on a website, apparently showing one man being beheaded and 11 being shot dead.

[...]

...The militants said the 12 Nepalis had been killed because they "came from their country to fight the Muslims and to serve the Jews and the Christians".

The group, Army of Ansar al-Sunna, said the men were being punished for helping the US, and it had "carried out the sentence of God" against them.

...Many foreigners have been captured in Iraq and some have been killed, but this is by far the largest killing of hostages.

Among at least 20 people still being held by militants are two French journalists whose captors have given France until Tuesday evening to revoke a ban on Islamic headscarves in state schools.

[...]

...The 12 Nepalese citizens are thought to have travelled to the Middle East to earn money as cooks and cleaners.

"I repeatedly conveyed the message that these people have nothing to do with the Americans," he said.

...The Kathmandu government accused recruitment agencies of putting impoverished Nepalese workers at risk in Iraq.

...It vowed "to take action against those persons who are found involved in illegal methods of recruitment of helpless Nepalese into Iraq, resulting in this devastating tragedy".

...Nepal, one of the poorest countries in the world, has banned Nepalis from going to Iraq, despite the relatively well-paid jobs there."

--- end of BBC Excerpt ---

Latest count:

978 dead Americans
6900 wounded Americans

PS: Thanks for protecting us from 'terrorists', Mr. President!

Okay, some of us...

God I love the way it's so simple to most...especially those that have never server, never worked in an intelligence unit in the military, and those who's only information comes from the declassified propaganda bullshit that the media puts out for both sides.

Let's simplify, shall we? Have you ever gone in behind someone that completely f*cked up a project and tried to straighten it out? Maybe like reorganizing an office that was run poorly? When you do, the opening steps are painful. Sad to say, but Bush has had to take the painful stance and be "the bad guy" as we work toward ending this global terror threat. Now, let's put some fact behind my line here.

a. Terror bombings in Somalia, USS Cole, Mogadishu, African Embassies, Saudi Arabia - all on Clinton's watch. Clinton doesn't do anything, which empowers the radical Middle Eastern movement to kill Americans. Instead of stamping this threat out with some good, ol' fashioned black ops, Mr. Clinton decided to cut the military budget, the intelligence budget, close military bases, shrink the military and claim a "balanced budget". The result - terror grew in the most massive proportions during the democratic reign.

So that you don't think that I'm some republican thumper, I do also believe that a major part of this situation began when GHWB didn't finish the job in Gulf War I. Without question, once we (and I can say we, because I was there) took military action over there, then we should have permanently ended the threat. Just as we (the US citizens) grieve and wish for revenge for our dead in the world trade center attacks, I'm sure there are 5000+ families that want that same revenge for Bush the first allowing Saddam to use military helicopters and those weapons of mass destruction that "don't exist" to kill all of their people in 1991.

The bottom line is this. War sucks. People die. This is a war that has to be completed. Global unity of some sort has to be established. In 2004, with the state of the planet, it's economy, it's natural resources, etc., no one country has the right to stop technology, the advent of religious beliefs, or human rights and principles. Treating women worse than you treat a dog is terrorism. Killing female children because they want to become educated is terrorism. Plotting to fill ambulances with bombs to kill people is terrorism. Serial Killing is terrorism. Popular or unpopular, this president is willing to fight it head on, which will be for the betterment of this country once all is said and done.

God Bless America, and Satan bless any terrorist f*ck on any shore.

Chris

Shark, your original complaint is being answered finally this week. No, the Democrats have not a thing to say about Iraq, but Iraq and the rest of the terrorist situation have been THE topic of the entire Republican convention.

You may rant and curse the president in sputtering bursts of non-sentences, but Daddy's on the job, and he'll still protect you, too.

Daddy's on the job, and he'll still protect you, too

this sentiment can be repeated over & over until everyone's face turns blue.

whether we're safer in fact or not is another matter.

ChrisAkin: "...Have you ever gone in behind someone that completely f*cked up a project and tried to straighten it out?"

