No, I'm no Mexican illegal alien but I love tacos and Taco Bell. Lest that I be perceived as anti-government and anti-military, my two cousins are in the service and one is even in Iraq. If I criticize Bush, it's not the government that I hate. Bush is not the government. And to you Supertruth, stop your name callings. You also give out innacurrate and false info. Change your name to SUPERFALSE.

Here's more...I used to hear that the very popular and widely followed CNN was a pro-US media station. CNN manipulated world events by presenting and reporting one sided information often serving the interest of the US. I didn't believe it until I saw all what and how they're reporting the Lebanon crisis. To show fairness and balance reporting, they interview both sides but clearly, special treatment is being given to Israel and what the US has to say. In one program where callers could call and express their opinions about this war, one caller from California who was critical of the US was cut off prematurely. Then, they gave more time to those calls that criticize Hezbollah.

Macy,
You have a very perverse view of history.

[quote]Other than the World Trade bombing the story of which has not been completely determined yet, America has never been attacked or invaded by another.[/quote]
Where to start,
1. The Barbary Pirates attacked US shipping,captured and destroyed the frigate Philadelphia, which US marines landed on the shores of Tripoli
2. War of 1812 where British troops invaded the US, burned Washington to the ground, and where our national anthem was written by Feancis Scott Key in the battle of Fort McHenry.
3. 1912 where Pancho Villa attacked a New Mexico town, killing a couple of civilians, and caused the the US to send an expeditionary force to cappture him.
4. December 7th 1941. A day which will live in infamy. The japanese forces attacked the US naval base at Pearl Harbor. BTW: US placed an emborgo on Japan when Japan attacked Manchuria.
5. Japan attacked the Phillippines in 1941, seven days after Pearl Harbor. The Philippines was a protectorate of the US, which by definition was US territory.
6. Japan attacked and occupied the Aleutian atolts of Attu and Kiska between June 7, 1942 through June 16, 1943. They were eventually kicked out with only 3 survivors out of more than 5000 troops.
7. 1985 The Achille Laura incident where a US citizen was murdered by PLO faction. The US citizen was in a wheelchair and was a Jew. This attack represented the extent of which Islamic organizations are willing to go until the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers.
8. World Trade Bombing 1993. US was bombed by Al Queda. This represented an act of war against the US.
9. USS Cole bombing
10. September 11, 2001. This deliberate attack using civilian aircraft also represented terrorist organizations willingness to disreguard civilian lives. This was the final straw which the US had no choice to change policy toward terrorist groups from a legal standpoint to a military standpoint.

[quote]The US has the history of supporting evil leaders as long as US interests are protected. Who can forget Panama's Gen. Noriega? He was spoiled by the US for 20 years only to be dumped in the end. Worse, he was kidnapped by the US Marines in his own country. I hope you have seen the documentary film "Panama Deception".[/quote]
You need a serious lesson in how alliances during wartime are formed and for what purpose. There are no perfect allies. The US also supported Joseph Stalin, Ho Chi Mihn, Anwar Sedat, Mao Tse Tung, Suharto, and Chaing Kai-shek. Each was supported by the US for different reasons based on the current events at that time. And at that time, it was probably the correct thing to do given the greater goal that was supposed to be accomplished, whether to fight communism (Chang Kai-shek and Suharto) or naziam (Joseph Stalin) or Japanese Imperialism (Ho Chi Mihn, Mao Tse Tung, Chang Kai-shek). Sedat was suppoeted by the US after the Camp David accords.

[quote]You need a serious lesson in how alliances during wartime are formed and for what purpose. There are no perfect allies. The US also supported Joseph Stalin, Ho Chi Mihn, Anwar Sedat, Mao Tse Tung, Suharto, and Chaing Kai-shek. Each was supported by the US for different reasons based on the current events at that time. And at that time, it was probably the correct thing to do given the greater goal that was supposed to be accomplished, whether to fight communism (Chang Kai-shek and Suharto) or naziam (Joseph Stalin) or Japanese Imperialism (Ho Chi Mihn, Mao Tse Tung, Chang Kai-shek). Sedat was suppoeted by the US after the Camp David accords[/quote]



This point exactly proves it. Which ever is convenient for the situation at hand.. Politics at its best and usual. Build them up ..tear it down.. One day friend.. next day "Terroirst"


[quote]
4now,
I seriously hope you are not considering Hezbollah as a freedom fighter orgainization?

