Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Rude on April 10, 2003, 09:59:30 PM
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Tom and Hillary and the doomsayers on this board?
Pongo? You out there somewhere?
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Originally posted by Rude
Tom and Hillary and the doomsayers on this board?
Pongo? You out there somewhere?
Solidly behind Dick Gephardt (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/06/04/politics/main511048.shtml)
(AP) House Democratic leader Dick Gephardt volunteered his support Tuesday if the administration resorts to force to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, adding, "I share President Bush's resolve to confront this menace head-on."
- June 2002
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Im here Rude.
Yup has gone way better then I feared. The troops have fought magnificently. The stratagy once they accepted they had to fight the war and they adjusted for Turkey has been well executed.
You said they would pull up to bagdad and the iraqis would give them the country. That wasnt correct. But it wasnt far off. The US had to show the Iraqis there was no hope. Not just tell em it.
But three weeks to be where they are is increadable. With very few US or enemy causalties.
I think it boads very well for the peace to see the people in the streets. I am glad for the Iraqis and proud of the coalition.
It was an increadble feat of arms. And a bold and so far very successful strategy.
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hey... i'm a democrat.
i've voted all three parties.. but, i'm still a regsitered democrat.
most of 'em hate me, but to be fair, so do the republicans.
i won't vote anybodys party line; and boy does that make me an interesting find at yuppie party.
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screw those yuppies
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m i n d f u c k.
something yuppies invented, but truly suck at.
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Is it a missing Pete Seeger lyric?
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I registered republican for the first time in my life this year.
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Originally posted by Rude
Where Did All The Democrats Go.....
They're all under Bubba's desk.
And after they finish there, Hillary's waiting with the strap-on.
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Where Did All The Democrats Go.....
I'm right here, Rude. I supported the current administration in this war, and I think they did an excellent job so far.
But that doesn't mean there's any love lost when I go to the voting booth.
The fact that some of us Democrats are flexible in thought and capable of joining hands with Republicans when it's the right thing to do, makes it difficult to pigeonhole us like most conservatives like to do.
Don't worry though, we'll still be here to vote after the war is long over and the country starts to focus back on how wonderful our economy is doing.
It's 1991, and it's beginning to look like dejavu all over again. :)
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Originally posted by banana
It's 1991, and it's beginning to look like dejavu all over again. :)
cept in 91 we didnt have an 80's full of oral office slick willie inaction to look back on... today we have the 90's to reflect on and a sept 11th morn repeat to prevent
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Democrat here, got something to say to me, you can say it at the con.
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Pelosi stands by vote against Iraq war
By Stephen Dinan and Amy studmuffinan
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill are rallying around military successes in Iraq and supporting the troops, but House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said it was still right to oppose granting the president the authority to use force to disarm Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Top Stories
• Allies take key northern city
• U.S. pushed to restore order
• Syria, Iran told Iraq has lessons
• 'It's just evil in here'
• Marines face fire taking palace complex
• Maryland, Virginia try different budget fixes
• Spike in area property values tempers fiscal woes
"I have absolutely no regret about my vote on this war," she told reporters at her weekly briefing yesterday, saying the same questions still remain: "The cost in human lives. The cost to our budget, probably $100 billion. We could have probably brought down that statue for a lot less. The cost to our economy. But the most important question at this time, now that we're toward the end of it, is what is the cost to the war on terrorism?"
She and a majority of House Democrats last October voted against authorizing the president to use force to disarm Saddam's regime. In the Senate, a majority of Democrats voted for the war resolution. The measure passed both chambers comfortably, with almost every Republican supporting it.
But Mrs. Pelosi, California Democrat, has said she worries the Iraq campaign would divert attention from the broader war on terror and could spawn new terrorist attacks.
On the Senate side, Minority Leader Tom Daschle, South Dakota Democrat, praised U.S. troops and declined to second-guess the Bush administration on a series of questions, including whether Iraqi opposition figure Ahmad Chalabi should be the country's next interim leader. He is being promoted for the position by some in the administration.
