LanosIceland

Senator Claire McCaskill for Veep! She's a woman, she 's honest, honorable and very intelligent, a person anyone can look up to. She's dedicated her entire life to public service... and she's so loveable. posted 05/07/2008 at 19:05:53

Come on Linda, this was supposed to be a cake walk for Hillary, so the real question and the one which she has so masterfully gotten us to forget is, "why can't she close the deal?" Let me answer that for you: She didn't really compete when she should have because she was so sure of her victory, which lost her the nomination on super tuesday. And now she's hell bent, presumedly out of rage, embarrassment and pressure from her 'investors', on denying the obvious and deserving winner his price, at all costs, and she will pander to the devil if needs be. Out of pure selfishness yet, all for nothing. She's gone off the deep end. posted 05/06/2008 at 18:38:43

It is interesting to note that Barack Obama is also a white man with a black father, but everyone seems to be oblivious to this fact. He did not grow up as a black man, in a black family with black culture, his skin just happens to be much darker than other white men. So what exactly is it that disqualifies him from being white? I thought he was equally white and black... where, in America, is his black family, his black roots that white America is so afraid of! Obama is the candidate best suited, at this time, for a diverse America. Oh, and he's smart too, and not a gutter brawler like his opponent. posted 05/05/2008 at 15:01:12

As I watch this unfold I am slowly coming to the conclusion that the MSM are playing their part in making sure that a black man will not sit in the white house. They're digging like they've never dug before, to find every and any piece of thrash which they then hardneckedly attempt to stick on Obama, they're doing everything in their power to paint this man in a negative light. John McCains ties to Hagee, Parsley, and worse still, to radical Gordon Liddy, is of no interest to the press whatsoever, and the only thing they've dug up on Hillary so far is the Bosnia thing, which she presented herself. It makes me sick to my stomach posted 05/05/2008 at 10:55:32

I doubt you even comprehend what a regular Iraqi is! How do american soldiers with lack of education and little experience in cultural understanding, history or world travel know the difference? How would you feel having your door kicked down late at night and your family sanctity and culture violated? What you fail to recognise is this: Iraq is occupied by a foreign power who does not speak the language or at least care about understanding the culture for the sake of respect and mutual understanding. Dropping bombs in cities that are densely populated... how do you account for such acts. The ones who're grateful to the american forces, as you say, are those who're not killed or humiliated by the american forces. What did the people of Iraq ever do the USA? Nothing. posted 05/03/2008 at 16:43:06

Same tactics as the Israelis. When is this going to stop? There's a 'terrorist' hiding in every house and every street corner in Iraq, and of course the amount is multiplied 100 times in Sadr City, where the 'terrorists' are strong, strong in their demands for an end to the occupation, strong in demanding the nationalisation of their oil resources, strong in their demands for the respect of their culture. This so called war is astain on the moral fabric of the United States, and it must end now. What is wrong with the cowards in congress: Stop financing the war, this is the only way to defeat Bush and put a stop to his crusade of murder and the looting of the treasury. 9/11 has taught us nothing, and if we continue this way, there will probably be more 'lessons' coming. Impeach Bush and Cheney before they leave office. posted 05/03/2008 at 14:39:23

Well, John McCain made a very wise proposal recently: "Watch your diet, watch your diet, and walk a lot, make sure you walk or jog a lot, at least several times/miles each week, then you won't come down with those infections." It's easy for him to say that, he has full coverage, provided and paid for by the taxpayers.
Here's a question: Why is it that universal healthcare works in every other industrilised nation on the face of the earth, and also in the smaller nations of the third world. In Barbados, a little island, you can go to the hospital and if that doesn't suit you then you go to a polyclinic, or you choose to go to a private doctor if you you can afford it. Why does the system work everywhere else but in the USA? Why? Somebody is lyiny to and cheating the american people, and they don't intend to stop... unless they're made to, by the people. posted 05/04/2008 at 18:07:14