Like the next president will have to do?

AL: "...Iraq and the rest of the terrorist situation have been THE topic of the entire Republican convention..."

Correction: "the rest of the terrorist situation"?

I believe the 'terrorist' situation was centered mainly in Afghanistan, which BTW, WE'RE LOSING.

Taliban winning.
America Losing.

Al, Tell me more about Bush's "war" of terror.

(As Saleski points out, because yall continue to repeat something like Big Brother on crack doesn't mean it's true.)

PS: Iraq is still an unwinnable QUAGMIRE, and the silence from your side on that one is still deafening.

~chirp chirp~

And Chris, ending your tirade against faith-based religious fundamentalists with the words "God Bless America" kinda gave me a chill.

PS: I just hope your "God" doesn't prefer to be called "Allah". Wouldn't that be a bitch!

Ah Shark,

So you want to keep bringing the liberal, "flowers and candy" references to the table. OK, fine with me.

Iraq is winnable - Look to Hiroshima for at least one reference on how.

Secondly, I go back to my original point that every war can't and won't be won the way the war I participated in a decade ago was. You can't change a philosophy of life in a year. These people are still afraid that Saddam is coming back, and that combined with the militant resistance is going to scare them from fully participating. It's going to take some time.

By your philosophy, I suppose that it wasn't right to end Nazi Germany. It wasn't right to end Korea. It wasn't right to smash Japan. Why? Because it wasn't directly effecting us.

As far as the whole religious question, I threw that out there as a somewhat in jest "pro-America" thing. [edited]

War,

Chris

Chris: "...By your philosophy, I suppose that it wasn't right to end Nazi Germany. It wasn't right to end Korea. It wasn't right to smash Japan..."

Chris, I just checked the list, and after you finish wheeling out the Straw Colossus of Rhodes, you're supposed to follow that up with how I didn't mourn the dead in NY on 9/11.

Gotta run; it's time to mail my monthly check to Hezzbolah.

(And Justene, I'll save you the effort...)

Chris, you friggin' [self-deleted].

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Last night I heard Dick Cheney say that we didn't even start this war. Asshat. Who the fuck started it then? Are they still trying to convince us Iraq poked our eyes out on 9/11?

I can't for the life of me fathom why anybody who is listening to all the bullshit at the Rep. convention would go ahead and vote for them. They are supposed to be talking politics and policy, instead they are just rambling on and on about how much they hate Kerry, how much they love guns, how they are favored by God and how the job market is so good right now!!??

Why would any sane, modern, free thinking, mature individual ever vote for them?

IRAQ: 1000 DEAD AMERICANS

Happy Anniversary, President Bush -- you lying lowlife motherfucker.

Thanks to Bin laden's new videotape/October surprise -- Suddenly, the Right has to talk about the old bastard. They were hoping we would forget him sitting safely up there in his cave.

We can't now. Just a reminder of how badly the administration bungled the 'war on terrorism'.

And while we're at it -- there's another story the RIGHT WING hopes we'll continue to ignore:

IRAQ.

Well, it's time for an update two days before the election:

==============

As of today, Oct. 30, 2004

Since the "War" in Iraq began:

1118 = number of Americans KILLED
8000 + = number of Americans WOUNDED
0 = number of WMDs found

==========

I'm still waiting to hear from the Iraq war supporters from the Right.

*crickets chirping*

RJ? Enlist?

And go fight the "Good War" in Iraq?

The war that's going so swell?

(9 more dead American soldiers as of this morning, bringing the total to 1,127)

You must be joking.

Like Dick Cheney and Vietnam, he has "other priorities": He'd rather sit at a computer in Florida and 'fight the 'terrorists' (aka "liberals") from the safety of his Laz-E-Boy.

Please don't ask the right-wing war supporters to walk the walk. All their President asks of them is that they continue shopping.

The "chicken hawk" argument is disingenuous, mindless horseshit that has nothing to do with anything, is a red herring, a blind alley, illogical and did I mention a steaming pile of horseshit?

