Is it just me, or what.....

[FishermanTim]

I was watching the local news last night and this morning, and although these two stories may not be linked, the fact that they were both reported on the same day just happened to make me think.
Now with news about possible terrorist attacks in the near future, I am concerned and a little more observant of the little things around me.

The first story was about a Vermont powerplant that is "missing" a couple of spent fuel rods from their nuclear reactor. That in itself is important, but not exactly a serious red flag item

Another story about a "full" gas tanker stolen from New Jersey
Again, important, but by itseld, not a red flag item.
(This has already been upgraded to a nation-wide alert.)

Combine the two, and you have a potential for a nasty event.
I, for one, am REALLY concerned for our safety. This may be nothing, but after the recent events in Iraq, the terrorists may have shifted their focus to the USA again. I pray that My assumptions are completely wrong, but I plan on being a little more aware of what's going on around me.

This may sound a little like the "chicken little - sky's falling" scenario, but I'd rather be safe that sorry.

Like I said, is it me, or what?

[Homerun04]

As a father of two beautiful daughters I am saddened to say, "The days of assumed safety in our country and world are far over".

Live every day like it is your last, because as 9/11 has proven, it just might be.

[beachwalker]

it changed when Lord Bush lied to us about the WMD's !

I was all for the incursion IF the friggin things were there. They weren't.

this is complete bullshiite. he should be hung

[Slipknot]

Originally posted by beachwalker
it changed when Lord Bush lied to us about the WMD's !

I was all for the incursion IF the friggin things were there. They weren't.

this is complete bullshiite. he should be hung

beachwalker, I think he did what was best.
here is something interesting

Hope and pray this is all true!
If it is true, we can all be proud of what our people are doing over there.

Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2004 6:34 PM
Subject: The Truth About Iraq

> As I head off to Baghdad for the final weeks of my stay in Iraq, I
> wanted to say thanks to all of you who did not believe the media. They
> have done a very poor job of covering everything that has happened. I
> am sorry that I have not been able to visit all of you during my
> two week leave back home. And just so you can rest at night knowing
> something is happening in Iraq that is noteworthy, I thought I would
> pass this on to you. This is the list of things that has happened in
> Iraq recently: (Please share it with your friends and compare it to the
> version that your paper is producing)
> -Over 4.5 million people have clean drinking water for the first
> time ever in Iraq.
> -Over 400,000 kids have up to date immunizations.
> -Over 1500 schools have been renovated and ridded of the weapons
> that were stored there so education can occur.
> -The port of Uhm Qasar was renovated so grain can be off loaded
> from ships faster.
> -School attendance is up 80% from levels before the war.
> -The country had it's first 2 billion barrel export of oil in
> August.
> -The country now receives 2 times the electrical power it did
> before the war.
> -100% of the hospitals are open and fully staffed compared to 35%
> before the war.
> -Elections are taking place in every major city and city councils
> are in place.
> -Sewer and water lines are installed in every major city.
> -Over 60,000 police are patrolling the streets.
> -Over 100,000 Iraqi civil defense police are securing the
country.
> -Over 80,000 Iraqi soldiers are patrolling the streets side by
> side with US soldiers.
> -Over 400,000 people have telephones for the first time ever.
> -Students are taught field sanitation and hand washing techniques
> to prevent the spread of germs.
> -An interim constitution has been signed.
> -Girls are allowed to attend school for the first time ever in
> Iraq.
> -Text books that don't mention Saddam are in the schools for the
> first time in 30 years.
>
> Don't believe for one second that these people do not want us
> there. I have met many many people from Iraq that want us there
> and in a bad way. They say they will never see the freedoms we
> talk about but they hope their children will. We are doing a good
> job in Iraq and I challenge anyone, anywhere to dispute me on
> these facts. So If you happen to run into John Kerry, be sure to
> give him my email address and send him to Denison, Iowa. This
> soldier will set him straight. If you are like me and very
> disgusted with how this period of rebuilding has been portrayed,
> email this to a friend and let them know there are good things
> happening.
>
> Ray Reynolds, SFC
> Iowa Army National Guard
> 234th Signal Battalion

[beachwalker]

QUOTE]Originally posted by Slipknot
[beachwalker, I think he did what was best.
here is something interesting

Hope and pray this is all true!
If it is true, we can all be proud of what our people are doing over there.

