Printable View
Be careful what you pray for.
[url]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/barackobama/2553367/Evangelicals-asked-to-pray-for-rain-at-Barack-Obama-nomination.html[/url]
Because now the Republicans don't have a National Convention! Jajaja
Sydney old sport,
Put a rubberband around your head and snap out of it.
[QUOTE=Bacchus9]Sydney old sport,
Put a rubberband around your head and snap out of it.[/QUOTE]Funny post, Baccus
I am not sure experience is all that important. I don't think Lincoln had much experience when he was elected President.
However, if I was giving advice to the Democrat's I would advise the Democrats never to bring up Palin's experience or lack of experience.
It seems obvious that the Republicans would love that discusion. Anyone who bases their vote on the experience of the various candidates will realize that Obama is strikingly lacking in experience (not sure it matters that much) and pull the lever for McCain.
It seems to me that the Republicans have cleverly shifted the focus, with the help of the Democrat's criticism of Palin, onto experience where the Republican candidate has a big edge.
You don't like Syd's point of view. Let's not discuss it. Let's make fun of syd.
Syd, most of what you posted is factually correct. The likihood is that McCain will continue down the bushies neoconservative path:
- More war.
- More debt to fight those wars and less taxes for the wealthy.
- a 5th ultra conservative on the supreme court may have radical changes in the way the US government will function. Radical changes in the meaning of the commerce clause, regulation, controls on the executive branch and the right to privacy[which includes activities like this website]
Yes, Obamha is younger and less experienced as Jack Kennedy was younger and less experienced than Richard Nixon. The USA is a country divided. My personal belief his that the healing process and undoing the damage that the neoconversative radicals have done domestically and internationally is more important in the larger picture than most other issues.
OK boys, flame away! The ultra conversatives will consider me stupid because I don't appreciate the beauty of neoconvervatism--I do and it horrifies me. The left wingers will have their own comments. I am bothering to write here because this board has an cross section of educationed people from the usa. I am curious if dialog rather than name calling is possible.
[QUOTE=Miami Bob]Yes, Obamha is younger and less experienced as Jack Kennedy was younger and less experienced than Richard Nixon. The USA is a country divided.[/QUOTE]The "Jack Kennedy had less experience" comparison actually doesn't bolster this argument.
For one thing, Jack was a naval officer and a war hero before he ran for President. Barak has never had a command position and has never had his courage tested under fire.
Second, Jack Kennedy's lack of experience, easily observed by Nikita Khrushchev at their 1961 Vienna meeting, of a young, inexperienced, untested American president was disastrous, emboldening Khrushchev to push Kennedy on Berlin -- and then near fatally in Cuba, leading almost directly to the Cuban missile crisis.
Thanks,
Jackson
[QUOTE=BadMan]Soccer moms for president, what a novel idea.
Regards,
BM[/QUOTE]Actually, I believe that she considers herself a "Hockey Mom".
"Unlike Senator Obama, my admiration, respect and deep gratitude for America's veterans is something more than a convenient campaign pledge."
Except of course when it comes to voting yes on a bill that would allow them to build a better life after their service to our country. I will show my gratitude by making it harder for them to get an education thereby limiting their options and continuing to serve?
Oh yes and don't forget extending enlistments. I am so grateful to them for their service that we will extend their term of service beyond what they contracted for, can't you see we love these fine young men and women and their hillbilly armor.
To obtain this nomination and he will keep his word on the supreme court appointments, taxes, more debt and to have the usa play policeman to protect our sources of raw materials[read: oil], he will keep quiet on his long term pet project--campaign finance reform. The Carl Rove style attack ads that mccain spoke out against in 2000 will be a major thrust of his campaign.