Whether one is in the military, has been in the military, will ever be in the military, will have offspring in the military, or anyone they fucking know has ever driven by a military facility, HAS NO BEARING WHATSOEVER on whther or not military action is or is not sound policy. You can try to personalize it all you want - and on the personal level all casualties are of paramount importance - but ON A POLICY LEVEL the message is what counts for the nation, not the messenger. Feel free to oppose the war, or any other policy, for any number of reasons, but assailing the messenger is not a "reason," it's horseshit

I'm not so sure. We're not talking about "policy" issues here; we're talking about patriotism and personal integrity.

It's a highly controversial war with dwindling public support, a war that was sold based on faulty and/or outright bullshit information, a war that has ruined the US treasury, American reputation abroad, and taken over 1000 American lives.

And when young, healthy Americans constantly voice their support, it seems to me a very natural question -- to ask WHY they don't see their fierce patriotism and support for the war as good reasons to JOIN the heroic battle between Western Civilization and "the terrorists".

In my mind, if it's a Valid War, then that's a Valid Question.

I wouldn't ask a 45 year old husband/father, but I think it's a valid question to ask those of age who are fanatical supporters of the 'concept'.

Especially since our President hasn't asked his fellow Americans to SACRIFICE one iota for this alleged "war".

If there existed a valid threat to our nation -- and I both supported it and could contribute to its defeat -- I WOULD JOIN IN A SECOND.

And I'm older than you.

20+ dead -- 60+ wounded; thanks, George.

Shark Predicts:

There will be no Iraqi *elections.
There will be no "exit strategy" from Vietn.. I mean Iraq.
There will be no end to this.

Thanks, George!

*even if there is an 'election', the 'winner'(s) will be viewed by a majority of the Iraqi populace as illegitimate.

BTW: I'm still waiting for the BUSH/Iraqi invasion supporters to speak up. You blundered. Bush blundered. When are you people going to admit Bush was wrong?

*crickets chirp chirp*

As of Jan. 17, 2005:

Number of Americans killed in the war over weapons of mass destruction in Iraq: 1,364

Number of weapons of mass destruction found in Iraq: ZERO

Thanks, George!


And here's some interesting material; probably should be read at the upcoming inauguration.

Thanks for the link, Shark - it reminds me that automobiles are still more dangerous than terrorists and that Ukrainians shouldn't be allowed to play with live ammo.

As for the WMDs, I imagine they'd have a lot more luck if they were looking in Syria.

Dave

Dave, thanks for articulating your continued support for the invasion of Iraq.

--Not.


* chirp chirp *

thanks, Eric: i agree with that... you can have an opinion regardless of military service and anyone is entitled to their opinion, so that's another horseshit argument as you said yourself,so thanks.

as to what others said, i think Mark S. - no,i don't feel any safer since 9/11. Honestly, i simply do not. I wish like hell i did, but i don't. If i am safer, then it would be great to have a site or aplace where i can visit that will list the ways in which i am safer, because i don't feel it and i have commercial pilots in my family who likewise don't feel any safer and they should know... so it's still a terrifying world we're living in.

I do NOT know the answers, so not even going to pretend. jsut wanted to voice my support of what E. O. said earlier and Mark S. about feeling safer -- and yes, Shark, Bin Laden is a constant reminder of how vulnerable we are ... He scares the shit out of me, and i think rightfully so... or maybe that's just me....

cheers,

sadi

thanks Sadi, the "you have no right to form or voice an opinion unless you have done it yourself" argument is nonsensical in any arena

Eric, I agree, theoretically speaking, but that still doesn't excuse ignorance. For example, I get ticked off about people who shoot off at the mouth about "French culture" or "elite urban latte-drinking, SUV driving tree-huggers" or "redneck trailer-trash Southerners" and so forth without any real basis for doing so.

Anybody is entitled to an opinion, in other words, but make sure it's reasonable and reasoned if you share it with the public.

