MISSION POSSIBLE?
CURRENT EVENTS
FROM THE V.O.A.
President Bush says he is confident the United States will prevail in the war in Iraq.
During a speech to a veterans group, the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention, in the midwestern city of Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. Bush said the troops on the ground are seeing the progress being made. He said the United States will continue to support the troops and give them everything they need.
The president compared the conflict in Iraq to past U.S. military efforts in Asia. He likened Islamic extremists to Japanese militarists during World War II, and communists in Korea and Vietnam during the Cold War.
Mr. Bush reaffirmed his support for embattled Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, calling him "a good man with a difficult job." He said it is up to the people of Iraq not politicians in Washington to decide whether the prime minister will remain in his position.
On Tuesday, at a summit in Canada, Mr. Bush had acknowledged "frustration" with the Maliki government.
Earlier, a key Congressional leader, Democratic Senator Carl Levin, and the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, criticized Maliki, saying Iraq's progress towards reconciling the country's warring factions has been disappointing.
Mr. Maliki Wednesday, in Syria, rejected the criticism, saying no one has the right to set timetables for progress.
lindainks55 said:
"Mr Bush said the Vietnam War had taught the need for US patience over Iraq."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6958824.stm...
As we have all often said, "You can't make this stuff up!"
I refer you to several of the excellent "bumper sticker" comments in thread below. They say it in a few select words.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6958824.stm...
As we have all often said, "You can't make this stuff up!"
I refer you to several of the excellent "bumper sticker" comments in thread below. They say it in a few select words.
gster said:
Bush continues to hold on to the notion there can be military solution in Iraq. That's all he has left to cling to!
Idiot!
Idiot!
lindainks55 said:
Dan Froomkin has some comments on Bush's Analogy Quagmire. "It's an analogy Bush typically avoids, given how strongly Vietnam is associated in the national consciousness with the concept of quagmire -- and with its lesson about the limits of American military power."
http://tinyurl.com/9gx78
http://tinyurl.com/9gx78
Rox said:
Gster, when you're the War President, the military is your only option. Now, if he was the Peace President, he might have a go at foreign relations.
Okay, enough tongue-in-cheek sarcasm for today.
Idiot? 100%
Okay, enough tongue-in-cheek sarcasm for today.
Idiot? 100%
Rox said:
Bush's fatal mistake may just be bringing up Vietnam. What many people remember is not the tail-between-our-legs way we left, but the YEARS we spent there, getting vitually nowhere, which led to that leaving. Does he really want the blood of another 63,000 troops on his hands? THOSE are the things people remember.
I doubt he remembers the Vietnam years. Boozing and drugging leads to a hazy mind.
I doubt he remembers the Vietnam years. Boozing and drugging leads to a hazy mind.
lindainks55 said:
We need to keep in mind that Rove is an absolute genius at taking the negative and making it a positive. I don't know why we fall for it overandover, but too many do to ignore that it's a fact. Is this making a silk purse from the sow's ear?
Rox said:
Well, gee, maybe I should read the articles linked to, then I could just sit back and smile in agreement, instead of posting something less well said.
Vaughn Tolle said:
Mr. al Maliki:
With all due respect, those who are responsible for keeping your sorry ass in power, together with those other corrupt individuals known collectively as the "duly elected Government of Iraq" have every right to set binding timetables for you and your minions to meet. If you don't like it, well, how about you do something which convinces us that you are serious about unifying a country, rather than something resembling what we now call Ancient Greece. That is, in case you slept through Ancient History, a loose confederation of polises (that is, city states in case you weren't paying attention that day, too) which were led by a variety of folks not unlike the tribal chieftans who are, in fact, running the Iraqi equivalents of Sparta, Athens, etc. today.
I know you are counting on the Shiite militias to cover you once the U.S. leaves, and in this regard, are quite concerned with the actions of the U.S. in arming the Sunnis to help against the al Qaeda in Iraq threat to these Sunnis. I understand, sir; it seems to me your real concern is that these Sunni tribes will be able to outgun Mr. al Sadr's militas. Well, may I suggest you reevaluate your alliances.
To summarize: the only reason you've been able to hold on to the power you have for 15 months is because of U.S. troops. Given that, we'll damn sure dictate timetables to you if we want. If you don't like it, fine; take your chances with the Sunnis we've armed. The choice is yours.