Sent: Tuesday, April 13, 2004 6:34 PM
Subject: The Truth About Iraq

> As I head off to Baghdad for the final weeks of my stay in Iraq, I
> wanted to say thanks to all of you who did not believe the media. They
> have done a very poor job of covering everything that has happened. I
> am sorry that I have not been able to visit all of you during my
> two week leave back home. And just so you can rest at night knowing
> something is happening in Iraq that is noteworthy, I thought I would
> pass this on to you. This is the list of things that has happened in
> Iraq recently: (Please share it with your friends and compare it to the
> version that your paper is producing)
> -Over 4.5 million people have clean drinking water for the first
> time ever in Iraq.
> -Over 400,000 kids have up to date immunizations.
> -Over 1500 schools have been renovated and ridded of the weapons
> that were stored there so education can occur.
> -The port of Uhm Qasar was renovated so grain can be off loaded
> from ships faster.
> -School attendance is up 80% from levels before the war.
> -The country had it's first 2 billion barrel export of oil in
> August.
> -The country now receives 2 times the electrical power it did
> before the war.
> -100% of the hospitals are open and fully staffed compared to 35%
> before the war.
> -Elections are taking place in every major city and city councils
> are in place.
> -Sewer and water lines are installed in every major city.
> -Over 60,000 police are patrolling the streets.
> -Over 100,000 Iraqi civil defense police are securing the
country.
> -Over 80,000 Iraqi soldiers are patrolling the streets side by
> side with US soldiers.
> -Over 400,000 people have telephones for the first time ever.
> -Students are taught field sanitation and hand washing techniques
> to prevent the spread of germs.
> -An interim constitution has been signed.
> -Girls are allowed to attend school for the first time ever in
> Iraq.
> -Text books that don't mention Saddam are in the schools for the
> first time in 30 years.
>
> Don't believe for one second that these people do not want us
> there. I have met many many people from Iraq that want us there
> and in a bad way. They say they will never see the freedoms we
> talk about but they hope their children will. We are doing a good
> job in Iraq and I challenge anyone, anywhere to dispute me on
> these facts. So If you happen to run into John Kerry, be sure to
> give him my email address and send him to Denison, Iowa. This
> soldier will set him straight. If you are like me and very
> disgusted with how this period of rebuilding has been portrayed,
> email this to a friend and let them know there are good things
> happening.
>
> Ray Reynolds, SFC
> Iowa Army National Guard
> 234th Signal Battalion [/QUOTE]

Slip,

I think that it is correct what your saying but hearing it from Sargeant Reynolds would mean a lot more if Grand Pooba Bush chirped in and stated the SAME THING ! .

And some of those bits need a bit of clarification don't you think ?

[bart]

maybe ima pessimist but i don't think the future looks bright.

[TheRattBoy]

If Clinton wasn't so soft on the mideast things may have been different when George took office, he cannot be blamed for what had been brewing for many years, i'm glad George was (is) in office instead of Gore, Now for the economy, that's a whole different story....
The world we live in today is a very scary place and I don't see it making any turns for the better...How did it ever get to this? johnny "tRB"

[fishweewee]

What makes you think Bush hasn't done everything in his power about the economy?

You know, I really think basic economics should be a mandatory high school course (like drivers ed), more people would be less likely to blame a sitting president or give him credit for things that are mostly out of his control.

The freakin' economy has a mind of its own, businesses and consumers drive the economy, the gov't at its best only tweaks and nudges it along.

[beachwalker]

who's complaining about the economy ?

talking about a bull#^&#^&#^&#^& war here

[Homerun04]

Just Homerun04's take on things.....

1. Going to Iraq WAS the right thing to do, and I beleive Saddam had WMD but they destroyed/dismembered them before we got there. I also beleive Saddam was an immenent threat to the safety of the US

2. The problem is that Bush comes off as an arrogant little ass**** and anytime someone comes off that way people are always just waiting for them to trip up a little bit so they can jump all over him. If George H. And Babs would have done a better job of raising George W. as a child to have a little more humility, sincerity and "well wishing" intent, no one would be questioning him right now.

Bush's problems are being manufactured by Bush himself - based on serious personality flaws IMO. Then again, Daddy Bush and Barbara were too busy trying to make a name for themselves to have ever spent anytime (nor cared) about raising a child with decency, honesty and good-intents in mind. This should serve as a great example of what happens when parents put their own selfish, self-centered ambitions above the well-being and care of their children.