Eric Berlin
Dumpster Bust: Miracles from Mind Trash

>>Dave, thanks for articulating your continued support for the invasion of Iraq.<<

Well, I'm pretty much in favor of invading everyone if that's what it takes to spread the message of freedom.

Dave

I can't argue with that, but that's a separate matter from being told you can't comment on education if you aren't a teacher or defense policy if you aren't a soldier.

Eric : Agreed.
Dave : Not so much.

Above comment #26: I stand behind it.


DaveNalle: *"I'm pretty much in favor of invading everyone if that's what it takes to spread the message of freedom."

How Libertarian of ya.

*comments like this that make my comment #26 even more valid, imo. Asking some poor young stranger to be cannon fodder for your political ideals is different than offering your own life as a sacrifice in such an endeavor.



PS: The original post was about our [once upon a time] loud and garrulous supporters for the Iraqi invasion being so quiet -- now that the place has turned into an unwinnable hellhole / terrorist breeding ground.

* chirp chirp *






PPS: ...Vietnam.

The essence of this dichotomy is that the military is two things: it is a tool of policy, AND it is a collection of real, lving human beings who are our friends, neighbors and relatives. We should never lose sight of the latter, but it is the job of the government to also never lose sight of the former. There should be a balance between the two but the ongoing question is where is that balance placed?

Eric: There is a further dichotomy (if that's possible) with the military itself. The "collection of real, living human beings" is the world's best fighting good and extraordinarily good at invasion and killing and defeating the enemy.

It is not designed to be an occupying/police/humanitarian force. We're asking 19-year-olds to kill one day, protect churches and schools the next, and provide public relations and mediation duties the next.

If the US military is going to be a tool of foreign policy, it must be designed to meet the tasks for which it is designed.

excellent point that goes a long way toward explaining the difficulties we have faced since the relatively easy invasion

About a month ago during an insomniac-inspired spate of TV watching, I caught a fascinating lecture on CSPAN at about two in the morn. It was a fellow named Barnett from the Department of the Navy lecturing about the need for a complete re-think of the military. He proposed splitting the overall military into a "Leviathan" force built for invasion, and a completely different force that exists as a humanitarian/relief/infrastructure-building police force. Really fascinating stuff. I've been meaning to do a post on it since but other things have conspired to keep it on the back burner...

CSPAN at 2 AM? Damn man, play some solitaire or something!

Well, I thought that CSPAN would do the trick and put me to my slumber. Little did I know that I would find something so interesting on...

Boy you guys sure are warped.

How many people died of aids this past year?

How many people died in the tsumani?

How many people died in America because they did not wear their seat belts?

Now how many american soldier have died in Iraq?

How many died in Nam?

How many died in WWII?

Spare me the rhetoric. I'll let you know when we need your opinion(s). In the meantime, lets have our country's leaders do their jobs. I don't think anybody and I mean anybody has ever asked for your cowardly involvement. I would trust the girls scouts longer before I would trust you.

Sgt. Rock,

What particular branch of the military are you affiliated with?

Secondly, I was under the impression that one of the really great parts of the freedom thing is the ability to express opinions freely and openly.

Signed,
Eric Berlin (my real name)

Why do you ask?

what the hell? the troll-feeding around here is gettin' exhausting.

you're telling me... I'm running out of peanuts.

"Sgt. Rock": "...I'll let you know when we need your opinion(s)."

-- And we'll call you when we're interested in a meaningless rhetorical quiz about the number of deaths in various wars.


BTW: The answer to #4:

1,369 American soldiers dead in Iraq as of this morning.

But the day is young...

Yer welcome!

