I love it! Finally, a correct interpretation of yesterday's foolishness.

Well, that just about sums it up. Everyone can take note and go about their business now. Thanks!

A couple of the reports on the various anti-war protests said that a number of the protesters' signs mentioned SUVs. Today is the last day of the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Last year there were 759,907 people who paid to get into the nine day show and crowds so far have exceeded last year's attendance. The last Saturday of the show is typically the day with the highest attendance which means that yesterday there may have been more people attending the Detroit auto show to look at the latest SUVs than there were anti-war protesters in both SF and DC.

Not only did they stay away in droves, I think all 289 million Americans, and 9 million illegals descended upon the store where I work. Yesterday was the opposite of normal; it was busy beyond all capacity for reason.

"I love it! Finally, a [politically] correct interpretation of yesterday's foolishness."

I stayed away yesterday and today to make my pro-war sentiments doubly strong.

It's safe to say that if more than 3 dozen "counter protestors" from your organization had shown up for any of the rallies yesterday(here or abroad)I doubt that the title of this forum would be "289 Americans Avoid Peace Rallies". Also, to conclude that everyone that didn't come out is in agreement with your pro-war stance, leaves me at a loss to describe the utter stupidity and ill-logic of that comment. My 7 year old is capable of greater discernment. Did any deliberation or concious thought occur before making that post?

Well, I was there, but on the other side! About 15 of us gathered in San Francisco and held our ground on the top of City Hall steps. Luckily, we had a line of police officers right behind us, or I think the crowd might have attacked. The "peaceful" protesters screamed, swore, spit, argued, shook their fists and simply stared at us, as if WE were the weirdos. One of them ran up and grabbed our "Fry Mumia" sign! I can't imagine why? It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it....

AWESOME! I love it! I linked to it from the Petition!!!!

Gotta love this country. Only in America can sitting on your fat ass, consuming junk food and watching TV all day be considered making a political statement. So why don't we just stop voting, keep spending, and by all means never question George Dubya Hitler?
They will elect a retarded baboon with purple spots on his ass in 2004 as long as he is a democrat.

All this proves, in reality, is that America is a nation cowed in fear. In a country where the cowardly bow before an evil dictatorship, only those brave enough to stand on their own feet like adults remain as targets.
So the mindless sheep buy flags (that are quite bedraggled looking nowadays) in the hope that they will have the effect of blood on the doorposts in the original passover. Perhaps the government boogiemen will see they are obedient consumers and pass over their house.

The anti-war crowd has truly lost their minds if the comments posted above are representative of the their ability to analyze satire.

Zealous and stupid are a dangerous combination.

Lalo... Tokelau... Joseph C. Smith...

Prime examples of what drugs do to the brain.

Sunshine...Rick...(others I am too apathetic about to list at this point)...

Prime examples of what fear and comformity do to the soul.

Mindless obedience, an AOL connection and a radio tuned to Rush are obviously a dangerous combination.

The Onion is still funnier even if it's not as good as it once was. What a lousy wanna-be site this is.

Hey Lalo, it sure takes courage to march with a few thousand other peaceniks, behind police protection, to loudly proclaim "We don't give a shit about the Iraqi or Korean people, and let's not bother ourselves to help them! Oh yeah, and Bush is stoopid!"

TAKE YOUR PEACE RALLY, AND STICK IT WHERE THE SUN
DON'T SHINE! IF YOU CAN FIGURE OUT WHERE THAT IS!

Congrats, ScrappleFace... I got here from a "Best of the Web" entry on the Wall Street Journal's OpinionJournal.com website! You're famous!

Oh, and, um... the sun doesn't shine under my pillow, so that's where I'll stick the peace rally. Maybe the tooth fairy will leave a quarter?

I'm still reveling in the profundity and resonance of Larry's embellishments. How eloquent! How moving! Bravo!

To Just John, utterly provoked by your tooth fairy comment, my seven year old would like to challenge you to a debate.

This is interesting - "Prime examples of what fear and comformity (sic) do to the soul."

"Mindless obedience, an AOL connection and a radio tuned to Rush are obviously a dangerous combination."

I post an objective observation regarding comments posted on this board that were indicative of stupid (failure to discern satire) and zealous (maybe reactionary would have been better) and the response is an accusation that I live in fear and conform to some thing unspecified.

Then follows a list of stereotypes that I assume are supposed to be insults???

WellÖ I do not live in fear and while not living in a VW van smelling of old socks, I have always tried the contrarian path. I think a great deal about current issues, never had an AOL connection and cannot remember the last time I listened to Rush.

Thank you for taking the time from your apathy to write, your warm thoughts are appreciated.

Funny because it's true. I sent the url off to my local paper(Philly Inquirer). maybe they'll ask to print it.

Hysterical! Idiots trying to be political pundits on a comments section of a very minor site no one will see. Have fun! You must lead interesting lives if you have all this free time during the day.

Thank you "Larry" for being honest enough to say what most Repugnicans think. You are a national treasure and should be looking for appointment to a position in the Bush administration very soon.

Bwahahaha1 My plan is working! My evil scheme is unfolding! Thank you, Lord Satan! The world will soon be mine! Bwahahahahahahaa! These minions are parrotting my words just as we planned!

"Peacenik"? Hmmm, a person for peace. A person not for killing. There are worse things to be called. And the Bible does say "blessed are the PEACEmakers" last time I checked. Maybe your version has "Blessed are the warmongers?". so yeah, sign me up to that Peacenik list if you are the alternative.

Hey, Rick. you are going to be working for Republicans most of your life (paying rent too...and I do mean RENT, no real estate for you) you will realize this when you hit your lat thirties. See ya

Last time I looked in Western Europe, Japan, and Afghanistan, the most effective peacemakers in the history of the world had been the men and women of the US Military, accompanied by massive firepower and swift movement.

Blessed, indeed, are the peacemakers; may God continue to smile on the United States of America.

Allah be praised, the infidel does not even know whether he is protesting or not protesting. Can't you leave our little peace loving country alone? And who is this Mumia fellow? We have no such person in our jails...

Outstanding...we're quoting the Bible now! So let's interject a little Biblical reality into this subject, shall we? Let's get God's take on slaughtering the wicked. I Samuel 15: 2-3: "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them. Do not spare them; put to death men and women, children and infants, cattle and sheep, camles and donkeys." (New International Version)

Or, if you prefer the New Testament, Romans 13:1-4: "...The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted...For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but those who do wrong...For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer".

By the way...how can any "Christian" who supposedly believes the New Testament read this and, with a straight face, claim that the death penalty is un-Christian?

289 million americans did not enlist for combat today. But several of the very bravest did express their outrage at the protestors and Saddam Hussein by writing snotty letters about the silly protestors.
"We're here at our computers in our warm houses whenever we're needed" one of the more avid and outspoken support of war and mayhem said.
However, he also acknowledged that he might be tied up ridiculing environmentalists and intimidating drivers or small cars and their families with his Penis 8 SUV on his daily trip to Sam's Club to replace all the crap from China that broke the week before.
"Anything I can do from my office or my SUV, I'm there, dude!"

Hi, this is Joseph D. Smith. I came after Joseph C. Smith. I'm slightly dumber than Joseph C, which is why I got a D. I agree with Joseph C's comments. He is really smart. I thought this site was satire, but he correctly points out that it is hard-hitting news. I think he is correct. I think that everyone in the United States is against this pro-capitalist oil-war. Going to the shopping mall is the postmodernist way of protesting the war. Let us deconstruct it. If we go to war, there will be no more goods and services in the United States. Therefore, people are buying stuff and taking it off the shelf. That must mean they are anti-war.

(P.S. Isn't it funny that no-one on the left has a sense of humor anymore. Even George Carlin is inane now.)

Duh, I'm Gerald. I think having an SUV is bad. Duh. Therefore I want Sadaam to kill some more Kurds. Duh. I think we should sue McDonald's because people are fat. Duh. Keep hope alive. Duh. I'm a peach, George Bush. Duh. Turn down your thermostat and don't flush the toilet. Duh. Free Mummia. Duh. You can't spell "first racist" without the letters F-R-I-S-T. Duh. I have no sense of humor. Duh, duh.

Hey! I'm driving a Lincoln Navigator. Wheeee!!!

Ha! Very funny, thanks. It's stuff like this that keeps me going; living in the great socialist state of Massachusetts can be, ahem, quite difficult for a conservative. At least we're the ones with the sense of humor...my poor liberal associates don't know where to turn in their misery!

Thanks to the Right Reverend Most Holy Robert for illustrating clearly why the Bible and its tribal war god are useless in an international society.

Is this Troll Central or what?

This

http://www.tacitus.org/archives/000327.html#000327

is what ANSWER endorses...yeah give peace a chance.

Just curious as to what jobbo thinks of the Koran.

Hey Juju, George W. Bush and Jesus,

That is clever, using my name when responding to Larry.

You have clearly played this game before. Must have a lot of time on your hands when the schizophrenic episodes pass. Listen?do you hear the voices? Be very quiet?they are telling you to go to the window. Do you hear them??They are saying jump JuJu jump. Oh right, no windows in the cardboard box in the alley.

The troll [doodoo] is getting deep must get? out? before?it?covers...

Give War A Chance!

To all you teenagers running around with the "No Blood for Oil" posters: It's makes a catchy little sound bite and fits nicely on a piece of poster board. But come now...if we really just wanted the oil, we'd have grabbed it in 1991. Why does that simple bit of logic escape you?

nice job robert on the quoting from the bible. funny how people like to quote the part about being peaceful, but forget about all the people their god murdered. wish i could throw in a few quotes too, but i don't follow that path.

Well...thanks Samkit...but I'm not sure that God actually murders anyone. If we think that God murders...then that logically means that God exists...and that takes one down that path some don't want to follow.

Regarding the 1 Samuel quote, I think the basic idea was to go wipe out the people who tried to wipe out the Israelites, so they would no longer be a threat. An interesting aside, according to the story, Saul disobeyed by sparing the life of the enemy king and some of the animals. God then decided to punish Saul by taking his kingdom away from him and giving to to David.

Jesus saves
Allah protects
Chuthulu thinks you'd make a nice sandwich

Best be careful 'bout quoting the bible... Sodom and Gomorrah and all that "fire and brimstone" stuff...

"No blood for oil!"

Printed on a posterboard covered in a synthetic made from petroleum byproducts, written with a marker containing plastic made from petroleum byproducts, carried by a twit wearing clothing made of synthetic material made from.... you guessed it! Petroluem byproducts! Delivered to the rally in a vehicle using oil, gasoline, etc. A vehicle containing numerous parts on the body made of light-weight sythetics made from... do I even have to tell you?

If you want to stand for something, great. But don't be a hypocrite.

Peace for the left but not for the Kurds. So much for human rights, women's rights, freedom of the press, gay rights, freedom of religion, or any human freedoms at all. No freedom of association, no freedom from false imprisonment, no freedom from enscription, no freedom from forced marriage but if it's a Republican heading the fight, the left protests. It's ok, their type protested entering WWII, Hitler could have finished his heavy water experiments and the world would be a different place. There is always great evil and those who recognize it and those who don't for their own selfish reasons.

Don't worry Sandi. Human rights will now be respected. Libya is in charge of the UN Human Rights Commission.

All I am saying, is give chants a chance.
Speak Truth to Flour!
No Olive Oil for Bloody Marys!!

