posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
08.15.08 (12:01 pm)
I doubt you have the troops to spare the way Iraq is dragging on anyway.
posted by:
barnabus1 (
reply)
post date:
08.15.08 (1:37 pm)
I wonder if this is enough of a crises so Bush can cancel the elections...or must the Avian Flu be unleashed?
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
08.15.08 (7:16 pm)
good questions. no real answers. it is our heritage to stand up for those oppressed, even though the majority of the world doesn't want us to, well, unless it's THEM that's being oppressed. Funny how France and England are quick to throw out the insults, but boy, they were quicker to accept US involvment in WWII weren't they?
I think the people of Georgia would be happy if we intervened. The rest of the world? ::shaking my head::: who knows?
as always IMHO
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.16.08 (12:27 am)
Reply to: bawdy
I do not think there are enough troops for such a war.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.16.08 (12:29 am)
Reply to: barnabus1
Are you sure you are from South Dakota? Come on, you're from some remote island in the South Pacific. Right?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.16.08 (12:32 am)
Reply to: fractalmom
I'm no expert in the matter, but a case could be made that the Ossetians are the oppressed and the nation of Georgia the aggressors.
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
08.16.08 (7:45 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
i coulda got it all backasswards. it has been known to happen. don't tell surr tho, he'll NEVER let me live it down no matter HOW in love he is and how nice he's become.....
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
08.16.08 (9:05 pm)
Oh, dear ~ I cringe each day that I hear such horrible news. I PRAY this all will settle, and soon!
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.17.08 (3:36 am)
Reply to: fractalmom
Oh, these days surr is too busy smelling the flowers to have time for stuff like this. I guess you and I will have to carry on with saving the world until he comes back to earth.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.17.08 (3:46 am)
Reply to: auntconi
Pray? That's a good idea. When matters take place so far away, we do worry what will happen. Only God knows, but surely God knows.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.17.08 (3:48 am)
Reply to: kurtmaddox
Team Obama? Surely you jest. Your guy had to do a focus group before he could even respond to the matter. Certainly this is opportunity to contrast his deer-in-the-headlights response with the quick and wise words of McCain.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
08.17.08 (9:37 pm)
"Team Obama? Surely you jest. Your guy had to do a focus group before he could even respond to the matter. Certainly this is opportunity to contrast his deer-in-the-headlights response with the quick and wise words of McCain."
Surely you don't believe this. I'm glad he had to think about it, but if you believe he used a focus group to "work out his opinion," you're just silly.
As for your son, there's a reason we use young, and let's face it, naive, kids to do our fighting for us that has little to do with their stamina or - for lack of a better term - athleticism. It's simply that they'll buy into whatever scenario is presented to them the loudest. Plus, of course, they don't have the life experience to understand that just because they're told to do something by those above them, it doesn't mean what they're being told is right, just, or, for that matter, smart. This isn't a criticism, it's just fact. Sure hope he doesn't get put in harm's way for something that's more a trumped up threat than real, or one that's so blown out of proportion that is spawns real threats to us. Can you imagine us actually deciding to go to war with Russia now? Obviously, it's not even on the table and it certainly wouldn't do the Georgians any good whatsoever. On the other hand, I sure hope we make a few smart, well thought out, moves to help quell this thing. We sure don't have any moral authority to tell the Russians to stop right now - unless we can make a good case for playing "Do as I say and not as I do..."
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
08.17.08 (9:55 pm)
Reply to: fractalmom
"don't tell surr tho, he'll NEVER let me live it down no matter HOW in love he is and how nice he's become....."
I've always been nice. To me, it's a very kind thing to stand up for what's right, and we both know I'm usually right - even when Dave claims I lean left.
I'm with Kurt, by the way, if the John McCain of 2000 was running - pre capitulation - I'd vote for him in a second. This new guy is nuts. I think something happened to him after we all found out he fathered that black baby out of wedlock... Ya know, the one he and his wife adopted from Bangladesh... When he started plying kissy face with Bush after that awful trick was played on him, and he didn't do the right thing and call out Bush's minions for that sh*t, I think his balls fell off and he's been trying to substitute for them ever since by becoming a fake-macho toady. Sad to me.
By the way, have I mention how pissed off I am at John Edwards? What a shit. (See? -no "*"...)