"I want to vet it a little bit more before I come to any conclusions," Mr. Daschle said.
The ongoing war continues to dominate much of the action on Capitol Hill.
A handful of protesters disrupted a Senate vote last night when they stood in the visitors' gallery, held up red flags and chanted antiwar slogans like "No money for war" and "Our taxes are not for bombing nations."
The five were grabbed and pushed one by one out by guards, but not before they brought the entire chamber, which was full of senators and staffers for the vote, to its feet.
Meanwhile, House Republicans and Democrats held a rally to support the troops yesterday, and leaders of both parties praised the military's efficiency and professionalism.
"Today in Iraq, tens of millions are free," said House Majority Leader Tom DeLay. "This is a regime that needed change."
Mr. DeLay, Texas Republican, said the war is not over yet, "but make no mistake ... our army of virtue is beating back the tide of terror."
Mrs. Pelosi also praised the troops at the rally. But she didn't address the war itself at the event. Later, in her news conference, she told reporters she is not convinced the war in Iraq has made Americans safer.
"That remains to be seen," she said. "I certainly would hope so, and I think we have to think in a very positive way about it, but we don't know."
That put her at odds with House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer, Maryland Democrat, who said to some U.S. troops present at the rally: "Your cause is noble and just. You are disarming a dangerous despot and ending his ruthless regime."
He also said he believed the war was "strengthening the security of our nation, as well as the nations of the Middle East and the nations of the world."
As Mrs. Pelosi praised the troops, she also said their success was owed "in large measure" to former President Bill Clinton.
"This best-trained, best-equipped, best-led force for peace in the history of the world was not invented in the last two years. This had a strong influence and strong support during the Clinton years," she said.
Mrs. Pelosi did give President Bush credit for saying the United Nations should have a role in rebuilding a postwar Iraq, but she said the administration must make sure that it involves the international community.
she's a real pearl :rolleyes:
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BTW, Willie tried to get support for action against saddam, They held a debate on it in Ohio I think(I'll try to get the link from the history channel). And there the white house spoke of need for action against saddam. They were roasted. They chanted no blood for oil. It was a disaster, they were run out of the building. So when you say "inaction" you must mean you,me, and the people who weren't there to support it. I bet you didn't know this happened, huh?
The plain fact is that if 9/11 didn't happen, bush wouldn't have got the support either.
Looking at it, you can see bin ladens plan(just a theory). The action he took would feed on the fears of the Americans and the west. This would lead to war in the middle east and the defeat of the west there.
Some people look at it as a war. I look at it as a criminal being brought to justice. When France, Germany,and Russia point the finger at us and say we are trying to build an empire or have our own interests in Iraq I have to shake my head. The U.S. is the richest country in the world, we don't need the money as much as say........the countries mentioned? And as the smoke clears, you can see why they wanted saddam to stay.Does this reflect on the french and russian people as a whole?...of course not. Being against war is not a bad thing, especially when you have seen as much war on your own soil as they have.Understandable.
Case in point, Boroda's post saying the war would result in the price of oil going down and that causing a collapse of the Russian economy. And the huge oil(and other) contracts of the french. I'm sure even more will come to light as the weeks pass.
As the statue of saddam was falling, that song from the scorpions kept playing in my head, "wind of change" I think it is?
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Originally posted by midnight Target
Solidly behind Dick Gephardt (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/06/04/politics/main511048.shtml)
- June 2002
Well, that's one:)
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Originally posted by Pongo
Im here Rude.
Yup has gone way better then I feared. The troops have fought magnificently. The stratagy once they accepted they had to fight the war and they adjusted for Turkey has been well executed.
You said they would pull up to bagdad and the iraqis would give them the country. That wasnt correct. But it wasnt far off. The US had to show the Iraqis there was no hope. Not just tell em it.
But three weeks to be where they are is increadable. With very few US or enemy causalties.
I think it boads very well for the peace to see the people in the streets. I am glad for the Iraqis and proud of the coalition.
It was an increadble feat of arms. And a bold and so far very successful strategy.