So now the conservatives care about the Kurds? They obviously didn't back in Reagan's days when Saddam was gassing them with our consent.

(._o)

Wonder how many of the above posters are Freepers. You know, from the organization whose members made death threats to the people at Chuys?

Conservatives are compassionate, when they want to be, of course.

Mike M, you should realize that a liberal probably contributed to the manufacturing of your clothing and home. So, to keep true to your beliefs and avoid hypocracy, the proper course of action would for you to remove your clothes, burn down your house, and sit your sorry ass in the snow.

I going to agree with this positive article! The majority of Americans are for the Iraq War and are behind their elected President Mr. Bush!
The liberal media and Celeb's are running a political agenda campaign by not supporting the Iraq war and they are making their own country fail!

Anonymous sniping attacks online. How very American of you. How honorable to hide behind a keyboard.

Big difference here, Paloverde:

I'm not marching the streets protesting against liberals.

Odds are, some 6-year-old in Korea made most of my clothes, right? I seriously doubt he has a political affiliation.

Those who have such a penchant for all kinds of crackpot dictators should be rounded-up and sent to the Gulf to protest against the totalitarian underpinnings of loathsome Saddam Hussein in downtown Baghdad, so they could organize rallies to protest against the Iraqui treatment of the Shiite and Kurdish minorities.

I'm sure they would, provided they would actually give a damn about those whose interests they claim to defendówhich they don't. They are too concerned about George Hitler Bush to pay attention to the actual slaughter of civilians at the hands of a brutal police state ruled by a self-appointed stalinist oppressor.

And that's the thing. See, these guys of the radical left always resort to violence to impose what they think best for you and me... That's why no one among them heeds the collective voice of their countrymen. These good old thugs know the way to go (or so they think); and they intend to stay the course whatever the polls may say. Don't let the outcome of any silly democratic election get in yout way, that's their motto.

That's the good think about the Left. It's so predictable, so very much like Saddam I'm sure they both share that same old unreconstructed marxist attraction toward that same form of governmentóthe proletariat's dictatorship. And that helps explain the Left's leanings toward undemocratic regimes: Iraq, N. Korea, Cuba

The scumbags that make up most of the West's radical left are not interested in peace, let alone in democracy. All they seek is to trash America and Israel, which they consider to be the former's proxy.

So no demonstration to protest Iraq's awful human rights record. Indeed, no ANSWER to Saddam's genocidal ways, I'm afraid. Not from the morons that protest war in Iraq. Then again, maybe the lunatic fringe of old time commies at the Workers World Party might yet stage a demonstration in support of their favorite stalinist oppressor, instead. If they hurry up before their pet autocracy is overthrown.

Protestor Takes to Street in Baghdad
(2003-01-18) -- A protestor took to the street in Baghdad today, chanting slogans against the policies of the Hussein administration.

Unfortunately, he had to cut short his protest when he learned that his house had burned to the ground in a matter of seconds, killing his entire family.

On his way home, he was accidentally killed when his car ran into a hail of gunfire.

Something to consider: the anti-war 'hard left' continually proclaim "We are growing in numbers and strength. Momentum for our righteous cause will sweep aside Bush and his fascist gang."

Hmmm, that's curious...if memory serves me well, last year (5 Nov 2002 to be exact) the democratic party (the hiding place for most of you worthless ass-licking, totalitarian-hugging scum) was given a HISTORIC whipping. Seems to me that if momentum was on the anti-war side, avenging the loss of 2000 and showing President Bush, once and for all, that he carries no mandate would have been a piece of cake.

I guess you didn't get the momentum thing straight in time, did you? Oh well, there's always 2004. Then you can REALLY show them who's boss, eh?

Compassionates are conservative when be they don't. I made some macrame clothes out of hemp today. Woody Harelson burst in and lit them on fire. I'm a liberal.

"They will elect a retarded baboon with purple spots in 2004 as long as he is a democrat". Lalo, they tried that in 2000, remember? So how would that make him any different from any other liberal? (shocking, a liberal assuming the democrats will nominate a man - oh wait, that includes Hillary too. Nevermind!)

"You should realize that a liberal probably contributed to the manufacturing of your clothing and home". Yes, Paloverde, that's undoubtedly true. That would explain the poor quality of the fit and finish and all the empties stuck in my attic insulation. It's heartwarming to think of all the democrats that wouldn't have jobs if it wasn't for some corrupt union keeping their 4th grade educated, [self] protected from any sort of responsibility or jeopardy.

Bill

This is the saddest site ever. I can't believe so many people are so impressed with this site and its hack writing.

Jacque Chirac says war always means failure. An easy sentiment to understand - coming from a Frenchman...

What I meant to say was: Vive la France! LaFayette we are here! Jacques Chirac is a wonderful guy - a real pleasure to work with...

The only thing worse than hack writers is hack readers. This site is scrappl-icious fun!

"So why don't we just stop voting, keep spending, and by all means never question George Dubya Hitler?
They will elect a retarded baboon with purple spots on his ass in 2004 as long as he is a democrat" - Lalo

oh, ok. I see that you're going to compare our president with a man responsible for the death of millions. You have got it backwards. Saddam is the Hitler in this. Maybe if we didn't ignor Adolf from 1933 to 1941 six million jews would still be alive today.

By the way, its called satire. Get a clue.

"All this proves, in reality, is that America is a nation cowed in fear. In a country where the cowardly bow before an evil dictatorship, only those brave enough to stand on their own feet like adults remain as targets.
So the mindless sheep buy flags (that are quite bedraggled looking nowadays) in the hope that they will have the effect of blood on the doorposts in the original passover. Perhaps the government boogiemen will see they are obedient consumers and pass over their house." - Tokelau

I will have you know that I have had a flag flying from a pole in my front yard long before any of this began. I do not let it get torn or tattered. Its not obedience. Its called pride. My grandfather stormed the beach at Normandy and my dad served in Vietnam. Take you propoganda and shove it. And if this is an evil dictatorship how come you still have a voice to express your distaste?

During the Creentonne admin, I had a poster that said "US out of my Craq" , but its no longer appropriate, so I got rid of it.

"But you guys...wow. I mean, war, man. F**king war. It doesn't get any more real--
Now, this one goes out to you."

This site is hilarious!

I believe your quote of 289 million abstaining has now been repeated on every talk show on the radio- giving you another instant classic quote and an audience of some 20 million plus!

p.s.- the reply comments are one of the best parts- and the format (all of them available on the page) makes them quick, work-free fun!

Great post...nice to see that not all Americans are naive idiots (like Sean Penn) who have never read history and think for some stupid reason that the clock has turned back to 1968. Isn't having the updated Volkswagon Beetle enough for them? Must they now shove war-protests down our throats---when there isn't even a war yet? Just takes one bullet to take care of Sadaam...be there!!

I just have to wonder how many of these "anti-war" protestors have any clue as to what is happening in Iraq. Do they know that Saddam has paid rapists on the government payroll? Do they know that according to experts on Iraq and Iraqi people that have fled the country, war is the only thing that will stop Saddam and that the Iraqi people want to be liberated? Have they read any of the current books or watched any of the documentaries on this subject? Or are they just mindless twits following other mindless twits because they think they are doing the right thing? Does anyone think all the wives and kids sending their soldiers off to possibly die in a war want to? Of course not. We are just intelligent enough to know that sometimes war is the only answer. They are free to protest war all they want. And we are courageous enough to let them and to support our husbands who fight for their freedom to protest war!!!!!!

I completely disagree with all of you that say war is the only answer. One of you mentioned that liberals are mindless twits who follow other mindless twits. aren't the soldiers the same things? i mean, most of them think that iraq is related to September 11th. maybe if they were more educated we wouldn't be in this mess. another thing, we've been at war with iraq for the last TWELVE YEARS! how will a few more really help? and how does adding violence make peace anyway?

"I completely disagree with all of you that say war is the only answer. One of you mentioned that liberals are mindless twits who follow other mindless twits. aren't the soldiers the same things? i mean, most of them think that iraq is related to September 11th. maybe if they were more educated we wouldn't be in this mess. another thing, we've been at war with iraq for the last TWELVE YEARS! how will a few more really help? and how does adding violence make peace anyway?"

Our military is populated with and controlled by mindless twits? They are uneducated morons who got us into this mess?

If that is the case, then we should just abolish the military altogether because, as you claim, they are a symbol of all that is wrong with America. I am sure that you, being an educated and well-balanced individual, would have no objection if we kind of like vote on this, do you? As an avowed hustler, I see you as an easy mark, so I want to entice you into a bet on just how that election would turn out. I want you wager whatever meager sum you can scrounge up and I will match however many pennies and nickels, times two, you come up with and we will give them to a disinterested third-party pending the outcome. Let me know when you are ready.

I love it! Finally, a correct interpretation of yesterday's foolishness. Black Power.

Rancid, you can't possible believe that some uneducated soldiers in the military are the decision makers that responsible for war brokering, do you? If that's the case, you need a re-education yourself. The fact is, soldiers are paid to be mindless and follow orders. If they were in charge, they'd be called General or Donald Rumsfeld. You're dumb!

This is the dumbest response I have ever read from anyone in my life.....please show me how you were able to interpret my plain and simple post to construe that I am of the opinion "that some uneducated soldiers in the military are the decision makers"???????

So much to say, so little time. The magnitude of the protests against the war came very near to causing widespread panic in our city steets across the nation. Why is it, that when a conservative speaks his or her mind a liberal labels it hate speech? Furthermore, when a conservative disagrees with their liberal psycho babble they we are accused of trying to deny them their First Amendment rights. Many Americans are faced with job layoffs due to NAFTA, which BLockhead Clinton signed on 09/14/1993. Here are his deep, wise, thoughtful, loving and caring quotes on NAFTA.
"I believe that NAFTA will create 200,000 American jobs in the first 2 years of its effect. I believe if you look at the trends--and President Bush and I were talking about it this morning--starting about the time he was elected President, over one-third of our economic growth and in some years over one half of our net new jobs came directly from exports. And on average, those exports-related jobs paid much higher than jobs that had no connection to exports. I believe that NAFTA will create a million jobs in the first 5 years of its impact. And I believe that that is many more jobs than will be lost, as inevitably some will be, as always happens when you open up the mix to a new range of competition.

NAFTA will generate these jobs by fostering an export boom to Mexico, by tearing down tariff walls which have been lowered quite a bit by the present administration of President Salinas but are still higher than Americas'.
Without regard to NAFTA, we know now that the average 18-year-old American will change jobs eight times in a lifetime. The Secretary of Labor has told us, without regard to NAFTA, that over the last 10 years, for the first time, when people lose their jobs most of them do not go back to their old job; they go back to a different job. So that we no longer need an unemployment system, we need a reemployment system. And we have to create that. And that's our job. We have to tell American workers who will be dislocated because of this agreement, or because of things that will happen regardless of this agreement, that we are going to have a reemployment program for training in America. And we intend to do that. (Where's the Program liberals?)

