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jerry/corpus christi texas — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:20:32 GMT

McCain is right, you don't run away from a bunch of schoolhouse bullies, they just keep chasing you until they catch you.

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Desmond — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:32:55 GMT

I saw a House Sub-Committee meeting this am from yesterday on C-span. Guest host-Assistant Secratary of State, Richard Boucher. Topic, Pakistan.
Mr. Boucher said he had not read the recent counter-intelligence report that is giving Chertoff a stomach-ache.
In the course of his answers, he actaually listed Sudan as a country we have made strides with diplomatically. Now, isn't that where former Secratary of State said there was a "genocide" going on?
Here's the deal all you who think I am a cut and runner. this administration cut and ran when it failed to pursue bin Laden al Zwahiri and Mullah Omar. This in nonsense. Some of you are always talking about bombing and blowing people up. So, I say we are in Afhganistan and NATO is with us there. Bring some of those special-ops back from Iraq make a plan and tell Musharaff about it 2 minutes before we invade his country in those tribal areas. Can't say we don't have a right to invade another country. We did invade Iraq.
Also as an aside, Rep. Burton (R, Indiana), brought up Iran. Huh? He's the same Rep I saw the other day in another hearing with retired General Batiste. Batiste was taling about the current state of the army. Burton yapped about partisan politics. Batiste had to remind him he was a Republican.

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Akber A. Kassam, New-York City, New York. — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:38:52 GMT

I think American people should give chance to president Bush how he is handeling Iraq war. President will not do anythig wrong to hurt our nation in future, he has to finish the work in Iraq, Afghanistan and win, otherwise these enemy will follow us at our home.!!!!

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JIrby, Colorado — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:00:26 GMT

I believe Bush can win this thing if the people will just give him 557 more days.

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Jim, Washington, D.C. — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:05:37 GMT

I agree, we should start folding our tents in Iraq and sending our camels into Pakistan. I agree we should just gointo the Back Country and start killing terrorists, too---what's one more sovereign nation overrun by the Imperium? But you have to remember, it's not Musharraf, a double-dealing dog if ever there was one, we're afraid of angering: we're afraid of an Islamic revolution in a country we so stupidly gave nukes to. Once the ayatolas get the nukes, it's a brand-new ball game...which is why we've been tip-toing around Pakistan. We MUST hit the Al Quaida leadership Musharraf has given safe haven to in Pakistan. But we must also keep the Taliban from taking over and owning the nukes.

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Robert Catalano, Salem, OR — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:06:50 GMT

The true enemy is here in our midst and its called Bush & Co. I wonder if pissing on the Constitution unless he needs it to protect himself from his own corruption is enough to be considered "high crimes and misdemeanors."

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Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:08:09 GMT

Desmond, Pakistan is a complex mess of its own. We currently have a government there that at least exercises responsible ownership of its nuclear arsenal. That government isn't very popular, and some describe it as hanging on by a thread. If I understand the situation, the primary complaint people have against the government (well, other than the fact that it came to power via military coup) is that its too alligned with the U.S. There's also been some complaints that promised infrastructure isn't getting built fast enough, etc.

There was a time when we could have gotten away with launching a strike across that border, I believe. We had that window of opportunity when the world would tolerate and in fact even expected us to go anywhere to get the people who struck us in 2001. The only Pakistanis who would have been enfuriated about a raid aimed at bin Laden would have been those who already are our enemies for life. But most Pakistanis would have just looked the other way - the Pakistani government survives our raid.

I think we squandered that opportunity with the Iraq invasion and occupation. Now we've lost that moral authority, and no one is feeling sorry for us anymore. I'm thinking we need to contain al Qaeda leadership in Pakistan and simultaneously make stability of that country a priority. If not, we may well be looking at radicals in charge of nuclear weapons.

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Independent, Texas — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:17:41 GMT

Akber A. Kassam, New-York City, New York. (Sent Friday, July 13, 2007 9:38 AM)

oh please. I'm treating your post as the satire it should be even if you are potentially serious.

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juan,ft lauderdale,fl — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:18:26 GMT

Jerry- Can you say stupid platitudes...Give me a break. You make me want to stick my finger down my throat and vomit my uvulia. Ditto for Akber.

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J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:22:55 GMT

Iraq is a mess, the surge isn't working and besides,..... we never should have gone in there to begin with.
Time to bring the troops home, re-group, and move on.

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Nick, Ohio — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:46:05 GMT

The war in Iraq is a lost cause. We have two choices: completely get out; or, increase our presence to forceably solve the sectarian crisis (civil war) present. In my opinion, if we get out, we give the al Quaida a reason to leave us alone in the future (nothing is ever guaranteed, but it's a hopefull benefit). We may see Iraq implode as a result of the civil war, but there is nothing we can do, even over 100 years, to solve that problem. They have to solve it themselves and our presence only prolongs the day when they'll need to fight it out to the bitter end. Grudges are held forever in that area. (Which may keep al Quaida angry with us for years to come, but if we remove the reasons for their anger then their support will fade away. And, they may be more angered with the Saudi family than with us.) Backing away from the Middle East will resurrect tensions we've helped keep at-bay, but they will need to resolve those age-old conflicts once and for all. Our presence has not insured a lasting peace... far from it. Not every country may be wanting to become democratic. The problem lies with the clash of cultures.