I really like your take on things; allow me to expand. If you enter the race by announcing "I'm in, and I'm in to win", then it is pretty difficult to admit defeat. Senator Clinton and her allies have continued to place the blame for her defeat every and anywhere else but at her own doorstep. Today it's because she's a woman, or not woman enough, tomorrow it's because of the black people, and the day after it's because the DNC doesn't have GOP rules. There've been many female world leaders: Golda Meier, Ghandi, Thatcher, Bhutto, Merkel, Sirleaf, Bachelet. People have rejected Mrs Clinton not because of her gender but due to her arrogance, dishonesty, divisive and polarising nature. America is ready to elect a woman, just not this one. Hillary is behaving like a contestant who auditions for a show, is rejected by the jury but refuses to leave. posted 05/03/2008 at 05:11:14

But who McCain associates with seems to be of no concern to the press or anyone else. Mac did everything in his power to protect the perpetrators of the 1980s savings and loans scandel, where all those people lost their savings and their pensions; for two decades he was against the MLK national holiday, he sought and accepted the endorsement of the radical preacher John Hagee and remained silent when Pat Robertson in 2005 publicly advocated the killing of Hugo Chavez, he voted against health care for children and supported the Bush tax cuts for the rich (after he was against it), he was eating birthday cake with Bush while the people of NO. cried out for help, and as an elitist he used his wife's connections and fortune along with thos of his admiral father to gain a foot in the senate, and his policy of negotiation for interacting with America's enemies is founded on war rather than on negotiations. What makes McCain exempt from such scrutiny by the american people? His colour!!! Nothing makes sense any more... posted 04/29/2008 at 11:40:26

Pinocchio Tantrum McCain needs a formidable surgeon to remove Jiminy Cricket Liebermann from his ear. By running away from home and skipping school to join the puppet circus in his search to become a real boy he has only made things worse for himself and now has to contend with constantly tripping over his lenghthy nose. On his trip to the belly of the whale to save 'his daddy' Geppetto Bush, he discovered the MSM also sitting around the fire, cutting out fat steaks from the creatures insides(public opinion) and dousing them with good ole Texas bbq sauce. Obviously this wasn't a disappointment, it was the revelation that that what he seeked was the entire time within himself: daddy's little wooden marionette.
And now, the toughest question: Who is the fairy? posted 04/29/2008 at 09:18:50

The underlying discussion is about race, fear, and cultural differences in expression. Rev Wrights style of preaching is typical of evangelical preachers. Jimmy Swaggert, Jerry Falwell, MLK, among others, collectively followed in that pattern of energy charged, bibel waving, stage stomping, Amen and Hallelua loud sermons, admonishing the people to repent. The thing is, America is only accustomed to being spoken to this way by white preachers, and sometimes in worse ways, as demonstrated in John Hagee's comments about New Orleans. A black man behaving in the same way, like Wright, can be seen in a threatening way: ' the angry black man', instead of as a preacher. Wright's sermons are as good and often better than many given by Swaggert, Falwell and Co., but they all adhere to the same theme, the fearless admonishing of the nation to live right before God. America's fear is not God, it's a suspicion the black man in America still has a score to settle. posted 04/28/2008 at 10:13:34

Sounds like Obama was a great asset to his city, and demonstrated even then, positive discerment and wise judgement. And fiscal foresight. A small grant helped to make something beautifull happen, and it didn't cost 500bil, 4000 lives and 30,000 wounded; people played and enjoyed tennis, and Illinois, and the event reached over 200mil viewers! Wow. The country needs President Obama on the job. posted 04/27/2008 at 12:25:07

I don't understand what all the huffing and puffing is about; this is after all only a primary contest, not the general electionl. Unfortunately, elections in this country are not about an agenda, there're about childish behaviour from a nation stuck in a world of make believe and imperialistic grandeur, because the candidates who have a real agenda are of no interest to the voting public. There were two. Dennis Kucinich and John Edwards, and these were the things on these mens' minds:

Ten Key Issues:

1. Universal Health Care
2. International Cooperation: US out of Iraq, UN in
3. Jobs and Withdrawal from NAFTA and WTO
4. Repeal of the "Patriot Act"
5. Guaranteed Quality Education, Pre-K Through College
6. Full Social Security Benefits at Age 65
7. Right-to-Choose, Privacy and Civil Rights
8. Balance Between Workers and Corporations
9. Environmental Renewal and Clean Energy
10. Restored Rural Communities and Family Farms

Unfortunately, the american electorate prefers to see WWE spoofs and real life metaphoric gladiator like battles between Obama and Clinton, shock and awe entertainment, instead of the things that really matter.
When will the super delegates demonstrate real leadership by reminding the electorate and the candidates of these pressing issues? posted 04/25/2008 at 07:58:49

What's the difference between John Hagee and Jerimiah Wright?