Its all rhetoric and all relative. It depends on the standpoint of who is speaking about them, does it not?

Resistance group, freedom Fighters, militants.

Hezbollah job was to protect that border from Israel Invasions. They have done such. Does that make them terroirist.. Only in the eyes of US and whoever US can pay or coerce into supporting agreeing with them.


[quote]
For the record, here is what Hezzbollah has done against Israel and other nations: Known or suspected to have been involved [quote]

key words "known" or" suspected" along with about 8 other suspects in most of those matters. Most of those were never confirmed. Yes I watch CNN also misreport these things and report them as though they are fact and proven.. when it has not been proven in many cases.. Very irresponible journalism. this is why so much of america stay ignorant to many things.


[quote]
If you are considering Israel at fault, then you are also suggesting that Hezbollah was correct in kidnapping Israeli soldiers and the attacks on the multinational forces in the 1980's. [quote]


Again... CNN/Fox and America are the only people using this language of Kidnapping soldiers. It's the Spin to gather support for Israel. All reporting elswhere report that the 2 soldiers were "captured" in a Border raid.

Hezb has been transforming themselves over the past years.. Holding many seats in the Lebanon government. softening many of their original hardline militant establishing islamic state type views...

and Yes.. Many people are looking at them right now as Freedom fighters, and not terrorists.



No. I do not necessarily accept who the US decides who is being named terrorist status. As stated above in the first quote. They deem whatever suits them at the moment.

So many used to be allies loosely speaking.. such as Saadam at one time.. its all politics.
Daddy Bush and jr Bush have been the biggest liars and bullies in a very long time. Disgraceful is really the word.

[quote]This point exactly proves it. Which ever is convenient for the situation at hand.. Politics at its best and usual. Build them up ..tear it down.. One day friend.. next day "Terroirst"[/quote]
4now,
There is a difference between organizations and countries. Countries can change because governments are continuous entities. Organizations, like Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, cannot change because it will go against the very definition why that organization was created in the first place. Additionally, if you believe that then one should not critize past alliances based on past information and overall objectives.

[quote]Again... CNN/Fox and America are the only people using this language of Kidnapping soldiers. It's the Spin to gather support for Israel. All reporting elswhere report that the 2 soldiers were "captured" in a Border raid.

Hezb has been transforming themselves over the past years.. Holding many seats in the Lebanon government. softening many of their original hardline militant establishing islamic state type views...

and Yes.. Many people are looking at them right now as Freedom fighters, and not terrorists.[/quote]
I wonder which people you are referring to 4now. Is it indymedia, antiwar.com, etc. If it is, then those sources are less reliable than CNN.

Here is what Alj***era repoeted on July 12th, when the conflict started:
"Hezbollah fighters seize two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid. Three Israeli soldiers are also killed in the attack.

It says it will release them if Israel frees Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

"Fulfilling its pledge to liberate the prisoners and detainees, the Islamic Resistance ... captured two Israeli soldiers at the border with occupied Palestine," a Hezbollah statement said."
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/35772526-C1A8-4599-868C-E513C4F29C9B.htm

or
From China Broadcast:
"Hizbollah militants attack Israeli forces on the Lebanese border. Seven soldiers are killed and two kidnapped."
http://en.chinabroadcast.cn/3126/2006/07/26/264@118913.htm
Keep in mind that one soldier from the Gaza strip was also kidnapped. That is why the capture of Israeli troops, first one in the south, then two in the north, has galvanized Israel. The kidnappings represent a level of Arab tactical prowess that previously was the Israeli domain. They also represent a level of tactical slackness on the Israeli side that was previously the Arab domain. These events hardly represent a fundamental shift in the balance of power. Nevertheless, for a country that depends on its cultural superiority, any tremor in this variable reverberates dramatically. Hamas and Hezbollah have struck the core Israeli nerve. Israel cannot ignore it.

[quote]Its all rhetoric and all relative. It depends on the standpoint of who is speaking about them, does it not?

