NationStates Jolt Archive


My fears concerning the next four years.

BackwoodsSquatches
26-01-2005, 13:48
Those of you who know me here, pretty much known that I'm fairly liberal.
Some of you may know that I'm moderately knowledgeable regarding history.
My fears over the next four years revolving around Bush is the similarities between his NeoCons, and the Nazi Party of WW2 era Germany.

Before we continue, know this:

No...I am not comparing Bush to Hitler.

Moving on..

The scary thing to me is the way Bush has, through his campiagn speeches, press conferences, and adresses, slowly de-humanize the populace of this country, by allowing us to see others as less than human.

What the hell do I mean?
I'll tell you.

In Germany before the invasion of Poland, the Nazi party convinced normal,
decent people who went to work and earned their pay just like us, to allow them (the nazi's) to round up, and eliminate millions of Jews.

How did they do this?

They enforced the belief that the Jewish people were less than human.
They enforced the belief that they (the Jews)were the true cause of Germany (and the world's) problems.
That good and true Germans were doing a favor and service to the Country by aiding the attrocities that took place.

What does this have to do with Bush?

Look at the way that Bush has villianized the Muslim people.
If a Middle-Eastern man walked up to you in your hometown, what would your first thought be?
Some of you may claim that you wouldnt even think twice, and percieve him like any other person of any race.

But the truth is, that even if you know full well that the man is probably harmless, its in the back of your mind.

"He just might be a terrorist."

Unlike Hitler, who was the most evil bastard I can think of, Bush doesnt have to convince you to pick up a gun and kill Muslims.
All he has to do is convince you that "Terrorists" are the root of all your fears.
Look at the T.V commercials for the D.H.S, asking if "You have a plan in case of a terrorist attack?"

It keeps you scared of "Terrorists".

But Bush isnt very specific about who is, and who is not a terrorist, isnt he?

All he has to do is get decent people to look the other way, while he pulls the stunts he has.

Like what?

Abu Graib.

Gitmo Bay.

Starting a war against Iraq, claiming to be first looking for WMD'S, then claiming to be fighting terrorism, then claiming to be liberating Iraq.

For those of you who dont know, the U.S, last week, officially stopped looking for wmd's in Iraq.


You see?

If Bush doesnt like you, all he has to do, is label you a "Terrorist", and the American people will look the other way, while we do things like torture prisoners, or hold others indefinately, without charges being pressed, or trials to occur.

Did you know that the people of Cuba, have erected billboards around Gitmo Bay, protesting the treatment of the prisoners there?

They say things like "Hippocrites!", while showing pictures of Abu-Graihb.

All perfectly spelled in english.

How bad does it have to be, when even people under Fidel Castro say, "Wow, YOU guys have it BAD!"

The long awaited point to all of this is that much like the Nazi's, Bush has subverted the American people to look the other way, while terrible things are done.

Why does no one try to stop him?
Kanabia
26-01-2005, 13:53
How bad does it have to be, when even people under Fidel Castro say, "Wow, YOU guys have it BAD!"

Pretty damn bad. Not much else to say, really.
Bottle
26-01-2005, 13:53
i, too, am nervous about the growing trend of "us-versus-them" mentality being encouraged by this administration. they seem to dedicate an inordinate amount of time to identifying and villifying outgroups that they personally dislike (Muslims, atheists, gays, left-wing individuals), and to efforts that encourage Americans to feel justified in maltreatment of such outgroups. they seem a little too eager to use the "majority rules" approach to government, something which the Founding Fathers of this country spend a great deal of time and energy to prevent.

i hope that they find a better balance, and that any of the conservatives who still remain in the Republican party will be able to talk some sense into them. i would love to see a re-birth of actual conservativism in this country, rather than this fiscally irresponsible and federally expansive "neo-con" mess.
Keruvalia
26-01-2005, 13:55
Look at the way that Bush has villianized the Muslim people.

Believe me ... I do.

But the truth is, that even if you know full well that the man is probably harmless, its in the back of your mind.