Islam is a religion with its fair share of problems with the radicals. Of course, so does Christianity. The world is a mess because of egotistical, amoral (although they claim to be re-born or very holy) meglomaniacs who are only in this game for themselves and their friends. They could care less about God even though they claim otherwise. These people exist everywhere, from Washington DC to Cairo, to Baghdad, to Tehran to Islamibad, Moscow, London, Paris, Rome, the Vatican, almost every country in Africa, you-name-it... everywhere. And, these people are leaders of their respective countries. They are supposed to represent the interests of their people, when they only represent their own sordid and morally repugnant, self-serving causes.

Removing the reasons for, beginning with our withdrawal from Iraq, is the only way to begin an end to this conflict. Using military in an offensive manner to eliminate the terrorists only helps begat more terrorists, in a never-ending cycle of violence and hatred. Sure, we can defend ourselves, but let's really defend ourselves, not attack someone in retalliation (revenge) or engage in a pre-emptive battle or invasion (stupidity) that can never lead to peace.

Bush hasn't a clue as to how to secure peace. Most people in Washington may also be clueless, I haven't intimate knowledge of their feelings on this. However, the public has been given clues as to how the current administration feels about this subject... peace can only be won through military victories. We are beyond that old-time, old-world logic. WWII ended in 1945... the world is different today and peace can no longer be won on a battlefield. Peace can only be won through solving the differences between the belligerant parties. Dialogue, listening and understanding are the tools for peace. Give them a chance. God will be pleased.

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RC in Denver — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:52:29 GMT

jerry /corpus christy texas

You sure make the statement by Ron White (you can't fix stupid )come to life for anyone that reads anything that you have to say.

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Desmond — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:54:20 GMT

Paul Miller, yep, this administration cut and ran. Broke their promise.So now how do we contain al Quedas leadership in Pakistan. By talking to them nicely? Stuff and nonsense. This administration was not protecting us by invading Iraq. Stuff and nonsense. And if it is true that Rummy called off a strike on binLaden, then I say he and this adminstration committed treason by not protecting us. It is what Bush implied about Clinton. Stuff and nonsense.

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Butch — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:56:54 GMT

Josh Marshall at Talking Points Memo makes a good point today - where's our new war czar, Lute? Anybody hear anything about the guy?

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jerry/corpus christi texas — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:59:49 GMT

With the leader of Pakistan now having problems with Al Qaeda, maybe a joint operation is now plausible. If the corner of Pakistan is so lawless and so bad, maybe we just tell him that he needs to stand back and we have a new practice bombing area and we take everyone out. If there are training camps in that area, we need to clean them out. RC, your statement tells me you gave in to plenty of bullies in your day.

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AMERICAN PUBLIC 75% — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:06:33 GMT

n o m o r e t i m e , p u l l o u r t r o o p s o u t n o w !

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Al, KS — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:20:29 GMT

Of course Bush is buying time...and he's buing it with the lives of our troops. He's buying it with the arms and legs of our troops. He's buying it with the shattered bodies of our troops. He's buying it with the children who do not see their parents for months at a time. He's buying it with the spouses who fear that they will never see a loved one again. He's buying it with the mental illness our troops will suffer for years to come. And he's buying it with our national treasure. Note that Bush is not paying anything...just buying time with the misery of others. How long will the Republicans in Congress allow this to continue. September?...67 Senate votes will be hard to come by even then. Not 1...not even 1 of the beachmarks was met. Satisfactory progress, give me a break, lied to again.

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Ricardo in California — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:25:18 GMT

George Bush stated yesterday that if we pulled out of Iraq that our nation would not be safe. Then damit .. make it safe .... Isn't that the job of Homeland Security? Didn't Cheney go on FOX news numerous times to talk about we have "weaken" Al Qaeda around the world. This administration has NO IDEA what is going on in the world. If we are unsafe, it has to do with how clueless the White House is. Here are some suggestios ... 1. Secure our borders 2. Do something about the inconsistency screening by TSA. 3. Demand that all airlines coming in and out of the USA screen their cargo. The list is endless but Bush refuses to do anything about it.

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Desmond — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:32:31 GMT

"If there are training camps in that area?"They never left, have been there since before 9/11. Took our eyes off the prize. What did Rummy say, something like, there's nothing to bomb in Afhganistan.

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Robert Catalano, Salem, OR — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:45:00 GMT

Jerry, I have never given in to a bully. Never had my ass kicked. I avoided a lot more fights by having a sense of humor and letting the other person see that fighting me would not give them the ego boost or the result they wanted. I am also a combat vet and was quiet when I had to be and did what I needed to do when it had to be done. However that did not mean I jumped into a crowd of NVA regulars or VC and shouted, "shoot me"

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Mark Y; Wstlake Village, CA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:52:22 GMT

jerry, it amazes me at the number of conclusions you pull out of thin air based on no information on other people's comments. where would we be TODAY if bush had killed or captured bin Laden instead of Saddam? Saddam would have continued killing and torturing his own people while al Queda would have a leadership problem. I have to believe the entire world would be better off, Iran would not be so bold, nor would N Korea have tried to push their weight around. now all signs point to a no-win military situation and possibly on the diplomatic side, too. time is running out for a satisfactory soultion; bush f----ed this up royally...no pun intended.

