NationStates Jolt Archive

McCain Aide Regrets Terror Comment (http://news.aol.com/elections/story/_a/mccain-aide-regrets-terror-comment/20080623175909990001?icid=200100397x1204679846x1200191738)

And this is the party that keeps thumping its chest about how America has not been attacked since 9-11. Go figure.

This is a prime example of why political parties need to be abolished and banned. George Washington warned of what would happen if we formed political parties, and it happened. As long as there is a party to pander to, this behavior will not go away. The issue might be different from candidate to candidate and party to party, but it will not go away until the political parties do.

McCain Aide Regrets Terror Comment (http://news.aol.com/elections/story/_a/mccain-aide-regrets-terror-comment/20080623175909990001?icid=200100397x1204679846x1200191738)
The thing is, he's probably right. As sad as that may seem, I think most Americans would drop Obama's liberalism at a drop of a hat if it seemed as though he might not placate their lust for vengeance.

Maybe I'm just a cynic, but Bush thrived on anti-terror rhetoric immediately after 9-11, and I think it'd work again.

America is the "Sleeping Giant"-a personal attack stirs us to wakefulness, but the September 11th attack has been heavily downplayed by the media. That a consummate horse's ass like McCain is capitulating to it only shows how unfit he is for leadership-all the sadder he's the better choice between the two major parties

The thing is, he's probably right. As sad as that may seem, I think most Americans would drop Obama's liberalism at a drop of a hat if it seemed as though he might not placate their lust for vengeance.

Maybe I'm just a cynic, but Bush thrived on anti-terror rhetoric immediately after 9-11, and I think it'd work again.

It's a natural reaction - the need to feel safe is part of the way humans naturally are. I think it's wrong to play on that with politics, whether you're talking about playing up a threat that may not be as great as you say, or by gutting the military's funding because you think you can have a legitimate discussion with people who want to exterminate you.

It's a natural reaction - the need to feel safe is part of the way humans naturally are. I think it's wrong to play on that with politics, whether you're talking about playing up a threat that may not be as great as you say, or by gutting the military's funding because you think you can have a legitimate discussion with people who want to exterminate you.

Now that's just scaremongering like the first example you were condemning. It's one thing if Obama had said he wanted to have a talk with Bin Ladin, but do you have proof that Iran under the faltering leadership of Ahmedinejad is out to "exterminate" the United States? The closest thing to that Iran could possibly accomplish within reason and safety is ratcheting up the aid to the Iraq insurgency and frankly, when you reach your arm inside a strange hole to begin with don't be surprised if it gets chopped off.

Now that's just scaremongering like the first example you were condemning. It's one thing if Obama had said he wanted to have a talk with Bin Ladin, but do you have proof that Iran under the faltering leadership of Ahmedinejad is out to "exterminate" the United States? The closest thing to that Iran could possibly accomplish within reason and safety is ratcheting up the aid to the Iraq insurgency and frankly, when you reach your arm inside a strange hole to begin with don't be surprised if it gets chopped off.

It's the reality of it. Iran funds Hezbollah, which is already in South and Central America and statistically is likely to have many cells here in the US. Put two and two together. Sometimes there are legitimate reasons to be afraid. But it's how you deal with that fear that makes the difference. Fear is also a natural human reaction to forces outside of their control. Using that fear as a warning to fix a problem before it can hurt you is a positive utilization of that fear. Negative utilization of that fear is panic, lashing out at people who disagree with you, paranoia, and cowardice. I already signed on the dotted line, severed, and did everything that was asked of me. Now that I'm a civilian again, that commitment is not gone. When they get here, you can guarantee I'll be standing my ground because it's what I still believe in enough to give my life for if necessary.

It's the reality of it. Iran funds Hezbollah, which is already in South and Central America and statistically is likely to have many cells here in the US. :rolleyes:
Put two and two together. Hezbollah would love to strike at us, Hezbollah hasn't struck at us. Equals Hezbollah can't strike at us.
Sometimes there are legitimate reasons to be afraid. Yeah. The South American connection isn't one of them.
But it's how you deal with that fear that makes the difference. Fear is also a natural human reaction to forces outside of their control. Using that fear as a warning to fix a problem before it can hurt you is a positive utilization of that fear. Negative utilization of that fear is panic, lashing out at people who disagree with you, paranoia, and cowardice. See Iraq, for example.
I already signed on the dotted line, severed, and did everything that was asked of me. Now that I'm a civilian again, that commitment is not gone. When they get here, you can guarantee I'll be standing my ground because it's what I still believe in enough to give my life for if necessary.When they get here, you'll get your ass handed to you, because you won't stand a chance against a military force capable of swatting aside the US Navy and still land in full force.

