Seducer-in-chief
This is a hard edged charm offensive. Again in Prague he has addressed a cheerful throng of Obamamaniacs but again he has told them things they received in stony (confused?) silence. This time it was on the missile defence shield that President Bush wanted to build and President Obama will... still build. This is what he said:
"Let me be clear: Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile activity poses a real threat, not just to the United States, but to Iran's neighbors and our allies. The Czech Republic and Poland have been courageous in agreeing to host a defense against these missiles. As long as the threat from Iran persists, we intend to go forward with a missile defense system that is cost-effective and proven."
For most Czechs (though not the government) the missile defence shield (which of course is not yet built and might not work) is unpopular. Obama told them straight they were wrong. And yet still at the end they pressed forward to grasp him. Among the espostulations heard by a colleage, "Oh God I got so close - I actually touched him." This was a British journalist!
Obama is a seducer, in the nicest possible way of course. He smiles and refers to himself as Hussein and does all the other things that make Europeans swoon. Then he has his way. Or does he...?
Hello, I'm 
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~48~RS~)
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Justin,
Are you confused as to which Obama is really seductive?
Inquisitive Sam
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He isn't ready to have his way yet. For that he needs his way stamped across the US policy agenda, and so far all we're seeing is a tidying-up of some of the worst failures of the last Administration, plus a few throwbacks to Clinton I. The best way to help Obama get his way is for Europeans to say no to all the counterproductive rubbish that still lingers from his predecessors. He needs us to dig in our heels on past mistakes in order to move change forward. They voted for an Obama presidency, so let's help him to give them an Obama presidency.
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Did anybody really think that Obama would change US policy that much particalary it's foriegn policy?
Obama told the cheering crowds what they wanted to hear and got elected Good for him but he doesn't want to go down in history as the US President who weaked America strength aboard - for all the bad things people say about Bush you have to hand it to him that he got America bases in Russia back yard and invaded Iraq even though many of it's strongest Allies were against they the war they still helped America in both Wars (Germany and France gave "techinical help" to Iraq and troops to Afganistan)
If Germany and France wanted they could of actually stopped the war as
the Germans could of asked the Americans to leave their bases in Germany and not allow them to fly over rights thus ending any war
He played Pakistan off against both India and the Afgan problem he even made America allies with both India and Pakistan at the same time something that was unthinkable a few years ago while signing a nuclear civilian deal with India.
Obama has to at the very least keep America strong and at best increase it's strength aboard
This doesn't matter if he uses soft or hard power or a mixture of the two just as long as he improves America's strength both internally and exterenally.
At the end of the day that's all that really matters nothing else.
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We are not seduced. At least not all of us. If Iran's missiles are really a threat to US national security and Iran is really working on developing nuclear weapons to arm them with as most intelligence agencies are quite sure they are, then the correct course of action would be to destroy them before they can be deployed. The same goes for North Korea. These toys are far to dangerous to be allowed in the hands of madmen. Even BBC wrote an article about which weapon in America's nuclear arsenal would be the best choice to eliminate Iran's nuclear development program and that was a couple of years ago. The North Koreans are lucky. Had their missile gone awry by heading for the territory of the United States even by accident, whether or not it could have been blown out of the sky we'd be at war already. North Korea might not even exist anymore. Very stupid people running this world right now. Very dangerous times.
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Among the espostulations [sic] heard by a colleage [sic], "Oh God I got so close - I actually touched him." This was a British journalist!
I can't believe you're really surprised by this. Are you unaware of the embarrassing teenage fan club outpourings by your colleagues across the BBC? Programme after programme, online report after online report, all with the same starstruck gushing drivel.
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Oh dear. As soon as I saw the title of this blog posting I thought, "Oh no, et tu, Obama?" What fresh hell, etc. What a relief to find that he is seducing with words only. Considering our recent history with the peccadilloes of politicians of both parties, I could do without the sexual terminology.
As for his ability to get his way (if he does), it's the old honey versus . . . vinegar in the art of fly-catching. Something Bush never learned. His method was to try catching them with a fly swatter drenched in . . . vinegar.
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"Oh God I got so close - I actually touched him." This was a British journalist!
Which is why I've avoided print and television news for the best part of a decade.
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President Obama is pragmatic and puts his views directly, straight from his heart. He is able to feel the pulse of the audience and appeals to their good sense. Rather than seducing them, he appeals to their logic and reason. Convincing them in a methodical way and appealing to reason and good common-sense are honest ways of bringing American citizens to his way of thinking. He is certainly a breath of fresh-air. So give him the credit when it is fully due
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1. Sam. LOL.
Still carrying the torch for an old flame. Funniest thing on this blog for weeks.
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1, Sam.
"Are you confused as to which Obama is really seductive?"
We voted for Barack, not Michelle, but I think we got a twofer.
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4, staphylococcus aureus.
So you still favor boom-boom over diplomacy. How lonely it must be to be out of sync with rational minds.
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#4, MAII, the option of a preemptive strike has already been evaluated
and dismissed as unproductive, because the Iranian nuclear program is
too well dispersed. We could only set them back for a few years.
(The current estimate is 5 years.)
Otherwise, we would already have done it.
Not to mention that we really don't want a war with them if we can
avoid it.
So, the only option is to deploy a defensive system, which introduces
uncertainty in the minds of the Iranians. What happens if they launch
a strike and it is intercepted? Then they are all dead. Even the Iranian
leadership, which believes in an afterlife, doesn't want that.
And, Justin, the MDA program is a 25 year program of technology innovation.
So, even if it doesn't work perfectly today, it probably will work
a little better year by year.
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When I saw the blog title I automatically assumed it would be about William Jefferson Clinton.....
Justin says "Then he has his way." isn't the phrase traditionally "his wicked way"? but perhaps no-one would dare descibe Obama as wicked (except perhaps in the 1990's yoof cultue sense, init man.)
You're all doing very well !!
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Is there a way forward, or is there not?
Is the way forward knowable, or is it not?
Is this way forward available to most of us, or are you and your friends the only ones capable of understanding?
Is there reason for Hope, or is there not?
Or will we just muddle through blindly, and only find a way through much error?
Is that the only rational basis for hopeful expectation?
Sort yourself (-selves) out.
I'm for the Obamas, and Hope.
Not forever, because I see every administration and party as a mixture of help and harm - harm to constituents which will accumulate over time and require correction by those who are out of power at present. But for now Obama and his program are a much needed tonic in our society, an example of democracy at its best and America's ability to catch sight of reality and address it honestly and positively. The world is watching; Leadership inspires Hope.
KScurmudgeon
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President Obama: "North Korea must know that the path to security and respect will never come through threats and illegal weapons."
Amusing. Even more amusing is that he managed to say it with a straight face. After all, these same "illegal" nuclear weapons and a steady stream of belligerent threats have formed the basis of US foreign policy for the past 65 years.
And, as a matter of fact, the US has achieved neither security nor respect.
Is it possible that Obama has finally grasped this obvious fact and is subtly initiating a paradigm shift in US foreign policy?
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I'm not seduced by him yet and I wasn't that impressed about the content of his Prague speech despite its fabulous delivery. There is not doubt he can work an audience. Don't get me wrong, Obama appears to be the best hope for America right now. Even in these early few days of his presidency, America's standing in world has dramtically risen. On face value he is a likable, intelligent and articulate man with good intentions for the future of America, and for the rest of the world. But right now these are just intentions. Lets see two to three years down the road whether his intentions have materialised into profound actions that benefit us all.
With regards to missile shield, I think he may be talking a little too soon as some acute diplomatic work needs to be conducted with Russia, who have threatened to massively re-arm and modernise their millitary if the shield starts being deployed.
After all this recent rhetoric about the fall of the wall and winning the cold war, is the Obama legacy going to be the president who put the wall back up, figuratively speeking.
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8. At 6:21pm on 05 Apr 2009, Pancha_Chandra wrote:
President Obama is pragmatic and puts his views directly, straight from his heart. He is able to feel the pulse of the audience and appeals to their good sense. Rather than seducing them, he appeals to their logic and reason. Convincing them in a methodical way and appealing to reason and good common-sense are honest ways of bringing American citizens to his way of thinking. He is certainly a breath of fresh-air. So give him the credit when it is fully due
Amen.
Seducing with plain speech. Seducing with simple statements of truth, and not always with platitudes, but stating the obvious including what is painful. Identifying the elephant in the room as an elephant in all it's awkwardness. Admitting America's flaws, errors, and arrogance. Showing respect, humility where it counts, and pointing to hope in a practicable way. This is seduction I can endorse. This is a seduction I am ready to participate in.
KScurmudgeon
I like you. Are you ready to make a team?....are you ready for seduction?
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15. At 8:37pm on 05 Apr 2009, rchrenko wrote:
Amusing. Even more amusing is that he managed to say it with a straight face. After all, these same "illegal" nuclear weapons and a steady stream of belligerent threats have formed the basis of US foreign policy for the past 65 years.
