ThinkFast: July 26, 2006
ThinkFast: July 26, 2006
Some 4,000 U.S. troops will soon move into Baghdad where “violence…is still terrible,” as Bush said yesterday. National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley called the deployment “Phase II,†but another White House official said there was no Phase II in the original plan. “This is more like Plan B,†he said.
“Imagine Glacier Park without glaciers or Yellowstone without any grizzly bears.” Global warming threatens 12 of the nation’s most famous national parks, according to a new NRDC report.
Four U.N. observers were killed yesterday “when an Israeli airstrike hit their observation post near the Israeli border.” Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he was “shocked” at Israel’s “apparently deliberate targeting” of a UN post; an Israeli official called Annan’s suggestion “outrageous.”
“Al McAffrey is poised to become the first openly gay member of the Oklahoma state legislature.” Arkansas and Alabama both elected their first openly gay representatives this year, as well.
Sens. Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) are “seriously reconsidering” their opposition to U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, according to a New York Sun report. “I think there’s a reasonable chance they might support him this time around,” said Zionist Organization of America president Morton Klein.
5.2%: Drop in earnings for workers with four-year degrees between 2000 and 2004, the first such wage stagnation for graduates in 30 years.
Majority Whip Roy Blunt said the House leadership will soon hold the first vote in a decade on increasing the minimum wage. Predicting the bill will pass, Blunt said, “I’m not sure that it’s a ‘must-pass,’ but it will probably be a ‘will-pass.’”
“Do large corporations need another tax break? The House of Representatives seems to think so.” House conservatives will take up a measure this week that would prohibit states from taxing many out-of-state businesses.
0. Number of documents the Department of Justice has received from the U.S. attorney’s office in San Diego in connection with the corruption case of former Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-CA), since requesting thousands of pages five months ago.
And finally: Rob Woodall, chief of staff to Rep. John Linder (R-GA), “has been quietly slipping down to ‘the cage’ on the first floor of the Longworth House Office Building to curl up and go night-night next to the office supplies.” Woodall keeps a towel, foam cot, and personal items such as a decorative throw pillow, but swears he sleeps down there only “a couple of nights every couple of weeks.”
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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0. Documents the Department of Justice has received from the U.S. attorney’s office in San Diego in connection with the corruption case of former Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-CA), since requesting thousands of pages five months ago.
That’ll just have to wait after the elections in November thank you very much.
“Imagine Glacier Park without glaciers or Yellowstone without any grizzly bears.â€
At least Stephen Colbert will be pleased.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:16 amFour U.N. observers were killed yesterday “when an Israeli airstrike hit their observation post near the Israeli border.†Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he was “shocked†at Israel’s “apparently deliberate targeting†of a UN post; an Israeli official called Annan’s suggestion “outrageous.â€
But the israeli’s justification for civilians’ deaths was that terrorists hide between them, isn’t? But, as far as I think, UN’s observation posts have a big blue banner over them always.
Israel is going to far and the US is looking the other way. Or, worse, they are helping the Israel’s Blitzkrieg.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:18 amRob Woodall, chief of staff to Rep. John Linder (R-GA), “has been quietly slipping down to ‘the cage’ on the first floor of the Longworth House Office Building to curl up and go night-night next to the office supplies.†Woodall keeps a towel, foam cot, and personal items such as a decorative throw pillow, but swears he sleeps down there only “a couple of nights every couple of weeks.â€
That’s awesome.
Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he was “shocked†at Israel’s “apparently deliberate targeting†of a UN post;
What a dipshit. Heckuva diplomat. No wonder the UN is sterile and marginalized.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:27 amSecretary-General Kofi Annan said he was “shocked†at Israel’s “apparently deliberate targeting†of a UN post; an Israeli official called Annan’s suggestion “outrageous.â€
…the pinpoint precision of the Israeli \’surgical strike\’ is legend. Rest assured that if they hit anything, it is deliberate.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:30 am…the pinpoint precision of the Israeli ’surgical strike’ is legend. Rest assured that if they hit anything, it is deliberate.
It\’s early, but here goes: why? Why would Israel just go off and take out a UN post?