Together, the efforts of two administrations now have created a trade agreement that moves beyond the traditional notions of free trade, seeking to ensure trade that pulls everybody up instead of dragging some down while others go up. We have put the environment at the center of this in future agreements. We have sought to avoid a debilitating contest for business where countries seek to lure them only by slashing wages or despoiling the environment.
It is no use to deny that these fears and insecurities exist. It is no use denying that many of our people have lost in the battle for change. But it is a great mistake to think that NAFTA will make it worse. Every single solitary thing you hear people talk about, that they're worried about, can happen whether this trade agreement passes or not, and most of them will be made worse if it fails. And I can tell you it will be better if it passes".
Well, I guess that ends our lesson for today on Liberals and their words of wisdom from their malformed minds. One more quote, "Ignorance can be treated but, stupid is forever".
Selah

It's the soldier not the reporter who gives you the freedom of the press. It's the soldier not the poet who gives you the freedom of speech. It's the soldier not the campus organizer who allows you to demonstrate. It's the soldier who salutes the flag, serves the flag, whose coffin is draped with the flag that allows the protester to burn the flag.

My post is not to continue this argument. It is to let you all know this. Being in America is what is gives us the right to voice our views and opinions. I am in the Navy and I for one am glad that there are anti-war protestors and liberal peaceniks who have never volunteered to fight for this country. For if there were not, I would know that I was failing at my job and that American freedom and democracy was dead. So hate the military, hate the government, hate the bombs and bullets....it really doesn't matter to us out here. Just stay out of the way when the shooting starts and when it is over, you will still be alive and free to protest whatever you are afraid of next.

And a special "AMEN" to Rachael up above me. So true...so true. Thank you for acknowledging that!!

Oh, and to Jamel Tyson and Meredith...call us mindless and stupid. We will still fight for you regardless. God knows that you would not fight for yourselves.

American Power.

"Anonymous sniping attacks online. How very American of you. How honorable to hide behind a keyboard." - NUNYA

Hiding behind a keyboard on my U.S. Navy Warship because I just finished a 10 hour workday followed by a 6 hour watch. Not really hiding, though, just trying to enjoy one of the many liberties accorded to me while I have time. By the way, Nunya, what do you do for the country that affords you all the liberties that you take for granted?

1ofmillions, you may not be hiding behind a keyboard, but you're perfectly willing to hide behind your uniform. You strike me as representative of what's wrong with this country these days - a belief that if the government says something often enough and they commit the military to acting on it, that it must be right. What happened to the days when Americans thought for themselves? Liberties are defended by those who use them not those who talk about them.

Tompaine, are you a moron? Think about what you just said: "willing to hide behind a uniform." Nobody coerced me to join the military, I thought of that on my own. And I am once again USING one of the many liberties accorded to me as an American.

When a person enters military service, he/she takes an oath. "I (name), do solemnly swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic. And to bear true faith and allegiance to the same."

If you think the President and the Government are wrong, do something useful like, say, run for public office. Should you be elected, then you would be privy to the same information that our government uses to make decisions and policies.

If your only source of information is from the media, and your like minded friends' only source of information is the media, I'm sorry to say that all you have are a few pieces to a 300 million piece jigsaw puzzle. That's why we elect officials, so that they can get more puzzle pieces and work together to try to make them all fit.

A comment on Mr or Ms Foot post on Vietnam war.
The Democrats actually got us involved with the Vietnam Police Action. President Kennedy sent the first military advisors. The first US Air force casuality was a C-123 spraying defoliant on a Viet Cong ambush site, Feb 2, 1962. (I just happen to have the history channel web site open on my other computer and that is todays piece on Today in History.) The republicans actually were the ones who got us out of the police action. President Nixon.
I realize that you were not giving a history lesson with your post, I liked it. But just had this overwhelming need to post something and considered it karma that after reading your post I happened to read the history channel page.

Danjo
Learning to stand on my own 2 "Foots"

1ofmillions, this is just what I'm talking about. This attitude of "The government must know best" is what will be the death of American democracy. I shouldn't have to run for office for the American government to be responsive and representative. People like you blindly following orders and thinking that morons like Bush and Rumsfeld are privy to some special knowledge are doing nothing for democracy. Keep kidding yourself if you like, but you might want to spare some thought (you're more capable of it than Bush and Rumsfeld) to what you're actually defending.

Tompaine, American Democracy is in full effect. The latest polls show that well over half of the people in this country are in favor of military action in Iraq. And that is what a democratic society is all about; majority rules. I apologize if the officials you voted for either didn't win the ballot or don't make up a portion of the majority. I don't even know what you're in objection of with our current leadership. You seem to think that military personnel are ignorant to what is going on and that we are a bunch of uneducated buffoons. Why don't you expound on your position.

American democracy is in decline. Most Americans realize that neither the Democrats or Republicans offer an alternative. The great majority no longer go to the polls, and the current regime certainly didn't get a majority in 2000. Polls show that a majority of Americans don't believe that Bush has made his case, but they're so befuddled by the ass-kissing media that they figure they're unpatriotic if they don't support him once the bombs start falling. My issue with the current government is that their policy represents the interests of the oil industry rather than those of the average American. Where do Bush and Cheney come from? Sure Saddam is a murderous sleazebag, but so are dozens of other dictators around the world. Many administration figures, such as Rumsfeld, didn't object to Saddam back in the eighties when they were arming him against Iran. Why has Bush got this bee in his bonnet about Iraq except that they have oil that seems to be up for grabs. If the case for Saddam as another Hitler were so clear, why are Germany and France so opposed to war? Don't tell me their intelligence services don't have a clear picture of Saddam's capabilities. If Bush had a real smoking gun, one that would justify the deaths of tens of thousands of Iraqis and Americans, he would have produced it by now. At some point, especially if you're going to claim to have a democratic society, people have to draw the line. I don't think the military is full of uneducated buffoons. I happen to come from a family of career military men. I think that, like other Americans, they're being used by an elite for their own interests.

Fighting for your country? Is that really what all you service memebers believe? I guess you must, otherwise you would not choose to be the pawns of extremely rich and powerful men. Do you really think, wives and mothers of servicemen, that when your husband or son (or his tags) comes home from the desert in a bodybag, that he died for some grand and nobel cause? The last thing the American world planners want is democracy. After WWII ended many Nazi scientists and propagandists were given safe haven by the U.S. The third reich did not lose the 2nd world war....it just changed venues. Convince the people that they are in mortal danger by evil enemies and they will gladly give up their freedoms. The U.S needed another pearl harbour...they got one...and they will try use it to achieve anything they wish. True, many Americans did not protest...neither did most Germans. History IS repeating itself. The rest of the world sees it...open your eyes and take a good hard look at what you've become.

>The rest of the world sees it...open your eyes and take a good hard look at what you've become.

"The rest of the world" would be Germany, and France for the moment, right?

..here's a partial list of countries where the majority of the populace and government is opposed to any unilateral attack of iraq by the USA

Canada, France, Italy, China, Russia, Germany, Japan, Turkey, India, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland,norway, Finland, Sweden, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico...need I go on?

Perhaps if you'd travelled the world a bit and stopped getting your opinions from CNN you'd be a little less ignorant. but of course American know everything don't they?

question...Colin Powell in his address to the UN show satellite pictures of "full" warehouses...and then "empty" warehouses...complete with UN inspectors! (now thats resolution) So can anyone tell then where are the pictures of the "contents" actually being moved...then would they not know exactly where they have been moved too? And the inspectors would know exactly where to look...mmmm can you say [nonsense]!!

and even if everything he said was true, why would we need to destroy the county? do you really think that Iraq is going to launch missles over the atlantic...you people are gullible. WAKE UP! THE US IS TRYING TO SECURE ONE OF THE MOST GEO-POLITICALLY STRATEGIC POSITIONS IN THE WORLD...this has nothing to do with anything else.

>Canada, France, Italy, China, Russia, Germany, Japan, Turkey, India, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland,norway, Finland, Sweden, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico...need I go on?

Canada has stated that they do not believe a second UN resolution is necessary, Italy is one of the original eight, Germany's government is running at 25% approval and just got hammered in the last elections, Ireland's Prime Minister stated he would have signed the Letter of 8 if he had been asked.

No, you needn't go on. You're just throwing the names of countries down and ignoring everything they actually do and say.

>question...Colin Powell in his address to the UN show satellite pictures of "full" warehouses...and then "empty" warehouses...complete with UN inspectors! (now thats resolution) So can anyone tell then where are the pictures of the "contents" actually being moved...then would they not know exactly where they have been moved too? And the inspectors would know exactly where to look...mmmm can you say [nonsense]!!

Well, you see, recon satellites are in low Earth orbit and generally spend only a few minutes of each day over a target. Or do you believe it's really about antigravity?

>Perhaps if you'd travelled the world a bit and stopped getting your opinions from CNN you'd be a little less ignorant. but of course American know everything don't they?

More than you, fool. You've convinced yourself that there is a vast number of people outraged over the war, when the reality is that people aren't even voting that way in Germany. Pure delusion.

Where are you getting you info from??? You are quite incorrect and a/ Canada (where i live) and also that germany is "is running at 25% approval" do you know anyone in germany?? I do.

"You've convinced yourself that there is a vast number of people outraged over the war"

huh?? even the US public approval pretty weak. Several cities including CHicago have officially (and wisly) taken an anti-war stance. (i work and talk with many intellegent american people daily...the common educated opinion all over the States is most certainly not pro-war) Do you really believe that iraq is a threat to the US?? that it ever has been??

But i guess you'll just believe whatever you want.

Eat up that propaganda buddy...mmmm!

And by the way...the US has several geo-synchronous satellites over the middle east. I work for a company that "helped" put them up there in the mid-90's. Its a matter of public record. powell speech was to convince the naive. Mission not accomplished.

Do you really think the world (or US) will be safer after an Iraq invasion?? yeah, you keep believing that. All you will do is amplify the world hatred of your policies...American blood will flow.

Enjoy the "war" peon. I hope no-one you know dies.

>Where are you getting you info from??? You are quite incorrect and a/ Canada (where i live) and also that germany is "is running at 25% approval" do you know anyone in germany?? I do.

Goody for you. And why did Schroeder lose his home district to the opposition? Because of the millions of Germans who support his policies on Iraq? Or did he get clobbered because it just isn't a winning position in Germany?

>And by the way...the US has several geo-synchronous satellites over the middle east. I work for a company that "helped" put them up there in the mid-90's. Its a matter of public record.

And these were optical recon satellites?

>Several cities including CHicago have officially (and wisly) taken an anti-war stance.

You believe Chicago has a foreign policy? Who is Chicago's UN representative?

>(i work and talk with many intellegent american people daily...the common educated opinion all over the States is most certainly not pro-war)

Most educated people seem to have less trouble with the shift key.

I'm getting more and more curious about your expertise with satellite launches. You first feign surprise over a recon satellite able to identify a UN vehicle -- you know, the ones with "UN" painted on the roofs -- and then you claim that your company launched geosynchronous optical recon satellites. It seems that you'll say anything that pops into your brain.

Just thought I would say a quick 'g'day', and add... crickey you people... how about getting it together? All this emotional energy spent arguing the point? Get outta here... the days immediately ahead of you will determine your future, and those of your children.

In case some of you had forgotten... for the most part I note that you're ALL American, you're therefore of allegiance to the same country, and enjoy the same God given blessings... if you want to stop bickering long enough to see them.

I dunno, but I reckon those blessings and the way of life you enjoy as a result are worth protecting... yes? Trust me, I am no military expert, but I think the best defence of freedom is a united front against oppression in all it's forms :D

Something else... if you don't want George W...God Bless him... we'll have him. Then we'd have an even better team at the top... him, and our boy John H.