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
08.19.08 (5:29 am)
apologies. you have always been nice.
and I am not a fan of McCain, although I won't jump on the messiah obama express at all. ever. I like my money wayyyy to much to vote for him. I don't feel like paying those kind of taxes it will take in an obama presidency. I also don't like his cute little advices. well, there are many things I dont' like. too bad. I wish Alan Keyes had won. Oh well, I hardly ever get to pick my candidate LOL.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.19.08 (6:48 am)
Reply to: kurtmaddox
Of course you are right, "quick" and "wise" are not synonymns. A quality of leadership that I think is needed and admired of an American President is to be decisive. Equivocation, vacillation- when I think of such characteristics, I'm sorry but I think of Democrat Presidents from the past. In my opinion, McCain comes to the table with far more experience, wisdom, and I'm think "quality" than Obama. You've got to admit, surely, that Obama is the product of a political machine and little more. He has been groomed and manipulated and carefully positioned for this moment. McCain has paid his dues. Obama? He would be wise to select a seasoned running mate, someone unlike himself, with presidential qualities.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.19.08 (6:50 am)
Reply to: surrogate
"...and we both know I'm usually right - even when Dave claims I lean left." Surely you say this with a wink and a smile? I do remember one time that you were right. It was a matter of minor importance.
posted by:
intricategirl (
reply)
post date:
08.19.08 (11:38 am)
I've been trying to think of what to write that isn't ruled by politics or emotions. I still don't have anything.
"O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.'
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"
Is our cause just? Can we make that argument anymore? Are we protecting them because we really care, or is it all self-serving?
Finally, I am a pacifist. Proudly so. I don't know how the label became so politicized that it became a dirty word. Or rather, I do know how, but I don't understand how we persist in believing that. Finding a peaceful way to solve problems should always be the very first option we turn to. Sorry, but I'd love to put your son out of a job. But moreover, I'd hope that he and every soldier would welcome the day they're out of this particular job.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.19.08 (1:50 pm)
Reply to: kurtmaddox
Who has groomed Obama for this moment? The media and their close associates, the liberal elitists. It is so obvious. When he made the resounding headline speech at the Democrat National Convention four years ago, it seemed that "Political Savior" was flashing in neon upon his forehead. The guy was a low-level political activist in Chicago and has, miraculously, zoomed to likely be the next president of the U.S. And you think this has happened with a grassroots movement? He's charismatic and flashes a nice smile. He's black. He's "correctly" liberal. He's skilled with reading a teleprompter. However, his positions on the issues are left, and most often far-left, of the average American public. And I believe such will ultimately be his downfall and the good fortunes of our country. Even though the news media, and the intelligentsia that runs the print and broadcasting media and the universities, and Hollywood all conspire to support and promote Obama by about a 90% majority- down-home America just may overrule such blatant efforts of manipulation. That's my hope, anyhow.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.19.08 (1:54 pm)
Reply to: intricategirl
Amen! My heart would love to see the time when we are able to beat our swords into plowshares. But my head believes a strong military is necessary for peace.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
08.19.08 (6:17 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
Man Dave, you really have a hard-on for Obama. Explain to me what would qualify someone to be President in your world? This, knowing that according to every ex-president I've ever read anything about has said that NOTHING can prepare you for the job.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.19.08 (6:53 pm)
Reply to: kurtmaddox
What are his impressive credentials? He served in the state legislature of Illinois. He has been a Jr. Senator for three years. He's 47 years old. Compare that to John McCain. Good grief!
Intellectually dishonest? I stated that his positions are left, even far-left, of the American public. That's not dishonest. He was selected "the most liberal Senator of 2007" by the National Journal.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.19.08 (7:01 pm)
Reply to: kurtmaddox
Sorry about that, kurt, but I "posted" before I was finished! He is left-of-center on energy, education, health care, the budget, abortion, etc. The fact that I do not particularly admire this guy, and I certainly disagree with him with a multitude of very important matters, reveals no more intellectual dishonesty than your digs and insults and criticisms of the Conservative candidate. Kurt, you are far more predictable than you care to admit- it is so characteristic of the liberal approach to forgo debate and go-for-the-jugular with names and innuendo.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.19.08 (7:08 pm)
Reply to: surrogate
"...you really have a hard-on for Obama."