"He just might be a terrorist."

Yeah, well, to be fair .... I think that about white folks too. :D

Why does no one try to stop him?

Simple: They might miss American Idol or The OC.

I do share your concern and I would say that I'd hope somebody more capable than I would do something before it got out of hand, but I came to the realization a while back that it had already gotten out of hand - by my definition of the term, anyway.

I certainly do not live in fear - from enemies foreign or domestic - but I do worry about the future of my country. Maybe the Japanese will finally come in and take over.
Nsendalen
26-01-2005, 13:55
Playing spot-the-parallels is such fun, isn't it :(
Monkeypimp
26-01-2005, 13:59
Why does no one try to stop him?

Because too many people have fallen for it. If you ask them, they think that he's right. You can't do shit about it sadly.
Salvondia
26-01-2005, 14:02
Look at the way that Bush has villianized the Muslim people.
If a Middle-Eastern man walked up to you in your hometown, what would your first thought be?

Hey Hameed, How's the bakery doing? No seriously.. good friend with the Iranian that owns and operates a damn good bakery.

Some of you may claim that you wouldnt even think twice, and percieve him like any other person of any race.

But the truth is, that even if you know full well that the man is probably harmless, its in the back of your mind.

"He just might be a terrorist."

Nope sorry, but you can believe whatever paranoid delusions you like.

Unlike Hitler, who was the most evil bastard I can think of, Bush doesnt have to convince you to pick up a gun and kill Muslims.
All he has to do is convince you that "Terrorists" are the root of all your fears.
Look at the T.V commercials for the D.H.S, asking if "You have a plan in case of a terrorist attack?"

It keeps you scared of "Terrorists".

But Bush isnt very specific about who is, and who is not a terrorist, isnt he?

Yeah he pretty much is actually... But hey thats alright you can pretend he's not being specific if it makes you feel better.

All he has to do is get decent people to look the other way, while he pulls the stunts he has.

Like what?

Abu Graib.

Gitmo Bay.

Riiighhhtt Because Bush was behind Abu and Bush is being such an evil person giving those prisoners of war local food and a Koran. Damn evil man.

Starting a war against Iraq, claiming to be first looking for WMD'S, then claiming to be fighting terrorism, then claiming to be liberating Iraq.

For those of you who dont know, the U.S, last week, officially stopped looking for wmd's in Iraq.

Actually He claimed all three at the begenning, but you can ignore that if you want to.

You see?

If Bush doesnt like you, all he has to do, is label you a "Terrorist", and the American people will look the other way, while we do things like torture prisoners, or hold others indefinately, without charges being pressed, or trials to occur.

Did you know that the people of Cuba, have erected billboards around Gitmo Bay, protesting the treatment of the prisoners there?

They say things like "Hippocrites!", while showing pictures of Abu-Graihb.

All perfectly spelled in english.

How bad does it have to be, when even people under Fidel Castro say, "Wow, YOU guys have it BAD!"

The long awaited point to all of this is that much like the Nazi's, Bush has subverted the American people to look the other way, while terrible things are done.

Why does no one try to stop him?

And what exactly is he trying to do?
BackwoodsSquatches
26-01-2005, 14:03
i, too, am nervous about the growing trend of "us-versus-them" mentality being encouraged by this administration. they seem to dedicate an inordinate amount of time to identifying and villifying outgroups that they personally dislike (Muslims, atheists, gays, left-wing individuals), and to efforts that encourage Americans to feel justified in maltreatment of such outgroups. they seem a little too eager to use the "majority rules" approach to government, something which the Founding Fathers of this country spend a great deal of time and energy to prevent.

i hope that they find a better balance, and that any of the conservatives who still remain in the Republican party will be able to talk some sense into them. i would love to see a re-birth of actual conservativism in this country, rather than this fiscally irresponsible and federally expansive "neo-con" mess.

Bottle,
I hear ya.