Onya fellas! Stand tall... hold the line... it's a tough job, but someone has to fight evil. Thanks for your efforts!

Just my opinion :) Have a nice day... :)

Reckon you're kinda glad it was just a QUICK g'day huh? lol... G'nite :)

why doesn't everyone that supports iraq move there? no one is making you stay in the US. if this country is so bad you don't have to stay here. and all of you canadians who think tht the US is such an evil country can protest by not coming to the US for any of your medical needs. use our own great medical system. and you don't even need to go to iraq. i doubt that any of the protesters have the courage to put thier life on on the line for their beliefs that saddam is an ok guy and the US is the really evil one in this situation. i have more respect for "taliban john" than i do you. at least he had the guts to join the taliban and fight against the US for his beliefs. you prefer to stay here in the comfort and security of this country. bunch of f!@#@$king wusses.

"we've been at war with iraq for the last TWELVE YEARS! how will a few more really help? and how does adding violence make peace anyway?"-Meredith

We have not been at war with iraq for twelve years. We have been enforcing sanctions against them for that time.

And another thing, violence has provided peace to the majority of europe for the last 50+ years or so. It was called liberation from Hitler. Too bad France forgets that if it were not for us they would be speaking German and all of their undesireable citizens (in Nazi eyes) would be dead now.

Violence freed thousands of Jews and Pols from certain death. Maybe if we had gotten violent sooner millions more would have been saved.

There can be no peace without sacrifice, that sacrifice is blood. It ran red at Gettysburg, at Anzio, at Normandy and in the skies over Germany and England. That blood was American, and it is what the red stripes on our flag represent.

"Freedom has a ring to it the protected will never know"

To all my left-leaning friends (er, comrades) . . . I am ready to die for what I believe in . . . are you?????

"The Republicans got us into Vietnam" - Foot.

Since when were John F. Kennedy and L.B.J. republicans. I must have a different history book than you.

A republican got us out of Vietnam.
He was Richard Nixon.

0ver 2/3 of a million hits is not(to me)an inconsequential site. OUTSTANDING!!!!!

It's time to protest the Hollywood left! Boycott their movies and TV shows. Maybe they'll get the message when 289 million true americans stay away from the box offices! Their movies will flop and so will their careers!

Look at all of you grasp that # like it was the end-all. Do you really think all 289 million were for the war? Come on, kid. Don't be afraid of at least hearing out the ideas that SHOULD be the basis of this whole damned planet. If we go to war now, be prepared for the kind of terrorism that will REALLY make it hard to sleep. I live 12 blocks from Ground Zero and volunteered for many weeks after for the clean-up effort. I breathed in the dead down there. I don't want that again.
And do you really think that the americans who stop watching celebritie's movies are going to make a difference in their careers?? Get a clue. They obviously think that something bigger is at stake to speak out like this. And if they stopped acting, why do you think they wouldn't be able to do something else?! Maybe take one of your jobs. I'm sure the qualifications weren't too high.
reallynotchris@yahoo.com

This is hilarious! Keep up the good work!
go to: http://www.ipetitions.com/campaigns/hollywoodceleb/index.html for more!

Nobody wants war, I think we can all agree on that. My father was killed in WWII so I know about war. But sometimes it is necessary. We elected George Bush and he has the best intelligence about the terrorists. Would you rather that we fight it here or in Iraq.

It is possible to oppose a potential war without attacking President Bushís ìmotivesî. Anti-war supporters are behaving self-righteously and heatedly. The war-monger rhetoric appears politically motivated- aimed primarily at halting the conservative trend in America. Acknowledge the genuine convictions of those supporting a military operation without demonizing it. President Bush believes removing the Iraqi regime will make the world safer. A vast majority of the American public trust and support President Bushís position. He is committed to Americaís security and that should not be confused with imperialistic aggression.

1 of Millions summed it up well, "tompaine you're an idiot"!

Here's a few examples:

Your comments regarding military personnel:

"People like you blindly following orders and thinking that morons like Bush and Rumsfeld are privy to some special knowledge are doing nothing for democracy."

You told a soldier he does nothing for democracy!
That may be the dumbest thing I've heard. I'm sure others will agree and hope they respond too.
Also, they ARE privy to National Security Info we are not. Thats a fact.

Next, President Bush may not impress you, but you wouldn't impress him much either!!! He is supported by a majority of Americans (look at any poll you want). He is the most powerful person in the world. You are just stupid.

Tompaine said- "If you're going to claim to have a democratic society, people have to draw the line." WHAT DOES THAT MEAN???

Tompaine said, "My issue with the current government is that their policy represents the interests of the oil industry rather than those of the average American. Where do Bush and Cheney come from?"

They came from the Moon

The one to two million Americans involved in the oil industry are far more influential than the remaining 270 million citizens? Oil prices effect most all American's. However, the administration doesn't have a policy of colonization to decrease the burden of domestic oil consumption.

I would like to know if anyone has organized an effort to show support for our president and his policies. I would like to attend a pro USA rally in the boston area.

I stayed home to show that I support Bush. Have to love when people screaming peace will attack the ones who are on other side. Hmm.. strange isnt it. Way to go Anti-war people you just supported Saddam.

It's a lot easier to sit at home, go shopping, pollute the atmosphere by driving an SUV or car or truck and all the while of course avoiding thinking, than to go out in freezing cold weather to peacefully protest George Double DUH Bush's war mongering, like the brave and courageous millions around the world who did on Saturday. It's a good thing that so many people in the world are thinking and acting for the good of the world through creative and peaceful protest, because, according to the article, 289 million americans aren't.

As for JuJu Banana (far) above, by the length of these comments, it does look like a few folks read and appreciate these news items. i think it's a hoot! Libs - you really need to get a life (and get over the Florida vote. GW is President, and a good one at that. At the least, he hasn't lied in any depositions yet.)

These protests were in the extreme minority. We could've made that prediction even BEFORE they brought out the signs, drums, and chants.

Be it only in the United States (290+ million people) or worldwide (~6 billion people), it flat out doesn't matter. Even if we try to inflate the numbers that attended these demonstrations, it wouldn't matter. It STILL wouldn't matter if there were 10 million protesting in the United States, or worldwide.

To those who demonstrated recently:

Say and believe what you will. But you know as well as I that your opinions are so far in the minority that they, in the overall scope of things, don't matter. The reality is that most people don't care about your protests - but will give you the right to demonstrate as much as you want. The reality is also that most people disagree with you.

This site is a disgrace. I don't see one person justifying their pro-war stance. I believe you all are incredibly lazy. Lazy in your thought and in your attempts to understand the present state of affairs. When is the last time any of you picked up a book or read an essay that presented a different voice other than your own. Just one question: how many of you will be in Iraq fighting this war? You are just willing to sacrifice millions of American and Iraqi lives in the name of revenge and oil. You are scary people.
I protested that day. In the name of peace and democracy. It was about solidarity with the rest of the world. It is time we became a part of it instead of trying to sit on it.
And to the person who talked about the SUV show - I'm sorry but you're an idiot. Get an education.

AKM when was the last time you listened to an opinion or voice other than your own?
Furthermore, none of us are sacrificing the lives of those military serving overseas. I've already retired and they won't have me back, but I can tell you personally that no soldier, sailor, airman or Marine ever considered himself/herself as being offered up as a sacrifice by Americans. We're patriots who believe in a way of life that we don't want to see destroyed.
Finally, after having given twenty years of my life serving the government in all of its restrictive glory the last thing I want is to have the government tell me what to do or think. That's why I put in all of those years, so I could have the joy of thinking and living freely with the knowledge that somehow I helped to make it possible.

TXBoy
How is protesting NOT aligned with the "joy of thinking and living freely with the knowledge that somehow I helped to make possible". I'm not sure what your point is. And I don't think you read what I wrote. And to be honest, the reason why I came on to this site was to read more opinions that were not my own. I grew up with the military, went to DODDs schools, have family in the military (retired and active and all who are against this war because they know what it is really about but will they go if they are asked? of course they will but my point is that it is not worth it to sacrifice these lives in the name of something other then freedom - it is about oil and nothing else). I didn't say that any person in this war feels they are being sacrificed. The point AGAIN is that they are losing their lives NOT for freedom of our country or another - but for arbitrary reasons based on money and revenge. Having this connection with the military and having lived overseas for a long time, I struggled with my position on this. SO I read and read and listened - and I see no reason for war or death or hate. I'm sorry - but you are doing what every person who says that they are for this war is - turning anti-war into anti-american and you couldn't be farther than the truth. I just think it is easier for you to think this so you don't have to struggle with any of the issues.

"How is protesting NOT aligned with the "joy of thinking and living freely with the knowledge that somehow I helped to make possible"." - Never said it wasn't. My problem is with the abundance of hate being spewed at these rallies and the backing from communist and socialist groups. America is a free country, let's keep it that way. If you want to be communist, fine, just don't turn the whole country that way and take away my freedom.
"turning anti-war into anti-american" - Again, look at the signs that were being carried at these rallies and listen to what many speakers had to say. I did and it hurt to see and hear.
"it is about oil and nothing else" - Two questions that I'm sure President Bush will not have to answer later will be, "What did you know and when did you know it?"
Finally, I don't take any easy roads. Never have and never will. I also have thought long and hard on this one and can only conclude that we have waited 12 years since we WON the war in Iraq for conditions of the surrender to be met. Now it's time to enforce those conditions.
I've had my say and won't be back here. Enjoy your freedom and live freely as only we here in America can. I applaud all who do and wouldn't for a minute ask you not to have your voice or opinion. It's our right, protected by the Constitution.

Snooze. The usual Bozos Legions of the uninformed gave cause to gather. Snore.

I have read a number of what people have written but what TXBoy said has some truth to it. I to served in the Army for 23 years I do not want to see my family members and friends that are stationed in Kuwait come home in body bags! They are they to protect yours and mine freedoms even those protesters that say it's for oil....as far as i have been able to find we have never realy gained from the oil we still pay the high prices as do other nations. It's to bad that most of those protesters would run away to Canada, Mexico and not fight for what they say they are stand for.....how sad, may they NEVER return to the United States!! I'm for PEACE but if need be then war it is and if I could I would stand in the front line to be the 1st to fight. I became disabled due to serving this Great Nation of ours and I would do it all over agin for YOU!! GOD Blees our Troops and Protect them and may GOD forgive those who bring harm to us....I wouldn't!!!! We may not agree with our Pres. but lets stand united with him!!! Protesters go to Iran, Iraq and see if you can protest the way you do here...you would be killed or missing. Enjoy and fightr for what you have here.

I am behind President Bush 100%. I would like to add just one thing to the many possitive comments in favor of Pres Bush, the war and freedom. Canada - please take Peter Jennings back !!!!!

Ever think that maybe Iraq wouldn't hate us so much if we'd QUIT PISSING PEOPLE OFF? How about that for anti-terrorism?

Maybe if we'd quit shoving our policies and beliefs down their throats and quit supporting their enemies (namely the $10 billion we send to Isreal every year), they'd be less likely to want to bomb us. Not to mention economic sanctions against North Korea that, according to our treaty with them, should have been lifted years ago. I'd be pissed too.

On another note ... Yes, soldiers fight for our country but mostly because they're taught to do 1 thing - follow orders.