Heyas!
Things have gone well, that's for sure. Still, the most critical work remains....let's both hope the coalition enjoys the same success and then get's home.
I believe Bush's next stop is Isreal....a boot on Isreals neck and a legitimate partner in Palestine will be necessary to foster some form of peace in that region.
BTW....I didn't ever mean to come off as someone who knows best....I just chose early on to hope for the best....we all probably share in that....just saw some promise in Gdubbs character.
Sorry Pongo if I came off wrong....it was not intended.:)
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Originally posted by Hangtime
hey... i'm a democrat.
i've voted all three parties.. but, i'm still a regsitered democrat.
most of 'em hate me, but to be fair, so do the republicans.
i won't vote anybodys party line; and boy does that make me an interesting find at yuppie party.
Heyas Hang:)
I wasn't referring to the player base...just Washington.
Carry on my radical son!
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Originally posted by Sixpence
Democrat here, got something to say to me, you can say it at the con.
Hmmm...you must be a.............. tough guy?
If I ever meet yas, you can count on me being considerate, respectful of your opinion and polite....still, if I see your position or your attitude as being porked, you can be sure I'll look ya right in the eye and tell ya what I think.:)
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Tough guy?, no. But I don't call people names or try to discredit on a BB behind a computer either. BTW, I voted for Mitt Romney.
Originally posted by OZkansas
Too bad you have to lie. Shows lack of character. Shows your lack of intellect. Shows you are pointless on this board. Moron, please leave this board for the adults. Go take a nap or play in the traffic.
Not saying he speaks for all TAS. Flew an event with Yeager as our squad leader and had a great time.
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Originally posted by Sixpence
Tough guy?, no. But I don't call people names or try to discredit on a BB behind a computer either. BTW, I voted for Mitt Romney.
Originally posted by OZkansas
Too bad you have to lie. Shows lack of character. Shows your lack of intellect. Shows you are pointless on this board. Moron, please leave this board for the adults. Go take a nap or play in the traffic.
Not saying he speaks for all TAS. Flew an event with Yeager as our squad leader and had a great time.
You're close enough. I'll meet you for lunch tell you what I think. I won't even bring my computer.
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Originally posted by Martlet
You're close enough. I'll meet you for lunch tell you what I think. I won't even bring my computer.
Sounds like a plan, I like Floramo's, let's do lunch.
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whip out a date and time.
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I'm omw there now. I'll park across the street from the clubhouse at the gas station. I'll be in a black SUV.
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Originally posted by Sixpence
I'm omw there now. I'll park across the street from the clubhouse at the gas station. I'll be in a black SUV.
Be real.
Pick a day time next week, and I will gladly show you how wrong you are over lunch.
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his daddy won a war fairly quick, but forgot that haveing a huge deficiet budget means you lose elections. Tax cuts are great for my wealthy family, but when it comes down to it the average person got jack and **** back.
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Well, waited about 45 min, then walked across the street to the clubhouse and ate.(steak tips) Then decided to check out the honda/sizuki/yamaha dealership on the parkway(no, I don't tease myself with the Harley dealership). I got approved for financing but wouldn't let them talk me into a new bike, although yamaha has an 1100 custom for $8700.00. Saw a used honda with custom pipes, sissy bar, nice white walls in excellent condition for $5500.00. Also brought home a steak dinner for Darlene and then pleaded my case for a bike.
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Originally posted by Sixpence
Well, waited about 45 min, then walked across the street to the clubhouse and ate.(steak tips) Then decided to check out the honda/sizuki/yamaha dealership on the parkway(no, I don't tease myself with the Harley dealership). I got approved for financing but wouldn't let them talk me into a new bike, although yamaha has an 1100 custom for $8700.00. Saw a used honda with custom pipes, sissy bar, nice white walls in excellent condition for $5500.00. Also brought home a steak dinner for Darlene and then pleaded my case for a bike.
Again, pick a day and time next week, we'll do lunch.