Resistance group, freedom Fighters, militants.

Hezbollah job was to protect that border from Israel Invasions. They have done such. Does that make them terroirist.. Only in the eyes of US and whoever US can pay or coerce into supporting agreeing with them.[/quote]
Actually no. The very purpose of Hezbollah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad is to destroy Israel, at whatever cost. Said organizations will never recognize Israel. Hezbollah has emerged as a group representing Syrian and Iranian interests. These were: opposition to the state of Israel, an ambiguous position on an independent Palestine, hostility to the United States for supporting Israel and later championing Yasser Arafat.

[quote]key words "known" or" suspected" along with about 8 other suspects in most of those matters. Most of those were never confirmed. Yes I watch CNN also misreport these things and report them as though they are fact and proven.. when it has not been proven in many cases.. Very irresponible journalism. this is why so much of america stay ignorant to many things.[/quote]
What I have cited is by the experts and not CNN or any other news organization. I seriously recommend going to http://www.intelligence.org/ and learn about terrorist organizations, their objectives, etc. BTW: What I have cited is universally accepted by Interpol, European anti-terrorist agencies, US, and even China. It is not just a US thing.

[quote]So many used to be allies loosely speaking.. such as Saadam at one time.. its all politics.
Daddy Bush and jr Bush have been the biggest liars and bullies in a very long time. Disgraceful is really the word.[/quote]
HHHOOOOOWWWWWWW CCCCCCOOOOONNNNNVVVVVVVEEEEENNNNNNIIIIIEEEEEENNNNTTTTTTTTT

You cannot blame this on the BUSH family not just republicans. I consider this remark purely anti-bush and your opposition is clouding your judgement.

Of course, I could reply with what Clinton stated on TV "I DID NOT HAVE SEXUAL RELATIONS WITH THAT WOMEN" He later confessed doing so in his autobiography, but still believes he was innocent. But I won't go there.

Yes indeed, it depends on who's talking on who the culprit is. The US speaks of human rights; yet she closed her eyes on the Tien An Men massacre that killed many students. When one US plane was held hostage by the Chinese, the US didn't dare to retaliate. The US picks who she can bully. Isn't this clear to you...you US policy apologists? By the way, Hudson you forgot to mention Marcos of the Philippines. Like Noriega, Marcos was spoiled by the US until the CIA conspired with his enemies that led to his ouster.

The US is itchy to attack Iran. Yet, North Korea keeps on provoking us and even dares us to attack them. Did the US do anything?

It's application of double standard policy, my friend. The US record now stings like a dead rat. Many like me are even ashamed to be called Americans today.

Macy
The US was critical of the chinese government about the Teananmen Square incident, despite what you have read at the Security archives at GWU. The US and the EU have a arms embargo toward the Chinese government because of the Incident. The EU tried to withdraw the ban, but was met by heavy resistance from the US, humanitarian, and certain European groups. You might want to rethink that line.

[quote]North Korea keeps on provoking us and even dares us to attack them. Did the US do anything?[/quote]
Attacking NK will cause many innocent deaths of the South Koreans. The missle developments and the nuclear proliferation is aimed more at Japan than anybody else. Europeans are more afraid of NK than anything else. I do not see why because NK missles will not be incapable to hit EU or US, not unless France comes into the picture and sells them technology.

[quote]By the way, Hudson you forgot to mention Marcos of the Philippines. Like Noriega, Marcos was spoiled by the US until the CIA conspired with his enemies that led to his ouster.[/quote]
Marcos was more anti-communist than anything else. If you know anything about US history, especially the Truman and Eisenhower doctrines you will understand why the US tolerated the Marcos regime. BTW, China, Russia, and NK sent money and arms to pro-communist groups in the Philippines, but I don't see you complaining about them, do I?

[quote]It's application of double standard policy, my friend. The US record now stings like a dead rat. Many like me are even ashamed to be called Americans today.[/quote]
Ok, then look at the histories of Europe, Japan, China, Thailand, Australia, Russia, and South Africa. You see the same bloody thing. You are living in a fantasy world, Macy. And until you have a firm grasp of history and not reading the likes of Robert Fisk or Noam Chomsky, you will never learn. You will prove Joseph Stalin's point about investigative reporters" useful idiots."