Consider the historically available alternative: the Nazis could have developed these weapons first, and used them in Europe.
The high horse of pacifism does not grant you the right to wear the blinders of selective prejudice.
I do agree with your implied endorsement of President Obama's initiative toward universal nuclear disarmament.
Good to be comrades
KScurmudgeon
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THE WORD’S RING HOLLOW
Dismantles not Destroys!
Contrary to belief the “Empire” does not “Destroy” it’s Nuclear Weapon as the old (USSR) Union of Soviet Socialist Republic’s, or the present Russian Federation, but instead “Dismantles” it’s weapon, and store’s them, which indicates that the “Empire” intents at some point to re-assemble these weapons for use, therefore the words of the “Imperial Media Messiah President” of the “Empire” ring hollow.
The Reality of Things!
The “Tip of the Spear, Manager State of the Islamic Crescent, (51st) State of the Empire, (PM) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will lay out the reality of things in May, to the “Imperial Media Messiah President” that of stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons—and quickly—or the “Eastern Empire Tip of the Spear into and Manager State of the Islamic Crescent”, will attack Iran’s nuclear facilities itself, to ensure that the continued daily weakening of the “Empires Sphere” of Influence is ended, taking the “The Caspian Sea Basin” to supply the Nabucco Pipeline with it’s estimated at (7.25 Trn.Cu.Mts.) Seven-two-five trillion cubic meters, yet to be developed underneath the Caspian Sea, along with (1/5th) One-fifth, (20%) Twenty-Percent of the remaining global oil reserves. The “Eastern Empire’s (PM) Prime Minister, along with the “Central Asian Pipeline”, for in hydrocarbons (NG) Natural Gas transport from energy rich Turkmenistan, across Afghanistan to India, the port city of Karachi, Pakistan, and on to world markets across the globe.
Striking the First Blow
The “Tip of the Spear, Manager State of the Islamic Crescent, (51st) State of the Empire, (PM) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not ask permission, to perform the first Nuclear Weapons attack upon another country since (W.W.II) World War Two, but will inform the “Imperial Media Messiah President,” The “Empire” must defend its interests, and understand that other countries will be defending their interests. there’s nothing wrong with a good fight; on the contrary, if the “Empire” delivers the first blow, the “Empire’ will wins, without damage, and only minor political fall out in the short but not long term. But if the “Western Empire” half of the “Empire” doesn’t have the stomach for it, the “Eastern Empire” will attack Iran’s nuclear facilities itself, opening the door to taking the “Caspian Sea Basin, Nabucco Pipeline, Central Asian Pipeline”, providing for future “Empire” generations use.
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Sometimes you can't put down you fists until the bully put his down at the same time. the promise of Obama is that he will do what ever needs to be done to get us to a more peaceful world. Listen to what he is saying. It is going to take time. Time to break down old dogma and relationship based now only on hate and distrust. Give him some time. What else is out there? Who else is out there trying this? You?
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19. At 9:26pm on 05 Apr 2009, HerculeSavinien wrote:
THE WORD?S RING HOLLOW
Dismantles not Destroys!...
Most of that I understood, but who is this eastern empire?
KScurmudgeon
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19 HerculeSavinien
I suggest you use less cut and paste - your post is gibberish.
Also we generally use " " for quotes or emphasis, not ? ?.
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19 HerculeSavinien:
Your horrible use of the question mark makes your post very difficult to read and your perceptions of reality as read are enough to make a sane person pull out all their hair. Please clearify the meaning of your post.
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22. At 10:26pm on 05 Apr 2009, MarcusAureliusII wrote:
"... it will now be necessary to wipe out the entire country"
So you'd be happy to exterminate 70 million people to get at weapons which nobody else claims exist.
Iran doesn't have nuclear weapons. There isn't even evidence that its nuclear power programme is being used for developing a weapons capability. But you'd kill them. All of them. Just for something that doesn't exist.
This is why threatened countries around the world feel the need for a deterrent. And the sooner they get one to make people think twice about this kind of rubbish, the better.
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In response to #3's comment (If Germany and France wanted they could of actually stopped the war as the Germans could of asked the Americans to leave their bases in Germany and not allow them to fly over rights thus ending any war)
This is incorrect, as the status of forces agreement in Germany allows the US to do anything they want and Germany has no power to require the US to leave their territory or to influence what happens on the bases. It is like the whole Guantanamo Bay case with Cuba. Cuba has been asking them to leave the base for 60 years, but the American invaders can do what they like.
As for the main article, it is again the case of charisma. No one cares anything about the message or that his (foreign) policies are virtually identical to that of Bush. By just presenting them in a different way and telling the people what they want to hear they all fall over themselves for him.
There was a lot of talk about North Korea today and their launching of a rocket. A comparison I would like to see is the personality cult surrounding Kim Jong Il in N. Korea and the personality cult surrounding Obama in the Western media. At least that is something the 2 countries have in common.
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davep01
If Iran is not trying to develop nuclear weapons, why is it trying so hard to hide the fact? Why do most intelligence agencies around the world think it is?
Yes, it will be necessary sooner or later. Had the job been done early on, perhaps only a few thousand or just a few hundred technicians, scientists, and military people would have died. By waiting until the equipment has been disseminated throughout the country, it will all have to go. That's what happens when you let a cancer spread unchecked. The measures to stop it become that much more drastic. Too bad. A 5000 year history at an end. And for what? Some religious madmen's ambition to ressurect an 1100 year old empire that probably didn't actually exist.
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Justin,
You are absolutely right, unfortunately. The winning official of any election is the best at seducing the most people, and catering to their weaknesses.
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Ah jp779, Germany could just not renew the SOFA, that would force US to leave germany. Guantanamo is different in that it is a permanent lease in which either the US has to violate the agreement or leave in order for cuba to get it back, just having cuba saying they want them to leave isn't good enough. Now when it comes to whether or no the US violated parts of the agreement is open for debate.
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#23. RomeStu: "19 HerculeSavinien - Also we generally use " " for quotes or emphasis, not ? ?."
#24. BienvenueEnLouisiana: "Your horrible use of the question mark makes your post very difficult to read"
Be fair - if someone types a post in a word processor, quotation marks and some other characters are rendered as question marks when they are pasted in to the Comments box, it happens with some e-mail accounts as well. But I make no comment on his actual post!
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I strongly suspect that Iran would indeed like to acquire The Bomb, but a statement like...
"If Iran is not trying to develop nuclear weapons, why is it trying so hard to hide the fact? "
...is self-referential babble. It ranks alongside "If Iraq doesn't have weapons of mass destruction, how come they are so well hidden?" in the circularity of its argument. And we now know very well how close to the truth that piece of 'logic' was. And as for...
"Why do most intelligence agencies around the world think it is?"
...we don't even need to think of another example, do we? Because these would be the same intelligence agencies that told us about the imminent threat from Iraq's WMD. It doesn't really matter whether those agencies were incompetent in their compilation of 'intelligence' or willing catspaws for their respective governments in the case of Iraq. Either way, what they told us was untrue, so what's the compelling argument for believing them now?
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30, David -
Is there a reason for typing a post in word processing and then pasting it here? I'm not criticizing this method; I'm merely curious. It seems to make the post unreadable. In fact, I don't read them because all those question marks are too disruptive. (I guess that is a criticism.) When the poster sees the resulting mess, why would they keep doing it?
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#11 marbeless
"So you still favor boom-boom over diplomacy. How lonely it must be to be out of sync with rational minds."
That's pretty much what Wilson and Chamberlain thought/said, too. It will take both. ("boom-boom" and diplomacy) I can only "Hope", in his efforts to make the "world" like the United States again, he does not emasculate and cripple us. The US does not need to be a "bully", but we don't need to apologists, either. Life is not fair...get a helmet.
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THE EMPIRE
The Islamic World for the (1st)considers the United States an "Empire" consisting of (2)two parts but controlled by the "Eastern" part much as ROME, was divided into (2) two parts Rome and Constantinople, and today it's Washington, D. C. Distict of Columbia, and Tel-Aviv Jaffa.
The (AIPAC/AZC) has control of the policy process ending any serious public discussions, or ability too exercise independent judgment about matters of great importance to the Empire or it allies, through the exercise of a veto (pack the audience crucify him, crucify him), over the appointment of people who dispute the wisdom of its views, the substitution of (AIPAC/AZC) political correctness for analysis, and the exclusion of any and all options for decision other than those set by the (AIPAC/AZC), the dictation of the Empires foreign policies is squarely the venue of and will be set by the (AIPAC/AZC) Israel lobby.