It's the reality of it. Iran funds Hezbollah, which is already in South and Central America and statistically is likely to have many cells here in the US. Put two and two together. Sometimes there are legitimate reasons to be afraid. But it's how you deal with that fear that makes the difference. Fear is also a natural human reaction to forces outside of their control. Using that fear as a warning to fix a problem before it can hurt you is a positive utilization of that fear. Negative utilization of that fear is panic, lashing out at people who disagree with you, paranoia, and cowardice. I already signed on the dotted line, severed, and did everything that was asked of me. Now that I'm a civilian again, that commitment is not gone. When they get here, you can guarantee I'll be standing my ground because it's what I still believe in enough to give my life for if necessary.

And like most rational terror or insurgency groups, Hezballah aren't a bunch of cartoon villains who'll make a strike on the United States just because it's the chic thing to do in the Middle East. More likely the cells will be focused on obtaining funds for the main operation back home, and will only move towards actual terror attacks if it looks like the United States is going to be substantially involved in another invasion of Lebanon directly or otherwise.

And like most rational terror or insurgency groups, Hezballah aren't a bunch of cartoon villains who'll make a strike on the United States just because it's the chic thing to do in the Middle East. More likely the cells will be focused on obtaining funds for the main operation back home, and will only move towards actual terror attacks if it looks like the United States is going to be substantially involved in another invasion of Lebanon directly or otherwise.

You know we're their cash-cow, and money has been something that has consistently perverted religions across the ages. When they think they have the opportunity to seize America's wealth for themselves, I am certain they will take the opportunity. It gives them the money and material to use against Israel, and takes their most powerful friend out of the picture. That they think America is Satan is only a surface issue used to mobilize the fervent believers in their particular twist on Islam - just a recruitment tool.

You know we're their cash-cow, and money has been something that has consistently perverted religions across the ages. When they think they have the opportunity to seize America's wealth for themselves, I am certain they will take the opportunity. It gives them the money and material to use against Israel, and takes their most powerful friend out of the picture. That they think America is Satan is only a surface issue used to mobilize the fervent believers in their particular twist on Islam - just a recruitment tool.They haven't managed to whipe out Israel. What makes you think they'll be successful in the US?

And like most rational terror or insurgency groups, Hezballah aren't a bunch of cartoon villains who'll make a strike on the United States just because it's the chic thing to do in the Middle East. More likely the cells will be focused on obtaining funds for the main operation back home, and will only move towards actual terror attacks if it looks like the United States is going to be substantially involved in another invasion of Lebanon directly or otherwise.

It's remarkable what Risk and G.I. Joe have done to some people's perception of global politics.

McCain Aide Regrets Terror Comment (http://news.aol.com/elections/story/_a/mccain-aide-regrets-terror-comment/20080623175909990001?icid=200100397x1204679846x1200191738)

And this is the party that keeps thumping its chest about how America has not been attacked since 9-11. Go figure.

Shouldn't this be listed as Things We Really Already Knew? Still what an idiot thing to say. Hopefully it opens the eyes of the American people about the pathetic manipulations of the past seven years.

Betting it won't though.

Shouldn't this be listed as Things We Really Already Knew? Still what an idiot thing to say. Hopefully it opens the eyes of the American people about the pathetic manipulations of the past seven years.

Betting it won't though.

Maybe a few, but not all of them.

The current Republican government is a leach feeding into and then feeding off of the fear and tragedy of their fellow Americans and human beings. I sometimes wonder weather the conduct of the war on terror is simply gross incompitance, or actually inteded to extend the conflict that has allowed the Bush Administration to shread the Constitution and bring America closer to a feudal theocratic totallitarian state.

Of course the terrorists are the same. If America stopped bombing and invading Muslim nations for trumped up resons, they'd probably have a lot less recruits. One of the worst things that could happen to either side would be for others to stop attacking them.:headbang::headbang::headbang:

This is the perfect war. Each side feeds off the other indefinately, growing stronger and perpetuating the conflict.

the sad thing is that it probably would benefit john mccain even though it would be proof that the administrations and his approach to preventing terror sucks.

It's not like the aide is wrong.

It's not like the aide is wrong.

no he is probably very right.

but no one wants to think about mccain's team making that kind of calculation.

no he is probably very right.

but no one wants to think about mccain's team making that kind of calculation.The Democrats do. They could use this being public to their advantage. Unfortunately the aide has apologized.

no he is probably very right.

but no one wants to think about mccain's team making that kind of calculation.

Shouldn't it be quite obvious that the republicans know this anyway?

This also highlights a Worst Case Scenario- however improbable it might be- that someone with a vested interest in having Bush's War on Terror continue as is would stage an act of terrorism on American soil just to tilt the 2008 election in McCain's favor.