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Paw Paw, NC — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:45:20 GMT

If we pull our troops out of Iraq then Al Qaeda will over run the country and follow us here (BULL SH--!) So there's a couple of hundred say even a thousand Al Qaeda, how many million Iraqi's are there and haven't they already requested weapons to defend themselves, since the government won't protect them. I think the whole purpose in buying time and wanting to keep our troops there as long as possible has more to do with using the U.S. military as assassins and establishing a military strong enough to protect the new dictator once we do pull out. One thing is for sure there will never be a democratic government in Iraq if we stay for five more years as soon as our military leaves Islamic rule will be reestablished. We can't leave until we succeed and win WHAT? As far as reconstruction let the iraqi's decide after all where is all their oil money going now we're paying the contractors, military, and even the government officials, I suspect private bank accounts of the exiles we brought back and put in power. They are enjoying the feast we are providing, they get to keep the oil money plus the billions from the U.S., the hell with the Iraqi people. Kinda reminds me of President Bush and our beloved government officials what ya think?

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juan,ft lauderdale,fl — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:46:29 GMT

Robert C-Thanks for serving our country and representing it with class unlike our present Commander in Thief. You speak so eloquently.

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Russell in Maryland — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:48:42 GMT

lies, lies and more lies. Does the man ever speak the truth to anyone? Do the fools really believe him or just pretend to for political reasons? Stop the madness. Stop the killing. How many more must die for a lie.

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R.Merrell — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:05:34 GMT

As usual, more of the same SOS from Bush. Nothing ever changes.

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John Grinchal, MS — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:33:49 GMT

Jerry - you continue to just not get it. Al Qaeda is now stronger than prior to 9/11, mostly as a result of this idiotic conflict, and as a result of the failure of Bush to keep his eye on the ball. They have re-constituted and are more focused due to this dolt (and similarly-minded individuals). Had 1/2 trillion been given to the Afganistan conflict, and equally-important, to protecting our homeland, we would be more secure. You, and folks like you, are the reason we are in this situation. You display a comparable mindless fervor as defenders of Intelligent Design; clueless, irrational, non-fact-based and delusional thinking that is slowly destroying this nation. Such an embarassment.

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IntheMiddle, Texas — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:42:48 GMT

Desmond: Im going to let you in on a little something. I happen to be one of those guys that was on UBL's trail in 03'. We did not cut and run. "These colors don't run" SF goes across the border into Pakistan constantly but you cannot snatch UBL out of there without causing an overthrow of the government. They have nukes and believe me they will be used. So don't ever say the military ran. We take that to heart.

Juan: You always resort to personally attacking the POTUS. I bet you are a little 5'0, crossed-eyed nerd that wasn't loved coming up. You would definately be a blanket party candidate had you ever served in the military. We would whip ur azz till you cried for "mommy". I would have loved to have you on the trail "Drill Sergeant" at basic training. You might have came there "in the closet" but we would have definately brought what little manhood you had out.

All of you need to stop commenting on UBL because none of you were ever there and don't even begin to understand the complexities of his capture.

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Scott in South Texas — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:53:51 GMT

jerry doesn't want to get it, and jerry doesn't need to get it. He delights in ignoring facts that don't conform with his fantasy, he delights in repeating unsubstantiated lies and talking points, and he delights in avoiding the subject to continue piling up the meaningless crap about people he doesn't like. He wishes he could maim, kill, destroy and drop bombs,and he would've kicked NVA ass had he been there. He is, however, entertaining some of the time; absurd to the point of hilarity.

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Desmond — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:13:12 GMT

I did not say you did. I said our government took the eye off the prize and our government failed . It had nothing to do with the military. It was our government's policy.And I personally may not have been in Afhganistan, but bin Laden was sure sure was here on 9/11. I think I will go on mentioning his name until he is found. Thanks, but I think I get it.

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Gary, Schear, Bozeman Montana — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:25:46 GMT

IntheMiddle, Texas-- I will comment on whatever the hell I want to comment on and have no intention of stopping because someone who won't even post under his own name tells me that he was on UBL's trail. Opps, that might blow your cover Jack Bauer. Weren't you the guy saying he was so busy uncovering military fakes on this blog? Well I think that your one and I am sure you will tell us next that you have been out creepy crawling in Iran and know just exactly what the facts is. But lets give you the benefit of a doubt Forrest. Didn't your fearless dumb ass leader tell UBL there was no where to run and no where to hide?...except in the country of our great allie in the war on terror. Pakistan has Nukes...no Sh*t. They have been a bullet away from an Islamic republic since Musharraf came to power. Don't you think we would have been better off trying to deal with Pakistan then instead of waiting until "President" bush weakened and stressed our military to the breaking point and wasted his peoples resolve in this pointless adventure in Iraq? Your argument makes no sense, you make no sense and need to get out more and quit fantasizing so much.

