EY in trouble in America!
Follow the news, it's been kept quiet over here so far.
SEC seeks ban on Ernst & Young
The securities and exchange commission is seeking to ban accounting firm Ernst & Young from taking any new clients for six months in what is seen as further evidence of US officials cracking down on corporate wrongdoing.
EY would be going the same road as Anderson, if this were to happen....
Saturday, May 31, 2003
Bush on Polish TV
"We found the weapons of mass destruction. We found biological laboratories . . . and we'll find more weapons as time goes on. But for those who say we haven't found the banned manufacturing devices or banned weapons, we found them."
The bloody NERVE of the man!!!
What they found, all they found so far, was this: CIA officials Wednesday said U.S. troops in Iraq had found two mobile laboratories that analysts concluded were intended to make biological weapons, but they said the labs contained no evidence that the Iraqis had actually produced such weapons.
Go home Bush, keep your campaign of disinformation inside the USA, dont export it out here!
"We found the weapons of mass destruction. We found biological laboratories . . . and we'll find more weapons as time goes on. But for those who say we haven't found the banned manufacturing devices or banned weapons, we found them."
The bloody NERVE of the man!!!
What they found, all they found so far, was this: CIA officials Wednesday said U.S. troops in Iraq had found two mobile laboratories that analysts concluded were intended to make biological weapons, but they said the labs contained no evidence that the Iraqis had actually produced such weapons.
Go home Bush, keep your campaign of disinformation inside the USA, dont export it out here!
Bush on Polish TV
"We found the weapons of mass destruction. We found biological laboratories . . . and we'll find more weapons as time goes on. But for those who say we haven't found the banned manufacturing devices or banned weapons, we found them."
The bloody NERVE of the man!!!
What they found, all they found so far, was this: CIA officials Wednesday said U.S. troops in Iraq had found two mobile laboratories that analysts concluded were intended to make biological weapons, but they said the labs contained no evidence that the Iraqis had actually produced such weapons.
Go home Bush, keep your campaign of disinformation inside the USA, dont export it out here!
"We found the weapons of mass destruction. We found biological laboratories . . . and we'll find more weapons as time goes on. But for those who say we haven't found the banned manufacturing devices or banned weapons, we found them."
The bloody NERVE of the man!!!
What they found, all they found so far, was this: CIA officials Wednesday said U.S. troops in Iraq had found two mobile laboratories that analysts concluded were intended to make biological weapons, but they said the labs contained no evidence that the Iraqis had actually produced such weapons.
Go home Bush, keep your campaign of disinformation inside the USA, dont export it out here!
Bush
So, Bush is in Europe and wants to look ahead... that is so nice for him.
I'm not planning to sweep everything under the carpet though, and most folks here feel the same.
We are not stupid children here, we understand completely what went on. Iraq was like an object lesson for us. We are to be compliant and follow the US in everything, even if it is plainly not the right thing to do. Even if the US actions are solely governed by lust for power and money.
NO!
I wont forget. I am not ready to look ahead yet. I am still looking back.
Start answering questions, America.
Start justifying yourself.
Our politicians better take notice too, these are not the middle ages and we are not uninformed, uneducated and unwashed peasants.
If you decided to take the road of least resistance remember this at the next elections.
For me, Iraq was the straw that broke the camel's back.
America invading Iraq was not OK in my book: threatening, blackmailing and bullying their allies to force compliance was not OK, not meeting your obligations as an occupying force was not OK, showing open greed and utter moral corruption in the aftermath of the invasion by scrambling like hungry lepers after the oil is not OK, not allowing the UN (weapons inspectors, peace keepers, aid agencies) in after the invasion is not OK, trying to whitewash the reason for going to war (Wolfowitz: "For bureaucratic reasons we settled on one issue, weapons of mass destruction, because it was the one reason everyone could agree on.") is not OK, coercing your intelligence to be corrupted is not OK, threatening France (actually having meetings to figure out how you can make them pay for not supporting you) is not OK, badmouthing France (yes, we make jokes about the French but that is different from acting heads of state behaving like bullies on the playground) and then coming over here and saying you want to look forward..... NO! this is NOT OK!
Oh, and dont try to blame it all on Ahmed Chalabi and his Iraqi National Congress. Those Iraqui exiles had good reason to slant their information or to feed you wrong information - they wanted the US's help in overthrowing Saddam. That was quite understandable and can even be argued for (the lesser of the two evils) - I suspect I would have done the same, were I in his shoes. If you however choose to believe their intel as if it were gospel and plan your war accordingly, you are beyond naive.
So, Bush is in Europe and wants to look ahead... that is so nice for him.
I'm not planning to sweep everything under the carpet though, and most folks here feel the same.
We are not stupid children here, we understand completely what went on. Iraq was like an object lesson for us. We are to be compliant and follow the US in everything, even if it is plainly not the right thing to do. Even if the US actions are solely governed by lust for power and money.
NO!
I wont forget. I am not ready to look ahead yet. I am still looking back.
Start answering questions, America.
Start justifying yourself.
Our politicians better take notice too, these are not the middle ages and we are not uninformed, uneducated and unwashed peasants.
If you decided to take the road of least resistance remember this at the next elections.
For me, Iraq was the straw that broke the camel's back.
America invading Iraq was not OK in my book: threatening, blackmailing and bullying their allies to force compliance was not OK, not meeting your obligations as an occupying force was not OK, showing open greed and utter moral corruption in the aftermath of the invasion by scrambling like hungry lepers after the oil is not OK, not allowing the UN (weapons inspectors, peace keepers, aid agencies) in after the invasion is not OK, trying to whitewash the reason for going to war (Wolfowitz: "For bureaucratic reasons we settled on one issue, weapons of mass destruction, because it was the one reason everyone could agree on.") is not OK, coercing your intelligence to be corrupted is not OK, threatening France (actually having meetings to figure out how you can make them pay for not supporting you) is not OK, badmouthing France (yes, we make jokes about the French but that is different from acting heads of state behaving like bullies on the playground) and then coming over here and saying you want to look forward..... NO! this is NOT OK!
Oh, and dont try to blame it all on Ahmed Chalabi and his Iraqi National Congress. Those Iraqui exiles had good reason to slant their information or to feed you wrong information - they wanted the US's help in overthrowing Saddam. That was quite understandable and can even be argued for (the lesser of the two evils) - I suspect I would have done the same, were I in his shoes. If you however choose to believe their intel as if it were gospel and plan your war accordingly, you are beyond naive.
Bush
So, Bush is in Europe and wants to look ahead... that is so nice for him.
I'm not planning to sweep everything under the carpet though, and most folks here feel the same.
We are not stupid children here, we understand completely what went on. Iraq was like an object lesson for us. We are to be compliant and follow the US in everything, even if it is plainly not the right thing to do. Even if the US actions are solely governed by lust for power and money.
NO!
I wont forget. I am not ready to look ahead yet. I am still looking back.
Start answering questions, America.
Start justifying yourself.
Our politicians better take notice too, these are not the middle ages and we are not uninformed, uneducated and unwashed peasants.
If you decided to take the road of least resistance remember this at the next elections.
For me, Iraq was the straw that broke the camel's back.
America invading Iraq was not OK in my book: threatening, blackmailing and bullying their allies to force compliance was not OK, not meeting your obligations as an occupying force was not OK, showing open greed and utter moral corruption in the aftermath of the invasion by scrambling like hungry lepers after the oil is not OK, not allowing the UN (weapons inspectors, peace keepers, aid agencies) in after the invasion is not OK, trying to whitewash the reason for going to war (Wolfowitz: "For bureaucratic reasons we settled on one issue, weapons of mass destruction, because it was the one reason everyone could agree on.") is not OK, coercing your intelligence to be corrupted is not OK, threatening France (actually having meetings to figure out how you can make them pay for not supporting you) is not OK, badmouthing France (yes, we make jokes about the French but that is different from acting heads of state behaving like bullies on the playground) and then coming over here and saying you want to look forward..... NO! this is NOT OK!
Oh, and dont try to blame it all on Ahmed Chalabi and his Iraqi National Congress. Those Iraqui exiles had good reason to slant their information or to feed you wrong information - they wanted the US's help in overthrowing Saddam. That was quite understandable and can even be argued for (the lesser of the two evils) - I suspect I would have done the same, were I in his shoes. If you however choose to believe their intel as if it were gospel and plan your war accordingly, you are beyond naive.
So, Bush is in Europe and wants to look ahead... that is so nice for him.
I'm not planning to sweep everything under the carpet though, and most folks here feel the same.
We are not stupid children here, we understand completely what went on. Iraq was like an object lesson for us. We are to be compliant and follow the US in everything, even if it is plainly not the right thing to do. Even if the US actions are solely governed by lust for power and money.
NO!
I wont forget. I am not ready to look ahead yet. I am still looking back.
Start answering questions, America.
Start justifying yourself.
Our politicians better take notice too, these are not the middle ages and we are not uninformed, uneducated and unwashed peasants.
If you decided to take the road of least resistance remember this at the next elections.
For me, Iraq was the straw that broke the camel's back.
America invading Iraq was not OK in my book: threatening, blackmailing and bullying their allies to force compliance was not OK, not meeting your obligations as an occupying force was not OK, showing open greed and utter moral corruption in the aftermath of the invasion by scrambling like hungry lepers after the oil is not OK, not allowing the UN (weapons inspectors, peace keepers, aid agencies) in after the invasion is not OK, trying to whitewash the reason for going to war (Wolfowitz: "For bureaucratic reasons we settled on one issue, weapons of mass destruction, because it was the one reason everyone could agree on.") is not OK, coercing your intelligence to be corrupted is not OK, threatening France (actually having meetings to figure out how you can make them pay for not supporting you) is not OK, badmouthing France (yes, we make jokes about the French but that is different from acting heads of state behaving like bullies on the playground) and then coming over here and saying you want to look forward..... NO! this is NOT OK!
Oh, and dont try to blame it all on Ahmed Chalabi and his Iraqi National Congress. Those Iraqui exiles had good reason to slant their information or to feed you wrong information - they wanted the US's help in overthrowing Saddam. That was quite understandable and can even be argued for (the lesser of the two evils) - I suspect I would have done the same, were I in his shoes. If you however choose to believe their intel as if it were gospel and plan your war accordingly, you are beyond naive.
Friday, May 30, 2003
And off they go again!!!!!
This week America's poster boy for evil is once more Iran. America calling for countries to sever nuclear ties, allegations fly left, right and centre about Iran meddling in the affairs of Iraq, about Iran harbouring, aiding and abetting Al Quaeda... Iran is making the terrible mistake of simply being there at all...
There are old scores to be settled and many itchy trigger fingers in the Pentagon. The neocons (hell, they have practically hijacked the US government, why pretend it's Bush's thinking!!) probably want to isolate Iran and try to whip up a little "popular uprising" but if that does not work and the elections keep coming closer and the polls are unfavourable to Bush, it is entirely conceivable that they carry out their plan to "assist" the Iranian "freedom fighters in exile" to "overthrow a corrupt and repressive government" and install the son of the former Shah in his "rightful place of exploitation and obeisance to the USA", just like his dad... This has all the potential of becoming a sodding huge mess! Worse than Afghanistan (which is to weep for right now) and Iraq (unspeakable!!!).
I am getting tired of explaining to folks: those nuclear reactors that Rumsfeld et al are so surprised about (what would a country awash in oil and gas want with nuclear power, they ask, faces all puzzled) - puleeeze! The nuclear program was started many, many moons ago by the former Shah, at the instigation of the USA. The IAEA will bring out it's report one of these days but the program has always been under supervision of IAEA... I am not discounting the possibility that they are trying to become a nuclear power but hey, this is only to be expected. There is such an unbalance in power in the world right now and America is not shy of using hers, it virtually forces smaller countries to build deterrents. You dont see the Americans rushing at North Korea now, do you? They try other means but they sure as hell are not going to try and invade them like they did Iraq!
As for Al Quaeda, most governments in that region are not too happy with Al Quaeda and would rather see them go, Iran included. This is why Al Quaeda is so popular with the man in the street over there, because they see corruption - be it American or Arab - and speak out against it... and do something against it. They are the only group in the world, really, who is actively standing up to the Americans, which makes them utter heroes in the eyes of the people in the Arab world. Their methods suck but they are supremely successful so this will be going on for quite a while longer, I'm afraid. Iran is also afraid, they want no part of these zealots. Which is why they arrest and deport Al Quaeda members. And instead of getting a pat on the back from the Americans, they get this barrage of abuse from the war barracuda's.
[RANT] I am most definitely not a fan of the Iranian government, in fact I'm not a fan of any of the governments in the region, but I believe the Iranians themselves are more than capable of deciding for themselves what government they want and how they want it, without outside interference. It is because of outside (read: American) interference that the situation in Iran is the way it is today. How many more dictatorships and totalitarian regimes must America install in the world to protect her interests?? Enough is enough!!! If they would only stop doing so, they would probably find that their interests are served just as well. Money always finds a way...[/RANT]
America should really learn some diplomacy, I think if they try it, they would be surprised at how easily works! Instead of ordering their troops to ransack the Palestinian Authority's diplomatic mission in Baghdad and arrest 11 people!! They arrested the diplomats!!!!!!!!!!
The US State Department declared that foreign diplomats in Iraq do not have normal diplomatic immunity against searches and seizures because there is no Iraqi government to accredit them.
UnFRIGGINGbelievable!!!
This week America's poster boy for evil is once more Iran. America calling for countries to sever nuclear ties, allegations fly left, right and centre about Iran meddling in the affairs of Iraq, about Iran harbouring, aiding and abetting Al Quaeda... Iran is making the terrible mistake of simply being there at all...
There are old scores to be settled and many itchy trigger fingers in the Pentagon. The neocons (hell, they have practically hijacked the US government, why pretend it's Bush's thinking!!) probably want to isolate Iran and try to whip up a little "popular uprising" but if that does not work and the elections keep coming closer and the polls are unfavourable to Bush, it is entirely conceivable that they carry out their plan to "assist" the Iranian "freedom fighters in exile" to "overthrow a corrupt and repressive government" and install the son of the former Shah in his "rightful place of exploitation and obeisance to the USA", just like his dad... This has all the potential of becoming a sodding huge mess! Worse than Afghanistan (which is to weep for right now) and Iraq (unspeakable!!!).
I am getting tired of explaining to folks: those nuclear reactors that Rumsfeld et al are so surprised about (what would a country awash in oil and gas want with nuclear power, they ask, faces all puzzled) - puleeeze! The nuclear program was started many, many moons ago by the former Shah, at the instigation of the USA. The IAEA will bring out it's report one of these days but the program has always been under supervision of IAEA... I am not discounting the possibility that they are trying to become a nuclear power but hey, this is only to be expected. There is such an unbalance in power in the world right now and America is not shy of using hers, it virtually forces smaller countries to build deterrents. You dont see the Americans rushing at North Korea now, do you? They try other means but they sure as hell are not going to try and invade them like they did Iraq!
As for Al Quaeda, most governments in that region are not too happy with Al Quaeda and would rather see them go, Iran included. This is why Al Quaeda is so popular with the man in the street over there, because they see corruption - be it American or Arab - and speak out against it... and do something against it. They are the only group in the world, really, who is actively standing up to the Americans, which makes them utter heroes in the eyes of the people in the Arab world. Their methods suck but they are supremely successful so this will be going on for quite a while longer, I'm afraid. Iran is also afraid, they want no part of these zealots. Which is why they arrest and deport Al Quaeda members. And instead of getting a pat on the back from the Americans, they get this barrage of abuse from the war barracuda's.
[RANT] I am most definitely not a fan of the Iranian government, in fact I'm not a fan of any of the governments in the region, but I believe the Iranians themselves are more than capable of deciding for themselves what government they want and how they want it, without outside interference. It is because of outside (read: American) interference that the situation in Iran is the way it is today. How many more dictatorships and totalitarian regimes must America install in the world to protect her interests?? Enough is enough!!! If they would only stop doing so, they would probably find that their interests are served just as well. Money always finds a way...[/RANT]
America should really learn some diplomacy, I think if they try it, they would be surprised at how easily works! Instead of ordering their troops to ransack the Palestinian Authority's diplomatic mission in Baghdad and arrest 11 people!! They arrested the diplomats!!!!!!!!!!
