Conservative blogger Andrew Sullivan, October 25:
"I have to say that as someone who trusted the administration not to consciously lie or mislead about their evidence for Saddam's WMDs, I'd be pretty pissed if it turned out they did. We have no solid evidence for that, though. Yet."
"I have to say that as someone who trusted the administration not to consciously lie or mislead about their evidence for Saddam's WMDs, I'd be pretty pissed if it turned out they did. We have no solid evidence for that, though. Yet."
Sullivan's unholy belief in the truthfulness of the American government is telling and naive in the extreme, but few conservative writers have been as transparent as Sullivan in documenting the Bush administration's sanction of torture, rendition and growing Republication hatred of homosexuals. Check his blog for a man constantly challenging his own views and realising the cronyism and corruption at the heart of the world's only superpower.
With the announcement today that 2000 American soldiers have died in Iraq - with many more injured and maimed and tens of thousands of Iraqis murdered - the US has asked journalists to not view the milestone as, er, a milestone.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steve Boylan, director of the "Coalition's" combined press centre, has sent an email to reporters (note to readers: this is not satire masquerading as the US army):
"I ask that when you report on the events, take a moment to think about the effects on the families and those serving in Iraq. The 2,000 service members killed in Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom is not a milestone. It is an artificial mark on the wall set by individuals or groups with specific agendas and ulterior motives.
"Celebrate the daily milestones, the accomplishments they have secured and look to the future of a free and democratic Iraq and to the day that all of our troops return home to the heroes welcome they deserve."
Boylan's deluded propaganda should be seen for the folly that it is. No doubt, some pro-war news organisations will respect his request.
So where to from here? The International Institute for Strategic Studies has released a report that says American troops will likely remain for years to come, with little reduction of the 140,000 currently stationed there. The Iraqi army is, quite simply, incapable of independence.
The American people - and to a lesser extent the British and Australian populations - will not tolerate an extended and indefinite military commitment.
Now is the time to increase pressure on docile politicians thinking of withdrawal.
Australia's proposed anti-terror laws may make opposition to illegal military operations a punishable offence, so let it be said once again: the Iraq quagmire has made us a greater terrorist target and has created the perfect breeding ground for Islamists with a grievance against the West and its arrogance. The defeat of America and its allies in Iraq is vital to ensure similiar acts are not carried out again.
With the announcement today that 2000 American soldiers have died in Iraq - with many more injured and maimed and tens of thousands of Iraqis murdered - the US has asked journalists to not view the milestone as, er, a milestone.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steve Boylan, director of the "Coalition's" combined press centre, has sent an email to reporters (note to readers: this is not satire masquerading as the US army):
"I ask that when you report on the events, take a moment to think about the effects on the families and those serving in Iraq. The 2,000 service members killed in Iraq supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom is not a milestone. It is an artificial mark on the wall set by individuals or groups with specific agendas and ulterior motives.
"Celebrate the daily milestones, the accomplishments they have secured and look to the future of a free and democratic Iraq and to the day that all of our troops return home to the heroes welcome they deserve."
Boylan's deluded propaganda should be seen for the folly that it is. No doubt, some pro-war news organisations will respect his request.
So where to from here? The International Institute for Strategic Studies has released a report that says American troops will likely remain for years to come, with little reduction of the 140,000 currently stationed there. The Iraqi army is, quite simply, incapable of independence.
The American people - and to a lesser extent the British and Australian populations - will not tolerate an extended and indefinite military commitment.
Now is the time to increase pressure on docile politicians thinking of withdrawal.
Australia's proposed anti-terror laws may make opposition to illegal military operations a punishable offence, so let it be said once again: the Iraq quagmire has made us a greater terrorist target and has created the perfect breeding ground for Islamists with a grievance against the West and its arrogance. The defeat of America and its allies in Iraq is vital to ensure similiar acts are not carried out again.
17 Comments:
Amen to your "seditious" words AL.
And we'll visit you in gaol.
Please bring chicken soup, bottled water and dark chocolate.
Oh, and the Bible.
Functioning democracy?
Yes, we're well on the way there, I forgot...
David your examples are flawed.
Democracy doesn't break out at the point of a gun?
Germany - WW2 completely pulverised the country, millions of Russians and other allies occupied it. In total it reverted to democracy 44 years later in 1989.
Korea - pulverised 3 times (by N Korean American and Chinese armies) - does Iraq have to go through this? Still heavily supported by the US military, still in "state of war" with N Korea.
Philippines - occupied by US in 1898 at end of 19th century. US put down a Filipino nationalist insurgency. "The actual death toll will never be known, but estimates of the number of civilians that perished from famine, disease, and other war-related causes range from 200,000 to 600,000." Shades of Iraq? http://www.zpub.com/cpp/saw.html
US unable to stop Japanese invasion. US military control of Philippines until late 40's, long Marcos dictatorship etc.
Periodic communist and Muslim insurgecies as well as widespread police/army lawlessness constantly puts Filipinos in fear.
So what were you trying to claim David?
The defeat of America and its allies in Iraq is vital
If Antony is a peace activist, then I declare to the world that I am a warmonger.
DBO, Ant is hoping for many more deaths of your so called "Warmongering westerners" to force a political withdrawal.
Talk about gutless pieces of shit.
It's time to have the courage of your convictions Ant and DBO. Sign up now as human shields in Iraq or shut the f@#k up.