Jackson, do you really believe that the russians would not have tried to stock pile missles in Cuba if Nixon was elected. Jack Kennedy's service as a PT boat commender [a boat smaller than the sport fisherman the exon would charter for 4 hours when he goes deep sea fishing] was the major reason he was able to negociate effectively with the russians. Character, vision, marshalling and effectively using data available--raw intelligence or intellectual capacity were more likely responsible. Sometime read kennedy's first book, Profiles in Courage. This book started as his honor's thesis while at university.
I cannot help but to respect McCain for his military service and his strength while a prisioner of war. I also respected 30 years of championing vet's rights, political campaigh reform and anti-torture laws. McCain walked away from 30 years of history to cut his deals with the boys--what geneve convention? What happened to McCain--intoxicated by the smell of power. His last chance at 72 years.
Woodrow Wilson, FDR, Harry Truman and Abraham Lincoln were great war time leaders with limited military or zero military service.
OUR foreign military aggression is producing more jijaddists and will radicalize non-radical Muslims over time. Popi Bush would not touch it with a ten foot pole--his Cia experience was the difference, not his few years of service in the military.
I have voted Republican and Democrat. A higher power may be voicing it's own point of view by interfering with the Republican convention via hurricane Gustov.
[QUOTE=Miami Bob]...And to have the USA play policeman to protect our sources of raw materials [read: oil][/quote]And what's wrong with throwing our weight around and protecting our interests?
[QUOTE=Miami Bob]...Jackson, do you really believe that the Russians would not have tried to stock pile missiles in Cuba if Nixon was elected.[/quote]Yes.
[QUOTE=Miami Bob]...Jack Kennedy's service as a PT boat commander [a boat smaller than the sport fisherman the exon would charter for 4 hours when he goes deep sea fishing] was the major reason he was able to negotiate effectively with the Russians.[/quote]Unfortunately, your characterization here is completely inaccurate in that Kennedy most certainly did not "negotiate effectively with the Russians".
[QUOTE=Miami Bob]...OUR foreign military aggression is producing more jijaddists and will radicalize non-radical Muslims over time.[/QUOTE]I disagree, These rabid dogs only respect power, and just like rabid dogs, they need to be "put down" for everyone's safety.
[QUOTE=Jackson]For one thing, Jack was a naval officer and a war hero before he ran for President. Barak has never had a command position and has never had his courage tested under fire.
Thanks,
Jackson[/QUOTE]Neither did George Bush have any military experience (unlike Kerry) but that didn't stop the Republicans from voting for him which shows the hypocrisy of those who imply that military service is so important-yet ignore it when their own candidate is so lacking.
Suerte.
Stowe
"And what's wrong with throwing our weight around and protecting our interests?"
"I disagree, These rabid dogs only respect power, and just like rabid dogs, they need to be "put down" for everyone's safety."
Jackson,
No one debates the US has an important role in the world and in the past the world has looked to it to "do the right thing". There's a wrong way and a right way to these things. The Republican party supported by around 50% of the voting public has delivered 8 years of the most unfortunate show of "the wrong way". How anyone that suppported it has anything to say now is beyond comprehension. Time to take a furlough and let someone else try to fix the mess.
Another 4 years of swashbuckling cum maverick listing to reckless John McCain with his VP Light, "throwing our weight around" and helping the "rabid dogs" in their recruiting drives really is beyond the pale.
Republicans should really call it a day, mow lawns for the summer, sell Christmas trees, take a field trip, check their bank accounts and stay out of the way for god's sake.
[QUOTE=Stowe]Neither did George Bush have any military experience.[/QUOTE]I disagree. As I understand the history, George Bush was a Captian and a pilot in the US Air Force, serving in the Texas Air National Guard, which I believe qualifies as "military experience".
[QUOTE=Bacchus9]The Republican party supported by around 50% of the voting public has delivered 8 years of the most unfortunate show of "the wrong way".[/QUOTE]I disagree. With the exception of some missteps in the prosecution of the post-liberation in Iraq, I believe that Bush and the Republicans in Congress have done an excellent (not perfect) job. Personally, I'm proud of the way we've developed a reputation in the international community that if you fuck with us, we will KICK YOUR ASS!