The US State Department declared that foreign diplomats in Iraq do not have normal diplomatic immunity against searches and seizures because there is no Iraqi government to accredit them.
UnFRIGGINGbelievable!!!
And off they go again!!!!!
This week America's poster boy for evil is once more Iran. America calling for countries to sever nuclear ties, allegations fly left, right and centre about Iran meddling in the affairs of Iraq, about Iran harbouring, aiding and abetting Al Quaeda... Iran is making the terrible mistake of simply being there at all...
There are old scores to be settled and many itchy trigger fingers in the Pentagon. The neocons (hell, they have practically hijacked the US government, why pretend it's Bush's thinking!!) probably want to isolate Iran and try to whip up a little "popular uprising" but if that does not work and the elections keep coming closer and the polls are unfavourable to Bush, it is entirely conceivable that they carry out their plan to "assist" the Iranian "freedom fighters in exile" to "overthrow a corrupt and repressive government" and install the son of the former Shah in his "rightful place of exploitation and obeisance to the USA", just like his dad... This has all the potential of becoming a sodding huge mess! Worse than Afghanistan (which is to weep for right now) and Iraq (unspeakable!!!).
I am getting tired of explaining to folks: those nuclear reactors that Rumsfeld et al are so surprised about (what would a country awash in oil and gas want with nuclear power, they ask, faces all puzzled) - puleeeze! The nuclear program was started many, many moons ago by the former Shah, at the instigation of the USA. The IAEA will bring out it's report one of these days but the program has always been under supervision of IAEA... I am not discounting the possibility that they are trying to become a nuclear power but hey, this is only to be expected. There is such an unbalance in power in the world right now and America is not shy of using hers, it virtually forces smaller countries to build deterrents. You dont see the Americans rushing at North Korea now, do you? They try other means but they sure as hell are not going to try and invade them like they did Iraq!
As for Al Quaeda, most governments in that region are not too happy with Al Quaeda and would rather see them go, Iran included. This is why Al Quaeda is so popular with the man in the street over there, because they see corruption - be it American or Arab - and speak out against it... and do something against it. They are the only group in the world, really, who is actively standing up to the Americans, which makes them utter heroes in the eyes of the people in the Arab world. Their methods suck but they are supremely successful so this will be going on for quite a while longer, I'm afraid. Iran is also afraid, they want no part of these zealots. Which is why they arrest and deport Al Quaeda members. And instead of getting a pat on the back from the Americans, they get this barrage of abuse from the war barracuda's.
[RANT] I am most definitely not a fan of the Iranian government, in fact I'm not a fan of any of the governments in the region, but I believe the Iranians themselves are more than capable of deciding for themselves what government they want and how they want it, without outside interference. It is because of outside (read: American) interference that the situation in Iran is the way it is today. How many more dictatorships and totalitarian regimes must America install in the world to protect her interests?? Enough is enough!!! If they would only stop doing so, they would probably find that their interests are served just as well. Money always finds a way...[/RANT]
America should really learn some diplomacy, I think if they try it, they would be surprised at how easily works! Instead of ordering their troops to ransack the Palestinian Authority's diplomatic mission in Baghdad and arrest 11 people!! They arrested the diplomats!!!!!!!!!!
The US State Department declared that foreign diplomats in Iraq do not have normal diplomatic immunity against searches and seizures because there is no Iraqi government to accredit them.
UnFRIGGINGbelievable!!!
This week America's poster boy for evil is once more Iran. America calling for countries to sever nuclear ties, allegations fly left, right and centre about Iran meddling in the affairs of Iraq, about Iran harbouring, aiding and abetting Al Quaeda... Iran is making the terrible mistake of simply being there at all...
There are old scores to be settled and many itchy trigger fingers in the Pentagon. The neocons (hell, they have practically hijacked the US government, why pretend it's Bush's thinking!!) probably want to isolate Iran and try to whip up a little "popular uprising" but if that does not work and the elections keep coming closer and the polls are unfavourable to Bush, it is entirely conceivable that they carry out their plan to "assist" the Iranian "freedom fighters in exile" to "overthrow a corrupt and repressive government" and install the son of the former Shah in his "rightful place of exploitation and obeisance to the USA", just like his dad... This has all the potential of becoming a sodding huge mess! Worse than Afghanistan (which is to weep for right now) and Iraq (unspeakable!!!).
I am getting tired of explaining to folks: those nuclear reactors that Rumsfeld et al are so surprised about (what would a country awash in oil and gas want with nuclear power, they ask, faces all puzzled) - puleeeze! The nuclear program was started many, many moons ago by the former Shah, at the instigation of the USA. The IAEA will bring out it's report one of these days but the program has always been under supervision of IAEA... I am not discounting the possibility that they are trying to become a nuclear power but hey, this is only to be expected. There is such an unbalance in power in the world right now and America is not shy of using hers, it virtually forces smaller countries to build deterrents. You dont see the Americans rushing at North Korea now, do you? They try other means but they sure as hell are not going to try and invade them like they did Iraq!
As for Al Quaeda, most governments in that region are not too happy with Al Quaeda and would rather see them go, Iran included. This is why Al Quaeda is so popular with the man in the street over there, because they see corruption - be it American or Arab - and speak out against it... and do something against it. They are the only group in the world, really, who is actively standing up to the Americans, which makes them utter heroes in the eyes of the people in the Arab world. Their methods suck but they are supremely successful so this will be going on for quite a while longer, I'm afraid. Iran is also afraid, they want no part of these zealots. Which is why they arrest and deport Al Quaeda members. And instead of getting a pat on the back from the Americans, they get this barrage of abuse from the war barracuda's.
[RANT] I am most definitely not a fan of the Iranian government, in fact I'm not a fan of any of the governments in the region, but I believe the Iranians themselves are more than capable of deciding for themselves what government they want and how they want it, without outside interference. It is because of outside (read: American) interference that the situation in Iran is the way it is today. How many more dictatorships and totalitarian regimes must America install in the world to protect her interests?? Enough is enough!!! If they would only stop doing so, they would probably find that their interests are served just as well. Money always finds a way...[/RANT]
America should really learn some diplomacy, I think if they try it, they would be surprised at how easily works! Instead of ordering their troops to ransack the Palestinian Authority's diplomatic mission in Baghdad and arrest 11 people!! They arrested the diplomats!!!!!!!!!!
The US State Department declared that foreign diplomats in Iraq do not have normal diplomatic immunity against searches and seizures because there is no Iraqi government to accredit them.
UnFRIGGINGbelievable!!!
Thursday, May 29, 2003
America at it's most narrow-minded!
New York Times reporter Chris Hedges had been asked to deliver a speech speech at the Rockford College's graduation ceremony. He gave an speech on the feelings of brotherhood created by war, the content of which should not have been too surprising to the graduates or to their family.
Well, the audience behaved very badly from the get-go, shouting him down, yelling slogans, using horns to drown him out - three students actually stormed the stage! His mike was cut twice but hooked up again after a few minutes. Some students cried, others walked out. Afterwards, Hedges had to be escorted from campus under protection of campus security.
That story in itself shows up the superpatriot laager mentality quite well, as does the newspaper headline of the local paper: Speaker disrupts RC graduation (actually, some members of the audience disrupted the graduation ceremony, Hedges was simply doing what he had been invited to do: give a speech).
If you want a really frightening look at the mood and mindset of middle America, have a look at the posts on this forum of the local Rockford paper.
Read the views and xenophobic beliefs held by many in this community, views and beliefs which they wish to export to the rest of the world with evangelical fervour.
Read em and weep...
Chris Hedges was interviewed 4 days later over this debacle. He says: You know, as I looked out on the crowd, that is exactly what my book is about. It is about the suspension of individual conscience, and probably consciousness, for the contagion of the crowd for that euphoria that comes with patriotism. The tragedy is that - and I've seen it in conflict after conflict or society after society that plunges into war - with that kind of rabid nationalism comes racism and intolerance and a dehumanization of the other. And it's an emotional response. People find a kind of ecstasy, a kind of belonging, a kind of obliteration of their alienation in that patriotic fervor that always does come in war time.
As I gave my talk and I looked out on the crowd, I was essentially witnessing things that I had witnessed in the Plaza de Mayo in Argentina or in squares in Belgrade or anywhere else. Crowds, especially crowds that become hunting packs are very frightening. People chanted the kind of clichés and aphorisms and jingles that are handed to you by the state. ''God Bless America'' or people were chanting ''send him to France'' - this kind of stuff and that kind of contagion leads ultimately to tyranny, it's very dangerous and it has to be stopped. I've seen it in effect and take over countries. But of course, it breaks my heart when I see it in my country. That's essentially what I was looking at was in some ways a mirror of what I was trying to speak about. More here.
Who should we fear more, I wonder, Arab extremists or American extremists???
New York Times reporter Chris Hedges had been asked to deliver a speech speech at the Rockford College's graduation ceremony. He gave an speech on the feelings of brotherhood created by war, the content of which should not have been too surprising to the graduates or to their family.
Well, the audience behaved very badly from the get-go, shouting him down, yelling slogans, using horns to drown him out - three students actually stormed the stage! His mike was cut twice but hooked up again after a few minutes. Some students cried, others walked out. Afterwards, Hedges had to be escorted from campus under protection of campus security.
That story in itself shows up the superpatriot laager mentality quite well, as does the newspaper headline of the local paper: Speaker disrupts RC graduation (actually, some members of the audience disrupted the graduation ceremony, Hedges was simply doing what he had been invited to do: give a speech).
If you want a really frightening look at the mood and mindset of middle America, have a look at the posts on this forum of the local Rockford paper.
Read the views and xenophobic beliefs held by many in this community, views and beliefs which they wish to export to the rest of the world with evangelical fervour.
Read em and weep...
Chris Hedges was interviewed 4 days later over this debacle. He says: You know, as I looked out on the crowd, that is exactly what my book is about. It is about the suspension of individual conscience, and probably consciousness, for the contagion of the crowd for that euphoria that comes with patriotism. The tragedy is that - and I've seen it in conflict after conflict or society after society that plunges into war - with that kind of rabid nationalism comes racism and intolerance and a dehumanization of the other. And it's an emotional response. People find a kind of ecstasy, a kind of belonging, a kind of obliteration of their alienation in that patriotic fervor that always does come in war time.
As I gave my talk and I looked out on the crowd, I was essentially witnessing things that I had witnessed in the Plaza de Mayo in Argentina or in squares in Belgrade or anywhere else. Crowds, especially crowds that become hunting packs are very frightening. People chanted the kind of clichés and aphorisms and jingles that are handed to you by the state. ''God Bless America'' or people were chanting ''send him to France'' - this kind of stuff and that kind of contagion leads ultimately to tyranny, it's very dangerous and it has to be stopped. I've seen it in effect and take over countries. But of course, it breaks my heart when I see it in my country. That's essentially what I was looking at was in some ways a mirror of what I was trying to speak about. More here.
Who should we fear more, I wonder, Arab extremists or American extremists???
America at it's most narrow-minded!
New York Times reporter Chris Hedges had been asked to deliver a speech speech at the Rockford College's graduation ceremony. He gave an speech on the feelings of brotherhood created by war, the content of which should not have been too surprising to the graduates or to their family.
Well, the audience behaved very badly from the get-go, shouting him down, yelling slogans, using horns to drown him out - three students actually stormed the stage! His mike was cut twice but hooked up again after a few minutes. Some students cried, others walked out. Afterwards, Hedges had to be escorted from campus under protection of campus security.
That story in itself shows up the superpatriot laager mentality quite well, as does the newspaper headline of the local paper: Speaker disrupts RC graduation (actually, some members of the audience disrupted the graduation ceremony, Hedges was simply doing what he had been invited to do: give a speech).
If you want a really frightening look at the mood and mindset of middle America, have a look at the posts on this forum of the local Rockford paper.
Read the views and xenophobic beliefs held by many in this community, views and beliefs which they wish to export to the rest of the world with evangelical fervour.
Read em and weep...
Chris Hedges was interviewed 4 days later over this debacle. He says: You know, as I looked out on the crowd, that is exactly what my book is about. It is about the suspension of individual conscience, and probably consciousness, for the contagion of the crowd for that euphoria that comes with patriotism. The tragedy is that - and I've seen it in conflict after conflict or society after society that plunges into war - with that kind of rabid nationalism comes racism and intolerance and a dehumanization of the other. And it's an emotional response. People find a kind of ecstasy, a kind of belonging, a kind of obliteration of their alienation in that patriotic fervor that always does come in war time.
As I gave my talk and I looked out on the crowd, I was essentially witnessing things that I had witnessed in the Plaza de Mayo in Argentina or in squares in Belgrade or anywhere else. Crowds, especially crowds that become hunting packs are very frightening. People chanted the kind of clichés and aphorisms and jingles that are handed to you by the state. ''God Bless America'' or people were chanting ''send him to France'' - this kind of stuff and that kind of contagion leads ultimately to tyranny, it's very dangerous and it has to be stopped. I've seen it in effect and take over countries. But of course, it breaks my heart when I see it in my country. That's essentially what I was looking at was in some ways a mirror of what I was trying to speak about. More here.
Who should we fear more, I wonder, Arab extremists or American extremists???
New York Times reporter Chris Hedges had been asked to deliver a speech speech at the Rockford College's graduation ceremony. He gave an speech on the feelings of brotherhood created by war, the content of which should not have been too surprising to the graduates or to their family.
Well, the audience behaved very badly from the get-go, shouting him down, yelling slogans, using horns to drown him out - three students actually stormed the stage! His mike was cut twice but hooked up again after a few minutes. Some students cried, others walked out. Afterwards, Hedges had to be escorted from campus under protection of campus security.
That story in itself shows up the superpatriot laager mentality quite well, as does the newspaper headline of the local paper: Speaker disrupts RC graduation (actually, some members of the audience disrupted the graduation ceremony, Hedges was simply doing what he had been invited to do: give a speech).
If you want a really frightening look at the mood and mindset of middle America, have a look at the posts on this forum of the local Rockford paper.
Read the views and xenophobic beliefs held by many in this community, views and beliefs which they wish to export to the rest of the world with evangelical fervour.
Read em and weep...
Chris Hedges was interviewed 4 days later over this debacle. He says: You know, as I looked out on the crowd, that is exactly what my book is about. It is about the suspension of individual conscience, and probably consciousness, for the contagion of the crowd for that euphoria that comes with patriotism. The tragedy is that - and I've seen it in conflict after conflict or society after society that plunges into war - with that kind of rabid nationalism comes racism and intolerance and a dehumanization of the other. And it's an emotional response. People find a kind of ecstasy, a kind of belonging, a kind of obliteration of their alienation in that patriotic fervor that always does come in war time.
As I gave my talk and I looked out on the crowd, I was essentially witnessing things that I had witnessed in the Plaza de Mayo in Argentina or in squares in Belgrade or anywhere else. Crowds, especially crowds that become hunting packs are very frightening. People chanted the kind of clichés and aphorisms and jingles that are handed to you by the state. ''God Bless America'' or people were chanting ''send him to France'' - this kind of stuff and that kind of contagion leads ultimately to tyranny, it's very dangerous and it has to be stopped. I've seen it in effect and take over countries. But of course, it breaks my heart when I see it in my country. That's essentially what I was looking at was in some ways a mirror of what I was trying to speak about. More here.
Who should we fear more, I wonder, Arab extremists or American extremists???
Weapons of Mass Destruction
The Americans found them!!!!!!! They found evidence of weapons of mass destruction, including 100 vials of anthrax and other dangerous bacteria
Only problem, they did not find them in Iraq but at home, buried in a field 50 miles from Washington, near Fort Detrick in the Maryland countryside. These remnants of a Germ Warfare program were abandoned and forgotten.... very sloppy of the Americans!