Listen the fuck up, and listen good. I am an American Soldier, IN IRAQ AS YOU READ THIS. I am sick and damned tired of hearing/reading whining moaning bitching about this war from people with little to no stake in this. To repeat I AM IN IRAQ. Have been for almost a year. On the road, y'know, the one with the carbombs and ambushes? Amoung ACTUAL real live Iraqi people, not theoretical or abstract ones, but flesh and blood. Hopes, dreams, fears, loves and hates. Some hate Americans. Most I've met like or least tolerate us. Yes, the Sunni areas are a mess. Foreign terrorists sneak in to get a crack at the Infidel. The Kurds? Doing pretty good, thanks for asking. Southern Shiites? Not bad. Sunnis? Soup fucking sandwich. It's dangerous here, people die- American and Iraqi. It ain't pretty. Know what? In the end, if we HOLD THE FUCKING LINE it will have been worth it. To quote Toby Keith, I don't want to die for you, (Iraqi) but if dyin's asked of me, that's a cross I bear with honor 'cause FREEDOM DON'T COME FREE. No matter what you people say, those (shark) who hope and pray we lose so they can say "I told you so", we will win. So go fuck yourself, and take your self-righteous boo hoo-ing and shove it. You have ABSOLUTELY the GOD AND AMERICAN given right to express your opinions. To paraphrase Voltaire, I think everything you say is a pile of steaming camel shit, but I will defend (literally) your right to shovel it.

God Bless America

sir, yes sir!!

now, when you're finished jerkin off to that patton video, can you wipe it (the video) off? we'd all like to borrow it.

thanks.

gawd bless america.

I'm sorry, I forgot that my faith in a higher power, love of my country, service in the military, and actual involvement in a situation you all can comfortably discuss in the abstract would leave me vulnerable to ridicule by the better class of people for whom faith, patriotism, duty and honor are beneath contempt.

What's this? You "progressives" get a little lip from some folks actually involved in fighting the war and you can't hang? You finally here from someone you CAN'T call a chickenhawk and it bothers you?

God Bless Cpl Dilmore and keep your head down pal!

hmmm...does your "higher power" enjoy and/or condone your use of language bits such as "go fuck yourself" & stuff.

just askin'

gawd bless america

p.s. done with that video yet?

CPL Nick Dilmore, thank you for your service. We certainly do not wish harm to you or any other troops serving around the world. We do however disagree with you being there in the first place. That is part of the freedom you are fighting for. I personally believe supporting the troops means questioning the lies that put you in harms way to begin with.

I am sick and damned tired of hearing/reading whining moaning bitching about this war from people with little to no stake in this.

Actually, all Americans have a stake in the war, not just the people on the front lines. And the people you are ridiculing are concerned about long-term safety and security, not just of America, but of the whole world. The National Intelligence Council released a report last week that details the fact that the war in Iraq has made America less safe from terrorists.

Stay safe, but please don't hate the people who would rather you were at home safe for the last year vs. fighting a war based on lies, deception and a lust for power by the neo-cons in the White House.

That report says that we MAY be less safe...MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY MAY...YOU GET THAT WORD? Have we been attacked since the war started? I feel safer!

"Even in the best of scenarios, there is a likelihood that jihadists not killed in Iraq will dissipate to various countries or sanctuaries," David Low, the National Intelligence Office for Transnational Threats, said in response to a question during a briefing on Thursday at Central Intelligence Agency headquarters.

I felt safer on 9/10, too, Andy. The length of time between attacks doesn't necessarily correlate to increased or decreased safety. It might, but it might not.

likelyhood...not certainty...likelyhood...and it doesn't say what they'll do once they get there.

great! you've proved nothing other than the Repubs had 12 years before Clinton to "do something about it" and didn't. Bravo.

oops.. wrong thread.

only time will tell...

I say, Cpl Nick...don't let any of 'em go! Kill 'em all, then we won't have to worry!

likelyhood...not certainty...likelyhood...and it doesn't say what they'll do once they get there.

You think that jihadists, if they go elsewhere, will just settle down in nice, peaceful middle class lifestyles and leave all that America hatin' behind them?

Nope - they're all moving to France and you know what they say, FUCK FRANCE!

have i been attacked since the war?

no.

i also haven't been attacked since switching to soy milk.

they're about as related.

take a fricken' basic logic course.

gawd bless america.

