starvingartist

Andrew gn

cintron, your latter post is more sound then the former. Even though I disagree with much, especially on what U.S. "intent" really is I respect your opinion. I just feel the U.S. is wrong for making itself the final authority on world politics, clearly attempting to oustretch its power and influence beyond American borders. Maybe I am guilty of being a bit cynical but It is not a result of falling victim to what you refer to as "conspiracy theories". It's cliche to say but absolute power corrupts absolutely. There are just 100s of countries which are not democratic, and this war just makes a bold statement to the rest of the world. That the U.S. is the final global authority on what governments are "right" , "just", and are willing to to fight a war to bring about necessary changes the U.S. deem necessary, etc. Just imagine if a Communist government waged war on us because they feel democracy is the wrong way to run a government, etc. I am just not comfortable with what the meanings of this war translate in theoretical terms.

So when problems arise, it is the "duty" of the American Government to solve the problems as they deemed necessary, with the use of force, etc? Suddenly the U.S. is the master mind on how to solve national debt problems. It is very niave to think that the U.S. is giving "handouts" to Iraq with no self interests in the forefront. If this were the case why would war, bombing cities, etc be employed for the sole reason of "helping". On top of that why would they choose Iraq of all the countries in the world with a dictator and "problems" to help. Why not make efforts to help other countries with similar or stronger needs. The 87 billion which you speak of being used to "rebuild" Iraq is being used to primarily finance the American influence and fund the use of the Armyand its operations overseas. You make it sound as if 87 billion is being donated to a worthy cause made out to the Iraqi people signed by president Bush. Well I think you are very much mistaken. This war which was waged with no immediate threats coming from Irag will never be looked upon as a present, a handout, or as some righteous and nice gesture made by the U.S. government, or as some sort of symbolic peace offering to the Iraqi people. Finally, if you think the Iraqi people should be thankful, you are the epitomy of a close minded indoctrinated submissive American.

It actually made sense to me, hehe. Well maybe it is uncommon to remain friends with an ex, but I have been in a similar situation. I commit to someone if I consider them to be an extraordinary individual. But sometimes there is no romantic compatibility. That is not to say that you dislike or hate this person. Knowing that I find it difficult to completely lose someone whom I feel is special to some degree. So I have remained friends with two exes in particular. Its unreasonable to think your current bf/gf will have no problem with this. Jealousy is human nature in some senses and very few are truly secure in a relationship. However I think it would be wrong for a gf/bf to demand you give up a friendship, on account of jealousy. Overall it really comes down to trust and if a relationship lacks this essential element then giving up friends, etc will not solve the problem but only mask it.

This report does not seem plausible. A penis is a muscle, and according to the report they simply filled solution into a cylinder of latex. Further it would be impossible that the man would now be able to urinate standing up because there is no urinary tract running from his gall bladder to his arm? Do any of you actually buy this crap:confused:

As far as clothing is concerned, I would have to say the most expensive purchase I ever made was a Fendi leather fur trimmed coat.

Versace I might actually work for the label's fall 04 collection

Roberto Cavalli

Luca Luca

Givenchy

Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Finally some intelligence on this redundant subject matter. jaysea, let's hope they never get it

interesting

There are so many things wrong with that article I havent the faintest idea where to begin. Ok let's start with the title which is why they hate W. The entire article fails to encompass the myriad of sentiments felt around the globe towards the U.S. in particular the Bush family. Brief synopsis what does this war mean to the rest of the world? Well America can be your ally and support you one day and the next it will take it upon itself to use armed force for your country to change it's government as is to fit what Americans believe is "the right way to govern". That means no one is free from the potential seizure of power by force from the U.S. It also means that the very world organizations founded by the U.S. and the regulations are meaningless because the U.S. does not follow them. Chaos that stretches far beyond the terrorist attacks. When the attacked takes the offensive it begins making unwarranted or justifiable attacks on the rest of the world. Bush is the top proponent for war and therefore he is hated. Hated because selfish interests are at the heart of the attack on Iraq. Anyone who begs to differ is niave or has trouble seeing the issue from the outside in. Yes the article mentions the lack of proof which may seem to be minisicule to Americans but not to Irag and other foreign countries. It means the war was fought on speculation alone, how many more wars is the U.S. willing to fight on speculation? And if finding the terrorists was also an objective, well all that was accomplished was the creation of more hatred towards Americans, the same hatred that breeds terrorism. Further if the freedom of the Iraqis was the main issue it still remains to be seen if they are in fact "free" and will remain that way. it can also be said if freedom was the main goal, then war was unnecessary and the use of force was uncalled for. That is why the fact that there was no immediate threat from Irag (no wmd found), is at the forefront of everyones mind and the resons for the on-going criticism of w and u.s. in general.