What baffles me as well is the way that even after the Founding Fathers were so adamant about each and every person the right to a fair trial, and due process of law, that we as americans allow our prisoners to be denied trials themselves.
Monkeypimp
26-01-2005, 14:05
Riiighhhtt Because Bush was behind Abu and Bush is being such an evil person giving those prisoners of war local food and a Koran. Damn evil man.



Thats the problem, America doesn't consider the people they hold as POW, espeically in gitmo.
Salvondia
26-01-2005, 14:12
Thats the problem, America doesn't consider the people they hold as POW, espeically in gitmo.

And technically speaking they're not. Indeed if I was in charge they'd all have been shot with a quick bullet through the back of their heads when they were captured. Most of the people being put into prison are running around in civilian clothes while concealing weapons and shooting at civilians. Others are waving white flags then ambushing US soldiers. Others are simply walking bombs. These people aren't POWs and I personally don't think they should be treated as such. I've held this view long before Bush came into office.
BackwoodsSquatches
26-01-2005, 14:12
Heres another thought for some of you.

Recently, the media, and of course, the Democrats have been trying to get the Bush administration to release a signed authorization from W to Abu-Graib, allowing "whatever means nessecary" to obtain information from its prisoners.

Couple that with the denial of due process in Cuba.

Does that answer your question salvondia?
Kanabia
26-01-2005, 14:14
And technically speaking they're not. Indeed if I was in charge they'd all have been shot with a quick bullet through the back of their heads when they were captured.

*sigh* And considering some are being found to be innocent, that's a marvellous way of dealing with problems. Yay for capital punishment. :rolleyes:
Monkeypimp
26-01-2005, 14:15
And technically speaking they're not. Indeed if I was in charge they'd all have been shot with a quick bullet through the back of their heads when they were captured. Most of the people being put into prison are running around in civilian clothes while concealing weapons and shooting at civilians. Others are waving white flags then ambushing US soldiers. Others are simply walking bombs. These people aren't POWs and I personally don't think they should be treated as such. I've held this view long before Bush came into office.

How do we know thats true if they're not put on trial?
BackwoodsSquatches
26-01-2005, 14:15
And technically speaking they're not. Indeed if I was in charge they'd all have been shot with a quick bullet through the back of their heads when they were captured. Most of the people being put into prison are running around in civilian clothes while concealing weapons and shooting at civilians.

Oh, you mean, just like the plain-clothed mercenaries that Bush sent to Fallujah?
Keruvalia
26-01-2005, 14:19
are running around in civilian clothes while concealing weapons and shooting at civilians.

Yet, when an American does that - and they do it all the time, check the crime rates - and get caught, they get a fair and speedy trial, due process, and all that nice stuff.

These people aren't POWs and I personally don't think they should be treated as such.

You're right. I'm willing to bet a great many of them are innocent bystanders who were in the wrong place at the wrong time, guilty of nothing more than being a brown skinned Muslim on his way to Mosque. Without a trial, though, who's to know? It's just easier to lump them filthy ay-rabs all in together, ain't it?
Kellarly
26-01-2005, 14:32
Oh, you mean, just like the plain-clothed mercenaries that Bush sent to Fallujah?

Not that i dispute what you wrote, but could you provide a source for that as its the first time i've heard it...
Salvondia
26-01-2005, 14:42
*sigh* And considering some are being found to be innocent, that's a marvellous way of dealing with problems. Yay for capital punishment. :rolleyes:

Way to take something out of context. By "all" I am of course referring to all those that the US soldiers catch in the act.


Oh, you mean, just like the plain-clothed mercenaries that Bush sent to Fallujah?

Actually the Military sent in Marines. And Bush should have little personal control over who is sent where to do what, he may be the "commander in chief" but he is not a General.


Yet, when an American does that - and they do it all the time, check the crime rates - and get caught, they get a fair and speedy trial, due process, and all that nice stuff.

Really? Americans are running around in war zones in civilian clothing shooting at civilians, police and military personnel who are doing their best to restore peace to a country? I could of sworn Americans were out committing violent crimes in a nation under peace, not waging an insurrection in what is essentially a war zone.

