The AM Glass Box.
Good morning.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
The PM team will meet in a real glass box at 11am. Why not be part of the meeting by sharing your thoughts in this virtual glass box?
Listen to PM
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~15~RS~)
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First at last! May I take the opportunity, PM? When news is short, please do not load the programme with trivia. Instead, prepare a pile of recorded background 5-10 min. briefings on current affairs (such as, for instance, the history of Afghanistan, the meaning of "short selling", the content of the Lisbon Treaty). They would not go out of date, would stand repeating and would tend to progress arguments.
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BTW, did you flog the persons who said "what was that, a kazoo? All it says here is that it's a phono-fiddle"? Jolly good. Never did me any harm. (bark). "Upshares" is great. You lot are the best there is (god help us all). Have a coffee and best wishes.
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Oh Dear. The interview with the person from RBS on the today program. Poor old Evan Davies. He did try his best but, why did Evan let him get away with comparing RBS to the BBC when it comes to accountability to the tax payer. Why wasn't it pointed out that the BBC for all it's sins didn't bring the country to the edge of bankruptcy. The guy from RBS also went on to try and convey the image that those poker players who gamble on the market for them are only normal people trying to make a normal living...just like the rest of us. He should have been an MP that guy. Why did you let him get away with it!?
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Sprouty has asked on another thread if it would be possible to name this thread more specifically - i.e. 'The AM Glass Box for Monday'.
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I didn't mean that of course. I meant 'The AM Glass Box for Friday'. Where did the week go?
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404s yesterday, and one rather exciting 403 - and today "[an error occurred while processing this directive]" under Eddie's pic ... what times we live in!
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Oh dear the South Luton Lib/Dems should be red faced this week.
I have before me the "South Luton People" a Lib/Dem spin doctored tabloid sized double spread in colour. On the front page is a "slagging off" of Peter Mandelson regarding the GM/Opel/Vauxhall situation.
I quote "The announcement of the buyout of GM Luton threatens further job losses locally. With new owners, Canadian car parts firm Magna, saying that 10,500 jobs across Europe could go."
The front page article then goes on to praise the German government for their intervention and slaggs off the Mandleson and the British government.
Whoops! Lib/Dems egg on face time I think. Will Mandleson get an apology.
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Since the Tax payer owns the majority of RBS and the majority of tax payers are English, perhaps the headquarters of RBS should move to England. Say Leeds or Halifax for example.
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The Guy from RBS says, "we have to be able to pay people a fair and appropriate wage". He was referring to the lottery type payouts for the casino players. Well, seeing as they don't actually produce anything for the country as yet, (all the money they might make is going to have to pay back the tax payer) why not pay them what the government see as an official fair and appropriate wage, i.e. 5.73 per hour (minimum wage) until they have learned to stand on their own again after paying us back.
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I wondered if you could follow up this memorandum from Dr Paula Rothermel? http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmchilsch/memo/elehomed/me5702.htm
It makes interesting reading showing an insight into the appalling standards of evidence gathering and utter lack of impartiality and open-mindedness of Badman.
This is the man who wants home educated children and their parents lose many of the basic legal rights of British citizens. Under his plans we will need to prove ourselves innocent of being bad educators rather than the LEA having to prove we are bad educators, our homes can be entered against our will simply because the children who live there are home educated and our children can be forced to be interviewed by strangers (in the presence of a "trusted adult" if there are communication problems!) for no reason except that they are educated by their parents.
He does such a rubbish job at gathering the evidence for his report I think he should be home educated and see if that helps him become a more well-rounded and free thinking individual.
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I sighed again this AM but am determined to stay cheerful despite it all. But how many ways can our friends in the Banking arenas say "who cares?" when challenged with still giving bonuses of ANY sort? I who on behalf of my own employers - had to account for every penny got out of one Banking Institution years back think that a say two year moratorium would not be unreasonable. Would it really REALLY hurt those employed STILL to forgo a bit of wedge - for the "Team"?