How on earth does a 3in length writing describe or as you say "take the piss out of your contry's history"? Do you have any idea that more then half of Italy's existence stems further back then WWII. Also you point out that wanting war is Italian nature, how is that so? Actually war is the nature of government not man. And to say that Italy has no principles is just ridiculous. Overall you make a baseless ignorant point.

No worries, I left my self wide open with that comment. Someone can easily point out the U.S. did not follow war time laws, why should the Iraqis, etc. Then someone else would point out, following the example would make the Iragis no better then the U.S. etc etc. Hypocrisy is inevitable especially in war, unless you are a sadist and do not mind death as a consequence of nobility. food for thought.

I stand corrected, hehe. Actually I think I got that "fact" from a comedy skit, lol. Where they pointed out those in combat just wears big X's on their helmets since they are targets.

I come from a very fascist country, and have lived in 3 different countries. I agree with some of your points but I disagree on what the history of the U.S. translates in the sense of its hypocrisy that you point out. The U.S. is full of imperfections as all governments are. However I will say that it is one of the most progressive countries to ever exist. Radical change has occured since its existence which is short in comparison to its European counterparts. I noticed that you used the term earn frequently. In most parts of the world this word fails to carry any meaning. The merits, the knowledge, the skill, the aptitude, and hardwork of an individual is rarely compensated. I am not niave to say that the U.S. is free from any shortcomings, but earning and actual compensation is commonplace here more then most of the world. ( I hope that made sense, hehe). Overall my point is Progression is what makes this country appealing, it exists. Even if at times it is slow it is much faster than the rest of the world. I hate to draw comparisons but I am sure you can think of various countries who women have no rights, no voice, etc. (sorry for the length)

I do not understand how the Iragis can be considered heros? If Jessica Lynch and the others were carrying supplies, they should not have been captured in the first place. It is quite disturbing that anyone would label soldiers from any side of the front line a hero for the capture and torture of a non combat unit. Further going back to what someone wrote previously, I believe that a hero is someone who in the face of immediate danger of their own lives is willing to take a risk to either make a positive statement or for the greater good of a situation. However when it comes to this war in particular it is quite debatable "what the greater good" actually is. Further I would say those who voluntarily join the armed forces because they believe they are fighting for the right cause are heroic in some sense. Even if I disagreed with their viewpoints.

I concur; Typically we surround ourselves with people carrying similar views. On the same note, media today seems far right or far left, and I generally disregard most of it because it is undeniably bias in nature. Politicians may know the truth but seldom speak it. If you seek honesty, ask a man who has nothing to gain or lose for his opinion.

I have several problems with this man's opinion. First of it appears as though values and culture are grouped into right and wrong. Of course the American cutlure being the "right" way to live life, run a government, etc. He then lists the several faults he finds in Middle Eastern cultures but fails to point out the shortcomings of American culture. Americans are preaching about equality for men and women across all class groups, but does equality exists in America today? Americans are also preaching about fair elections for government officials, but do fair elections exists in America? I will not dig far into the history books of the American life and culture but I will bring up the past couple of years. Businesses continue to expand to foreign countries exploiting the poor for cheap labor and maximizing profits. The gap between rich and poor continues to increase at an increasing rate. Racial and gender equality does not exist. "American" usually stands for cacausian, this country is not a mix of cultures but one culture predominately on the top of the food chain, coexisting with other cultures. There is no common belief system, but you are not "free" from facing religious persecution. Morality is extinct. Schools are being destroyed and children are doing the destroying. Gunfire at school seems to be commonplace. The current president is accused of "stealing" the election and then entires a war without proof, and the approval of the U.N. which was started by his country. Now these are just random events that float into other countries throught various mediums. With that said where is the argument that this " American life " is supposed to be "the right way"??????????? Yes I agree with one thing that writer said, the mind sets of the world can not be won through rhetoric, but through example. And the onlookers of American life have been taking note since the founding of this country. And their history books, newspapers, news stations report a different story. If American life has not persuaded individuals to change their governments on their own time, with their own sweat and blood, It will not happen ever.

Actually I do not post frequently, but I do find the forum to be quite informative. Let's face it there are several newspapers, websites, articles that reading every single one is quite impossible. Also I am sure most people are loyal to one newspaper or news station. I feel the site expands my otherwise very limited inflow of information. It helps prevent the sort of tunnel vision that can stem from biased media exposure.

Washington Post, pre-election, November, too many things wrong with this source to consider it even containing a grain of truth.

Good read. I have to say I agree the Palestinians were not the only ones happy, but I am sure the American hatred stretches farther than Palestinians and Israelis.