The Democrats do. They could use this being public to their advantage. Unfortunately the aide has apologized.

Yeah, but it's kind of like having a comment 'stricken from the record' in a TV court case (I don't know how it works for reals, and don't want a lawyer yelling at me), the damage is already done.

Yeah, but it's kind of like having a comment 'stricken from the record' in a TV court case (I don't know how it works for reals, and don't want a lawyer yelling at me), the damage is already done.Indeed. Imagine if he hadn't, and McCain would have to distance himself from the aide instead. Presto, more damage.

Indeed. Imagine if he hadn't, and McCain would have to distance himself from the aide instead. Presto, more damage.As it is, McCain babbled incoherently. I don't think he helped himself much.

(I don't know how it works for reals, and don't want a lawyer yelling at me)

Neo Art! Come here!

Yell at him! :D

Now, anyways. The Democrats should milk that comment for all its worth, especially considering how much Wright was milked. As a Brazilian that doesn't have access to your outlets, I ask: Are they?

It's remarkable what Risk and G.I. Joe have done to some people's perception of global politics.
So totally, pathetically, horrifyingly true.

The current Republican government is a leach feeding into and then feeding off of the fear and tragedy of their fellow Americans and human beings. I sometimes wonder weather the conduct of the war on terror is simply gross incompitance, or actually inteded to extend the conflict that has allowed the Bush Administration to shread the Constitution and bring America closer to a feudal theocratic totallitarian state.

Of course the terrorists are the same. If America stopped bombing and invading Muslim nations for trumped up resons, they'd probably have a lot less recruits. One of the worst things that could happen to either side would be for others to stop attacking them.:headbang::headbang::headbang:

This is the perfect war. Each side feeds off the other indefinately, growing stronger and perpetuating the profits.
Fixed. Otherwise, I agree.

Neo Art! Come here!

Yell at him! :D

Now, anyways. The Democrats should milk that comment for all its worth, especially considering how much Wright was milked. As a Brazilian that doesn't have access to your outlets, I ask: Are they?
They're thinking about it. The media have just started poking it to see what it will do. Obama tends to take the "high road," which means he just stands back and says nothing except for a few mild, condescending, friendly little remarks now and then, while letting proxies beat up on the opponent who just made a mistake.

They're thinking about it. The media have just started poking it to see what it will do. Obama tends to take the "high road," which means he just stands back and says nothing except for a few mild, condescending, friendly little remarks now and then, while letting proxies beat up on the opponent who just made a mistake.

Well, hope it works. McCain and his cronies did the same to people that weren't even Obama's CAMPAIGN AIDES.

But, for that matter, not only would a terrorist attack help McCain's campaign, McCain's election would also help terrorism. Sort of a chicken-egg thing, see.

Neo Art! Come here!

Yell at him! :D

Ehh, I thought about it, but he was close enough that it'd just be gratuitous effort.

Ehh, I thought about it, but he was close enough that it'd just be gratuitous effort.

Still... Can't you just yell at him for... whatever? :p

And... Linkie on Obama's reaction to the comment...

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=8509639&ch=4226716&src=news

As it is, McCain babbled incoherently. I don't think he helped himself much.

Not the first time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5ENwej0fpc)....

This also highlights a Worst Case Scenario- however improbable it might be- that someone with a vested interest in having Bush's War on Terror continue as is would stage an act of terrorism on American soil just to tilt the 2008 election in McCain's favor.
October Surprise isn't just a "troubling sex move".

If a terror attack happens in October, I will be very suspiceous. I think "remember the Reichstag fire" will become a good campaign slogan.

If a terror attack happens in October, I will be very suspiceous. I think "remember the Reichstag fire" will become a good campaign slogan.

Remember your color-code alerts!

If a terror attack happens in October, I will be very suspiceous. I think "remember the Reichstag fire" will become a good campaign slogan.

The question is how many people will think the same.

Yes, another terrorist attack would advantage the Republicans, because most people would not make the connection to thinking "this attack came during the GOP's watch. It wasn't Clinton's fault or Obama's fault; it was Bush's. These guys can't keep us safe like they promised." The McCain camp could probably run fairly successfully on a cry of "If Obama is President, it'll just be even worse."

Yes, another terrorist attack would advantage the Republicans, because most people would not make the connection to thinking "this attack came during the GOP's watch. It wasn't Clinton's fault or Obama's fault; it was Bush's. These guys can't keep us safe like they promised." The McCain camp could probably run fairly successfully on a cry of "If Obama is President, it'll just be even worse."

Then again Black may just have done everyone a huge favor. If the Obama campaign runs this a LOT, either preventively or after an attack, the attack might lose its effect - heck, it might be WORSE for Republicans.