My goodness! All I can say is that the war is inevitable. No rallies or protests will stop what is already in place. Please give up and stop scaring the American public, we've been scared since 9-11. My only hope is that the US does what it needs to do and does it quickly. Our economy is being affected by the "threat" of war so let's go in there, put a bullet in Saddam's a** and move on...to Korea of course.

May God bless all the soldiers and civilians that will die in this war and I hope that his loving arms will comfort them.

10 anti-war arguements destroyed...

1)War never solved anything.
Not true ñ war has successfully solved many (if not most) of the major problems and dangers in history. What "solved" Hitler? Negotiation, compassion, psychoanalysis? No, the willingness of Churchill and Roosevelt to slaughter as many Germans as necessary before we achieved regime change in Berlin. Decisive, crushing victories (like World War II) lead to long-term solutions (like the utter transformation of Germany and Japan), while indecisive and hesitant outcomes (World War I, the Gulf War) often lead to further struggle and instability.

2)We have no right to attack Saddam because our aid made him powerful and he once functioned as our ally.
Not true, and not even vaguely relevant. During the Cold War, Iraq was a client state of the Soviet Union, not the United States, and Saddam has always been outspoken in his Marxist, anti-Western fulminations. It's true that the U.S. foreign-policy establishment tilted toward Iraq in its bloody war against Iran, but only because the Islamic fanaticism of the Iranians represented a more direct, immediate danger to the United States. Suggesting that fleeting cooperation some 20 years ago means that we have no right to oppose Iraq today makes no sense whatever. We provided massive military and financial support to Stalin during his desperate battle against Hitler. Does that mean that we had no moral right to oppose the aggressive designs of the Soviet Union when it turned against us within months of the conclusion of the world war?

3)It's all about oil.
Not really, but so what? Are we supposed to ignore the fact that our whole economy, and therefore our national security, depends upon imported oil? Why is it even theoretically inappropriate to fight in order to ensure the continued delivery of a substance so essential to our survival and independence? Meanwhile, Saddam's psychotic and despotic regime would represent a profound danger to the world even if he controlled no oil assets whatever. The United States imports almost none of its petroleum from Iraq, but our European "allies" (the French, in particular) get a great deal of their energy from that country ñ and therefore ardently oppose the idea of waging war. On this issue, it's the appeasers ñ not the hard-liners ñ who are "all about oil."

4)Instead of planning war we should be developing alternate energy sources to lessen our dependence on oil from the Middle East.
Sure, it's a good idea to secure new energy supplies ñ beginning with the long overdue drilling of the fertile oil fields contained in 4 percent of the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve. Meanwhile, the fond visions of windmills and solar panels solving our national addiction to that nasty black goo will do nothing to change our immediate economic or strategic situation. Even the most visionary and optimistic views of "renewable" energy development indicate that these emerging technologies can play a significant role only some 10 or 20 years in the future ñ by which time regime change in Iraq will have surely occurred in any event, due to the eagerly awaited demise of the mustachioed megalomaniac.

5)If we make war on Iraq, it will only enrage the Arab world and provoke even more terrifying assaults by terrorists.
The logic behind this assumption is that our enemies don't really hate us yet, but that if we dare to harm Saddam, they'll just go nuts. As a matter of fact, it's hard to understand how much more hostile you can feel once you've already declared (as Osama did in 1998) that every American, civilian or military, adult or child, richly deserves to die. The truth is that our enemies don't hate us for what we do, they hate us for who we are. The "don't get the crazy Arabs mad" argument rests upon the premise that their fury arises in reaction to some action or policy of the United States, rather than as an expression of their own self-destructive insanity and suicidal evil.

6)The U.S. is no better than Saddam because we've murdered some 1.5 million Iraqi children with our sanctions.
At times, leftists offer this same argument using the figure of 500,000 Iraqi children, or 2 million Iraqi children, or whatever other number sounds good at the moment. It's a stupid lie ñ contradicted by reports of the United Nations ñ and simply shows that whoever repeats it serves as an unpaid but loyal propagandist for Saddam. The U.N. has repeatedly reported (as recently as last month) that the Iraqi standard of living and health care has been going up, not down, for the last several years ñ in part because of the "Oil for Food" program administered as part of the sanctions regime.

Starvation remains a problem in that country ñ not because of a lack of resources or trade, but because of the deliberate and cruel policies of an evil regime. The magical mystery tours of Saddam's palaces by the United Nations inspectors demonstrate that the problem for Iraq isn't a lack of wealth, but a misallocation of wealth by a monstrous kleptocracy. In one of the dictator's palaces, all eight walls of an entrance hall were decorated with verses of poetry in praise of Saddam, inlaid in solid gold.

7)There is no connection between Islamic terrorists and the Saddam Hussein regime.
This statement represents one of the few examples of anti-war activists disagreeing with the official line of the Iraqi government. That line emphasizes the proud support of the heroic and revolutionary Iraqi people for Islamic fighters everywhere, including the holy warriors of al-Qaida. Meanwhile, the al-Qaida crew similarly expresses its solidarity with Saddam ñ as they did in their Internet statement (widely validated by intelligence agencies in the West) claiming credit for the recent Kenya attacks, and linking future assaults to potential war against their friends, the Iraqis. If Iraq expresses solidarity with al-Qaida, and al-Qaida expresses solidarity with Iraq, peaceniks face a difficult challenge in arguing that they represent utterly disconnected phenomena.

8)All the talk of war against Iraq has caused us to lose focus on the war against terrorism.
Even if the president of the United States happens to focus on Iraq in his speeches, that doesn't mean that the several hundred thousand Americans who have been dedicated since Sept. 11 to rooting out Islamic terror suddenly gave up or pulled back on their efforts. If our military and counter-terrorist capabilities don't allow us to simultaneously combat a gang of murderous thugs like al-Qaida and a fourth-rate military power like Iraq, then we have been even more tragically weakened by eight years of Clinton defense cuts than even the gloomiest conservatives assumed.

9)If we go ahead with war against Iraq, it will represent a betrayal of our values and mark the first time in history that we attacked another country that never attacked us first.
Only those with a truly pathetic public-school education could believe such rubbish, since we fought the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Spanish American War, World War I, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, our campaigns in Bosnia and Kosovo, and many lesser engagements ñ all with no direct attack on the United States. Great powers face great threats ñ and dangerous enemies. Why would a war prove easier or more appropriate after Saddam develops, or uses, nuclear weapons ñ rather than before he's completed such deadly development?

10)Iraq is no military pushover and we will suffer appalling losses in any war we launch.
No credible military analysts agree with this assessment, and the peaceniks don't believe it either. After all, some of the same "activists" issued the same dire warnings about imminent disaster before the first Gulf War, not to mention our recent efforts in Afghanistan. According to any impartial analysis, the Iraqi military is vastly less powerful than it was at the time of the prior Gulf War, and our capabilities ñ including our mission-appropriate high tech weaponry ñ make us much better prepared than we were last time.

The truth is that for many of the critics of Bush administration policy, the real fear (as some of them actually admit) isn't a bloody American defeat but a swift, relatively painless U.S. victory. Their belief is that it's a bad thing for the world if America becomes even more powerful, more dominant, in the Middle East and around the globe. They're dead wrong, of course ñ all humanity ñ especially the 200 million Arabs who suffer under the fanatical oppression of their own regimes ñ will benefit from a sweeping U.S. victory and an increase in American influence.

Subject: International law Legal analysis of matters asserted by
The Hollywood Actors Coalition Win Without War Petition

(legal notes and doctrine inside brackets)
herein part notes supported by certified
UN Security Counsel Resolution 1441 a specific term defined as (preemptive military invasion) we find conclusive, beyond being utterly false, legal rational invalidates the matter for want of cause, want of proof omission of fact and misrepresentation of facts
______________________________
Artists United To Win Without War declared in its letter:

"A preemptive military "invasion of Iraq will harm American national interests.

(The assertion of a preemptive military invasion has no merit, preemption doctrine only applies with out prior actions of the moving party, The omission of terms of the Gulf War surrender agreement invalidated the assertion for failure to show cause, and want of proof, see United Nations Security Counsel Resolution 1441, recalled all prior resolutions and reinstated each prior resolution is fully set fourth in 1441, therefore the prior terms of surrender invalidate any assertion of preemptive military action, use of force is a continuation of enforcement of terms set fourth at the end of The Gulf War a consequence conditional, preexisting and not in any manner preemptive)

Such a war will increase human suffering; arouse animosity toward our country,
(Speculation, hypothetical fails foundational criteria, conclusion failure want of facts & proof)

Increase the likelihood of terrorist attacks,
(Speculation, hypothetical conclusion failure want of fact & proof)

Damage the economy,
(Speculation, hypothetical, conclusion failure want of fact & proof)

And undermine our moral standing in the world.
(Speculation, hypothetical, conclusion want of fact & proof)

It will make us less, not more, secure. ...
(Speculation, hypothetical conclusion failure want of fact & proof)

The valid US and UN objective of disarming Saddam Hussein can be achieved through legal diplomatic means.
(Speculation, hypothetical no such evidence exist to date that disarmament can be achieved by any manner stated herein or executed thus far, the cited diplomatic means has no relevance by virtue of the weapons inspection which are not diplomatic means they are weapons inspections) This case is open and obvious dismissed

This past Saturday, the folks here in Sandpoint Idaho had a little rally of their own in SUPPORT of our troops, our President, our FLAG and our position on terrorism. This is not about oil or taking over another country. This is about securing global peace. I am no war monger. I have a 17 year old son who can't want to enlist and serve his country and it terrifies me. But I also know that sometimes we have to go to war to defeat evil and secure peace not only for our country but for those who are not as strong or as fortunate as we are. We allowed the Taliban to stay in power far too long at what cost in human lives and human dignity. How many people will Saddam Hussein have to kill, torture, maime or experiment on before we say enough is enough. Is it not clear that he is not happy to perpetrate his evil on his own defenseless citizens? He brings shame on all of Islam by using religious zeal and fear to maintain power. The Iraqi people starve and are denied medicines we send to them while he lives in the lap of luxury and gluts his own apetite for the perverse. I am sickened by the rapture he seems to enjoy at the expense of his people.

Yes, we will invade Iraq. Will we confiscate their oil fields? No. Will we stay to colonize them? No. That's not what we do. We have never done that and we never will. We will be victorious in Iraq and then we will give Iraq to it's rightful owners, the Iraqi people. What they do with their country is entirely up to them. We can but pray that they have had enough of a dictatorial regimes, slavery, bondage, torture, disppearances, poisoning, hunger, illness and poverty.

Either way, it is wrong for us to sit and do nothing. It is the President's duty to keep us safe and secure and it is obvious that President Bush takes his responsibility to us very seriously. I am grateful to him for that. I pray for his safety each night. I also pray that he have the strength to dot he job that is before him. I pray that his advisers give him wise counsel, that God guides him in the action that is right and just not only for our people but for the Iraqi people, all the Arab nations, for Israel and Palestine, for our allies and all nations. The world looks to us for guidance, for leadership. Those countries that are opposed to us are opposed to us out of jealousy and self serving commercial and political reasons. Why do the Arab nations look to us to solve their problems? Because our light shines so brightly, that's why.