Julian Borger in Washington, Wednesday May 28, 2003, The Guardian
The anthrax was a non-virulent strain, and the discoveries are apparently remnants of an abandoned germ warfare programme. They merited only a local news item in the Washington Post.
But suspicious finds in Iraq have made front-page news (before later being cleared), given the failure of US military inspection teams to find evidence of the weapons that were the justification for the March invasion.
Even more embarrassing for the Pentagon, there was no documentation about the various biological agents disposed of at the US bio-defence centre at Fort Detrick. Iraq's failure to come up with paperwork proving the destruction of its biological arsenal was portrayed by the US as evidence of deception in the run-up to the war.
More here
Shame on you, America, shame on you!
The Americans found them!!!!!!! They found evidence of weapons of mass destruction, including 100 vials of anthrax and other dangerous bacteria
Only problem, they did not find them in Iraq but at home, buried in a field 50 miles from Washington, near Fort Detrick in the Maryland countryside. These remnants of a Germ Warfare program were abandoned and forgotten.... very sloppy of the Americans!
Julian Borger in Washington, Wednesday May 28, 2003, The Guardian
The anthrax was a non-virulent strain, and the discoveries are apparently remnants of an abandoned germ warfare programme. They merited only a local news item in the Washington Post.
But suspicious finds in Iraq have made front-page news (before later being cleared), given the failure of US military inspection teams to find evidence of the weapons that were the justification for the March invasion.
Even more embarrassing for the Pentagon, there was no documentation about the various biological agents disposed of at the US bio-defence centre at Fort Detrick. Iraq's failure to come up with paperwork proving the destruction of its biological arsenal was portrayed by the US as evidence of deception in the run-up to the war.
More here
Shame on you, America, shame on you!
Weapons of Mass Destruction
The Americans found them!!!!!!! They found evidence of weapons of mass destruction, including 100 vials of anthrax and other dangerous bacteria
Only problem, they did not find them in Iraq but at home, buried in a field 50 miles from Washington, near Fort Detrick in the Maryland countryside. These remnants of a Germ Warfare program were abandoned and forgotten.... very sloppy of the Americans!
Julian Borger in Washington, Wednesday May 28, 2003, The Guardian
The anthrax was a non-virulent strain, and the discoveries are apparently remnants of an abandoned germ warfare programme. They merited only a local news item in the Washington Post.
But suspicious finds in Iraq have made front-page news (before later being cleared), given the failure of US military inspection teams to find evidence of the weapons that were the justification for the March invasion.
Even more embarrassing for the Pentagon, there was no documentation about the various biological agents disposed of at the US bio-defence centre at Fort Detrick. Iraq's failure to come up with paperwork proving the destruction of its biological arsenal was portrayed by the US as evidence of deception in the run-up to the war.
More here
Shame on you, America, shame on you!
The Americans found them!!!!!!! They found evidence of weapons of mass destruction, including 100 vials of anthrax and other dangerous bacteria
Only problem, they did not find them in Iraq but at home, buried in a field 50 miles from Washington, near Fort Detrick in the Maryland countryside. These remnants of a Germ Warfare program were abandoned and forgotten.... very sloppy of the Americans!
Julian Borger in Washington, Wednesday May 28, 2003, The Guardian
The anthrax was a non-virulent strain, and the discoveries are apparently remnants of an abandoned germ warfare programme. They merited only a local news item in the Washington Post.
But suspicious finds in Iraq have made front-page news (before later being cleared), given the failure of US military inspection teams to find evidence of the weapons that were the justification for the March invasion.
Even more embarrassing for the Pentagon, there was no documentation about the various biological agents disposed of at the US bio-defence centre at Fort Detrick. Iraq's failure to come up with paperwork proving the destruction of its biological arsenal was portrayed by the US as evidence of deception in the run-up to the war.
More here
Shame on you, America, shame on you!
Monday, May 26, 2003
South Africa
South African government is completely revamping the mining industry, top to bottom. Last year brought the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Act, followed shortly by an empowerment mining charter and a scorecard that would rate companies on how well they met the goals set out in the charter. One of the goals is that there should be 15% black ownership of South African mining assets within 5 years and 26% within 10 years.
A draft bill, released in March, has mining companies pay 3% - 8% of gross revenue to the state. This so-called money bill will give effect to the Mineral Act, which has been approved by Parliament but not yet passed into law.
I say well done, no country in the world has such disparity in income as South Africa. If they dont want to head in the same direction as Zimbabwe, this is the way to go. Things move slowly but steadily there, but it does move, and in the right direction!
South African government is completely revamping the mining industry, top to bottom. Last year brought the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Act, followed shortly by an empowerment mining charter and a scorecard that would rate companies on how well they met the goals set out in the charter. One of the goals is that there should be 15% black ownership of South African mining assets within 5 years and 26% within 10 years.
A draft bill, released in March, has mining companies pay 3% - 8% of gross revenue to the state. This so-called money bill will give effect to the Mineral Act, which has been approved by Parliament but not yet passed into law.
I say well done, no country in the world has such disparity in income as South Africa. If they dont want to head in the same direction as Zimbabwe, this is the way to go. Things move slowly but steadily there, but it does move, and in the right direction!
South Africa
South African government is completely revamping the mining industry, top to bottom. Last year brought the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Act, followed shortly by an empowerment mining charter and a scorecard that would rate companies on how well they met the goals set out in the charter. One of the goals is that there should be 15% black ownership of South African mining assets within 5 years and 26% within 10 years.
A draft bill, released in March, has mining companies pay 3% - 8% of gross revenue to the state. This so-called money bill will give effect to the Mineral Act, which has been approved by Parliament but not yet passed into law.
I say well done, no country in the world has such disparity in income as South Africa. If they dont want to head in the same direction as Zimbabwe, this is the way to go. Things move slowly but steadily there, but it does move, and in the right direction!
South African government is completely revamping the mining industry, top to bottom. Last year brought the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Act, followed shortly by an empowerment mining charter and a scorecard that would rate companies on how well they met the goals set out in the charter. One of the goals is that there should be 15% black ownership of South African mining assets within 5 years and 26% within 10 years.
A draft bill, released in March, has mining companies pay 3% - 8% of gross revenue to the state. This so-called money bill will give effect to the Mineral Act, which has been approved by Parliament but not yet passed into law.
I say well done, no country in the world has such disparity in income as South Africa. If they dont want to head in the same direction as Zimbabwe, this is the way to go. Things move slowly but steadily there, but it does move, and in the right direction!
Saturday, May 24, 2003
Korea:
Americans, SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!!
Please, you and Japan, SHUT UP!!! Stop PUSHING!!!
When North Korea warns of "Military Counteraction" I suspect they dont mean they will throw snowballs....
This is not a foe you can easily stomp on like the weakened Iraq, these folks can cause serious damage. And they will!!!
Listen carefully: North Korea had nothing, NOTHING to do with 9-11.
Things were cautiously opening up for the first time in many, many bitter years, it requires a delicate touch and not American hubris!!! Whatever you do, do not threaten but gently encourage more and wider contact, entice them into interaction with the rest of the world... Rambo is not the way to go!
Americans, SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!!
Please, you and Japan, SHUT UP!!! Stop PUSHING!!!
When North Korea warns of "Military Counteraction" I suspect they dont mean they will throw snowballs....
This is not a foe you can easily stomp on like the weakened Iraq, these folks can cause serious damage. And they will!!!
Listen carefully: North Korea had nothing, NOTHING to do with 9-11.
Things were cautiously opening up for the first time in many, many bitter years, it requires a delicate touch and not American hubris!!! Whatever you do, do not threaten but gently encourage more and wider contact, entice them into interaction with the rest of the world... Rambo is not the way to go!
Korea:
Americans, SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!!
Please, you and Japan, SHUT UP!!! Stop PUSHING!!!
When North Korea warns of "Military Counteraction" I suspect they dont mean they will throw snowballs....
This is not a foe you can easily stomp on like the weakened Iraq, these folks can cause serious damage. And they will!!!
Listen carefully: North Korea had nothing, NOTHING to do with 9-11.
Things were cautiously opening up for the first time in many, many bitter years, it requires a delicate touch and not American hubris!!! Whatever you do, do not threaten but gently encourage more and wider contact, entice them into interaction with the rest of the world... Rambo is not the way to go!
Americans, SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!! SHUT UP!!!
Please, you and Japan, SHUT UP!!! Stop PUSHING!!!
When North Korea warns of "Military Counteraction" I suspect they dont mean they will throw snowballs....
This is not a foe you can easily stomp on like the weakened Iraq, these folks can cause serious damage. And they will!!!
Listen carefully: North Korea had nothing, NOTHING to do with 9-11.
Things were cautiously opening up for the first time in many, many bitter years, it requires a delicate touch and not American hubris!!! Whatever you do, do not threaten but gently encourage more and wider contact, entice them into interaction with the rest of the world... Rambo is not the way to go!
Iraq
"One of the biggest surprises for the Bush administration in postwar Iraq has been the rise of Shia religious power."
Oh really??!!
Wow, they must not have been reading blogs such as mine (there are many!) or listening to anything outside the big mainstream yes-nodders such as CNN or Fox. I fully expected this to happen: Robert Fisk and many respected journalists who know the region have been warning of nothing else before the US/UK invasion...
The Bush administration is trying to right this, they hired writer and scholar Noah Feldman (professor at the New York University School of Law) as an advisor. He wrote a book called "After Jihad: America and the Struggle for Islamic Democracy", is a specialist in constitutional law and a student of Islam. I'll read the book and see what kind of thoughts he has on the region, the description and this review sounds interesting. One interesting point: Noah Feldman is an Orthodox Jew, I wonder how the Iraqi people will take to him being an important advisor to the Bush team.
Meanwhile, the new US leadership in Baghdad wants the population to disarm. Please give me a few minutes to stop laughing... of course the Arabs of Iraq will not volunteer their arms to the Americans! Like hell they will! Only from their cold dead fingers, to quote the NRA...
The women of Iraq, like the rest of the Arab world, are not spoken of in the news. That is such a shame! They are losing more of their freedoms every day. This was one of the few Arab countries where women had relative freedom. I fear those days are over now.
"One of the biggest surprises for the Bush administration in postwar Iraq has been the rise of Shia religious power."
Oh really??!!
Wow, they must not have been reading blogs such as mine (there are many!) or listening to anything outside the big mainstream yes-nodders such as CNN or Fox. I fully expected this to happen: Robert Fisk and many respected journalists who know the region have been warning of nothing else before the US/UK invasion...
The Bush administration is trying to right this, they hired writer and scholar Noah Feldman (professor at the New York University School of Law) as an advisor. He wrote a book called "After Jihad: America and the Struggle for Islamic Democracy", is a specialist in constitutional law and a student of Islam. I'll read the book and see what kind of thoughts he has on the region, the description and this review sounds interesting. One interesting point: Noah Feldman is an Orthodox Jew, I wonder how the Iraqi people will take to him being an important advisor to the Bush team.
Meanwhile, the new US leadership in Baghdad wants the population to disarm. Please give me a few minutes to stop laughing... of course the Arabs of Iraq will not volunteer their arms to the Americans! Like hell they will! Only from their cold dead fingers, to quote the NRA...
The women of Iraq, like the rest of the Arab world, are not spoken of in the news. That is such a shame! They are losing more of their freedoms every day. This was one of the few Arab countries where women had relative freedom. I fear those days are over now.
Iraq
"One of the biggest surprises for the Bush administration in postwar Iraq has been the rise of Shia religious power."
Oh really??!!
Wow, they must not have been reading blogs such as mine (there are many!) or listening to anything outside the big mainstream yes-nodders such as CNN or Fox. I fully expected this to happen: Robert Fisk and many respected journalists who know the region have been warning of nothing else before the US/UK invasion...
The Bush administration is trying to right this, they hired writer and scholar Noah Feldman (professor at the New York University School of Law) as an advisor. He wrote a book called "After Jihad: America and the Struggle for Islamic Democracy", is a specialist in constitutional law and a student of Islam. I'll read the book and see what kind of thoughts he has on the region, the description and this review sounds interesting. One interesting point: Noah Feldman is an Orthodox Jew, I wonder how the Iraqi people will take to him being an important advisor to the Bush team.
Meanwhile, the new US leadership in Baghdad wants the population to disarm. Please give me a few minutes to stop laughing... of course the Arabs of Iraq will not volunteer their arms to the Americans! Like hell they will! Only from their cold dead fingers, to quote the NRA...
The women of Iraq, like the rest of the Arab world, are not spoken of in the news. That is such a shame! They are losing more of their freedoms every day. This was one of the few Arab countries where women had relative freedom. I fear those days are over now.
"One of the biggest surprises for the Bush administration in postwar Iraq has been the rise of Shia religious power."
Oh really??!!
Wow, they must not have been reading blogs such as mine (there are many!) or listening to anything outside the big mainstream yes-nodders such as CNN or Fox. I fully expected this to happen: Robert Fisk and many respected journalists who know the region have been warning of nothing else before the US/UK invasion...
The Bush administration is trying to right this, they hired writer and scholar Noah Feldman (professor at the New York University School of Law) as an advisor. He wrote a book called "After Jihad: America and the Struggle for Islamic Democracy", is a specialist in constitutional law and a student of Islam. I'll read the book and see what kind of thoughts he has on the region, the description and this review sounds interesting. One interesting point: Noah Feldman is an Orthodox Jew, I wonder how the Iraqi people will take to him being an important advisor to the Bush team.
Meanwhile, the new US leadership in Baghdad wants the population to disarm. Please give me a few minutes to stop laughing... of course the Arabs of Iraq will not volunteer their arms to the Americans! Like hell they will! Only from their cold dead fingers, to quote the NRA...
The women of Iraq, like the rest of the Arab world, are not spoken of in the news. That is such a shame! They are losing more of their freedoms every day. This was one of the few Arab countries where women had relative freedom. I fear those days are over now.
Sars
Taiwan is a holy mess and I dont trust reports from China. Seems Hong Kong has cleared up but I'm a pessimist, I know how this kind of organism acts... So do the epidemiologists in Canada. Sars has reappeared there: 25 new cases reported.
This is taking too long, at some point someone, somewhere, is going to have a lapse and the bug is going to get out. I suspect we have a permanent new companion for all the other ills that regularly lay the human race low. We will be seeing more of Sars in the future.
Taiwan is a holy mess and I dont trust reports from China. Seems Hong Kong has cleared up but I'm a pessimist, I know how this kind of organism acts... So do the epidemiologists in Canada. Sars has reappeared there: 25 new cases reported.
This is taking too long, at some point someone, somewhere, is going to have a lapse and the bug is going to get out. I suspect we have a permanent new companion for all the other ills that regularly lay the human race low. We will be seeing more of Sars in the future.
Sars
Taiwan is a holy mess and I dont trust reports from China. Seems Hong Kong has cleared up but I'm a pessimist, I know how this kind of organism acts... So do the epidemiologists in Canada. Sars has reappeared there: 25 new cases reported.
This is taking too long, at some point someone, somewhere, is going to have a lapse and the bug is going to get out. I suspect we have a permanent new companion for all the other ills that regularly lay the human race low. We will be seeing more of Sars in the future.
Taiwan is a holy mess and I dont trust reports from China. Seems Hong Kong has cleared up but I'm a pessimist, I know how this kind of organism acts... So do the epidemiologists in Canada. Sars has reappeared there: 25 new cases reported.
This is taking too long, at some point someone, somewhere, is going to have a lapse and the bug is going to get out. I suspect we have a permanent new companion for all the other ills that regularly lay the human race low. We will be seeing more of Sars in the future.
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Oh shit...
The Americans are actually going to do this: research and develop a new generation of low-yield and bunker-busting nuclear weapons, fondly called mini-nukes - like they are cute itty bitty little nukes! The reality is, they are about one third as strong as the bomb used on Hiroshima, which killed about 45,000. Nothing little about that!!