You got good points, Hudson. But you said the US was critical of the Chinese. Just critical? It was a slap on the wrist. If another nation that the US had intention of invading and she could bully, I bet you US jets and war ships would have been sent.

What I was raising and I'm reiterating now is America's double standard policy. Regarding Marcos' being anti-communists, well, I think all Philippine Presidents are. They need to follow the US line. Don't you know that all Philippine Presidents were placed by America. That like other third world countries, America also meddles in the political and economic affairs of the Philippines? In case you don't know, four US Marine rapists are accused of raping a Filipino woman and the case is ongoing. The US soldiers at bases in Japan also raped many Japanese women.

Back to Marcos, after helping him for 20 years why did America dropped him? The one who replaced him, Cory Aquino, was even identified with the left. As a matter of fact, she appointed many leftist politicians in her government.

Let's stop all these hypocrisy. America picks those she can bully and look the other way to those hard to deal with. But the US is **** smart...she uses pawns or use local people to fight one another without using one American blood.

By the way Hudson, you said the US doesn't want to attack NK for fear of hurting SK civilians. Ha, ha...did the US think about this when Bush's army attacked Iraq? As of this writing, 100 Iraqis are killed every day that means over 3,000 a month.

Speaking of CNN, it's obviously pro-West. Today again, a female reporter in Lebanon was being interviewed. When she started criticizing the US, the anchor man suddenly stopped her saying there was not enough time for the interview.

You are but a bunch of pathetic demagogues, lacking the energy and strength , of both spirit and intelligence , to cut through surface and see deep into matters.

Syria's Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari was quick to fault the United States for the attack.

"These bombs which killed 57 children and women are American bombs," Ja'afari said. "They call them smart bombs, but actually they are silly bombs. They call them laser-guided bombs but are actually hate-guided bombs."

Now, Bush and Sec. Rice seem to agree on ceasefire...after dozens of children killed. Lebanon Prime Minister didn't allow Rice to visit Beirut. What for?

On another CNN interview, a female reporter in Beirut was prematurely cut off when she began to criticize the US. The TV anchor just told her there wasn't any enough time to continue the interview.

God bless America ?

BEIRUT -- Israeli warplanes struck suspected guerrilla positions in eastern Lebanon near the border with Syria early Monday, security officials said.

Israeli jets carried out two raids at approximately 1:30 a.m. near the village of Yanta, about five kilometres from the Syrian border, the officials said because they were not authorized to give statements to the media.

The attack came despite a 48-hour halt in aerial attacks that Israel announced beginning Sunday around midnight local time. However, Israeli officials left open the possibility that Israel might hit targets to stop imminent attacks on Israel, and that the suspension could last less than 48 hours if the military completes its inquiry into Sunday's incident in Qana before then.

***Despite the 48 hours halt announced by Israel, she continues to bomb. From whom did she learn about lying and double talks? From beloved Uncle Sam who did the same in Iraq. What we see today in Lebanon and the acts committed by Israel is no different from what the US did and is still doing in Iraq.

How could I possibly put it simpler than that:


1. It's is in the interests of Nation to pursue the Foreign Policy it does.

2. Pursuing National Interests by DEFAULT serves interests of everyone who considers him/herself part of this Nation.


I have neither time nor patience to lecture you on WHY it is in US National interests to pursue the policy it does abroad, but you surely can go to library and read books by Kissinger, Brzezinski and Perl that would help you grasp the rationale behind it.
Moreover, I don't think I could ever do it better than them.

Of course I can see the total picture. The world sees that. Even the UN knows. But they all are scared of great Uncle Sam's might and power. If pursuing the National Interest means invading and attacking another nation or encourage an ally to commit atrocities; then we're back to the days of the Barbarians.


Those who have not seen and experienced a war don't know how much it impacts on people. But, some countries especially the US need wars to survive especially if they are in economic crisis. After Lebanon's destructions come reconstruction and rebuilding. Just imagine how much dollars are needed. And who supply these? Of course the main supplier is the US. Then, some other players like UK and other allies. Same with Iraq...the US cannot yet recover her investment because that country is now close to full blown civil war. Iraqis killing fellow Iraqis. America doesn't care! She's just waiting for business opportunities.