What a silly question Dave. There're many differences, but let me list the most essential ones for you:

1. He's white, like McCain, while Obama is black, and so is Wright.

2. He's republican and Wright is the black preacher of a democrat... a liberal democrat.

3. He utters his own words while Rev. Wright only quotes retired diplomats (Edward peck) as a footnote.

4. Rev. Wright risked his life for America, as a marine, while John Hagee was busy raking in the million s and suing his former church for more millions.

That about covers it. posted 04/24/2008 at 13:58:01

This is typical of why the entire world has to pay the consequences of american culture. That politicians sanction this kind of behaviour in a presidential election is testimony to a culture of blood sport and futher enhances the partial truth that americans in a world of make believe; this has exceeded the boundaries of bad taste. To partake in such a charade at a time when the nation needs serious discussion on the issues, and more than ever needs it's citizens to pay attention, clearly demonstrates the sate of the union. No wonder ABC is able to offer the kind of gotcha debate format they did last week, no wonder this election is less about issues and more about who's looks, sounds and acts tougher. When is this country finally going to wake up from it's lethargy and set aside the chains of stupidity. I simply can't believe what I just saw; the ignorance of it all. posted 04/22/2008 at 08:43:02

On top of the game; my man; Obama. Another slammer. She'll be having nightmares and tearing her hair out after this one. A brilliant move from the Obama camp. A masterpiece. posted 04/15/2008 at 19:23:39

"Meeting with heads of state or heads of government is one thing; meeting with groups advocating terror is another."

Dear Mr Hart, I have great respect for your accomplishments and your beliefs and strongy agree with your statement quoted above, which causes me me pose the following questions:

1. As Hamas became the democrateically elected goverment of the palestinians, the legitimate representatives of the people, why did the U.S and Israeli Governments refuse to sit down with them for talks?

2. How should and with what means do you suggest the palestinians, their government and various liberation organisations resist or challenge the Israeli Occupation?

3. Do you consider the the Irgun and Stern Group (whose members included Menachim Begin and Yitzak Schamir), who fought against the british occupation of Palestine in the 30s and 40s, eventually blowing up the King David Hotel and killing over 90people.... do you consider them to have been a terrorist organisation?

Are you against the end of this double standard, the end of the sanctioning of Israeli occupation, state terror and the enslavement of a people, the overthrowing of democratically elected goverments the U.S doesn't like, and the branding of people as terrorists so we can go after them?

To ultimately refuse a dialogue with people who are fighting against the ocupation of their lands is a shameful reference, and worse still, when we assist in the crime of that occupation. posted 04/15/2008 at 08:01:10

Such shameful behaviour. How can the American people tolerate this man sitting one more day in the congress! Utterly shameful behaviour. Disgraceful to Kentuckey, disgraceful to the country. These are the times when a nation has to rise up and speak with one voice: this man needs to go, and the sooner the better. A stain of shame. Simply unbelievable. posted 04/14/2008 at 17:13:54

My sentiments exactly Patrice. It it difficult at times to comprehend whether this is an election or one big hoax! An election should be about the issues that will chart a country's future, not about Hilary's pantsuits, or race and gender, or Obama's pastor quoting a white retired Admiral. The discussion should be about jobs, health insurance, foreign policy, wealth ditribution and social justice: serious issues. What is it about anyway? It's about entertainment ratings and the lack of shame.
Which candidate has America's interests at heart? Which candidates really cares about the needs and aspirations of the nation and has the will and the indispensable vision to accomplish such?
A question easily answered if we're truly interested in knowing. Are we? posted 04/14/2008 at 08:27:55