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Ravine Force, Kissimmee, FL — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:32:23 GMT

IntheMiddle, blanket party? I would suggest proposing something more "manly" than a blanket party where a bunch of goons throw a blanket over someone to cover their identity and then beat on the person. If you had called Juan out one on one I would have respected your post. If you hide behind a blanket, we are in more trouble than I thought.

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Lee Holmes — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:36:25 GMT

The ''embarassment'' lay with those who would believe that invading a nuclear nation[Pakistan],would not immediately bring forth a response from the Musharref government which has admittedly shown its cojones by calling the Islamics bluff and reducing to cinders its holy 'Red Mosque'and the radical fighters holed up therein. In this,Musharref has acted more like Sherman and less like Doris Day.This is the thrust of how liberals wish to handle all of our future,[and with our retreat from Iraq],growing conflicts with radical Islamic adherents. A Doris Day war.
People forget on these boards that to actually get Osama and Omar and Zawahiri,we must fight with the same ruthlessness now employed by our enemies. These speak of ''WWII'' and the victories over fascism forgetting that utter ruthlessness was the order of the day that allowed the final victory.
Nor will ''dialogue''amount to anything. This was used at Munich,which only got Israeli athletes murdered before they even got to the airport. This was used at Oslo and Camp David, which only launched the 2nd Intifada. This was used in Lebanon. Which only allowed Syria to rearm HEZBOLLAH which is fighting the Lebanese Army as we speak, with UNFIL looking on in total helplessness.
Even the idea of retreat is now bordering on the insane. In last weeks New York Times Editorial [July 08,2007],the armchair general Pinch Sulzberger,allowed for genocide as the price that the Iraqis have to pay for our retreat.It further made the totally idiotic surmise that the Kurdish north would remain a stable safe area in a jihadi sea,which is crazy on its face. The Turks,fearing nothing from the US,would merely take the five divisions they already have massed on the Kurdish border and send them across, widening the war and leaving the US with no safe place from which to conduct a retreat.Iran would overtly step in to back the Shias who would immediately begin their powerplay headed by The Mook.[Muqtada al-Sadr].The Sunnis,using Kuwait as a conduit, would move to get their guys in,realizing the great fear of Lee Hamilton[D],who served on the Iraq Study Group.
Utter pandemonium,not seen since the withdrawl to the Pusan Perimeter,will be the result[and even there,US forces were being re-enforced.Not withdrawn]. The case that al Qaeda is even stronger in the world than before 9/11 is debatable. They were able to invest an entire nation[Afghanistan],while carrying out attacks on US interests worldwide long before 9/11 and in one attack after another,all of them,successful with exactly nothing to show for it.
To date,more terrorists belonging to this organization have been killed or captured since 9/11 than at any other time in its existance nor is anything that the Democrat contenders offering going to improve on this situation even one whit.Edwards and the Democrat-led House,seek to even scrap ''the war on terror''and strike it from our memory.You will be reminded that this is what the Brits did and for their thoughtfulness,they were immediately attacked in no fewer than three separate major bombing attempts within a 24 hour period which if successful,would have killed hundreds if not more.[and by of all people,doctors].
More talk by the Dems of using ''international communities''and the ''United Nations''. Let us speak frankly. What has the UN accomplished in this area? Can even one single success be observed by that body? Further,as the Times editorial totally failed to observe, the Euros are headed to the right. Not the left, in dealing with jihadism and its immigrant roots. The French,Dutch,Brits,Danes,and others are more in line with Bushs thinking than they are Pelosis or Hillarys, as they are patently sick and tired of the Islamic rampage and their failed attempts to cave to Muslim ''sensibilities'',which have brought nothing but death and mayhem to their peoples.
Homework Lesson for Today: Name the last time in American history when a Congress that gave an approval for war later reneged and sought to take back that approval without first cutting off funding for the war which they approved. Bonus Point: Indicate Section and Article of the United States Constitution that allows Congress to so override the Executive Branch in this manner.

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juan,ft lauderdale,com — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:41:58 GMT

Inthe Middle-FYI I AM 6 '1, 205 lbs, work out 4-5 times a week, have a black belt in Judo, and never gotted wrupped a day in my life. Us liberal bloggers are all pissed off because of ignorant people like you who are fat, drink way to much beer, totally ignorant about history, and choose to see are foriegn policy as if it is a football game between rival camps.

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Kato in Des Moines — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:49:46 GMT

IntheMiddle writes: "All of you need to stop commenting on UBL because none of you were ever there and don't even begin to understand the complexities of his capture." What a bunch of crap. Time and time again I read this garbage where only military people are qualified to talk about the war in Afghanistan or the war in Iraq or the hunt for UBL. Now you're further limiting that list to only those servicemen and women who actually have been deployed in those two conflicts. As a former commissioned officer in the Army I take exception to this notion that only military personnel (or military personnel who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan) are qualified to talk about the administration's handling of these two conflicts as well as the hunt for UBL. This administration vowed to hunt down those responsible for 9/11. They have failed miserably in that task. It's the right and responsibility of every American citizen to speak out when their government is wrong. American citizenship is not confined to just those in the military or to flag-waving Republicans. This is a nation "of the people, by the people, for the people." It is not a nation "of the military, by the military, for the military." So get off your high-horse and quit thinking only the military is qualified to talk about the incompetence of our government in supressing the Taliban, eliminating al-Qaeda or finding UBL.