You're right. I'm willing to bet a great many of them are innocent bystanders who were in the wrong place at the wrong time, guilty of nothing more than being a brown skinned Muslim on his way to Mosque. Without a trial, though, who's to know? It's just easier to lump them filthy ay-rabs all in together, ain't it?

You're willing to bet based on what evidence? US soldiers are out there trying to restore a peace, not arrest and kill every single "ay-rab" they encounter. Though maybe in your racist mind they're "filthy ay-rabs" but I generally refer to them as Iraqis.

How do we know thats true if they're not put on trial?

Because they're being caught in the act? You don't run trials during a war or an occupation. Its simply not done, its not efficient and its generally speaking a waste of time. The people captured and placed in prisons are those that soldiers are being attacked by.
BackwoodsSquatches
26-01-2005, 14:44
Not that i dispute what you wrote, but could you provide a source for that as its the first time i've heard it...


Blackwater.

Common knowledge.

Plain-clothed mercenaries hired to use in Fallujah, and others.
You can find info on these guys anywhere.
Kanabia
26-01-2005, 14:46
Way to take something out of context. By "all" I am of course referring to all those that the US soldiers catch in the act.


Forgive me, it wasn't my intention to take it out of context, but from reading it I truly got the impression that you believed that all of those being held were deserving of death without proof of guilt.

It seems that others have got the same impression, judging from the other replies.
Keruvalia
26-01-2005, 14:50
You're willing to bet based on what evidence?

Exactly. Generally, and correct me if I'm wrong, no evidence == no crime.

The US has presented no evidence against them. None.

Yes, I will take the word of evidence presented in a court of law before I take the word of a soldier in the field. Why? Because I have been a soldier in the field. I know how it can angry up the blood and I know that soldiers in the field can, and do, make mistakes. Just because you slap a uniform on an 18 year old kid doesn't mean he's a god ... he's just an 18 year old kid.
BackwoodsSquatches
26-01-2005, 14:52
Way to take something out of context. By "all" I am of course referring to all those that the US soldiers catch in the act.

Thats the problem here.
Many of these detainees are NOT caught in the act, but have detained for simple crimes like being out past curfew.
Some of the detainees that were taken to AG, were found out to be Iraqi Police officers.



Actually the Military sent in Marines.

No. Thats incorrect.
RECENTLY, Marines were sent into Fallujah, but only after the PLAIN CLOTHED mercenaries from the Blackwater Group, could not hold the area.



ally? Americans are running around in war zones in civilian clothing shooting at civilians, police and military personnel who are doing their best to restore peace to a country? I could of sworn Americans were out committing violent crimes in a nation under peace, not waging an insurrection in what is essentially a war zone.

Read the above post.
YES thats happening.



ou're willing to bet based on what evidence? US soldiers are out there trying to restore a peace, not arrest and kill every single "ay-rab" they encounter. Though maybe in your racist mind they're "filthy ay-rabs" but I generally refer to them as Iraqis.

Tell me something...do you believe that the U.S is fighting Al-qeada, in Iraq?



Because they're being caught in the act? You don't run trials during a war or an occupation. Its simply not done, its not efficient and its generally speaking a waste of time. The people captured and placed in prisons are those that soldiers are being attacked by.

see above.
Salvondia
26-01-2005, 14:55
Forgive me, it wasn't my intention to take it out of context, but from reading it I truly got the impression that you believed that all of those being held were deserving of death without proof of guilt.

It seems that others have got the same impression, judging from the other replies.

They are also managing to place imagined racist tendencies on me as well, with even less to support that. But then I suppose when you truly hate the opposing view its not that hard to vilify anyone and everyone who opposes you.

