FastNed

BMG, have you ever heard of "Seed Money"? Yes, in a few years, perhaps three, the Iraqi Oil Industry will be rebuilt and then they can pick up the burden for upward and onward. Until then, we need to fund the reconstruction so they can stand on their own. As for the "Rich" obtaining the majority of the Tax Cuts - Duhhhh - they pay the majority of the taxes! Simple math explains why this occurs. Obviously, you wish to retain their money and redistribute it where you wish to spend it - fine, that is a legitimate political position but have the courage (and honesty) to state your position clearly and debate it on its (presumed) merits. If you believe 'redistribution' is 'fair', state your position and defend it but don't call it an unfair tax cut - that is political BS. You also repeat, yet once again the media lie that President Bush claimed Iraq was an "Imminent Threat" - quote for us where he said that or admit you are uninformed, repeating media lies and do not have a clue! The people of America will have the opportunity to retire President Bush in November of next year - it is called a Presidential Election.

Over a twenty year period, I visited Israel many times. Bluntly, the land is pathetic - if Israel is now a land of "Milk & Honey" it is because Israelis have spend generations reclaiming the land. Generations of hard backbreaking work - as any farmer who has attempted such a thing can testify. I have also seen these techniques shared with any Arab, Christian or otherwise who wished to do the same thing on their own land. The Sabras of Israel have taken desert and turned it into farmland and have shared the knowledge, but get no credit for it. No, what they get is Palestinian nut-jubs who wish to walk in and take the fruits of those generations of work.

A legal CA DL is an open ticket to legitimacy anywhere in America. It works like this: When I arrived in Vermont a few years back, I went to the Motor Vehicle Bureau. As the holder of a legitimate "out of State" License, I was not required to take a driving test but had to take a T or F test on driving Laws. In a quick scan, I noted a difference on Right Turns at a Red Light and how close one could follow a Fire Engine. I then took a quick computer test and got a 90 (I've no idea which one I missed). My "out of State" License was taken (to be returned or destroyed?), as was my picture and in less than one hour I had a Vermont License. I then went to Town Hall and with the License alone, was registered to vote. I had already obtained a P.O. Box at the Post Office so I then went to a local Bank. At the Bank, I showed my license, a beat up, years old Social Security Card and left with a checking account. At no time did I have to display my US Passport or other proof of citizenship. I have no idea what would happen if I were stopped by "La Migra", The Immigration People, but I suspect my credentials would suffice. Were I an illegal, I doubt I would attempt a Border Crossing back and forth to Canada were these my only credentials but short of that, I doubt I would have much to worry about. I suspect that illegals all over the Country are on the way to CA to obtain a license while this window is open.

America became what it is, Craig, by doing what comes natural to it - allowing its people to be the best they can be. So simple to say yet so difficult to achieve. Because of what we are, we are a very self-centered people, content (as much as our restless nature allows) within ourselves and within our own Country. We don't want an empire, we just wish be be left to ourselves - to explore and expand our revolution of freedom. To see what heights we may reach, within and without ourselves. We don't think this is too much to ask but evidently it is. The rest of the World (and a small minority of us) have all these bright ideas and demands - America should..., America must..., it is America's responsibility.... and on and on, ad nauseam. Each time we reach a point of saturation and find a leader willing to get us out of social work - the rescues and Nation Building so beloved of those who do not have to pay the bills of blood and treasure, some dipstick comes along and puts us into the middle of someone else's problems. Lately, we are the poster boy for a thousand years of Islamic failures. All we wish to do is mind our own business and go about our own lives but these unshaven rag-heads with their sick fantasies wish to drag the world back to the Seventh Century. Part of the World may end up living a Seventh Century lifestyle in the rubble of what was, but it will not be America. The Sheriff has left the Building is not a joke. We refused to be dragged into Liberia - it is not and was not our problem. Regrettably, we are going to have to force the rest of the World to face their own problems and clean up their own messes. When enough of their own die, they will find the courage to select leaders to resolve their difficulties or pass on from the endangered species list and join the "Extinct" group. Oh, the French are gone - what a pity. Do remind me in a month or two to shed a tear.

Very well done, Morgan! I wished to frame the general issue and leave details to come up and out in the debate. You exceed my expectations on an immediate response with your well researched and cited posting. There is a great deal to ponder in this issue as in others which may be categorized under the "tyranny of the minority". For you political junkies - note those numbers of 87/89 percent - this is not a red/blue hot button but rather an 'American' one!