Rumsfeld says it's just research, not production... but why the hell research it if you dont plan to ever produce it. After spending all that money and building test models you can be damn sure they are going to produce those bombs... and find a reason to use them. Probably Osama (hell, the man is probably not even alive any more but sure as hell makes a fine bogeyman) or his organisation, which has enjoyed unprecedented media exposure (no marketing firm could ever have done as much for them as the US government) and, because of the fun and games in Iraq, huge numbers of volunteers and sympathisers. Destroying biotoxins or chemical agents was also mentioned - are they NUTS??? There are easier, safer ways of destroying dangerous materials, prominent weapons scientists have been warning this administration (An open letter yesterday by prominent weapons scientists says small nukes would actually be more likely to scatter biological or chemical agents than to incinerate them)!
The Americans better keep their big traps shut from now on when it comes to developing nukes, no way is the rest of the world simply going to do as they say, they are going to do as they do!
Oh shit, what a world are we making for our kids??? Battlefield nukes!!!
The Americans are actually going to do this: research and develop a new generation of low-yield and bunker-busting nuclear weapons, fondly called mini-nukes - like they are cute itty bitty little nukes! The reality is, they are about one third as strong as the bomb used on Hiroshima, which killed about 45,000. Nothing little about that!!
Rumsfeld says it's just research, not production... but why the hell research it if you dont plan to ever produce it. After spending all that money and building test models you can be damn sure they are going to produce those bombs... and find a reason to use them. Probably Osama (hell, the man is probably not even alive any more but sure as hell makes a fine bogeyman) or his organisation, which has enjoyed unprecedented media exposure (no marketing firm could ever have done as much for them as the US government) and, because of the fun and games in Iraq, huge numbers of volunteers and sympathisers. Destroying biotoxins or chemical agents was also mentioned - are they NUTS??? There are easier, safer ways of destroying dangerous materials, prominent weapons scientists have been warning this administration (An open letter yesterday by prominent weapons scientists says small nukes would actually be more likely to scatter biological or chemical agents than to incinerate them)!
The Americans better keep their big traps shut from now on when it comes to developing nukes, no way is the rest of the world simply going to do as they say, they are going to do as they do!
Oh shit, what a world are we making for our kids??? Battlefield nukes!!!
Oh shit...
The Americans are actually going to do this: research and develop a new generation of low-yield and bunker-busting nuclear weapons, fondly called mini-nukes - like they are cute itty bitty little nukes! The reality is, they are about one third as strong as the bomb used on Hiroshima, which killed about 45,000. Nothing little about that!!
Rumsfeld says it's just research, not production... but why the hell research it if you dont plan to ever produce it. After spending all that money and building test models you can be damn sure they are going to produce those bombs... and find a reason to use them. Probably Osama (hell, the man is probably not even alive any more but sure as hell makes a fine bogeyman) or his organisation, which has enjoyed unprecedented media exposure (no marketing firm could ever have done as much for them as the US government) and, because of the fun and games in Iraq, huge numbers of volunteers and sympathisers. Destroying biotoxins or chemical agents was also mentioned - are they NUTS??? There are easier, safer ways of destroying dangerous materials, prominent weapons scientists have been warning this administration (An open letter yesterday by prominent weapons scientists says small nukes would actually be more likely to scatter biological or chemical agents than to incinerate them)!
The Americans better keep their big traps shut from now on when it comes to developing nukes, no way is the rest of the world simply going to do as they say, they are going to do as they do!
Oh shit, what a world are we making for our kids??? Battlefield nukes!!!
The Americans are actually going to do this: research and develop a new generation of low-yield and bunker-busting nuclear weapons, fondly called mini-nukes - like they are cute itty bitty little nukes! The reality is, they are about one third as strong as the bomb used on Hiroshima, which killed about 45,000. Nothing little about that!!
Rumsfeld says it's just research, not production... but why the hell research it if you dont plan to ever produce it. After spending all that money and building test models you can be damn sure they are going to produce those bombs... and find a reason to use them. Probably Osama (hell, the man is probably not even alive any more but sure as hell makes a fine bogeyman) or his organisation, which has enjoyed unprecedented media exposure (no marketing firm could ever have done as much for them as the US government) and, because of the fun and games in Iraq, huge numbers of volunteers and sympathisers. Destroying biotoxins or chemical agents was also mentioned - are they NUTS??? There are easier, safer ways of destroying dangerous materials, prominent weapons scientists have been warning this administration (An open letter yesterday by prominent weapons scientists says small nukes would actually be more likely to scatter biological or chemical agents than to incinerate them)!
The Americans better keep their big traps shut from now on when it comes to developing nukes, no way is the rest of the world simply going to do as they say, they are going to do as they do!
Oh shit, what a world are we making for our kids??? Battlefield nukes!!!
Monday, May 19, 2003
Iraq
It was the oil, dammit!!!
I'm becoming repetitive, I know... but until people wake up and see the egg on Bush's face, I'll keep on shouting it out!
The US 'advisor' to the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Philip J. Carroll, says Iraq may step out of OPEC. Wont that make the US hawks happy and send the other OPEC countries in a tailspin?!?! Of course it will, my child, of course it will. The Iraqi folks have to do this you see, Carroll says, to reconstruct the country that was bombed and sanctioned to pieces by the US. I'm pretty sure this scenario was discussed in detail by chortling rich white men, in Washington, long before the invasion.
The Iraqi people are being advised by the best - Carroll owns a hefty chunk of Fluor stocks (they are planning to bid on contracts to reconstruct Iraq's oil industry) and also has large holdings in Shell. Talk about setting up the wolf to guard the sheep!
The Australians are talking to the US government, they are also busy divvying up the spoils, there are many subcontracts to be had. Although they are probably foaming at the mouth right now, seems the Americans wont give guarantees on their wheat exports to Iraq (to hell with famine, there will be no relief aid, this is business!!!). Someone should tell those naughty Americans they should share, or next time the Aussies wont play along.... aaah who am I kidding, every time the US straps on the battle gear, Australia is ready to go along like a faithful puppy. In general, I think Australians are a fantastic bunch of people - I just wish they would get rid of that inferiority complex that has them roll over and go submissive each time the US tells them to.
It was the oil, dammit!!!
I'm becoming repetitive, I know... but until people wake up and see the egg on Bush's face, I'll keep on shouting it out!
The US 'advisor' to the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Philip J. Carroll, says Iraq may step out of OPEC. Wont that make the US hawks happy and send the other OPEC countries in a tailspin?!?! Of course it will, my child, of course it will. The Iraqi folks have to do this you see, Carroll says, to reconstruct the country that was bombed and sanctioned to pieces by the US. I'm pretty sure this scenario was discussed in detail by chortling rich white men, in Washington, long before the invasion.
The Iraqi people are being advised by the best - Carroll owns a hefty chunk of Fluor stocks (they are planning to bid on contracts to reconstruct Iraq's oil industry) and also has large holdings in Shell. Talk about setting up the wolf to guard the sheep!
The Australians are talking to the US government, they are also busy divvying up the spoils, there are many subcontracts to be had. Although they are probably foaming at the mouth right now, seems the Americans wont give guarantees on their wheat exports to Iraq (to hell with famine, there will be no relief aid, this is business!!!). Someone should tell those naughty Americans they should share, or next time the Aussies wont play along.... aaah who am I kidding, every time the US straps on the battle gear, Australia is ready to go along like a faithful puppy. In general, I think Australians are a fantastic bunch of people - I just wish they would get rid of that inferiority complex that has them roll over and go submissive each time the US tells them to.
Iraq
It was the oil, dammit!!!
I'm becoming repetitive, I know... but until people wake up and see the egg on Bush's face, I'll keep on shouting it out!
The US 'advisor' to the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Philip J. Carroll, says Iraq may step out of OPEC. Wont that make the US hawks happy and send the other OPEC countries in a tailspin?!?! Of course it will, my child, of course it will. The Iraqi folks have to do this you see, Carroll says, to reconstruct the country that was bombed and sanctioned to pieces by the US. I'm pretty sure this scenario was discussed in detail by chortling rich white men, in Washington, long before the invasion.
The Iraqi people are being advised by the best - Carroll owns a hefty chunk of Fluor stocks (they are planning to bid on contracts to reconstruct Iraq's oil industry) and also has large holdings in Shell. Talk about setting up the wolf to guard the sheep!
The Australians are talking to the US government, they are also busy divvying up the spoils, there are many subcontracts to be had. Although they are probably foaming at the mouth right now, seems the Americans wont give guarantees on their wheat exports to Iraq (to hell with famine, there will be no relief aid, this is business!!!). Someone should tell those naughty Americans they should share, or next time the Aussies wont play along.... aaah who am I kidding, every time the US straps on the battle gear, Australia is ready to go along like a faithful puppy. In general, I think Australians are a fantastic bunch of people - I just wish they would get rid of that inferiority complex that has them roll over and go submissive each time the US tells them to.
It was the oil, dammit!!!
I'm becoming repetitive, I know... but until people wake up and see the egg on Bush's face, I'll keep on shouting it out!
The US 'advisor' to the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Philip J. Carroll, says Iraq may step out of OPEC. Wont that make the US hawks happy and send the other OPEC countries in a tailspin?!?! Of course it will, my child, of course it will. The Iraqi folks have to do this you see, Carroll says, to reconstruct the country that was bombed and sanctioned to pieces by the US. I'm pretty sure this scenario was discussed in detail by chortling rich white men, in Washington, long before the invasion.
The Iraqi people are being advised by the best - Carroll owns a hefty chunk of Fluor stocks (they are planning to bid on contracts to reconstruct Iraq's oil industry) and also has large holdings in Shell. Talk about setting up the wolf to guard the sheep!
The Australians are talking to the US government, they are also busy divvying up the spoils, there are many subcontracts to be had. Although they are probably foaming at the mouth right now, seems the Americans wont give guarantees on their wheat exports to Iraq (to hell with famine, there will be no relief aid, this is business!!!). Someone should tell those naughty Americans they should share, or next time the Aussies wont play along.... aaah who am I kidding, every time the US straps on the battle gear, Australia is ready to go along like a faithful puppy. In general, I think Australians are a fantastic bunch of people - I just wish they would get rid of that inferiority complex that has them roll over and go submissive each time the US tells them to.
Saturday, May 17, 2003
Bush
Bush is spinning furiously, his campaign for re-election has just begun:
The attacks on Afganistan and Iraq resulted in a weaker, but "not idle", Al Qaeda. Riiiiight! Noticed that yesterday (Riyadh) and today (Cassablanca).
U.S. intelligence agencies picked up signs (oh yes, what?) that Al Qaeda is plotting further imminent attacks. It is not known where they might strike next, but Saudi Arabia, Iraq, East Africa -- including Kenya -- and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia were mentioned as possibilities. Well, nothing new there! That old bogeyman is still alive and well and working beautifully to keep the American public terrified and compliant. What a wonderful tool for a cynical administration!
According to Bush, nearly one-half of al Qaeda's senior operatives have been captured or killed thanks to their efforts. Oh yes, of course I have to take that on faith (like the WMD) dont I... I suppose they are all at Guantanamo Bay now?
He also asserted the war in Iraq had "removed allies of al Qaeda, cut off sources of terrorist funding, and made certain that no terrorist network will gain weapons of mass destruction from Saddam Hussein's regime." I believe the part about the money, they probably did get some. On the other hand, contributions have probably been flooding in since Bush started his holy wars so I doubt that will matter much. Oh, and the WMD thing, I cannot believe he still beats that drum. That man has no shame!
"We will remain on the hunt until they are all brought to justice," Bush said of al Qaeda's leaders. Or at least until the elections are over... and until he has reached his objectives of worldwide power.
My bullshit detector is working overtime. I usually enjoy following the American elections, it's like a dozen soaps rolled into one. This time however, I'll be watching with trepidation. I have this horrible feeling the Americans are going to elect this man again. If they do, there are terrifying and bloody times ahead for the entire planet.
Bush is spinning furiously, his campaign for re-election has just begun:
The attacks on Afganistan and Iraq resulted in a weaker, but "not idle", Al Qaeda. Riiiiight! Noticed that yesterday (Riyadh) and today (Cassablanca).
U.S. intelligence agencies picked up signs (oh yes, what?) that Al Qaeda is plotting further imminent attacks. It is not known where they might strike next, but Saudi Arabia, Iraq, East Africa -- including Kenya -- and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia were mentioned as possibilities. Well, nothing new there! That old bogeyman is still alive and well and working beautifully to keep the American public terrified and compliant. What a wonderful tool for a cynical administration!
According to Bush, nearly one-half of al Qaeda's senior operatives have been captured or killed thanks to their efforts. Oh yes, of course I have to take that on faith (like the WMD) dont I... I suppose they are all at Guantanamo Bay now?
He also asserted the war in Iraq had "removed allies of al Qaeda, cut off sources of terrorist funding, and made certain that no terrorist network will gain weapons of mass destruction from Saddam Hussein's regime." I believe the part about the money, they probably did get some. On the other hand, contributions have probably been flooding in since Bush started his holy wars so I doubt that will matter much. Oh, and the WMD thing, I cannot believe he still beats that drum. That man has no shame!
"We will remain on the hunt until they are all brought to justice," Bush said of al Qaeda's leaders. Or at least until the elections are over... and until he has reached his objectives of worldwide power.
My bullshit detector is working overtime. I usually enjoy following the American elections, it's like a dozen soaps rolled into one. This time however, I'll be watching with trepidation. I have this horrible feeling the Americans are going to elect this man again. If they do, there are terrifying and bloody times ahead for the entire planet.
Bush
Bush is spinning furiously, his campaign for re-election has just begun:
The attacks on Afganistan and Iraq resulted in a weaker, but "not idle", Al Qaeda. Riiiiight! Noticed that yesterday (Riyadh) and today (Cassablanca).
U.S. intelligence agencies picked up signs (oh yes, what?) that Al Qaeda is plotting further imminent attacks. It is not known where they might strike next, but Saudi Arabia, Iraq, East Africa -- including Kenya -- and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia were mentioned as possibilities. Well, nothing new there! That old bogeyman is still alive and well and working beautifully to keep the American public terrified and compliant. What a wonderful tool for a cynical administration!
According to Bush, nearly one-half of al Qaeda's senior operatives have been captured or killed thanks to their efforts. Oh yes, of course I have to take that on faith (like the WMD) dont I... I suppose they are all at Guantanamo Bay now?
He also asserted the war in Iraq had "removed allies of al Qaeda, cut off sources of terrorist funding, and made certain that no terrorist network will gain weapons of mass destruction from Saddam Hussein's regime." I believe the part about the money, they probably did get some. On the other hand, contributions have probably been flooding in since Bush started his holy wars so I doubt that will matter much. Oh, and the WMD thing, I cannot believe he still beats that drum. That man has no shame!
"We will remain on the hunt until they are all brought to justice," Bush said of al Qaeda's leaders. Or at least until the elections are over... and until he has reached his objectives of worldwide power.
My bullshit detector is working overtime. I usually enjoy following the American elections, it's like a dozen soaps rolled into one. This time however, I'll be watching with trepidation. I have this horrible feeling the Americans are going to elect this man again. If they do, there are terrifying and bloody times ahead for the entire planet.
Bush is spinning furiously, his campaign for re-election has just begun:
The attacks on Afganistan and Iraq resulted in a weaker, but "not idle", Al Qaeda. Riiiiight! Noticed that yesterday (Riyadh) and today (Cassablanca).
U.S. intelligence agencies picked up signs (oh yes, what?) that Al Qaeda is plotting further imminent attacks. It is not known where they might strike next, but Saudi Arabia, Iraq, East Africa -- including Kenya -- and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia were mentioned as possibilities. Well, nothing new there! That old bogeyman is still alive and well and working beautifully to keep the American public terrified and compliant. What a wonderful tool for a cynical administration!