In any case, the Geneva Convention was written as it was for a reason. “Soldiers” who do not wear uniforms are entitled to NO benefits, indeed executing them on the spot wouldn’t violate the Geneva Convention in anyway. “Soldiers” who do not wear uniforms create a battlefield where you can’t know your targets and thusly everyone whose not wearing your uniform becomes suspect because every civilian you see could be one of the enemy “Soldiers.” That tends to result in a lot more civilian casualties all around. US troops are walking around in uniforms placing a nice big red “SHOOT ME” arrow over their heads to try and protect Iraqi civilians. The Iraqi Police are doing the same. These insurgents are not. Who exactly is violating the Geneva Convention?
Salvondia
26-01-2005, 15:00
Thats the problem here.
Many of these detainees are NOT caught in the act, but have detained for simple crimes like being out past curfew.
Some of the detainees that were taken to AG, were found out to be Iraqi Police officers.

Source, Quote? Citation? Nothing? And you're the people complaining about a lack of evidence?

No. Thats incorrect.
RECENTLY, Marines were sent into Fallujah, but only after the PLAIN CLOTHED mercenaries from the Blackwater Group, could not hold the area.

Source, Quote? Citation? Nothing? And you're the people complaining about a lack of evidence?

Read the above post.
YES thats happening.

You really aren't that intelligent are you? Its not possible for Americans to be running around in America attacking civlians, police officers and the military in a warzone as America itself is not presently a warzone.

Tell me something...do you believe that the U.S is fighting Al-qeada, in Iraq?

Generally speaking? No. Their might be a few Al-Qeada people running around in Iraq but no I don't believe the US is fighting Al-Qeada in Iraq.
Keruvalia
26-01-2005, 15:01
Who exactly is violating the Geneva Convention?

I hate to tell you this, but you can't exactly violate something you're not a part of. It would be like a British police officer coming to your house in the United States and arresting you for breaking British law.

It's laughable at best.

As for the issue of uniforms, do you know what an "insurgent" looks like? How do you know they're not wearing a uniform? Perhaps they all have the same colored vest or scarf. Just because it's not obvious to you what the uniform is doesn't mean it's not a uniform.

I bloody well guarantee you, though, that if someone were to invade your home country and try to impose their way of life upon you, you'd defend it without bothering to go down to your local couturiery first.
BackwoodsSquatches
26-01-2005, 15:05
Source, Quote? Citation? Nothing? And you're the people complaining about a lack of evidence?



Source, Quote? Citation? Nothing? And you're the people complaining about a lack of evidence?



You really aren't that intelligent are you? Its not possible for Americans to be running around in America attacking civlians, police officers and the military in a warzone as America itself is not presently a warzone.



Generally speaking? No. Their might be a few Al-Qeada people running around in Iraq but no I don't believe the US is fighting Al-Qeada in Iraq.


Why do you people constantly whine about sources and quotes everytime you hear something you dont like?

EVERYTHING i've posted in this thread can be found easily if.....(here it comes).....

IF YOU SIMPLY READ THE NEWS, OR WATCH IT ON TELEVISION?

See, thats the problem, you dont want to know, do you?
You'd rather be told what to think and how to feel about what they've told you.
It's so much easier than thinking for yourself, isnt it?

Christ man, your sitting in front of a computer, LOOK IT UP for yourself.
The Imperial Navy
26-01-2005, 15:10
I've never trusted polititicians, and I never will... damn evil, corrupt bastards.
BackwoodsSquatches
26-01-2005, 15:12
Here.

Heres somehting to get you started.

Heres the very first entry under "Blackwater" and "Mercenaries" that Google will offer.

http://rwor.org/a/1236/blackwater.htm
Portu Cale
26-01-2005, 15:12
The four defence contractors that were killed in Fallujah were BlackWater Mercs.

The families of such contractors are suing them
http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=80153&ran=61681

You can find many links on that.