Would you explain that to me? I know what the crude phrase is supposed to mean. But, do you mean that I secretly admire and find this man attractive? I think his election would be bad for America. Oh, it would be good for the Republican party. Four years of Carter II would bring the Republicans storming back in both Houses. But, the cost would be far too great.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
08.19.08 (8:23 pm)
It mean's you really hate the guy. By the way, you have absolutely NO proof for anything you just wrote and I'll bet you my retirement savings you're dead wrong. How the hell can you say anything of the sort when it's your cherished Republicans who've created the massive debt we now have, and unless you're lying to yourself, you know it. The FACT is, the Republicans have had control of everything for eight friggen years. Yes, I know the Dems have had a majority in the since '06, but they haven't had enough folks to override a veto by the guy YOU supported even since then, so why not quit fooling yourself? I'll be glad to have four years of Carter II if it means we take care of business for a while, EVEN if it makes the Republicans stronger. Trust me, if it does, and they want to make inroads again, they'll have to go back to being fiscally conservative - a tough deal for them once they really take control, as any of those who actually watch what's going on have seen time and time again. It's sadly funny that for all those years when the Dems were in control and we racked up some debt, the Republicans screamed bloody murder, wrote their little hundred-point manifesto, and then made the Democrats of the sixties, seventies eighties and nineties look like misers. For goodness sakes, let go of your hate and try having a tiny little bit of faith. If Obama starts going nuts, I promise, I'll be the first to scream. Until then, maybe you could give him the tiniest little benefit of the doubt. By the way, he's not Carter II, and I'm almost positive he's not a Muslim either, but I guess we can't know for sure 'til we see which book he places his hand on when and if he takes the oath of office.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.19.08 (8:41 pm)
Reply to: surrogate
Oh, come on. I have no PROOF that Barack Obama is offers liberal solutions to the issues of energy, education, health care, the budget, abortion? He opposes drilling for oil offshore and in Alaska. He opposes new refineries and nuclear plants. A backbone of his support is Union money, including teacher's unions. He supports universal health care, which must include increased taxation. He supports increased taxes and encourages class warfare, with his mantra of taxing the rich. And abortion? When he opposes any requirement for life-saving aid to aborted infants who are somehow delivered alive, than I cringe at such coldness. And all of these positions are well-known. So, yes I oppose Obama. I don't think he is a Muslim, and I don't hate him personally, but I definitely do not think he is the best person for the job.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
08.19.08 (9:12 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
Okay Dave, I'm sure you're exactly right this time too. I give up.
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
08.19.08 (10:39 pm)
Reply to: surrogate
It dawns on me that to suggest the sort of things you think are just hunky-dory, means you really must not care much about the world God's given us. It's just for us to use up till Jesus gets here, I guess. Y'all don't really give a hoot about the future, because I'd guess, anyway, you don't expect much of one. Tell me Dave, let's say we drill everywhere you want. We're still going to run out of oil at some point, so what? We just make the next generation do the hard stuff, or the one after that? Whatever's easy and cheap, right? (Of course, it won't be cheap and it won't lower fuel costs one iota. What are the estimates even from the Oil companies? Ten cents a gallon in ten years? Maybe? -and that's from the Oil companies. Independent research suggests a far lessor return.)
You really think that the answer to our energy problem will be solved using old technology? You really believe that a concerted effort to find better ways would be fruitless? You must. That would be the ONLY reason to spend new money on drilling OR building more reactors. I know, I know, it doesn't matter where we put the old rods since Jesus'll be here any day now...
What a sad world view you have. God knows there are enough of you folks to at least get close, if not win, this next election too, but you people make me laugh a sad sardonic laugh. God is all-powerful to claim, yet you don't have faith enough in that very same God to take care of fetuses.
You don't give a hoot for those who simply can't afford medical treatments until their condition is far more dire and costly that it might otherwise be. But you'll sing your spooky tune and pray that God will make everyone think just like you, wait impatiently for the day - which I assure you will come sooner that it otherwise might - that SOMEONE will have to save us all. Trust me, even on that day, which will come complete with gnashing of teeth, hunger, draught - and damned if you won't find, at long last, that every last one of you got the message wrong; that the gift God gave us was here all along; our home planet and each other; and maybe then, just maybe, you'll join the civilized world in understanding that it was OUR responsibility to take precious care of those gifts, and give thanks to him for them - even, Dave, (gulp) if it means slightly higher taxes for rich people, and some sort of universal health care system for all of us.
"Whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me."
Barrack used the right quote last Sunday. Of course, he prioritizes more like Jesus suggested he'd prefer us to back when he was actually alive, some 2000 years ago.