Oh, cknykid, I am just reduced to tears!!!!! A Seventh Century warrior religion which terrorized and conquered the West from the Seventh through the Fifteenth Centuries (1483 or thereabouts) is p1ssing and moaning they ain't got no respect - such a pity! From all this P & M'ing, it's quite obvious that some of those who follow this religion can not understand why we refuse to convert, submit to Islam or die - for these are the precepts of your religion and the only choice they offer to non-believers! In your wet dreams, sucker! Obviously, the last seven hundred years of lack of progress have taught these Islamic radicals exactly nothing! Why the rest of us should understand that women are nothing but possessions - that is if they follow Islam but if they do not, they are but whores to be taken by any true believer. I'm gonna send the Whabbi's a donation and rush right out and buy a Koran! Yeah, sure - and the moon is made of green cheese. These radicals have perverted and polluted the religion of Islam and unless those who believe purge these radicals, then the "unthinkable" becomes a necessity. If the choice offered remains convert, submit or die - then it shall not be the West which dies.

Two words - "under God" - have Americans engaged in a fierce and sometimes bitter controversy over the core concept that America embraces a belief in Freedom of Religion. There is no question, at least within America that this concept includes the right not to believe. Because America does not and will not collect religious data (except for narrow, closely defined purposes) no-one knows exactly how many of us are atheists and no-one really cares. These words are going to Washington, to the Supreme Court, because one atheist believes that his daughter should not be "exposed" to these two words in the "Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag" each day in school. Note that it has long been Law in America that no child is required to speak these words but that each is required to participate, to stand and observe a respectful silence should they not wish to recite the Pledge. Good manners and common courtesy require that at a minimum. (Think Hockey Game and two National Anthems being played). I do not wish to turn this into a "Civics" lecture but this recital of the pledge is exactly that, an exercise in civics. Intended to promote patriotism and national unity, is is part of the process in which American children become aware that they are citizens of America and this is also an important part of the "melting pot", the process by which immigrants (or at least their children) become citizens of America - America has never intended to become the Balkans! At this moment, due to the 9th Circuit Court Decision (which the Supremes will review), Schools in nine Western States are, theoretically, banned from all recital of the Pledge. A significant number of Schools are in defiance of this ruling and as the U.S. Senate quickly passed a resolution 99 - 0 supporting the Pledge, "under God", it is unlikely that any School will face prosecution. This is a "third rail" issue and no one wishes to be electrocuted touching it! What is this Pledge which has become such a focus of controversy and does the inclusion of the words "under God" by Congress in 1954 remove any historical protection for their use? "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." The immediate historical reference will be the words of Lincoln - those he thought would be little known nor long remembered: "It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us--that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to the cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God , shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." (italics added) Does the fact that at least one atheist believes these words are "Hate Speech" mean that "under God" is now banned in America? This is not a spark, a fire or even a forest fire - this is a conflagration! The Supreme Court decision is expected in June of 2004 - just in time to be a 'burning' issue in the Presidential election. Forget the usual demographics, ignore the 'Blue" and 'Red' States and ask how a 'tranzi' Democrat can finesse this issue? This will be 'the' issue of the election.

Hi Whistler - many of us "Jacksonian Americans" have concluded after 9.11 and statements from radical Islamists that the choice offered to America is Convert to Islam, submit as slaves or die. Being Americans, of course our answer is 'none of the above'!

Hi Morgan, welcome to the Forum. Nice post! Two additional thoughts: There is a great deal of historical evidence that the conditions imposed upon Germany at the end of WWI were the proximate cause of WW II. Iraq is bankrupt and an added Ten Billion in debt on top of what is currently owed merely adds insult to injury. Unlike certain Senators, we need to remember why we are in Iraq - to fight and eradicate terrorists and terrorism in Arab Islam. Iraq is our foothold in a continuing battle and 20 Billion is petty cash in that War. To continue that War, Bush must be re-elected and if that requires pandering to some special interests, so be it. The survival of America is at risk and no cost is too high.

William Clinton is a deeply flawed man who was a poor choice as President. He spent entirely too much time thinking with his 'little head' rather than his big one. He was and remains a "Poster Boy" for the Transnational Elite of the Free World. When you acknowledge him as a Tranzi, that he talked about problems and threw money at them while never seriously attempting to solve them should be no surprise. Had Perot not split the Republican base, it is unlikely he would have been elected. But having said all that, let us cease to spread the "Politics of Hate"; whatever he might be, he is not an idiot; Bush is not a moron and Reagan was not 'evil'. Each of them is an individual with good and bad points and each of them lead in their own fashion. Let us talk about substance, not simply cast aspersions.