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HOT DAM — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:55:32 GMT

Jerry wishes he were RAMBO!
He is really a BOZZO!

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Al Bundy, Chicago IL — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:57:57 GMT

Scott rants: "jerry doesn't want to get it, . . . NVA ass had he been there."

Okay Scotty. We'll put you down as a 'maybe' for being a potential contributer to the RNC.

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Middle Tennessee — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:12:54 GMT

IntheMiddle,Texas seems odd you would retire in the middle of this conflict at a time your president needs you the most.

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Scott in South Texas — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:21:49 GMT

IntheMiddle, we acknowledge you dedication and service, and commend you on your sacrifice and achievements during your honorable service in the military. Soldiers like you have been fighting to protect freedoms of Americans for over 230 years, including freedom of speech.

Which is exactly why I cannot understand why you seek to deny people on these boards their right and freedom to voice their opinions. You certainly do not have to agree with them, and I understand how you don't like some of the opinions you read here. While you were in the Army, you had both the right and the power to order people around, tell them how to think, belittle them, treat them with contempt, and even physically abuse them if you wanted to. With all due respect, Sir, you are not our drill sergeant, and we do not have to follow your orders or submit to your abuse.

Your opinion counts for just as much as anyone else's, but not necessarily for any more. I realize you know more about fighting than most of us, you have made that abundantly clear. While I hesitate to tell you what you can and cannot do, you need to realize that people do not have to tolerate the kinds of vicious and unwarranted attacks that you direct at people on these boards rather than join them in a calm and reasonable discussion.

In closing, I'm 51 years old, 5'11" tall and weigh 165 lbs. I wasn't loved by everyone growing up, but was very much loved by the people who mattered. I will stipulate that you could whip my ass, but will assure you I am not and have never been in the closet. An no, you did not ask me for my comments, but your permission is not required. Thank you.

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Desmond — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:28:31 GMT

My answer did not go thru ,so let me try again.I never said the military failed in Afhganistan. I did say that our government policy did. I was not in Afhganistan but bin Laden was here on 9/11.Thanks, but I think I get it. And until this is officially declared a junta government, I will keep talking about bin Laden.

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Mel, Illinois — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:31:38 GMT

IntheMiddle, I don't want to be accused of twisting what you said again, but do you have something against short, intelligent people? There's a barely over 5' Drill Sergeant out at Fort Sill that I don't think takes kindly to derogatory statements about short stature. He's extremely intelligent, brave and resourceful. He fought his way out of captivity in Bosnia. My WWII friend who was a POW at Stalag 17 is barely over 5'. He had to be small to fit in the plane. Those Germns couldn't get him to behave and follow their rules. He spent a lot of time in solitary confinement for building a radio out of scrounged parts. Wasn't MacArthur a mama's boy? She lived across the river from West Point so she could keep an eye on him and watch for his light to off every night. Describing your experiences can add to our knowledge. Insults do not lend legitimacy to your viewpoint.

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AMERICAN PUBLIC 75+% — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:35:08 GMT

3011 soldiers dead...thousands wounded. end this war today!

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IntheEnd — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:48:26 GMT

I am 3'4" tall, weigh 92 lb. I am intellegent too. I fought in Korea, Nam, and Iraq. So none of you talk about any wars except me.

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IntheMiddle, Texas — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:54:37 GMT

Gary: Nobody said anything to you. By the way I live in Killeen, Texas and I work on Ft. Hood. You want to find me ask anyone for Big Wolf and they will tell you where I am.

Juan:FYI I'm 6'3", 235 and I too work out daily. MAtter of fact I still run with units on Hood. So I don't think you really want anything to do with me. Judo..LOL..

Now back to biz. What I'm saying is you can say whatever you want but dont try to pass it as fact. Just because that sportscaster on MSNBC sys something dos not make it true. I have never came on here and stated anything about Iraq or Afghanistan that I haven't experienced or not got from first hand accounts of people there and that have been there recently. Im here where everyone comes and goes to the Middle East and we all share our experiences because we know we are not going to get a correct picture by relying on the news media. These young soldiers here are ready to go. I just went to see a unit off this morning and they were fired up. This is their second deployment in 2yrs. No matter how hard the media and wimp-side political pundits try to disuade military opinion on the wars they still will not break its will. "WE MOVE ON"

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Scott Rants in South Texas — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:58:30 GMT

Thanx, Al, but you and Peg should put me down as an "I'd sooner French kiss a rat" for potential contributor to the RNC. Your daughter, Kelly, is hot, and smarter than you, Al.

And don't call me Scotty.

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Middle Tennessee — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:59:38 GMT

AMERICAN PUBLIC add 600 more to your total......3,611 dead last count I heard.

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Russell in Maryland — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:07:21 GMT

IntheMiddle, I got top SAT scores, went to a high tech school and got a high tech job. Nobody is allowed to talk on this board about math, logic, science or technical issues except people like me and if you don't like it then it is the wedgie party for you.