According to Bush, nearly one-half of al Qaeda's senior operatives have been captured or killed thanks to their efforts. Oh yes, of course I have to take that on faith (like the WMD) dont I... I suppose they are all at Guantanamo Bay now?
He also asserted the war in Iraq had "removed allies of al Qaeda, cut off sources of terrorist funding, and made certain that no terrorist network will gain weapons of mass destruction from Saddam Hussein's regime." I believe the part about the money, they probably did get some. On the other hand, contributions have probably been flooding in since Bush started his holy wars so I doubt that will matter much. Oh, and the WMD thing, I cannot believe he still beats that drum. That man has no shame!
"We will remain on the hunt until they are all brought to justice," Bush said of al Qaeda's leaders. Or at least until the elections are over... and until he has reached his objectives of worldwide power.
My bullshit detector is working overtime. I usually enjoy following the American elections, it's like a dozen soaps rolled into one. This time however, I'll be watching with trepidation. I have this horrible feeling the Americans are going to elect this man again. If they do, there are terrifying and bloody times ahead for the entire planet.
Walter Sisulu
Walter Sisulu was buried in South Africa today.
He died on 5 May at his home in Johannesburg, two weeks before his 91st birthday, in the arms of his wife Albertina. In this he was blessed!
The world has lost a truly moral man, gentle, intelligent, loved, self-disciplined, a true leader!
One who refused to accept the powers of government when he could have taken as much as he wanted without opposition.
Thank you for all you did for South Africa, which is more than most people will ever realise.
Thank you for being the man you were.
Today, the world is black, green and yellow.
Rest in peace, Walter Sisulu.
Walter Sisulu was buried in South Africa today.
He died on 5 May at his home in Johannesburg, two weeks before his 91st birthday, in the arms of his wife Albertina. In this he was blessed!
The world has lost a truly moral man, gentle, intelligent, loved, self-disciplined, a true leader!
One who refused to accept the powers of government when he could have taken as much as he wanted without opposition.
Thank you for all you did for South Africa, which is more than most people will ever realise.
Thank you for being the man you were.
Today, the world is black, green and yellow.
Rest in peace, Walter Sisulu.
Walter Sisulu
Walter Sisulu was buried in South Africa today.
He died on 5 May at his home in Johannesburg, two weeks before his 91st birthday, in the arms of his wife Albertina. In this he was blessed!
The world has lost a truly moral man, gentle, intelligent, loved, self-disciplined, a true leader!
One who refused to accept the powers of government when he could have taken as much as he wanted without opposition.
Thank you for all you did for South Africa, which is more than most people will ever realise.
Thank you for being the man you were.
Today, the world is black, green and yellow.
Rest in peace, Walter Sisulu.
Walter Sisulu was buried in South Africa today.
He died on 5 May at his home in Johannesburg, two weeks before his 91st birthday, in the arms of his wife Albertina. In this he was blessed!
The world has lost a truly moral man, gentle, intelligent, loved, self-disciplined, a true leader!
One who refused to accept the powers of government when he could have taken as much as he wanted without opposition.
Thank you for all you did for South Africa, which is more than most people will ever realise.
Thank you for being the man you were.
Today, the world is black, green and yellow.
Rest in peace, Walter Sisulu.
Friday, May 16, 2003
RIAA
RIAA has lately been firing off warnings, legal notifications and threatening letters to many folks who were not in breach of any copyright laws... Talk about a bull in a china shop! Of course a temp worker gets the blame but really, this is symptomatic of the appalingly hostile way they have treated their (potential) customers these past years...
Instead of working with new technology offered by companies like Napster, they went ahead and tried to exterminate them. Now, they have a multi-headed snake to deal with - had they stuck with Napster they would have had a captive market all to ready to play along if they offered a good deal. Like the good folks are doing at Apple right now, their lines are red-hot from all the music data whizzing through them (oh boy, just wait until they go onto the western PC market, i have a list... such a list...). I suspect RIAA may be left high and dry since they were too stodgy and inflexible to take advantage of what the new technology offered. So many bad feelings towards them now, I suspect they will never get things right again with their customers, I'd hate to have to do their PR work.
RIAA has lately been firing off warnings, legal notifications and threatening letters to many folks who were not in breach of any copyright laws... Talk about a bull in a china shop! Of course a temp worker gets the blame but really, this is symptomatic of the appalingly hostile way they have treated their (potential) customers these past years...
Instead of working with new technology offered by companies like Napster, they went ahead and tried to exterminate them. Now, they have a multi-headed snake to deal with - had they stuck with Napster they would have had a captive market all to ready to play along if they offered a good deal. Like the good folks are doing at Apple right now, their lines are red-hot from all the music data whizzing through them (oh boy, just wait until they go onto the western PC market, i have a list... such a list...). I suspect RIAA may be left high and dry since they were too stodgy and inflexible to take advantage of what the new technology offered. So many bad feelings towards them now, I suspect they will never get things right again with their customers, I'd hate to have to do their PR work.
RIAA
RIAA has lately been firing off warnings, legal notifications and threatening letters to many folks who were not in breach of any copyright laws... Talk about a bull in a china shop! Of course a temp worker gets the blame but really, this is symptomatic of the appalingly hostile way they have treated their (potential) customers these past years...
Instead of working with new technology offered by companies like Napster, they went ahead and tried to exterminate them. Now, they have a multi-headed snake to deal with - had they stuck with Napster they would have had a captive market all to ready to play along if they offered a good deal. Like the good folks are doing at Apple right now, their lines are red-hot from all the music data whizzing through them (oh boy, just wait until they go onto the western PC market, i have a list... such a list...). I suspect RIAA may be left high and dry since they were too stodgy and inflexible to take advantage of what the new technology offered. So many bad feelings towards them now, I suspect they will never get things right again with their customers, I'd hate to have to do their PR work.
RIAA has lately been firing off warnings, legal notifications and threatening letters to many folks who were not in breach of any copyright laws... Talk about a bull in a china shop! Of course a temp worker gets the blame but really, this is symptomatic of the appalingly hostile way they have treated their (potential) customers these past years...
Instead of working with new technology offered by companies like Napster, they went ahead and tried to exterminate them. Now, they have a multi-headed snake to deal with - had they stuck with Napster they would have had a captive market all to ready to play along if they offered a good deal. Like the good folks are doing at Apple right now, their lines are red-hot from all the music data whizzing through them (oh boy, just wait until they go onto the western PC market, i have a list... such a list...). I suspect RIAA may be left high and dry since they were too stodgy and inflexible to take advantage of what the new technology offered. So many bad feelings towards them now, I suspect they will never get things right again with their customers, I'd hate to have to do their PR work.
Religion
So much being done in the world in the name of religion, some is good but much is violent.
I believe religion does not promote meekness in man. When you believe you will live again and the quality of life is coupled to how much you sacrifice in 'this' life, that is just a recipe for martyrdom.
I say: teach biology in all its facets early on in school, start with genetics and natural selection in the primary school. Send biology teachers out in the world, not missionaries. Make kids really understand evolution. That is guaranteed to integrate this understanding in their consciousness: that life after death is not realistically possible.
The most pacifistic people I have ever come across were non-believers. Like me. We know there is only this one life, this is it. If you mess up here there is no second chance. That makes life precious, much more precious than with the 'second chancers'.
I bet if there were more of us non-believers around there would be less war!
So much being done in the world in the name of religion, some is good but much is violent.
I believe religion does not promote meekness in man. When you believe you will live again and the quality of life is coupled to how much you sacrifice in 'this' life, that is just a recipe for martyrdom.
I say: teach biology in all its facets early on in school, start with genetics and natural selection in the primary school. Send biology teachers out in the world, not missionaries. Make kids really understand evolution. That is guaranteed to integrate this understanding in their consciousness: that life after death is not realistically possible.
The most pacifistic people I have ever come across were non-believers. Like me. We know there is only this one life, this is it. If you mess up here there is no second chance. That makes life precious, much more precious than with the 'second chancers'.
I bet if there were more of us non-believers around there would be less war!
Religion
So much being done in the world in the name of religion, some is good but much is violent.
I believe religion does not promote meekness in man. When you believe you will live again and the quality of life is coupled to how much you sacrifice in 'this' life, that is just a recipe for martyrdom.
I say: teach biology in all its facets early on in school, start with genetics and natural selection in the primary school. Send biology teachers out in the world, not missionaries. Make kids really understand evolution. That is guaranteed to integrate this understanding in their consciousness: that life after death is not realistically possible.
The most pacifistic people I have ever come across were non-believers. Like me. We know there is only this one life, this is it. If you mess up here there is no second chance. That makes life precious, much more precious than with the 'second chancers'.
I bet if there were more of us non-believers around there would be less war!
So much being done in the world in the name of religion, some is good but much is violent.
I believe religion does not promote meekness in man. When you believe you will live again and the quality of life is coupled to how much you sacrifice in 'this' life, that is just a recipe for martyrdom.
I say: teach biology in all its facets early on in school, start with genetics and natural selection in the primary school. Send biology teachers out in the world, not missionaries. Make kids really understand evolution. That is guaranteed to integrate this understanding in their consciousness: that life after death is not realistically possible.
The most pacifistic people I have ever come across were non-believers. Like me. We know there is only this one life, this is it. If you mess up here there is no second chance. That makes life precious, much more precious than with the 'second chancers'.
I bet if there were more of us non-believers around there would be less war!
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Suicide bombers hit three expat housing compounds. So far about 10 US citizens dead (would have been lots more but as luck would have it, 50 Americans from a building that was decimated, were away on a training). In total more than 90 dead so far and around 200 injured. The obvious planning that went into this attack, the synchronicity... it smacks of Al Qaeda. Seems they implied they were responsible for the attack. An FBI team is going over there to assist in the investigation.
I'm biting my lip to not say I told you so... dammit! Dammit! DAMMIT!
I wish the right-wing US government would stop their posturing, ditch their power games agenda and focus on the problem - fix it instead of adding to it.
That way the world would be a safer place for us all. Right now it's becoming more dangerous by the day.
Oh... why am I focusing on the few American casualties and not on the many more other nationalities?? Because I believe the Americans were the primary target, the rest was all just colateral damage (nifty terminology, hey, US wartalk).
Suicide bombers hit three expat housing compounds. So far about 10 US citizens dead (would have been lots more but as luck would have it, 50 Americans from a building that was decimated, were away on a training). In total more than 90 dead so far and around 200 injured. The obvious planning that went into this attack, the synchronicity... it smacks of Al Qaeda. Seems they implied they were responsible for the attack. An FBI team is going over there to assist in the investigation.
I'm biting my lip to not say I told you so... dammit! Dammit! DAMMIT!
I wish the right-wing US government would stop their posturing, ditch their power games agenda and focus on the problem - fix it instead of adding to it.
That way the world would be a safer place for us all. Right now it's becoming more dangerous by the day.
Oh... why am I focusing on the few American casualties and not on the many more other nationalities?? Because I believe the Americans were the primary target, the rest was all just colateral damage (nifty terminology, hey, US wartalk).
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Suicide bombers hit three expat housing compounds. So far about 10 US citizens dead (would have been lots more but as luck would have it, 50 Americans from a building that was decimated, were away on a training). In total more than 90 dead so far and around 200 injured. The obvious planning that went into this attack, the synchronicity... it smacks of Al Qaeda. Seems they implied they were responsible for the attack. An FBI team is going over there to assist in the investigation.
I'm biting my lip to not say I told you so... dammit! Dammit! DAMMIT!
I wish the right-wing US government would stop their posturing, ditch their power games agenda and focus on the problem - fix it instead of adding to it.
That way the world would be a safer place for us all. Right now it's becoming more dangerous by the day.
Oh... why am I focusing on the few American casualties and not on the many more other nationalities?? Because I believe the Americans were the primary target, the rest was all just colateral damage (nifty terminology, hey, US wartalk).
Suicide bombers hit three expat housing compounds. So far about 10 US citizens dead (would have been lots more but as luck would have it, 50 Americans from a building that was decimated, were away on a training). In total more than 90 dead so far and around 200 injured. The obvious planning that went into this attack, the synchronicity... it smacks of Al Qaeda. Seems they implied they were responsible for the attack. An FBI team is going over there to assist in the investigation.
I'm biting my lip to not say I told you so... dammit! Dammit! DAMMIT!
I wish the right-wing US government would stop their posturing, ditch their power games agenda and focus on the problem - fix it instead of adding to it.
That way the world would be a safer place for us all. Right now it's becoming more dangerous by the day.
Oh... why am I focusing on the few American casualties and not on the many more other nationalities?? Because I believe the Americans were the primary target, the rest was all just colateral damage (nifty terminology, hey, US wartalk).
Monday, May 12, 2003
Iraq
Well alrighty then, yup, that's it I guess, all done....
The team searching for those weapons of mass destruction in Iraq are stopping the search, with little or no fanfare.
The Iraq Survey Group will continue the search along with searching for money and info on the old regime.
Administration officials confirm that the search for WMD will be scaled back.
WHAT... they expect no comment over this?? Like hell!
At least Clare Short finally resigned, I was hoping she would!
She should have resigned when she first said she would, when Blair went into this war with Bush. Instead, she let him soft-soap her into staying with promises of a UN role after the war. Bad move. Robin Cook kept his word, she should have too. Still, good on her for walking out!
Well alrighty then, yup, that's it I guess, all done....
The team searching for those weapons of mass destruction in Iraq are stopping the search, with little or no fanfare.
The Iraq Survey Group will continue the search along with searching for money and info on the old regime.
Administration officials confirm that the search for WMD will be scaled back.
WHAT... they expect no comment over this?? Like hell!
At least Clare Short finally resigned, I was hoping she would!
She should have resigned when she first said she would, when Blair went into this war with Bush. Instead, she let him soft-soap her into staying with promises of a UN role after the war. Bad move. Robin Cook kept his word, she should have too. Still, good on her for walking out!
Iraq
Well alrighty then, yup, that's it I guess, all done....
The team searching for those weapons of mass destruction in Iraq are stopping the search, with little or no fanfare.
The Iraq Survey Group will continue the search along with searching for money and info on the old regime.
Administration officials confirm that the search for WMD will be scaled back.
WHAT... they expect no comment over this?? Like hell!
At least Clare Short finally resigned, I was hoping she would!
She should have resigned when she first said she would, when Blair went into this war with Bush. Instead, she let him soft-soap her into staying with promises of a UN role after the war. Bad move. Robin Cook kept his word, she should have too. Still, good on her for walking out!
Well alrighty then, yup, that's it I guess, all done....
The team searching for those weapons of mass destruction in Iraq are stopping the search, with little or no fanfare.
The Iraq Survey Group will continue the search along with searching for money and info on the old regime.
Administration officials confirm that the search for WMD will be scaled back.
WHAT... they expect no comment over this?? Like hell!
At least Clare Short finally resigned, I was hoping she would!
She should have resigned when she first said she would, when Blair went into this war with Bush. Instead, she let him soft-soap her into staying with promises of a UN role after the war. Bad move. Robin Cook kept his word, she should have too. Still, good on her for walking out!
Saturday, May 10, 2003
Iraq: The allies' broken promises Independent, 10 May 2003
Oil
Tony Blair: 'We don't touch it, and the US doesn't touch it' MTV, 7 March
The reality: Yesterday's draft UN resolution gives total control of Iraq's oil revenues to the US and UK until an Iraqi government is established
The UN
George Bush: 'The UN will have a vital role to play' Belfast, 8 April
The reality: The UN is reduced to an advisory function on the ground in Iraq. All operational decisions will be taken by UK and US officials
Weapons
Jack Straw: 'Should the UN have a vital role to play in respect of weapons inspections? The answer to that is yes.' Interview, 25 April
The reality: No role for the UN inspectors 'for the foreseeable future'
Aid
Tony Blair: 'The UN should have a key role in administering the delivery of humanitarian aid' House of Commons, 18 March
The reality: US and UK to oversee aid effort with UN reduced to co-ordinating role
Government
Tony Blair: 'Military action is to uphold the authority of the UN and to make sure Saddam is disarmed' MTV, 7 March
The reality: A US and UK 'occupying power' will rule Iraq
Oil
Tony Blair: 'We don't touch it, and the US doesn't touch it' MTV, 7 March
The reality: Yesterday's draft UN resolution gives total control of Iraq's oil revenues to the US and UK until an Iraqi government is established
The UN
George Bush: 'The UN will have a vital role to play' Belfast, 8 April
The reality: The UN is reduced to an advisory function on the ground in Iraq. All operational decisions will be taken by UK and US officials
Weapons
Jack Straw: 'Should the UN have a vital role to play in respect of weapons inspections? The answer to that is yes.' Interview, 25 April
The reality: No role for the UN inspectors 'for the foreseeable future'
Aid
Tony Blair: 'The UN should have a key role in administering the delivery of humanitarian aid' House of Commons, 18 March
The reality: US and UK to oversee aid effort with UN reduced to co-ordinating role
Government
Tony Blair: 'Military action is to uphold the authority of the UN and to make sure Saddam is disarmed' MTV, 7 March
The reality: A US and UK 'occupying power' will rule Iraq
Iraq: The allies' broken promises Independent, 10 May 2003
Oil
Tony Blair: 'We don't touch it, and the US doesn't touch it' MTV, 7 March
The reality: Yesterday's draft UN resolution gives total control of Iraq's oil revenues to the US and UK until an Iraqi government is established
The UN
George Bush: 'The UN will have a vital role to play' Belfast, 8 April
The reality: The UN is reduced to an advisory function on the ground in Iraq. All operational decisions will be taken by UK and US officials
Weapons
Jack Straw: 'Should the UN have a vital role to play in respect of weapons inspections? The answer to that is yes.' Interview, 25 April
The reality: No role for the UN inspectors 'for the foreseeable future'
Aid
Tony Blair: 'The UN should have a key role in administering the delivery of humanitarian aid' House of Commons, 18 March
The reality: US and UK to oversee aid effort with UN reduced to co-ordinating role
Government
Tony Blair: 'Military action is to uphold the authority of the UN and to make sure Saddam is disarmed' MTV, 7 March
The reality: A US and UK 'occupying power' will rule Iraq
Oil
Tony Blair: 'We don't touch it, and the US doesn't touch it' MTV, 7 March
The reality: Yesterday's draft UN resolution gives total control of Iraq's oil revenues to the US and UK until an Iraqi government is established
The UN
George Bush: 'The UN will have a vital role to play' Belfast, 8 April
The reality: The UN is reduced to an advisory function on the ground in Iraq. All operational decisions will be taken by UK and US officials
Weapons
Jack Straw: 'Should the UN have a vital role to play in respect of weapons inspections? The answer to that is yes.' Interview, 25 April
The reality: No role for the UN inspectors 'for the foreseeable future'
Aid
Tony Blair: 'The UN should have a key role in administering the delivery of humanitarian aid' House of Commons, 18 March
The reality: US and UK to oversee aid effort with UN reduced to co-ordinating role
Government
Tony Blair: 'Military action is to uphold the authority of the UN and to make sure Saddam is disarmed' MTV, 7 March
The reality: A US and UK 'occupying power' will rule Iraq
Friday, May 09, 2003
Iraq's weapons
A lot has been said lately of Hussein Kamal...
Who was Hussein Kamel? He was the former director of Iraq's Military Industrialization Corporation, in charge of Iraq's weapons programme. He and his brother Col. Saddam Kamel defected to Jordan on 7 August 1995 and they took with them crates of documents revealing past weapons programmes. These crates were given to UNSCOM.
I thought it might be good to include a link to a transcript of his interview with UNSCOM on 22 August 1995 which was released on 27 February 2003. This link has a summary of the most important points.
It makes the following very clear: all WMD were destroyed and the programs were not about to be resumed; the US were aware of it; UN weapons inspectors were certainly effective and the economic sanctions should have been lifted many years ago, which would have prevented many deaths!
The USA kept a lid on this because they really wanted a war... they wanted to oust Saddam Houssein together with obtaining full control over the region.
Oh yes, I am still angry over the invasion of Iraq and I stay angry as I watch the barely concealed greed at work here. Shame on you America!
A lot has been said lately of Hussein Kamal...
Who was Hussein Kamel? He was the former director of Iraq's Military Industrialization Corporation, in charge of Iraq's weapons programme. He and his brother Col. Saddam Kamel defected to Jordan on 7 August 1995 and they took with them crates of documents revealing past weapons programmes. These crates were given to UNSCOM.
I thought it might be good to include a link to a transcript of his interview with UNSCOM on 22 August 1995 which was released on 27 February 2003. This link has a summary of the most important points.
It makes the following very clear: all WMD were destroyed and the programs were not about to be resumed; the US were aware of it; UN weapons inspectors were certainly effective and the economic sanctions should have been lifted many years ago, which would have prevented many deaths!
The USA kept a lid on this because they really wanted a war... they wanted to oust Saddam Houssein together with obtaining full control over the region.
Oh yes, I am still angry over the invasion of Iraq and I stay angry as I watch the barely concealed greed at work here. Shame on you America!
Iraq's weapons
A lot has been said lately of Hussein Kamal...
Who was Hussein Kamel? He was the former director of Iraq's Military Industrialization Corporation, in charge of Iraq's weapons programme. He and his brother Col. Saddam Kamel defected to Jordan on 7 August 1995 and they took with them crates of documents revealing past weapons programmes. These crates were given to UNSCOM.
I thought it might be good to include a link to a transcript of his interview with UNSCOM on 22 August 1995 which was released on 27 February 2003. This link has a summary of the most important points.
It makes the following very clear: all WMD were destroyed and the programs were not about to be resumed; the US were aware of it; UN weapons inspectors were certainly effective and the economic sanctions should have been lifted many years ago, which would have prevented many deaths!
The USA kept a lid on this because they really wanted a war... they wanted to oust Saddam Houssein together with obtaining full control over the region.
Oh yes, I am still angry over the invasion of Iraq and I stay angry as I watch the barely concealed greed at work here. Shame on you America!
A lot has been said lately of Hussein Kamal...
Who was Hussein Kamel? He was the former director of Iraq's Military Industrialization Corporation, in charge of Iraq's weapons programme. He and his brother Col. Saddam Kamel defected to Jordan on 7 August 1995 and they took with them crates of documents revealing past weapons programmes. These crates were given to UNSCOM.
I thought it might be good to include a link to a transcript of his interview with UNSCOM on 22 August 1995 which was released on 27 February 2003. This link has a summary of the most important points.
It makes the following very clear: all WMD were destroyed and the programs were not about to be resumed; the US were aware of it; UN weapons inspectors were certainly effective and the economic sanctions should have been lifted many years ago, which would have prevented many deaths!
The USA kept a lid on this because they really wanted a war... they wanted to oust Saddam Houssein together with obtaining full control over the region.
Oh yes, I am still angry over the invasion of Iraq and I stay angry as I watch the barely concealed greed at work here. Shame on you America!
Iraq:
On a crazy note:
An American judge has ordered Saddam Hussein to pay damages to families of two victims of the September 11 attacks. Judge Harold Baer said that Iraq was involved in the plot to strike at the Twin Towers. HUH??? How on earth did they get there, have they been taking Pentagon press statements as evidence??
I feel like I'm living in Alice's Wonderland!
On a crazy note:
An American judge has ordered Saddam Hussein to pay damages to families of two victims of the September 11 attacks. Judge Harold Baer said that Iraq was involved in the plot to strike at the Twin Towers. HUH??? How on earth did they get there, have they been taking Pentagon press statements as evidence??
I feel like I'm living in Alice's Wonderland!
Iraq:
On a crazy note:
An American judge has ordered Saddam Hussein to pay damages to families of two victims of the September 11 attacks. Judge Harold Baer said that Iraq was involved in the plot to strike at the Twin Towers. HUH??? How on earth did they get there, have they been taking Pentagon press statements as evidence??
I feel like I'm living in Alice's Wonderland!
On a crazy note:
An American judge has ordered Saddam Hussein to pay damages to families of two victims of the September 11 attacks. Judge Harold Baer said that Iraq was involved in the plot to strike at the Twin Towers. HUH??? How on earth did they get there, have they been taking Pentagon press statements as evidence??
I feel like I'm living in Alice's Wonderland!
Who said it wasn't about the oil???
It bloody well was!
The proposed US draft resolution will have control of Iraq's oil from the UN to the USA and their military allies. An international advisory board will have oversight responsibilities but little effective power. More here:
..... But the United States and its allies would control the political and economic life of Iraq until an internationally recognized Iraqi government emerges. Under the system proposed by the administration, the proceeds of Iraq's oil revenue would be placed in an Iraqi Assistance Fund held by the Central Bank of Iraq, which is being managed by Peter McPherson, a former deputy Treasury secretary and Bank of America executive.
The United States and its allies would have the sole power to spend the money on relief, reconstruction and disarmament and to pay "for other purposes benefiting the people of Iraq." The "funds in the Iraqi Assistance Fund shall be disbursed at the direction of the [U.S.-led coalition], in consultation with the Iraqi Interim Authority," the resolution states. It adds that Iraq's oil profits shall remain in the assistance fund "until such time as a new Iraqi government is properly constituted and capable of discharging its responsibilities." According to some estimates, it may take years for such a government to be established.
<.....>
Although the resolution underscores the right of the United States to administer Iraq and its resources for an initial 12 months, it notes that its authority would be automatically renewed each year until the Security Council decided to end it...
Oh, and the resolution gives no room for UN weapons inspections at all.
It bloody well was!
The proposed US draft resolution will have control of Iraq's oil from the UN to the USA and their military allies. An international advisory board will have oversight responsibilities but little effective power. More here:
..... But the United States and its allies would control the political and economic life of Iraq until an internationally recognized Iraqi government emerges. Under the system proposed by the administration, the proceeds of Iraq's oil revenue would be placed in an Iraqi Assistance Fund held by the Central Bank of Iraq, which is being managed by Peter McPherson, a former deputy Treasury secretary and Bank of America executive.
The United States and its allies would have the sole power to spend the money on relief, reconstruction and disarmament and to pay "for other purposes benefiting the people of Iraq." The "funds in the Iraqi Assistance Fund shall be disbursed at the direction of the [U.S.-led coalition], in consultation with the Iraqi Interim Authority," the resolution states. It adds that Iraq's oil profits shall remain in the assistance fund "until such time as a new Iraqi government is properly constituted and capable of discharging its responsibilities." According to some estimates, it may take years for such a government to be established.
<.....>
Although the resolution underscores the right of the United States to administer Iraq and its resources for an initial 12 months, it notes that its authority would be automatically renewed each year until the Security Council decided to end it...
Oh, and the resolution gives no room for UN weapons inspections at all.
Who said it wasn't about the oil???
It bloody well was!
The proposed US draft resolution will have control of Iraq's oil from the UN to the USA and their military allies. An international advisory board will have oversight responsibilities but little effective power. More here:
..... But the United States and its allies would control the political and economic life of Iraq until an internationally recognized Iraqi government emerges. Under the system proposed by the administration, the proceeds of Iraq's oil revenue would be placed in an Iraqi Assistance Fund held by the Central Bank of Iraq, which is being managed by Peter McPherson, a former deputy Treasury secretary and Bank of America executive.
The United States and its allies would have the sole power to spend the money on relief, reconstruction and disarmament and to pay "for other purposes benefiting the people of Iraq." The "funds in the Iraqi Assistance Fund shall be disbursed at the direction of the [U.S.-led coalition], in consultation with the Iraqi Interim Authority," the resolution states. It adds that Iraq's oil profits shall remain in the assistance fund "until such time as a new Iraqi government is properly constituted and capable of discharging its responsibilities." According to some estimates, it may take years for such a government to be established.
<.....>
Although the resolution underscores the right of the United States to administer Iraq and its resources for an initial 12 months, it notes that its authority would be automatically renewed each year until the Security Council decided to end it...
Oh, and the resolution gives no room for UN weapons inspections at all.
It bloody well was!
The proposed US draft resolution will have control of Iraq's oil from the UN to the USA and their military allies. An international advisory board will have oversight responsibilities but little effective power. More here:
..... But the United States and its allies would control the political and economic life of Iraq until an internationally recognized Iraqi government emerges. Under the system proposed by the administration, the proceeds of Iraq's oil revenue would be placed in an Iraqi Assistance Fund held by the Central Bank of Iraq, which is being managed by Peter McPherson, a former deputy Treasury secretary and Bank of America executive.
The United States and its allies would have the sole power to spend the money on relief, reconstruction and disarmament and to pay "for other purposes benefiting the people of Iraq." The "funds in the Iraqi Assistance Fund shall be disbursed at the direction of the [U.S.-led coalition], in consultation with the Iraqi Interim Authority," the resolution states. It adds that Iraq's oil profits shall remain in the assistance fund "until such time as a new Iraqi government is properly constituted and capable of discharging its responsibilities." According to some estimates, it may take years for such a government to be established.
<.....>
Although the resolution underscores the right of the United States to administer Iraq and its resources for an initial 12 months, it notes that its authority would be automatically renewed each year until the Security Council decided to end it...
Oh, and the resolution gives no room for UN weapons inspections at all.
So, who will be next?
Iran, Syria, North Korea... France???
After howling like a pack of dogs in the direction of Syria, the Bush clan is now shifting attention to Iran again. Once again the war hounds are beating the nuclear drum. Their motivation: they cannot see why Iran should have a nuclear reactor for energy because it has enough natural gas to see to its needs... thus the reactor has to be for nefarious purposes! Whoo boy, under that reasoning they should certainly come here and close down the reactors in the Netherlands, we have enough natural gas to fulfill our own needs, we dont need those nuclear reactors!
Anyway, it seems that Syria is submissive enough for now so the propaganda machine is starting to justify an intervention in Iran. This does not mean Syria or North Korea is in the clear though, this may be a feint.
Meanwhile, notice how the USA backed off North Korea? It's because they have nuclear weapons and wont be afraid to use them! Well now, what a message this sends to other totalitarian states: get yourself armed as quickly as possible, if you allow your military to become weakened like Iraq.... they wont consider you less of a threat, they will simply invade you, loot and smash your country and use that to threaten others into compliance. All ex-nuclear scientists of Russian descent, there will be plenty of jobs opening for you soon!
Iran, Syria, North Korea... France???
After howling like a pack of dogs in the direction of Syria, the Bush clan is now shifting attention to Iran again. Once again the war hounds are beating the nuclear drum. Their motivation: they cannot see why Iran should have a nuclear reactor for energy because it has enough natural gas to see to its needs... thus the reactor has to be for nefarious purposes! Whoo boy, under that reasoning they should certainly come here and close down the reactors in the Netherlands, we have enough natural gas to fulfill our own needs, we dont need those nuclear reactors!
Anyway, it seems that Syria is submissive enough for now so the propaganda machine is starting to justify an intervention in Iran. This does not mean Syria or North Korea is in the clear though, this may be a feint.
Meanwhile, notice how the USA backed off North Korea? It's because they have nuclear weapons and wont be afraid to use them! Well now, what a message this sends to other totalitarian states: get yourself armed as quickly as possible, if you allow your military to become weakened like Iraq.... they wont consider you less of a threat, they will simply invade you, loot and smash your country and use that to threaten others into compliance. All ex-nuclear scientists of Russian descent, there will be plenty of jobs opening for you soon!
So, who will be next?
Iran, Syria, North Korea... France???
After howling like a pack of dogs in the direction of Syria, the Bush clan is now shifting attention to Iran again. Once again the war hounds are beating the nuclear drum. Their motivation: they cannot see why Iran should have a nuclear reactor for energy because it has enough natural gas to see to its needs... thus the reactor has to be for nefarious purposes! Whoo boy, under that reasoning they should certainly come here and close down the reactors in the Netherlands, we have enough natural gas to fulfill our own needs, we dont need those nuclear reactors!