The (PM)Prime Minister of the "Empire" is expected to "Inform" the "Imperial Media Messiah" of the "Western Empire" that within a period of weeks but no more than months of it's intent to use nuclear bunker busting bombs against Shi-ite Persian Iran, prior to (2010) the best time of these attack will be when the moon is at its crescent, on a cloudly evening, at the darkest point of the evening. It's not a request as with (GWB) George Walker Bush, simply a notification, in May.
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#22, 27
Why Marcus,
So good to have you back.
What a terrific idea. In the inevitable exchange of bombs with all the countries impacted, whether through overt or covert means (just think,nuking iran would inevitably wipe out most of the middle east, a chunk of India and quite possibly China as well.
Alternatively we could focus on trying to control as much nuclear material as possible, hunting down and killing anyone who is crazy enough to use one and is not part of an established state, and relying on deterrence to stop state players doing something stupid. After all,it has worked for the last 60 years against the Soviet Union, China and others (Iraq, on a smaller scale).
Alternatively we could up the anti with a preemptive strike,hope the exchange of nukes through overt and covert means does not wipe out all life on earth in the following nuclear winter and live in a small island state somewhere who didn't seem important enough to muke at the time. Then, perhaps, fight against the totalitarian regime that comes to power in those places in the inevitable lurch to nationlism and possible fascism.
Good to see you upping your game from simple economic disaster to the apocalypse. Have you stopped hating America and taken on the entire human race now?
Sam (V)
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#32
Bere,
Spell check.
Literate Sam
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#10
Marby,
Your fanstasies are obviously kinkier than mine.
Perhaps not.
Oh yeah,now we're talking.
Deviant Sam
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37, Sam.
Sorry to disappoint you, Sam, I am addicted to men. (Is that a disease? Nowadays everything is.)
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#39
Marby,
Nymphomania? It has been defined as a mental disease but a very vaguely defined one. All sorts of (male) psychologists have put their own rather warped definitions on it. Personally I believe the best definition is 'Anyone who gets more than you do'. Which if, like Freud, you're a bald middle aged guy means pretty much any woman who wants to.
So no, it isn't a disease. But if you know anyone inmy neckof the woods who has that condition, just let me know. For scientific purposes.
Psychologist Sam
P.S. In my analyst role I would also like to point out to those who have let rip with long rambling posts about empires and the like that grand conspiracy theories are the first sign of a very disturbed mind.
It's one small step from there to grand plans for the elimination of the human race, then screaming about the thousand year reich in your bunker / trailer.
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Let's see... Iran's missiles at maximum range can't hit Poland. The "missile defense" doesn't have the range to intercept Iranian missiles, if they were to strike anywhere in the Middle East. Europe isn't in danger from Iranian attack. (In reality, the US's unwillingness to accept Russia's Azerbaijan offer proves that said "missile defense" is directed against Russian targets, not Iranian.)
Further, Iran has been attempting to produce nuclear power since the Shah's time. The US NIE as of 2007 said Iran is NOT making nuclear weapons, a position echoed by National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair. Finally, Ayatollah Khameni (sp?) issued a fatwa a few years ago AGAINST nuclear weapons.
As for NATO, despite Obama's popularity in Europe, Europeans won't stand for getting entangled in Afghanistan. They've seen what it's done to us. They know what we received in Iraq as well. They will not only stay out, but they will vote out Sarkozy and Merkel and any other enablers- perhaps even leaving NATO. This could well be a European Thermidor. (Ca ira! Ca ira!) As for the UK, it's likely that the Conservatives will (finally) start taking a skeptical look if they take over in 2009 or 2010. (And you can rest assured that the Lib Dems, Plaid Cymru and the SNP certainly will...)
As for America, Obama continues many of Bush's foreign policies, and nobody's suing him for false advertising.
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33, 1stGen.
#11 marbeless
"So you still favor boom-boom over diplomacy. How lonely it must be to be out of sync with rational minds."
Your response:
"That's pretty much what Wilson and Chamberlain thought/said, too."
They were part of a different era. What held in the past does not necessarily hold now. It is not the same world. Today our economies are intertwined. We fly back and forth across the ocean. We are no longer strangers to each other. And -- we are more dependent on each other. It is a new world and we need new approaches. So let's not talk about what happened before jet flight, before Americans drove Japanese cars, before the internet, before our kids bought Euro passes. Wilson and Chamberlain would not recognize the world we live in.
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35. At 02:46am on 06 Apr 2009, SamTyler1969 wrote:
"Why Marcus. So good to have you back."
No it isn't. Anyway, he's a Dalek. Obviously. That's why you can't argue with it. It just shouts "Ex-ter-min-ate!"
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35, Sam.
What I really enjoy about staph. aureus is his ignorance. Catch this from his comment about Iran:.
"Some religious madmen's ambition to ressurect an 1100 year old empire that probably didn't actually exist."
Ignoring his misspelling, the Persian empire came into being more than 2,500 years ago. In fact it was Cyrus the Great who built the second temple, of which only the Wailing Wall remains. What would we do without our Marcus? We would be reduced to speaking intelligently and rationally. Let's face it. That could get boring.
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43, ish-ish.
What is a "Dalek"?
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Marbles.
In principle I agree with you. Much has changed...but human nature has not.
As an Eagle Scout, I will live by "Be Prepared". Or, to reach back into history to the first Mr. Roosevelt: "Speak softly and carry a big stick".
I disagree with your statement that we are no longer strangers to each other. Well, maybe we are no longer strangers, but I do not believe that East and West understand one another much more now than they did 400 years ago.
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LOL. The Arch enemy in the Dr. Who series. (Dalek)
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46, 1stGen.
"I disagree with your statement that we are no longer strangers to each other. Well, maybe we are no longer strangers, but I do not believe that East and West understand one another much more now than they did 400 years ago."
If you are speaking of cultures, what you say is true of America, and somewhat true of Europe. But when you are talking economics and trade, we all understand each other very well indeed.
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47, 1stGen.
Oh, come on, staph. aureous is too comical to be an arch enemy. He doesn't have enough stature.
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Marbles,
I suppose I should clarify one thing before proceeding: From post 11...just whose rational minds are you referring to?
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50, 1stGen.
As I am not sure about the question I will answer twice. Staphylococcus aureus goes under the alias Macus AureliusII. As for who the rational minds are, there might not be any.
:
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49. At 05:00am on 06 Apr 2009, allmymarbles wrote:"aureous is too comical to be an arch enemy"
Maybe I'd better explain a bit more fully. (I forgot Dr who might be only a sort of hardly-known cult thing outside Britain.) The daleks invaded other worlds, treated their inhabitants and cultures (and their defences) with scorn and disdain and sought only to exterminate their populations so they could have those worlds to themselves.
Sound familiar?
It's all here:http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/classic/characters/daleks
(BTW the arch-enemy was actually Davros. Not to be confused with Davos as MAII will. This is all culturally very important to us Brits, you know. It's probably all part of the new citizenship exam. You don't get to be British unless you know about the Daleks.)
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LOL. Well then...since we agree there might not be any rational minds "in charge", i will pack up my soapbox and wish you a pleasant evening. (but I still plan on being prepared) :-)
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ish-ish, Before I spout off, could I trouble you to clarify your statement of "sound familiar"?
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52, ish-ish.
My children used to watch Dr. Who and were great fans. In fact I had seen some episodes or in the past, but lacking the time and their zeal, I never got the theme straight. Didn't the person playing Dr. Who keep changing? Anyway, what I saw I enjoyed.
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Can we hold off on the nuclear war until 2012 when the Mayan calendar ends and our solar system passes through the galactic plane? I am trying to get a start-up loan for the manufacture of "Official Rapture Robes" in a mostly idle GM plant here in Detroit. I have already been granted the exclusive franchise from a higher power. Carl Dior has spent hours in design. He will be so disappointed.
I am certain everyone knows how tight credit is these days. I cannot get this thing off the ground in time for a rapture in 2010. This is really going to screw-up my corporate business plan. The glorious rapture will be such a non-event if people are not dressed for it after 2,000 years of waiting.
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Addendum to 52. We thought we'd got rid of them -- must be getting on for forty years ago -- but as you see, they turned up again. Sign of the times.
As soon as I see that police box I'll be sticking my head in asking for a bit of help again.
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Oh, and inside their machine carapaces they look absolutely disgusting. They probably smell as well. Daleks, I mean, of course.
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Ref 52 british-ish
We still have not seen all the episodes of "As Time Goes By" here in the States.
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59, publius.
"We still have not seen all the episodes of "As Time Goes By" here in the States."
We got it in the tri-state area. In fact it has been run twice. A fine series.
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54. At 05:47am on 06 Apr 2009, 1stGenAmerican wrote:
ish-ish, Before I spout off, could I trouble you to clarify your statement of "sound familiar"?
Just click on MAII's name; there you'll read his thousands of posts earnestly desiring the demise of every nationality and ethnicity except the alien one he belongs to. Clear?