I rallied to your post and passed it along to my friends. I believe that Iraq is a lost cause and we are prolonging the inevitable. However, if Bush pulled our troops out, it would mean defeat. The president is arrogant, we all know this. In this case, the good of the one, does not outweigh the good of the many.

best wishes to you and yours Cpl Dilmore - if you think we (and by "we" I mean "you") can hold the line, then I think we ("you") can do it too, and I am glad to hear you think it will have been worth it. Thanks for everything!

As an American, I want to extend thanks to Cpl Dilmore as well (and I applaud you for standing behind your comments by stating your name/rank).

Personally, I don't disagree with some of the points that you're trying to make. However, I will stand up for the right of all people to state their reasoned, well intentioned beliefs. Even in a time of war (perhaps especially during a time of war) Americans have not just the right, but the need to carefully examine the choices that we're making at home and in the world. Democracy is a sloppy enterprise, but if it's anything, it's a place where energetic debate can (sometimes) foster the best ideas about how we should move forward as a people.

In other words, it's a lot bigger than a liberal/conservative, GOP/Dem, "Love it or Leave It" debate.

It's too important for that, isn't it?

Eric Berlin
Dumpster Bust: Miracles from Mind Trash

In other news: the new 'Secretary of State' (Condi "fried" Rice) can't explicitly define "torture".

Shark does torture last May (!) -- and it still holds up.



Bonus: Shark's solution to Iraq

Andy M: "You "progressives" get a little lip from some folks actually involved in fighting the war and you can't hang? You finally here from someone you CAN'T call a chickenhawk and it bothers you?"

This is the internet. So I'm a 5'11" blond female looking for a lesbian relationship via IM.

zzzzzz...

Re: Halliburton's Cannon Fodder, aka "Cpl Dilmore"'s famous last delusional words: "...In the end, if we HOLD THE FUCKING LINE it will have been worth it."

Yeah, hold the line -- uh-huh, go ahead and spend another $200 billion of American taxpayer's money, complain to your Sec. of Defense about a lack of armor, and tell me it's worth it when you make the place safer for a Shiite Theocracy, a terrorist breeding ground, and a gigantic civil war.


Cannon Fodder: "...No matter what you people say, those (shark) who hope and pray we lose so they can say "I told you so", we will win."

You've already lost, pal. (See Abu Ghraib for more)


re: "...So go fuck yourself, and take your self-righteous boo hoo-ing and shove it."

Read that when you beg to come home -- and imagine I wrote it.

BTW, soldier:

We pinkos will try to expedite your return home, despite your deluded political views.

xxoo,
Shark (1 silver star, 1 bronze star)

Ah, Shark. How does it feel to be Chicken Little, safe at home, crying "The sky is falling in Iraq! The sky is falling in Iraq!" If time and history prove my hopes for this war wrong, I will admit my error. I'm guessing, however, that if you are proved wrong- you'll still rant and rave about Shiite Theocracies and how we are losing in Afghanistan (you call me deluded?) and how a bunch of dildos in Abu Gharaib means we lost in Iraq to. One last parting thought: to quote the great Revolutionary War hero: "I regret that I have but one life to give for my country. And that I only have two middle fingers to flip assholes off with."

On The Internets, No one knows you are a ....

that's so funny when you put the s on the end of internet...really makes your point! Sort of like when kerry mispronounced ghengis khan.

in what war were those awarded shark?

Re comment #25:

To say that writing macho war letters without backing up your words with action is disingenuos and an insult to the 500,000 Americans who were killed in World War II, the 53,000 who died in Korea and the 58,000 who never came from Vietnam, in my view.

Re comment #35:

Comparing education with war is a complete horseshit analogy, in my opinion. The fact that you think teaching students is similar to soldiers facing enemy fire and dying in combat is an indication (to my way of thinking, anyway) of just how far removed from the realities of the horrors of war you really are.

Why would a person of your bravado (ie, "...we need to kill all the terrorists...", "...we need to secure Iraq...", "...it is better to strike than be struck...", etc.) let someone else fight your battles for you?

