Greg_W

What do you think the purpose for war is? Beat them but make sure their self-esteem is left intact? Dude, you have no idea. The idea of war is to DESTROY your enemies, not scare them. Sheesh! The more we can "shock and awe", the better chance we have of destroying our enemy's will to fight, making the job of our infantry easier.

Didn't say we were perfect, Jim. However, I would encourage you to find a country with a better track record and go there. Trask and I will help you pack.

Sorry, just meant democracy, freedom, self-determination, free honest elections, etc. Doesn't surprise me that that wouldn't jive with your socialistic bent.

It's hard to lend any credence to your involvement in this discussion Dru. You're Canadian and Canada has been hiding behind the skirts of the U.S. for years. Canada refuses to join the U.S.-British coalition fighting Saddam, but they sure want to be involved in re-building Iraq afterwards (read: we want lucritive construction contracts without doing the hard work first). Greg W

Don't put words in my mouth, Iain. Even in "peacetime" there are countries and people who are not our friends. Why should we associate with these people? Why should we support with our trade those countries who are the antithesis of the American Idea?

Kind of rich coming from the "Land of the Bland - Canada". Surely war is a horrible dispicable thing; yet at times it is necessary. Einstein was wrong in his convictions and in dire need of a comb.

Well spoken, Robbob!

You're a little young to remember Atari, aren't you Adventuregal?

It's that simple, really. What's wrong with this position? Especially in a time of war? Declare yourself one way or another - countries are either with us, with Saddam, or better claim neutrality. Neutrality won't necessarily mean that we'll be best buddies afterwards, either.

Whatever, Iain. I believe that if we are going into action, we need to do it completely and that's what Rumsfeld's plan entails. Sound doctrine, if you ask me.

Dude made great movies. I grew up watching "The Great Escape", "Magnificent Seven", and a bunch of others. Not to mention the complete John Wayne catalog.

Heard two press conferences he gave yesterday and was impressed with how he handled questions, security of information, and communication of vital facts. He's a cool customer and we're blessed to have him in the position he's in. Good job, Don!!!!!

Nice troll, bitch.

Always thought he was a fruitcake. Bwahahahahahahaha!!!!!

Helps to have a pocket version of The Constitution by the computer . I never said anything about Erik's right to protest; I fully support the exercising of your 1st Amendment rights. Just stating my opinion on the matter.

18.2%. Kind of bummed actually.

Yeah!!!!!!! Beats that milktoast pussy, Al Gore.

Call bullshit all you want, Erik. That is a fundamental tenet of republican (small 'r') democracy (which is what the U.S. is). Laws are passed by the majority and applied to ALL. Similarly are decisions (Executive Orders, Policy Changes, etc.) made by the Executive Branch Administration; the Administration was elected by a majority of Electors (as per the Constitution, Article II). Now, this is MY opinion and belief and interpretation of republican/representative democracy; you can form your own opinions and live by them. Greg W

Not to harsh on you, Jim, but I think this is a prime example of the misconception that MANY people have about the architecture of our government and how elections work in the United States. Article II of the Constitution breaks down how Electors are chosen and how each State's Electors shall execute their responsibilities. Each State votes from among the choices of national candidates; with a few exceptions, the corresponding Electors from those States mimic that vote in THEIR vote that is submitted to the President of the Senate. It is by the tabulation of the votes of the Electors that the President and Vice President are elected. This system was set in place by the Founding Fathers to provide some measure of protection for the small states from the large states; it strikes a balance. So, while you may assert that "a majority of the voters did not vote for Bush[sic]", that is an irrelavent argument; it is the vote of the Electors (or Electoral College) that selects the President based on the voters' voices in each state. This is a prime characteristic of a DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC versus a pure democracy. Greg W

I look at the demonstrations as a sign of what we suupposedly stand for, the ability to voice an opinion in a democratic society. Passivity in a society is not a good thing. Democracy is supposed to be a mix of voices, not a sing-a-long. To a degree, Jim. In a democratic republic, the majority voice carries, and once a decision is made ALL have to abide by it. That's how it works. So, I agree with dissent and voicing of opinions; however, I also think that once a decision is made, it should be supported as America's position. We are all Americans, no matter who wants to say "I didn't vote for GWB, I didn't vote for a war, blah, blah, blah." A note on "supporting" our troops: Separate the policy from the personnel. You can still support the soldiers representing and fighting in the name of The United States of America and not agree with the action taken. I know they would appreciate it. Greg W

Gotta call bullshit on this one, poptart. At least Bush ran a state with a good-sized economy prior to his election. You liberals who thought Clinton was all that seem to forget what cornfed backwater he came from. Arkansas is a shithole and he did nothing to improve it, yet all those now bitching about Bush's "lack of international experience" weren't saying the same about Clinton.

Yeah, he sticks with you sorta like herpes. Greg, you might try a regular program of antivirals to keep that under control. Don't despair; a relatively normal life is possible for you! Best of luck! Your friend, Dr. Flash Amazing Hey, I didn't say I had herpes, you rim-licker. Bite off, wank.

Probably Castle Rock. Mad Meadows? Where the hell is that?

Yeah, he sticks with you sorta like herpes.

Ditto. Where you climbing?