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Russell in Maryland — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:11:26 GMT

McCain said "If we choose to lose in Iraq." Has he been watching the Colbert Report? Steven said that if we pull out it means we have lost and that we can't lose in Iraq if we never leave.

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Al Bundy, Chicago, IL — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:15:09 GMT

"I'd sooner French kiss a rat"

Please, don't bring Helen Thomas into this discussion.

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InTheBeginning — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:20:36 GMT

UBL UBL UBL UBL UBL UBL UBL UBL UBL UBL UBL UBL UBL UBL UBL UBL -- POTUS sucks POTUS sucks POTUS sucks POTUS sucks POTUS sucks POTUS sucks POTUS sucks POTUS sucks -- oh please IntheMiddle, don't blanket party me. Apology accepted.

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Flat-earther, Georgia — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:38:14 GMT

Too many Area 51 natives. Morons, disguised as right-wing nuts and left-wing nuts.

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Mark Y; Westlake Village, CA — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:37:53 GMT

I think inthemiddle is jerry's alter-ego. jerry's posts have been a bit more civil, only to be offset by the viciousness of inthemiddle. both are from texas, and you never see them in a photo together! And whatever the number is, it is too many for this war in Iraq. When your enemy is stronger 6 years after their initial attack, you are doing something wrong. can't blame it on the dems since bush has been in power all this time; yet the repugs continue with this abomination!

Iraq

Desmond — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 21:50:03 GMT

Mark Y, the poster has directed his points to me in the past in the same belligerent manner. Once upon a time he was Chris then dog eared soldier now in the middle and probaby more.The tone gives it all away. The message is always the same. I am unpatriotic. and no nothing.

Iraq

Mel, Illinois — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:06:39 GMT

Desmond, notice he always says the only troops against the war are 'disgruntled National Guard'? Either that's a common term bandied about in Texas, or it is coming from the same fellow. He reminds me of the military moms and wives that have desperation in their voices and their eyes as they struggle to find something, anything to shore up their belief in Bush. Many of them resort to name calling. It's terribly sad that he thinks we are trying to break the spirit of the military.

Iraq

IntheMiddle, Texas — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 23:56:53 GMT

Desmond: My name is Chris and I was a Dog Faced Soldier once upon a time before I went SF. If you know so much you would know what a Dog Face Soldier is. I make my point once again. You guys constantly talk about things you know nothing of. Stick to things you know something about, like the color of your car, the color of your drawers you have on, etc. The way you guys attack Bush on here constantly, you damn right I have something to say. I use to be very civil on here until people starting coming at me incorrectly. When you step to me I'm going to handle my biz.

Iraq

Desmond — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:27:09 GMT

Well, after all these months one has the courage to own up to who one is. Thank you for confirming what I already knew. And thank you for once again telling me that I have no say in the policies put forth by my country. Should I assume to have a name rank and serial file nuumber now? Perhaps then I would gain some respect in your eyes. I chose not to enter the military for my career. And if I had to do it all over again, I would say that I made the right choice for myself. I do not agree with the policy, not the people in the service who are told to implement the policy.

Iraq

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:42:13 GMT

inthemiddletexas, you want know why people attack the dunce in chief, I'll tell you. he is dumber than a box of rocks, stubborn as a damned mule and will allow people to out a CIA operative wich is if you don't know is treasoness and he thinks it's old news and we should move on. He has contradicticted himself more than once could count and oh by the way allowed his party to call the veterans that do not agree with his policy unpatriotic. You think that you are the only one who has sole right to soldiers going off to battle, guess what jerk your not!!!!!! You attack people the same way the GOP is doing to people. The dunce in chief said "Dead or alive" or UBL and guess what no dice and you think that UBL's capture would be bad, I guess when Hitler cornered that was bad based on your assumption of UBL. You are not the only one who has the right to talk about soldiers and their experiences because people like me long before you have been there, also people who have family involved also have the right to talk. I guess you are not a champion of free speech? What a soldier you must have been? FRAG Comes to mind!!!

Iraq

Desmond — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:55:27 GMT

And unless you are President Bush, I fail to see how my criticism of him, which is not based on hate, reflects onto you, someone I cannot even put a face to.And since you do not know who I am, do not presume that I post about things I know nothing about.

Iraq

juan,ft lauderdale, fl — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:49:43 GMT

IntheMIDDLE-you are obviously very angry, bitter, and delusional if you think;like the despicable meglomanic you idolize;we are going to be bullied by you. Obviously you get preverse pleasure out of controlling and intimitating others considering your previous line of work. What is with...."When you step to me I'M GOING HANDLE MY BIZ" I suggest you go back to school and learn proper English and what's called syntax.

Iraq

AMERICAN PUBLIC 75% AND GROWING — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 04:11:44 GMT

E N D T H E W A R " N O W " !

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chuck — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 12:37:11 GMT

"they are coming here" on what scale? this is the biggest scare tactic going on . I am surprised to see McCain using it. It targets women voters because there are lots of them and it worked last time.
They are certainly not coming here until after the election at least. And if they do come here we will wipe them out. Coming here?