I think it more precise to state that a politician's stance on moral and ethical law is important but these dicussions are constructed within the context of God worship in relation to the christian concept, and for this reason the forum may have been inappropiate, seeing as people in general do not all adhere to the christian system of worship. That is why man is governed by civil law based on moral and ethical principles. All men are equal and subject to the law given and agreed to by the people, not the religious concepts adhered to by on a fraction of the people. posted 04/14/2008 at 08:41:50

Senator Clinton has confessed or rather rescripted Obamas comments by saying that people have "legitimate concerns" pertaining to immigration and trade.... legitimate concerns. She further accused the democratic party as being percieved as as being elitiist by the majority of America by referring to the Kerry loss, and the Al Gore victory which was annulled by the supreme court. Senator Clinton, in case you forget, the republican party platform has always been and remains for a 'from the top down'(trickle down) economic and governing system while the democratic party represents the opposite. Obama is not a member of the GOP and neither are you, so why do you act as if you are?
I read a full transcript of Obama's remarks (and so did you) and they in no way intended to belittle the people of PA., but rather intended (as you yourself so diplomatically repeated) to highlight the 'legitimate concerns' of working class people who have no work.
You say Obama is a good man and you will let him speak for himself, but you don't, neither to you rise in defense of the principles which your party are founded on, which are the rights of the common man. The greatest demonstration of character can at times be to simply say nothing. posted 04/14/2008 at 05:45:08

Calm down people; Obama simply conveyed the anxieties of americans on a national level.
Declines in local economies are a decline in personal fortune and such realities do not leave people smiling all the way to the welfare office; it breeds fear for the future, and anger. Globalisation does not favour communities or patriotism, it's a system that favours lower wages and production costs in general. Jobs and opportunities have shifted to places like Eastern Europe and Asia precisely due to such factors, resulting in pent-up anger, against the chinese, the mexicans, and the eastern europeans. This is nothing to be embarrassed about simply because a politician has finally put his finger on the button, it's a fact.
For Obama to relate the frustrations, fears and partial angers of one part of America to the other is essential in forming a consensual realisation that the problems of one must be the shared problems of the entire country, and will require a national solution.
Globalisation has brought many unforeseen problems, and it consequences are being felt first and foremost by the wage earners, communites, good people who're afraid, frustrated and angry, in every country. Awareness of the consequences of such problems is important in preventing the internal splintering of hope, will, and optimism, of the nation's communities while developing a remedy for implementation. They only way forward is together: A nation divided against itself will not stand (with or without your guns). posted 04/12/2008 at 12:00:03

Calm down people; Obama simply conveyed the anxieties of americans on a national level.
Declines in local economies are a decline in personal fortune and such realities do not leave people smiling all the way to the welfare office; it breeds fear for the future, and anger. Globalisation does not favour communities or patriotism, it's a system that favours lower wages and production costs in general. Jobs and opportunities have shifted to places like Eastern Europe and Asia precisely due to such factors, resulting in pent-up anger, against the chinese, the mexicans, and the eastern europeans. This is nothing to be embarrassed about simply because a politician has finally put his finger on the button, it's a fact.
For Obama to relate the frustrations, fears and partial angers of one part of America to the other is essential in forming a consensual realisation that the problems of one must be the shared problems of the entire country, and will require a national solution.
Globalisation has brought many unforeseen problems, and it consequences are being felt first and foremost by the wage earners, communites, good people who're afraid, frustrated and angry, in every country. Awareness of the consequences of such problems is important in preventing the internal splintering of hope, will, and optimism, of the nation's communities while developing a remedy for implementation. They only way forward is together: A nation divided against itself will not stand (with or without your guns). posted 04/12/2008 at 12:29:34

The small drop of affection or respect for Hilary Clinton, that remains in the hearts of many, is disappearing quickly, and the rate can only quicken after what Mr Davis has just written. These tactics are shameful, divisive, and fans the flame of race tension.. I am so sick and tired of the Clintons now.
This contest is lost, so why can't she just continue to compete in a way that respectful and advantagous to the the party in November! Of course anything unforeseeable can happen by then but she and her camp persists with the tactic of character assasination against a man who will be the nominee. What is the point of this Mrs Clinton? These are not the kind of 'solutions for America' that the country needs. posted 04/09/2008 at 10:46:12