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I did, I got stood up. But I ate good. I'll be having a BBQ soon, i'll invite you. Gonna try the marinade myself(floramos and the clubhouse are owned by the same). I found the marinade online. It is used at the Newbridge in everett also. I used to go there many years ago, but they became skimpy on the portions.
http://members.tripod.com/~Knox/so.html
Scroll down to floramo's marinade.
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Originally posted by Sixpence
I did, I got stood up. But I ate good. I'll be having a BBQ soon, i'll invite you. Gonna try the marinade myself(floramos and the clubhouse are owned by the same). I found the marinade online. It is used at the Newbridge in everett also. I used to go there many years ago, but they became skimpy on the portions.
http://members.tripod.com/~Knox/so.html
Scroll down to floramo's marinade.
Originally posted by Sixpence
Democrat here, got something to say to me, you can say it at the con.
uh, as I thought.
Thrust the chest, then haul ass.
Keep the bravado at home, please.
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Huh? I went there, where you? I'll drive down there right now again if you will show this time.
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Originally posted by Sixpence
Huh? I went there, where you? I'll drive down there right now again if you will show this time.
as I said, give me some notice, I don't live that close.
Give me a day and time.
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Right now. BTW i'll leave the bravado at home if you leave the cowardly name calling at home
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Originally posted by Sixpence
Right now
tomorrow 1 pm.
like i said, more than once, I don't live close.
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Right on.
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excellent, tomorrow, 1pm, in chelsea.
I'll be in a gold Jaguar or a silver BMW
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Ok you two... put the testosterone down... and back away slowly!! :D
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(in best arnold voice) It's not a Tumor!
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Six...
If you had walked in Oz's shoes, you wouldn't bring up anything about him....some days are not good ones for him and I'm sure you had that discussion on one of them.
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I never brought up anything about him, he started calling me a moron(among other things) which I took exception to but did not say anything bad about him.
I'm not sure what shoes he walks in, but not alot of us lead a charmed life either. When I met Darlene I learned her son had duchenne MD. It's the worst kind(they usually don't live past the age of 20). When he was young he ran away. Our cities finest found him on a set of railroad tracks(not used thankfully)(and a big ty to the officers). They asked him why he was there. He said he was trying to get to disney world. He thought if he could get there he would be cured. It was a hard pill to swallow at first. For all of us. But as time went by Matt accepted his condition and made the most of his life, he even did 2 years of college. Through everything Matt was never hateful to anyone and never blamed anyone for his condition. I'm very proud of him.
I'm sorry if Oz may have a similar condition, I never meant to talk bad about him(I don't think I have). God bless.
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Understood.
This stupid BBS breeds misunderstanding. Wish I had never found it.
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Originally posted by Sixpence
Right on.
typical liberal
Yap yap yap yap.
Then no show.
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Then no show.
LoL.
I saw that one a mile away. :cool:
Now comes the spin....
Wab
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No show? We just got back from the clubhouse, stayed till the devils scored their second goal. You my friend, were the no show. My money says you never came close to the place.
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BTW, that's 2 wasted trips in 2 days.
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I take that back, the barmaid was cute. Wabbit, I made trip yesterday too, also have the receipt from the dinners I brought home, there's your spin.
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Originally posted by Sixpence
No show? We just got back from the clubhouse, stayed till the devils scored their second goal. You my friend, were the no show. My money says you never came close to the place.
*eye roll*
Spin all you want.
I know you weren't there.
You know you weren't there.
Wallow in your patheticness.
My point is proved, that's all I have to say on the subject. Spew your usual garbage for someone else. You've been outed.
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Let's see 2 friends, barmaid, receipt, I saw your no show coming. Same as yesterday, I can go there now too, but i'll probably make another wasted trip. Punch lives over in charlstown, maybe he can me me there for beer too. I'll ask him in the game. BTW, I haven't called anyone names of any kind, seems you the one talkin smack. OK, off to squad night.
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Originally posted by Sixpence
. It is used at the Newbridge in everett also. I used to go there many years ago, but they became skimpy on the portions.
http://members.tripod.com/~Knox/so.html
Scroll down to floramo's marinade.