Iraq

Buzz — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 14:23:45 GMT

Al Bundy- he didn't bring Helen THomas into this discussion, you did on our 4:15 post. The lady asks numb-nuts a legit question, so she deserves to be turned on? (I mean turned on as in 'turned against', not turned on as in 'getting stoned', which you seem to have some familiarity with??)

Iraq

Al Bundy, Chicago IL — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 18:47:55 GMT

>> And don't call me Scotty.

Sorry Scotty.

Iraq

Lee in CA — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 16:58:14 GMT

PRESIDENT Decider stated that "Congress aught not be running this war." How true. We have a half-wit narcissist fascist puppet leader too stupid to find oil in Texas or keep Sammy Sosa in his ball club to run it, just like God intended.

Iraq

jerry/corpus christi texas — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 18:09:02 GMT

Oh I can be nice and civil and easy-going as anybody. But even though I have tried to be nicer, you libs still bring it on, so that's when I ramp it up. I'm also doing more research, the things you find on candidates on here and I have'nt even mentioned some of the things that Hillary and John Edwards have gotten themselves into, makes me wonder if we would be better off. But, as long as we still have a first amendment and this blog some fair and balanced chat, you'll see me for quite a while. So get used to it. And Juan, JUDO??? LOL. One encounter was a judo person, I sent him back for extra lessons and ended up going to class with him. Threatening people with violence....are you sure you are a liberal?

Iraq

Bob. Lipsett Sr. North Attleboro, MA. 02760-4388 — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 20:52:38 GMT

jerry/corpus christi, jerry why do you and others persist in instigating fights. Cheney/Bush were looking for a fight then to illegally invade Iraq. So they drew up plans that would get them there. The dismisal of the information of "ABLE DANGER" that the Pentagon surpressed with 15 whistleblowers with information that would have saved the world trade center, then the dismissal of Jul.10 and Aug 6, 2001 Presidential Daily Briefings ignored by Rice/Bush on vacation at Crawford Tx., then the delays caused by the neocon group to try to derail the hearing of the 911 committee that were of concern of the Jersey Girls, imagine 1 1/2 years of delays that gave this Cheney/Bush neocons time to get things in place to invade a totally weakest, poorest, defenseless and most contained country in the middle east.

John McCain and you are totally off base when you say fight them there rather than here. It is my understanding that our military walked right into a band of "Cinci de Mayo" insurgents. Remember Nepoleon III well armed troops at Publo, Mexico in 1862 being repelled by a group of mexicans with rifles and bayonets and macheties on May 5, 1862? I hope you and the other cowards would take up arms should our soil be invaded by more than four(4)airplanes.

All that can be said is, this administration wanted to establish a middle east super power of a permanent military and largest "Colossal" Embassy in the world for the middle east presence of the world greatest controlling force know to mankind.

Sorry jerry, it was lost even before it began. The only thing that was accomplished was to reenforce the world opinion against the USA. And to cause more violence in the middle east, now Iran is 1,000 miles closer to Israel and the fight you are so proud of is between Iran and Arab countries with the targets on our military backs, 1 killed, send 4 replacements to their early grave of our brave mititary just following a fools mission. 1,535 days since "Misson Accomplished" now with 3,611 dead and 27,000 wounded.

Others don't hate us, our government provoked hatred. King George was the crowning fool that was of the Pentagon/Cheney and Ahmad Chalibi. Imagine jerry boy the first pick of our Pentagon to lead Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein was Ahmad Chalibi, which by the way only drew .001% of the 12 million votes cast in the election. That while stealing 263 tons of $100.00 dollar bills of our money. Now who is the fools. The USA is not destine to control the middle east. Too much religious history to over come the march of 5,000 years.

In the middle/Texas shouldn't our armed forces be required to in this day and age to understand the customs, traditions and language before engaging the supposed enemy. There is word out in the papers that the Marine recruiting training center in San Diego is teaching ethical standards. We were taught to fight to the death by occupying forces, but these are not occupying forces, just men and women trying to protect their homeland.

Maliki said, he could defend Iraq without our military troops so it didn't matter whether they stayed or go home. What does that tell you about their opinion of the USA. Micheal Ware said when asked the Iraqis about the presence of US forces, it didn't matter at all, as they are no better off now than they were with Saddam Hussein. What a sad commentary of this illegal invasion just for a position in the middle east.

Iraq

Bob. Lipsett Sr. North Attleboro, MA. 02760-4388 — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 21:22:55 GMT

Inthemiddle, Texas, Why did King George issue a executive priviledge order about the Pat Tillman friendly fire death?

Another abuse of power by a coward that wouldn't fight for his country in '68 in Nam. Imagine his Father musseled his way to the top of the list and then screwed the Texas Air National Guard out of thousands of dollars for flight training and then ran and hid from a physcial just to avoid high altitude combat status. Now that is real leadership, don't you think, BTW, I don't think anyone who didn't serve in Nam is entitled to a pass, not even "Dead Eye Dick"

I served two enlistments in the USAF between '54 and 62, was married with 6 children and was refused a requst to go to a close support bombing in Korea (CSB) detachment toward the end of the Korean conflict.