Anyway, it seems that Syria is submissive enough for now so the propaganda machine is starting to justify an intervention in Iran. This does not mean Syria or North Korea is in the clear though, this may be a feint.
Meanwhile, notice how the USA backed off North Korea? It's because they have nuclear weapons and wont be afraid to use them! Well now, what a message this sends to other totalitarian states: get yourself armed as quickly as possible, if you allow your military to become weakened like Iraq.... they wont consider you less of a threat, they will simply invade you, loot and smash your country and use that to threaten others into compliance. All ex-nuclear scientists of Russian descent, there will be plenty of jobs opening for you soon!
Iran, Syria, North Korea... France???
After howling like a pack of dogs in the direction of Syria, the Bush clan is now shifting attention to Iran again. Once again the war hounds are beating the nuclear drum. Their motivation: they cannot see why Iran should have a nuclear reactor for energy because it has enough natural gas to see to its needs... thus the reactor has to be for nefarious purposes! Whoo boy, under that reasoning they should certainly come here and close down the reactors in the Netherlands, we have enough natural gas to fulfill our own needs, we dont need those nuclear reactors!
Anyway, it seems that Syria is submissive enough for now so the propaganda machine is starting to justify an intervention in Iran. This does not mean Syria or North Korea is in the clear though, this may be a feint.
Meanwhile, notice how the USA backed off North Korea? It's because they have nuclear weapons and wont be afraid to use them! Well now, what a message this sends to other totalitarian states: get yourself armed as quickly as possible, if you allow your military to become weakened like Iraq.... they wont consider you less of a threat, they will simply invade you, loot and smash your country and use that to threaten others into compliance. All ex-nuclear scientists of Russian descent, there will be plenty of jobs opening for you soon!
Thursday, May 08, 2003
Almost nekkid cyclist
I love that man! Cycling around in the bare minimum in clothing... a thong! That's my kind of guy!
The Naked Guy in Berkeley a few years ago also inspired a few others to go naked, for a while there were naked people everywhere. That can only be a good thing!
I love that man! Cycling around in the bare minimum in clothing... a thong! That's my kind of guy!
The Naked Guy in Berkeley a few years ago also inspired a few others to go naked, for a while there were naked people everywhere. That can only be a good thing!
Wednesday, May 07, 2003
This is just plain too cynical - it's downright ugly!
Pentagon adviser Richard Perle briefed an investment seminar on ways to profit from conflicts in Iraq and North Korea just weeks after he received a top-secret government briefing on the crises in the two countries...
UGH! have to go and wash that ugly taste from my mouth!
Pentagon adviser Richard Perle briefed an investment seminar on ways to profit from conflicts in Iraq and North Korea just weeks after he received a top-secret government briefing on the crises in the two countries...
UGH! have to go and wash that ugly taste from my mouth!
This is just plain too cynical - it's downright ugly!
Pentagon adviser Richard Perle briefed an investment seminar on ways to profit from conflicts in Iraq and North Korea just weeks after he received a top-secret government briefing on the crises in the two countries...
UGH! have to go and wash that ugly taste from my mouth!
Pentagon adviser Richard Perle briefed an investment seminar on ways to profit from conflicts in Iraq and North Korea just weeks after he received a top-secret government briefing on the crises in the two countries...
UGH! have to go and wash that ugly taste from my mouth!
Iraq:
Dr Glen Rangwala, an independent analyst at the University of Cambridge, UK, put together this report: Claims and evaluations of Iraq's proscribed weapons.
" This reference file is an inventory and critical analysis of the claims made about the weapons and programmes that Iraq is proscribed from having under the terms of Security Council Resolutions 687 (1991), paragraphs 10 and 12: that is, nuclear, chemical and biological weapons as well as ballistic missiles with a range greater than 150km. "
Read it! There are no judgements in this piece, only referenced facts. The judgements are up to the reader. I have already made mine...
While you are reading, read this too - examining the major claims and counter claims made so far. You know, if there were truly independent media (oh, at least one of the big media organisations) one would not have to read so bloody much to get to the truth!!!
Dr Glen Rangwala, an independent analyst at the University of Cambridge, UK, put together this report: Claims and evaluations of Iraq's proscribed weapons.
" This reference file is an inventory and critical analysis of the claims made about the weapons and programmes that Iraq is proscribed from having under the terms of Security Council Resolutions 687 (1991), paragraphs 10 and 12: that is, nuclear, chemical and biological weapons as well as ballistic missiles with a range greater than 150km. "
Read it! There are no judgements in this piece, only referenced facts. The judgements are up to the reader. I have already made mine...
While you are reading, read this too - examining the major claims and counter claims made so far. You know, if there were truly independent media (oh, at least one of the big media organisations) one would not have to read so bloody much to get to the truth!!!
Iraq:
Dr Glen Rangwala, an independent analyst at the University of Cambridge, UK, put together this report: Claims and evaluations of Iraq's proscribed weapons.
" This reference file is an inventory and critical analysis of the claims made about the weapons and programmes that Iraq is proscribed from having under the terms of Security Council Resolutions 687 (1991), paragraphs 10 and 12: that is, nuclear, chemical and biological weapons as well as ballistic missiles with a range greater than 150km. "
Read it! There are no judgements in this piece, only referenced facts. The judgements are up to the reader. I have already made mine...
While you are reading, read this too - examining the major claims and counter claims made so far. You know, if there were truly independent media (oh, at least one of the big media organisations) one would not have to read so bloody much to get to the truth!!!
Dr Glen Rangwala, an independent analyst at the University of Cambridge, UK, put together this report: Claims and evaluations of Iraq's proscribed weapons.
" This reference file is an inventory and critical analysis of the claims made about the weapons and programmes that Iraq is proscribed from having under the terms of Security Council Resolutions 687 (1991), paragraphs 10 and 12: that is, nuclear, chemical and biological weapons as well as ballistic missiles with a range greater than 150km. "
Read it! There are no judgements in this piece, only referenced facts. The judgements are up to the reader. I have already made mine...
While you are reading, read this too - examining the major claims and counter claims made so far. You know, if there were truly independent media (oh, at least one of the big media organisations) one would not have to read so bloody much to get to the truth!!!
Monday, May 05, 2003
Syria:
Things seem to be quiet around Syria right now but they're not really. The American government and military (is there a difference any more?) keep firing off warnings and veiled threats... Syria has to co-operate, in the light of recent events Syria has to revise it's thinking... Syria has to stop supporting terrorists, has to stop developing and testing weapons of mass destruction.. has to stop this, that and everything and watch carefully now because tomorrow the demands will all have been changed.
Syria put forward a proposal at the UN that all weapons of mass destruction be banned in the region, the Americans immediately rejected this proposal.
That would mean Israel would also have to comply and no way are they allowing that to happen. Syria's overtures to Israel, to resume peace talks without preconditions were also summarily dismissed. Perhaps Israel knows what we as yet do not... that it is already written, Syria will be invaded and all they have to do is wait it out, no talks or concessions needed any more.
There are two reasons that I believe the Americans are delaying their attack: 1. The president wants to wait until the timing is exactly right with regard to the coming elections. If he can heroically sweep the country into a (to be expected victorious) war right before the elections, he knows from experience his ratings will go through the roof. If you start the war too early, you risk that people will wake up from their patriotistically induced stupor and realise at exactly what cost they have allowed someone to play cowboys and injuns... nother reason is 2. They need at least an excuse to go to war. A pretext. Just like the so-called non compliance with the weapons inspectors in Iraq (see, we gave them a last chance, we waited twelve years and still they would not co-operate, we had no choice but to go to war). In a couple of months they can say "we gave them warning after warning, we sent Powell over there time and again and still they would not listen, we have no choice, we have to march to Damascus for the safety of us all…"
All that's happening now, is PR work, the creating of a compliant American population. After a couple of months of saturation advertising, they will feel it's inevitable that America go to war in Syria.
The Amercan advertising machine is horribly effective, make no mistake. Even here. I spoke to a lady this weekend who was in tears as she told me the story of how she and most of her family barely survived the hunger winter at the end of WW2 - only to state that the Iraqui deaths caused by the sanctions were quite acceptable and that that the USA had no choice but to go to war there because Saddam was going to attack them and also send terrorists to target Europe. Phew!
Things seem to be quiet around Syria right now but they're not really. The American government and military (is there a difference any more?) keep firing off warnings and veiled threats... Syria has to co-operate, in the light of recent events Syria has to revise it's thinking... Syria has to stop supporting terrorists, has to stop developing and testing weapons of mass destruction.. has to stop this, that and everything and watch carefully now because tomorrow the demands will all have been changed.
Syria put forward a proposal at the UN that all weapons of mass destruction be banned in the region, the Americans immediately rejected this proposal.
That would mean Israel would also have to comply and no way are they allowing that to happen. Syria's overtures to Israel, to resume peace talks without preconditions were also summarily dismissed. Perhaps Israel knows what we as yet do not... that it is already written, Syria will be invaded and all they have to do is wait it out, no talks or concessions needed any more.
There are two reasons that I believe the Americans are delaying their attack: 1. The president wants to wait until the timing is exactly right with regard to the coming elections. If he can heroically sweep the country into a (to be expected victorious) war right before the elections, he knows from experience his ratings will go through the roof. If you start the war too early, you risk that people will wake up from their patriotistically induced stupor and realise at exactly what cost they have allowed someone to play cowboys and injuns... nother reason is 2. They need at least an excuse to go to war. A pretext. Just like the so-called non compliance with the weapons inspectors in Iraq (see, we gave them a last chance, we waited twelve years and still they would not co-operate, we had no choice but to go to war). In a couple of months they can say "we gave them warning after warning, we sent Powell over there time and again and still they would not listen, we have no choice, we have to march to Damascus for the safety of us all…"
All that's happening now, is PR work, the creating of a compliant American population. After a couple of months of saturation advertising, they will feel it's inevitable that America go to war in Syria.
The Amercan advertising machine is horribly effective, make no mistake. Even here. I spoke to a lady this weekend who was in tears as she told me the story of how she and most of her family barely survived the hunger winter at the end of WW2 - only to state that the Iraqui deaths caused by the sanctions were quite acceptable and that that the USA had no choice but to go to war there because Saddam was going to attack them and also send terrorists to target Europe. Phew!
Syria:
Things seem to be quiet around Syria right now but they're not really. The American government and military (is there a difference any more?) keep firing off warnings and veiled threats... Syria has to co-operate, in the light of recent events Syria has to revise it's thinking... Syria has to stop supporting terrorists, has to stop developing and testing weapons of mass destruction.. has to stop this, that and everything and watch carefully now because tomorrow the demands will all have been changed.
Syria put forward a proposal at the UN that all weapons of mass destruction be banned in the region, the Americans immediately rejected this proposal.
That would mean Israel would also have to comply and no way are they allowing that to happen. Syria's overtures to Israel, to resume peace talks without preconditions were also summarily dismissed. Perhaps Israel knows what we as yet do not... that it is already written, Syria will be invaded and all they have to do is wait it out, no talks or concessions needed any more.
There are two reasons that I believe the Americans are delaying their attack: 1. The president wants to wait until the timing is exactly right with regard to the coming elections. If he can heroically sweep the country into a (to be expected victorious) war right before the elections, he knows from experience his ratings will go through the roof. If you start the war too early, you risk that people will wake up from their patriotistically induced stupor and realise at exactly what cost they have allowed someone to play cowboys and injuns... nother reason is 2. They need at least an excuse to go to war. A pretext. Just like the so-called non compliance with the weapons inspectors in Iraq (see, we gave them a last chance, we waited twelve years and still they would not co-operate, we had no choice but to go to war). In a couple of months they can say "we gave them warning after warning, we sent Powell over there time and again and still they would not listen, we have no choice, we have to march to Damascus for the safety of us all…"
All that's happening now, is PR work, the creating of a compliant American population. After a couple of months of saturation advertising, they will feel it's inevitable that America go to war in Syria.
The Amercan advertising machine is horribly effective, make no mistake. Even here. I spoke to a lady this weekend who was in tears as she told me the story of how she and most of her family barely survived the hunger winter at the end of WW2 - only to state that the Iraqui deaths caused by the sanctions were quite acceptable and that that the USA had no choice but to go to war there because Saddam was going to attack them and also send terrorists to target Europe. Phew!
Things seem to be quiet around Syria right now but they're not really. The American government and military (is there a difference any more?) keep firing off warnings and veiled threats... Syria has to co-operate, in the light of recent events Syria has to revise it's thinking... Syria has to stop supporting terrorists, has to stop developing and testing weapons of mass destruction.. has to stop this, that and everything and watch carefully now because tomorrow the demands will all have been changed.
Syria put forward a proposal at the UN that all weapons of mass destruction be banned in the region, the Americans immediately rejected this proposal.
That would mean Israel would also have to comply and no way are they allowing that to happen. Syria's overtures to Israel, to resume peace talks without preconditions were also summarily dismissed. Perhaps Israel knows what we as yet do not... that it is already written, Syria will be invaded and all they have to do is wait it out, no talks or concessions needed any more.
There are two reasons that I believe the Americans are delaying their attack: 1. The president wants to wait until the timing is exactly right with regard to the coming elections. If he can heroically sweep the country into a (to be expected victorious) war right before the elections, he knows from experience his ratings will go through the roof. If you start the war too early, you risk that people will wake up from their patriotistically induced stupor and realise at exactly what cost they have allowed someone to play cowboys and injuns... nother reason is 2. They need at least an excuse to go to war. A pretext. Just like the so-called non compliance with the weapons inspectors in Iraq (see, we gave them a last chance, we waited twelve years and still they would not co-operate, we had no choice but to go to war). In a couple of months they can say "we gave them warning after warning, we sent Powell over there time and again and still they would not listen, we have no choice, we have to march to Damascus for the safety of us all…"
All that's happening now, is PR work, the creating of a compliant American population. After a couple of months of saturation advertising, they will feel it's inevitable that America go to war in Syria.
The Amercan advertising machine is horribly effective, make no mistake. Even here. I spoke to a lady this weekend who was in tears as she told me the story of how she and most of her family barely survived the hunger winter at the end of WW2 - only to state that the Iraqui deaths caused by the sanctions were quite acceptable and that that the USA had no choice but to go to war there because Saddam was going to attack them and also send terrorists to target Europe. Phew!
Saturday, May 03, 2003
SARS
It's increasing in Taiwan.
In Hong Kong, people who had recovered are sick with SARS again.
It seems the strain in Canada is much more virulent; the death rate there is over 10%.
There is evidence the virus is mutating.
Some people continue to secrete the virus linked to SARS after they become well, which makes me wonder: did they finger the right virus for this disease?? It also makes me wonder how they could ever successfully contain this disease.
Not a clue what's really going on in China... it takes people like Dr Jiang to shed some light!
Alltogether, none of this fills me with confidence. I am deeply concerned.
It's increasing in Taiwan.
In Hong Kong, people who had recovered are sick with SARS again.
It seems the strain in Canada is much more virulent; the death rate there is over 10%.
There is evidence the virus is mutating.
Some people continue to secrete the virus linked to SARS after they become well, which makes me wonder: did they finger the right virus for this disease?? It also makes me wonder how they could ever successfully contain this disease.
Not a clue what's really going on in China... it takes people like Dr Jiang to shed some light!
Alltogether, none of this fills me with confidence. I am deeply concerned.
SARS
It's increasing in Taiwan.
In Hong Kong, people who had recovered are sick with SARS again.
It seems the strain in Canada is much more virulent; the death rate there is over 10%.
There is evidence the virus is mutating.
Some people continue to secrete the virus linked to SARS after they become well, which makes me wonder: did they finger the right virus for this disease?? It also makes me wonder how they could ever successfully contain this disease.
Not a clue what's really going on in China... it takes people like Dr Jiang to shed some light!
Alltogether, none of this fills me with confidence. I am deeply concerned.
It's increasing in Taiwan.
In Hong Kong, people who had recovered are sick with SARS again.
It seems the strain in Canada is much more virulent; the death rate there is over 10%.
There is evidence the virus is mutating.