With all due respect, those who are responsible for keeping your sorry ass in power, together with those other corrupt individuals known collectively as the "duly elected Government of Iraq" have every right to set binding timetables for you and your minions to meet. If you don't like it, well, how about you do something which convinces us that you are serious about unifying a country, rather than something resembling what we now call Ancient Greece. That is, in case you slept through Ancient History, a loose confederation of polises (that is, city states in case you weren't paying attention that day, too) which were led by a variety of folks not unlike the tribal chieftans who are, in fact, running the Iraqi equivalents of Sparta, Athens, etc. today.
I know you are counting on the Shiite militias to cover you once the U.S. leaves, and in this regard, are quite concerned with the actions of the U.S. in arming the Sunnis to help against the al Qaeda in Iraq threat to these Sunnis. I understand, sir; it seems to me your real concern is that these Sunni tribes will be able to outgun Mr. al Sadr's militas. Well, may I suggest you reevaluate your alliances.
To summarize: the only reason you've been able to hold on to the power you have for 15 months is because of U.S. troops. Given that, we'll damn sure dictate timetables to you if we want. If you don't like it, fine; take your chances with the Sunnis we've armed. The choice is yours.
gster said:
On second thought , maybe a military solution is indeed possible in Iraq. Isn't that more or less what Saddam had? Where is he when we need him?? Oh yeah, they hung him.
"Will the next despot please step forward and come on down!"
Maybe "Deadeye" Cheney is interested in the job?
"Will the next despot please step forward and come on down!"
Maybe "Deadeye" Cheney is interested in the job?
Vaughn Tolle said:
As you may have gathered, the now going on four hours without the air conditioning is making me a bit irritable.
lindainks55 said:
Isn't al Maliki cozying up to Iran? Maybe he can act cocky since his buddies can move in and give Americans bigger problems than they currently face (which aren't small!).
We're all mad as hell about bushco and what they've done to our country! Guess lack of A/C in this heat might make it worse...
Rox, I think you said perfect words. All the links mince their words and I prefer yours which aren't minced.
I just want us to try to figure out WHY he would bring up Vietnam. There has to be a sleazy reason, one we may not see until it's too late if we don't look closely.
We're all mad as hell about bushco and what they've done to our country! Guess lack of A/C in this heat might make it worse...
Rox, I think you said perfect words. All the links mince their words and I prefer yours which aren't minced.
I just want us to try to figure out WHY he would bring up Vietnam. There has to be a sleazy reason, one we may not see until it's too late if we don't look closely.
Vaughn Tolle said:
al Maliki's supporters, including al Sadr's militia, are Shia; Iran is Shia; thus, the tribal loyalties are definitely there, and yes, the potential problems Iran can pose dwarf those posed by Iraq.
Vietnam reference: either desperate words uttered by a desperate man, or a foreshadowing of the following: "The Democrats got us into Viet Nam, what happened thereafter when they were in the majority in Congress was thus their fault, so if they're elected, it will be Viet Nam all over again, and blood will be on THEIR hands" or something like that.
Vietnam reference: either desperate words uttered by a desperate man, or a foreshadowing of the following: "The Democrats got us into Viet Nam, what happened thereafter when they were in the majority in Congress was thus their fault, so if they're elected, it will be Viet Nam all over again, and blood will be on THEIR hands" or something like that.
Rox said:
Linda, as to why he would bring up Vietnam, desperate people do desperate things. ;)
Hey, I'm a simple person who uses simple words, many of them four letters long.
Hey, I'm a simple person who uses simple words, many of them four letters long.
Rox said:
A little off topic, but... Jon Stewart on the Daily Show about Rove. Gotta love him! Steward, not Rove.
http://tinyurl.com/2wfgrq
http://tinyurl.com/2wfgrq
lindainks55 said:
Been there, done that, won't do it again, but thanks for thinking of me and getting my back! You guys are the best!
lindainks55 said:
I think I'll pass on Rove's Greatest Hits. None of them sounded like anything I want to hear again.
Vaughn Tolle said:
Look out, guys, was just reading that Mr. Bush will be delivering a major address to the American Legion convention next week, wherein he will provide us with the word on how the Iraq situation fits into the broader context of the region. Look out for more Viet Nam analogies.
BTW, why doesn't he deliver these jewels at whatever the successor organization to VVAW is?
BTW, why doesn't he deliver these jewels at whatever the successor organization to VVAW is?
lindainks55 said:
Vaughn, I'm sorry I caused you a second of worry OVER THERE. He is a little boy, I am an adult woman and I talk to adults about adult subjects.
Can you go home and find some cool? People can't think in this heat!