Paul Bremer security was also made of Blackwater mercs:
http://www.redrat.net/thoughts/blackwater/

Many links on that too.
Kellarly
26-01-2005, 15:13
http://www.unknownnews.net/040409mercenaries.html

Thats for mercenaries fighting in Falluja. As for whether they got there before the marines etc it doesn't really say, but they are there and they took part in the second wave of the assault to get the assests they were aiming for.
BackwoodsSquatches
26-01-2005, 15:13
The four defence contractors that were killed in Fallujah were BlackWater Mercs.

The families of such contractors are suing them
http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=80153&ran=61681

You can find many links on that.


Paul Bremer security was also made of Blackwater mercs:
http://www.redrat.net/thoughts/blackwater/

Many links on that too.

Danke!
BackwoodsSquatches
27-01-2005, 08:17
i bump thee.
Bogstonia
27-01-2005, 09:07
Are people really that wary of arabs and muslims over there?
Bogstonia
27-01-2005, 10:44
Bumpity bump!

So....are they?
Imperial Dark Rome
27-01-2005, 10:45
Will Democrats, Bush-haters, and anti-war freaks ever shut up!?!?

It's outrages comments like "Bush is the new Hitler" bullshit. That makes me sick to the core! I had family that were in the holocaust, and I find these comments disgusting and way out of line. That's why Democrats lost! I've would've voted for Nader, but far left wingers kept compairing Bush to Hitler, so I voted for Bush because I know that's not true. Bush is not Hitler, get that through your thick skulls. Bush is not Hitler and he will never will be! Democrats are the reason the country is so split up. They will never support Bush no matter how much proof they get about those lies not being true. That's why I'm no longer a Democrat. The Democrat party has changed for the worse. The American people have spoken. Over 60 million people disagree with you (Far-left wingers). Now shut up and be united with the nation.

Posted by Satanist, Lord Medivh
Eternal Green Rain
27-01-2005, 11:09
How interesting that the US is now fully commited to a war against terrorism.
For many years the ex-pat Irish population of America supplied funds to the IRA, openly collected at public fund raisers and the US authorities did nothing to stop them. They even bought weapons in the US to smuggle into the Irish Republic. The IRA used M-60s and M-16s not AKs.
The British Govt. repeatedly asked the US to clamp down on this but were ignored.
Please also note that the US version of democracy is not acceptable to everyone. Are there any democracies in the Arab world?
Visit Brunei some time. Muslim, Dictatorship. Against all things that the US and Bush stand for. No open market, no alcohol (death penalty for that one!). Yet it's population are happy, wealthy, healthy etc. etc.

Funny old world eh!? :confused:
Pepe Dominguez
27-01-2005, 11:21
Are people really that wary of arabs and muslims over there?

Hell no. The media scours every corner for evidence of predjuduce against muslims, but almost none has occurred. Case in point, a mosque located 1/4 mile from where I live burned down a few months ago, causing a fevered witchhunt by local media to discover the racist conspiracy.. until they found the source, a toaster or coffee pot or something in the upstairs kitchen..

Name a single example of Bush inciting predjuduce against any group... normally, he goes out of his way to acknowledge muslims as religious equals, as in his inaugural speech, for example. Yeah, he gets mocked for insisting that islam is a "religion of peace," but it's clear that he believes all people presently inhabiting the earth are deserving of freedom. The media likes to treat the fact that we had a close election on Bush being divisive, though we've had numerous close elections, 1960 for example. Paranoia and jealousy create the popularly-recognized notions of a fractured society, but in fact, we've been politically split in worse ways dozens of times, through no one's concerted effort - only the normal political process.
NianNorth
27-01-2005, 11:25
How interesting that the US is now fully commited to a war against terrorism.
For many years the ex-pat Irish population of America supplied funds to the IRA, openly collected at public fund raisers and the US authorities did nothing to stop them. They even bought weapons in the US to smuggle into the Irish Republic. The IRA used M-60s and M-16s not AKs.
The British Govt. repeatedly asked the US to clamp down on this but were ignored.
Please also note that the US version of democracy is not acceptable to everyone. Are there any democracies in the Arab world?
Visit Brunei some time. Muslim, Dictatorship. Against all things that the US and Bush stand for. No open market, no alcohol (death penalty for that one!). Yet it's population are happy, wealthy, healthy etc. etc.