Sorry fella, but your remarks are rather distasteful. Your choice of words, beginning with "the blacks", and continuing with 'your wishes' for Mrs Edwards, are derogatory, racist and ignorant, and they do in no way represent the wishes of black or white people or the people of any other race. Cancer, and the consequence there of, is not something you wish on a person due to difference of opinions. You must be so absolutely stupid that your're incapable of understanding what you've just suggested, or even worse, you have a clear knowledge of what you've just suggested. Tragic. posted 04/09/2008 at 11:26:38

'The surge' has become some kind of a cool buzz word. Is this what modern day politics has become? Buzz words. People seem to forget that Iraq is not a battlefield, but a country, of dense urban and suburban areas. Everyday we hear about 'criminals', 'foreign fighters, islamic militants, insurgents, the enemy', the endless titles given to the people dying every daily. The american public is constantly fed this trash, and encouraged to take part in useless debates about a faceless enemy. Well, I have news for you: The faceless enemy are the people of Iraq, men, women and children. For the almost 3000 dead on 9/11 we have killed at least over 100,000 and created over 2million refugees. We have lost over 4000 of our own and sustained over 30,000 injured soldiers. We have brought only destruction to Iraq and we continue to destroy, that is what soldiers and armies are trained to do, to kill people and destroy things. Have we brought peace, or death? Have we brought occupation, or freedom? Do we have less enemies today, or more friends?
When are the american people finally going to stand up and speak with one voice, and say, enough of the carnage, enough of the blood-lust, enough of the destruction. Where are the Bill Clintons, the Jimmy Carters, the Mandelas, the Tutus and Annans, the Al Gores, the Putins! Where are the peacemakers? The world is sick and tired of 'the madness of King George'. posted 04/08/2008 at 08:10:39

Same same. Instead of working to achieve results that reflect the cultural make-up and wishes of Iraqa citizens, the Administration attempt to erase one political faction to the benefit of another continues. Addiction to the failures of the past (Allende, Ortega, Hamas); instead of acceepting the democratically elected and legitimate representation of the people, Bush assists the militias of the Dawa and Badr movements in the elimination of their 'main political rivals' in the Sadr Movement. Bush proves time and again that The U.S under his leadership is not interested in nation building, after all, nation building is not good for the military segment of the economy(his friends) or the price of oil(his very good friends). The U.S is doing everything in it's power to deny the Sadrist movement, a faction with almost 3million followers, from having a say in the political process simply because they're against the occupation of their country, and furthermore, because the Sadrist Movement is for a domestic policy of nationalising Iraqs oil. There's nothing wrong with nationalising the only resource your country has, to ensure that the people's wealth ultimately benefit the people.
How many more will have to die to satisfy the imperial madness of the Bush and Cheny clans in their attempt to forcefully implement policies upon a people agaainst their wishes. Enough of empire. With great power comes great responsibility; It's time for diplomacy, fairness, and common sense, Mr Bush. Help the Iraqi build a nation, not a catastrophe. posted 04/07/2008 at 19:39:25

Dear Reverend Wright, it is also not surprising that everyone is tearing Obama apart for things you said. It is also not surprising that you said what you said, after all, it is common practise, and tradition, in the evangelical church, that preachers use their position to chastise the nation when they think the nation has sinned. Okay, you got a little carried away, but what I find most shameful and rather disappointing, is your silence on this issue. This will not go away, especially in an election season, yet you remain silent, standing on the sidelines while others fight your battles. A man is indeed judged by his words, but in this case another man, a good man, is being judged by your words. We know you love America, in spite of her past and present sins toward her citizens and citizens of other countries, your ministry is testimony to this fact, but your words have caused hurt, and fear, in many people, and those who do not know you are not obligated to understand you, and now one half of the nation has a false impression of you. Every news network in America will be on go, if and when you finally decide to call a news conference. So, with much humility and great respect towards you Mr Wright, I dutifully request that you finally get off your ass, call a news conference and resolve this issue. posted 04/02/2008 at 09:45:55