We are the 900 pound gorillia, so there's no reason for any American Citizen to be intimitated or afraid of any other country or peoples. In fact, it should be just the reverse.
[QUOTE=Jackson]I disagree. With the exception of some missteps in the prosecution of the post-liberation in Iraq, I believe that Bush and the Republicans in Congress have done an excellent (not perfect) job. Personally, I'm proud of the way we've developed a reputation in the international community that if you fuck with us, we will KICK YOUR ASS!
We are the 900 pound gorillia, so there's no reason for any American Citizen to be intimitated or afraid of any other country or peoples. In fact, it should be just the reverse.[/QUOTE]I'm betting Jackson wears a toga around the house.;)
[QUOTE=Jackson]We are the 900 pound gorillia, so there's no reason for any American Citizen to be intimitated or afraid of any other country or peoples. In fact, it should be just the reverse.[/QUOTE]In my opinion, this is the sense of entitlement that is causing problems, not only for our country, but for the world in general. And, in fact, only makes US citizens less safe abroad.
Do you honestly think that if you get shanked in Palermo Viejo that the US Army is going to come and avenge you? Or are you talking domestically? Well, I guess if the borders are closed, then we will be 'safe' but it probably also means it will be harder for the mongering masses to do their deed.
What was your point anyway?
I have to agree with Jackson, we do have to protect our interests around the world and I don't think "talk" is worth much when dealing with Islamic extremists be they in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, or else where. They only respect force and the willingness to use it. When the shit hits the fan who does everyone come running to, that's right the US. They may not like us but they do fear us and I'll take that in place of respect.
I know the liberals wish to believe if you make nice they will come around. Sorry it does not work that way in the "real world". The "civilized world" you live and debate in is only possible due to our current overwhelming power to protect it. You can debate in your airy realms from now till doomsday but when the rubber meets the road, Mao said it best "political power flows from the barrel of a gun." Ask the folks in Georgia how much talking to the Russians or how much the hand wringing in the West did them. Nada!
My political cast is independent, and I'm not thrilled by McCain but at least he has his head screwed on straight and sees the world for what it is, not what he wants it to be. Obama sees the world through rose colored glasses and I am not sure we will have the time for him to learn on the job while Russia begins to flex it's military muscle again and Iran works on the bomb and intercontinental delivery systems. We had three years in WWII to get it together to win the war and the US mainland was untouched. It might be a little more difficult to withstand three years of nukes taking down cities in the US and still have the will to come back and win.
I spend a little time in our escapade in Southeast Asia and have a daughter in her third year at West Point so guys I have had and now do have a little more on the line with this election. While I have to admit we really don't have much out there to vote for this time, I would rather have McCain leading than Obama.
Rave on guys,
Doppelganger
[QUOTE=Doppelganger]I have to agree with Jackson, we do have to protect our interests around the world.
Doppelganger[/QUOTE]Why don't we just take over the world. Too many Americans just love being the big dog on the block and love to have us (the US) bully others. There seems to be a certain faction within this country that just loves to kill-push others around, etc.
Part of the reason we are so hated around the world is because we have interfered in other nations and their governments:
Nicaragua (assisted in the overthrow of the elected Sandinista gov't)
Panama (1989 invasion)
Cuba (Bay of Pigs)
Dominican Republic (1965 invasion).
Saudia Arabia (prop up unpopular gov't- for the oil companies)
Bolivia (for the oil companies)
Argentina (via the World Money fund -requiring 1 to 1 peso to dollar xchg)
El Salvador (financed an unpopular gov't-thus keeping the civil war going)
Africa (preventing teaching of birth control or lose financing)
Haiti (many times-last was in the 80's when we disposed of Pres. Duvalier)
Peru (we helped prop up the unpopular gov't in the early 90's to protect the rich and powerful)
Honduras (supported the unpopular Honduras military govt so we could station troop there to fight in Nicaragua)
Grenada (1983 invasion)
The damned Monroe Doctrine should have been outlawed decades ago.