Cheerful? It is the thought of someone cutting up about something. Now I am happy again! loll. The is an extra "L" for the 'ell of it!
Cultural Diplomacy = lilac lord may cutup?
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I agree, Joe, the man from RBS made me very cross, for the same reasons as you cite. I was also annoyed that Evan failed to challenge him for using the cheap trick of trying to turn the tables on him by comparing RBS with the BBC. Utterly irrelevant in the circumstances.
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#9. Yes, it amuses me that MPs are castigated non-stop over pay, while the only attempt to hold a single banker (Fred Goodwin) to account over pay came to nothing.
If bonuses are to be paid in shares, should the majority shareholder (us) not at least demand that they are put in trust for a year and paid out at the later value? Such a move might encourage the recipient to perform in the bank's best interest in the interim and stem the urge to 'take the money and run', to which Evan Davis alluded on the Today programme.
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Why?
Time after time we’ve had the media reports on Afghanistan: explosions, shootings, roadside bombs. And time after time we’ve had the media reports of ‘terror plots,’ here and US. The reports are always about the ‘who’ and ‘how’ and ‘where,’ but not the ‘why.’ Why is it they want to plant bombs on our trains and buses? Why is it they want to fly planes into the World Trade centre? Is it something we’ve done? After eight years, the questions should be addressed.
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#9 On RBS and bonuses, I will speak up for the very low paid staff that relied on their bonus to supplement their wage. There are hard working and competent employees some of which are being paid in the region of £12k a year and worried about their job security. These are the people at the sharp end and these are the people working hard to get the bank back on its feet. As for those at the top I’m afraid I would not just get moderated out (again) but probably be prosecuted if I posted my thoughts on them.
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#15 Good point on the lower paid bank staff. It's ridiculous that in an industry where those at the top who made disatrous decisions do so well no matter what the circumstances, those at the bottom with no power to influence performance are reliant on bonuses to make up a living wage.
Which, of course, brings me to MPs and the tirade of the anonymous MP on the Today programme regarding the supplementing of pay through allowances...
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Or do I mean Sesame Street? 40 years old today! Yaaaaay!
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Just repeating something that I put on yesterday's Glass Box:
Initiating a thread called 'The PM Glass Box' or 'The AM Glass Box' is not very helpful as some discussions last more than a few days. It would be much better if the day of the week could be added, as Sequin helpfully does.
The 'AM Glass Box for Tuesday' and the 'PM glass box for Wednesday' still have interesting discussions continuing.
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Let's cover anything that let's us sneer at the Lib Dems. Saves thinking.
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Richard_SM (20 - It doesn't really matter who is on tonight or what they say - you will either mishear it or misquote them.
Last night you said:"As for Paddy Ashdown saying he’s going to create his own war cabinet, what IS he on about? Does anybody know?"
Problem was, he didn't say that!
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Richard_SM (18) that should have been.
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Preston, but do you trust Mr. Ashdown? - I don't. That's not to support Richard's point, just a general observation.
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PF - I think RSM missed the beginning of the piece, where Ashdown said "This speech ought to be about ... Here's what I want him to say ..."
Compared to all the other stuff I've heard about Afghanistan recently, Ashdown seemed pretty good.
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Big Sister - I don't have to trust him. I'm not sure what you mean by that. I don't have to agree with him either. But I do value his opinion on the situation as much as lot of other commentators.
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Who needs sesame street, we have parliament.
At least the fog was more consistent this morning. No apaches.
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Brave young men
Every time a British soldier is killed we hear tributes to our “brave young men killed serving their country,” but we don’t recognise the “brave young men” in Afghanistan who are killed serving their country. Ten years ago they could not have imagined they would be making such a sacrifice – it was not of their choosing – they have been invaded. Like the French Resistance in WWII, they’re using their wit and guile, to frustrate and disrupt the attempts of the occupying power to control their country. I would suggest the young Afghans who carry out missions where their death is virtually certain are showing the highest levels of bravery. So how about a tribute to the young Afghans for their ultimate sacrifice?
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Well, that's strange. I've had a post on The Beach referred and Richard SM has had his (18) here referred. Not sure why either should have been pulled - although I know that mine was intentionally silly.
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Oh dear. Children's TV star in obscene tirade shock:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8345699.stm
Starts at 00:40
What did he say?
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Just as I seconded Preston's request to put the week day next to the AM or PM Glass Box heading in yesterday's Glass Box* thread, I do so again today. For the record redheylin gave it a third. I note above @4 that Sprouty and I presume Sid (as he’s listed Sprouty’s comment) concur. I imagine lots of other bloggers may too as adding the day really helps navigation.
There are so many different threads often with interesting debates – if you want us to contribute effectively, please take some note of our requests. I think I speak for everyone when I say we aren’t asking for this out of a desire to be awkward but instead to make our use of the blog more efficient and less time consuming. It would also help combat ‘scroll-fatigue’ and associated physical problems this can cause or exacerbate.
For the same reason, please bring back 'recent comments'.
*Which will be tricky to find in a week’s time...
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I was only half listening to PM last night as at the time I was burning a chilli (which seems to be a contradiction but I assure you it is possible) however I am sure that Mr Brown was accused of misleading Parliament and the people by inflating statistics and claiming them as fact . . . please tell me I am wrong, the thought that any leader in this country could stoop so low, well it’s just not British, it’ what I would expect to be reported about some 3rd world countries unelected dictator.
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RSM @ 27 - perhaps you should post that on the Afghans' equivalent of the PM Blog.
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Come across this distressing article on the main BBC website:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8345550.stm
It states:
"Zoo curator Gerd Noetzhold said he had discovered that zoos throughout Europe and further afield had encountered the same problem, but no-one knew why."
Could be imprisoned without the freedom to roam the wilderness like other bears be the problem for their hair loss. I'm sure that if you confined a human in the same way, a disorder of some sort would become apparent after time. These animals do not know why they have become confined to their small surroundings, they have nothing to interest them and this hairloss is an appalling side effect of a victorian human way of life that should be stopped.
Maybe you might want to do an article on this in tonights show and question those 'experts' concerned about animal welfare?
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concerned_uk_citizen (31) - It was reported by a Tory so it is probably wrong. Recent records prove that 6 times out of 5 their statistics can't be trusted.
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leohawk: yes, that is distressing. But - "Symptoms first appeared in the animals about two years ago" suggests that it's not just captivity.
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Afghanistan
If you’re going to be covering Afghanistan tonight, can you get someone on who can speak sensibly on the subject? Last night Paddy Ashdown was all over the place, paraphrased, saying “things are getting better over there,” and then went on to say, “things are getting worse over there.” It was nonsense. Also said, “Afghanistan should be the nation’s number one priority and we should bend every muscle and stretch every sinew,” (how do you ‘bend’ a muscle?) conveniently ignoring the economic abyss and the enormous challenge of the environment and climate. Indeed, one could argue the economic collapse occurred because the government took their eye off the ball, and spent too much time on Iraq/Afghanistan.
The chap who has worked with an NGO in Afghanistan, and aspires to be a Tory candidate, Rory Stewart, seems quite knowledgeable, and puts forward some good ideas on dealing with Afghanistan. I’m not sure his ideas are in line with Tory policy, but he certainly thinks outside the box. Robert Fisk would also make a great contribution, being an expert on the Middle East and Afghanistan, and has met with bin Laden.
(Why do we call the Middle East? It’s the Near East)
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leohawk@33. Thanks for highlighting that article. In case anyone can't link to it, the bears are suffering total hair loss and have also developed itchiness which is being treated with ointments.
The article also says:
“One expert suggested it [the hair loss] could be caused by climate and the diet of the bears, whose native habitat is South America. The bears come from the Andean mountains of Ecuador, Peru and northern Bolivia.”
It doesn’t take a genius to work that one out when they’ve been moved to Leipzig.
“Gerard Baars, director of the International Bear Foundation, said he had never seen such a condition before and that, "The bears should be kept indoors [my italics] and they should make an imitation of a tropical climate with hot temperatures, humidity, straw and bedding on the floor."
The bears should be kept indoors? This is monstrous.
“The mountain bears have a seasonal pattern influenced by climate, behaviour and food”, he said. "We in zoos are not very good at imitating natural seasonality.”
Don’t do it then! Leave them in their native homes.
There is no reason to move animals from their natural habitat, the change in climate for them is bad enough but then to decide to keep them indoors just so little Johnny and the family can go once in a while and have a look at them is appalling.
It’s the zoo management who should be locked up and anyone who condones such out-dated, Victorian attitudes toward the animal kingdom.
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Preston Firmlie #34 Oh I thought that maybe he was just continuing a tradition made fashionable by his predecessor.
What is the saying, Lies, damn lies and politician’s statistics?
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RSM @ 36
I've listened again to yesterday's PM on iPlayer, and I can't find the bit where Ashdown says “things are getting better over there,” or “things are getting worse over there.” Would you be so good as to indicate roughly where he said that?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qskw
(approx 46 mins in)
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Please could you report in your programme and place on your website what the number of beneficiaries and total amount of bonuses to be paid by individual banks including RBS will be, the period of time these bonuses cover, and a breakdown of these figures (numbers of beneficiaries and aggregate amounts) for bonuses up to £2500 , £2.5K to £25K , £25k - £250K, over £250K
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Preston (25) I won't elucidate too much on my comment here as it might get modded, but I don't trust him, and think he has his own agenda, which tends to infect his commentary. Imho, of course! ;o)
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Richard (27) These would be the Afghans wo are attacking their own governmental forces, indiscriminately attacking their own civilian countrymen through tactics such as bombing schools, colleges, etc, suicide bombing open air locations where the police force happen to have a presence, irrespective of the harm caused to innocent life. Hardly an act of bravery. This is more the act of criminals.
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Sorry, Big Sis, I can't comment when there is nothing to comment on. You say you don't trust him, but give no reason. That's like saying I've never tasted baked beans, but I don't like them.
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Richard,
Spot on! But they'r both likely to utter the uncomfortable truth that, to a considerable extent, we've brought this all onto ourselves.
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Fair enough, Preston, but I'd get modded if I said more.
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Big Sister and Preston Firmlie
I think having a nickname of Paddy Pantsdown shows that he has not been the most trustworthy person from his wifes point.
It's his monotone delivery that causes me to drift off. How anyone could listen to his interview and then be expected to repeat it verbatim is to me impossible.
Then we have the tooing and throing between Richard and Sid.
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"Then we have the tooing and throing between Richard and Sid."
All one way, I'm afraid - I ask, RSM ignores ...
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Looternite (46) - I don't expect anyone to be able to repeat anything verbatim, but if someone wants to comment on another person's statements or views, I expect them to report them with a modicum of truth. Richard_SM consistently misquotes and misrepresents. My (21) and Sid's (39) still await responses.
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Preston: I have answered you in 'another place'.
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#48. Preston Firmlie
Oh, I agree that if you quote someone make sure it is exact. Or link to the place where the comment has been made.
When someone "quotes" a person like Ashdown I have to take it on trust that what has been reported was accurate. After all, I don't concentrate on Ashdowns pontifications for reasons I have previously stated.
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Big Sis - And I've replied. We'll have to agree to disagree. :o)
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I've tasted baked beans and I don't like them.
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Okay, Preston, agreed.
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Have y'all been listening to the Woman's Hour serial?
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When someone was released from prison overseas - a couple of days back -two acquaintances I read issued statements of contentment that said person had been released - allegedly? What an odd world I thought. You issue statements - if news item is to be believed? I would pick up the phone and ..... well that is me. Talking through legal mouthpices aint my way at all.
I am still smiling though - someone may be cutup? I hope that was correct? If so - same "cutup" someone had better remember when I stop - smiling - I will not issue statements - that much is certain.
Someones birthday and behaving myself was amongst the someones birthday gifts - who am I kidding - it was their ONLY present! Which was a very cheap round - sort of. But when you are observing life around you the oddest things occur. And objects and people narrate the scenario in wondrous ways - well in my eyes at least. Stuff left around in supermarts, a visitor to a dentist exiting with purpose and a mobile poster telling me to stay above it all for a while - sort of. So I did. A TV host over there in the USA calls it "moments of zen". Huuummm!
Most news today is rather grim
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Lord Nathan (54) Apologies for not answering your question the first time you asked it ;o)
Yes, and I'm really enjoying it! I don't hear it til after Front Row, though.....so don't spoil the ending for me ;o)
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Lady Sue (37) Thanks for your comments about the bears - if I had been here this morning I would have posted something echoing your sentiments.
Keeping wild animals in captivity is monstrous behaviour.
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Has there been a NEWSLETTER today?
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Vyle (58) I believe service has been suspended because of gremlins on the line.
Normal service will be resumed as soon as someone can be faffed to de-bug newsletter dispatch ;o)
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Psycho-acoustic simulation, anyone?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8346093.stm
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Vyle and Gillianian - gremlins, gremlins everywhere. If I get one more of those 404 error messages that goof-eyed puppet gets it.
Gillianian - thanks for your support. I realise I banged on a bit about it but it really made my blood boil. All the more so because I know there is nothing I can do about it, save object to it whenever I can. Makes me want to weep.
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#42. Fearless Fred
The country in which they happen to be born is largely academic. They are all young men and women fighting for a cause. I can’t be expected to fill in the gaps of your knowledge, but I can tell you the French Resistance also killed collaborators. With regards to the harm caused to innocent life, they call it collateral damage don’t they? “Suicide bombing…. Hardly an act of bravery.” The height of bravery I’d say. Why isn’t it brave?
“This is more the act of criminals.”
You might be surprised to learn your reaction has much in common with Osama bin Laden, which coincidentally, was noted by Robert Fisk, who I mentioned above: “Bin Laden himself was obsessed for many months with the massacre of Lebanese civilians by the Israelis at the UN base at Qana* in southern Lebanon in April 1996.** Why had Clinton not condemned this terrorist act, he asked. Why had the perpetrators not been brought to justice bin Laden wanted to know?”
*800 civilians had taken refuge at the UN compound. Over 100 were killed.
**The Israelis said it was a mistake, but the UN concluded it wasn’t.
And that's just one incident of many. As Lord Nathan says above, "we've brought this all onto ourselves."
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#1. redheylin,
An excellent suggestion and one which the PM team seem to have adopted with enthusiasm with Jay Winter's essay.
As well as the (1)the history of Afghanistan, (2) the meaning of "short selling", (3) the content of the Lisbon Treaty, I would add (4) the difference between BBC editors, correspondents, reporters, (5) explanation of some legal principles (6) the process of legislature in Parliament (7) other parliamentary procedures, Early Day Motion etc.
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Why isn't there a Saturday AM and PM Glass Box?
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The AM and PM Glass Boxes aren't identified by the day of the week. Use any one you like.
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Oh dear, Richard, once again you try to argue a point by deliberately mis-quoting the person talking to you. I had clearly stated that I considered the indiscriminate targeting of the civilian population to be criminal acts, and you carefully avoid the point by use of the classic "..." to skip over the part of the sentence you don't want to discuss. Even first year students at secondary school would know better when doing a "Comprehension" piece.
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#66. Fearless Fred,
Forgive me for pointing it out, but didn't my post (27) come first? In your post (42) you chose to pick up on just one narrow aspect. So who was avoiding the points in my post (27)?
"...indiscriminate targetting of the civilian population..." A little confused aren't you.
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#66. Fearless Fred,
Did you see the comments from the US State Dept official I posted on the Jay Winter's essay War Wounds" thread?
Matthew Hoh said, "I believe that the people we are fighting there are fighting us because we are occupying them -- not for any ideological reasons, not because of any links to al Qaeda, not because of any fundamental hatred toward the West. The only reason they're fighting us is because we are occupying them."
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