Where exactly are the attacks on the green zone originating from? It would seem that the U.S Military propaganda machine would have us believe that Al Sadr is responsible for every attack against the U.S Military, when in fact Al Sadr is mainly responsible for making hard political demands.
As far as I know, the Sunni insurgency are the ones mainly responsible for the attacks on the green zone. I'm not a fan of Al Sadr or any other Party in Iraq but the least I can demand from purportedly credible news organisations is fair and credible news. Sadr is a force to be reckoned with but the armaments needed to atack the U.S Military, especially the green zone, are in the possesion of the former iraqi army(the baath party), which was comprised of sunnis. Duh, correct me if I'm wrong, but please stop feeding us this nonsense. posted 03/31/2008 at 08:13:53

Spot on. America is ready for a woman President, just not this one. It's about her, stupid. People simply don't trust her, and not because she's a woman. You want to trust her but your instinct is tingling like Parker's spider sense. She'd be a great President, but now is not the right time. Barack Obama is what America needs now at this stage in her evolution, to heal and grow as a nation in a world has gotten smaller, more advanced and socially interconnected. It is the age of the great dialogue, the time for communication and negotiation. Conflcit resolution. Obama.
Hilary Clinton has another take on things: It's my turn. posted 03/29/2008 at 19:28:44

we are not the occupiers! Israel is not occupying the palestinian territories either. Do you see another occupyiny army around, excep us? Iraq is occupied, you bonehead, by us. The present rulers of Iraq have nothing to say, they're just pawns. Al Sadr insists on American withdrawel, and for this reason he has been branded a terrorist, an enemy. So who exactly has the power to ask us to leave? We're not leaving unless our oil is secure, regardless of the costs! Woe are we. posted 03/30/2008 at 06:49:09

-In Basra, U.S. jets dropped two precision-guided bombs at midday Saturday on a suspected militia stronghold at Qarmat Ali north of the city, British military spokesman Maj. Tom Holloway said.

"My understanding was that this was a building that had people who were shooting back at Iraqi ground forces," Holloway said.-

...on a 'suspected' militia stronghold. He's not sure but he suspects. How many people have died because of this suspicion? 2 bombs! This will not bring new fans. And with Sadr controlling the Health Ministry doesn't make it easier for the military to half the casualty numbers. Al sadr's movement (the poorest 2.5milion Iraqis) has fought and suffered since the 1950s against Quassim, Bakar and Saddam, to be free. Saddam has been replaced by US occupation. Freedom! posted 03/29/2008 at 19:01:05

Well then, take South Africa as an example. The political violence ended after apartheid ended. The Israelis worrying about suicide bombers and other forms of resistance depends squarely on whether they end the occupation... it's that simple.
If Israel ends the occupation, the humiliation and indignity, and the theft of palestinian lands, today, tomorrow, or asap, then we will have the chance to witness a change in palestinian and arab behaviour towards Israel. We can't know or presume to know what that behaviour will be then, but what we do know now (from the facts on the ground) is what the root cause of that behaviour is.
No occupation equals no need for resistance...
No apartheid means justice and equality.
Please don't try to complicate things: It starts and ends with the occupation. posted 03/31/2008 at 10:31:12

Part 2:
Israel's past does not give it the right to treat people this way, especially the people with whom they lived peacefully for hundreds of years on the same land. And what about the over 10,000 palestinians in Israeli prisons! What about them? The occupation is the underlying theme. George W himself, said, that he would take up arms if his country was occupied, because freedom and dignity is a god given right, it's the natural instinct of any human being: occupation breeds resistance (WW2 Europe, Tibet, Afghanistan).
Why is it that the world demands from the palestinians that they accept the israeli occupation, that they accept humiliation and daily ongoing theft of their land, the destruction of their homes, and the over proportionate killing of their people! Where is the justice? Even animals have more rights than palestinians. Animals! Israel, because of it's history of suffering, has been given a legacy, to ensure that people in general are not treated this way, to ensure that no human being should ever again have to endure what they have. Never again.
Yet Israel has broken and continues to break every international human rights law there is, while America and all of us, stand idly by, silent. I have nothing against Israel (most people don't); it's not about being jewish. It's about being wrong. posted 03/31/2008 at 07:09:52