July 26th, 2006 at 9:32 amFour U.N. observers were killed yesterday “when an Israeli airstrike hit their observation post near the Israeli border.â€
I am disgusted how first the US and now Israel think so little of the civilians and other innocents that get blown up in their conflicts. Yet they always have a stance of keeping our troops as far away from harm as possible. This mentality shows up when Israel can kill hundreds of Lebanese civilians and justify their actions because two soldiers were in harm. Who has signed up to defend, kill, attack or be killed? The civilians or the soldiers? This mentality of blowing everything sky high to protect the ones whose job it is to be dangerous situations is backwards and ,from the top administrations point, craven. If the cause is just and worth people killing and being killed then have the troops go in. Don’t drop bombs indisciminately. And fro the trolls. Same goes for both sides. Lobbing rockets into cities and blowing up buses are just as horrid. I just think the West is supposed to be on a higher moral level.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:33 amWhy would Israel just go off and take out a UN post?
Probably the same reason Dick Cheny shot a man in the face.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:33 am#7 – Probably the same reason Dick Cheny shot a man in the face.
Come on, I’m being serious. Can’t we at least try and get the day kicked off being as honest as possible?
What would they gain by intentionally bombing UN observers?
July 26th, 2006 at 9:35 amIt’s early, but here goes: why? Why would Israel just go off and take out a UN post? Comment by Chase
Maybe so that the UN would think twice about staying in the area to keep their eye on things? Why would the U.S. want John Bolton as ambassador to the UN if not for a similar reason, to keep the UN from having any chance of being involved and relevant?
July 26th, 2006 at 9:36 amKofi Annan said that this particular post had been there for a very long time. He said it would not be possible for Isreal not to have known this. The Isreal’s have now promised an investigation.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:36 am#10
July 26th, 2006 at 9:38 amI wonder how many phases will be in that investigation.
What a dipshit. Heckuva diplomat. No wonder the UN is sterile and marginalized.
Comment by Chase — July 26, 2006 @ 9:27 am
Maybe because of the hundreds of vetoes US and Israel have decided to do on UN hundreds of resolutions directed towards them?
So, according to Chase, a diplomat should go with the flow and say its alright to bomb civilians…hey, the world is at war, right. Why care by some civilians? I wish they could start a war near your place, Chase.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:39 am#8 What would they gain by intentionally bombing UN observers?
because they can ? its teaching a lesson time. you know their great benefactor to the west will cover thei israeli butts regardless of the tarnishment the great benefactor receives in return.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:40 amThis is more like Plan B,
They’d better double-check with the FDA, cuz I’m pretty sure the FDA has not ruled yet on whether they can use this Plan B….
July 26th, 2006 at 9:40 amdlet?!
July 26th, 2006 at 9:41 amIf troops just went in without bombing, there would be a far greater body count. It’s the smarter way to wage a battle, if there truly is any “smart” way. If there must be war, then by all means overwhelm your enemy. End the fighting as quickly as possible to avoide a protracted engagement.
Deliberate attack on UN peacekeepers?
July 26th, 2006 at 9:42 amReply to Chase:
Come on, I’m being serious.
As am I. Dick Cheney shot a man in the face, and that man apologized to Dick for all the trouble he caused.
Same thing’s happening here. Israel is sending a clear message to the U.N. that it can act with impunity, and get off scot-free.
Just look at this quote from the CNN article:
Yes, that’s it…the U.N. observation post got ‘caught in the middle’. Any word on whether or not that strike actually killed any Hezbollah?
The message is clear: interfere with our pogram at your peril.
Can’t we at least try and get the day kicked off being as honest as possible?
Cute, but of the two of us, I’m not the one who has problems with being honest.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:44 amIf troops just went in without bombing, there would be a far greater body count. It’s the smarter way to wage a battle, if there truly is any “smart†way. If there must be war, then by all means overwhelm your enemy. End the fighting as quickly as possible to avoide a protracted engagement.
Comment by Wilco — July 26, 2006 @ 9:41 am
I got another idea…why dont stop the bombing and use DIPLOMACY? Didnt cross your mind I guess, if you were thinking about a reduced “body count”.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:45 amIsrael had no reason to intentionally bomb a UN observation post. They wouldn’t do it “because they could”, “to prove a point” or to “teach a lesson”. That’s just absurd.
As far as my criticism of Kofi Annan, I don’t think he should just “go with the flow” as Juan C suggests. I think it’s highly undiplomatic to come out publically, almost immediately after the deaths were confirmed, and say the bombing was an intentional targeting of the UN. Wait, at least, for even a cursory investigation.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:47 amTrip, I think you maybe give the Israelis too much credit for accuracy. Not to defend them as the facts are not in, but it is possible (maybe not too plausible) the outpost was hit by mistake. Errant missiles are facts of war, like friendly fire.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:48 am#20 Trip, I think you maybe give the Israelis too much credit for accuracy. Not to defend them as the facts are not in, but it is possible (maybe not too plausible) the outpost was hit by mistake. Errant missiles are facts of war, like friendly fire.