Funny old world eh!? :confused:
And has the US gov' siezed IRA funds held in the many accounts they had over there? Some yes, all no!
And now they talk of invading other countires that allow the very same things they did! Talk about double standards!
Stormforge
27-01-2005, 11:28
Hell no. The media scours every corner for evidence of predjuduce against muslims, but almost none has occurred. Case in point, a mosque located 1/4 mile from where I live burned down a few months ago, causing a fevered witchhunt by local media to discover the racist conspiracy.. until they found the source, a toaster or coffee pot or something in the upstairs kitchen..

Name a single example of Bush inciting predjuduce against any group... normally, he goes out of his way to acknowledge muslims as religious equals, as in his inaugural speech, for example. Yeah, he gets mocked for insisting that islam is a "religion of peace," but it's clear that he believes all people presently inhabiting the earth are deserving of freedom. The media likes to treat the fact that we had a close election on Bush being divisive, though we've had numerous close elections, 1960 for example. Paranoia and jealousy create the popularly-recognized notions of a fractured society, but in fact, we've been politically split in worse ways dozens of times, through no one's concerted effort - only the normal political process.People on this very board post all the time that are subtley or overtly prejudiced towards Muslims. Bush wouldn't have to go out of his way to call Muslims religious equals if there wasn't significant prejudice in the United States. Why doesn't he call Buddhists, or Hindus, or Shintoists religious equals?
Pepe Dominguez
27-01-2005, 11:30
And has the US gov' siezed IRA funds held in the many accounts they had over there? Some yes, all no!
And now they talk of invading other countires that allow the very same things they did! Talk about double standards!

Simple self-interest. We're not too likely to be attacked by Ireland or England, eh? Hard to convince a legislature to dedicate BATF or FBI funding to taking sides in a conflice that doesn't much affect us. Then there's the 25% of the U.S. population with some Irish ancestry who are often a bit more conservative in handing out the 'terrorist' label to their Catholic friends, back in Grandma's old neighborhood.. ;)
Pepe Dominguez
27-01-2005, 11:35
People on this very board post all the time that are subtley or overtly prejudiced towards Muslims. Bush wouldn't have to go out of his way to call Muslims religious equals if there wasn't significant prejudice in the United States. Why doesn't he call Buddhists, or Hindus, or Shintoists religious equals?

Racism exists, naturally. I'm disputing the notion that Bush is promoting or condoning predjudice toward muslims, or any denomination for that matter. Racists will always be around, but if a thread bemoaning the coming catastrophe of racism and fascism wants to point to the odd racist as proof the leadership of the country is seeking to dehumanize a group, then they're wrong in this case. If Bush takes it upon himself to pre-emptively stifle backlash against muslims, as he did after 9-11, then it's even more clear that he wants none of this.
Bogstonia
27-01-2005, 11:36
Simple self-interest. We're not too likely to be attacked by Ireland or England, eh? Hard to convince a legislature to dedicate BATF or FBI funding to taking sides in a conflice that doesn't much affect us. Then there's the 25% of the U.S. population with some Irish ancestry who are often a bit more conservative in handing out the 'terrorist' label to their Catholic friends, back in Grandma's old neighborhood.. ;)

Yeah, I got a nanna like that too.
Stormforge
27-01-2005, 11:38
Racism exists, naturally. I'm disputing the notion that Bush is promoting or condoning predjudice toward muslims, or any denomination for that matter. Racists will always be around, but if a thread bemoaning the coming catastrophe of racism and fascism wants to point to the odd racist as proof the leadership of the country is seeking to dehumanize a group, then they're wrong in this case. If Bush takes it upon himself to pre-emptively stifle backlash against muslims, as he did after 9-11, then it's even more clear that he wants none of this.I'll buy that for now.
Bogstonia
27-01-2005, 11:38
I'm not talking about Bush anyway. I'm just asking if the average american is really wondering if this person might be a terrorist everytime they meet an arab?
The Imperial Navy
27-01-2005, 11:40
Will Democrats, Bush-haters, and anti-war freaks ever shut up!?!?