Some people continue to secrete the virus linked to SARS after they become well, which makes me wonder: did they finger the right virus for this disease?? It also makes me wonder how they could ever successfully contain this disease.
Not a clue what's really going on in China... it takes people like Dr Jiang to shed some light!
Alltogether, none of this fills me with confidence. I am deeply concerned.
Requiem for Afghanistan
If you think all is well in Afghanistan, think again. This article outlines the current situation, well over one year after the USA stopped it's bombing, and it aint pretty.
I often look in on the RAWA site too, a cause well worth supporting. These are probably the bravest group of women I have ever heard of!
Poor Afghanistan, always the bone of other nations' contention.
The country is battered, violated, left for dead... who is going to help with the resurrection??
It wont be the Americans, they are too busy fighting other wars.
If you think all is well in Afghanistan, think again. This article outlines the current situation, well over one year after the USA stopped it's bombing, and it aint pretty.
I often look in on the RAWA site too, a cause well worth supporting. These are probably the bravest group of women I have ever heard of!
Poor Afghanistan, always the bone of other nations' contention.
The country is battered, violated, left for dead... who is going to help with the resurrection??
It wont be the Americans, they are too busy fighting other wars.
Requiem for Afghanistan
If you think all is well in Afghanistan, think again. This article outlines the current situation, well over one year after the USA stopped it's bombing, and it aint pretty.
I often look in on the RAWA site too, a cause well worth supporting. These are probably the bravest group of women I have ever heard of!
Poor Afghanistan, always the bone of other nations' contention.
The country is battered, violated, left for dead... who is going to help with the resurrection??
It wont be the Americans, they are too busy fighting other wars.
If you think all is well in Afghanistan, think again. This article outlines the current situation, well over one year after the USA stopped it's bombing, and it aint pretty.
I often look in on the RAWA site too, a cause well worth supporting. These are probably the bravest group of women I have ever heard of!
Poor Afghanistan, always the bone of other nations' contention.
The country is battered, violated, left for dead... who is going to help with the resurrection??
It wont be the Americans, they are too busy fighting other wars.
Iraq:
This is priceless, a Russian president lecturing the West (USA and UK to be precise) on democracy and democratic values. I never ever thought I'd see this in my lifetime! Go Mr. Putin!
Here is part of the article:
"But Mr Putin said Russia and its partners "believe until clarity is achieved over whether weapons of mass destruction exist in Iraq, sanctions should be kept in place". Almost mocking Mr Blair, he went on: "Where is Saddam? Where are those arsenals of weapons of mass destruction, if indeed they ever existed? Perhaps Saddam is still hiding somewhere in a bunker underground, sitting on cases of weapons of mass destruction and is preparing to blow the whole thing up and bring down the lives of thousands of Iraqi people."
He added that sanctions could not be lifted since they had been introduced because Iraq had weapons of mass destruction."It is only the security council that is in a position to lift those sanctions, after all they introduced them."
He also derided Mr Blair's talk of a new world order, saying: "If the decision-making process in such a framework is democratic then that is something we could agree with, but if decisions are being made by just one member of the international community and all the others are required to support them that is something we could not find acceptable." "
This is priceless, a Russian president lecturing the West (USA and UK to be precise) on democracy and democratic values. I never ever thought I'd see this in my lifetime! Go Mr. Putin!
Here is part of the article:
"But Mr Putin said Russia and its partners "believe until clarity is achieved over whether weapons of mass destruction exist in Iraq, sanctions should be kept in place". Almost mocking Mr Blair, he went on: "Where is Saddam? Where are those arsenals of weapons of mass destruction, if indeed they ever existed? Perhaps Saddam is still hiding somewhere in a bunker underground, sitting on cases of weapons of mass destruction and is preparing to blow the whole thing up and bring down the lives of thousands of Iraqi people."
He added that sanctions could not be lifted since they had been introduced because Iraq had weapons of mass destruction."It is only the security council that is in a position to lift those sanctions, after all they introduced them."
He also derided Mr Blair's talk of a new world order, saying: "If the decision-making process in such a framework is democratic then that is something we could agree with, but if decisions are being made by just one member of the international community and all the others are required to support them that is something we could not find acceptable." "
Iraq:
This is priceless, a Russian president lecturing the West (USA and UK to be precise) on democracy and democratic values. I never ever thought I'd see this in my lifetime! Go Mr. Putin!
Here is part of the article:
"But Mr Putin said Russia and its partners "believe until clarity is achieved over whether weapons of mass destruction exist in Iraq, sanctions should be kept in place". Almost mocking Mr Blair, he went on: "Where is Saddam? Where are those arsenals of weapons of mass destruction, if indeed they ever existed? Perhaps Saddam is still hiding somewhere in a bunker underground, sitting on cases of weapons of mass destruction and is preparing to blow the whole thing up and bring down the lives of thousands of Iraqi people."
He added that sanctions could not be lifted since they had been introduced because Iraq had weapons of mass destruction."It is only the security council that is in a position to lift those sanctions, after all they introduced them."
He also derided Mr Blair's talk of a new world order, saying: "If the decision-making process in such a framework is democratic then that is something we could agree with, but if decisions are being made by just one member of the international community and all the others are required to support them that is something we could not find acceptable." "
This is priceless, a Russian president lecturing the West (USA and UK to be precise) on democracy and democratic values. I never ever thought I'd see this in my lifetime! Go Mr. Putin!
Here is part of the article:
"But Mr Putin said Russia and its partners "believe until clarity is achieved over whether weapons of mass destruction exist in Iraq, sanctions should be kept in place". Almost mocking Mr Blair, he went on: "Where is Saddam? Where are those arsenals of weapons of mass destruction, if indeed they ever existed? Perhaps Saddam is still hiding somewhere in a bunker underground, sitting on cases of weapons of mass destruction and is preparing to blow the whole thing up and bring down the lives of thousands of Iraqi people."
He added that sanctions could not be lifted since they had been introduced because Iraq had weapons of mass destruction."It is only the security council that is in a position to lift those sanctions, after all they introduced them."
He also derided Mr Blair's talk of a new world order, saying: "If the decision-making process in such a framework is democratic then that is something we could agree with, but if decisions are being made by just one member of the international community and all the others are required to support them that is something we could not find acceptable." "
Friday, May 02, 2003
Piracy
By BBC News: Thursday, 1 May, 2003
For those who thought that piracy was eradicated when Peter Pan whacked the evil pirate, think again. It is flourishing and on the increase!
Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Somalia are well-known trouble spots. These are not the cute pirates from the Disney movies, these folks are vicious and ruthless! If you want to live out your dream of boating all over the world - watch out where you go...
By BBC News: Thursday, 1 May, 2003
For those who thought that piracy was eradicated when Peter Pan whacked the evil pirate, think again. It is flourishing and on the increase!
Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Somalia are well-known trouble spots. These are not the cute pirates from the Disney movies, these folks are vicious and ruthless! If you want to live out your dream of boating all over the world - watch out where you go...
Zimbabwe
Oh my, this reeks of quid pro quo... we helped you with Iraq now you help us with Zimbabwe.
Actually, I certainly hope the USA will intervene in Zimbabwe by pushing Mugabe to the sidelines, as they did in Palestine, with Arafat. I dont know if they could pull it off but you never know... if they can get the neighbouring countries to cooperate and agree, they just might! This is so, so needed... that jewel of a country is becoming a slaughterhouse as the world looks on indifferently.
Oh my, this reeks of quid pro quo... we helped you with Iraq now you help us with Zimbabwe.
Actually, I certainly hope the USA will intervene in Zimbabwe by pushing Mugabe to the sidelines, as they did in Palestine, with Arafat. I dont know if they could pull it off but you never know... if they can get the neighbouring countries to cooperate and agree, they just might! This is so, so needed... that jewel of a country is becoming a slaughterhouse as the world looks on indifferently.
Zimbabwe
Oh my, this reeks of quid pro quo... we helped you with Iraq now you help us with Zimbabwe.
Actually, I certainly hope the USA will intervene in Zimbabwe by pushing Mugabe to the sidelines, as they did in Palestine, with Arafat. I dont know if they could pull it off but you never know... if they can get the neighbouring countries to cooperate and agree, they just might! This is so, so needed... that jewel of a country is becoming a slaughterhouse as the world looks on indifferently.
Oh my, this reeks of quid pro quo... we helped you with Iraq now you help us with Zimbabwe.
Actually, I certainly hope the USA will intervene in Zimbabwe by pushing Mugabe to the sidelines, as they did in Palestine, with Arafat. I dont know if they could pull it off but you never know... if they can get the neighbouring countries to cooperate and agree, they just might! This is so, so needed... that jewel of a country is becoming a slaughterhouse as the world looks on indifferently.
Americans....
I have known many over the years. I've known a brilliant man, a gifted scientist, who believed in creationism with all his heart and would use that brilliant mind to come up with the most convoluted reasoning to make the facts and science warp to his beliefs. I've known a poor woman who was generous beyond my understanding to utter strangers who were in need; afterwards I found out she gave us all the food she had for that month... I've known a soft-spoken, incredibly gentle man, who was so rabidly pro-life that he felt it was quite justified to murder someone to prevent an abortion. Those are but a few. Over the years, I've met them in all shapes and sizes, from earth-shakingly obese to Jack Spratt... from all corners of the political spectrum... funny, angry, aloof, kind, hospitable, curious, arrogant, friendly, blindly patriotic, and often, so often, with a naive, child-like wonder at the country they live in. I have been speaking to Americans a lot lately... just to keep my head straight and remind myself that my anger should never translate to them personally.
It's the American government I am angry with, and the money men behind the leaders - those men who truly shape world events. I am also irritated at the sheep-like mentality of the American population which prevents them from separating truth from lies, spin and bullshit. That blind patriotism... that not understanding and not wanting to hear what their government has been doing outside of their borders for the past 40+ years. That propensity for seeing life as a western movie or reducing everything to a Disney analogy. I know Americans are not stupid, I know at some point the grassroots movement will gather such momentum that people will start to understand what is being done in their name and the risks their government exposed them and future generations to. Let's hope it wont take too long - there are elections coming up.
America is a lovely country and a wonderful ideal that is being desecrated by greedy, power-hungry men of money. And that makes me angry....
PS I'm still waiting for those weapons of mass destruction!
I have known many over the years. I've known a brilliant man, a gifted scientist, who believed in creationism with all his heart and would use that brilliant mind to come up with the most convoluted reasoning to make the facts and science warp to his beliefs. I've known a poor woman who was generous beyond my understanding to utter strangers who were in need; afterwards I found out she gave us all the food she had for that month... I've known a soft-spoken, incredibly gentle man, who was so rabidly pro-life that he felt it was quite justified to murder someone to prevent an abortion. Those are but a few. Over the years, I've met them in all shapes and sizes, from earth-shakingly obese to Jack Spratt... from all corners of the political spectrum... funny, angry, aloof, kind, hospitable, curious, arrogant, friendly, blindly patriotic, and often, so often, with a naive, child-like wonder at the country they live in. I have been speaking to Americans a lot lately... just to keep my head straight and remind myself that my anger should never translate to them personally.
It's the American government I am angry with, and the money men behind the leaders - those men who truly shape world events. I am also irritated at the sheep-like mentality of the American population which prevents them from separating truth from lies, spin and bullshit. That blind patriotism... that not understanding and not wanting to hear what their government has been doing outside of their borders for the past 40+ years. That propensity for seeing life as a western movie or reducing everything to a Disney analogy. I know Americans are not stupid, I know at some point the grassroots movement will gather such momentum that people will start to understand what is being done in their name and the risks their government exposed them and future generations to. Let's hope it wont take too long - there are elections coming up.
America is a lovely country and a wonderful ideal that is being desecrated by greedy, power-hungry men of money. And that makes me angry....
PS I'm still waiting for those weapons of mass destruction!
Americans....
I have known many over the years. I've known a brilliant man, a gifted scientist, who believed in creationism with all his heart and would use that brilliant mind to come up with the most convoluted reasoning to make the facts and science warp to his beliefs. I've known a poor woman who was generous beyond my understanding to utter strangers who were in need; afterwards I found out she gave us all the food she had for that month... I've known a soft-spoken, incredibly gentle man, who was so rabidly pro-life that he felt it was quite justified to murder someone to prevent an abortion. Those are but a few. Over the years, I've met them in all shapes and sizes, from earth-shakingly obese to Jack Spratt... from all corners of the political spectrum... funny, angry, aloof, kind, hospitable, curious, arrogant, friendly, blindly patriotic, and often, so often, with a naive, child-like wonder at the country they live in. I have been speaking to Americans a lot lately... just to keep my head straight and remind myself that my anger should never translate to them personally.
It's the American government I am angry with, and the money men behind the leaders - those men who truly shape world events. I am also irritated at the sheep-like mentality of the American population which prevents them from separating truth from lies, spin and bullshit. That blind patriotism... that not understanding and not wanting to hear what their government has been doing outside of their borders for the past 40+ years. That propensity for seeing life as a western movie or reducing everything to a Disney analogy. I know Americans are not stupid, I know at some point the grassroots movement will gather such momentum that people will start to understand what is being done in their name and the risks their government exposed them and future generations to. Let's hope it wont take too long - there are elections coming up.
America is a lovely country and a wonderful ideal that is being desecrated by greedy, power-hungry men of money. And that makes me angry....
PS I'm still waiting for those weapons of mass destruction!
I have known many over the years. I've known a brilliant man, a gifted scientist, who believed in creationism with all his heart and would use that brilliant mind to come up with the most convoluted reasoning to make the facts and science warp to his beliefs. I've known a poor woman who was generous beyond my understanding to utter strangers who were in need; afterwards I found out she gave us all the food she had for that month... I've known a soft-spoken, incredibly gentle man, who was so rabidly pro-life that he felt it was quite justified to murder someone to prevent an abortion. Those are but a few. Over the years, I've met them in all shapes and sizes, from earth-shakingly obese to Jack Spratt... from all corners of the political spectrum... funny, angry, aloof, kind, hospitable, curious, arrogant, friendly, blindly patriotic, and often, so often, with a naive, child-like wonder at the country they live in. I have been speaking to Americans a lot lately... just to keep my head straight and remind myself that my anger should never translate to them personally.
It's the American government I am angry with, and the money men behind the leaders - those men who truly shape world events. I am also irritated at the sheep-like mentality of the American population which prevents them from separating truth from lies, spin and bullshit. That blind patriotism... that not understanding and not wanting to hear what their government has been doing outside of their borders for the past 40+ years. That propensity for seeing life as a western movie or reducing everything to a Disney analogy. I know Americans are not stupid, I know at some point the grassroots movement will gather such momentum that people will start to understand what is being done in their name and the risks their government exposed them and future generations to. Let's hope it wont take too long - there are elections coming up.
America is a lovely country and a wonderful ideal that is being desecrated by greedy, power-hungry men of money. And that makes me angry....
PS I'm still waiting for those weapons of mass destruction!
Thursday, May 01, 2003
Webcounters!
Amazing, how many of them there are....
Amazing, how much info they want from you for a free counter....
Amazing, how hard it can be to get such a short bit of HTML to work like it should...
Amazing, how I jump through all kinds of hoops because I want to see how many people stop by here....
HMPH!
Amazing, how many of them there are....
Amazing, how much info they want from you for a free counter....
Amazing, how hard it can be to get such a short bit of HTML to work like it should...
Amazing, how I jump through all kinds of hoops because I want to see how many people stop by here....
HMPH!
Webcounters!
Amazing, how many of them there are....
Amazing, how much info they want from you for a free counter....
Amazing, how hard it can be to get such a short bit of HTML to work like it should...
Amazing, how I jump through all kinds of hoops because I want to see how many people stop by here....
HMPH!
Amazing, how many of them there are....
Amazing, how much info they want from you for a free counter....
Amazing, how hard it can be to get such a short bit of HTML to work like it should...
Amazing, how I jump through all kinds of hoops because I want to see how many people stop by here....
HMPH!
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