Comment by Wilco — July 26, 2006 @ 9:48 am
Wasn’t the USA giving Israel some free extra precission bombs just some days ago?
July 26th, 2006 at 9:49 amTrip:
I don’t question your honesty, per se – I question your rationality.
The Cheney shot was an accident. There was probably a shake of negligence sprinkled in, but it was an accident nonetheless. He didn’t shoot Waddington to “show he could act with impunity”. Really, come on.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:50 amJuan, you assume too much about a person you know nothing about.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:50 amReply to Chase and Wilco:
Israel had no reason to intentionally bomb a UN observation post. They wouldn’t do it “because they couldâ€, “to prove a point†or to “teach a lessonâ€. That’s just absurd.
Trip, I think you maybe give the Israelis too much credit for accuracy. Not to defend them as the facts are not in, but it is possible (maybe not too plausible) the outpost was hit by mistake.
Please explain this, then…
July 26th, 2006 at 9:51 amIsrael had no reason to intentionally bomb a UN observation post. They wouldn’t do it “because they couldâ€, “to prove a point†or to “teach a lessonâ€. That’s just absurd. Comment by Chase
Just because it’s absurd doesn’t mean it’s not factual or possible – maybe we’ll see.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:51 amIf you defend the bombing like it was some war game you can cheer about…I know enough.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:52 amDon’t get me wrong, the bombing of the UN post, which Israel promised would not be touched, is certainly fishy. I’m just not ready to say the attack was intentional.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:52 amWe have these people rethinking their decision about Bolton, Israel ‘accidentaly’ kills 4 U.N. Peacekeepers in Lebanon, Kofi Annan expresses his shock over the event, and Israel is indignant. There is something going on here, and it is all connected somehow. The only certainty is that it’s nothing good, with BushCo, it never is.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:55 amThen Juan, please learn to read critically instead of emotionally.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:55 amI in no way celebrate bombing or war. It’s horrible. But it’s fact.
So if my son is in a war, and there is a choice between bombing the enemy before sending him in or just sending him in, then you know where my opinion lies. To me, it just makes sense. War, however, doesn’t.
So clearly, Juan, you are right about me. I loooooooooove me some death and destruction! Woohoo!
#19 Israel had no reason to intentionally bomb a UN observation post. They wouldn’t do it “because they couldâ€, “to prove a point†or to “teach a lessonâ€. That’s just absurd.
Let me enlighten you on Israeli military strategy and tactics over the years. It has always been motivated by terrorising the arab civilian popualtion to send the message. “Do not associate with our eniemes otherwise more of the same” i.e. destroy infrastructure, kill UN peace makers if necessary. Beirut 1982, Gaza 2006 & Beirut again 2006.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:57 am27 Wilco
July 26th, 2006 at 9:58 amI agree that we can’t jump to any conclusions. Annan, himself, used the word “apparently” as you said “fishy”. Both allow possibilities that the incident was intentional. Chase, on the other hand, does not seem to consider such a scenario as remotely possible – no surprise.
Reply to Wilco:
Don’t get me wrong, the bombing of the UN post, which Israel promised would not be touched, is certainly fishy. I’m just not ready to say the attack was intentional.
So it’s ‘fishy’…but not ‘intentional’?
Either it was intentional, or it wasn’t. I don’t know why you feel it necessary to muddy the waters with an indeterminate word like ‘fishy’, but using such a word is disingenuous.
It’s highly unlikely that this was an accident, especially given that the U.N. post made repeated calls to the Israelis pleading with them to stop shelling the area, and that the actual hit was made with a precision-guided missile.
But Israel will get away with this latest atrocity, which, of course, was ther intention. U.N. forces will think twice before they try to ‘observe’ the slaughter of Lebanese civilians.
July 26th, 2006 at 9:59 amI’m just not ready to say the attack was intentional.
Comment by Wilco — July 26, 2006 @ 9:52 am
Ok, then. Do you approve the Israel´s way to get back its 2 soldiers (if thats the real motivation behind)? They have destroyed bridges, power plants, a lot of civilian buildings and now a UN post. So, where is the logic of destroying everything (probably killing those soldiers) when you can use DIPLOMACY? Did Lebanon invade Israel after the abductions of two citizens prior to the abduction of those jewish soldiers?
July 26th, 2006 at 10:00 amPLC, I am horrified at the thought of it. But part of me also can’t deny the possibility. I just hope it’s not true, that it wasn’t intentional.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:01 am#5, Chase, UN has been standing in the way of wars for decades. That’s their job–to promote peace. The Bush objective is to promote war.