How many wars have been won by writing militaristic letters? Certainly you don't disagree that actions speak louder than words, do you?

God Bless you soldier!

Can you imagine how safe we would all be if that foul mouth Shark or that goofball spiederleaf or that flippant Saleski were in charge?

Take some advice: You little girls should get out of the way, the men need to finish their work.

Sgt. Rock: You have a predilection for emasculating others (men and women) at the ends of your missives.

Sounds like you might have some issues that you might want to look at within yourself.

"Sgt. Rock," for instance. I'm no psychoanalyst, but that sounds like as good a place as any to start.

Eric-as you indicated in your post:You are no dr. Perhaps you should stick to things you have knowledge about instead of spouting off about thing you don't have a clue about. Just a thought!

yea imagine that.

if the flippant party was in charge, we at least wouldn't have an adminstration that lied though its teeth at every turn.

imagine that.

You guys crack me up...I guess it's ok to lie...at least enough to get disbarred as long as you're a democrat.

Andy: If you want to pretend one political party has a monopoly on lying, you're either highly deluded or out-of-your-mind partisan.

And you seem like a pretty bright fellow.

Yeah imagine the military being run by a bunch of goofballs...yeah imagine that! For sure we would all be better off...yeah imagine that! No there is most definatley a reason why we don't want you or your ilk to be any where around the decision making process.

This is not a job for cowards!

um dude?, so stop wasting your time here and get some rest. You're starting to sound like a troll.

starting to? I personally just love being told to bake cookies and clean bathrooms by someone who makes their living working for a defense contractor yet claims to be 'unbiased' in his view of the war...

but that's just me...

;)

Well it is certainly better than the language your buddy Shark uses to describe women. Let me see...how did he describe the next sec of state????

And where did you get the notion I was unbiased? Somehow you got all goofed up (again).

But hey that's just being you.

Yes, Shark used a very unflattering term to describe Rice, but on the whole he does not offend so much as provoke. (and Shark, come on... you coulda just called her Sleazy Lies...) You choose to call everyone here names and me in particular.

In terms of being 'unbiased', you have claimed that this is all about 'fighting the good fight' without revealing that you directly make money off of it.

I know quite a few folks here support the war, but they tend to make their points using rational arguments vs. just trying to shout everyone down with nonsense. Had you engaged us in discussion you would have found us to be receptive to it.

What in the heck have you been smoking?

You write:

In terms of being 'unbiased', you have claimed that this is all about 'fighting the good fight' without revealing that you directly make money off of it.

I have never made such a claim. I support the war. I support our troops (not just lip service like you and Natalie Maines pay). I support our president and his cabinet. I truely believe they are acting in (all) americans' best interests.

I am not the one who calls everybody who disagrees with him a motherfucker. I personally believe that we as americans are better off not having you or that idiot shark or that crazy saleski in our military. I personally belive that it would be a huge mistake if anybody ever paid any attenion to anything you knuckleheads have to say.

It's kind like what the soldier said. You have not real stake in any of this so one should not take you seriously.

If you want a serious discussion, how about offering your solutions/recommendations instead of just critising the current program. Try to remember that if Kerry had been elected everythig would still be the same as he endorsed the war.

Lastly, try to keep things in perspective. Seat belts and the sars virus cause more death to americans that Iraq.

I agree that perspective is critical and often missing. I also must say that if I can support the war and talk about it without having been in the military, others should be able to not support the war and talk about it under the same circumstances. I do not believe military service or lack thereof has any bearing on the logic one's argument, as I have stated ad nauseum in response to attacks on my own "right" to support the war.

Oh Eric, I quite agree. You may offer your comments up as you see fit (regardless of serving in the military). The real issue is do you want these goof balls dictating military policy. I sure don't. I have faith in Rumsfeldt and the chief of staffs. I am positive they are honorable men. I hold Shark and the others in a completely different regard.

It's easy to critise the work of others, especially when you hold no personal stake in the outcomes.