Is it me, or does Bush never seem "comfortable" when you see him on TV or hear him speak. He always seems to be "tight" or "stiff". I do not think he feels comfortable being the President of the US. I get the impression he is acting in a way he thinks the President of the US is supposed to behave, but not in a way that is comfortable for him. In other words, I think he himself doubts wether he is Presidential material or not - whatever that might be. I think he lacks self-confidence that he is man enough for the job - and this often times comes as a result of a lifetime of being spoon-fed success because of your family's heritage, money, influence, etc. Go talk to ANY child of a successful self-made man who is trying to follow in their Dad's footsteps, buy them a few beers, and you'll usually discover that MANY of them doubt whether they are up to the task of following their Dad's legacy.

Enough said. And I am neither a republican nor a democratic. They both make me sick.

[RIJIMMY]

About 3 years ago, I was reading how the Taliban was tearing down the Buddhist statues in Afghanistan. That was the first I heard of the Taliban, I thought they sounded like trouble. A few months later, I read in a small blurb in the paper that they were requiring non- Muslims to wear a patch with their religion on it. Sounded like the Nazis to me. I mentioned to my wife that these people were trouble.
A few months later, Sept 11. And lo and behold, the Taliban is harboring the group that initiated it. If the US attacked Afghanistan – prior to Sept. 11, the world would have reacted in outrage. But what if that would have prevented the attacks on Sept. 11? You can never be certain.
I have heard about Iraq and Hussein for years. He has caused instability in the region, funded suicide attacks and attacked his neighbors. We NEED to be proactive in protecting our country and every risk should be addressed. Is there any guarantee? No.
The US has stood alone in this world for years. No one has helped us, why is that any different now?

I think Bush has done the right things, he just is not a great diplomat. His personality does not make friends.

As far as the economy, when Clinton was pres, the NASDQ was over 4000, EBAY was trading at over $400 a share. Corporate governance was unchecked . I’m in the investment industry and EVERYONE knew the bubble would burst. It finally does and the democrats are blaming Bush. It makes me ashamed to be American when I hear what the politicians say, they play to peoples lack of knowledge. All of the problems we have are cyclical, Bush is just on the down side. As FWW said, there is little a pres can do to really affect the economy.

[bart]

what's messed up is that they're now allowing Baathists back on the governing council, people who were once loyal to Saddam. wasn't that our main goal, to make the world safer, to get rid of saddam and his supporters? WTF?

"Is it me, or does Bush never seem "comfortable" when you see him on TV or hear him speak. He always seems to be "tight" or "stiff""-

Bush is an idiot so yes thats why he seems uncomfortable when he speaks, he can barely articulate ideas and pronounce "big" words. everytime he gets grilled by the press he does a great job of avoiding and manipulating the questions. I hate everything about President Bush; his cocky demeanor, stupidity, and his general attitude that we're the United States and we can do whatever the hell we want. he makes all Americans look like a bunch of arrogant pricks and this is why we're hated IMHO.

[RIJIMMY]

Bart, we were hated way before Bush. Past presidents took the course of "lets negotiate and be friends with the Arab world". It did not work. SO Bush is taking the lets be aggressive and be on the offensive with the Arab world. Lets give it a chance before we say it wont work.

I grew up during the Iran hostage crap. Iran walked away from that whole episode untouched. I wish we leveled a few cities and dared them to try to touch our people again.

Peace has NOT worked with the radical Isamic movement.
All I am saying, is give war a chance.

[bart]

war is fine(war is never fine) with me when used properly. war, economics, policy aside, i just don't like how we are portrayed as Americans, and this is a direct reflection of President Bush. Does anyone else here think W comes off as an intelligent, caring, sensible human being? All i see is him trying to downplay every problem our country faces with an air of "well i'm the president and i can do whatever i want." i don't know how i feel about the war anymore, but i do know that he is a poor misrepresentation of our country's people......or maybe not which is truly sad.

