Hey Freak!

1. The National Intelligence Estimate, a consensus view of the 16 intelligence gathering services in the U.S., has concluded that "...the [Iraq] war has helped create a new generation of Islamic radicalism and that the overall terrorist threat has grown since the Sept. 11 attacks."



2. Keith Olbermann's Special Comment from last night. If you haven't seen the Clinton interview, that's here.

Really, what baffles me is the fact that people continue to support the lying scum that makes up our current administration.

Kind of spooky that we both posted about the same thing at around the same time. Get out of my head!

But seriously... After watching Olbermann's comment last night, I was relatively speechless. Just kept saying "holy crap" over and over. He really nailed it, and the more people who watch it, the better.

oh noooo, it's not their fault. it's the clinton's administrations fault for not leaving a plan for them to follow.....

whatev...

I've always taken issue with the notion of "fighting them over there so we don't have to fight them here." Not only is that vastly unreasonable, but it's insulting that they keep feeding it to us and expect anyone to fall for it.

It's not like there are nine terrorists out there and that we're going to their houses to stop them before they get their passports in order.

I would think that a war on terror would take place in bank accounts, by message de-coding, with spreading secular unbiased education about world events, etc. I mean, you're not fighting a group of people as much as you're fighting a notion. And that notion doesn't live in the streets of Baghdad.

Then again, maybe I'm wrong. Maybe it's just nine guys and we need to kill them before they get on the planes. What the fuck do I know?

Our braniac administration has given Islamic Radicalism the grandest stage ever.

Fucking Bush... you're a fucking dope.

Does anyone actually think that us pulling out of Iraq right now is the best thing for that country?

I agree that we probably shouldn't have gone in to begin with, but hindsight is 20/20.

If you (not you specifically, but in general) don't support the President then do something about it come next election time. Rather than bashing, try giving a solution to the situation that actually makes sense.

So, you'll let Bush off with a pass for LYING to the American people? Is that what you're saying?

Bush won't listen to any other plans. THAT'S THE POINT OF THE ARTICLE. Bush has never listened to any other suggestions, so anything anybody has to say that may be productive WON'T BE HEARD. He does what he wants, and has NO ACCOUNTABILITY.

And quit putting words into my mouth. I never said we should pull out. I never even insinuated it. Fucking show me where I said that ANYWHERE ON MY BLOG. Not just that post. ANYWHERE.

We went in based on LIES. We're staying because of LIES. Yes, if we pulled out tomorrow, that'd be bad. But Bush wants to stay there indefinitely... BASED ON LIES.

How many times will you let your President lie to you (and not just about a blowjob) before you get mad?

Sorry for the anger, but I have yet to have a "real" debate with a Bush-supporter. You guys never actually debate the points on hand, rather, you point a finger at ME and say shit like "Rather than bashing..." Sorry, but I've had enough of that.

Debate the points with me. Convince me that 9/11 was Clinton's fault. Tell me that Bush has been a great leader throughout, including Katrina. I'll be waiting.

You know, I don't see the problem with "bashing" the president.

Technically, it would have helped if more bashing had been done in 2004 so he could not have been re-elected, but if one of our elected officials is doing a poor job, then the only tool we have as citizens is public outcry. Bush keeps saying "my constituents overwhelmingly agree with me," but if more people point out his BS and dangerous mistakes and more people start to say things like, "wait, maybe this guy IS full of crap," then our government (which is entirely accountable to its people) has to respond in kind.

Additionally, if there isn't public outcry, then there isn't any urgency to push for change at the next elections. If people aren't saying "we need senators that will stand up and say no to this jackass occasionally," then why would anyone go vote that way?

This Iraq thing is a tough situation. We fucked up going in, and now we're fucked if we back out. The one solution that I'm not going to be satisfied with is the status quo. I'm not content to let the same fuck-ups that got us into it and can't seem to get us out of it continue to flounder and dig deeper holes. I'm going to Bush-bash. I'm going to demand change. I'm going to call out some flaws to anyone who will listen because change at the top is only going to help.

And, quite honestly, since when are we G.I. Joe? Pulling out of Iraq may not be the best thing for that country. Here's a better question... what's the best thing for OUR country? Raising anti-American sentiment? Wearing our troops down? Not having support on hand during hurricane season? Not having enough money for social security? What about that is good for America?

Mikey - My post wasn't directed directly to you. I apologize, I should have made that clearer.

That being said, I understand why everyone is pissed at the president. My point is merely what do you, or me or anyone actually DO about it? They vote for someone else in the next election.

I would like for SOMEONE to give me a plausible exit strategy.

Maine - I understand that public outcry raises awareness, but I think that's it only half as effective if you don't offer a better solution. This is primarily why I hate negative campaigns. Don't tell me why the other guy sucks, tell me why YOU'RE better!

As to when did we become GI Joe? We've ALWAYS been GI Joe. It's what makes us a world power and allows us to live the lifestyle we do.

I wholeheartedly believe that every american should live in another country to truly appreciate how good we have it here.

Mikey - once again I apologize to you. I did not intend to make it seem that I was atacking you personally. I understand that we have our diferences, but I also know that I am the only bush supporter who is brave enough to post.

I agree that complaining without offering an alternate solution is awful, but the list of alternate solutions is close to zero.

Right now, we have to live with our leaders until 2008. We have no choice in that matter. As I said, it would have been great if we had removed them in '04, but that's sorta behind us.

However, if we sit and say nothing, then they do nothing. If we don't demand an exit strategy, then nobody gives enough of a shit to consider one. Murtha had a plan that seemed feasible, but, again, if our government doesn't think we care, then they're not listening to him.

Iraq is a fucked situation. There are no easy answers. But unless we demand answers, we're definitely not getting any. Why would they bother? They're still trying to "win."

And regarding being GIJoe, yes, we have a responsibility to provide for the rest of the world because we can. I understand and applaud that. It's a reason to be proud. We do a lot of good with our wealth.

But if we can't take care of ourselves, then what good are we? It's like being on an airplane in an emergency. The instructions say make sure your air mask is secured before you help the other passengers because you can't be much of a help if you need help. Right now, we need help. There are places in America that are ugly. Our education system isn't up to a standard that can maintain our status as a world power. If we lose ground, we can't help anyone. So, really... what good is it doing for America to flounder in Iraq? We came home from Vietnam under similar circumstances. It's good to win, but it's not good to win at the cost of your own security.

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