It’s been part of the US game to undermine them so they can have their oil wars. Why else would they put Bolton there? It’s the same with Israel. The UN is calling for a cease fire, this is Israel’s response.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:03 am#31 Annan, himself, used the word “apparently†as you said “fishyâ€.
Comment by PLC (PatrioticLiberalChristian) — July 26, 2006 @ 9:58 am
Well, Annan is the world top diplomat. But, translated to common language, the word “apparently” means a lot of ugly words against the killers, for sure.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:03 amSo if my son is in a war, and there is a choice between bombing the enemy before sending him in or just sending him in, then you know where my opinion lies.
Comment by Wilco
And I am the emotional one here? Please, do a mental exercise and, just for the sake of balance, put yourself in the shoes of a lebanese. See, you automatically looked the situation from the jewish perspective…
July 26th, 2006 at 10:03 amReply to Juan C:
Did Lebanon invade Israel after the abductions of two citizens prior to the abduction of those jewish soldiers?
Yes…it’s funny how the Israel can abduct civilian citizens of Lebanon and Palestine, but when Israeli soldiers get abducted, it’s grounds for WWIII.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:04 amYes…it’s funny how the Israel can abduct civilian citizens of Lebanon and Palestine, but when Israeli soldiers get abducted, it’s grounds for WWIII.
Comment by TripMaster Monkey — July 26, 2006 @ 10:04 am
And the scary stuff is that we not know anything about it in the media.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:07 amYea baby….no trolls yet today.
Maybe it’s gonna be a really good day.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:07 amComment by TripMaster Monkey — July 26, 2006 @ 10:04 am
Hey if it is good enough for the US it is good enough for Israel!! Look at all of the innocent people we have “kidnapped” from around the world and imprisoned, tortured or both because the were purported terrorists.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:07 amPlan B?!
July 26th, 2006 at 10:08 amMore like Plan 9…
Eros: Because of death. Because all you of Earth are idiots.
we dont know…I meant.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:08 am#35 - UN has been standing in the way of wars for decades. That’s their job–to promote peace. The Bush objective is to promote war.
But these observers weren’t standing in the way of Israel. They had no reason to kill them.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:09 amUnfortunately, I’m not sure diplomacy would really work. It hasn’t in the past. It seems all that has happened is that, because of previous prisoner swaps, Israel has only encouraged the behavior.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:09 amAnd please don’t forget, Hezbollah murdered 8 innocent Israelis before taking the 2 hostage.
Also, it seems to me the goal isn’t to just get back those 2 soldiers. It’s to decimate Hezbollah. It’s to cripple their militant wing, so that maybe this won’t happen again.
I do, however, think it would be great to get some sort of agreement where Hezbollah disarm and Syria and Iran end their support. That would be fantastic.
#27-Wilco- Why would Israel promise not to touch the U.N. Post? That should go without saying. But if they did so, it is clear that they knew exactly where it was, and shows that the strike was no accident, as they are claiming.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:10 am#44 But these observers weren’t standing in the way of Israel. They had no reason to kill them.
Comment by Chase — July 26, 2006 @ 10:09 am
If the observers wheren’t in the way of Israel, why they were bombed with a precission missile? And, they were carpet bombing the area for hours while the UN observers where talking to them, trying to stop the bombing in his area! Unintentional? Yeah, right. Like you throwing a grenade at a crowded McDonalds and saying later to the police “I wasn’t targeting anyone”.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:13 amJuan, make no mistake. If Hezbollah had the military Israel had, they would’ve shelled a lot more than Haifa by now. I’m not taking the Jewish side in advocating overwhelming force, I’m taking everyone’s side. No one wants to go to war without it. It’s the ideal situation. It’s the best way to win.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:13 amSatan from below looked up to God and said: the respective summers of 1914 & 1939 were a lot of fun. The summer of 2006 is proving to be even better. With that he took out his ledger,dusted it off and cuckled quietly to himself……
July 26th, 2006 at 10:13 amCyra, I don’t know why they promised, but it was reported on the news that they did. I’m doing hand wringing here, because it seems too possible it was intentional, but I don’t believe it necessarily must be. Again, stray missles do happen.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:17 amReply to Chase:
But these observers weren’t standing in the way of Israel. They had no reason to kill them.
You can’t seriously be this stupid.
