Obama Should End the War NOW - Not in 2011

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I don't care about the Iraqis anymore. That is, I no longer want American lives to be sacrificed in an effort to make the Iraqis get along. Either they will descend into civil war and madness, or they will snatch the one chance they have to establish a working government.

This writer says: Leave it up to them. Our very presence there encourages terrorism. Seems like kind of a dumb policy for a government that stands AGAINST terrorism and FOR freedom, doesn't it? And besides, we can't afford the ten billion a month it's costing us to continue the war.

We need it to fix bridges and roads and pay all those unemployment claims.

This war, a war truly based on lies, belongs to the last Administration. Sometimes I feel like one of those people who emerge from underground at the end of the film Logan's Run. You remember that movie. They all stumbled out into the morning and discovered a new reality.

'What's that big light up there?'

It's called 'The Sun'. Get used to it.

Coming January 20th, you could call it 'new leadership'.

The present plan for withdrawal from Iraq is for us to remain there another two years, at a cost of at least $250 billion dollars, plus whatever else the contractors who live on war can squeeze from our already stressed Federal budget.

Along the way more American lives will be sacrificed and every minute we are there increases the number of folks who decide terrorism is better than whatever they are doing right now.

The organizers of terrorism point to places like Iraq and Guantanamo and use them as effective recruiting tools.

Nothing like tossing in a little torture to really fuel the flames. Maybe then the terrorists end up having to establish a waiting list for suicide bombers. We're full up with volunteers. Sorry. Gotta get in line.

Is THIS what America is about? Are these the things our country was built on, and what we should support now?

Barack Obama has been made the biggest bait-and-switch victim in history. He ran for President with plans to provide America with the things we REALLY need, such as green energy, college, health care, and a few other items. Instead he gets to inherit a mess of major proportions.

I don't give a rat's butt who says the frickin' prayer at the upcoming Presidential inauguration. I couldn't care less if Obama takes a vacation before he shows up. I have a feeling he won't get too many more in 2009.

If I were him I would be seriously pissed off. He should bring the hammer down on anybody who doesn't have the best interests of human beings on their agenda. I didn't use the word 'Americans' there because the problems he faces go beyond just the United States.

The previous makers of policy had eight long years to dump America into the hole where we are now. If they were trying to screw things up to the maximum degree, you have to admit they did a damn fine job. A half-million people lost their jobs in November. The December numbers will be announced by the U.S. Department of Labor on January 9.

Stay tuned, same Bat Time, same Bat Channel for results.

Trust me, they won't be good.

{"contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

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Robert Blevins - AB of Seattle's Column, All of Newsvine
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Public Discussion (57)

{"commentId":4620767,"authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

Happy New Year, everyone.

Please try to stay within the parameters of those Newsvine Code of Honor guidelines.

Don't MAKE me send 'Guido'. (Mythical 'AB' enforcer)

You don't want THAT. (laughs)

{"commentId":4620767,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

5 votes

#1 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 6:21 AM EST

{"commentId":4620832,"authorDomain":"dhaasgo"}

David Haas

Mr. Blevins-As I have stated before, this was McCains time-Not Obama's. McCain has given his life for our country many times over, and voluntarily stayed at "The Hanoi Hilton" where he was tortured almost to death. In contrast, Obama has done absolutely nothing, except make speeches.

{"commentId":4620832,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"dhaasgo"}

5 votes

#2 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 7:11 AM EST

{"commentId":4621008,"authorDomain":"adouglass3"}

He was a POW? I didn't know that.

ps. How many times can he give a life? Unless there is one in each house...

{"commentId":4621008,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adouglass3"}

6 votes

#2.1 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 8:21 AM EST

{"commentId":4621838,"authorDomain":"justinpm"}

JustinPM

While McCain might have made a good president, the choices he made ended up sealing the election against him. His supporters became bad, not believing anything that Obama said. To some he was a Muslim who was going to turn the country into Al Queda for a bag of Doritos despite having no hard evidence at all.

McCain's choice of VP totally undermined his message of being the experience ticket. While he could say that, Gov. Palin could definitely not. And the campaign they ran was definitely not anything new, just the same old "The other guy is worse than me" campaign,

{"commentId":4621838,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"justinpm"}

1 vote

#2.2 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 11:00 AM EST

{"commentId":4622866,"authorDomain":"explodingjosh"}

josh-368873

MILLIONS of Americans have dedicated their lives to serving the country.

