Spain also offered to sell Colombia 21 military transport aircraft and donate four helicopters.

Is it just me....?

Uh, no, not just you.

The war on Iraq does not make sense. Iraq is not now, nor has ever been, an enemy worthy of such concern.

Your fear that thay may become a powerful enemy if we leave is unfounded. In fact it is pure delusional.

Americans will not support a war based upon lies, nor will we support a war just because you are frightened about the consequences of withdrawl.

I can assure you that three years after we are gone from Iraq no one (in America) will even remember we were there. We don't care about Iraq because it is not important. You should give that some thought.

I can assure you that three years after we are gone from Iraq no one (in America) will even remember we were there. We don't care about Iraq because it is not important. You should give that some thought.

Ken,

You don't care. Beautiful. But who's we? Nevermind...

That display of brutal, full-frontal ignorance warrants no response.

I just wanted to highlight your words once more.

Well done. Appreciate your honesty, even if borne of ignorance.

For once, I was impressed with George's comments on the US withdrawal from Iraq. Sensibly, it seems that the withdrawal will be based on advice from his Generals, without political intervention.

Well, that's what he has said - and of course, all his edicts on Iraq have been the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so we've no cause to doubt him have we?

- J

http://2012OlympicCompetitor.co.uk

Steve, 'we' are the American people.

Just ask us. Do we care about Iraq? We care about as much as we care about the World Series. In other words most of us don't really care at all. It provides some entertainment value and may give us something to argue and talk about but it means nothing to our lives. There may be a few among us that obsess about it and get emotional and all but they are a tiny tiny tiny minority.

None of us, yourself included I would bet, are willing to die for Iraq. What would be the point? It would be a stupid waste of our lives.

I doubt if any of us are willing to raise our taxes to build schools or roads or anything else in Iraq. Yet we do that all the time for the people we do care about through bond issues and the like.

We don't care enough about Iraq to even have a charity dedicated to collecting money for Iraqi orphans, or hospitals, or whatever, for those willing to give a few bucks to Iraqis in need. Has the Red Cross ever had a drive to raise money for Iraqies? NO. Hell, they have never even had a blood drive for our troops!

Now some people, it is true, have their priorities all wrong and do seem to love Iraq more than they love their children, their neighbors, their country, but I wouldn't want to jump to the concusion that you are one of them.

I can assure you that three years after we are gone from Iraq no one (in America) will even remember we were there.

This reminds me of that New York liberal in the 1980s who was blown away when Reagan won an election, saying "I don't know anyone who voted for him."

ken,

You speak as if the entire American populace agrees with you. You are profoundly misguided in that conclusion.

Insofar as my willingness to die for Iraq, if it is in connection with my own nation's interests and security, yes I would risk it. Mind you, I have done this already in my lifetime. I know full well my inclinations and limitations. You would be well advised to stop well short of inferring any conclusions about them, as you have no clue.

What separates me from you is the matter of identifying the fighting in Iraq as part of the Global War on Terror. There is no logic or agument you have not heard, so I will save my breath. We agree to disagree.

On other points...

You may doubt that any of us would raise our taxes all day long. That is a non-sequitor, as the Iraqi's were and will remain economically self-sufficient via their oil industry. Eventually, they will likely surpass 'self-sufficient' and actually thrive in the years ahead. They are an educated and sophisticated society, in a relative global sense.

We don't even ahve a charity for the Iraqi children (or 'whatever')? For one, try this one. There are more, but you are not interested because no one in your world cares.

The Red Cross does not hold blood drives 'for our troops', another non-sequitor. 'Our troops' give their own blood through their corpsmen and medics. The Red Cross is a civilian operation and the military is self-sufficient. If you had a clue beyond your small circle, you'd know this.

Your conclusion that some "seem to love Iraq more than they love their children, their neighbors, their country" is asinine. You are wise, however, to (finally) not jump to any conclusions about me.

I feel a lazy dog laying on the porch toying with a kitten, knocking him over....ever amused as he gets right back up again every time, still in range of the heavy paw.

Eventually, the dog loses the amusement and trots off to lay in the shade of a tree. As a matter of fact, that one over there looks just fine. Now, run along, little buddy.

Steve, the 'Global War on Terror' is just a slogan. Your attempt to use it as a defense for for your concern about Iraq is silly. It shows just how unserious you really are.

To the extent terrorism is a problem it should be dealt with directly through legititmate government operations. Terrorism has never been a major threat to America and, if we are smart, it need never be a major threat. We will probably have an occasional Timothy McViegh or airline highjacking to deal with but we are strong enough to handle it. The difference is that we just do not see the need to follow your lead and became all hysterical about it.

The antics of Bush, Cheney, Rice et al, yourself including, do provide some entertainment value but we just cannot rise to the same level of angst. We know what is important, and we know what what isn't.

Terrorism has never been a major threat to America

You should send this tidbit to the loyal opposition. I'm sure they'll make it a central plank in the efforts to unseat the Republicans.

lurker, just because Bush uses the word terrorism in a speach 47 times doesn't mean that you have to get all upset and be afraid.

Relax. Be brave. America is strong. Have some confidence in our country and the institutions we have build up over generations to deal with problems like this. If you feel personally threatened by terrorism it is because someone is trying to frighten you into being afraid. We understand but want you to know it will be ok.

Next time Bush gives a speach you should go for a walk or something. It may help you get back in touch with reality.

Next time Bush gives a speach you should go for a walk or something. It may help you get back in touch with reality.

Thank's for letting us know that 9/11 was a mirage or perhaps something Bush cooked up to scare me. And thanks for being so worried about me mental state.

Now it's time to take you show on the road and make sure it's part of the DNC platform. It will bring you much electoral success, after which you can bring the troops home at you leisure.

Spain also offered to sell Colombia 21 military transport aircraft and donate four helicopters.

Why is the Spanish government risking to loose an American military equipment contract selling weapons to Chavez?

The difference is that we just do not see the need to follow your lead and became all hysterical about it.

So you're saying that the majority of Americans - a large enough majority to justify a 'we' - is opposed to fighting the war on terrorism?

Remarkable. For someone so keen on advising people to get some perspective, even more so.

"And thinking about the future of our policies in Iraq, do you believe the U.S. military should.... (ROTATE FIRST TWO, ALWAYS ASK "Set a fixed timetable" last) Withdraw our troops immediately, regardless of the impact OR Withdraw our troops as the Iraqi government and military meet specific goals and objectives OR Set a fixed publicly available timetable for withdrawal.
16% withdraw immediately
49% withdraw when goals met
30% set fixed timetable
3% none (volunteered)
2% not sure"

Via Mystery Pollster

Shut the war down. All monies allocated for this useless pursuit should instead be used to secure the border, rebuild New Orleans, fix the schools, fix the roads and bridges, solve our oil dependancy problem, get a cure for cancer, hire more teachers for public schools.

If there's a shortfall have corporate america, the Bush family and all members of Congress cough it up. They owe us ....big time!