The Israelis are doing everything they can to insure that minimal news of their atrocities reaches the outside world. If they can control the flow of information, they can control the tide of public opinion in its one ally, the U.S..
Flip on your news and watch a bit about the hostilities. See if you see any pictures of Lebanese casualties. See if there’s any mention of the white phosphorus Israel is currently employing. See if there are any stories from the Lebanese perspective.
The Israelis can’t afford to have U.N. observers tattling on them to the world. If they decried Israel’s bloody slaughter long and loud enough, even the stupid Americans might get the message, and that’s not something that Israel is prepared to risk.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:18 amWilco, I agree. I dont think anybody here approves any kind of violence (wishful thinking) whether it comes from Hezbollah, which are terrorists, of course, or from Israel…in my opinion a greater terrorist organization. What we are against is, first the obvious inequality of forces between them. Second, Israel is a conquering nation, just as if the chinese population in San Francisco get a called from Mahoma or BUddha (Buddhism is not a religion, so I am wrong there) and take the bay as their own. What would be your reaction regarding that landtaking? It is the same thing: Palestinians have their basic needs and services supplied by Israel: water, land and wages.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:19 amTo all the Israel and USA war backers here’s my take on this deadly mess…..It has been stated openly by bush’s words and actions of putting in pit bull bolton in the UN, that, they wish to distroy the UN. That has been their aim…All of the bush backers goals have been from 2000 to now is distroy the constitution, eliminate deplomacy and turn the world order into total dictatorship….Create and accomplish the rapture..The antichrist bush and this entire administration are all worker bees for cheney and rove…..Blessings, we need them….Peace, demand it.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:23 am#51 – Well, at least you’ve made up your mind already. No need to wait for pesky investigations.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:24 amJuan, I don’t believe there are innocents here. But it seems so many on this site put an inordinate amount on Israel. No one mentions the Israelis Hezbollah murdered to take the 2 soldiers hostage. They see this as an issue of 2 Israelis were kidnapped so Israel invades Lebanon. That’s it. And that’s not fair to the memories to the soldiers murdered or their families and friends.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:25 amIf troops just went in without bombing, there would be a far greater body count. It’s the smarter way to wage a battle, if there truly is any “smart†way. If there must be war, then by all means overwhelm your enemy. End the fighting as quickly as possible to avoide a protracted engagement.
Comment by Wilco
I guess it depends on what you mean by body count. Civilian or soldier. And personally I don’t buy into the smart way to wage war. The smart way would be to get all civilians out and then start the shooting. Bombing roads meant for evacuation, bridges, UN buildings, electrical grids hurts the wrong people. Tell me what does knocking out the power stations going to do to Hezbollah really. They can’t watch TV now? They can’t do their ironing? Last time I checked they can’t recharge their weapons from the grid unless they got the R-72 Plasma rifle with night vision and can opener.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:26 amHmm…to restate that, I don’t believe either Hezbollah or the Israeli government are innocent. Many many innocents have been murdered.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:26 amThe R-72 has a can opener now? Sweet!
July 26th, 2006 at 10:28 am“Imagine Glacier Park without glaciers or Yellowstone without any grizzly bears.†Global warming threatens 12 of the nation’s most famous national parks, according to a new NRDC report.
Nooooo! Not my favorite parks! Global warming must be stopped!
July 26th, 2006 at 10:30 amSeriously, Glacier and Yellowstone are such beautiful places, we have to take a clue from what’s happening in our parks.
55 Wilco
July 26th, 2006 at 10:32 amI agree (again!). All sides in the Middle East have been wrong for centuries and each aggressive incident by any party is just a point in time. They fight over “holy land” as if that land is their god and then proceed to destroy that land. My fantasy would be to move every person out of Jerusalem and its surrounding area and turn it into a holy mecca for anyone but owned by no one. Unrealistic, of course, but a nice fantasy anyway. At the least, the U.S. should be condemning all the violence.
They only argument that I can make for Israel to deliberatelty target the UN Post is that there have been reports of Israel using cluster bombs and white phosphorus in southern Lebanon. I don’t have anything to back up that claim but as more comes out we will see.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:34 amFour U.N. observers were killed yesterday “when an Israeli airstrike hit their observation post near the Israeli border.†Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he was “shocked†at Israel’s “apparently deliberate targeting†of a UN post; an Israeli official called Annan’s suggestion “outrageous.â€
I don’t have enough time to read through the previous comments on this, so maybe this argument has already been made. From what I recall, Israel prides itself on its ability to pinpoint enemy targets. I don’t know if this was done on purpose or not, but having said that, Israel needs to accept responsibility for it.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:34 amSomewhat to Israel’s defense, dlet, they did drop flyers telling people to get out. I don’t know how many or for how long, etc, but apparently they made at least somewhat of an attempt.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:37 amPersonally, I think the smartest war is waged without casualties at all. Well, it would be alright if Hezbollah killed maybe Carrottop.