Friggin' Newbridge ruled!!
Wicked good Tips!!
Is it gone now? When my wife and I lived in Medford, we'd go there all the time! Many years ago, and I live in KC now...so the Steak and BBQ got better for me!!
But the Newbridge was awesome..plus the portions were huge!
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I'd like to meet Funkedup for lunch some time because he has a really purty mouth.
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Originally posted by Stringer
Friggin' Newbridge ruled!!
Wicked good Tips!!
Is it gone now? When my wife and I lived in Medford, we'd go there all the time! Many years ago, and I live in KC now...so the Steak and BBQ got better for me!!
But the Newbridge was awesome..plus the portions were huge!
Oh yeah, the Newbridge is still there. Someone opened up a place right off the parkway(by mystic mall) and uses the same marinade. The Clubhouse cafe and Floramo's across the street(owned by same people). Floramo's is more elegant a setting where the clubhouse is more like a sports bar. The Newbridge got skimpy on portions so I tried the clubhouse, been going there ever since. Newbridge is still a good meal too I hear, haven't been there in a long time.
I noticed when I lived in Jax , Fl. that the south is BBQ country. BBQ pits everywhere. I love how they smoke the meats first. Stick to your ribs ribs. Good stuff.
Medfa!
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my noodles bigger then both of yours give it up!
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Originally posted by Frogm4n
my noodles bigger then both of yours give it up!
Where's Funkedup when you need him!(lol,boy, your gonna get roasted, release the hounds!)
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Originally posted by Sixpence
Medfa!
LOL!...yep Medfa!
We lived over by Bob's Catering and LaCascia (i know..i screwed the spelling on that one).
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I got in a pissing contest with a guy on Air Warrior once, and since he lived close he offered to come over and whip my bellybutton if I'd give him my address. I called him a few more names then gave him the address of some crazy bikers who lived down the street and sold crank for a living.
I stood out in my front yard to see if he'd show up and get killed by the bikers, but he never showed up- the chicken.
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Originally posted by Stringer
LOL!...yep Medfa!
We lived over by Bob's Catering and LaCascia (i know..i screwed the spelling on that one).
You should see it now, houses avg over a half million. I had a bid over there when I was a letter carrier. I should have stayed, I bet they make out like bandits at xmas.
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Hey Sixpence,
My Brother-in-law is a carrier in Belmont!
But for X-Mas..he'd make out better in Medfa for sure!
Since we moved out to the Midwest, my Mother-in-law (Italian) is force feeding him my shares of Pasta....hehe.
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Originally posted by Airhead
I got in a pissing contest with a guy on Air Warrior once, and since he lived close he offered to come over and whip my bellybutton if I'd give him my address. I called him a few more names then gave him the address of some crazy bikers who lived down the street and sold crank for a living.
I stood out in my front yard to see if he'd show up and get killed by the bikers, but he never showed up- the chicken.
LOL
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Originally posted by Airhead
I got in a pissing contest with a guy on Air Warrior once, and since he lived close he offered to come over and whip my bellybutton if I'd give him my address. I called him a few more names then gave him the address of some crazy bikers who lived down the street and sold crank for a living.
I stood out in my front yard to see if he'd show up and get killed by the bikers, but he never showed up- the chicken.
ROFL!!
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Rude wrote:
I believe Bush's next stop is Isreal....a boot on Isreals neck and a legitimate partner in Palestine will be necessary to foster some form of peace in that region.
I think the exact opposite will happen.
Bush is a self claimed born again Christian. He has massive support from the religious right and they're applying pressure on him.
For some thousand year, the second coming of Christ has been 'very close indeed'. And part of the big plan there is for the land of the Jews to belong to the Jews. In other words, the roadmap for Christ's return must be in place, and that means Israel sitting on that territory.
So not only does he have a very, very powerful Jewish lobby to satisfy - his own brothers and sisters in Christ will try to influence him to keep things as they are - or perhaps some more gains for the Israelis.