[CustomMarineProducts]

As some of you know, one of my eldest Sons was in this last war on Iraq.
From what he has told me, (not what CNN told us) The Iraq's threw everything they had at us. We were by far and large superior.
I think that it was only a matter of time that the US and Iraq were going to go head to head. Hiding your head in the sand and pretending everything was OK didn't work with Hitler and it wouldn't work with Hussein. They were the same type of people.
I for one, am damn glad that he DIDN"T have any WMD, or we would be bringing our dead home by the thousands like we did in WWII.
Someone had to curb this animal, and it is better done now than later. More often than not, world politics is a messy business, requiring us to choose between the lesser of two evils.
I think the man (Bush) did what he felt was the right thing to do.
It is rather easy for us to sit here after the fact and be critical of his actions.
Remember hind sight is always 20/20.

[beachwalker]

Thanks Pete,

but some of us were discussing and trying to understand the rhetoric and WHouse spin before the IRAQ incursion. I say IRAQ because sometimes it is grouped with Afghanistan and that is a separate entitiy.

I wished the WMD's were'nt there too but I also hoprd we didn't need to spend trillions and many lives trying to take down a despot when the time seemed early. People die every day and it's probably no news to you because you sound as though you're versed in the issues. So why is it that we have a conflict that isn't TOTALLY necessary yet the service and sacrifice of coalition lives ends up justifying and strengthening our intiative ?

I need answers

[CustomMarineProducts]

I cannot speak for Bush's reasons for going to war. Only he can do that. I too believe the guy is an idiot.
I do believe that the timing was right. We had to take Saddam out before he totally destroyed the entire region. I think the "spin" was used, because we (the American public) were in a position that we wanted to kick the ever loving sh*t outta someone. And Saddam was an easy guy to hate, not to mention, it really did need to be done.
I hear of others speak of world opion. The fact of the matter is, America has never really cared about world opion, and when all is over, the world will kiss our butts for our American dollar.
Germany was selling the Iraqis weapons and equipment that's why they didn't want us there. Same with France. We protected Germany from the USSR for 50 years and we bailed the French cowards out God knows how many times. This is how they repayed us. Who cares what either of them think.
The mid-east is complaining in public and letting us fly over thier heads and do as we please as long as we promise to leave as soon as we can. They too, are happy to see the guy out of power, they like our money too.
The Whitehouse needed AMERICAN public opion to be on thier side for this. And if the idiot can get us out of there before the election, he will get another term.
It truly is a big game of dirty pool. But, the fact is we are the world police whether we like it or not, has nothing to do with it. We are the only country powerful enough to pull it off.
Economic sanctions etc. will only work against countries where the people have the ability to make a change. The UN's sanctions didn't touch Saddam, they only hurt the people of Iraq. The world is still at a point where someone has to carry a big stick and not be affraid to use it. Animals like Saddam only understand one way of thinking. The more you talked to him, the weaker he thought we were. He needed to get hit with the stick.
I think it is a terrible thing for it to come to war. But, there really was no other way, and as I said earlier the longer we waited the worse it was going to be.
The people fighting now are not loyalists of Saddam's. That is just talk. The people aren't fighting for Saddam, they are fighting for thier lives. They are the same people that raped and tourtured the civilian populace for 30 years. They know, if the powers are handed to the people, they will be hunted down like the dogs that they are and be slaugtered. There is 30 years of paybacks coming, and they are scared. I hope they get what they deserve, and I hope their own people get the chance to give it to them.

[beachwalker]

Your're right and withdrawing is not an option. Infuriating a % of the muslim population is a consequence that was inevitable.

Future looking bright ?

I am a firm believer in Existentialism and Darwinism. A history professor once told us that War culls the male population and Famine and disease cull the female and children.

Early on I thought a good move would have been allowing the UN to enter Iraq in a force capacity after enough territory was secured. I believed this would have melded the nationalities of the occupiers making a specific nationality harder to identify to future terrorists. Only now am I seeing that Bush & Co. either knew that this was too dangerous for the UN forces or they just plain didn't want them there.

There a lot of things George is going to have to answer to over the next 6 months. So is Kerry but I believe we will see how trivial the arguements against him are.

IMO the truth will be the current administrations demise. It will be seen if Americans are humane enough to realize that diplomacy has a higher ground.

[BlitzinBlues]

Originally posted by pisrfcstr
If Clinton wasn't so soft on the mideast things may have been different when George took office, he cannot be blamed for what had been brewing for many years, i'm glad George was (is) in office instead of Gore

thank you pisrfcstr