Yeah, we need ASAP to lift raping and civilian deaths numbers.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:38 am#63
July 26th, 2006 at 10:40 amYes they did give some notice to the civilians to get out. But from I recall that was the third or fourth day after it started and they were going to escalate the bombing. As for Carrottop I would use the can opener on him.
Yeah, I don’t remember the details, dlet.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:42 amI’m not justifying anything. It’s an attempt. That’s all.
If we could just drop glue bombs, that would be great. That would be pretty cool, too. Law enforcement uses glue guns, so how much of a stretch are glue bombs?
From what I recall, Israel prides itself on its ability to pinpoint enemy targets.
Comment by Zooey — July 26, 2006 @ 10:34 am
Thats right…Oh, shit! I mean it was unintentional.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:43 amZooey, along with the global warming we must also look at the constant attempt of pombo and bush to sell off our parks and wilderness areas……Like the DUBI ports deal, supporting Israel for more wars and dismanteling our constitution we are being distroyed from with in by the self imposed leaders……..Dreadful times…..On a happy note…..With this bunch trying to bring about the rapture, I am lusting after a cute little silver beamer that a radical christian owns…..Yep! Come the rapture I want his BMW……Blessings……..Peace
July 26th, 2006 at 10:44 am#66
July 26th, 2006 at 10:47 amI know where you are going and no I don’t think that waging war against aggressors will ever be rosy. The point that I am trying to make is that the governments of the US and Israel seem to deem the lives of their soldiers more important than those of innocent civilians. I think that is a mentality that allows them to wage war from afar and not think too much of the consequences. It makes it too easy for them to kill.
Unfortunately, that’s the case for every government. It’s why Hezbollah directly targets civilians.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:48 amI am sure Hezbollah woudnt exist if Israel take the hell out of there. Remember who were the guys that invented algebra? Were they fighting each other back then?
July 26th, 2006 at 10:52 am#70
July 26th, 2006 at 10:54 amI agree. Hezbollah and other organizations that use terrorist activities such as randonly throwing rockets at cities, blowing up buses, mosques, crowds are all horrid. I won’t argue that. But we as the west should see that doing what Israel is doing right now and what the US did to Iraq is not an appropriate response.
Wilco and all. right after Israel droped bombs and leaflets warning Lebanonese to leave they bombed and killed fleeing motorests in Lebanon….Didn’t you see that on CNN.? The answer is to stop supplying waring countries…..If we expect Lebanon and or Hezbolah to disarm we must stop suppleing Israel with arms…No more wars. Get out of Iraq, demand negotations but stop the war supplies…..Prop up Peaceful negotiations….Help with deplomacy, negotiate but take the toys away from all the waring children and the fights are over. ….Blessings
July 26th, 2006 at 10:56 amJuan, what do you mean by “take the hell out of there?”
July 26th, 2006 at 10:57 amGWB says “The violence is still terrible.”, referring to Baghdad. He needs to talk to his Energy Secretary! He just came back from Iraq, and talked about how “relaxed” it was there. He said many positive things about Iraq. Someone should tell GWB about it.
July 26th, 2006 at 10:58 amSharon, I agree, I just don’t see how to implement complete disarmament.
dlet, what one of my great disappointments of adulthood has been that, educated as a child that the United States is the greatest nation in the world (which I believe!), we don’t ACT like it. Too often, we have no moral or ethical superiority. And yes, we’re supposed to. We’re supposed to be better than THEM (umm, everyone).
July 26th, 2006 at 11:01 amTake their stuff (tanks, jets and guns which is pretty much the only thing they treasure) and go to live to another place. I am sure jewish people from other places in the world (America, South America, Russia, etc.) will take them as their people.
July 26th, 2006 at 11:03 am#72 – But we as the west should see that doing what Israel is doing right now and what the US did to Iraq is not an appropriate response.
What would be an appropriate response? How can Israel negotiate with Hezbollah or Hamas to stop the suicide bombings, to stop the Katyusha rockets, etc?
July 26th, 2006 at 11:04 ameducated as a child that the United States is the greatest nation in the world (which I believe!)
July 26th, 2006 at 11:05 amComment by Wilco — July 26, 2006 @ 11:01 am
Why US is the greatest nation in the world? Please, do tell.