It's outrages comments like "Bush is the new Hitler" bullshit. That makes me sick to the core! I had family that were in the holocaust, and I find these comments disgusting and way out of line. That's why Democrats lost! I've would've voted for Nader, but far left wingers kept compairing Bush to Hitler, so I voted for Bush because I know that's not true. Bush is not Hitler, get that through your thick skulls. Bush is not Hitler and he will never will be! Democrats are the reason the country is so split up. They will never support Bush no matter how much proof they get about those lies not being true. That's why I'm no longer a Democrat. The Democrat party has changed for the worse. The American people have spoken. Over 60 million people disagree with you (Far-left wingers). Now shut up and be united with the nation.

Posted by Satanist, Lord Medivh

No. We're standing up for what we believe in, and we refuse to unite with morons. I personally see ALL politicains as crap, cheating lying bastards who have the mental age of 5, whilst their advisors tell them what to do. Bush can't even speak properly, so it's clear he's not writing his speeches. Kerry was a moron who ran under "At least I'm not bush" But was lying, stupid and moronic. When you have a choice between far left and far right, I'll take abstinance thank you very much, instead of voting for a third party which has as much chance of winning as me losing my Virginity.

Stop taking sides with losers. Boycott the system.
Neo-Anarchists
27-01-2005, 11:42
No. We're standing up for what we believe in, and we refuse to unite with morons. I personally see ALL politicains as crap, cheating lying bastards who have the mental age of 5, whilst their advisors tell them what to do. Bush can't even speak properly, so it's clear he's not writing his speeches. Kerry was a moron who ran under "At least I'm not bush" But was lying, stupid and moronic. When you have a choice between far left and far right, I'll take abstinance thank you very much, instead of voting for a third party which has as much chance of winning as me losing my Virginity.

Stop taking sides with losers. Boycott the system.
To me, it seemed more like far right and just messed up.
The Imperial Navy
27-01-2005, 11:45
To me, it seemed more like far right and just messed up.

I'll agree with you there. The democraps are much less organised now than they used to. The Republicraps seem to be well organised to carry out their evil schemes...
Pepe Dominguez
27-01-2005, 11:46
I'm not talking about Bush anyway. I'm just asking if the average american is really wondering if this person might be a terrorist everytime they meet an arab?

I wouldn't want to generalize, other than to say that as a nation, we have very few arabs living here, and so most people haven't met any and might have misconceptions. In my experience, it's not a problem, though, as we have a muslim/hindu/catholic mix here where most people treat muslims the same as anyone else. I'm sure there are areas of the country where arabs would be an awkward sight to the average person, though, not to say that they'd respond with hostility, however.
Eternal Green Rain
27-01-2005, 12:48
Simple self-interest. We're not too likely to be attacked by Ireland or England, eh? Hard to convince a legislature to dedicate BATF or FBI funding to taking sides in a conflice that doesn't much affect us. Then there's the 25% of the U.S. population with some Irish ancestry who are often a bit more conservative in handing out the 'terrorist' label to their Catholic friends, back in Grandma's old neighborhood.. ;)
I'm afraid that the same can be said of Israel.
One mans "terrorist" has always been anothers "freedom fighter".
And many ex-freedom fighters now hold power legitimately. So "once a terrorist always a terrorist" is not a good argument. Nelson Mandela was convicted, quite rightly, of aiding the ANC bombing campaign. (Whether you believe he was right to do so is another argument).
Unfortunately ANY intervention by foreign nations is seen as empire building by stealth by someone. At least the British Empire (replace British with German, French, 1900C US and even Roman) was honest theft and brutality.
That's not acceptable anymore so we just suspect it of all the large nations.

Sorry - bit of a flight of thought there.

Still puzzled by all the anger around :confused: