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Our soldiers pay the price

Updated: Wednesday, July 18, 2007 6:43 AM PDT
Comments (135 comment(s))

Get our young soldiers out of the Iraq civil war.

During World War II, the U.S. population was around 150 million; 15 percent, or 15 million, men and women were in uniform. We got 6 weeks training, and if you didn't get it, you had to learn on the job. When the time came for D-Day in Europe, June 6, 1944, our mostly civilian army fought until May 8th when Germany surrendered. It took 11 months.

Now compare that with the effort the Iraqi army police forces are putting forth to protect their own country. How could these same troops, who fought Iran for eight years (from 1980 to 1988) to a stalemate, do it without coalition forces? If there was no oil in the Middle East would we even want to be there? As this sad affair continues, we are faced with 100 dead soldiers per month, at least that many maimed for life, and for what?

In 1948 America cast the deciding vote in the U.N. permanent Security Council to partition the nation of Palestine to create a homeland for the Jews spread around the world. We will be paying for that mistake forever, for being staunch supporters of Israel.

Walter White
Lodi

Reader Feedback

GovAgent wrote on Jul 31, 2007 5:56 PM:

" SO WHAT!! THERE IS HUNDREDS MORE MURDERED AND DIE IN AUTO ACCIDENTS THAT TAKE THE LIVES OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN EVERYDAY HERE IN THE US. You have no idea what a soldier is. He or she is one who fights for a cause and would rather loose their life fighting for what they believe than sit and rot in a retirement home! GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS AND ALL THE FREEDOM IN THE WORLD, NOT JUST THE USA! "

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Lodian wrote on Jul 31, 2007 5:13 PM:

" Chuck: What am I waiting for? Hell to freeze over? "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 31, 2007 4:21 PM:

" Chuckles: Yes, lets wait and see. My money says that Bush will be the first President in US History to serve hard jail time. "

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Chuck wrote on Jul 31, 2007 11:45 AM:

" Lodian: Think as you may, just wait and see.... "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 31, 2007 11:08 AM:

" Lodian: I believe the country who's salvation Chuckles was referring to was China. Or perhaps Mexico. Certainly not the US. Could he possibly be thinking of Halliburton as a country? "

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Lodian wrote on Jul 31, 2007 8:57 AM:

" Chuck: The "Bush administration as saviors of this fine country"... now that was the joke of the day. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 30, 2007 10:30 AM:

" Brian: I base my opinion on the fact that every American Intelligence Agency has come to the conclusion that there was no Al Queda presence in Hussein controlled territory before the invasion and on the fact that the White House press office retracted the President's lie less than a week after he stated it. As for judging you, I just call it like I see it and the way I see it, you are either a knowing liar or a ignorant Administration dupe. Either way, you are repeating lies. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 29, 2007 8:00 PM:

" Leonard, One last thing. I do think for myself. You have an opinion that Zarqawi wasn't in Iraq before coalition troops were there. Based on what, your crystal ball. How dare you stand on your pedistal and judge me the way you do. Do you form your opinions based on that little bird that tells you? I guess I'm not supposed to form any opinions based on what I read or hear on the news according to you. "

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Chuck wrote on Jul 29, 2007 6:52 PM:

" In the end they are all hero's, we are victorious, history will look upon the Bush administration as saviors of this fine country... "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 29, 2007 5:02 PM:

" Brian: Chuckle... I don't need to post links to the opinions of others, I am perfectly capable of forming opinions on my own. Brian, I think the time has come for you to stop parroting others and to start thinking for yourself. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 29, 2007 1:59 PM:

" This Zarqawi thing is a perfect example of business as usual at the Ministry of Lies. One day the Bush Administration holds a big event and makes statements that they KNOW are untrue and then, less than a week later, they issue a one sentence printed retraction. Of course, we will now be hearing this one parroted by the dupes, dopes and dim bulbs that make up the core of Bush's remaining supporters until hell freezes over. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 29, 2007 12:57 PM:

" Leonard, Well, you have your dismal outlook on the war and I am confident we will have victory. Sorry we couldn't have that timeline you require. We could debate until the cows come home. One thing for sure. I have provided many links on this blog and you have provided nil. I've done my job to inform. Goodbye Leonard, you are wasting my time. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 28, 2007 5:34 PM:

" Brian: I am curious to know what you are basing your opinion on. More US soldiers died in 2006 than 2005 and, if these continue at their current dismal pace, 2007 will set a new record. Iraqi economic output is lower today than it was in 2004. Many of our rebuilding projects have been left unfinished and a high percentage of those completed have been abandoned. What part of this sounds like a "victory"? Please tell me because I would really like to know. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 28, 2007 3:58 PM:

" http://www.iraqslogger.com/index.php/post/3711/Bush_Argues_Iraq-al_Qaeda_Connection "

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Brian wrote on Jul 28, 2007 2:33 PM:

" Leonard, Yes, in my reality we are winning the war in Iraq and on terror. I AM, in a sense, unable to make sense of your reality on these issues. Other than the contempt you have for Bush and the flimsy reasons for your contempt you have nothing of any significance to convince me you are anything more than a disgruntled person. We'll leave it at that. "

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Orwell wrote on Jul 28, 2007 1:06 PM:

" The Bush Administration reminds me of Big Brother's Ministry of Truth. War is Peace. Love is Hate. Lies are Truth. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 28, 2007 9:18 AM:

" Brian: I'm not convinced that the Sunnis are our friend or ally either. Best to back out, and not take a position in their civil war. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 27, 2007 7:15 PM:

" Leonard, You mean you have chosen to overlook how well things have been going in Iraq? This is the impression I get from you. That smooth road has it's occasional bumps. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 27, 2007 1:48 PM:

" Brian: I want us to win the war. Period. Over the last five years, Bush has proven that he can not deliver victory. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:30 AM:

" The Sunni Militias in Iraq know we must win. They are allying with us in fighting Al Qaeda. Suicide bombing and OBL is losing popularity. Leonard, You want us to win the war for the sake of our soldiers but yet you want us to lose the war to spite Bush. I call this fickle. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 27, 2007 12:12 AM:

" I sure hope this column stays open at least one more day. Thanks. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 27, 2007 12:12 AM:

" Leonard: No. I'm discussing President Bush. During his campaign, Kissinger (uppermost brass within the CFR), and Schultz (pretty high up also) showed their endorsement for candidate George Bush. This pretty much spelled trouble. I didn't need a crystal ball to see it coming. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 26, 2007 4:49 PM:

" Daniel: I was not aware that we were having a discussion about the CFR. Is this somehow related to that global warming petition they put out? "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 26, 2007 10:49 AM:

" Leonard: See how I stipulated "senior" member? Newcomers like Angelina Jolie probably don't even know what is going on. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 26, 2007 10:48 AM:

" Leonard: Respectfully, I knew Bush's administration would be a problem for America. Continuing our discussion on the CFR: Bush is NOT a member. But, like his father and grandfather, he is a member of the Skull & Bones. During Bush's 2000 campaign, I saw Bush's photograph with Kissinger and Schultz standing behind him (both what I will term Senior members of the CFR). That was all I needed to see. If you like, you could cross-reference his entire staff against the CFR, Trilateral Commission rosters, and people who were cited at Bilderberg meetings. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 26, 2007 10:17 AM:

" I think the nation as a whole has decided that Bush's credibility is non existent. I read in the paper the other day that Bush is now polling only ONE percentage point better than Nixon was when he was forced to resign. America has had enough of Bush's blunders, incompetence and lies and I would not be at all surprised to see him out of office well before January 2009. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 26, 2007 9:19 AM:

" Brian wrote on Jul 25, 2007 7:18 PM: " http://www.cfif.org/htdocs/freedomline/current/in_our_opinion/oil_for_osama.htm Oil For Osama, Leonard. I supect this may be the case. All the reason not to trust UN intelligence reports. " Leonard, HERE! ARE YOU BLIND! "

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Brian wrote on Jul 26, 2007 9:15 AM:

" Leonard, Please stop embarrassing YOUSELF with your kneejerk reactions. Talking to you is like talking to a fencepost. I pride myself in my investigative abilities. You pride yourself in your kneejerk reactions. We'll leave it to the readers of our blogs who has more credibility. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 26, 2007 8:25 AM:

" Brian: I was pleased to see Senator Specter's comments yesterday about bring Alberto Gonzalez to trial for perjury. It appears that, at long last, at least one member of the Axis of Incompetency may face justice for their crimes. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 26, 2007 7:58 AM:

" Brian: Your statement that Al Queda was in Hussein controlled Iraq before Bush's invasion simply flies in the face of all of the evidence on hand. Repetition of these ridiculous lies would erode your credibility if you had any credibility to erode. Please stop embarrassing yourself. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 26, 2007 7:56 AM:

" Brian: Why would you think that something Bush said was anything but a lie? Do you have a CREDIBLE source for your statement? "

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Brian wrote on Jul 25, 2007 7:23 PM:

" Saddam viewed Al Qaeda’s interest to be parallel with his own — and sought to fund their efforts — is no great logical leap. We already know that he had previously funded terrorist organizations like Hamas, and his contempt for the United States is clearly established. But the possibility that Saddam could have provided funding to Al Qaeda and other terrorists using proceeds of Oil for Food sales is incredibly disturbing. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 25, 2007 7:18 PM:

" http://www.cfif.org/htdocs/freedomline/current/in_our_opinion/oil_for_osama.htm Oil For Osama, Leonard. I supect this may be the case. All the reason not to trust UN intelligence reports. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 25, 2007 6:55 PM:

" Leonard, Our proud soldiers that you insist on saying I am attacking were at his speech delivery. I doubt they would have allowed Bush to say things that are untrue. Of course your disgruntled vets believe otherwise. Since the international community is less likely (The UN) to provide accurate intelligence I doubt Bush's disclosures were untrue. Given the fact that Kofee Anan was colluding with Saddam in the oil for food scandal I am doubtful the UN is telling the truth. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 25, 2007 4:06 PM:

" Leonard, time and time again you refuse to investigate and do research. Instead, your kneejerk reactions are supposed to be good enough for all of us. The left prides itself on their kneejerk reactions when they are backed into a corner. You are following in their footsteps quite well. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 25, 2007 4:02 PM:

" Leonard, Here again we see your lack of knowledge on the war on terror. In Bush's speech yesterday he spoke of declassified information about Zarqawi. Unless you can refute everything he said in his speech I suggest you shut your pie hole. The consensus is Al Qaeda existed in Iraq before coalition troops arrived. And, check out the Justice Dept. website about the Patriot Act. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 25, 2007 9:30 AM:

" Facts are the Bushite's Kryptonite. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 25, 2007 9:29 AM:

" Brian the Brave: What evidence would that be? Are you perhaps receiving secret Administration briefings in your capacity as Dreaded Rear Admiral? The consensus of every intelligence agency on the planet is that there was no Al Queda presence in Hussein controlled Iraq before the US invasion. You can live in Bushite Fantasy Land if you like but the rest of us here are trying to deal with the facts. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 25, 2007 9:04 AM:

" What's next from White and co... We shouldn't have destroyed that camp in Apghanistan then Zarqawi would have had no reason to flee to Iraq? It's still Bush's fault? Liberalism is truly a mental disease! "

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Brian wrote on Jul 25, 2007 9:00 AM:

" As far as things go with Walter White, perhaps he should be saying get our young soldiers out of Iraq because Al Qaeda was there first. The latest evidence has revealed that Zarqawi's camp was destroyed by U.S. forces in Afghanistan. He then fled to Iraq to set up shop long before coalition troops arrived. Even Al Qaeda doesn't deny that Iraq is important to them strategicly. The Bush admin. seems to fare much better at chewing gum and walking at the same time than they are given credit for. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 25, 2007 2:19 AM:

" Leonard: I appreciate your research. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 25, 2007 2:18 AM:

" Leonard: A little bit of psychology: If the book is invalid, why would there be so many websites telling us that it is wrong? Somebody certainly does consider the book to be a threat. Otherwise, people would just laugh at it, and leave it alone. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 25, 2007 2:16 AM:

" Leonard: Yes. Guiness Book. Why don't you see if Report from iron mountain is also found in the Museum of hoaxes? Maybe you'll have to let me know in another column, if this one expires. You found some propoganda against the book. There is so much disinformation about iron mountain, that you can't tell what is really in the book. Ironically, the museum of hoaxes, if it's in there, might give a good report. Nevertheless, the best report on iron mountain that I found was the Idaho Observer. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 24, 2007 10:03 PM:

" http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1572847/posts Islam's 20 year plan in America. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 24, 2007 9:42 PM:

" In addition, some of the Act's provisions allow investigators in different parts of the government to share terrorism-related information with each other. As the 9/11 Commission pointed out, the failure to share information before 9/11 thwarted the FBI from locating two individuals who later hijacked airplanes on 9/11. With the important information-sharing provisions in the PATRIOT Act, investigators can now share information with each other to more effectively disrupt terrorist plans at the early stages. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 24, 2007 9:41 PM:

" Alberto Gonzales: The Department of Justice and other agencies have used the PATRIOT Act to disrupt a number of terrorist cells and to apprehend and prosecute other terrorist suspects. For example, the PATRIOT Act was used to dismantle terrorist cells in Portland, Oregon, and Lackawanna, New York. Fortunately, investigators were able to dismantle these cells before they could carry out any attacks "

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Brian wrote on Jul 24, 2007 8:06 PM:

" http://www.lifeandliberty.gov/subs/a_terr.htm Here Leonard, Many facts about the Patriot Act for you to dispute. Why not give me your inside scoop since you seem to know so much more about the Patriot Act than the Dept. Of Justice does. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 24, 2007 7:59 PM:

" http://stopthemadrassa.wordpress.com/ "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 24, 2007 4:22 PM:

" Daniel: I was looking for some info on your Report from Iron Mountain. I got a good laugh out of the fact that it is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "Most Successful Literary Hoax." "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 24, 2007 4:18 PM:

" Brian the "Brave": I don't need to discredit you, your own posts have already made you the laughing stock of these blogs. If you have any doubts on that score, perhaps you would like to thrill us all with some more of your stories about your life as a Navy SEAL. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 24, 2007 4:16 PM:

" Brian the "Brave": I have done the research and, as you well know, the "Patriot" Act has not been shown to have stopped a single terrorist attack. Those are the facts (which you consistently choose to ignore). "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 24, 2007 2:35 PM:

" Leonard: I see that Brian has kept you busy for a while. Maybe you two are meant for each other. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 24, 2007 2:34 PM:

" Brian: Do you know the prophecy of "gog and magog"? Nevertheless, I agree that we should respect Israel's existence. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 24, 2007 1:42 PM:

" Leonard, you're failing fast at your ability to discredit me. Everthing that I write is based on facts and not emotional knee jerk reactions. Unlike you, it is not my intent to discredit YOU. That said, your stubbornness will be your undoing. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 24, 2007 1:37 PM:

" Leonard, is this all the better you can do than distort the truth? I should expect more from you. Do your own research on the thwarted terrorists attacks because of the effectiveness of the Patriot Act. Better yet, I have no problem sending you links, and I will do that. Here we see again your lack of knowledge or refusal to gain knowledge on the war on terror. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 24, 2007 10:14 AM:

" Brian the Brave: Yes, Musharaff is losing ground.... to the Islamic militants. If Pakistan falls to the Taliban this will be President Bush's great legacy, a nuclear armed terrorist state with the missiles to deliver its bombs anywhere in Asia or the Middle East. One wonders which city will be the first to burn. Delhi? Baghdad? Tel Aviv? Is this what you were referring to when you spoke of "progress"? "

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leonard wrote on Jul 24, 2007 10:08 AM:

" Well folks, there you have it, Brian on the record saying that he is braver sitting at his computer in his air conditioned apartment than soldiers under fire in Iraq. Perhaps President Bush should award him a medal for his brave defense of the indefensible. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 24, 2007 8:47 AM:

" Leonard, Al Qaeda is stronger now because Musharaff is pandering to them. Politically, he is stuck between a rock and a hard place. However, there are signs he is losing ground and strength as President of Pakistan. The U.S. is now seriously considering an all out offense on Al Qaeda on the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Yes, this should have been done long ago. However, it's a little more convoluted than the average person understands. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 24, 2007 8:39 AM:

" Sharia law and the Koran make no exceptions. You are either Muslim or a second class citizen OR you are dead. There is no other religon that has such intolerance. So, Walter, your tolerance for such intolerance is another nail in YOUR coffin. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 24, 2007 8:33 AM:

" It is no coincidence that the Jewish state of Israel is one of the strongest economies in the world. It is no coincidence that many Muslim countries have struggling economies and if it wasn't for the oil they would be wastelands full of nomads and barbarians. Kurdistan is one of the exceptions. It can attribute it's prosperity because of it's European heritage. Most religons co-exist in harmony there. Unlike Saudi Arabia and the others that won't tolerate other religons. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 24, 2007 8:23 AM:

" Yeah Leonard, It was your buddy John Kerry who deliberatley got wounded in Vietnam so he could brag about his purple hearts. I don't call this bravery. The majority of our purple heart vets got their purple hearts because of their bravery. I admit I probably am not that brave. But I do have the bravery to admit when I'm wrong. Unlike you. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 24, 2007 8:16 AM:

" Walter, For centuries Islam has conquered countries by the sword. Uzbekistan was once a nation of Hindus, Christians, and Jews. Now it is mostly Muslim. Was this done by choice? I doubt it. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were partitioned off from other countries to create Muslim states. Turkey is mostly Muslim now. England is buckling at the knees to Islam. But you want to keep insisting that such a little country as Israel is the threat. Go figure. "

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dogbark wrote on Jul 24, 2007 7:09 AM:

" It seems to me that the Shia sect has usually been moderate, city-dwelling people. The Sunni sect has usually been more aggressive at pursuing an Islamic world, often riding over the and crushing the voices of moderates and creating the warrior class among the Arab people. But both sects looked the other way, or even smirked behind their robe sleeves when radical elements attacked "zionists" the men women and children of Israel, and allies of "zionists." Too late they realized such craziness would be turned upon the moderates for being "non-believers." "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 24, 2007 6:05 AM:

" Brian: The dwindling ranks of the Bush apologists love to focus on the failings of the Clinton Administration that led to the bombing of the USS Cole which killed 18 US servicemen but this overlooks the fact that under Bush and the Axis of Incompetence the US loses at least twice as many servicemen EVERY SINGLE MONTH. Bush's incompetence has led to dozens and dozens of Coles while his bungling and incompetence has left Iraq less secure today than it was in 2004. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 23, 2007 7:40 PM:

" Leonard, Wow, it must take a lot of huevos for a person like you to take it upon yourself to speak for the soldiers and assume they approve of the victimhood status you have given them. And you have the gall to say I question the dedication and sacrifice of our troops. What nerve. The left views this victimhood status as political fuel against the Bush administration. Such a cheap shot. Our fallen soldiers are turning over in their graves. "

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OTH wrote on Jul 23, 2007 6:35 PM:

" I would really like to know what your smoking. I can't find anywhre I referred to our troops. And if you think the mental midget is one of the greatest presidents in history then you got some good stuff. Maybe some shrooms from the desert? You can always tell when you are on the run Brian you start making absurd accusation. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 23, 2007 6:26 PM:

" Brian: What attacks have specifically been stopped by the Patriot Act? Which terrorists have been apprehended by secret police scanning the nation's library records? What bombings have been stopped by the government's practice of putting environmentalists on the do not fly list? There is no evidence whatsoever that the Patriot Act has been successful in suppressing anything other than this nation's citizen's Freedoms and Liberties. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 23, 2007 5:43 PM:

" Brian: I am pretty sure your comments about "disgruntled" soldiers constitutes an attack. All these brave heroes want is a leader with the competence to lead them to the victory that they have already earned with their blood. Bush offers them nothing but more bumbling, more incompetence and more lost opportunities. America needs a Leader in this hour of darkness. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 23, 2007 4:57 PM:

" It just so happens that the Repulicans have been on the right side of this war from day one. Even Hillary is coming around that much of what has been done in this war is because of conservative thought.I don't see where you can say I only support the troops that are registered Republicans. Unfortunately the good democrats are looked over way too much. And I don't do that. Unlike you that paint all Republicans as one in the same. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 23, 2007 4:51 PM:

" Leo, where have I attacked our brave men? It is you that paint OUR Brave Soldiers as victims. My points on the Patriot Act are right on. This is why you haven't responded. Here we see your lack of knowledge on the war on terror to go so far as to say since we haven't killed or captured Bin Laden then there is no progress. When Bin Laden is long gone there will be another. You have way too much confidence that if we kill Bin Laden this idealogy will disappear. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 23, 2007 11:31 AM:

" It seems that Brian only supports those troops who have registered as Republicans. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 23, 2007 11:07 AM:

" Brian: Say what you want about me but please stop attacking the brave men and women who are risking their lives everyday to defend our country. Politics are politics but these heroes deserve our unconditional support, regardless of partisan rancor. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 23, 2007 11:04 AM:

" Brian: As for my anti Bush signs that you apparently are fantasizing about, they exist only in your imagination and thus have no bearing on this conversation. If you would like, however, I would be glad to conjure up some imaginary signs that you could put on your lawn. Maybe something like "My unthinking support for Bush makes me braver than a Purple Heart Veteran"? That sounds like it would be about your speed. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 23, 2007 11:03 AM:

" Brian: Wow! It must take a lot of huevos for a chickenhawk like you to question the dedication and sacrifice of the soldiers who serve this country. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 23, 2007 10:58 AM:

" Brian: The fact that Bin Laden is still free and that, according to the National Intelligence Estimate, Al Queda is now stronger than it was before 9/11 would lead any reasonable person to question claims of progress. What, specifically would you call "progress". "

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Brian wrote on Jul 23, 2007 9:26 AM:

" Leonard, Should we expect to see suspected terrorists arrested with out due process because the Patriot Act allows this? Given the threat they might pose, I'm all for it. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 23, 2007 9:21 AM:

" Leonard, It's highly unlikely you'll get that plane ride to Bulgaria. Given the fact the Patriot Act has probably saved your butt countless times. I shudder to think what the alternative might be. But then you'd be happy to see public beheadings under Sharia Law just to spite Bush. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 23, 2007 9:04 AM:

" Bush is not seeking to win a popularity contest. He's knows what he's up against. I don't consider any of those stupid polls as an indication of how well or how effective our president is doing. Since Truman didn't fare well in the polls, it seems to me that Bush will be viewed as one of the greatest presidents too. I sure am glad he hasn't succumbed to peer pressure in order to gain more popularity. I'm not too fond of dirty nightshirts as proper attire. Sharia will NEVER be the flavor by the sword any time soon here. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 23, 2007 8:52 AM:

" Leonard, Don't the signs that you would probably gladly have printed up saying "Death to Bush" have a similar connotation to the "Death to America" signs the terrorists proudly hold up? Who's side are you on? "

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Brian wrote on Jul 23, 2007 8:46 AM:

" Leonard, Other than being a cheerleader for the disgruntled vets, you lack the knowledge and or refuse to seek the knowledge you need to understand the war on terror. Except for your occasional left wing talking points, you offer nothing that gives me any reason to believe you are anything more than A cheerleader for the disgruntled vets. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 23, 2007 8:34 AM:

" Yes Leonard, The Patriot Act, you deem as a threat, has probably saved countless lives. But that's not an acceptable enough reason for you. It's that plane ride to Bulgaria that irks you. You might have to miss out on blogging on Huffingtonpost.com "

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Brian wrote on Jul 23, 2007 8:27 AM:

" Leo, We should call you the cheerleader for all the disgruntled vets who view the war on terror as an inconvenience and not an issue of national security. You march on with your scapegoating of the President as you march on with your scapegoating of Israel. How dare you speak for the vets who view all your blabbering as a slap in the face. No Leonard, You're not going to get away with your victimization of the troops. For Shame. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 23, 2007 8:20 AM:

" http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,290301,00.html Leonard, Obviously Al Qaeda is not as inferior as you think. We are fighting a group of thugs with a global reach. This article is yet another indication that the Bush Administration is not the axis of incompetence as you call it. It is YOUR axis of incompetence that makes you fail to see or recognize how much progress we are making in the war on terror. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 23, 2007 7:02 AM:

" Brian: Interesting... Criticism of the President is now called "hate speech". Is that a provision of your beloved "Patriot" Act? Should I expect to be arrested at any moment and hauled off to a secret Administration torture center in Bulgaria? Welcome to the New World Order, I suppose. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 23, 2007 7:00 AM:

" Brian: I am appalled that the Worst President in History is stilled allowed to seize defeat from the jaws of victory in Iraq. There is no reason that the strongest, best armed, best trained, most dedicated military force in the world should still be bogged down taking heavy casualties 5 years into a war against a force that is markedly inferior in every respect. The only explanation is that our troops have been betrayed by a President who is either disinclined or unable to provide the leadership that is needed. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 22, 2007 10:50 AM:

" It has come to my attention that there is debate and then there is just outright hatespeech. You and your croanies have mastered the latter. It has it's entertainment value, though. If you consider Bill Marr entertaining. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 22, 2007 10:50 AM:

" Leonard and Co, One should not have to stoop down to read the garbage you and your croanies write while you are foaming at the mouth. "

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GovAgent wrote on Jul 21, 2007 5:17 PM:

" What ticked me off was the show on Stars, or Hbo. "profit from Iraq" or somthing like that. people quit holaburt because of the problems. One guy said he was in charge of purifing water for all the troops for drinking and bathing. There were no filter systems and the upper bosses said do your best. this guy quit and was crying on tv saying if the troops dont get it by terrorist, they will be bringing home pathegenes in their body making them sick. Please people find this program and watch it. holoburten is ripping off millions from taxpayers! "

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suziq wrote on Jul 21, 2007 11:13 AM:

" We're going to need all the troops we can get at home in order to prevent these savages from taking over the U.S. Check out this chilling website: The Truth About Islam http://islamwatchers.blogspot.com "

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Brian wrote on Jul 20, 2007 8:13 PM:

" I am dumbfounded by the stupidity I read here. To say that breaking our alliance with Israel will somehow solve all the problems in the middle East is stupidity to the Nth degree. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 20, 2007 7:43 PM:

" It is a true failure to not recognize the countries that have partitioned off their land to create Muslim states. Israel is the only hope for stability in the middle East. If they are conquered the last remnants of Christianity and Judaism will be wiped away by the Islamo Fascists. What a shame. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 20, 2007 7:25 PM:

" Leonard and OTH, I'm appalled that you now are painting a picture of our troops as victims. Looks like the left is heading down the same path as was done in the Vietnam years. This is truly a travesty. But then, absolute hate corrupts. This is inherent to Leo, OTH and Co. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 20, 2007 2:10 PM:

" nylodian: There's a scene in Orwell's 1984 where the people were expected to change their mind quickly, just like you described below. They were at a rally, carrying signs, and there was a speaker at the microphone when the govt switched its opinion. The police gave a note to the speaker, right in the middle of his sentence. The speaker was able to improvise the completion of his sentence to represent the new opinion that was given to him. Pandemonium broke-out in the crowd, because they couldn't understand where the signs came from. "

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wtf wrote on Jul 20, 2007 10:52 AM:

" Right on the money, Jamie Kelso! In addition to this, Ron Paul is alone among the candidates for ending the wars immediately. More importantly, Ron Paul has not made the usual trip to Israel to ask blessing of the empire and he's not on the AIPAC "gift" list I posted earlier. Why should our boys & girls die for a country that's not ours & spies on the U.S. to boot? "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 20, 2007 10:47 AM:

" OTH: Chuckle. You have uncovered one of the Axis of Incompetency's dirty little secrets. Most of the original "Coalition of the Willing" abstained from sending troops. Many of these tiny countries showed their support by making miniscule financial contributions that were deducted directly from the multi million dollar foreign aid bribes that were paid to them in exchange for their support. In the end, the so called Coalition of the Willing was nothing more than another one of the countless lies that define this administration. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 20, 2007 8:25 AM:

" http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0720/p09s01-coop.html "

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j.c. wrote on Jul 20, 2007 1:22 AM:

" MANY American generals have admitted that we went to war on Iraq to fight iSRAEL's enemies... http://www.nogw.com/warforisrael.html "

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Jamie Kelso wrote on Jul 19, 2007 8:26 PM:

" Brian, you bring new meaning to the term "Israel-firster". Guess which presidential candidate is getting more financial contributions from Marines, Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel than ALL other candidates combined? Only ONE presidential candidate has worked to stop the war from the beginning - Texas Republican Ron Paul. The candidate who has gotten 55% of all military contributions to Republican candidates is Ron Paul. Are the men doing the actual fighting and dying that you are so eager for them to do more honest than you about what's going on? "

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OTH wrote on Jul 19, 2007 6:48 PM:

" Admiral I did hear some time ago that one of the countries offered a submarine. There's your chance. You could be a hero! I can see it now. Your periscope racing across the desert. "

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OTH wrote on Jul 19, 2007 6:45 PM:

" Dreaded Rear Admiral I'm afraid the Arizona heat has shrunk your hat band. Looked up the grand link you gave me and as I expected most of those countries don't even have a 1000 troops in Iraq. Now I'm not sure what kind of a war you're fighting but the total of those countries is not enough to cook our meals or do our laundry. You truly are as deluded as that mental midget in the white house. "

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nylodian wrote on Jul 19, 2007 5:49 PM:

" We're fighting an ideology in Iraq? Hmmm, I remember being told we were going there to fight a ruthless dictator with WMDs and direct ties to 9/11. With al qaida now being reported as stronger than ever in Iraq, what's the next "justification" line? "

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Roma wrote on Jul 19, 2007 4:35 PM:

" Don't like the war?...Call Ron Paul. Do you like your privacy?...Call Ron Paul Do you like your rights?...Call Ron Paul www.ronpaul.com You have a choice. Four more year of the same or similar. Or you can vote to really change this country. You can make the world a better place for your children. Check out Dr. Paul. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 19, 2007 1:41 PM:

" http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/iraq_orbat_coalition.htm This will set things straight on the number of countries in the coalition. Please OTH, do research before you write. I often wondered what blackbird pie would be like. HA HA "

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EEKman wrote on Jul 19, 2007 12:45 PM:

" The war in the middle east has nothing whatever to do with Democracy, terrorism, liberating the Iraqi people, Radical islam, good vs evil or any of that propaganda garbage. It has everything to to with a shortsighted attempt to control middle east oil enough to keep the US dollar as the worlds reserve currency and to stave off the imminent economic collapse of the US dollar and the US itself. "

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wtf wrote on Jul 19, 2007 10:12 AM:

" Bush's desire to invade Iran is due to Iran allegedly wanting to "wipe Israel off the map" - a major MIStranslation. In 1948, the area was called PALESTINE & was 10,460 sq. mi. About 5,500 sq. mi. was carved out to form Israel. Today, "Israel" is over 12,000 sq. mi. and it's Palestine that has been wiped off the map - there's the Gaza Strip & West Bank - about 282 sq. mi. & 1,300 sq. mi. from the original 10,460 that was Palestine. "

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wtf wrote on Jul 19, 2007 10:08 AM:

" Yes, Daniel, I posted "first" as wtf and the "other" WTF started posting about a month or two ago. And I totally agree with you - it does say quite a bit about their character. "

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wtf wrote on Jul 19, 2007 10:07 AM:

" All too true, Bill W. This is why American gas prices just keep getting higher & higher. Like I said, Israel picks a fight in the ME & it's American boys & girls who do the dying. Enough already! In 2008, we should vote out any congress critter who gets funding from AIPAC & let them know AMERICA comes first - NOT Israel. http://www.wrmea.com/archives/May-June_2006/0605031.html "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 19, 2007 10:02 AM:

" wtf: Try to write your remark about defending Israel in a "matter of fact" tone. I doubt that the US would topple the Iraqi regime for the sole purpose of defending Israel. I am simply saying that there is more to any story. "

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Bill W wrote on Jul 19, 2007 8:05 AM:

" Israel Seeks Pipeline for Iraqi oil US plans to pump fuel to its regional ally & solve energy headache Ed Vuillamy in Washington 4/20/2003 The Observer, Guardian UK "Plans to build a pipeline to siphon oil from Iraq to Haifa Israel are discussed between DC, Tel Aviv & future Govt figures in Baghdad. Reconstruction of an old pipeline, inactive since 1948, transforms eco. power in the region, & solves Israel's energy crisis" "