Iraq

Bob. Lipsett Sr. North Attleboro, MA. 02760-4388 — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 21:46:51 GMT

inthemiddle, texas, if you are referring to Keith Olberman of "Countdown" I'm surprise you follow his program anytime at all. He and Lou Dobbs of CNN are the only truth sayers on the Talk shows. Keith tells you what and why and as Harry Truman would say "when they say give them "Hell" I tell them the truth they think it is "Hell". Lou Dobbs has brought out more coverups and behind the scenes as: Ramos and Compeon enprisonment by a Justic Dept Judge (Johnny Sutton) of El Paso, Tx. and about the now talked about "Union of North America" which is now being discussed in our government or about the Randi Rhodes plea for callers on Lou Dobbs show last year to call your representive about the proposed high yeild explosion in Nevada that would penetrate deep in the earth. The switch board was jammed with calls to the congressman and two weeks later Barbara Starr on CNN was showing the site where this high explosion was have to taken place and was cancelled by the loud protest of concern of citizens, that it was the prelude to the Low Yeild Nuclear Bunker Busting Bomb to use on N. Korea, Iran. Pakistan or any other rouge nation the US thought might do us harm.

Why so many closed doors for 12 out of 14 years that our country was given away. I always thought this was "AMERICA" and not the Soviet Union.

Iraq

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:54:01 GMT

Mel, I can assure you there are more military folks than just national guardsmen who are critical of our current Iraq policies. Virginia is a good case to prove that point. It has one of the highest concentration of both active military and military retirees, proportionately. The tidewater area is the largest concentration of stateside active forces, with major Navy, Air Force and Army bases, plus joint commands, and even two joint Navy-Marine Corps bases.

In 2006, we had a senator running for re-election who was seen as unbeatable. In fact, people were talking about George Allen as the insider's frontrunner for president in 2008. Jim Webb took him on, basically running a one-issue campaign against the Iraq occupation, and won.

Webb was able to do this because he did come into the race with a lot of credibility with military folks. He's not just a Cindy Sheehan type, but instead can talk substantively about military issues - and maybe more importantly, can get a pro-military state like Virginia to listen when he talks. And, granted, Allen proved to not be a great candidate when in a tough race. He blundered a little.

But those qualifiers aside, its still a pretty strong indicator that not all military folks are what the Sean Hannity's out there would like for them to be.

Iraq

HOT DAM — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:42:04 GMT

Hey Russell watch ya mouth. I am 8 feet 10 inches and I am King of the Wedgie Party! I have been in tne Navy, Air Force and Army, all at the same time! I can swim in the deep end of the pool and pee in the sandbox.
You better not mess with me or I will tell my mommy.
I do not like math..ha ha I talked about it nah nah na

Iraq

Mel, Illinois — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 04:37:25 GMT

Paul Miller, since we are a military family we followed the race in VA with interest. My kid let out a loud 'Hu-ah' when he heard that Jim Webb had won. With friends and familiy in the Marines, Navy, Active Army, Reserves and Guard I hear a lot of opinions. Most saw early on that this war was a mistake, others have taken longer to reach that conclusion, and only a couple still profess to wholeheartedly support it. One sounds like Jerry...more than gung-ho, positively bloodthirsty and wants to kill ragheads, as he calls them. I worry about him. Most of them say it's time to get out; that Bush's legacy is not worth another American life. They know there's no easy way to do it, but they don't see any sense in staying the course. Or staying the 'new way forward' course or whatever the administration is calling it this week. I've watched them struggle with the issues and it is painful for them to disagree with the President. It astounds me that they are brave enough to put that disagreement in the back of their minds and go over there and fight. My son says they put each mission, their country and buddies first and just do their best to bring each other home alive. It infuriates me when people call anyone who disagrees with Bush leftie-loonies, Libs, wimps or disgruntled. They don't know these guys like I do. I doubt that Webb found his decisions easy either. He has character in his face. Allen struck me as one of those smarmy, 'say anything to win whether he means it or not' types. I hope more states follow Virginia's lead.

Iraq

Lee Holmes — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 07:31:43 GMT

Mel:Your argument cuts both ways.I too have a nephew serving with the 82nd,as well as other friends who support this mission and the president to the upmost,or,to a lesser degree,they have more contempt for the Democrats then they do our commander-in-chief.Either way,the Democrats who advise immediate retreat are simply not garnering the respect of the field and home soldiers,sailors,Marines and airmen.I see that the pro-administration group including Iraq soldiers known as ''Veterans For Freedom''is marching on Capitol Hill.I would bet a Tommys Joint T-Bone[the best in Frisco],that they get little to no play in the MSM at all where barely enough grandmas to form a bridge table belonging to CODE PINK would get front page on the New York Times.

Iraq

Mel, Illinois — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 11:41:44 GMT

Lee, I hope your nephew and friends come through this safely. Thank you for sharing their viewpoint. Those of us who know troops are generally influenced by their experiences and opinions to a greater degree than by what we read or see in the news. Perhaps if the "Veterans for Freedom" wore outfits made of electric blue or neon green they would get more press coverage. :)