Can you go home and find some cool? People can't think in this heat!
lindainks55 said:
I hope some Democratic candidate for President, or some journalist, or some current Senator or Member of Congress -- SOMEONE -- beats him to the punch and takes ALL the wind from his sails before he gets too far with this lunacy. Since we don't seem to hold him accountable we should at least make him learn new talking points before he gets any down-pat!
lindainks55 said:
Did I tell any of you that today is the 42nd birthday of my oldest, Tonya? I am not old enough to be the Mother of someone that age! I was a mere baby when she was born. Someone was there looking over my shoulder and helping her to grow into a delightful woman!
I will soon celebrate the 32nd anniversary of my 28th birthday. I chose an age I liked and am sticking to it! I have suggested the same to Tonya but guess she hasn't found the one to stick with yet.
I will soon celebrate the 32nd anniversary of my 28th birthday. I chose an age I liked and am sticking to it! I have suggested the same to Tonya but guess she hasn't found the one to stick with yet.
Vaughn Tolle said:
Linda, Happy Birthday to your daughter. BTW, my wife says she is not acquainted with her.
On going home to get some cool, not an option right now given that which I'm (attempting, but it's slow) working on; too much "stuff" to haul around. Luckily, it's not a "deadline" item (today).
Wish I'd copied the link; Senator Kerry issued a statement a bit ago which seems to me to be the opening move to do as Linda suggests.
Now, back to perspiring on the papers.
On going home to get some cool, not an option right now given that which I'm (attempting, but it's slow) working on; too much "stuff" to haul around. Luckily, it's not a "deadline" item (today).
Wish I'd copied the link; Senator Kerry issued a statement a bit ago which seems to me to be the opening move to do as Linda suggests.
Now, back to perspiring on the papers.
Vaughn Tolle said:
The author of the linked piece states my position on the upcoming "Petraeus Report", and the political gamesmanship which will follow, better than I can.
http://tinyurl.com/2cgz6x
http://tinyurl.com/2cgz6x
Vaughn Tolle said:
OMG, as bad as W is, Rudy would be worse, much worse, based upon his "foreign policy" plans as reviewed herein; and, a possible explanation therein contained for the "Viet Nam" reference today by GWB (or maybe it's just my paranoia).
http://tinyurl.com/2hzour
http://tinyurl.com/2hzour
lindainks55 said:
These words deserve to be read again -- especially the last paragraph which is so tragically sad and true! Thanks for the link, Vaughn!
"...The report, in whatever form it is finally delivered, will caution that we have a long way to go, that serious problems remain, and that we wish we weren't where we are today. However, it will say we're making important progress, and we need to stay in Iraq for a good long time -- at the bare minimum, until January of 2009, when the boiling cauldron of hatred and misery that is Iraq becomes some other president's problem.
And since this White House is writing it, we can be sure that many parts of the report will turn out to be either absurdly misleading or purely false.
And where will we have gotten? Nowhere. American men and women will continue to return home in flag-draped coffins, their young lives sacrificed on the altar of this endless nightmare, brought to us by men with minds so twisted they don't even realize what a mistake it all was. There is no other undertaking in American history that combines the crushing volume of delusion, dishonesty, bad faith, incompetence, and unforeseen yet utterly predictable consequences that is this war. As long as George W. Bush strides purposefully each day into the Oval Office, consumed with looking strong and holding fast, interpreting every feeling that rumbles in his gut as a telegraph from God informing him that he is right in all things, nothing will change."
"...The report, in whatever form it is finally delivered, will caution that we have a long way to go, that serious problems remain, and that we wish we weren't where we are today. However, it will say we're making important progress, and we need to stay in Iraq for a good long time -- at the bare minimum, until January of 2009, when the boiling cauldron of hatred and misery that is Iraq becomes some other president's problem.
And since this White House is writing it, we can be sure that many parts of the report will turn out to be either absurdly misleading or purely false.
And where will we have gotten? Nowhere. American men and women will continue to return home in flag-draped coffins, their young lives sacrificed on the altar of this endless nightmare, brought to us by men with minds so twisted they don't even realize what a mistake it all was. There is no other undertaking in American history that combines the crushing volume of delusion, dishonesty, bad faith, incompetence, and unforeseen yet utterly predictable consequences that is this war. As long as George W. Bush strides purposefully each day into the Oval Office, consumed with looking strong and holding fast, interpreting every feeling that rumbles in his gut as a telegraph from God informing him that he is right in all things, nothing will change."
lindainks55 said:
The link to the Time article doesn't work. If it is as brilliant as The American Prospect link I would love to read it.
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