It’s mostly national pride. But we have a pretty great history (which isn’t fairing too well right now). We have the worst form of government except for every other one. Or maybe it’s just leftover pride from childhood. Really, if I didn’t believe it, I wouldn’t live here. If I thought other countries better, I’d move in a flash.
July 26th, 2006 at 11:08 am#54
July 26th, 2006 at 11:11 amThere is no reason to believe that an investigation will provide anything other than the desired result.
The UN building was a well-known, long-standing site in Lebanon; considering the precision bombs of the superior Israeli army, it’s difficult to defend this as a mistake.
This is a message sent to the UN by Israel, with tacit support from the US. (We all know why Bolton is our guy at the UN).
And the US’ delay in callilng for a ceasefire is apparent support for Israel, and the world sees it.
#80 – Completely agree.
In recent times:
1) Vehemently supports the civils rights of all citizens.
July 26th, 2006 at 11:13 am2) The US saved the world from fascism.
3) Saved the world from communism.
4) Supported the spread of free market economics to all corners of the globe.
It’s mostly national pride.
Comment by Wilco — July 26, 2006 @ 11:08 am
I entirely agree. I am proud of my country (Argentina) but that doesnt mean I dont criticize the way natives were wiped out of existence by spanish conquerers, or I dont criticize the dictatorships we had in the 70´s (supported and financed by US, big surprise…thanks for that, Fort Benning) or the way poor people are being exploited, discriminated and starved. What makes a country great is its people. How do they help each other and how they stay out of international affairs. US is not a nice example of that and I can present 180 examples of US messing in other people´s bussiness. But, I defend your pride. Thats an entirely different thing. And I am sure you will defend your country from its own government when the time comes.
July 26th, 2006 at 11:18 amJuan, I agree, except on international affairs. If something one country does effects another then by all means, that country should get involved. If you’re advocating isolationism, then I disagree completely. It’s a small world and it’s getting smaller all the time.
July 26th, 2006 at 11:21 amDear all who are posting…….It is so very simple……Stop funding and supporting war…..Demand peace now…..Send messages to all the waramongers, Hezbolah, Israel and all the middle eastern countries…..We will no longer support your wars with funds, troops or supplies.Period…..Make it mandatory, we will not get involved……..Close down all the US bases in other countries in the world and bring home all the troops from all those countries.. Shore up our own borders and if another country has something we need ask to buy it at their price . Never again invade and steal their resourses…..Do not allow our representatives to sell of or give away our country either…..That’s the begining steps for peace…..Peace is not accomplished by war or invasion’s but by respect and deplomacy…..Blessings…..
CNN… NOW….Listen, watch, read……
July 26th, 2006 at 11:22 amIn recent times:
1) Vehemently supports the civils rights of all citizens.
You mean like the Patriot Act?
2) The US saved the world from fascism.
You mean when russians defeated germans?
3) Saved the world from communism.
You mean what corrupted soviet bureaucreacy did?
4) Supported the spread of free market economics to all corners of the globe.
July 26th, 2006 at 11:25 amI agree with that. But so far, free market isnt working, buddy. Even in your country. Even when it is not sustainable. Even when it means to plunder the richness of the earth. Even when it means to make rich people richer and poor people poorest. Please, read how´s world population doing in economy terms after free market was introduced.
#78
July 26th, 2006 at 11:26 amWell I know that killing Lebanese civilians is not the answer.
And killing Carrottop is only a short-term answer.
July 26th, 2006 at 11:32 amKilling Carrottop is vital to our national security.
July 26th, 2006 at 11:33 amCarrottop will not be taken out – he has RED hair, after all. Now, if he were to dye it blue …
July 26th, 2006 at 11:53 amI am sure Hezbollah woudnt exist if Israel take the hell out of there. Remember who were the guys that invented algebra? Were they fighting each other back then?
Comment by Juan C
Yes they were. The conquered half the world and converted its inhabitants to their religion. They allowed Jews and Christians to live as second class citizens, but all other native relgions were wiped out, erased, and its practitioners murdered. Europeans invented calculus, but that didn’t stop any world wars either.
But that’s just what we humans do. Tribalism.
July 26th, 2006 at 11:54 amThe Israelis hate the UN, and want their border observers to leave Lebanon, so they bombed the UN post intentionally to force out the observers! They do not want them as witnesses when the Israeli tanks roll into Lebanon, and drive over women and children, crushing them to death!
July 26th, 2006 at 11:58 am1) Vehemently supports the civils rights of all citizens.