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56. At 05:54am on 06 Apr 2009, publiusdetroit wrote:
" The glorious rapture will be such a non-event if people are not dressed for it after 2,000 years of waiting."
Are you absolutely certain about the viability of this plan? I have never been able to grasp that stuff, but I thought there was something about "naked we come into this world and naked we go out of it"? So will they really need fancy designer robes?
And won't expensive garments be a bit counter-productive? You know, spending all that money on luxuries: the rich man, eyes of needles and camels spring to mind?
But then, like I said, I've never really grasped it. They seem to have a different Bible to the one I was brought up with when I was a kid. Anyway, there's still time to find some other anciernt calendar that runs out of time say in 2016. Or you can get somebody to fiddle the figures a bit. (I thought the Mayan cycle got stuck at 2011, anyway?)
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56, publius.
"Can we hold off on the nuclear war until 2012 when the Mayan calendar ends and our solar system passes through the galactic plane?"
If the Mayans are right about this then we won't have to endure another presidential election.
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Justin and Obama, sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G...
One wonders from reading Mr. Webb's columns exactly how long he himself has been seduced by the Obamaprompter.
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#32. bere54: "Is there a reason for typing a post in word processing and then pasting it here?"
When someone writes a particularly long post they may find it helpful to copy and paste - and when text is copied from other sites it too can show question marks rather than quotation marks. You'll have to ask someone more familiar with text and http mark-up - Ed, where are you when we need to know?
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British-ish, there are no bad machines, just buggy software.
Ms. Marbles, I'm sure that Dr. Who appeals to you because you
like sharp-dressing men.
As for myself, I have to admire someone who entices young women
to cohabitate in what appears to be a telephone booth which can
apparently transport itself back to the 60s.
But, of course, my favorite British hero is Austin Powers,
because he is capable of stable relationships, unlike Dr. Who,
who apparently just dumps his companion after each episode.
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Obama is not a rhetorical seducer. Far from it. Clinton was desperate to be loved. I don't sense this in Obama at all. He is totally straightforward and cuts through the bs like a knife through butter.
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66. At 07:59am on 06 Apr 2009, gunsandreligion wrote:
"As for myself, I have to admire someone who entices young women
to cohabitate in what appears to be a telephone booth which can
apparently transport itself back to the 60s."
It's not a telephone booth (they're red, and you'd be able to see in, if it was, so you'd see it was bigger inside, and that would spoil it.), it's a police kiosk. And from what I've heard about the sixties, that's probably how he gets the girls in there . . .
According to Wikipedia -- I thought I'd look it up -- there's still one by Earl's Court tube station, though I'm blowed if I can remember it, and I must have passed it dozens of times. I don't know whether it works though; the idea was you knocked on the door in an emergency in the hope a copper might be taking a break inside, or used the phone on the outside and got through to the nearest police station.
Not much call for them now, really, as everybody's got a mobile. Though if the battery dies at a bad moment in Earl's Court I suppose it could still come in handy.
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Let us be clear: Well, let us euphamistically apply W.J. Clinton speak.
Europe's entire Political leadership did not have se***l relations with that man, Barack Obama.
But, everyone of them was on their metaphysical political knees at some point to express their financial-trade and finally military compliance.
Perhaps in the fullness of time some type of starry-eyed Commission will root around in the nitty-gritty. It will bring to public notice just how low Europe's leadership was prepared to go (whilst trying a public pretence of moral and diplomatic high ground) privately as they vied for the most powerful man in the world's passing attention.
Oddly, one might almost say perversely, the unelected and cumbersome Brown has played the loyal, ever hopeful, policy bag-carrying Al whom no one really believes has any chance at all in the longterm!
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ref #52
Yes the Daleks intolerance reminds of the Palestinians, Al Quada and Iranain and Hezbollah leaders and their followers intolerance of others. Since they also which to exterminate Jews and others.
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#70 MagicKirin
"Yes the Daleks intolerance reminds of the Palestinians, Al Quada and Iranain and Hezbollah leaders and their followers intolerance of others. Since they also which to exterminate Jews and others."
The irony and hypocracy of this statement amuse me considerably. Thank you.
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I hope the UK Education Secretary reads blogs from time to time.
Look at the eloquence that Justin has generated in replies.
This should be used as a classroom tool. The class teacher posts a juicy controversial blog, and all the pupils in the room (on their computer terminals of course) respond with their own thoughts on the issue.
Is this not the way to boost literacy rates ?
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Please, everybody, don't let him start that all over again.
(70. MagicKirin wrote: ref #52)
I bet you'd never heard of a Dalek till I mentioned it. It doesn't remind me of anything of the sort. Nor should it anyone else. Stop hanging your obsession on every peg you can find.
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68 british-ish
I have no knowledge of a TARDIS at Earls Court (they do come and go, mind) but a few years ago there was definitely one near St Mungo's Cathedral in Glasgow. Can anyone confirm it's still there?
check out
http://www.police-box.co.uk/home.html
66 guns
The Doctor also used to cohabit his police box with young gentlemen from across the space/time continuum, and often in past incarnations with multiple "assistants" (perhaps an inter-galactic menage-a-trois) .... how did we never spot this erosion of good, moral family values in children's television. ;-)
70 magic
You never give up do you. Even a wildly off topic diversion into sci-fi can be twisted into an allegory of the world's overwhelming anti-semitism. Bravo. You surpass yourself.
How long will it take AIPAC to lobby for Dr Who to be banned from the airwaves!!!!!
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#47
Sir,
I beg to differ. The Master was the Doctors arch enemy. The Daleks are just nasty narrow minded little hate machines.
Sci Fi Sam
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74. RomeStu:
On Magic: It's my fault, and I'm sorry, but how was I to know he'd manage to do that with a Dalek?
I'm going to hear "Ex-ter-min-ate! Ex-ter-min-ate!" in my head all day now, and you can guess who I'll be thinking of.
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ref #71, 72 and 73
First I watching DW before there was an internet. I actually saw Pewtree before Baker and most Americans did not.
Having got that out of the way I was responding to the inference that the U.S under Bush had a Dalek philosophy.
When it comes to intolerance there is not great intolerance than in those that follow strict Islamic philosophy.
Get over your P.C guilt and deal with it.
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77. At 12:23pm on 06 Apr 2009, MagicKirin wrote:
"Having got that out of the way" [who's 'Pewtree'?] "I was responding to the inference that the U.S under Bush had a Dalek philosophy."
Now how did you manage to inferthat when I didn't even imply it? However, now you mention it, there are I suppose, some similarities between the devastation caused by the Daleks and the likely consequences of the doctrine of 'pre-emption'.
Now, what would you like to infer from me mentioning the Sontarans? Just curious. But you've given me an idea.
BTW, I don't suffer any "PC guilt". I use a Mac.
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
77. At 12:23pm on 06 Apr 2009, MagicKirin wrote:
ref #71, 72 and 73
First I watching DW before there was an internet. I actually saw Pewtree before Baker and most Americans did not.
Having got that out of the way I was responding to the inference that the U.S under Bush had a Dalek philosophy.
When it comes to intolerance there is not great intolerance than in those that follow strict Islamic philosophy."
Oh I don't know, there is Dershowitzism. The fanatical followers of the extremist Alan Dershovitz
What is strict "islamic philosophy"? Is there weak Islamic philosophy?
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14.KScurmudgeon
Is there a way forward, or is there not?
Is the way forward knowable, or is it not?
Answers here
;-)
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Ref british-ish
"Are you absolutely certain about the viability of this plan?"
Certainly! The Testements are very flexible. One can be "turning the other cheek" on one page; instructing the disciples to "arm themselves with swords" on another. Every good preacher knows how to work the scriptures.
As far as expensive clothing is concerned; you must be confusing Christian Dior with Carl. Christian would use silk. Carl is brilliant with burlap. It's about volume, not high mark-up. Believe me. Sack cloth is going to be the rage! Just three words are the key to success: Marketing. Marketing. Marketing.
Joe Six-pack Designs For The Rapture
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19,24,25,
The question marks appearing in place of quotes is an artefact of this software and the comment being composed in an external text editor (wurd, notebook, etc.) and 'pasted' into the comment box.
The commentor can correct this by setting his text editor's options to "ascii", or by simply composing his/her comment in the entry form provided....or by laboriously manually deleting and re-typing each quotation mark after 'pasting'....
Or the techies at the BBC could finally sort out the software, instead of "re-styling" the blogs...
I won't be holding my breath. Meanwhile...
;-)
Hesiodos
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32,36, Sam & Bere,
Spell check works fine here in the comment box (and with British, US, or SA, etc. dictionaries). I don't know if Mickey$oft's IE offers it, but it's built-in with Firefox.
No need for an external editor, unless one wants to compose a magnum opus...
;-)
Heloise
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Heloise -
It had to be Wendell Berry who would supply the answers! What would your life be like without him? Have you ever contemplated that? Just wondering?