That has NOTHING to do with being more or less qualified to be President.

{"commentId":4622866,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"explodingjosh"}

1 vote

#2.3 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 1:02 PM EST

{"commentId":4622892,"authorDomain":"adouglass3"}

MILLIONS of Americans have dedicated their lives to serving the country.

That may be true but Mac is the only one that has turned it into an industry.

{"commentId":4622892,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adouglass3"}

3 votes

#2.4 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 1:04 PM EST

{"commentId":4624031,"authorDomain":"Jivatmanx"}

Jivatman

MILLIONS of Americans have dedicated their lives to serving the country.

Indeed, but for some reason we glorify those public servants who fight for us in wars, but not those who've worked to make wars unessecary.

Many, like Smedley Butler, have even done both, many times over. He was, at the time of his death, the most decorated Marine in history, with two medal of honors. Back when medals were hard to get.

We later became a most prominent pacifist, and also testified in 1934 of an attempted coup known as "the business plot" to overthrow FDR and establish a Mussolini-styled regime. (BTW, Prescott Bush was intimately involved in this plot. )

But sadly, too many people are still motivated by those like John McCain who pretend to be Macho.

{"commentId":4624031,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"Jivatmanx"}

1 vote

#2.5 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 3:08 PM EST

{"commentId":4624070,"authorDomain":"sperrys"}

David....are you serious?! McCain, "Our economy is fundamentally sound"...that McCain? The McCain who suspended his campaign to single-handedly solve the financial meltdown? But, oh wait...he didn't. McCain who used P.O.W. so much, it made a mockery of not only other P.O.W.'s,but anyone who served? The McCain who suggested to the people of this country that Obama was a terrorist, thereby promoting anger and hatred among the people who he said he cared so much about? The McCain who tossed the "real" McCain aside to pander to far right, just like any typical politician? And finally, the McCain who LOST?

{"commentId":4624070,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"sperrys"}

3 votes

#2.6 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 3:12 PM EST

{"commentId":4624287,"authorDomain":"adouglass3"}

Lisa,

You forgot "the one still wandering around a Memphis auditorium looking for Mr. Puddles".

{"commentId":4624287,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adouglass3"}

2 votes

#2.7 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 3:34 PM EST

{"commentId":4624485,"authorDomain":"petalsndreams2002"}

margoharris

Mr. Haas, John McCain was a POW, because he was where is wasn't supposed to be. Bombing civilians in Hanoi. When he ejected he broke both of his arms and messed-up his knee. Before the commies knew who he was, the son and grandson of Admirals, btw, his father was in charge of the vietnam war (look it up) they didn't treat his injuries. That why he earned his nickname among his fellow prisoners, songbird, because he made 32 propaganda tapes, in exchange for privileges. Oh, yeah, his fellow prisoners were all offered early release and they all turned it down, WHY???Because they were ordered to and trained to refuse. McCain was doing what he was ordered and trained to do. When he returned he was given a hero's welcome and became a celebrity. He has been on TV more than any other politican on talk shows and Saturday night. BTW, he is very entertaining on these shows and can tell a good joke.

{"commentId":4624485,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"petalsndreams2002"}

1 vote

#2.8 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 3:53 PM EST

{"commentId":4624553,"authorDomain":"sperrys"}

ABD- MSNBC showed that tape of him walking around and in front of the camera relentlessly yesterday...I couldn't stop laughing! Also when he was getting make-up put on with Couric when he should've been either on Letterman, or racing back to Washington to save the world...hilarious!

{"commentId":4624553,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"sperrys"}

3 votes

#2.9 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 4:00 PM EST

{"commentId":4624575,"authorDomain":"adouglass3"}

I had to go back and look at the Jon Stewart clip again. Too much!

{"commentId":4624575,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adouglass3"}

2 votes

#2.10 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 4:02 PM EST

{"commentId":4624843,"authorDomain":"sperrys"}

I had missed that. Just went and looked...LOLOL!!! I thought your Mr. Puddles comment was your own!

{"commentId":4624843,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"sperrys"}

2 votes

#2.11 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 4:30 PM EST

{"commentId":4627425,"authorDomain":"coachvint"}

Margho,

Bombing civilians? If you are going to make such accusations, show me proof from a reputable source. This is one of the most idiotic comments I have ever seen on newsvine. I am not a fan of John McCain or his policies, but I will defend his record of service. These comments boarder on retarded.

{"commentId":4627425,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"coachvint"}

2 votes

#2.12 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 9:42 PM EST

{"commentId":4620875,"authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

David Haas says, in part:

'In contrast, Obama has done absolutely nothing, except make speeches.'

He's not the President yet.

And you cannot use this column as shoulda-woulda-coulda about John McCain.

Senator McCain is a great American. But he is not the President-elect, nor will he ever be. He may work within the Obama administration, and when he does I am sure he will have the best interests of Americans at heart.

But the election is over and the people have decided. Welcome to the Reality Hotel.

{"commentId":4620875,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

7 votes

#3 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 7:42 AM EST

{"commentId":4621003,"authorDomain":"adouglass3"}

It's time to leave...as soon as they can pack.

{"commentId":4621003,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adouglass3"}

4 votes

#4 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 8:19 AM EST

{"commentId":4621209,"authorDomain":"angela593"}

angela593

Thanks Robert-- The last administration, I will call it Bush/Cheney Inertia creates entanglement for years to come. Sick! Last night on NPR, I heard that the US soldier now answers to the Iraqi government. How can this be good for our soldiers? Get our citizens home now. This is an invitation to more ugliness. Like a cancer that raps its roots around every vital organ, this military machine, has gone beyond the point of no return, thanks to our past president. What did we gain? What did the world gain? I hope for a miracle, something good and unexpected, a truly Happy New Year.

{"commentId":4621209,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"angela593"}

5 votes

#5 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 9:10 AM EST

{"commentId":4621609,"authorDomain":"hippiechick"}

hippiechick68

I agree. Let's end this war ASAP. Enough lives lost and money spent. And, given, they don't actually want us there, it is only extreme arrogance that keeps us in Iraq.

I also agree that we need to concentrate on the economy and infrastructure. Our country is falling apart before our very eyes.

{"commentId":4621609,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"hippiechick"}

4 votes

#6 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 10:23 AM EST

{"commentId":4627444,"authorDomain":"coachvint"}

No, it is not arrogance. If we leave now the region will be a tinderbox. This will not be good for America or anyone else. We can not leave now as that would be extremely irresponsible. The war is extremely unpopular and costly. But the alternative is even worse.

{"commentId":4627444,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"coachvint"}

#6.1 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 9:44 PM EST

{"commentId":4621697,"authorDomain":"marinefg"}

Daniel p

Although "everyone" says you can't just leave it is tempting, but not instantly we will be blamed for the caos and gop will blame dems for every problem forgetting that they did it not us.

There is no doubt the twin demons have tied us for years in many areas. It can be sped up , somewhat , But with all the possible areas where we will be disappointed by progress ........ remember the chattering chumps on radio cable and mainstream media will be constantly screaming about every move and don't let the constant cries of "liberal media" confuse you that is a greek chorus designed to move the goal posts, compare the well known 8 years of scandel journalism that followed clinton, yet all that was found was private sexual incident, Bush lies about everything over a million dean in iraq 5k americans trillions will be consumed and media led the whole way.

{"commentId":4621697,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"marinefg"}

#7 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 10:38 AM EST

{"commentId":4621814,"authorDomain":"sherwood-1"}

Atsidi

I was against the "war" to start with and have been against it all along. As far as I am concerned, we should just pack up an go home. It is all an exercise in futility and there is no honor in staying. Let them have it all and consider it a lesson learned. There are no winners in this, only losers.

{"commentId":4621814,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"sherwood-1"}

2 votes

#8 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 10:57 AM EST

{"commentId":4622263,"authorDomain":"kelewanpug-politics"}

SpoxLogic

I'm all for leaving early. However, it was the US that made this mess. Not the Iraqis. Isn't a bit arrogant to say we should leave and not have any more US lives sacrificed? It would be as if someone came into your home, vandalized it to all heck and then left you with the mess.

Would that be fair? No matter what we do, Iraq will be a mess for years to come. The only thing Obama can do is to try and mitigate the mess as much as he can.

{"commentId":4622263,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"kelewanpug-politics"}

1 vote

#9 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 11:56 AM EST

{"commentId":4623009,"authorDomain":"sherwood-1"}

Atsidi

Spox

Your analogy strikes me as a bit of apples and oranges. If someone vandalized my home I would expect them to leave and stay gone and I certainly wouldn't expect them to be benevolent enough to come back and repair the damage and clean up the mess.

There would be nothing wrong with leaving private contractors in Iraq at the Iraqis expense to help them re build and I would see nothing wrong with the U.S. provided funding to help the Iraqis build schools and hospitals. We need to end our military involvement.

If the Iraqis want us to stay (which they do not) then let them foot the bill.

{"commentId":4623009,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"sherwood-1"}

1 vote

#9.1 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 1:21 PM EST

{"commentId":4624859,"authorDomain":"sperrys"}

They want us to leave! We want to leave...it's agreed, we should leave

{"commentId":4624859,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"sperrys"}

2 votes

#9.2 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 4:31 PM EST

{"commentId":4631169,"authorDomain":"coachvint"}

That is a poor analogy. If we leave, there will be a complete civil war. Iran will take advantage of this and take over Iraq. A strengthened Iran is NOT a good thing.

They want us to leave! We want to leave...it's agreed, we should leave

Pakistan and Iran are waiting for us to leave the region. Whether you like us to be there or not, we must stay. We can reduce troop levels, but we can't not pull out too quickly.

Hating the war is not reason for policy. We have to do things we hate all the time. It is popular right now for a politician to say he will bring home our troops, however, it is not practical.

There would be nothing wrong with leaving private contractors in Iraq at the Iraqis expense to help them re build and I would see nothing wrong with the U.S. provided funding to help the Iraqis build schools and hospitals. We need to end our military involvement.

Leaving contractors and bringing home our military would result in more death than you can imagine and would be just plain stupid. We are there, and whether you like us being there or not, it is necessary. If we leave the region will explode. Leaving Iraq will result in World War III.

{"commentId":4631169,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"coachvint"}

#9.3 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 9:48 AM EST

{"commentId":4633649,"authorDomain":"neal242"}

I'm sure the privatized military would be fine without us.

{"commentId":4633649,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"neal242"}

1 vote

#9.4 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 12:42 PM EST

{"commentId":4635865,"authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

'America's Voice' (a name I seriously question, since nearly three-quarters of Americans are AGAINST the war) says this:

'We are there, and whether you like us being there or not, it is necessary. If we leave the region will explode. Leaving Iraq will result in World War III...'

This sounds just like a typical 'hawk' argument about why we should have stayed in Vietnam. Been there, done that. Since the military is already stretched to the limit, perhaps you want to test the waters about reinstituting the draft?

Our all-volunteer force was never designed to do what Bush has done in Iraq. That is, to call them up and send them overseas for years at a time. Reservists, National Guardsmen, they all have families and regular jobs. Or at least they did back in 2003.

'America's Voice?' More like 'America's Right-Wing Conservative Voice'. This is not meant to be an insult. Conservatives exist, but if you are going to espouse right-wing philosophy, perhaps you should be a bit more honest about it and not represent yourself as the will of the majority...

{"commentId":4635865,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

4 votes

#9.5 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 3:07 PM EST

{"commentId":4638531,"authorDomain":"coachvint"}

No Robert, you are incorrect. This is not a "hawk argument." This is a common sense argument. As a former active duty soldier and reservist, my family was proud of my service. Should my unit have been sent into Bosnia by Clinton? The fact is that once we were there, we were there.

I am not a fan of the invasion of Iraq. I think the war was handled very poorly. My point is that we are there and we can't change the past. We can only make the best decision for the future.

And yes, Robert, the majority of Americans do not want to see Iran take over Iraq. However, this could happen. This is not another vietnam. Vietnam was much bloodier. We lost more soldiers in a day in Vietnam than we have lost in the entire conflict in Iraq. Vietnam was less not going to lead to an explosion of communism. The situation in the Middle East, however, is much more volitile. Whether you agree or disagree with why we are there, we are there. Leaving now would be much more irresponsible than going.

With that said, my views represent the majority of Americans. I am not on the right wing, and I am not a Hawk. I believe in common sense. I think the right wingers and left wingers are eqaully adept at dividing this country. I believe our elected officials in both parties have their own interests at heart, and not those of their constituents. You on the far left must understand that you do not represent a very large representation of Americans. Why is Obama abandoning his left wing agenda? He knows people watn a centrist.

{"commentId":4638531,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"coachvint"}

#9.6 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 6:07 PM EST

{"commentId":4622299,"authorDomain":"chaplainkent"}

Chaplainkent

The Cheney gang will continue to try and deflect our attention so they can continue to pad their pockets from this war. It is up to the American people to stop the war. Now is the time to put pressure on the new administration and let them know we think the time has to bring this travesty to an end, now and not at any later date. We cannot not let up or let ourselves be turned away from this most important task. We Americans must make certain this is the top priority for the new administration.

{"commentId":4622299,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"chaplainkent"}

1 vote

#10 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 12:03 PM EST

{"commentId":4623397,"authorDomain":"neal242"}

Don't worry, Obama will take the troops out of Iraq and shift them to Pakistan

{"commentId":4623397,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"neal242"}

#11 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 2:03 PM EST

{"commentId":4624526,"authorDomain":"petalsndreams2002"}

margoharris

And if he has to do that, who's fault is it? George effn Bush.

{"commentId":4624526,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"petalsndreams2002"}

#11.1 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 3:57 PM EST

{"commentId":4626365,"authorDomain":"neal242"}

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzBtE__mZlI

No it is the corporate interests that really run this country

watch that series and you'll begin to understand.

{"commentId":4626365,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"neal242"}

#11.2 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 7:26 PM EST

{"commentId":4627756,"authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

neal242 says:

'Don't worry, Obama will take the troops out of Iraq and shift them to Pakistan'

True enough. But probably only a fraction. The remainder will be coming home.

I was in the Regular Army a long time ago. One of the things that has always bothered me about this war was Bush's policy of calling up so many Reservists and National Guardsmen for duty in Iraq. Reservists can be made battle-ready within a reasonable time, but National Guardsmen (and this is not a knock on NG's) are usually in no way ready to be thrust into the middle of an insurgent-type war. No way. And not fair to ask them to do so.

In fact, although NG's technically understand they COULD be called up for war, in reality most don't expect this to happen. They are more for disasters, etc. to be used as the governor of their state decides. Bush used these guys unfairly and I feel sorry for their families.

{"commentId":4627756,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

5 votes

#11.3 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 10:21 PM EST

{"commentId":4635189,"authorDomain":"neal242"}

I agree with you Robert they have been used unfairly. The whole military has been used unfairly, and we forget things so easy. They say we are in the middle east to spread peace and democracy but we are not. This war should be the oil companies fight not America, why haven't we mass produced water powered vehicles? Even though they could have been introduced to the masses as early as 1985!! We do need our troops, but I'm afraid the real enemy is the one pulling the strings. Unless you haven't noticed the more we spread 'peace and democracy' abroad the less we have at home. Let the International Courts deal with Bush and we can strategically withdraw from the middle east completely, except that won't happen because we 'need' that oil to sell to china(sorry Obama supporters).

He who lives by fighting with an enemy has an interest in the preservation of the enemy's life -- Nietzsche

{"commentId":4635189,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"neal242"}

1 vote

#11.4 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 2:16 PM EST

{"commentId":4624626,"authorDomain":"MrsBrady"}

Mrs Brady

I dont think we should be in Iraq anyways . I do feel sorry for the some of the people there and wish there was a way to leave there and have the children there be safe . I do want it to end and fast though .

{"commentId":4624626,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"MrsBrady"}

4 votes

#12 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 4:07 PM EST

{"commentId":4636896,"authorDomain":"own-theory"}

own theory

I want the war to end as well, but you cannot rush it.

{"commentId":4636896,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"own-theory"}

1 vote

#12.1 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 4:19 PM EST

{"commentId":4637119,"authorDomain":"MrsBrady"}

Mrs Brady

Every time I think about this Mess I cant help but to think about the HBO documentary called Baghdad High and those kids .Who did nothing to deserve the mess they are living in and I just hope we can end this war in a way that keeps them safe.

{"commentId":4637119,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"MrsBrady"}

1 vote

#12.2 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 4:35 PM EST

{"commentId":4637365,"authorDomain":"own-theory"}

own theory

They started the war by attacking us. It's the government's fault if you ask me. (not ours, theirs)

{"commentId":4637365,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"own-theory"}

1 vote

#12.3 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 4:52 PM EST

{"commentId":4637521,"authorDomain":"MrsBrady"}

Mrs Brady

Our government or there's or Both ? the sad thing is that Innocent people are the ones who pay for the mistakes that government makes :(

{"commentId":4637521,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"MrsBrady"}

#12.4 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 5:05 PM EST

{"commentId":4637594,"authorDomain":"adouglass3"}

They started the war by attacking us.

If that were the case, shouldn't our troops be in Saudi Arabia?...or is this one of those "they all look the same" moments?

{"commentId":4637594,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adouglass3"}

2 votes

#12.5 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 5:11 PM EST

{"commentId":4637800,"authorDomain":"neal242"}

No it's one of those 'with help from the media, the masses won't comprehend what we're doing until it's to late' moments.

{"commentId":4637800,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"neal242"}

2 votes

#12.6 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 5:24 PM EST

{"commentId":4625082,"authorDomain":"del-baby"}

Sunshine-731852

Thats a hard one....we are responsible for the mess Iraq is now....but we shouldn't have been there in the first place. Seems kind of terrible to just jerk out now without so much as a "sorry for destroying your country" but if the Iraqis truly don't want us there...I think we should respect their wishes!

{"commentId":4625082,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"del-baby"}

3 votes

#13 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 4:56 PM EST

{"commentId":4627697,"authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

Well, I wouldn't say we've totally destroyed Iraq with the war. Maybe we've just been there too long.

Saddam is no longer executing anyone he pleases. The question about WMD's has been answered. Kurdish villages are no longer being gassed, as far as I know anyway.

There is a government in place. It's a bit shaky, yes...but there it is. Now it's time to let the fledgling new government try their hand. If they fail, they wouldn't be the first. If they succeed, so much the better. But it really is up to them.

{"commentId":4627697,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

4 votes

#14 - Thu Jan 1, 2009 10:14 PM EST

{"commentId":4631229,"authorDomain":"coachvint"}

There is a government in place. It's a bit shaky, yes...but there it is. Now it's time to let the fledgling new government try their hand. If they fail, they wouldn't be the first. If they succeed, so much the better. But it really is up to them

If they fail, Iran moves in and takes over. Is that a good idea? It will happen if we have a massive pull out. This is not good for anyone, anywhere. While people may not like that we are there, or why we went, they must understand that we cannot leave. That will lead to a war like we have not seen. Iran and Pakistan are just waiting for us to leave Iraq.

It's easy now to say we shouldn't have entered Iraq. 15 other countries had the same intelligence. Bill Clinton supported the invasion. When he was in office we attacked Sadam more than a dozen times. This is moot now, as we are there, and we must remain for quite some time.

{"commentId":4631229,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"coachvint"}

#14.1 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 9:54 AM EST

{"commentId":4636063,"authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

'America's Voice' says in part:

'If they fail, Iran moves in and takes over...'

You also mention Pakistan might do the same thing. Well, you are going to have to prove these statements.

I have heard nothing about Iranian plans to mobilize their military and just invade Iraq with the idea of 'taking over' the moment the U.S. leaves.

{"commentId":4636063,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

3 votes

#14.2 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 3:20 PM EST

{"commentId":4638623,"authorDomain":"coachvint"}

http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/zieve/070831

Here is some proof, my friend. This is a threat, and we must make sure it does not happen.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,294907,00.html

http://www.investors.com/editorial/editorialcontent.asp?secid=1501&status=article&id=273279834707570

{"commentId":4638623,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"coachvint"}

1 vote

#14.3 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 6:14 PM EST

{"commentId":4640155,"authorDomain":"neal242"}

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzBtE__mZlI

America's Voice, I'd prefer more sourced evidence... kindof like this

or this

http://911citizenswatch.org/?p=82

{"commentId":4640155,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"neal242"}

#14.4 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 8:07 PM EST

{"commentId":4643636,"authorDomain":"coachvint"}

No, the only thing that proves is that there are some wackos out there.

{"commentId":4643636,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"coachvint"}

1 vote

#14.5 - Sat Jan 3, 2009 3:21 AM EST

{"commentId":4648176,"authorDomain":"neal242"}

neal242Deleted

{"commentId":4651467,"authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/01/AR2009010102079.html?wpisrc=newsletter

Whoops...last comment was deleted. Name calling not allowed...

{"commentId":4651467,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

3 votes

#14.7 - Sat Jan 3, 2009 7:27 PM EST

{"commentId":4632954,"authorDomain":"angela593"}

angela593

It begins. The end, tenuous at best. The article explains. One guarantee...there are no guarantees.

{"commentId":4632954,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"angela593"}

1 vote

#15 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 11:57 AM EST

{"commentId":4642164,"authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

I wouldn't take Fox News' word that day is light and night is dark.

If you think you've heard that phrase before, you might have. It's a Richard Widmark line from the old film The Alamo. He wasn't referring to Fox News of course, but I think it applies to them anyway.

Besides, (laughs) who wouldn't take Jim Bowie's word on something?

{"commentId":4642164,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

3 votes

#16 - Fri Jan 2, 2009 11:19 PM EST

{"commentId":4643640,"authorDomain":"coachvint"}

I wouldn't take Fox News' word that day is light and night is dark.

And you would take Keith Olbermann's?

I might take Jim Bowie's...

{"commentId":4643640,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"coachvint"}

#17 - Sat Jan 3, 2009 3:22 AM EST

{"commentId":4648041,"authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

Well, seems like many of the news services these days are a bit slanted one way or another. Admittedly, Olbermann and the crew at MSNBC lean in the liberal direction, while Fox leans conservative.

But there is one important difference between the two.

While MSNBC leans liberal, they also spend a lot of time exposing the lies and baloney that have plagued the Bush administration, as well as reporting the news. On the other hand, Fox has been guilty of promoting an agenda that has been guilty of supporting things that are not in the best interests of Americans. They also failed to crush the more base tactics that were used against Barack Obama in the recent election.

This means Fox consistently takes the low road, even for a conservative-based news organization. This policy turned a lot of folks away from Fox. They should have distanced themselves from things like Sarah Palin's 'domestic terrorist' comments, etc. and went for the high ground. Sort of a Reagan-style ground.

Had they done this, perhaps the Republicans might have done better in the election, at least in some of the other races for the Senate and Congress.

In the end, the Republicans may have to re-invent themselves as a party in order to appeal to voters in the future. The demographics of American voters have changed a lot since Reagan was in office, and the current worldwide situation makes it necessary for Republicans to come to the real world. If they continue to believe that their party should represent only white, upper-class America, they are doomed to failure.

Fox must realize the same thing, or they are headed for the same fate. Their core group of loyal viewers is becoming a shrinking base.

There's nothing wrong with leaning conservative, but they get ridiculous about it.

{"commentId":4648041,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

3 votes

#18 - Sat Jan 3, 2009 2:22 PM EST

{"commentId":4654365,"authorDomain":"coachvint"}

Fox has been guilty of promoting an agenda that has been guilty of supporting things that are not in the best interests of Americans

This is absolutely incorrect. Please show me factual studies done by non-partisan groups showing me that Foxnews promoting a negative agenda.

This policy turned a lot of folks away from Fox

Why are there ratings at an all-time high? Why are they consistently rated number one among cable news, destroying MSNBC?

Had they done this, perhaps the Republicans might have done better in the election, at least in some of the other races for the Senate and Congress

The job of a news station is not to get someone elected. Did MSNBC work hard to get Obama elected?

In the end, the Republicans may have to re-invent themselves as a party in order to appeal to voters in the future. The demographics of American voters have changed a lot since Reagan was in office

That's because Bush was not a conservative. In fact, there are very few conservatives in the tradition of Reagan in office today. Palin is definitely not the answer for the Republicans.

There's nothing wrong with leaning conservative, but they get ridiculous about it

The people getting ridiculous are not conservatives. They are on the ultra right and they are fringe element that is anything but conservative. The far right and far left represent the worst of politics. Most Americans are in the center, and agree with one party on some issues and the other party on the other issues.

If we truly want leadership in Washington from both parties, our elected officials must vote for the good of regular folks, rather than the elite. Currently, we have a system that allows corruption and in fact encourages it. This is not about a television station or a pundit, it is about leadership.

{"commentId":4654365,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"coachvint"}

#18.1 - Sat Jan 3, 2009 11:52 PM EST

{"commentId":4655489,"authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

Well, after all these comments, it remains like this:

You ('America's Voice') think we should stay in Iraq for at least two more years.

I don't subscribe to that plan, but that's okay.

You believe Fox News is a solid news channel. I don't. Not a big deal. That's why they invented remote controls.

However, I must move on from this article and we shall have to agree to disagree. Traditionally, I can only dedicate so much time for comments on a single article, although I do check back every few months, just to make sure no one is spamming, etc.

{"commentId":4655489,"threadId":"457903","contentId":"2240568","authorDomain":"adventurebooks"}

1 vote

#19 - Sun Jan 4, 2009 1:51 AM EST

{"commentId":4656917,"authorDomain":"coachvint"}