You mean like the Patriot Act?
Of course! The rights of citizens to spy and imprison those we don’t like. The right to question the patriotism of our political opponents. The right to rule the world ha ha ha ha….
2) The US saved the world from fascism.
You mean when russians defeated germans?
I heard on Fox News we won WWII unilaterally, over the objections of the French.
3) Saved the world from communism.
You mean what corrupted soviet bureaucreacy did?
We Reaganauts believe communism is a sustainable economic system, and can only be defeated with bellicose speeches, massive deficit spending, and chanting USA USA USA.
July 26th, 2006 at 11:59 am#8 – Could it be they want to hide the fact they are using phosphorus munitions against civilians?
http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2006/07/lebanon-claims-israel-using-banned.php
What I don’t understand is why we (The US) dont’ want to consider a cease-fire in the current invasion between Israel and Lebanon. Why the rush to war?
July 26th, 2006 at 12:05 pmSens. Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) are “seriously reconsidering†their opposition to U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, according to a New York Sun report. “I think there’s a reasonable chance they might support him this time around,†said Zionist Organization of America president Morton Klein.
any and all democrats who vote for john bolton should be considered ‘dead’ to everyone. they should not receive a single vote. they should not receive a single penny of contributions from progressive or democrat groups.
democrats for bolton are the scum of the earth…
July 26th, 2006 at 12:10 pmSchumer and Hillary Clinton are Zionist agents who no longer work for the United States > both of them must resign from the Senate in total disgrace!
July 26th, 2006 at 12:22 pm#96 Schumer and Hillary Clinton are Zionist agents who no longer work for the United States > both of them must resign from the Senate in total disgrace!
well thats kinda tough since they represent NY and last time I looked it was very very jewish. This begs the question can a person have dual allegiances but in order of priority ? anyonee care to answer ?
July 26th, 2006 at 12:28 pmFor most watchers of the CIA, the return of Steven Kappes to Langley as the agency’s number 2 man is a welcome development. Unfortunately, Kappes’ return almost certainly signals the resumption of Republican Congressman Peter Hoekstra’s partisan war on the CIA.
For the details, see:
July 26th, 2006 at 12:33 pm“Hoekstra’s War on the CIA.”
But that’s just what we humans do. Tribalism.
Comment by Kermit the Freedom Frog — July 26, 2006 @ 11:54 am
I agree. I meant arabs fighting their own people. Terrorism is a response of the weak against the powerful. Communism as Marx stated it in his manifesto was a response against the savage economical system developed after industrial revolution that threw into misery thousands of farmers and peasants.
July 26th, 2006 at 1:00 pmOh, BTW, Europeans didnt invented calculus…just two guys. Newton and Leibniz.
July 26th, 2006 at 1:25 pmThis is why I cannot vote for Clinton. She’s becoming a BUSH!
Bush and Clinton, sitting in a tree.
One said “WAR”, and the other said “WHEEE!”
Then came Lieberman kissing on Zell,
Now comes Clinton leading us to hell.
I’m done.
July 26th, 2006 at 3:21 pm[...] http://thinkprogress.org/2006/07/26/thinkfast-July-26-2006/ [...]
July 26th, 2006 at 5:25 pmHere’s what is outrageous. Just saw this on CSPAN. A Faux News reporter asked the question of Kofi Annan at the Rome news conference today, why did you make the comment that the UN peacekeeping group was deliberately targeting UN peacekeepers? Kofi, called out the Faux News reporter by stating “this is a press conference. Do quote me correctly next time. What I said was they were APPARENTLY deliberately targeted. You left out the word apparently. This UN group has been in this area for over 40 years and had called the Israeli Army up to 10 times yesterday asking to please stop the boming in that area. Kofi said they lost all communications with them after 7:30PM and that is when they were killed. Olmert apologized and said he would call for an investigation. Kofi accepted his apology and is awaiting the investigation results. You see, Faux News is doing it’s job as usual!! They can’t stay on topic. The topic was the travesty that UN peacekeepers were killed even after they were in contact 10 times with the Israeli Army. The topic is not what Kofi Annan said, but the tragedy of these deaths. How twisted our american media is .. Faux News … CNN isn’t much better with Wolf spewing the same poop. Why they go after the UN with their personal attacks is beyond me. They’ve been doing this for quite some time now and our media repeats it, though they never question it. The UN was there to help. That is the role of the UN. It seems to me that the US and Israel go out of their way to bad mouth the UN every chance they get. Why is this? What have we allowed our country and our leaders to become?
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