First and foremost, the Constitution of the United States which created and controls the conduct of the Federal Government does not contain provision for a recall of a President. The Constitution of the State of California does contain such a provision. It would take many trillions of additional debt to have the US Government in as sad a shape as the State of California. Federal surplus/deficit/debt has nothing to do with the subject of this thread.

Hi Achilles, welcome to the Forum. I agree and suggest that the Philippines and Puerto Rico are proof positive of the non-imperial nature of America. Puerto Rico is free to leave its status as a Commonwealth of America and become independent whenever its citizens so desire by a simple majority vote. So much for the "Imperial" Empire theory!

Hi Hugo: Candidly, my opinions on this subject are closer to yours than to others, but... First, much of this is a matter of moral opinion or choice and I do not believe I have the right to force my morals (such as they are) upon others; and, Last, excluding those who target children whom I hold no compunctions against removing from this world, a group of ten million of us ( no matter how unpopular) must be accommodated if we are to remain the civilization we profess to be. I may privately believe they are a non-replicating group and consider their activities self-destructive and consider this as evolution in action but even if I am correct (which is debatable) it does not remove the requirement that we reach a civilized accommodation with them, or so I believe! To me, the question remains how do we reach such an accommodation without risking or destroying the very civilization under which they seek shelter? I believe you greatly added to the debate on this overall question with this thread on a "Gay" gene which I believe has been shown to have a theoretical basis but remains as unproven but possible.

I believe you are correct, Derek, population predictions appear to be valid for the existing generation of child bearing age only. Beyond that, it's crystal ball time.

Roh Moo-hyun, the President of South Korea who was elected on an anti-American, 'Korean superiority' platform has astonished Koreans and the World with an announcement that he has lost confidence in his ability to perform his duties. “I reached a situation in which I cannot conduct the presidency,” he told astonished viewers on television. “I have no confidence in doing my job under this situation.” His announcement might lead you to expect his resignation but his subsequent actions make this appear to be some bizarre oriental move in the game of Baduk (Go) as he is calling for a Referendum in December to provide him with a vote of confidence! Absent such a vote, he states he will resign. Sounds like he's been drinking North Korea water!

Hi Morgan, welcome to the Forum. Good post, be interesting to see if the research is replicated. This is a highly complex matter and what I am taking away from this discussion is that a theoretical basis for a homosexual gene or propensity has been advanced and some evidence of this has been demonstrated but nothing conclusive. In my mind, at least, it's more likely that its nurture not nature that's involved but the question remains undecided. In either event, three percent of our population has this orientation and absent criminal activity - which I would define only as child abuse - we must reach a civilized accommodation with this minority as with every other minority. The strength of our civilization is such accommodation with minorities among us and I see nothing wrong with recognition of Gay Partnerships or Civil Unions as a method of ending this civil strife. But there is another side of the coin and that is the strong belief of many (including myself) that "Marriage" is a religious term. If someone Gay wishes to be "married" they must find a religious group which allows such and they must not be allowed to use the power of the State to intrude upon the religious beliefs or others. Neither may they use the same power to silence people of religion or censor their religious tracts by classification of their speech or content as "Hate Speech". At an unspoken and undiscussed level, much of this has to do with money. If a Gay Union is classified as a "marriage" then a vast amount of financial benefits become mandated! The Health and Pension amounts involved are gigantic and I believe the costs to companies and taxpayers have not been considered, as they should be, in the debate.

SirRiff, Israel was born of the UN which followed the path of the League of Nations, not terrorism.

Thank you, KK, for your candid and responsive posting.

Let's just review the basic economics of what is involved here. Canada has long had a program where financial incentives are provided to film-makers to induce them to move production to Canada. Canada is paying film producers to take jobs away from Americans and bring them to Canada to provide work for Canadians. What's your beef? That Arnold plans to keep American jobs at home in America?

Do you understand the meaning of "Diplomatic Immunity"? You do not 'request' a diplomat to appear before a Congressional/Parliamentiary Committee, it is a breach of Diplomatic Protocol. It is also a nasty political move designed to embarrass the Ambassador and thru him, America. There is always a 'tit for tat' in these diplomatic tiffs - what are these Parliamentarians attempting to do? Double unemployment in Windsor?