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wtf wrote on Jul 18, 2007 8:40 PM:

" Daniel I did reply to your shallow comment; unfortunately, it was censored - twice - nothing derogatory about you; just facts about Israel, AIPAC and our (s)elected officials. This will probably be censored as well. "

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OTH wrote on Jul 18, 2007 8:34 PM:

" Brian when Georgies little war stated his grand coalition consisted of 14 countries. The one only one being the UK. I hope you like crow Brian because the day is coming when you will have feathers sticking out of your mouth. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 18, 2007 7:00 PM:

" Don, The trouble with liberals like you is not that you're ignorant: It's just that you know so much that isn't so. Leonard, of course Stalin and his regime was key to the defeat of the third reich. This instance that we had to ally Russia was vital. I shudder to think had we not allied with Russia what our world would be like now. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 18, 2007 6:53 PM:

" Don wants to tell the Wahibis that they aren't terrorist and he also wants to tell them it's ok to kill their own in Mosgues. Furthermore, Don believes they are also people defending their homeland and this war by proxy with Iran is a myth. Let's ask the Christians how they are treated in Iran and Saudi Arabia, Don. These people you call those defending their homeland are also called freedom fighters by the left. It's curious that these freedom fighters wish to free Iraq from the freedom we wish to grant them and the people of Iraq. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 18, 2007 6:49 PM:

" wtf: Wow! What a point of confusion. I think the WTF said something to me once that gave me a negative impression. I'll sure be careful of that from now on. If you had yours first, I think it speaks of the other person's character to almost replicate another blogname. If you notice people speaking to you in a defensive or offensive tone, they might be associating you with the other. "

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wtf wrote on Jul 18, 2007 4:36 PM:

" Daniel, just so you know - for ID purposes - my name is wtf - lower case - someone else who posts as WTF - not me. I've asked the LNS to address this; but as of this date, it hasn't. Any posts from the lower case, wtf, are mine (usually) - any from WTF are someone else. "

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Brian wrote on Jul 18, 2007 4:00 PM:

" Don Levy I presume, You're one of those in denial of radical Islam? You and your liberal croanies should wake up. Perhaps you and yor croanies should spend a little more time reviewing the facts and stop repeating left wing propaganda. "

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To Brian wrote on Jul 18, 2007 3:44 PM:

" Obviously you like Bush and all he stands for. I disagree with you buddy. Bush doesn't have a clue what he's up to. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 18, 2007 11:48 AM:

" WTF: I don't think it is so easy to give a "shallow" reason as to why we are fighting war in the Middle East. There has got to be something very deep and important to the people in Washington that they want, and I'm not satisfied with a simple answer, like for oil or profits for Haliburton, or defending Israel. No. Uh-uh. I'm looking for a broader, more all-encompassing objective that they want. I think they want control, and with Saddam, they didn't have it. "

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daniel wrote on Jul 18, 2007 11:44 AM:

" Carmen: Where did you come from? I support Senator McCarthy, and I never saw you in here before. "

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Daniel wrote on Jul 18, 2007 11:43 AM:

" Brian: Did you get that Ida Hutchins message? "

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Don wrote on Jul 18, 2007 11:23 AM:

" Brian - please stop repeating asinine Bush/GOP talking points...we've heard them before and are intelligent enough to see through them. OBL is dead, people defending their homeland are not terrorists, the US is not fighting 'evil', and Israel is not a democracy unless you are Jewish...ask the Christian and Arab Israeli's. Oh yeah - the US didn't stop the Nazis on their own. I know you have been indoctrinated into the make belief world of US exceptionalism, but get a grip man - learn something about the real world and its history. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 18, 2007 11:18 AM:

" Brian: It was America's willingness to ally itself with the Soviet Union (a dictatorship whose leaders rivaled Hitler in terms of their barbarism) that brought about the defeat of Nazi Germany. I am not sure what we can learn from this fact but it should be considered before you start talking about how America and the UK single handedly defeated Germany. "

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Leonard wrote on Jul 18, 2007 11:15 AM:

" Brian:Have you read the unclassified portions of the National Intelligence Estimate?They certainly are quite damning ofBush's failed policies a home and abroad.Here we are nearly six years after9/11 and AlQueda is as strong if not stronger than before9/11, they have essentially taken over large portions ofIraq where they had no influence before and they stand on the brink of seizing control of large sections of nuclear armed Pakistan.We have already paid a high price forBush's incompetence but it looks like we may pay an even higher price yet if something is not done to restore competent leadership to our nation. "

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Carmen wrote on Jul 18, 2007 9:51 AM:

" Usurped Washington DC. made this decision, not America. Washington does not represent America. I believe Senator McCarthy proved this long ago!!!! "