Foreign Affairs are different from Domestic.

You lack capacity to understand it or you just pretend to be d.umber than you are.

I, on the other hand, do not pretend to be d.umber than I am and have spend considerable time trying to understand what is what.

I have gathered information from variety of highly diverse sources, I have read and analysed almost every opinion , ranging from one to another end.

I have meditated on them all, and envisioned all possible outcomes of almost everything that could possibly be done or happened, and in the final analysis I have found that US Foreign Policy DOES make sense and that it DOES serve US National Interests.

And since I am here, in America, and raising two of my own kids born here I find that my interests are best served by serving the same of US.

Obviously , I would have different perspective if I was Chineese living in China , or Moroccan living in Morocco, but since I don't I also don't see any reason WHY should I compromise on US interests to the advantage of it's rivals and adversaries.

If you are ungrateful and stupid enough to think otherwise, of course it's up to you.

excerpt as reported at Aljazerra.net today


Qana, Lebanon

"Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Monday, hours after agreeing to a 48-hour halt in the airstrikes while investigating a bombing that killed nearly 60 Lebanese civilians, mostly women and children seeking shelter."


George W. Ambush
Condaidiot Rice.

BTW, , What is Colin Colon Powell saying these days?

United States does not look good here

Israel will not play by the rules.. cant be trusted.. Wants to do its dirt and then hide behind "Oh so sorry, we thought it was hezboallah in the car or it was an accident" Uncivilized tactics.

This should be unacceptable and cease fire must begin immediately to stop innoncent lives from being lost.


Total picture deep picture ?

The problem is "whose interest" really and according to "who". and Yes each nation does basically have to accept the policy if they are considered part of that nation.. or leave that nation.. which few would ever do. But as citizens, & residents, we should not "fool ourselves" into believing that it is ok with how its being handled many times. There's a difference in swallowing it and enjoying swallowing it.

I feel embarrasment and shame for US behavior. It is difficult for me to understand what american could feel proud of how its being handled, regardless of so called "national interest of country"

Americans voted for a coked up crackhead to run the country.. How would they think things were going to run or turn out???? "Hope for the best" is not acceptable justification.

The fact of the matter is the US will never leave Israel and will keep on supporting her 'cause almost majority of the big players in the US are Jews. Again, I got nothing against the Jews (I don't know about Mel Gibson). I'm just citing a fact. I still love to drink Mountain Jew.

[quote]Israel will not play by the rules.. cant be trusted.. Wants to do its dirt and then hide behind "Oh so sorry, we thought it was hezboallah in the car or it was an accident" Uncivilized tactics.[/quote]


I don't comprehend how can you say that when in fact it was Hezbollah who kept firing indiscriminately on Israel and terrorising it's citizens before Israel decided to respond?

[quote]The attack came despite a 48-hour halt in aerial attacks that Israel announced beginning Sunday around midnight local time. However, Israeli officials left open the possibility that Israel might hit targets to stop imminent attacks on Israel, and that the suspension could last less than 48 hours if the military completes its inquiry into Sunday's incident in Qana before then.[/quote]



Israel when they agreed with this.. had its fingers crossed behind its back and winked their eye as to agree with 48 hr cease. (So in their mind they really were not lying )

Then proceed to bomb anyway and kill innocents or unsuspecting ones who thought truce was in effect.

This is why I say this.


and u Solaris... what do u say about their tactic in this instance? do u believe that they say the incidents were accidents

antilebanese, you never know how to comprehend 'cause you're d u m b....an i d i o t like Bush and Rice.

Listen to what these Israel criminals said: "Well, it was an accidental bombing on Qana because we thought the Hezbollahs were there. Their rockets were launced near in that area." Recently, four UN peacekeepers were killed by these Jewish criminals. Expect more of this thing to happen and expect similar excuses and lies.

[quote]and u Solaris... what do u say about their tactic in this instance? do u believe that they say the incidents were accidents [/quote]

What I know is that they were indiscriminately attacked/bombed by Hezbollah fired rockets for a long time before they decided to respond.