Black Dog, there are a substantial number of Americans (and Canadians, as well, I dare say) who believe that when someone goes to the extreme of killing your women and children, all discourse is at an end. There remains no useful additional politics, discourse or diplomacy to be attempted. It is all over but the killing - unless, of course, you are one of those who are faint of heart, weak in conviction and lack the courage to defend you and yours. Buy a Koran and convert if you find yourself in this grouping. Once matters reach this point, it no longer matters who was right and who was wrong; slights, insult and injustices of the past no longer have relevance. Theories about 'root causes' become a diversion for air-heads while those of us who have a grasp of reality defend our loved ones and our way of life. You mentioned: "it's unilateralist policies are alienating former allies and antagonizing its foes." That the Tranzi's of France, Germany and much of the EU and UN oppose us is a feature not a bug. This is good evidence that we are on the correct path and will not follow their lead and talk a problem to death while our Nation and people die around us. Antagonize our foes - what a pity! What would you suggest, that we tell them: "Well, hey, the kids were a pain and the wife was a b*tch so small loss. I should have divorced them. Let's just forget about it!"? Perhaps that is your view but it damned well is not mine, nor is the view of a majority of Americans! We know what is required to pay the Ferryman's Fee and we will usher them into an American version of Hell as we do so. Dante Alighieri meets Edgar Allan Poe. History is replete with peoples who followed your course - color them extinct.

While Syria has been facing East and insisting: "Move along, nothing to see here!" - "there are no terrorists here" - it has been looking in the wrong direction for danger. It has also forgotten a bitterly learned lesson of the Arab World: it's damn dangerous to get involved with the Palestinians! Jordan learned it's lesson in "Black September" and the rubble which is Lebanon stands as a pathetic monument to involvement with the deranged Palestinian leadership. Americans leave Coke cans and shards of democracy behind, the Palestinians leave devastation! When President Bush announced the "Road Map" for Palestinian progress in a peace process, many of us in America (myself included) thought he was loosing it but once again, he has shown he is a man who says what he means and means what he says. The Palestinians were called upon to replace Arafat and reject terrorism as a condition of American involvement on their behalf. They have been unwilling or unable to do so and a recent poll (sorry, no cite) indicates that some 60 percent of them support terrorism against Israel and believe they will accomplish their long stated goal to eradicate Israel with terrorist acts. Wishful, demented thinking. The Palestinian leadership has been playing the Tranzi's of the EU and the UN for years and, quite like them, have failed to take the measure of President Bush. With his recent statement that the Israeli's have the right to strike against terrorists anywhere, we have removed our restraints on Israel and it is now "Open Season" for Israel. Somehow, I do not doubt they will make good use of this. The American "Road Map" is now at a dead end. The fiction that Assad, Jr. leads Syria is becoming more and more transparent and the continued provision of aide and comfort to terrorists targeting both Israel and America has become suicidal. Syria now is between Israel at one end and America in Iraq at the other. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place!

Without being overly technical, I believe we can identify an impact point at least by the time of reentry. Realistically, we will reflexively defend Canada with or without the participation of the Canadian Government. That is, all other things being equal. Without Canadian participation, our launch sites will be limited to America and the siting will be with the intent of protecting America - not North America

Hello, Thomas, welcome to the Forum. You and I have a basic disconnect on our concepts of reality. I believe we were attacked for what we are, not for anything which we have done. To those who believe there is only "one" true religion and whose mindset is in the Seventh Century, we are anathema! But let me give you this: Even if what you say is 100 percent correct, so what! Those who attacked us on 9.11 made a fatal mistake. When they came to America and killed our women and children, they committed suicide. By your logic, we should have surrendered to the Japanese in 1941. But we did not and after we had killed enough of them, those who survived discovered they could bear to live with us after all. In due time, all of Islam will accept that killing Americans is not conducive to the growth of Islam. We will make damned certain they learn that lesson.

Thank you for your response, SirRiff, while I am not qualified to judge the genetic soundness of your reply, I do not believe you would intentionally mislead so I will accept that there could be a genetic predisposition towards homosexuality in some people. Seems to make sense as you express it. Perhaps there is truth in both positions. There have always been youngsters thought/recognized to be 'effeminate' and I have seen a few cases where this type of child was targeted by abusers which also makes sense, in a sick sort of way. Children are sexually curious at ages well below puberty and if 'part' of this is hard-wired (towards homosexuality), their glances/interest would appear to be somewhat obvious to adult observers. Self-identification as a potential 'victim' - not a nice concept but thought provoking. I have never seen a case of 'child abuse' where the adult was female. In the few I have heard of, the 'victim' was a young male (never a female) and the prevailing attitude was "the lucky kid!". Is there adult to child sexual contact between females with any frequency? Or is this primarily a 'male' problem? Anyone have any knowledge in this area?