P.S. You will think it heresy, but only found out he is still alive. Sorry.....
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Publius,
Every good preacher knows how to work the scriptures.
Even Jesus
;-)
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Ref 73 british-ish
"Please, everybody, don't let him start that all over again."
Several threads ago I asked the question whether a point on a one-dimensional plane is able to move about the plane, or is it an ever-fixed mark?
After diligent observation of a particular one-dimensional point I have strong reason to believe that a point on a one-dimensional plane is incapable of movement and will exist without ever gaining depth, eternally. Such a drab, hopeless point.
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
How can a plane be one-dimensional? If it's one-dimensional, it's a point, but nobody knows where (or what) it is.....
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Ref 89 Hesiodos
"How can a plane be one-dimensional? If it's one-dimensional, it's a point, but nobody knows where (or what) it is....."
It is senseless, isn't it? You certainly know the point;-)
Good to see you back, Hesiodos!
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I came here for a sensible discussion about Obama, and his speeches. Instead, I find all the nut cases have crawled out of the woodwork to play tortuous word games, and now I need to go and lie down and ponder the future of the planet if such people exist in large numbers (which I suspect they do!)
i don't think I'll come here again - it's far too depressing!
(so there's not need for you all to jump on your keyboards with obscure and demented replies, because I will be elsewhere!!!!
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89. Hesiodos:
No, a point has no dimensions. A line has 1 dimension (length). Surface has 2 and a volume has 3.
sorry. I'll get my coat.
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27. At 00:16am on 06 Apr 2009, MarcusAureliusII wrote:
"If Iran is not trying to develop nuclear weapons, why is it trying so hard to hide the fact? Why do most intelligence agencies around the world think it is?"
We heard this all before re Iraq. There's been no demonstrable diversion of Iran's nuclear programme to military ends. The IAEA has dismissed every alarmist fabrication from the US.
"... A 5000 year history at an end. And for what? Some religious madmen's ambition to ressurect an 1100 year old empire that probably didn't actually exist."
Iran isn't interested in empire, I think you're confusing them with certain other people. The formulation "Islamic Republic of Iran" is precisely a dismissal of ancient ethereal pan-Islamic imperial tosh. Your concerns for nuclear-armed religious expansionism would be better applied to Israel, which has had the things for 40 years with the acquiescence of the US and its British and French allies, and which unlike Iran has shown little concern for others' borders.
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ref #78 and 80
Pewtree was the Third Doctor you know when the show was actually good.
Alan Dershowitz has criticized Israel BTW.
Strict Islamic philosophy forces women to satisfy their hyusband sexual needs, allows women to be whipped for disobediance, imprisons and tortures for insulting mullahs issues Fatwahs for daring to insult Islam.
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Astroboy,
That'll be the vanishing point, then.
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Dear Justin,
'
Always a pleasure to read you. 'Seducer-in-chief' is a spot-on analysis of Obama's strategy, yet one which I quite like. Anyway take care about how you refer to colleagues especially how you spell the word. You guessed it I am a hack.
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I am surprised that a responsible publication like BBC employs a journalist who uses such harsh language as a "seducer-in-chief" about a US President. While we all recognize the freedom of expression, there also has to be some sense of truth about an opinion, and when we see such usage of harsh words, it only points to an inability to express a strong feeling in subtle language, which should be the virtue of a journalist! Is Justin Webb trying to express that Obama can communicate with grace, which he himself is incapble of doing?
In any case, Obama himself has not even completed 100 days in office. So, it is still too early to say if he can or cannot keep good any of what he says. Should somebody not give him the room to perform, before they pass judgement on him. Effectively communicating his ideology and thoughts to the people is an important element of leadership. It is true that as a journalist, Justin Webb did not have the responsibility to achieve anything, but ample opportunity to excell in critisizing everything! For a change it may be good to go and try to do something to see how hard it gets to move even a "mole hill", before commenting about somebody who has been assigned to move a "mountain"!
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Obama has to use the missile shield as a negotiating tool with the Russians.So of course he has to say he is going to use it.
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se-duce; Show Spelled Pronunciation [si-doos, -dyoos] Show IPA
–verb (used with object), -duced, -duc·ing.
1. to lead astray, as from duty, rectitude, or the like; corrupt.
2. to persuade or induce to have sexual intercourse.
3. to lead or draw away, as from principles, faith, or allegiance: He was seduced by the prospect of gain.
4. to win over; attract; entice: a supermarket seducing customers with special sales.
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I can't believe how pathetic Webb comes across. This Chicago spiv is the worst President the USA has ever had. He can't utter two words with out an autocue present, he even had one present on his last Whitehouse speech when Webb 'claimed' he didn't. Luckily the brilliant Fox News told us the facts unlike the BBC.
Obama has gotten nothing for all his waffle from the Europeans. 5000 part time soldiers for HIS war in Afghanistan. His economy is going down the pan as is his popularity.
The only thing going for Obama is Iraq and he opposed the surge there!!!!
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Hmmmm, so MaximusAurelius whatevers comment about wiping out a whole country is allowed to stay...whereas my comment about him/her gets removed...well done, thats brilliant logic their whoever reported that!
I suppose if the comment was about wiping out the Zionists it would be removed and I would have SOCA round my house in five minutes? Not that I agree with wiping out the Zionists of course.
Yes, lets publish comments from bigots whilst people who take offence are allowed to peddle their detritus all over the place.
Fair?
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Lets wipe out the Zionists instead!
YAY!
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Nah! Just take away their toys.
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You can call it seducing if you really want. That's journalistic pansyism.
What really matters is that Obama is saying and doing the things that will lead us towards amore peaceful world.
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All,
Re reading this thread I am very afraid that Davros and Dalek Khan are in our midst. We don't seem to have the rational type of hatred, just the slightly unhinged lock them in the basement kind of Dalek.
Shame really.
Doctor Sam
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Ref 94 MagicKarin
"Strict Islamic philosophy forces women to satisfy their hyusband sexual needs, allows women to be whipped for disobediance..."
Maybe Adam should have been Islamic. He could have kept Eve away from that nasty serpent and the apple tree. We would all still be running around naked, making love and not war.
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I would like to see US and Iran TALK! I hope Obama can be a good negotiator and dissolve any nuclear threat. Good luck.
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94, ubermensch.
"Strict Islamic philosophy forces women to satisfy their hyusband sexual needs, allows women to be whipped for disobediance, imprisons and tortures for insulting mullahs issues Fatwahs for daring to insult Islam."
Yeah. And strict Christian philosophy tells us to turn the other cheek. Instead we shoot people.
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80: Yes, there is such thing as weak Islamic philosophy, as practiced by the likes of Ibn Rushd (also known as Averroes):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Averroes
38: Rahm Emmanuel is a Mossad agent then, is he? Firstly, without wishing to gloss over the less than glowing reputation of the Mossad, they actually informed the FBI and the CIA of preparations for the 9/11 attacks in August 2001, as well as capturing the 'architecht of the Holocaust' Adolf Eichmann in Argentia.
Secondly, and more importantly, you are making an allegation that you have not backed up, and in fact cannot be substantiated. This Mossad agent idea came from one (self-admittedly biased)journalist's interpretation of a report from a retired assistant director of the FBI. This same article also 'fingered' as a Mossad spy, wait for it: Monica Lewinsky. Go figure.
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On the matter of "softer" forms in Islam, there's
There's Sufism
And from Wiki
And there's much more.
Salaam/Shalom/Shanthi/Peace
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Obamaniacs, surely?
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Seduction has a serpentine quality to it. It appears you are saying that after the charm, poisonous fangs await. This is unfair. Obama's style is to create a respectful and cordial atmosphere for negotiations, for give and take. He does not need to back off from his stance until he gets to the negotiation table.
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He just lost his "seducer" points in Ankara. The USA is not a member of the RU and therefore since it is not "inside the club" what right has Obama got to support their entry? It´s pure arrogance and nothing to do with him nor the usa.
Having said that am all in favour of building good relations with muslim countries, but against any further idea that the USa rules the world and can do what it wants. It can´t anymore and needs to get used to a little modesty which will take time as well as humility.
As for Turkey entry into the EU? Part of the problem has been their internal human rights abuses which are really bad according to Amnesty.
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111, aresn.
"This same article also 'fingered' as a Mossad spy, wait for it: Monica Lewinsky. Go figure."
Was she trying to get inside information? Smirk. Smirk.
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insidestories (#115) "what right has Obama got to support their entry?"
President Obama, like all US citizens, has a right of free speech under our Constitution.
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Dude...are you smoking crack?
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117 Gary do you really miss his/her point?
From Now on when European leaders arrive and announce that America should stop executing people. will they be respected?
I doubt it.
so expect the disrespect back.
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91, kazibeth.
"(so there's not need for you all to jump on your keyboards with obscure and demented replies, because I will be elsewhere!!!!"