This does not include considering our involvement in Vietnam, Korea, Iraq, etc. Some may have been necessary (Korea, perhaps); Kuwait-probably.
Having said the above I do not think the US is ALWAYS bad, evil or wrong-nor am I a bleeding heart liberal. We do more good in the world than any other country but that good is usually done by organizations not the politicians (both republican and democratic administrations) who just want to protect corporate American and the rich.
All our good is lost by all the incidents where we impose our will (economically or militarily) on others.
Of course, there will be those that will either be like Ostriches, or will say; "so what, we are the strongest". Well, we won't be the strongest forever. Like the old saying goes: "what goes around comes around" and I just think much of the world is just waiting for us to be torn down (internally or externally) because of our empirical attitude. I suspect there won't be anyone there to stand with us or help us when we need it.
Maybe it's time we keep our nose out of other people's lives, business and countries!
Suerte.
Stowe
For two hundred years we have been a country split down the middle by our lawyer leaders. Change our leaders, but we can't, because the lawyers, those that we are forced to elect, make our laws. Nothing has changed except the dates.
We need to make a law that no lawyers can be a government official.
My observations.
Jes.
Tejanolibre, quiero comprate una cerveza!
Doggboy,
I hope there's a straight jacket under that toga you surmise Jackson wears.
"I believe that Bush and the Republicans in Congress have done an excellent (not perfect) job. Personally, I'm proud of the way we've developed a reputation in the international community that if you fuck with us, we will KICK YOUR ASS!"
How much glue do you sniff through Jackson in a week on average?
The US has always been strong, it's only been the last 8 years that it's turned stupid, criminal and had to blatantly buy it's allies instead of earn them.
So Doppelganger is that a yellow alert or an orange alert.
It's all so reminiscent of the fear mongering the modern day Goebels used to manipulate the US population after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center back in the 2002, 2003 and 2004. You know when they wanted to stay in power for another four years.
Keep stoking that fear and adrenaline, it's contagious and you'll bring on just what you say you fear. Like McCain, he likes to excercise that rhetoric and "shoot from the hip". Yeah howdy, head screwed on a little too tight maybe. But he is a POW, so undoubtedly he can point that out in any given difficult situation.
[QUOTE=Sidney]Thank you for interviewing for the President's position at our company. We were very impressed with your oratorical skills. You interviewed well with all the directors. We thought that you were the man that we seek. But our ''backround research'' team discovered problems: 1. You have no business experience. 2. You have no experience managing people. 3. In fact, you have never managed any business. 4. We need a skilled man with the Congress, but you only served a few days there with no record of success. 5. You have no business contacts. 6. Upon investigation, we discovered all your records were missing=strange! 6. You have no international or military experience. 7. Plus many other matters. We respectfully must reject you as a candidate for the President of our company. However, we will offer you a Sales Associate's position in Chicago. Your contacts with the Daley Machine will be invaluable. Could you relocate? Thanks again, Sid XXXXXXX[/QUOTE]He can't do any worse than the war mongering, Vietnam dodging, budget busting, idiot we have now.
And McCain- running on his integrity / honest. Mr. Infidelity - Mr. Keating 5 member? All he thinks about is killing-I quote:
Bomb Bomb Iran - opps! He meant Barbara Ann.
When told that the US cigarette companies are violating our own trade restrictions by sending cigarettes to Iran, his response:
Good, hopefully it will kill them all.
The Iranian people our not our enemy-they don't want the government they have either!
No Bacchus9 this is not a color coded alert. No I don't think we are always correct, but if you think if we leave others along they will reciprocate you are truly a lost sole, because these folks will never leave us or anyone else alone, England, Spain, Italy, France, Philippians, ect.
Islamists believe their "God" empowers them to invade and convert to Islam or slay all infidels (or take them as slaves) in any country at any time, it is their duty. Partner if you are not Muslim then infidel describes you. There is only one way, their way, period.