I enjoyed reading your "peace rallies" and "Chiraq" statements. This is a great website. I clicked onto this website from a link on "Citizens Against Celebrity Pundits." I support President George Bush and his policies on Iraq. Our President is doing a great job.

well well well waba waba Mr George clooney handgun tough [guy] in movies. He has starred in some very violent movies as a handgun toting killer,also a robber. He sleeps in a mansion paid for in hollywood action blood and theft, yet he speaks out on our government being violent. What a two face...he is a political fence jumper.

iraq will kill YOU -- the only question is directly or indirectly? preemption starting to sound good?

I WANT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO SEE THIS

(my comments inside brackets)

Subject: Artists United to Win Without War,
The Statement Not In Our Name, In New York Times, 1-27-03

( In the final paragraphs of the petition you will find this statement,)
_________________________

We extend a hand to those around the world suffering from these policies; we will show our solidarity in word and deed.
_________________________

( I call your attention to the following )

" those around the world suffering from these policies"

( The policies...Americas War against Terror
Those Suffering ...Al-Quaeda, The Taliban and Osama Bin Laden )

"We extend are hand"

( Who are The Hollywood Artisits are offering there EXTENDED HAND TO ... Osama Bin Laden and Al -Quaeda for they are the only ones suffering by American policy and The War on Terror, from the date the statement was printed 1-27-03 to this very day no other group, state or country is
suffering but Al-Quaeda, It is clear whos side they Hollywood actors are on if they had there way Bin Laden would be running JFK airport in New York City )

Actors Practice The Art of Deception,
Actors Practice The Art of Deception,
Actors Practice The Art of Deception,

ARREST WARRANT ISSUED FOR PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON,
by Yugoslavia Wednesday, April 18, 2001

BELGRADE, Yugoslavia (UPI)
Belgrade district court,Serbia issuing arrest warrants for

Former President Bill Clinton,
sentenced to 20 years in prison
by the regime of President Slobodan Milosevic
For crimes against humanity and international law.

The charges arose from NATO's bombardment of Yugoslavia in 1999, which followed unsuccessful international efforts in France to get the Yugoslav government to halt the repression of ethnic Albanians in Kosovo and an incident at a Kosovo village where Yugoslav security forces were accused of staging a massacre.

The district court passed the sentences Sept. 21

The 14 leaders convicted also included then
U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright
Defense Secretary William Cohen,
French President Jacque Chirac
Premier Lionel Jospin,
British Prime Minister Tony Blair,
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and foreign and defense ministers.
Both former and present
NATO secretary-generals, Javier Solana and George Robertson,
Former NATO supreme commander in Europe, Gen. Wesley Clark,
were also among the convicted.

( MAYBE THE HOLLYWOOD PROTESTERS WERE SLEEPING OFF THERE DRUG HABITS WHEN THIS HAPPENED)

IRAQ DOES NOT CONTROL ITS OIL,AS A PENALTY FOR SETTING FIRE TO KUWAITS OIL FEILDS,
THE U.N SECRETARY-GENERAL CONTROLS AND HAS LEGAL CUSTODY OF IRAQS OIL, YOU MAY PRINT THE FOLLOWING TO SHOW THE PATHETIC HOLLYWOOD NOT IN MY NAME MINORITY, THAT NO THE WAR IS NOT OVER IRAQS OIL THEY DONT OWN IT
you would have to bomb the UN Secratary Generals Office to gain legal control of Iraqs oil

__________________________

UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNSEL RES.778

RESOLUTION 778 (1992)
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,

1. Decides that all States in which there are funds of the Government of Iraq, or its State bodies, corporations, or agencies, that represent the proceeds of sale of Iraqi petroleum or petroleum products, paid for by or on behalf of the purchaser on or after 6 August 1990,

shall cause the transfer of those funds (or equivalent amounts) as soon as possible to the escrow account provided for in resolutions 706 (1991) and 712 (1991); provided that this paragraph shall not require any State to cause the transfer of such funds in excess of 200 million dollars or to cause the transfer of more than fifty per cent of the total funds transferred or contributed pursuant to paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this resolution; and further provided that

States may exclude from the operation of this paragraph any funds which have already been released to a claimant or supplier prior to the adoption of this resolution, or any other funds subject to or required to satisfy the rights of third parties, at the time of the adoption of this resolution;

2. Decides that all States in which there are petroleum or petroleum products owned by the Government of Iraq, or its State bodies, corporations, or agencies, shall take all feasible steps to purchase or arrange for the sale of such petroleum or petroleum products at fair market value, and thereupon to transfer the proceeds as soon as possible to the escrow account provided for in resolution 706 (1991) and 712 (1991);

3. Urges all States to contribute funds from other sources to the escrow account as soon as possible;

4. Decides that all States shall provide the Secretary-General with any information needed for the effective implementation of this resolution and that they shall take the necessary measures to ensure that banks and other bodies and persons provide all relevant information necessary to identify the funds referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 above and details of any transactions relating thereto, or the said petroleum or petroleum products, with a view to such information being utilized by all States and by the Secretary-General in the effective implementation of this resolution;

5. Requests the Secretary-General:

(a) To ascertain the whereabouts and amounts of the said petroleum products and the proceeds of sale referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this resolution, drawing on the work already done under the auspices of the Compensation Commission, and report the results of the Security Council as soon as possible;

9. Requests the Secretary-General to repay, from any available funds in the escrow account, any sum transferred under this resolution to the account or State from which it was transferred, if the transfer is found at any time by him not to have been of funds subject to this resolution; a request for such a finding could be made by the State from which the funds were transferred;

AMERICA KNOW WHO IS AGAINST YOU
______________________________________
DENOUNCING PRESIDENT BUSH'S POLICY TO PROTECT AMERICA AND FIGHT TERRORIST'S,
THE HOLLYWOOD AL-QUAEDA SUPPORT AGENTS WHO ARE UNITED IN AIDING AND PROVIDING MATERIAL SUPPORT, AMOUNG OTHER THINGS TO THE FOLLOWING
TERRORIST GROUPS AND STATES

Osama Bin Laden
The Taliban
Saddam Hussien
KimJung Ill

_____________________________________

The List of Hollywood Artists United, Who aid and providing Material support to Al - Quaeda and terrorist States
______________________________________

Susan Sarandon - AKA - Susan Bin Laden
Jeananne Garafalo - AKA - Jeananne Bin Laden
Mike Farrell, Co-Chair
Robert Greenwald, Co-Chair
Gillian Anderson
Edward Asner
Rene Auberjonois
David Bale
Kim Basinger
Ed Begley, Jr.
Theo Bikel
Barbara Bosson
Jackson Browne
Peter Buck (REM)
Diahann Carroll
Eugene J. Carroll, Jr.,
Rear Adm. U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Kathleen Chalfant
Don Cheadle
Jill Clayburgh
David Clennon
Jack Coleman
Peter Coyote
Lindsay Crouse
Suzanne Cryer
Matt Damon
Dana Daurey
Ambassador Jonathan Dean
(U.S. Rep. to NATO
Warsaw Pact)
Vincent DíOnofrio
David Duchovny
Olympia Dukakis
Charles S. Dutton
Hector Elizondo
Cary Elwes
Shelley Fabares
Mike Farrell
Mia Farrow
Laurence Fishburne
Sean Patrick Flanery
Bonnie Franklin
John Fugelsang
Larry Gelbart
Melissa Gilbert
Danny Glover
Elliott Gould
Samaria Graham
Robert Greenwald
Robert Guillaume
Paul Haggis
Robert David Hall
Ethan Hawke
Ken Howard
Helen Hunt
Anjelica Huston
LaTanya Richardson Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson
Jane Kaczmarek
Melina Kanakaredes
Casey Kasem
Mimi Kennedy
Jessica Lange
Tea Leoni
Wendie Malick
Camryn Manheim
Marsha Mason
Richard Masur
Dave Matthews
Kent McCord
Robert Duncan McNeill
Mike Mills (REM)
Janel Moloney
Esai Morales
Ed O'íNeill
Chris Noth
Peter Onorati
Alexandra Paul
Ambassador Edward Peck
(former U.S. Ambassador
to Iraq)
Seth Peterson
CCH Pounder
David Rabe
Alan Rachins
Bonnie Raitt
Carl Reiner
Tim Robbins
Steve Robinson,
Sgt., U.S. Army (Ret.)
Mitch Ryan
Susan Sarandon
Tony Shalhoub
Jack Shanahan,
Vice Adm. U.S. Navy (Ret.)
William Schallert
Martin Sheen
Armin Shimerman
Gloria Steinem
Marcia Strassman
Michael Stipe (REM)
Susan Sullivan
Loretta Swit
Studs Terkel
Lily Tomlin
Blair Underwood
Dennis Weaver
Bradley Whitford
James Whitmore
James Whitmore, Jr.
Alfre Woodard
Noah Wyle
Peter Yarrow
Howard Zinn

Ed Asner,
Ossie Davis,
Jane Fonda,
Danny Glover,
Casey Kasum,
Oliver Stone
Marisa Tomei,
_______________________

MY FELLOW AMERICANS
UNITED WE MUST STAND ....REMEMBER 9-11
NEVER FORGET ..NEVER FORGET
_______________________

LET THOSE WHO HAVE DENOUNCED AMERICA KNOW WE ARE FIGHTING BACK

Susan Sarandon - AKA -Susan Bin Laden
http://us.imdb.com/Name?Sarandon,+Susan

Robert Altman
http://us.imdb.com/Name?Altman,+Robert
Edward Asner
http://us.imdb.com/Name?Asner,+Edward
Ossie Davis
http://us.imdb.com/Name?Davis,+Ossie
Jane Fonda
http://us.imdb.com/Name?Fonda,+Jane
Danny Glover
http://us.imdb.com/Name?Glover,+Danny
Marisa Tomei
http://us.imdb.com/Name?Tomei,+Marisa
Oliver Stone
http://us.imdb.com/Name?Stone,+Oliver

The nature of liberalism is to become so liberally minded, that one is incapable of seeing that which is true and right, (that is,... until another muslim comes to kill your stupid liberal [self])

My question to you Libs is this: If a well known group of people from accross town came and burned down every house on your block and let the whole world know that all people like you were infadels and would be killed by them,....what would you do? If they came to kill you during one of your cowardly protests, what would you do? Would you go to Ben & Jerrys to have an ice cream cone? Jeez

Finally, news reporting that thinks like I do.

Ya,

Gooontag. It me Hans..Ya. I am ze puppet of the Vishee France. Qui!! Saddam is doing the ze best he can. I am very afraid of WAR. I am afraid of what Saddam will do to me. Yikes!

SUBJECT:
A MESSAGE TO HANS BLIX,
AND THE UNITED NATIONS WEAPONS INSPECTION TEAM,

YOU CAN STOP LOOKING FOR SADDAM'S WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION

SADDAM HUSSEIN IS THE WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION
SADDAM HUSSEIN IS THE WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION

_______________________
IRAN IRAQ WAR
800,000 died
Estimates 1.5 million died.
Iran reports that 5,000 Iranian POWs (1981-1988) are unaccounted for by Iraq.