You seem to be under the impession that the blog exists because of you, and that without you there will be no blog. Now I am curious to see if tomorrow's topic will be followed by blank spaces.
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they actually informed the FBI and the CIA of preparations for the 9/11 attacks in August 2001,
---------------
Only because they were organising them.
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118 what dude?
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The risk of seduction is getting your moves wrong and getting the slap in the face. We wait and see.
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President Obama is really trying to make the World a better place. I am encouraged by him.
He beats talk of "Evil Empire", "Axis of Evil" and disparaging "Old Europe"!
Regards
Chris
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it would have been smarter to have not entered into european politics whilst in turkey and can only lead to the thought that hossain is a closset muslim my advise to him is to walk carefully with a close mouth
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As an American who follows politics to the detriment of my sanity, I can tell you that Obama's attempt at seduction has been met with a huge drop in the polls. There is "buyers remorse" here.
I knew what he was a year ago and while I didn't much care for the Clintons, I would rather see one of them back in the White House than what is there now.
And for those of you who refer to him as intelligent, I wonder where did you get that idea? Have you not listened to him when he doesn't have a teleprompter to provide the words ?
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HOLLOW WORDS AGAIN IT IS A “CRUSADER” WAR ON ISLAM!
WHY TURKEY?
Once again another speech of Hollow Words, full of sound and fury signifying nothing, this is a “Empire” Crusader’s War on Islam, and why is the “Imperial Media Messiah President” talking to Turkey it’s all about its growing close “Sphere” Geo-Economic relationship with the Russian Federation, it’s about a strategic document laying out the achievements of bilateral cooperation and setting tasks for enhancing them in the future. It’s about the Russian Federation dealing in trade between each other using Russian Federation Rouble, and Turkish Lira, or Euro’s in mutual trade, dumping the “Empire’s” Dollar. It’s about a (15) fifteen year energy contract of (€44.46Bln) Forty-four-point-four-six Billion Euro’s. This is about the building of (4) four nuclear reactor’s to provide (1200 MW) Twelve-hundred Mega-Watts of power each or a total of (4800) Four-thousand-eight-hundred Mega-Watts of power, a project to be finished by (2015), the “Empire” can build one in that time even if it were considered, another (€13.34-14.82Bln) Thirteen-point-three-four to fourteen-point-eight-two billion Euro’s in trade between the Russian Federation and Turkey, signed by Russian Federation President Dmitry Medvedev, and Turkish President Abdullah Gul.
CRUSADE CREATING THE NEW “ISLAMIC CRESCENT”
This is an “Eastern Empire Tip of the Spear, and Manager State of the Islamic Crescent, (51st) State generated Crusade, of Geo-Regional-Political-Economic-Energy and Military domination. This is a Crusade against “Islam” to take what is “Islam’s” by right as (PM) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will explain to the “Imperial Media Messiah President” that of stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons—and quickly—or the “Eastern Empire Tip of the Spear into and Manager State of the Islamic Crescent”, will attack Iran’s nuclear facilities itself, to ensure that the continued daily weakening of the “Empires Sphere” of Influence is ended, taking the “The Caspian Sea Basin” to supply the Nabucco Pipeline with it’s estimated at (7.25 Trn.Cu.Mts.) Seven-two-five trillion cubic meters, yet to be developed underneath the Caspian Sea, along with (1/5th) One-fifth, (20%) Twenty-Percent of the remaining global oil reserves. The “Eastern Empire’s (PM) Prime Minister, along with the “Central Asian Pipeline”, for in hydrocarbons (NG) Natural Gas transport from energy rich Turkmenistan, across Afghanistan to India, the port city of Karachi, Pakistan, and on to world markets across the globe.
(50) Fifty “Empire” Bunker Buster’s
When the (50) fifty “Empire” Bunker Buster Bomb’s tipped with “Netanyahu” Nuke tips, start striking Shi-ite Persian Iranian targets, killing hundreds of thousands of Muslims, then is that a war on Islam or just bringing “Empire” civilized behavior to those in need of “Empire” Geo-Regional-Political-Economic-Energy and Military domination, for the good of the world, and regional stability, or just taking what the “Empire” wants, from the “Islamic Crescent”.
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My God! How officious, ridiculous, ideologically bereft are you Europeans. Americans elected President Obama in an understanding that we had made a horrible mistake with George Bush. We made a beginning to fix the problem. Our president is trying to make a difference not seduce any one. The problem we have in the United States is that we continually have to deal with Europe (I include the Caucuses here) and the Middle East. Your centuries old animosities and hatreds drive the politics of the entire world and yet without NATO and the EU your individual countries would realistically be, to continue your sexual analogies, eunuchs. California alone would have a larger economy than any of you and with the National Guard a better military. Instead of second guessing President Obama get on board and help, not slow him down. In my neighborhood of Los Angeles I live next to Japan, China, Korea, Philippine and Armenia Towns, as the individual neighborhoods are called, and guess what, we all voted for President Obama, peacefully.
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126 - "There is "buyers remorse" here."
No there's not. Stop making things up to fit your own wishes. Makes you sound foolish.
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"He smiles and refers to himself as Hussein and does all the other things that make Europeans swoon."
Here in the US, the only time I've ever heard President Obama use his middle name--Hussein--was when he took the oath of office on 20 January. He hasn't hidden his name, but smiling and referring to himself as Hussein? When has that ever happened? Perhaps Mr. Webb is being tongue-in-cheek.
By the way, Mr. Webb, when are the British ever going to quit referring to people's first names as their "Christian" names? First time I got asked that while living in England, I wasn't even sure what the question meant. The second time, my answer was, "I'm Jewish, my first name is...."
As for what makes Europeans swoon, I wouldn't know, but I have a feeling Mr. Webb's not a Europhile. "Fog in Channel; Continent Cut Off" and that sort of thing.
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130 -
I don't know where you're from, but I grew up in the U.S. and was always being asked for my "Christian" name, so you can't pin this little bit of ignorance on the UK only.
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126 wow. you're crazy not foolish.
I'm no fan of americans in general but have supported O because he makes more sense than most of you.
130
And bere is right about the Christian name rubbish and if you think that christian name is offensive (which it may be) then I would tell you (because you are the first I have met to care. I care about some other things that are forced on people and would refer you to the blog on "what they don't want to hear".
And think about it.
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ISKANDER SYSTEM
Cold War Two Clear
Let me be clear: Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile activity poses a real threat, not just to the United States, but to Iran's neighbours and our allies. The Czech Republic and Poland have been courageous in agreeing to host a defence against these missiles. As long as the threat from Iran persists, we intend to go forward with a missile defence system that is cost-effective and proven."
For most Czechs (though not the government) the missile defence shield (which of course is not yet built and might not work) is unpopular. Obama told them straight they were wrong.
Cold War Two Yes or No
Does a Russian Federation, Iskander Missile System deployed in the Kaliningrad Region of the Russian Federation make any difference to both Eastern and Western Europe, or is the idea of Cold War Two, not pose a real threat, Geo-Regional, Economic, and Militarily what does France and Germany think about the idea of the Czech Republic and Poland, heating up the (EU) European Continent not with hydrocarbons (NG/LG) Natural Gas / Liquid Gas, and Oil but with a Second Cold War, didn’t Europe tear down the wall and end the last one, now its another updated version. No Empire missiles, no Russian Federation counter missiles no new cold war.
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Noble publius
There is none more articulate than thou and
am I hearing correctly?
So what your saying is that we need to "repent"?
But wont that put your great rapture plans back on the shelf for a few more generations?
By the way, husbandry of the planet came from the one who designed it; yep you guessed it... God. Would you rather he spoke out of a flaming landfill? what kind of sign are you looking for in order to believe that He's real?
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130. At 00:47am on 07 Apr 2009, joeldanwalls wrote:
"By the way, Mr. Webb, when are the British ever going to quit referring to people's first names as their "Christian" names?"
But we have.
Every official (or unofficial) document that asks for your full name has asked for "First name' or usually 'Given name' (that saves confusion with Chinese ones, so they don't end up the wrong way round sometimes, very embarrassing) and "surname" or "family name" for years. Like my passport. (Don't ask me how many years, I haven't a clue.) It became fairly obvious a good while ago that Sikhs, Hindus and Moslems, and many others from around the Commonwealth, would not have 'Christian' names.
Some people might slip up, if they 'd grown up before the fifties, I suppose.
And Obama made a point of emphasizing his middle name at least twice in London. Saw it. And he did smile. Lot of people called Hussein here; doesn't faze us. Anyway, we know how to spell and pronounce it. 'Barack' is the tricky one. We automatically want to put two r's in it.
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I can't believe that I'm not the first one on this thread to bring up the Doctor! (In the past, I have brought him up- plus I have quoted a certain line from him to disparage Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin.)