Say what you will - the Israelis have treated Palestinians appalingly bad. Sure they're muslims and aye, they got a good deal of true wackos there, but it is also true that there are hard working God fearing men and women there, being opressed by the Israelis. When I say opressed I am not referring to legitimate protective measures, but more to the settlements and all the grievous hurt and pain they bring with them.
No, Blair is gonna push Bush, but Bush is not going to listen. He focuses on one thing at a time and once something has settled in his mind he is too conservative to reevaluate the issue. it is a blessing at times (as in Churchill during war time) but a distinct disadvantage at other times when the situation is neither black nor white.
Only when the US puts sufficient and *real* pressure on Israel will there be peace in that region of the world. But with the political climate right now and the powerful lobbying groups in the US and the money-buys-influence-money-buys-votes system in the US, I think it is unlikely Bush will push something he really doesn't care that much about as long as it matches his personal religious faith.
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Well, my point was that the brightest guy is the guy who won't show up for a fight. Since both Sixpence and Martlet claimed to have been there I guess we can conclude neither one of them is very bright. :p
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Originally posted by Airhead
Well, my point was that the brightest guy is the guy who won't show up for a fight. Since both Sixpence and Martlet claimed to have been there I guess we can conclude neither one of them is very bright. :p
I guess that makes Saddam a genius, then.
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So if you're a Republican you're for the war and if you're a Democrat you're against the war? Seems pretty simplistic. Maybe it only applies to the ones that can't think for themselves?
You probably don't care but there are a lot of people around the world both for and against the US who haven't a clue what a Democrat or Republican is and could care less. Wonder how they decided which side to support without a political party telling them how to think.
bowser
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Originally posted by bowser
So if you're a Republican you're for the war and if you're a Democrat you're against the war? Seems pretty simplistic.
You probably don't care but there are a lot of people around the world both for and against the US who haven't a clue what a Democrat or Republican is and could care less. Wonder how they decided which side to support without a political party telling them how to think.
bowser
we simplify it to liberal and conservative in those cases.
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Originally posted by Airhead
Well, my point was that the brightest guy is the guy who won't show up for a fight. Since both Sixpence and Martlet claimed to have been there I guess we can conclude neither one of them is very bright. :p
Hey, I resemble that remark.
Well, I ate good. We had a good time. Although the bruins game was quite the comedown. (Us Pat Burns fans are conflicted)
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"...we simplify it to liberal and conservative in those cases....".
Just two different labels. Still applies. My point being, a person's political persuasion whether it be Democrat, liberal, conservative, whatever should have no bearing on whether they support a war or not...unless they can't think for themselves.
If you look outside the US, your labels just don't fit. It's much too complicated to be divided along partisan lines.
P.S. I always hear everybody saying how "liberal" the media is in the US. Yet from the coverage we see up here in Canada of the major networks, MSNBC and CNN, the media seems very gung ho and supportive of the war.
bowser
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Originally posted by bowser
"...we simplify it to liberal and conservative in those cases....".
Just two different labels. Still applies. My point being, a person's political persuasion whether it be Democrat, liberal, conservative, whatever should have no bearing on whether they support a war or not...unless they can't think for themselves.
bowser
Well said....................you hoser;)
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Originally posted by bowser
"...we simplify it to liberal and conservative in those cases....".
Just two different labels. Still applies. My point being, a person's political persuasion whether it be Democrat, liberal, conservative, whatever should have no bearing on whether they support a war or not...unless they can't think for themselves.
If you look outside the US, your labels just don't fit. It's much too complicated to be divided along partisan lines.
P.S. I always hear everybody saying how "liberal" the media is in the US. Yet from the coverage we see up here in Canada of the major networks, MSNBC and CNN, the media seems very gung ho and supportive of the war.
bowser
I agree, but that isn't what you originally said.
Originally posted by bowser
So if you're a Republican you're for the war and if you're a Democrat you're against the war? Seems pretty simplistic. Maybe it only applies to the ones that can't think for themselves?
You probably don't care but there are a lot of people around the world both for and against the US who haven't a clue what a Democrat or Republican is and could care less. Wonder how they decided which side to support without a political party telling them how to think.
bowser
In answer to your original question, you can be Liberal or Conservative without living in the US.
Not all Liberals oppose the war, and not all Conservatives are for it, though.
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Originally posted by StSanta
Rude wrote:
I think the exact opposite will happen.
Bush is a self claimed born again Christian. He has massive support from the religious right and they're applying pressure on him.
For some thousand year, the second coming of Christ has been 'very close indeed'. And part of the big plan there is for the land of the Jews to belong to the Jews. In other words, the roadmap for Christ's return must be in place, and that means Israel sitting on that territory.
So not only does he have a very, very powerful Jewish lobby to satisfy - his own brothers and sisters in Christ will try to influence him to keep things as they are - or perhaps some more gains for the Israelis.
Say what you will - the Israelis have treated Palestinians appalingly bad. Sure they're muslims and aye, they got a good deal of true wackos there, but it is also true that there are hard working God fearing men and women there, being opressed by the Israelis. When I say opressed I am not referring to legitimate protective measures, but more to the settlements and all the grievous hurt and pain they bring with them.
No, Blair is gonna push Bush, but Bush is not going to listen. He focuses on one thing at a time and once something has settled in his mind he is too conservative to reevaluate the issue. it is a blessing at times (as in Churchill during war time) but a distinct disadvantage at other times when the situation is neither black nor white.
Only when the US puts sufficient and *real* pressure on Israel will there be peace in that region of the world. But with the political climate right now and the powerful lobbying groups in the US and the money-buys-influence-money-buys-votes system in the US, I think it is unlikely Bush will push something he really doesn't care that much about as long as it matches his personal religious faith.
Much of what you said is true about those who might pressure him....what you don't realize is that he is not motivated by winning in 04, but rather in doing what is right concerning both Isreal and the Palestinians. He want's real change and will give Isreal some choices as well as the Palestinians....so does that mean he will turn his back on Isreal....never. There is a difference between betraying an ally and convincing them of a better way.
He mentioned this effort and committment to that region before one American combat boot ever touched Iraqi soil....stand back and watch....change is coming and it will be peaceful for the most part. Does that mean both parties get all they want? No....both will compromise as Sharon has already stated a few days back....a more meaningful peace will result and for the first time in my memory, the Palestinian people will get a chance at a real future. Arafat is the real enemy of Palestine....he is a crook and is dishonest....never did he want a real peace....rather he want's Isreal gone and breeds hate amongst his people.
If I'm wrong, I'll come back here and admit it....will you?:)
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"....so does that mean he will turn his back on Isreal....never"
Absolutely, we've relied on Ireali intelligence for a long time. When you are surrounded by enemies like they are, you'de better have good intelligence, or you won't be around too long.
That being said, if Bush can succeed in creating a palestinian state, he can go a long way towards peace. Not to mention cementing his place in history. One big sticking point is Jerusalem. Which brings me to this question. I'm not familiar with the region, but is it possible for Jerusalem to be part of a neutral border between Isreal and a palestinian state? I mean, if Jerusalem is the center of the universe for all religions, should it belong to anyone? Maybe i'm not being a realist, but when I was a kid, if we couldn't share a toy, no one got to play with it. Just a thought.
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Will do Rude, that's fair enough.
I somehow doubt that a President will be thinking more about what is Right than he will about reelection. If Bush does indeed do this, then there are tons of people that'll push him to reconsider since *their* jobs are on the line as well.
Bush is in an advantageous situaton to settle things right now. Twice has the American might been demonstrated to the world. Internationally, everyone knows Americans are angry and fed up and in no mood to hear any bull****e. If he elects to use the momentum he has built, peace between Israelis and Palestinians can be achieved.
I very much hope yer right bud. FWIW, Bush has proven himself to be more autonomous and less of a puppet than what I expected him to be. If he has enough control remains to be seen - I suspect there is a lot of tugging and showing going on in the background.
I'll just hope for the best.
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over 70% approval rating