Iraqi fighter-attack aircraft dropped mustard-filled and tabun-filled 250 kilogram bombs and mustard-filled 500 kilogram bombs on Iranian targets.
Iraq installed spray tanks on an unknown number of helicopters or dropped 55-gallon drums filled with agents from low altitudes. These chemical weapons included
H-series blister
G-series nerve agents.
Iraq built these agents into various offensive munitions including rockets, artillery shells, aerial bombs, and warheads on the Al Hussein Scud missile variant.
_______________________
INVASION OF KUWAIT 1990-1991
February 1991, Hussein, fire to over 700 Kuwaiti oil wells,
Final casualties 33,000 Kuwaitis killed or captured,
600 Kuwaiti and other nationals arrested by Iraqi forces during the occupation of Kuwait in 1990; _______________________
GULF WAR 1991
234 Allied dead,
85,000 and 100,000 Iraqi soldiers killed.
_______________________
IRAQ and KURD WAR UPRISING 1988-1991

4,000 Kurdish villages had been destroyed;
conservative estimate more than 100,000 rural Kurds had died in Anfal alone;
3.5 million people and 10 percent of Halabja's citizens, more than 40,000 in all.

Saddam's forces used chemicals at 281 locations.

Among them were over 100,000 Kurds who "disappeared" during the 1988 and 1989 "Anfal Operations";
The cases of hundreds of thousands of detainees who "disappeared" in previous years remain unresolved. several thousand Shi'a Muslims arrested in the southern provinces of Basra, al-Nasirayya and al-'Amara in the aftermath of the March 1991 uprising.
Kurds, forcing an estimated 450,000 Kurds to the Turkish border and more than a million to Iran.

_________________________
IRAQ USED BIOLOICAL WARFARE AGENT ROTAVIRUS,
AMOUNG OTHER MIXED CHEMICAL AGENTS,MUSTARD,SARIN AND VX
AGANST THE KURDS UPRISING IN 1991

Rotavirus Anfal Operations
During the unsuccessful Kurdish uprising of March 1991, the Kurds captured huge quantities of Iraqi government records in the secret police buildings in the major towns and cities. 18 tones of documents, contained in 847 boxes with a total number of pages estimated as over four million, are now in the USA

1. Oral testimony from over 350 eyewitnesses or survivals;
2. Forensic evidence from areas of mass graves; and
3. Huge amount of captured Iraqi documents.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Amnesty International

Saddam's ruthless quest for power knows no humanity.

These same people never said a word when the Dems were feeding the war machine. Be consistent at the very least. You are either against war or you are not. I'm also against war but not when its just about being sore that the corrupt regime you voted for couldn't steal an election. Don't give us this crap it's different. People died when Clinton waged war three times, twice with no exit strategy or unanimous UN approval, ground troops or not.

Where were all of the celebrities when the US began bombing Yugoslavia after Milosevic started slaughtering and raping Albanian Muslims?
Was Yugoslavia a threat to US National Security?
No.
Did the US get approval from the UN?
No.
Did we bomb Yugoslavia.
Yes.
What did Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, Barbara Streisand and Martin Sheen do or say then?
I would like to find out.
Now in 2003, I ask?
Is Iraq a threat to US security?
Yes.
Did the US go to the UN and seek ADDITIONAL international approval to disarm Iraq?
Yes.
Perhaps these wealthy celebrities are against this action to defend the US because they liked Clinton and donít like Bush. If so, their political prejudices are clearly more important to them than the security of the American People. As such, anyone who actually goes to entertainers like Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn, Barbara Streisand or Martin Sheen for advice on National Security is incredibly naÔve. I for one, have no doubts about the threat posed by Hussein (as he destroys a few missiles that a few weeks ago said he didnít even have). I did not vote for Bush, but I will not let my differences with Republican positions on other matters interfere with my judgment regarding the safety of my family, friends, and country. I fully support our government to defend our great democracy.

Is Iraq a threat to US security?
Yes.
Posted by: Marc Sopher on March 4, 2003 08:18 PM

DO I ARGREE 1000% WITH MARC SOPHER
YES!!!
YES!!!
YES!!!

Gave peace a chance.(12 years)

Do you think the Dems will ever get over losing? I hope they don't carry on this way when Dubya wins again and morality and honesty reign for another 4 years. I just wish they wouldn't take their frustration out on our troops.

I totally agree.

All these "peace" protesters know nothing about Iraq, all they care about is hating bush. Where were they when clinton bombed bolivia just to get the media's attention off his scandal? In iraq a woman cannot run out of a burning building to save her life if she is not wearing the proper clothing. Otherwise she will be shot. If a woman is raped they consider it her fault and shoot her. And antiwar ralliers think iraq isn't evil? Most of them hate America. I'd like to see them all try to live in iraq for one day and see if they can live through it. I know people in iraq and they too support military action against sadam, they just couldn't say it publically because they would be killed. Sadam hussein killed thousands of Kurds just because he suspected that they were against him. Sure innocent people will die in this war, but thousands of people die under sadam's rule each day. We cannot leave this brutal, idiot dictator there. We must give iraq a chance to live with freedom and rights in the future. Antiwar protesters are basically saying that they don't give a damn about it, they just hate bush. There is no peaceful solution to iraq's problems, if there is tell me. What do you think sadam will do, just all of a sudden magically make iraq a great place to live and stop hating America? Think before you protest. Know the facts. Do not follow the trend of saying no to war on iraq.

It is amazing to see how bad Hollywood and Democrats(which are almost one in the same) memory is these days. In 1998, a vote was passed to take military action because Sadam Hussein KICKED OUT UN Inspectors. I do not remember Hollywood speaking out at that time. Nor do I remember Democrats doing anything but SPEAKING FOR AND PASSING this Action. Now, all of a sudden, you have a problem. This is very confusing for me because since 9/11, I would have thought Hollywood and Dems would be more for this countries defense not more against it!!!!! There is no way it could be because it is a Republican President and not a Democrat President who is in power. So, Hmmm, what could it be. Answer this question, What has changed since the 1998 vote took place? Nothing I can see besides the fact that Iraq has had over 4 more years to produce anything it likes. Oh, by the way where was Hollywood and Democrats when Clinton went in to Bosnia without the UN vote.

To Just Chris - Feb 26, 2003

Thank you. A well thought out piece. This should be published so the misled Liberal sheep can learn something about reality.

I'm confident with "Dubya" in the White House. It would be scary to think of how Al Gore would be handling the war on terror if he won in 2000.

AS FOR THE ANTI-WAR/ANTI-AMERICAN CROWD> YOU CAN'T FIGHT IGNORANCE WITH REASON~ IGNORANCE WON'T LISTEN, ~AND EVEN IF IT LISTENED, IT WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND.

You know, freedom of speech is a blessing and a curse. Say whatever you want, believe whatever you want, but know that our president has a commintment to protect us with whatever means he can find. The decisions he makes, whether they are correct or not, are made on your behalf and he deserves our thanks for taking our well being on himself. I don't want to go to war, I don't want people to die, but if America would pull together and present a united front to the world, Sadaam would have the pants scared off of him. If he thought America was ready to back her president's dicisions, do you think he would dare mess around the way he is now and defy inspectors and UN disarmament orders? Even if he was stupid enough to continue in his ways, America would have to stick to her guns. In the long run the next world leader who wanted to mess with us or UN directives would seriously think twice.

But, of course we will have to go to war to prove our strength, because a divided USA does not scare SH enough to comply. In this way people who protest war are actually contributing to the opposite of their cause. You know the pharse "United We Stand"? It is true, but it is a dream. Even after the WTC tragedy people could not agree, they were not united. It was evident in the posts on message boards all over the net. All people cared about was expressing their opinions and burning down opposing opinions. It is in our nature to be selfish and to put aside everything that does not agree with us. I wish it were not so, but of course this side of Heaven it will not change.
I have my opinions, and I never follow blindly. In fact normally, I never follow at all, I prefer to lead. In this instance I will support President Bush no matter if he decides for war or for a more diplomatic means. I choose to live by something larger than myself, and here is what it tells me:

Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
-Hebrews 13:17

Even if this did not come from the Bible, it would still sound as good advice to my ears. I am only one person, I can not decide what is right or wrong for an entire nation. What I can do is pray for our leaders that they will listen to God's voice and do as he tells them for our nation and well being.

To tompaine - I think you are awfully arrogant to use the name of one of the great men of our revolution. And, think, he was promoting a WAR with his mother country, an insurrection, if you will. And you dare to use his name in the name of peace? Get over yourself. The war will happen, the USA will prevail, and you will live to be stupid another day. And, I will continue to teach my children to sing God Bless America, It's a Grand Old Flag, and the Star Spangled Banner, With pride in their country. I just hope they can recognize idiots like you (who don't really understand that this is your life the gov't is protecting) when they see you, so they can pity you like I do, for your ignorance and small-mindedness.

Have you ever heard the story about the German who is awakened in the dark of night when he hears a loud pounding noise? He looks out his window and sees German soldiers battering down his neighbor's door. His neighbor screams for help, but the man just lets the curtain fall so he can see no more. The man does not help his neighbor for fear HE too will be taken. He thanks God that he is in the same politcal party as Hitler. A few months pass, and again the man is awakened in the night by the pounding noise. Again he goes to his window and sees another neighbor being taken away by soldiers. This neighbor also screams for help. The man does not help his neighbor for fear HE too will be taken. The man thanks God that he is not Jewish for he will be safe. More time goes by and the man hears the pounding yet again. This time it is on his own door. The soldiers then drag him away. And, yes, he too is screaming for his neighbors to help him. Except that now, the neighbors are all gone.

Have you ever heard the story about the German who is awakened in the dark of night when he hears a loud pounding noise? He looks out his window and sees German soldiers battering down his neighbor's door. His neighbor screams for help, but the man just lets the curtain fall so he can see no more. The man does not help his neighbor for fear HE too will be taken. He thanks God that he is in the same politcal party as Hitler. A few months pass, and again the man is awakened in the night by the pounding noise. Again he goes to his window and sees another neighbor being taken away by soldiers. This neighbor also screams for help. The man does not help his neighbor for fear HE too will be taken. The man thanks God that he is not Jewish for he will be safe. More time goes by and the man hears the pounding yet again. This time it is on his own door. The soldiers then drag him away. And, yes, he too is screaming for his neighbors to help him. Except that now, the neighbors are all gone.

I support President Bush and believe that he is privy to much more information about Sadaam and other terrorists than has been released to the media.

Some of our celebreties and most liberal democrats have banded together to support a movement that is an embarrasement to the majority of Americans. The reason anti-Bush protestors believe that they are in the majority lies behind the liberal slant of most media reports. (And let us call it what it really is - not so much anti- war as anti-anything that President Bush supports.) Most media reporters do not tell us anything about majority opinion. They prefer to insert their own political opinions rather than just report the news as it is. They cover anti-war protests with inflated attendance reports. We hear nothing about those that support our President.

I do not condemn your right to an opinion or your right to a different view. You have the complete right to place your heads in the sand and pretend that no action is needed. What really frightens me is what this country would be if by chance your liberalist ideas ever should become reality. When we take our heads out of the sand will we still be free? Once freedom is not worth protecting, once good men and women no longer are willing to fight for our freedom or the freedom of those under oppression, we will have become puppets for dictators like Sadaam Hussien.

I pray for a peaceful resolution to Sadaam's disposal. It would be wonderful if the earth just opened up and swallowed him along with his cohorts. That is not likely to happen. It is also not likely that Sadaam will "see the light" and bring foward his hidden weapons for destruction. He has been given plenty of time to do just that. However, he has used that time to play cat and mouse. For every weapon we have seen destroyed, how many replacements have been built?

A date must be set. Sadaam must be given a final ultimatum after which war must be waged. I pray that it is swift, I pray that it is contained and that he does not have the chance to wage vengeance on his own people. I pray for the courageous men and women of our military and that of our allies. I pray for our President and our country.