I used to like this site better when it was just funny. Funny and stupid isn't as entertaining.
Our lying politicians will be pleased, DBO. Don't forget them. Somebody has to cover their lies. And they aren't even getting paid (well, some are...)
My position is clear, re-read my post. If it's not clear...read it again.
I don't wish death upon our darling "Coalition" troops, fighting terrorism and defeating evil.
I wish for withdrawal of all foreign troops from Iraq. It's simple logic. Had Iraq been a 'success', Iran/Syria/North Korea and who knows where else could have been next. Just imagine the joy of the Iranians loving American-style cronyism and 'democracy' from a great height.
Anybody who supports the troops out of Iraq makes similar statements.
David Heidelberg said...
"Gibbo, Ok then, by your logic I suggest you immediately attend your local army recruitment centre and sign up - either that or shut the F%^%K up."
Already did that in 1981 Mushtaq and was proud to contribute in a VERY small way. Under the right circumstances I would do it again but I think they don't take old fat buggers like me.
So, I've done my bit, now it's your turn to have the courage of your convictions and support your side in body as well as keyboard. If that is beyond you then I repeat, you are indeed gutless.
DBO will have to ask Mummy first but as long he's home when the street lights come on it should be cool.
DBO, when one conducts ones self in a childish manner one is liable to be labelled such.
In laymans terms: you sound like a second year uni student with no experience or knowledge outside what the green left weekly and a few commo lecturers have told you. That's all.
Have you signed up as a human shield yet or do you leave the hard stuff to others?
Fighting for 'democracy' is a tough business, comrades. Killing tens of thousands of Iraqis in the process is an unfortunate distraction, so where can I sign up?
I'm ready!
See that's the thing Ant. You live in a democracy that has been fought for by people other than yourself so now you don't have to. In that circumstance it's real easy to take the piss out of those who fight for such concepts. Easy and pissweak.
You are typical of "the Balmain socialist" set. When you don't have to live under a socialist regime it's easy to proclaim yourself as one without ever having to go through all that nasty stuff that people who live in them undergo.
You're embarrased by our country, our culture, our politics, our concepts of freedom and those who fought and died for that freedom, and yet you feel no hypocrisy in taking the benefits of living here under our horrible system.
Like all elitists you simply don't have the courage of your convictions. I'm sure Nth Korea or Cuba would love to have you. You could publish your little rants in peace and quiet I'm sure.
The fact is you are a gutless elitist with no courage whatsoever.
What do you believe in Ant? What would you be willing to fight for? What would you be willing to die for? What would you be willing to kill for? Probably nothing I guess. That would involve doing something other than tapping away at a keyboard and playing pretend politics smug in the security that others provide for you. You are a very small man Ant.
As they say, those who stand for nothing will fall for anything. What do you stand for Ant?
Yes Mushtaq, I know exactly what it means. And I also know that whenever times arise when the fight for freedom needs to be had, that some group of peanuts on the sideline will bitch about it while sitting comfortably and doing nothing.
Anyway Mushy, my questions weren't addressed to you. I want to know what Ant stands for. Beside sitting on the sidelines spewing smart arsed comments he would never have the guts to say in person that is. Ant has no problem bagging those who fight for their beliefs so I want to know what he believes in. A fair question I reckon.
There are three types of people in the world. Those who make it happen, those who watch it happen and those who don't know what the fuck happened. Which one are you Ant? What would you fight for?
My guess is nothing.
Gibbo,
Is that short for Gibson? No wait, it's actually Downer of Baghdad!
Anyway, what do i stand for? Jeez, get a grip. I've written extensively about my beliefs, on this blog, on articles, in books and soon in my own two books.
Keep fighting the good fight. Freedom will thank you.
Truth will not.
Thanks Antony for your typically cowardly reply. Is making fun of my name really the best you can do? People in glass houses mate...
I certainly would not purchase one of your books to find out what you stand for as that would probably double the sale of that particular tome. I expected a savvy chap and a trained journalist like yourself could explain it to me in a sentence or two but obviously writing an original thought is beyond your journalistic capabilities.
I was quite pissed off when I wrote my previous comments and I apologise to the soft cocks I offended, but since then I've had the opportunity to ride my eco-bike home, play my drums for a bit and skull two longnecks of VB so I've calmed down considerably.
You see Ant... these days I'm, as hard as this is to believe, a pacifist. So the day when I would have dragged a piece of crap like you outside by the hair and punched six different colours of shit out of you have well and truly passed.
Today I have decided to do the honourable thing and take you at your word.
You say you only want to see the Aussie soldiers "defeated" not killed. Fair enough. I have therefore decided to pass this link on to some active servicemen I know who aren't too far from you with the suggestion that you deserve, in my humble opinion, to be "defeated". I'm going to leave it up to them what they think "defeated" means.
Have a nice day.
No Ian, just someone willing to hold people up to their own words, that is all.
"As for out servicemen and women, they are not cyborgs. They can pass the buck and say they are diung their duty, rather than admit they are doing tehir job and doing so out of choice. Being a soldier doesn't mean you have to stop thinking for yourself or making choices."
You would know this because? Why is it I never get to meet you brave defenders of free speech on ANZAC Day? I'm looking forward to the raising of the 82nd Chickenhawk Battalion, ineptly commanded by Journalist Cadet Second Class Loewenstein.
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