Oh, Kirin, Who is still good nowadays. (And, I may not have grown up on Pertwee, but I do remember watching Tom Baker and Peter Davison...)
And, it's Dalek CAAN, not Khan...
To get more on topic, there was a discussion of a missile defense plan in at least one old episode, "The Armageddon Factor". The Doctor was asked if he could come up with an infallible weapon to stop the attacks on the planet Atrios. He said he did. It was called, "Peace."
(And, we can go off into all sorts of tangents on this one, especially if you know the episode...)
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130, Joel.
"By the way, Mr. Webb, when are the British ever going to quit referring to people's first names as their "Christian" names? First time I got asked that while living in England, I wasn't even sure what the question meant. The second time, my answer was, 1I'm Jewish, my first name is....'"
Aren't you being oversensitive? No offense was intended. It is just an old habit on the part of a predominantly Christian nation. Many's the time someone has said Happy Hanukkah to me and I am sure I must have inadvertantly said Merry Christmas to Jews. No offense on either part.
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#136
Watching Sci-Fi channel OK.
Knowing the correct spelling of obscure character names. Disturbing.
Social Sam
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#137
Amen to that.
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Ref 134 Lehman09
"By the way, husbandry of the planet came from the one who designed it; yep you guessed it... God."
When the Wyandotte lived along the river now called the Detroit River they drank directly from the clean, clear, pure, blue waters of the river to slake their thirst. That was before your diety and his people arrived on the scene.
I invite you to come to Detroit and drink a glass of water directly from the Detroit River, especially below the River Rouge; but anywhere along its course will produce the same result.
If your diety is in charge of taking care of the husbandry of the planet, he's not doing a very good job.
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130. joeldanwalls,
With the belittling of Christianity in Britain and throughout Europe because of Muslim "sensitivities" I don't know how common it is anymore to ask the "Christian name" question.
I can foresee a time when to ask such a question of a Muslim anywhere in dhimmi Europe will be a criminal offence.
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142. At 07:54am on 07 Apr 2009, TrueToo wrote:
130. joeldanwalls,
With the belittling of Christianity in Britain and throughout Europe because of Muslim "sensitivities" I don't know how common it is anymore to ask the "Christian name" question.
I can foresee a time when to ask such a question of a Muslim anywhere in dhimmi Europe will be a criminal offence.
I get so fed up with this sort of stuff. As I've already pointed out, in Britain (and most of the EU as far as I know) it's because many people who live here do not have 'Christian' names. I have a 'baptismal' name; I don't want to think of it as a 'Christian' one. My given name is pagan, as it so happens, anyway. Many people from Eastern Europe, who were brought up as atheists, don't. Nor do Buddhists. Or Sikhs. Or Hindus. And so on. It's a matter of respect.
You (and one or two others) are so Islamophobic it appears to have entirely escaped you that the poster who objected about being asked for his 'Christian' name (and as I've also suggested that must have been some time ago) objected because he was Jewish.
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i think that its the art of being a successful foreign policy maker to keep an eye on all around you. president obama seems to play it rightly here when it comes to speaking but one has to see the practical outcome which is actually harder to seduce one
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Dear God! Isn't it possible for anyone to stay on-topic in these posts?
By the way, the first Dr Who was Jon Pertwee, not 'Pewtree', nor does the various manifiestations of Dr Who dump their girlfriends after every 'episode'... but I digress...
PS: the above reference to the Almighty is not a metaphor for Obama
PPS: the above PS is not intended to imply any rabidly right-wing dislike of the current US President
PPPS: the phrase 'current' does not imply a desire for the return of Dubya
PPPPS: Now we're back onto the subject of 'desire' perhaps we could return to the original topic?
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#145 Sorry to be pedantic, but the first Dr Who was William Hartnell, followed by Patrick Troughton and then Jon Pertwee. :-)
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#143 British-ish
I agree. This 'Christian name' nonsense went away years ago and its use was not confined to just Europe. My first name is Hebrew - and I'm sure a billion of Christians have a Hebrew name for a 'Christian name'.
I see the usual suspects trying in vain to raise the spectre of Islamophobia!
They quote the Daily Telegraph saying that the UK is going to have Shira Law, but don't say it only relates to marriage and other minor civil laws! This puts Islam on the same legal par as the Jewish faith in the UK.
But of course they want us to view Jews as perennial victims . . .
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141. At 07:43am on 07 Apr 2009, TrueToo wrote:
"Iran spearheads the obsessive Islamic drive to remove that infuriating little splinter of the land of the Jews from the huge body of the mostly Muslim Middle East."
Oh, what codswallop. Iran supports Hamas just as the US supports Israel (though to a far lesser material extent), because no Arab country except Syria is doing anything for the Palestinian cause. Iran will accept whatever deal the Palestinians (including Hamas) make with Israel. It's Israel and its western partners who are preventing such a process from even getting off the ground.
"And I guess Shia Iran arming, training and funding Sunni Hamas for the single-minded purpose of the murder of Israelis and the destruction of Israel could be regarded as 'pan-Islamic.'"
Or it could be regarded in the same light as past US support for armed groups fighting causes which Washington sees as in its geopolitical interests. And the purpose isn't "the destruction of Israel", it's Palestinian statehood. What form that takes is down to the parties immediately concerned.
"Loathing of Israel and the infidel West has the potential to unify the Sunni-Shia divide. Check that out in relation to the Caliphate."
Of course Iran wants Sunni friends. Why shouldn't it? But to imagine it wants to be subsumed in a throwback to Sunni preeminence is absurd. It's you who're stuck in the Middle Ages, not an Iranian foreign-policy establishment that's played a far more sophisticated game than its adversaries, with considerable dividends.
"Check out the sheer hatred for Israel emanating from Tehran. Pay attention to the language. And note that Israel has never attacked Iran."
Check out the anti-Iranian hysteria emanating from Israel! Israeli political and military figures speak incessantly of attacking Iran. Iran has more pressing concerns than a few million Jewish settlers hundreds of miles away.
"Also check out the nervousness shown by Arab governments at the prospect of Iran with the Bomb. Why do you think they would be worried about it if Iran has no imperial ambitions?"
Apart from Syria they'll worry whether Tehran has the Bomb or not, because they've been such an abject failure in their every policy undertaking, while Iran has become a regional power without firing a shot (thanks in part to US incompetence in removing the principal counterweight to Iranian influence in Iraq). They've plenty to worry about in any case because they've so little standing at home.
"Judaism is not concerned with converting devotees of other religions."
I'm well aware of that. I was quite obviously referring to the physical expansion of Jewish settlement - not conversion of Arab neighbours but their removal. We still don't know the ultimate extent of Israel's intended territory: the goalposts keep changing. Iran by contrast has shown no inclination to extend its territory, its last border conflict having been inflicted on it by an erratic neighbour.
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pub and marbles on the " as time goes by"
We have had it repeated continually for at least8 years in oregon.
I'll try to send you the memories burned into my bored skull. .yes it is entertaining.and mild. etc. but please come here and steal the tapes . Com on no one will notice. PLEASE
I've even resorted to calling the Dame "truly stench"
Arrggg;)
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134. At 02:39am on 07 Apr 2009, Lehman09 wrote:
Noble publius
Who are you talking to?
Not the Motown tavern shirley?
If so I think you might have got the wrong end of the stick there spot.
Do you have a brother?Are you the brother or the brother's brother?
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1400 Ahh he was talking about you. pub.
very strange fellow that one. couldn't figure out what he was saying.
or rather like you I suspect he is the blogs equivalent of a guy wearing a white hood burning a cross shouting" racist"
( incase you did not notice before the truely wrong and rob get n the case I was not calling him a racist) just pointing out that he is crazy
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142. At 07:54am on 07 Apr 2009, TrueToo wrote:
130. joeldanwalls,
With the belittling of Christianity in Britain and throughout Europe because of Muslim "sensitivities" I don't know how common it is anymore to ask the "Christian name" question.
I can foresee a time when to ask such a question of a Muslim anywhere in dhimmi Europe will be a criminal offence.
-----------------
As others have pointed out.
HOW THE HELL DID YOU TURN A JEWS COMPLAINTS INTO MUSLIMS INTOLERANCE?
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today we have two lovely examples to save to desktop and repost whenever Truely wrong and the more honest gherkin say they are not bias and do not bring I into everything.
Dr who and it's anti semitism from the gherkin and truly wrong(eww! what's that pong )'s amazing comment above.
At least truly wrong come back with a new name so we can make up more names.
then there would be some entertainment for a short spell.
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Ref 151 happylaze
Happy
My posting that was being addressed by the blogger was sent to the moderators. Not the first time that blogger has posted a response about the same time as my post was refered to the mods. Rather transparent.
Such things are not a bother to me. Some bloggers may feel their debating skills are under-developed and choose that type of response.
So be it:-)
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154 i find it very hard to understand what you ,and I mean you, could have said that made him so. mad.