I thank those who have contributed to this discussion who have viewed support of President Bush and will stand behind him. I hope that when the 2004 election results are in, he will have won by a landslide. I firmly believe that our country needs his leadership for as long as possible and I pray that the next President will have the same convictions as our good President Bush.

I do not intend to keep up any dialogue. I do not need to have the last word, I am just grateful
to have the freedom to express my opinion.

God Bless America

As I read the comments on this site I am puzzled that so many people don't really know what this war is about.(Yes, I believe we are IN war already)Saddam Hussein is a cruel dictator who tortures,rapes,and murders his own people. What would he do to us if he had the chance. I don't know about anyone else,but I for one don't want to wait around to find out.Let's go in there and free the Iraqi people like champions of freedom that we are supposed to be.The only reason people are protesting President Bush is that they want a democrat in the White House in 2004.I have been a democrat since I started voting but I have had to vote for the candidate instead of the party, because the democratic party has proved again and again they do not have the intrests of the American people at heart.If they did they would stop all of this bipartisan bull and do what is best for the country.People! Please stop bickering among ourselves. We are at war.We have been since 9/11.I have been typing fast and I hope I haven't mispelled anything. I would't want to appear stoopid.

Cathy, you are right on the mark! The majority of these protests are supported by rich hollywood actors who want to see a democrat in office in 2004. They do not represent mainstream America in the least. If there was a good democratic canidate, I would consider voting for that person, however, the face of the democratic party has changed so much, I to had to vote for the person instead of the party! God Bless America!!

This is a great quiz that puts a little perspective on where Iraq could be after a "war".
If you can pass it you are eligible to join the peace movement. This test
consists of one (1) multiple-choice question (so you better get it right!)
Here's a list of the countries that the U.S. has bombed since the end of
World War II, compiled by historian William Blum:

China 1945-46
Korea 1950-53
China 1950-53
Guatemala 1954
Indonesia 1958
Cuba 1959-60
Guatemala 1960
Congo 1964
Peru 1965
Laos 1964-73
Vietnam 1961-73
Cambodia 1969-70
Guatemala 1967-69
Grenada 1983
Libya 1986
El Salvador 1980s
Nicaragua 1980s
Panama 1989
Iraq 1991-99
Sudan 1998
Afghanistan 1998
Yugoslavia 1999

In how many of these instances did a democratic government, respectful of
human rights, occur as a direct result?

Choose one of the following:
(a) 0
(b) zero
(c) none
(d) not a one
(e) a whole number between -1 and +1

To "a little historical context"- you may be right, but the difference is George W. is in the White House now. Stop living in the past, this is a new century and we have a strong, moral leader (what a concept huh?). Things are changing in Washington for the better.

Oh and while your at it. How many of those bombings were at the hands of Democrats? We do know who the last three were under. Just asking.

Don't liberals get sarcasm? Why are they always so angry? I thought they were supposed to be tolerant peaceful people as opposed to everyone else. Every where you see them post on the net they are full of venom. When they stand on the corner waving their little peace signs they are yelling and screaming and calling people names.They block doorways and violently confront the average person from trying to get to their job. When someone else expresses an opinion that is different from theirs, they want to insult that persons intelligence or ethnicity.Then they jump up and down and yell freedom of speech.
They want to constantly give history lessons and leave out some of the pertinent facts.
It is interesting that most of their politicians are always real angry and disappointed. They often speak out at the wrong times.Just something to ponder when you are going to war - Mr.Daschle.
By the way, I can think of a country that in the last six years was bombed,where non- combatant military and innocent citizens were killed, and it was left with a democratic government, respectful of human rights, that continue to occur as a direct result?

America...

And it will stay that way to in spite of all you angry liberals...

Count me in with the 289 mill..Get Rid of Saddam!

By the way, for all you people opposed to the war go to this site and see some of the atrocities that your friend Saddam has inflicted on some of his people. Warning the pictures are graphic. On second thought you wouldn't care anyway. Maybe you had better just stay in your ivory towers...and practice up on your history.

http://members.cox.net/free_iraq/Free_Iraq.htm

Times Online - England

See men shredded, then say you don't back war
By Ann Clwyd



ìThere was a machine designed for shredding plastic. Men were dropped into it and we were again made to watch. Sometimes they went in head first and died quickly. Sometimes they went in feet first and died screaming. It was horrible. I saw 30 people die like this. Their remains would be placed in plastic bags and we were told they would be used as fish food . . . on one occasion, I saw Qusay [President Saddam Husseinís youngest son] personally supervise these murders.î

This is one of the many witness statements that were taken by researchers from Indict ó the organisation I chair ó to provide evidence for legal cases against specific Iraqi individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. This account was taken in the past two weeks.

Another witness told us about practices of the security services towards women: ìWomen were suspended by their hair as their families watched; men were forced to watch as their wives were raped . . . women were suspended by their legs while they were menstruating until their periods were over, a procedure designed to cause humiliation.î

The accounts Indict has heard over the past six years are disgusting and horrifying. Our task is not merely passively to record what we are told but to challenge it as well, so that the evidence we produce is of the highest quality. All witnesses swear that their statements are true and sign them.

For these humanitarian reasons alone, it is essential to liberate the people of Iraq from the regime of Saddam. The 17 UN resolutions passed since 1991 on Iraq include Resolution 688, which calls for an end to repression of Iraqi civilians. It has been ignored. Torture, execution and ethnic-cleansing are everyday life in Saddamís Iraq.

Were it not for the no-fly zones in the south and north of Iraq ó which some people still claim are illegal ó the Kurds and the Shia would no doubt still be attacked by Iraqi helicopter gunships.

For more than 20 years, senior Iraqi officials have committed genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. This list includes far more than the gassing of 5,000 in Halabja and other villages in 1988. It includes serial war crimes during the Iran-Iraq war; the genocidal Anfal campaign against the Iraqi Kurds in 1987-88; the invasion of Kuwait and the killing of more than 1,000 Kuwaiti civilians; the violent suppression, which I witnessed, of the 1991 Kurdish uprising that led to 30,000 or more civilian deaths; the draining of the Southern Marshes during the 1990s, which ethnically cleansed thousands of Shias; and the summary executions of thousands of political opponents.

Many Iraqis wonder why the world applauded the military intervention that eventually rescued the Cambodians from Pol Pot and the Ugandans from Idi Amin when these took place without UN help. They ask why the world has ignored the crimes against them?

All these crimes have been recorded in detail by the UN, the US, Kuwaiti, British, Iranian and other Governments and groups such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty and Indict. Yet the Security Council has failed to set up a war crimes tribunal on Iraq because of opposition from France, China and Russia. As a result, no Iraqi official has ever been indicted for some of the worst crimes of the 20th century. I have said incessantly that I would have preferred such a tribunal to war. But the time for offering Saddam incentives and more time is over.

I do not have a monopoly on wisdom or morality. But I know one thing. This evil, fascist regime must come to an end. With or without the help of the Security Council, and with or without the backing of the Labour Party in the House of Commons tonight.

The author is Labour MP for Cynon Valley.

If you look at the list most of the peaceniks were around during Vietnam protests. Hmmm see a pattern forming here? Some of them protested WWII LOL. Guess they didn't learn one thing from Vietnam protests. All they did then was cause dissention and disrupt police activities. Lay guilt and shame on the soldiers that didn't want to go in the first place destroying their lives forever. The police are a major part of the "Homeland Security" not your personal f**cking babysitters you whiny crying b*tches and b*stards. You will be held forever responsible by the American people for any terrorist attack caused by police being where they should not have been instead of where they should be. Protecting you and the rest of us. Get a clue! You are not helping anyone, you are only going to cause more people pain.

It is obvious to me that the rich hollywood morons have not concept of freedom. All they want is to shine in the glory of it but refuse to get their hands dirty for it to remain. Oh..thats right they are the same draft dodging types that refused to serve not to long ago. My thoughts sre as Nicholson stated" you can't handle the truth" I beleive that is the facts here. They want their utopia of can't we all get along. Well, biblically that won't happen. I would like for Garofalo or Streissand to go over to Iraq and tell the women over there how good they got and maybe orgainze a protest see and see what happens to them. I pose a experiment lets take Sean Penn and Goerge Clooney over to Iraq set them down over there in front of the Republican guard/terrorists and put a M-4 about 15 yards away and see how long it takes them to run for that weapon..

does anyone have a non-french term for "fiancee?" i recently became engaged and my future wife and i would like to know if there are less cumbersome terms than "future husband" and "future wife."

Hey San Francisco, good thing those protesters for demonstrating for peace. Imagine what might have happened if they were pro-war. I think they did more damage that the first air strike on Iraq.

The violence seen at these so-called peace rallies does little to make your liberal point. However it probably does get you a little more air time. I support my President and especially our troops. The reasons for your protests are painfully clear; You hate the idea of a republican having the support of the American people, and President Bush certainly does have the support of the majority of Americans. The only thing liberals and the hollywood halfwits have accomplished is convincing the world and Saddam that America is divided on this issue of war. However there is no real division here; The polls show a large majority of Americans support our President and his policies.

what's wrong with peaceful resolutions?

It takes two nations to seek a peaceful resolution. So for only the US has indicated that it wants peace.

If only half of the people who have commented in favor of U.S. foreign policy would have signed up for duty in Iraq, I guarantee that Saddam Hussein would be running for the exits with his tail between his legs.

Lots of lip service bravado here, but not much in the line of real courage. I hope our future doesn't depend on this kind of heroism.

Bosworth
This is a Blog. All people can do is comment. We can't actually kill Saddam via this Blog.

I could, however, tell you which half of the 20 or so pundits that routinely post here are veterans or currently serving, or have close relatives in the Gulf. So don't worry, we're on it.

Still, 'thanks for sharing the results of your cranial self-colonoscopy with the regular ScrappleFace readers. Don't stop now, we eagerly look forward to more from you.'

What an interesting site. And thanks to a lot of people for sharing their information and views. One I had a problem with though was from - Educated Canadian - in February, a while ago I know, but it's on here! The person said the U.S. "needed another Pearl Habor." Why? What did all those innocent people do to deserve to die like that? The only way I can understand what happened at Pearl Habor is because it's a military base. A statregic place to hit. I don't remember any military base in the WTC. Hitting the Pentagon, well it is a political place, but I bet there were still innocent people there who had nothing to do with political policies. (the janitors at the least...)
("How can you make jokes at a time like this?"... "It's my defense mechanism.")sorry - movie quote there.
I would not wish a "Pearl Habor" or a "9/11" on any country. To say a country "needs" to have thousands of innocent people die...I don't know, maybe y'all are related to Saddam or Hitler, they felt the same way too.
Personally I am glad to have a President who is willing to walk his talk, and knows the definition of "is." "This IS going to happen, if Saddam doesn't comply..." And it did.
I do have family serving over there, and I do pray for them and wish they were back home, but I also know they joined of their own free will and they are fighting to protect me, my husband, my three babies, all of my family, so that we don't have to know, I pray, what it is like to live under a dictatorship. And I thank all the military people serving over there for that. We are proud of y'all and are praying for y'all as always.

It does not follow that because 289 million Americans do not actively protest that they are pro-war. On the other hand, even if 65% are pro-war, you gotta admit, that's one "heck of a lot of SHEEP".