This has nothing to do with being American, check your history, the Moorish invasions of Spain and Europe from Africa. The Moors were Islamists, same code, same belief systems back in the 12th century and they are still following them today. Guess you would say George Bush and America caused that one too?
Doppelganger
No Stowe the Iranian people by in large are not our enemy, but they lack the freedom to choose their own government. The Mullahs have to certify all candidates and the reformers are always eliminated from the running. Not to mention the Revolutionary Guard Corps over shadows even the military in Iran, these guys make the SS look like Sunday school kids. It will not be the Iranian people who pull the trigger it will be the Mullahs, the people will be the ones who suffer since the Mullahs will scatter like cockroaches when it finally hit's the fan. When they over threw the monarchy they wanted "Change", they just did not know it was back to the 12th Century!
Doppelganger
[QUOTE=Doppelganger]No Bacchus9 this is not a color coded alert. No I don't think we are always correct, but if you think if we leave others along they will reciprocate you are truly a lost sole, because these folks will never leave us or anyone else alone, England, Spain, Italy, France, Philippians, ect.
Islamists believe their "God" empowers them to invade and convert to Islam or slay all infidels (or take them as slaves) in any country at any time, it is their duty. Partner if you are not Muslim then infidel describes you. There is only one way, their way, period.
This has nothing to do with being American, check your history, the Moorish invasions of Spain and Europe from Africa. The Moors were Islamists, same code, same belief systems back in the 12th century and they are still following them today. Guess you would say George Bush and America caused that one too?
Doppelganger[/QUOTE]The biggest Muslim country in the World is Indonesia. With a population very near that of the US 80% of the people are Muslim. Not quite the stereotype Muslims many would like the World to believe. Their last Prime Minister was a woman!
The "Moors" or most of the Arab World has a problem with the West (of which the US is the most visible head today) that goes back to the 12th century and to say that it is caused by religious belief is as simplistic as to say that the conflict in Ireland is between Catholics and Protestants!
[QUOTE=Bacchus9]So Doppelganger is that a yellow alert or an orange alert.
It's all so reminiscent of the fear mongering the modern day Goebels used to manipulate the US population after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center back in the 2002, 2003 and 2004. You know when they wanted to stay in power for another four years.
Keep stoking that fear and adrenaline, it's contagious and you'll bring on just what you say you fear. Like McCain, he likes to excercise that rhetoric and "shoot from the hip". Yeah howdy, head screwed on a little too tight maybe. But he is a POW, so undoubtedly he can point that out in any given difficult situation.[/QUOTE]Hmm - A candidate that has a history of surrendering? Strange people you Americans!
[QUOTE=Stowe]He can't do any worse than the war mongering, Vietnam dodging, budget busting, idiot we have now.[/QUOTE]Oh, yes he can.
Far, far worse.
[QUOTE=Bacchus9]It's all so reminiscent of the fear mongering the modern day Goebels used to manipulate the US population after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center back in the 2002, 2003 and 2004. You know when they wanted to stay in power for another four years.
Keep stoking that fear and adrenaline, it's contagious and you'll bring on just what you say you fear. Like McCain, he likes to excercise that rhetoric and "shoot from the hip". Yeah howdy, head screwed on a little too tight maybe. But he is a POW, so undoubtedly he can point that out in any given difficult situation.[/QUOTE]I'm not being manipulated, I've just got my eyes open to the world's realities.
Do you know what's nice about being an appeaser? You get to muddle along with your head in the sand while other good people, in the process of keeping the world safe for themselves, will inadvertently keep it safe for you too.
Thanks,
Jackson
[quote=Stowe]...The reason we are so hated around the world...[/quote]That's patently inaccurate.
I've done some traveling myself, and the only people I can find that "hate America" are a vocal minority of college students, their professors, and the leftist-leaning media outlets.