To talk of " Christian Husbandry of the planet" is a contradiction in terms I suspect.
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Ref 155 happylaze
Happy
I had outlined a brief analysis regarding the origins and evolution of Judaen-Christian-Islamic religion. I would not be surprised that it was a reference I had made to an ancient tribal leader witnessing an unusual light in some shrubbery that may have rankled a feather.
An event I would have found entertaining, myself, if I came across such a thing in the desert. I would have noted some spirituality in the nature of it. But, my red blood lends itself to such things. The people of white blood in my family find it difficult to understand my curious nature, also. I find that equally entertaining.
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143. british-ish wrote:
You (and one or two others) are so Islamophobic it appears to have entirely escaped you that the poster who objected about being asked for his 'Christian' name (and as I've also suggested that must have been some time ago) objected because he was Jewish.
Appearances are deceptive. Of course I noticed that he is Jewish. It was there in black and white in his comment.
A phobia is an irrational fear. Ain't nothing at all irrational about fearing the "Religion of Peace."
Islam is not a religion that lives easily alongside other religions. What we are seeing now from Muslims in Europe is simply the thin end of the wedge. If you haven't noticed that, you haven't been paying attention.
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157 blah blah (hey mods some one might be sucker enough to re read it.doin him a favor)
ba ba
"thin end of the wedgies " you mean
156
lol OH, that bush.
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Israel has not attacked Iran. They have attacked Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt. (Not to mention carrying out operations in Uganda and Belgium- and attacking the USS Liberty.)
As for the "Sharia law" it was referenced by an ex-Brit who emigrated here to me and others. (I happened to read the BBC, so I know a bit more, but I didn't correct him.)
Finally, if you think I'm obsessed by referencing the spelling of Dalek Caan, I often refer to Mary Tamm's character by her full name, Romanadvoratrelundar...
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152. happylaze,
People can hear you without you shouting.
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TT,
- "Right, and apart from the unresolved controversy of the Liberty, every single one of those operations was in self-defence against Israel's genocidal enemies."
Aye, just like the "coalition" invading Iraq was a "self-defence" pre-emptive strike!;-)
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- "Completely unprovoked, Iraq, along with the rest of the motley crew, attacked Israel way back in '48. Remember that? Remember '67, '73?"
Completely unprovoked? Plan Dalet?- " Mounting operations against enemy population centers located inside or near our defensive system in order to prevent them from being used as bases by an active armed force. These operations can be divided into the following categories:
- Destruction of villages (setting fire to, blowing up, and planting mines in the debris), especially those population centers which are difficult to control continuously.
- Mounting search and control operations according to the following guidelines: encirclement of the village and conducting a search inside it. In the event of resistance, the. armed force must be destroyed and the population must be expelled outside the borders of the state."
And all before any attack from Arab nations....sounds pretty provocative to me, but then I'm not a paranoid zionist.Salaam, etc., twit.
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164. At 11:22am on 08 Apr 2009, TrueToo wrote:
163. Hesiodos,
Rubbish, Ingehart, as you well know. You should study the principle of self-defence.
There is no comparison between America in Iraq and Israel vs. the Arabs. Not even in the wildest flight of anti-Israel fantasy."
Actually, I didn't agree with the US invasion. They should have got Saddam, certainly, but they should have then got out of the place. "
If the Israelis hadn't done the world a favour by destroying the Iraqi reactor... one can only speculate on the scenario of that brutal madman Saddam with nukes and in complete and utter dictatorial control of his country with no checks and balances whatsoever. If Saddam had decided to push the button do you really imagine anyone in his "government" would have stood up and told him not to do it? Do you know anything about Saddam's torture chambers?
Completely unprovoked, Iraq, along with the rest of the motley crew, attacked Israel way back in '48. Remember that? Remember '67, '73?
We see the same hatred for Israel from Iran, though admittedly Iran does at least pay lip service to democracy. "
Even Dershovitz and his fanatics wouldn't make these claims.
Actually Israel started the 67 war.
It has admitted this.
get that? It has admitted this so you contradict your beloved Israel.
Are you saying Israel is lying?
As for Iran
The Iranian government, going by the Bush preemptive doctrine, would be perfectly justified in attacking both Israel and the US troops as you will agree.
Bothe Amerricans and israelies have made serious,repearted and biolent threats to bomb the Iranain people.
oeven call for the country to be nuked.
One US senator even thought such a prospect worth a song.
Given this it is a wonder the Iranian government has shown such astonishing restraint.
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Is anyone mentioning democracy in action in Georgia today?
any takers.
Gherkin want to raise the topic?
Some freek want to mention how america supports democratic nations , today. GOOO ON
You can . No one will bring up a counter argument that they are suppressing demonstrations and rounding up the opposition.
Tell us Common Gherkin you can do it.
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Truely so amazingly wrong about every post
"Rubbish, Ingehart, as you well know. You should study the principle of self-defence."
The LAW says that one can defend ones self with reasonable force.(Israel has shown no ability to be reasonable.)
IN the Civilised world. Not america, but in civilisation. CIVIL forget that and you are just uncivilised.
But then that is why americans have had a death toll this weekend that looks like a Baghdad report.
13 at immigration centre killed
3 cops killed
5 kids killed
opps some more at a christian camp(final results not in)
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162 NO YOU CAN'T
YOU HAVE PROVEN THAT ALL THE TIME.
YOU ARE NOT CAPABLE OF UNDERSTANDING ENGLISH , IT WOULD SEEM. THANKS FOR TRYING. I SPEAK NONE OF YOUR LANGUAGE AND SO RESPECT YOU FOR TRYING TO LEARN WHAT IS A DIFFICULT LANGUAGE.
YOU NEED TO BE SHOUTED AT. YOUR MOTHER SHOULD HAVE.
I AM SHOUTING AT YOU BECAUSE YOU TURNED A JEWISH COMPLAINT ABOUT SOMETHING INTO AN EXAMPLE OF HOW MUSLIMS ARE (WHATEVER YOU THINK OF THEM).
THAT IS WORTH SHOUTING AT.
IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT THEN GO AWAY
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170,
- "But even if we accept for argument's sake that what you wrote is accurate, a plan is not a provocation. Back to school for you to learn the difference."
But the implementation of Plan Dalet (of which I accurately wuoted part) was definitely a provocation of the viciousness typical of Zionist colonists. Read the plan.And all before any attack from Arab nations...
- "You can't be serious about that. Ever hear of the killings of the Jews by the Arabs in 1929 and 1936 during the "Arab Revolt," encouraged and assisted by the British?"
Key word: "Nation"Adios, twit
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170. At 9:34pm on 08 Apr 2009, TrueToo:
Why should one man's interpretation of history be "propaganda" and yours not?
And you still do not tell me what exactly I am "not paying attention" to.
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Hey, I've got an idea. why don't we do what we do every thread and start a Palestinian/Israel bunfight? We could guess who would step up and defend Israel (they were only acting in self defence) and those who cheer on Palestine (they only fire rockets from populated areas because they don't have unpopulated ones).
On second thoughts, please feel free to make these comments on this thread and leave all the others alone.
I don't know what I'm more annoyed about. The constant hijacking by the usual suspects, or that I might be mistaken for a cruise line.
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173. At 08:08am on 09 Apr 2009, seanspa wrote:
"Hey, I've got an idea. why don't we do what we do every thread and start a Palestinian/Israel bunfight?"
Yes. let's. Why don't we try to get this in as the first post on every thread? It'd save a lot of time and their tortuous efforts to twist any casual word or phrase into an excuse for starting it all up again.
(But where would we go to chat about important things like self-tanning cheese? Maybe your second thought is better. Or we could suggest they gave it up for Lent? I wish you hadn't mentioned a cruise line. That's going to set them off again, you realise, and it won't be about operas.)
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172. british-ish,
It's not an interpretation but simply a factual record of what happened to spark the 1967 Six-Day War. There's a tremendous amount of historical revisionism on these blogs and elsewhere. It needs to be challenged.
As to what you are not paying attention to, I thought I'd made that clear.
Seanspa, I'm sorry you are so annoyed, but please don't blame me.
Regarding the attempts to censor people here, as I said, this is not a private club. And if people can go on about what they have for breakfast, so be it. When I see debates like that, I scroll. Live and let live.
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BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH.
ARE WE THERE YET ARE WE THERE YET, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE CAN I CAN I CAN I.PLEASEEEE PLEASEEE PLESASEEE.
same crud as from truepo so why not print this.
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I would add that no one else is asked to shut up (consistantly). do you ever take a hint or did your own parents have to play hide and seek with you. every day.and did they strangely never find you?
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180, happylaze -
That's very funny! (But don't you realize you are interfering with his/her absolute right to an appreciative audience?)
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TT (#175) "Live and let live."
I'm with you on that. And your posts are not the most annoying here, by far.
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182 glad to see it's working.
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