Sgt, I believe they are doing their best and I agree with their general plan and approach, but some of the details have been not handled optimally. I offer my general support but reserve the right to criticize details, as have many from within the military itself.

EB - it ain't me that's trying to pretend that only one side lies. Ijust don't remember the screams of"LIAR" when slick willie was getting his willie waxed in the oval office or when he was disbarred after he left the white house...or when whitewater or travelgate or any of hte other BS went on, back in the day, as they say.

Some people are just very selective in who they scream about. It's sorta like drawing pics of condi rice with big lips and a bandana on her head making her look like aunt jemima and the "progressives" saying, oh, that's ok, she's a republican!

I personally believe that the words politician, lawyer and liar are ALL synonyms.

Progressive, that still cracks me up, the new word for liberal! HA!

Andy, if you're doing anything, you're doing a marvelous job at painting dozens of millions of people with one broad brush.

around here Eric, it seems to fit!

It's unfortunate that you see things that way, man.

Eric-you're starting to sound like a troll.

See if you sissies can get your minds around this:

The president was duly elected (even if he had lost it still would not change our role in Iraq). He and the congress have decide to enter into a war with Iraq. The soldiers are there at their (your national leaders') behest. The soldiers are fighting for and dieing for you (as americans). This is not their war! They are just doing their duty. If you are unable to vocally support your troops, perhaps you would be kind enough to keep quiet and get out of their way as they go about their duty.

Sarge, you state:

The president was duly elected (even if he had lost it still would not change our role in Iraq). He and the congress have decide to enter into a war with Iraq. The soldiers are there at their (your national leaders') behest. The soldiers are fighting for and dieing for you (as americans). This is not their war! They are just doing their duty.

No one disputes this. Everyone supports the troops. But it's the right of citizens to express an informed (or unformed) opinion. It's the right and perhaps obligation of citizens to cry out when they feel the government is taking action they disagree with.

The fact that government actions are putting soldiers in harm's way only increases the importance of the above.

Eric-you're starting to sound like a troll.

I'm not sure you have you have a good handle on the definition of troll.

Eric-you state...everybody supports the troops....thats a bunch of horseshit. Shark, Mark, & Spidey most certainly don't. It's just lip service. It's not real.

Btw the most certainly are acting like a troll. Please quit do it!

Its funny how all you people regurgitate the SHIT you hear on the news. The news works by reporting the bad. All news. They never say There were no bad accidents or fires today. They blow some other story out of proportion. I am Cpl Dilmores friend. It makes much more sense to listen to what someone says who is actually, personally, physically in the war rather than someone moron who is a higher up who sits at a desk and puts his 'spin' on things. These high rannking offovials that you quote are the same morons who 'let' these things happen. These people are dumb. The war sucks. It sucks for Nick. Not you. The sad truth is we'll never know how much this may have made us safer. Its hard to measure accurately how something makes you safer. Youll make decisions today that made you safeer, yet you will never know that doing that may have saved your life. You people are like the losers that sit there asses in college and walk out to protest the war. That is the funniedt thing Ive ever seen. You are pahetic. Nick, Keep your head up!! Love ya man!!!Get back safe and soon.

"...Its funny how all you people regurgitate the SHIT you hear on the news..."

"...You people are like the losers that sit there asses in college and walk out to protest the war."

Cool. Ross Perot is trolling in my thread under a fake name.

JohnF, I like 'good news, so call me when Iraq is a safe and secure democracy.

PS: Please don't dilly-dally; I don't expect to live past 100 or so.

Attn: Eric O. and Sarge Ski...
check out comment #71;

"...xxoo
Shark (1 silver star, 1 bronze star)"

Bidding "war" on Ebay.

heh.

You got the purple helmet for that one, right?

u said the word fuck 12 times i counted, not that that is neccisaraly a bad thing, sometimes u need a few fucks to get ur point across, and i also might not agree wit ur opionin but hey who ever said we had to have the same opionin