The world's growing middle class generally admire Americans, the efficiency and transparency of our governmental systems, our business acumen, and the life style that we've created for ourselves.
Thanks,
Jackson
If you acknowledge that there are rapid dogs who will kill innocent women and childern to impose their extreme non-mainstream views; then Not even a substantial minority of muslems are jijadists. The more the USA abandons a concern for international public opinion and the international diplomatic community and it's traditions and institutions; the more muslems will be driven to extremes and stronger anti-usa feelings. Treat people without basic respect and they will hate your government. Act like a 900 lbs beast and eventually the "little" people will destroy that 900 lbs beast. Whether by refusing to buy our government debt,
Not supporting our currency or not supporting our foreign policy objectives when we lie to the UN. Why did Popi Bush build an international coalition including most of the usa's historical friends and allies and Baby bush spoke of freedom fries and depended on paying off third rate world powers to join his coalition.
George W. Bush is not respected internationally. Most people do not brand the entire population of the usa with the distaste that they feel for our president.
A few years ago, the public distatste for W was so strong, that I would say I am canadian. Today we have the most bombs. One day in the near future, china will have more power than the usa. I hope that those future chinese leaders do not think like some of the members of this forum.
I am not trying to change the point of view of my extreme opponents, but I am asking the reasonable intelligent people in the middle to think about the implications of continued neoconservative extremists in power and what that will mean for the USA's position in the world over the next 20 to 40 years.
Power will shift and change, the usa was respected for generally holding the moral high ground compared to other great world powers. How many wars can we fight before we destroy our economy.
Bob, no one on this post ever said all Muslim are Islamist, it is the minority who follow the radical Wahabi sect teachings. Maybe it is time for the Muslim community to police themselves? They don't because they are as afraid of these radicals as we are.
As far as the anti US feelings, in case you have not noticed both Germany and France have installed PRO US leaders who are now helping not bashing the US. The old war monger "W" must have done something right if the folks in these nations are again becoming our allies and not our detractors.
I hope you are of the Michale Moore group that believe God sent Gustov to punish the bad Republicans? Give me a break, we are the only nation in the world that keeps reinventing ourselves to continue to compete in the world, over and over and over again. If we are so evil why do so many people risk their lives to get here?
Where else could McCain get a babe like Palin for a running mate, well France does have Carla Brunni, kinda makes Sara look a little shoddy.
Lighten up guys its just Life!
Doppelganger
[QUOTE=Jackson]That's patently inaccurate.
I've done some traveling myself, and the only people I can find that "hate America" are a vocal minority of college students, their professors, and the leftist-leaning media outlets.
The world's growing middle class generally admire Americans, the efficiency and transparency of our governmental systems, our business acumen, and the life style that we've created for ourselves.
Thanks,
Jackson[/QUOTE]The ostrich effect in play, here.
Sorry Jackson but it is ABSOLUTELY true as every poll taken in the past 5 years by US pollsters taken in other countries on how those in other countries feel about us has reached all-time lows to the point where the majority do not like the US-specifically the Gov't and US businesses which they blame for the 'global' economy situation which has negatively impacted so many (thank you Clinton!
Separate US citizens and the US gov't and our Gov't is despised throughout the world. They kiss our ass because of our military and the money we send them, not our of respect or love.
Anecdotal evidence based on your personal travels is meaningless as it is EXTREMELY limited. And the fact that that is what you base your opinions on should be indicative of your position.
Suerte,
Stowe
[QUOTE=Doppelganger]No Stowe the Iranian people by in large are not our enemy, but they lack the freedom to choose their own government. The Mullahs have to certify all candidates and the reformers are always eliminated from the running. Not to mention the Revolutionary Guard Corps over shadows even the military in Iran, these guys make the SS look like Sunday school kids. It will not be the Iranian people who pull the trigger it will be the Mullahs, the people will be the ones who suffer since the Mullahs will scatter like cockroaches when it finally hit's the fan. When they over threw the monarchy they wanted "Change", they just did not know it was back to the 12th Century!
