Connecting You to Your Community
Lodi, California •

Indexes


November 21st, 2009
November 20th, 2009
November 19th, 2009
November 18th, 2009
November 17th, 2009
November 16th, 2009
November 14th, 2009
ADVERTISEMENT

On this Memorial Day, let us vow: No more lives lost in a futile war


Saturday, May 26, 2007 7:27 AM PDT

Comments (88 comment(s))

Since Memorial Day 2006, nearly 1,000 more U.S. soldiers have been killed during the Iraq War. According to the Department of Defense, the total as of May 22 is 3,422.

The loss of those young lives was sadly predictable. And if, as seems likely, the war is still raging next Memorial Day, we will have buried another thousand of our troops.

Americans are totally fed up with the war and its mastermind, namely President Bush, Vice President Cheney, and their staunchest Cabinet ally, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

In a slightly comforting development, two other warmongers, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and former Assistant Secretary of State Paul Wolfowitz have been dispatched. They are gone but not forgotten.

The war is unspeakably sad. Conceived in lies and carried out in ignorance and defiance, it has done nothing but create bloodshed and tragedy.

And the cruel joke is that the war is waged in the name of democracy. According to Bush, our intention is to introduce to Iraq a democratic government.

In June 30, 2004, the United States "transferred sovereignty" to Iraq. Americans were told that this was a great victory for the democratic process.

But look at the sorry example that Bush as leader of the free world has set since then. Despite the fact that in November 2006 Americans elected a new Congress because of their disgust with the war, an unrepentant Bush refuses to exercise the people's will. He vetoed a bill calling for gradual troop withdrawal that reflects a majority of the public's anti-war opinion.

Although the veto represents a setback for war critics, the heat on Bush to come up with something other than the status quo remains intense. Namely, the pressure is on him to develop a withdrawal plan even if it is a limited one.

No sane person evaluating Iraq today can conclude that the Iraqi people will tolerate a long-term American military presence. We have already been in Iraq too long.

Any future U.S. policy in Iraq has to be measured in terms of risk and reward. And the question that must be asked is whether the U.S. by continuing its occupation has a reasonable chance of creating peace in Iraq?

The short answer is "No!"

In a statement with which I agree, former national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski declared last year that the United States could never achieve its goals of a democratic, stable and peaceful Iraq unless the American people were prepared to "commit 500,000 troops, spend (U.S.) $200 billion a year, probably have a draft," and have some form of wartime taxation. Brzezinski conceded that Americans "are not prepared to do that."

And since Americans aren't prepared to do any of the tough things necessary to win a military victory in Iraq, the only choice left is withdrawal, gradual though it may be.

The U.S. can easily deflect any boasting by jihadists that they "won." In rebuttal to such charges, the U.S. should point to the removal of Saddam Hussein, a brutal dictator, as a major triumph. Furthermore, the U.S. can claim that it is leaving Iraq as a sign of good faith that it has no intentions of "occupying" the country permanently.

On this Memorial Day, our only concern must be sparing more young soldiers their death in a futile war.

Joe Guzzardi is an instructor at the Lincoln Technical Academy. He has been writing an opinion column for the Lodi News-Sentinel since 2001. Send mail to him at guzzjoe@yahoo.com.

Reader Feedback

Spoony G wrote on Jun 2, 2007 6:49 PM:

" I totally agree with Michael Savage that Bush should be impeached and tried for war crimes. They should elect Savage President in his place. "

Report Abuse

Leonarde wrote on Jun 2, 2007 4:45 PM:

" Gov Somehow, your last picture made me imagine a wino flipping coins muttering to himself that "tails is not an option". "

Report Abuse

GovAgent wrote on Jun 2, 2007 3:21 PM:

" I know about the poor health care troops are getting here in the US. I BEG TO DIFFER, BUSH HAS NOT FAILED! FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION! WE NEED TO SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE THE DECISIONS OUR GOVERNMENT MAKES WHEN IT COMES TO WAR!. As for Bush and the policy he is trying to pass for illegals, I am in protest! and mad as hell! GO MIKE SAVAGE AND LET THE PEOPLE KNOW ! "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on Jun 1, 2007 8:47 PM:

" I'm sure Bush has a plan for Iraq and the military is an integral part of the plan. Getting rid of this integral part is shortsighted. Perhaps a criminalogist can explain how crime has to be fought by not only stepping up police presence but many other factors are involved in crime prevention. The same goes for terrorism. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on Jun 1, 2007 8:39 PM:

" Leonard, I understand General Patraeus is now saying that we cannot win militarily in Iraq. That said, is our military presence in Iraq futile? According to you and Joe Blow, yes. I don't subscribe to this and your axis of incompetence. Therefore, Bush has not betrayed the troops or is he incompetent. Spraying for those ants around your house may not kill the whole colony. However, their are methods now to kill the whole colony. We will eventually rid the world of terrorism. But we have to keep at it and not pull back. comprende? "

Report Abuse

nylodian wrote on Jun 1, 2007 5:29 PM:

" GovAgent: You know who REALLY is dishonoring to our soldiers? Our gov't who allows VA hospitals to give substandard care to our wounded troops or not providing enough TP to the Navy so they ask their families to send some. Jobs our soldiers would normally do being contracted out to Halliburton workers. On top of our gov't sending our troops into an unjustified war. "

Report Abuse

The leader of the free world has a new cd out folks! wrote on Jun 1, 2007 3:32 PM:

" It's called "Bush's greatest hits". It has hits like "Gonna smoke em out..dead or alive" and "We gotta fight em over there,so we don't have to fight em here". or "mission accomplished", "Freedoms on the march" and Brians fav...." We gotta stay the course". All proseeds go to the good ol boys at Exxon-Mobile and Haliburten. Can be baught at all Arizona and Texas walmarts. "

Report Abuse

Yo Govagent AKA Arm chair Bush lemming & Arizona parrot...... wrote on Jun 1, 2007 3:16 PM:

" your simple lock-step, meat- head world is shrinking faster then our treasury and Republican support for this occupation.By Sept of this year, when it's clear the Bush surge is just another failure notch in his belt, the rest of the rubber stamp Republicans will jump ship to save thier own seats come election time. "

Report Abuse

leonard wrote on Jun 1, 2007 10:18 AM:

" Brian: As for the numbers on Japan and Germany that I cited earlier, you must have missed the part of my post where I clearly stated that they were for 1946-1949. I have noticed in the course of our discussions that your grasp of history leaves a bit to be desired so I will remind you that WWII ended in 1945. "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on Jun 1, 2007 10:16 AM:

" Brian: Let me repeat this. According to the BUSH ADMINISTRATION State Department, productivity in Iraq has decreased every year since the invasion. Given the fact that the BUSH ADMINISTRATION lies like a rug, I can't blame you for being suspicious but I can't think of any reason why they would want to lie about these numbers. "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on Jun 1, 2007 4:26 AM:

" GovAgent: As for Bush, he has betrayed our brave young men and women over and over again. The man has neither the vision nor the intellectual capacity to lead our troops to victory. You don't have to hate the President to see that Bush is a failed leader. "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on Jun 1, 2007 4:20 AM:

" GovAgent: I absolutely agree with you that every soldier is a hero. These brave young men and women are making incredible sacrifices for their country. They deserve competent leadership with a plan that can actually bring them victory. "

Report Abuse

Bingo wrote on May 31, 2007 9:05 PM:

" Hail Bush!! I will stand behind him & OUR troops until the end..!! "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 31, 2007 8:58 PM:

" You're so out of it Leonard. there is more productivity and employment in Iraq even as the war goes on. Japan and Germany's productivity during WWII was fueled by the war machine. There is no war machine in Iraq. We aren't fighting the Iraqi military. We are fighting the terrorist. Anyway Leonard, I echo the sentiments of GovAgent. YOU have fallen to a new low. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 31, 2007 8:49 PM:

" GovAgent, Thank You! "

Report Abuse

GovAgent to Mike wrote on May 31, 2007 7:44 PM:

" Mike God bless you for your service, and keep up the great support. People just dont get it and are feeding on the propaganda machine. The enemy within is trying to rip this country apart! When appointed judges are allowed to overturn decisions by elected judges our country is in deep trouble, Thank God for the "scull and bones" society and "Sons of Freedom" who are constantly on alert! Seateam One! Peacekeeper of the Nations! "

Report Abuse

GovAgent to Leonard wrote on May 31, 2007 7:31 PM:

" I am sick of you and the others who have this hate for BUSH, yet say you support the troops! you support yourselves! A soldier goes to war because he or she loves their country. When the call comes in they go. To die in battle or fight along side others is something that people like you, just dont get. It is better to die for a cause than to die for nothing. TO TRUE AMERICANS! THE ENEMY IS ALSO WITHIN OUR COUNTRY! THEY USE WHATEVER THEY CAN FOR THEIR OWN BENIFIT! THEY HAVE NO LOYALTY ACCEPT TO THEMSELVES! "

Report Abuse

GovAgent response to editor wrote on May 31, 2007 7:15 PM:

" Hey joe, grow up! Every soldier is a hero! Forget about the negative reporting you and the media are spewing! I would like you to print only the positive changes in Iraq! The enemy is lifted up and given a reason to fight harder every time articles like this are printed! How about the schools being built and the people who want us there! It is easy for you to talk negative. Why dont you go over there and live with some of the people! See the good that is being done! AND QUIT DISHONORING OUR SOLDIERS! "

Report Abuse

nylodian wrote on May 31, 2007 6:59 PM:

" Mike: with all due respect, we are hated for more than our freedom. We are hated for our arrogance, greed and wastefulness by other countries, including other free nations. Our president told this county there were WMDs and direct links to 9/11 to justify the invasion, and neither were true. "

Report Abuse

OTH wrote on May 31, 2007 3:21 PM:

" Brian take heart. This mornings Record reported the U.S. is getting ready to take several million Iraqi refugees into our country. You should apply with a job with the welcome wagon. "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on May 31, 2007 10:27 AM:

" Brian: I am not quite sure where you got your statistics but the US State Departments own numbers show that productivity has decreased by the double digits every year since the invasion. As for the increases in Germany and Japan, we are talking about percentages so the original base is irrelevant. The facts are that production increased in both countries while it has consistently fallen in Iraq. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 31, 2007 8:07 AM:

" http://iraqmortality.org/iraq-mortality Let's envision how many more Iraqi citizens would have died from the wrath of Saddam. This report indicates only the mortality rate in Iraq but fails to mention how the insurgents live amongst the civilians. And this makes it very difficult for our troops to root them out without any collateral damage. The military does everything they can to prevent collateral damage. Yet, it's the insurgents who encourage collateral damage to fuel their propaganda machine that the liberal media feeds off. "

Report Abuse

leonard wrote on May 31, 2007 7:57 AM:

" Brian: What, specifically, have you done to support the troops. I get that you support President Bush, no matter what he does or who he betrays. I don't, however, see any evidence that you support our troops. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 31, 2007 7:39 AM:

" I'm flabbergasted by your pessimism. And you want a draft that would cause more collateral damage in Iraq. Make up your mind Leonard. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 31, 2007 7:39 AM:

" Leonard, Overall productivity znd employment has increased in Iraq. There is freedom of press, schools are being built, the utilities and communications grids are being restored. I invite you to do some research and contact the Army Corps of engineers and see for yourself. Yeah, Haliburton also has their hand in it too. Since their wasn't much industrial production in Iraq to begin, what was their was in need of improvements. It's slow in coming. The Japanese and the Germans had a huge industrial complex pre-WWII.cont "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 30, 2007 8:12 PM:

" Leonard, Wow! all the years we have been allies with England and you are suggesting our troops shouldn't lay down their lives in the event England needs our assistance because of terrorism because England is a monarchy. Winston Churchill is probably rolling over in his grave not to mention how Tony Blair would feel about your impression of a monarchy as something awful. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 30, 2007 8:03 PM:

" Mike, good points you made at 5:45. It seems to me Leonard and Co. are out of touch with th war in Iraq. They only listen to the disgruntled vets and take it as gospel. What we have here is ignorance on a grand scale. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 30, 2007 7:59 PM:

" Leonard, Let's tell the British that you would have preferred not to fight along side of the British soldiers during WWII becuase Britain is a monarchy. Of course we would like to establish a democracy in Iraq. However, even you have made comments that a democracy might not work in Iraq, it would seem fit to look for an alternative form of governing there. Your double standard on Iraq sticks out like a sore thumb. Leonard, there are many moral equivalences to a democracy and a monarchy. Or do you prefer another dictatorship just for spite? I wonder. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 30, 2007 7:50 PM:

" Leonard, Only you call me a non-supporter of the troops. Since I do support the troops and I have made it clear on these blogs that I do, it appears to me and probably other readers that you are continuing your mission to try to discredit me because I don't share your sentiments. So be it. I find your comments directed toward me as a non-supporter a slap in the face not only to me but the soldiers that I know too. "

Report Abuse

leonard wrote on May 30, 2007 6:28 PM:

" Mike: Again, I thank you for your service but have to say that I think you need a history lesson. Following the Allied Victory, German and Japanese industrial production increased in every year between 1946 and 1949. Industrial production in Iraq, on the other hand, has declined in every year since the Axis of Incompetency declared "Mission Accomplished". "

Report Abuse

Mike wrote on May 30, 2007 5:45 PM:

" If you will notice reconstruction in other Countries didn't happen in a year or two. Japan, Germany, Korea and many Countries around them we helped and secured while they rebuilt. This is no different. My job skill or MOS was 18R, and I got to meet many people in Iraq. Christian as well as Muslim. At least 95 percent want us there, and are begging us not to leave. Yet the media only shows the 5 percent that doesn't. Why is that? "

Report Abuse

Mike wrote on May 30, 2007 5:40 PM:

" Problems lay at the feet of religious leaders, and revenge. They want to kill anyone that wants a free Nation in the Middle East. That will mean people will be able to read. Know that there are free Nations in other places. That they can choose to believe in what they want. That's why soft targets are killed so much. Believe in any freedom, and you will die. If we were to pull out the biggest blood bath in history would happen, and those that made us pull out would be a fault. "

Report Abuse

Mike wrote on May 30, 2007 5:32 PM:

" There was and always have been two Missions in Iraq. One bringing Sad man to justice. Two reconstruction of the Country. Under the last to help the people get the power back on, and build a Government they elect. Then to support that Government as long as they need it. The first Mission was completed. The second is on going with the new Government they elected. "

Report Abuse

Mike wrote on May 30, 2007 5:27 PM:

" Made more hate for the U.S.? I got news we have always been hated. Hated because the citizens in other Countries want to live here where they can be free. Where each person has a say, and a vote. Where no one man or group lords over the people in this Country. Where you can believe and go to any church you want to. Why do any of you think we have been attacked over and over again before 9-11. Because for the last two hundred years we have been spreading that freedom to anyone or place. "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on May 30, 2007 5:11 PM:

" Brian, the days when you could pretend that support for your President was support for our troops are long past. No one believes the lies anymore. "

Report Abuse

dogbark wrote on May 30, 2007 4:54 PM:

" "The war is unspeakably sad. Conceived in lies and carried out in ignorance and defiance, it has done nothing but create bloodshed and tragedy." That, sir, is damn good writing. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 30, 2007 12:38 PM:

" Nice try Leonard. You are being intelectually dishonest by making those statements about me. Give me an example of how I am saying I want the troops to lay down their arms for a monarchy. It is up to the Iraqi government what type of government they choose to have. You have a double standard by saying you want the troops to leave and yet you want us to make all the decisions for them in the same breath. Give me an example of the moral equivilance of a monarchy and a dictatorship. Make up your mind Leonard. "

Report Abuse

idea wrote on May 30, 2007 12:22 PM:

" We must fight the fight for those who were here before us. If we want to stay free we must fight for our freedom. Joe can say whatever he would like to say but the truth is we are fighting for our freedom as well as the freedom of those who are not in our country as well. I served for my country when i was young, only to know that i did my part to serve my country for freedom. I never asked anyone for anything just to be given the chance to serve. "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on May 30, 2007 11:07 AM:

" Tom: You ought to be. "

Report Abuse

Tom wrote on May 30, 2007 10:41 AM:

" Bad typing earlier. I am NOT ashamed of my president. "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on May 30, 2007 9:21 AM:

" Brian: I say that you are contemptuously indifferent because, in spite of the countless opportunities to do so, you refuse to lift a single finger to actually support our troops. "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on May 30, 2007 9:19 AM:

" Brian: Wow! 200+ years after the Revolution and you are arguing that American soldiers should lay down their lives to establish a Monarchy? The Founding Fathers must be rolling in their graves. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 30, 2007 8:09 AM:

" Tom, You are ashamed of our president but yet you feel he is doing the right thing? Hmm "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 30, 2007 8:05 AM:

" We will have to ask the Iraqi citizens if they echo your sentiments. I doubt they do. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 30, 2007 8:05 AM:

" Actually Joe, there are hints in Iraq that the government may become a monarchy much like Jordan. Jordan has experienced much success in their form of government and from what I have heard, it may work out much better than a U.S type of democracy. Given the fact that their are many similiarities in a monarchy and a democracy, the Iraqi citizens are much better off with Saddam gone whether it be a democracy or a monarchy. You just keep on holding your ground on your stance on the war. cont "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 30, 2007 7:53 AM:

" But it pails in comparison to the citizens who owe their life to the troops. Is the war in Iraq futile to the Iraqi citizens? I doubt it. I find it shortsighted on the behalf of Joe and Leonard to try and sway people like me to question my positon on the war in Iraq. For every one reason they argue against the war I can come up with 10 reasons for the war. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 30, 2007 7:46 AM:

" Perhaps Leonard and Joe should be part of a roundtable dicussion with experts on the war in Iraq. We should have citizens from Iraq and citizens who have lost family members from the war just to make it fair. We should also discuss collateral damage and ask the experts if it is avoidable. I suspect the citizens of Iraq would take a favorable position as far as how they feel about U.S troop presence in Iraq. Of course there will be those disgrun tled citizens.cont "

Report Abuse

Tom wrote on May 30, 2007 7:38 AM:

" This is a sad commentary. I am not disgusted with this war, and I am ashamed of my president. He is doing the right thing. We must push on to victory. The purpose of war is to kill people and break things. Sadly, those who volunteer for this job are put in harms way. There is no such thing as a bloodless war, and our men and women are not dying in vain. This is a critical war for our security. This gives new meaning to the term "yellow journalism". "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 29, 2007 10:10 PM:

" Leonard, since you and Joe Guzzardi are so hellbent on claiming this war to be futile you two should write to the Generals in charge in Iraq and see if they echo your sentiments. Quite the contrary, they'd tell you two to go jump in the lake. Collapsing under pressure from the politicization of this war is not one of their options as you and Joe would hope it to be. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 29, 2007 9:33 PM:

" I know he would say that guy disgusts me. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. He's on his way over there as I write to protect this nation from the terrorists by keeping them busy over there no matter how much you disagree with his mission, Leonard. This country is safe because of people like him. so you can huff and puff away at that pipe knowing all is secure here. Whether or not you give a damm. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 29, 2007 9:28 PM:

" Leonard, Perhaps I should have informed my boss's son before he left for his third tour to Iraq that it is futile to make any effort to win this war because Bush lied and people died. I know he would have told me to tell all of those anti-war kooks that he has a mission and he won't be fettered by any- one trying to damage his or anyone else in his platoon's morale. I know Phil quite well and I know he wouldn't stand for the garbage you spew. cont "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 29, 2007 9:15 PM:

" Leonard, You can accuse me all you want of indifference. Whatever floats your boat. I gather that you feel I'm indifferent because I don't share the same sentiments as you and your disgruntled vet croanies. Even if I were to volunteer my time to the USO or the Vets Admin. you would still find me indifferent. That said, the millions of other people who don't share your sentiments either must then be tarred and feathered too, according to you. "

Report Abuse

nylodian wrote on May 29, 2007 1:01 PM:

" Mike: I too thank you for your service, but I believe our presence in Iraq under false pretenses has fueled even more hatred for the US and makes us even more vulnerable to attacks. "

Report Abuse

nylodian wrote on May 29, 2007 12:58 PM:

" Well said, Joe. Leonard: I heard the same report about the INS being pulled as well and share your outrage. We live right on the Canadian border here. There are a lot of Muslims in Canada (tour Toronto and Niagara Falls sometime) and I'm sure most are peaceful folks. But I'm also sure there are a few who aren't, and I'd like our borders protected from them. "

Report Abuse

Daniel wrote on May 29, 2007 11:12 AM:

" Leonard: Your posts will continue to be flawed for however long you rely upon UN-affiliated sources. Those sources are not only foreign, but they are asking for you to surrender your American flag. "

Report Abuse

Daniel wrote on May 29, 2007 11:11 AM:

" Leonard: The JBS position is the same as the scientific community. If the scientific community really did change its opinion, so would the JBS. "

Report Abuse

OTH wrote on May 29, 2007 7:38 AM:

" Brian we are not pouring billions of dollars into a sinking ship. We are not trying to rebuild the electric and water facilities of the countries we're in. Bush the moron thought that Iraq's oil money would fund his private war. Well guess what your grandkids grankids will be paying for this jackasses blunder. Needless to say their oil fields are going up in smoke. "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on May 28, 2007 7:47 PM:

" Brian: You can talk all you want about my bleeding heart but the fact remains that I support the troops while you do not. Your brazen attempt to transform your contemptuous indifference into patriotism rings all the more hollow on this Memorial Day. "

Report Abuse

oh wrote on May 28, 2007 4:32 PM:

" You don't speak for me neither Joe!We do nothing about the Max'e'can border and look we have to speak there language!They have the Nerve to come here and fly there Flag!Gee! Do you think H Clinton would be able to run for president if those terrorist were in control here? Happy! Menmorial Day! "

Report Abuse

Spoony G wrote on May 28, 2007 2:08 PM:

" I agree completely with Michael Savage on this issue. This war is a complete fiasco brought on by arrogance and fueled by idiocy. "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on May 28, 2007 12:39 PM:

" Daniel: The fact is that the JBS position on global climate change enjoys no significant support in the American scientific community. "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on May 28, 2007 12:37 PM:

" Brian: You can shamelessly claim that the President is a "victim of his own success" but today is a day that the nation has set aside to remember the thousands and thousands of victims of his dismal failures. This incompetent fool has betrayed the US military and the American people. "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on May 28, 2007 12:36 PM:

" Brian: You say that Bush has done "more" to secure this country from terrorist attack? I wonder, does that more include stripping our borders of INS agents and shipping them off to Iraq? How does the removal of our border defenses make this country more secure? Tell me, because I would like to know. "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on May 28, 2007 12:34 PM:

" You've been sounding like a broken record for some time now. People like you cast a shadow on our military and government. It's obvious you made up your mind long ago that no matter what Bush does you will support him. It matters not whether that involves betrayal, treason or the complete subversion of the US Constitution. How many pairs of those brown shirts and jack boots do you have in your closet? "

Report Abuse

WY wrote on May 28, 2007 12:00 PM:

" Mike... Thank You for your service. God Bless you and your family for your time. I will always remember what you have done for me and my family. We won't forget! Peace. "

Report Abuse

Daniel wrote on May 28, 2007 11:55 AM:

" Leonard: And you did say "unholy." Another teaching we give is that the constitution does not give rights. It embraces the fact that God gives human rights. For example, habeus corpus is an inalienable right, and the constitution only says that it shall not be taken away. Since God gives the right, the US constitution does not. This point has come up with President Bush's partner and friend in the Justice Department "Gonzalez." "

Report Abuse

Daniel wrote on May 28, 2007 11:53 AM:

" Leonard: It sounds like you have been reading from William F. Buckley, Jr., who is a neo-conservative member of the Skull and Bones society out of Yale University. He and the Bush Presidents are tied together by loyalty. Watch out for those conspiratorial resources. "

Report Abuse

Daniel wrote on May 28, 2007 11:50 AM:

" Leonard: Quite the opposite of what you said: we are privately-funded from within our own membership. The closest to being funded by corporations can be found as advertisers in our magazine, who appear to be owner-operated. They are businesses that most people would never hear of, and neither have I. One of the fundamental forces that we examine is the cartel partnerships between business and government. We seek to educate people on these infectious diseases that guide our government. "

Report Abuse

Daniel wrote on May 28, 2007 11:44 AM:

" Leonard: In spite of what I have always known you for, I am seeing some items that are correct. We would give you a lot of patience on the global warming thing. "

Report Abuse

Daniel wrote on May 28, 2007 11:42 AM:

" Leonard: At least get the story right. I don't care about the rejection, which I knew you would, but I am insulted that you get it backwards on most items. You said "unholy alliance between the JBS and those corporations, political parties and foreign governments that are attempting to destroy our livelihoods." Nothing could be further from the truth. I always have know you for using sources that come out of "corporations, political parties and foreign governments that are attempting to destroy our livelihoods." "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 28, 2007 9:58 AM:

" People were saying oh, al Qaeda works on a two-year strike, on a three-year cycle, it doesn't work on a six-year cycle. It's out there. But the president has lulled particularly the left into a position in which it will believe this nonsense that the war is an exaggeration or a way to win political points. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 28, 2007 9:58 AM:

" Charles Krauthammer says a person arguing against the war in Iraq and saying perhaps it's irrelevant to the war on al Qaeda. I think that's wrong, but I can understand that argument. But the war on al Qaeda is real, it's all over the world. And the irony is that the president is the victim of his own success. Nobody expected that we would go six months or a year or two years without a second attack. cont "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 28, 2007 9:41 AM:

" OTH, given the fact that we still have troops and bases still in Japan and Germany. Are you implying these countries aren't on their feet too? The U.S. is the last superpower and we must fullfill our obligations in this world. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 28, 2007 9:38 AM:

" Leonard, give me an example of Bush not fulfilling his promise to rid this world of radical Islam? You can pick away at the the validity of this war all you want. But the fact remains, Bush has done more to secure our country from terrorists attacks. Now, you can sit on the sidelines and bellyache or you can join the masses and support our president. He has his faults like anyone else. So why don't you just stop grandstanding. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 28, 2007 9:31 AM:

" http://sandbox.blog-city.com/islamism_and_fascism_dare_to_compare.htm Joe, The Democrats decided to side with Bush because they know a failure in Iraq would be curtains for the Democrats given the fact they they have a bad track record on national security. Setting up shop in Iraq as a central front on the war on terror is much better than setting up shop in Afghanistan. Bush has pledged to rid this world of radical Islam. Since when is a war without it's sacrafices. The majority of our troops and people I speak to understand this. I don't know who you talk to. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 28, 2007 8:51 AM:

" Leonard, the Bush Administration implied a lot of things about our reasons for going into Iraq. This is America Leonard, love it or leave it. The putrid stench you write gives this country a bad name. And you claim to be patriotic. Your heart bleeds for our troops yet your heart doesn't bleed for the troops that support this President through thick and thin. "

Report Abuse

Brian wrote on May 28, 2007 8:44 AM:

" Leonard, You've been sounding like a broken record for some time now. People like you cast a shadow on our military and government. It's obvious you made up your mind long ago that no matter what Bush does you hate him. How big is you white flag Leonard? "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on May 28, 2007 4:01 AM:

" Daniel: Thanks for the invite but, given the unholy alliance between the JBS and those corporations, political parties and foreign governments that are attempting to destroy our livelihoods and, in fact, our lives themselves through the denial of global climate change, I don't think we would find all that much in common. "

Report Abuse

Daniel wrote on May 27, 2007 6:16 PM:

" Leonard: You are beginning to say the same things that the JBS started saying before the war even started. Would you like to come to one of our overview movie showings? It takes about the same amount of time to driver over to the other end of Lodi as it does to see the movie. "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on May 27, 2007 2:19 PM:

" Mike: Thank you for your service but you have been lied to and betrayed by the very criminals who have betrayed our entire nation. It has been firmly established that there was never a link between Iraq and 9/11. The Bush Administration implied a link as a part of their treasonous campaign to lie this country into an unjustifiable war. "

Report Abuse

OTH wrote on May 27, 2007 9:02 AM:

" That country is not on their feet. If they were we wouldn't be there. They are killing more soldiers a day now than they were before. Their gov. is useless. The peace loving people live in fear from their own fellow citizens. "

Report Abuse

Mike wrote on May 26, 2007 9:52 PM:

" Congress voted for it then as well as in 2003. Now it's all politics, and finger pointing. Stay the course, and let them finish becoming a Free Nation. Or spit on the graves of those that Served while cheering as tens of thousands die because you choose to run away with your tail between your legs. "

Report Abuse

Mike wrote on May 26, 2007 9:46 PM:

" If we are allowed to finish the job it will mean less attacks on Americans. Run away again will mean more attacks on us. If you didn't notice we have been at war mostly from the 70's on against Muslim Terrorist, and we have been attacked many times before 9-11. Talking doesn't work. Even if the reasons we did go in was seen as wrong. They are the same reasons we went in in 1998 under Clinton. "

Report Abuse

Mike wrote on May 26, 2007 9:42 PM:

" You don't speak for me or most that I know Joe. I'm Retired Army now, and I Served in Iraq in 91 and 03. For the first time after being attacked over and over again a President had the guts to say enough, and we fought back. Today there is a Country in the Middle East between hot beds of Terrorists we helped put on their feet. A wedge that can be used to turn the tide against them. Unless we cut and run like some want to do. "

Report Abuse

j lawrence endicott wrote on May 26, 2007 2:31 PM:

" I wish we could rid the United States of Muslim terrorists. We know they are here, we just don't know where. The situation is the same in Iraq. The difference is that America is an advanced civilization, sadly Iraq is not. "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on May 26, 2007 1:16 PM:

" Joe puts it very well. This war was "Conceived in lies and carried out in ignorance and defiance". "

Report Abuse

Leonard wrote on May 26, 2007 1:15 PM:

" I was shocked to see a report in the news the other day that the Bush Administration (otherwise known as the Axis of Incompetence) is pulling INS officers off of the Mexican Border and sending them to Iraq. If the terrorists do follow us home from Bush's picnic, they will find our borders open and unguarded. "

Report Abuse

As A Disabled Veteran.... wrote on May 26, 2007 7:55 AM:

" It is my wish that we can have all our service men and women back home where they belong! We have tried for years to help Iraq to no avail. Sadly when we leave even more killing will continue. Iraq is like a horse. You can lead it to water but if it doesn't want to drink it won't! Raymond. "

Report Abuse

Comments on this story are now closed.

Special Sections

Photo Reprints

Find Ads




Leaf Pickup

Services

Contact Us

Office

125 N. Church St.
P.O. Box 1360
Lodi, CA 95241
(209) 369-2761
Fax: (209) 369-1084

Newsroom

E-mail

(209) 369-7035
Fax: (209) 369-6706

Subscriptions

Subscribe

Problems with your subscription?
(209) 333-1400

Advertising

E-mail

(209) 369-2761
Fax: (209) 369-1084

Classifieds

Place an ad E-mail

(209) 333-1111
Fax: (209) 369-1084