It is wonderful to observe that the palestinian occupation(it's not a conflict) is surprisingly being discussed within America. Global public opinion is, and truthfully so, that America is not an honest broker in this matter. Let us forget for a moment that we are christian, or arab or jew, and instead aproach this matter in an objective manner. Fact: Palestine is occupied by Israel. There are over 500 roadblocks within the West Bank. Palestinians are humiliated and killed every day by smart bombs, predator drones, helicopter gunships, and the israeli occupation forces. They are forced to live like animals locked in a cage, denied the right of free movement in their own country, and their democratically elected leaders are ignored and hunted down simply because they refuse to accept the occupation of their lands. There is, clearly for any dim-witted nincompoop to see, a system of apartheid, racism, and theft, at work everyday within Palestine, yet the world stands by and sanctions this behaviour. On what basis? posted 03/31/2008 at 07:09:18

I understand your point but there is a difference. The oppressor has been removed, so who exactly is the ongoing conflict aimed at now? The situation on the ground now is nothing more than a power struggle between political factions. If Al Sadr Party is now the agressor, then so is Al Maliki's Dawa Party, and Al Hakims ISCI Party. This is not a war, it's a fight to fill a power vacuum. What is needed here are not soldiers of an occupying army; what the people (the parties) of Iraq need are negiotiators, diplomats.
Germany led the way after the main combat mission in Afghanistan was over, by convening a 'jirga' of tribal chiefs and political leaders, where plans and agreement were hammered out in an atmosphare of hard negotiations and mutual respect, and on neutral ground. America has provided any post war leadership. Send Carter, or Schroder, or Bill Clinton.
The combat mission is over.... where are the diplomats! posted 03/31/2008 at 07:43:53

Since when is violence nescessary to the developement of a free society? Violence is evidence of a fractured society.
The Bush Administration places little value on diplomacy, on hard negotiations.
A different culture does things differently.
Sadr is not some radical renegade, and his supporters are not some bloodthirsty crazy militia.
Sadr City is home to Iraqs poorest , over 2milion, living on 8sq miles of land. Sadr City is poverty.
Since it's inception in 1959, as Revolution City, it has never profited from iraqs riches, even less so after the Baath Coup of 1963, when it became 'Saddam City', not as a personal honor, but as a symbol of humiliation to the residents, whom, even then, were the main fraction of resistance.
Sentenced to poverty by Quassim, then Hussein, and now, again disenfranchised, and under occupation.
Muktahda's father died for the struggle of Sadr City(executed by Saddam), and his son, the accepted leader of the resident, is no less willing to die.
So why not give these people their entitlement: schools, hospitals, infrastruktur, an economy, and a fair share in the politics and finances of Irak!
Al Sadr has legitimate arguments, the same as each other group representing a section of Iraqi society, and he rufuses to be pushed around, marginalised and disentranchised again. No more.
We have failed to recognise a half century struggle of Iraq's poorest people, for equal rights, and not willing to accept less than that.
An inconvienient truth, Mr Bush. posted 03/28/2008 at 16:57:48

Why are you so against hoping for a country of unity? Where is the honor in disunity? Why aren't you even willing to give this man a chance! Hillary has been there and done that, with Bill, and the few responsibilities (there was only one... healthcare) entrusted to her, crashed and burned in the flames of failure one year later. She failed because she was unable to form a concensus: she was unable to lead.
Barack will get the job done. He knows how to inspire the team. The cabinet, the congress and the nation, are ready to go the extra mile for this guy.
Join the team. posted 03/27/2008 at 19:40:24

That's exactly what I was just thinking. It wasn't that long ago since the last of their lands were taken away and redistributed. I wonder how they feel? Obama should also speak of them. They have suffered more than all. And they seem also to have been forgotten. More truth, clearer evidence that America needs to come to terms with past in order to define her future. The urgency of now. A President Barack Obama is the only option for this historic task and Bill Clinton is the voice that needs to endorse him. And he will. posted 03/27/2008 at 19:59:16

Why do the things he say always sound like something GWB told him to say? And where's the proof. Don't just accuse, prove it. We can't ask the world to go to war against another country solely on the basis of accusations. Put up or shut up. posted 03/25/2008 at 15:54:04