Doppelganger[/QUOTE]I agree the Iranian people did not have a choice-actually they do. They can overthrow the idiots but that takes courage and balls which they do not yet have. Generally, they are more pacifistic than aggressive from the few I have met.
You have personal knowledge that the Revolutionary Guard are worse than the SS? Can you provide the info that supports that? Were you in Germany during WWII? How do you know this to be true or are you just making it up to support you opinion that the Guard and the Mulahs are monsters?
I read 3 papers and have NEVER seen one article detailing all the Guard do or any comparison to the SS.
Suerte,
Stowe
[QUOTE=Jackson]That's patently inaccurate.
I've done some traveling myself, and the only people I can find that "hate America" are a vocal minority of college students, their professors, and the leftist-leaning media outlets.
The world's growing middle class generally admire Americans, the efficiency and transparency of our governmental systems, our business acumen, and the life style that we've created for ourselves.
Thanks,
Jackson[/QUOTE]Gotta go with Stowe here even though he is a disgusting butt fucker. We are pretty universally despised.
You gotta start watching something besides Fox news brother. I know your married to the "Bush is great" position and I would never publicly expect you to change it, but you oughta look around just a little.
Just an aside on Iran. The majority of the population supports the government's attempts to develop nuclear power and would go bonkers if the US upped the military ante. What they ARE pissed off about is their economy.
And though I certainly don't agree with all of Doppleganger's opinions, the mullahs are a pack of assholes. The comparison in the USA would be if the nutjob christian evangelicals were in power. Oops! They have been for the past eight years!
And, while I'm spouting off a little. Not all, but much of the Middle East mess originates in the ongoing stalemate between Israel and the Palestinians. The inability to make any progress there has led to massive rage throughout the region which as been capitalized on by those with their own power and control agenda (on BOTH sides of the conflict)
If the West was really interested in sorting out alot of the reasons for this mess they would stop allowing the tail to wag the dog (I. E. Get tough with Israel about their stonewalling the peace process) Its a damn shame that this has been allowed to go on for so long. If the peace process had been succesful 10-15 years ago, some of the current problems could have been avoided. But the cat is out of the bag and the horsies have left the barn and it done burnt down. Now you have so many bad apples throughout the region that it will require a monumental effort to make progress (with Pakistan the next to be a big pain in the ass)
My 2 centavos.
AND, why the fuck can't I access Yahoo for the past two days!
Actually Stowe they don't really have much of a chance since they never get the opportunity to "over throw the government" via the political process which is denied to them by the mullahs. Nor do they have much of a chance by open revolt since all the guns are in the hands of the military and the Revolutionary Guard Units (RGU) Ask yourself Stowe, do you have the "guts" to go head to head with a guy with an AK when all you got is a hoe (garden type not female) It gets a lot different when those bumble bees with a firecracker tied to their tail go flying by your ear.
Guess you did not read those papers very closely; there have been several articles by Iranian dissidents cataloguing the RGU's activities, testimony before Congress by both military and civilian experts, besides intelligence briefs some of which are published. I'll see if I can get you a link for the last one.
Not happy with oppressing their own people they like to export their brand of oppression to other countries via training cadres and material to places like Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan, ect. Sort of like the old Soviet Union and Cuba did down in Africa. Does any of that ring a bell?
Rave On Guys.
Doppelganger
[QUOTE=Doppelganger]Not happy with oppressing their own people they like to export their brand of oppression to other countries via training cadres and material to places like Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan, ect. Sort of like the old Soviet Union and Cuba did down in Africa. Does any of that ring a bell? [/QUOTE]This sounds like the School of the Americas.
You can not access Yahoo due to the all powerful all knowing all seeing Evangelical Christian Right Wing Conspiracy they have done it all! Maniacal laughter!
Naa - just guys with too much time on their hands venting.
Have a good one.
Doppelganger