Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts

this is your life


Well, I guess this had to come in sometime, if not sooner.
And you open the door
and you step inside
We're inside our hearts

Now imagine your pain
as a white ball of healing light
That's right
your pain
the pain itself
is a white ball of healing light

I don't think so

This is your life
Good to the last drop
doesn't get any better than this

This is your life
and it's ending one minute at a time

This isn't a seminar
This is no weekend retreat

Where you are now
You can't even imagine what the bottom will be like

Only after disaster can we be resurrected
It's only after you've lost everything
that you are free to do anything

Nothing is static
Everything is evolving
Everything is falling apart

This is your life
It doesn't get any better than this
This is your life
And it's ending one minute at a time

You are not a beautiful and unique snowflake
You are the same decaying organic matter as everything else
We are all part of the same compost heap
We are the all singing, all dancing crap of the world

You are not your bank account
You are not the clothes you wear
You are not the contents of your wallet
You are not your bowel cancer
You are not your grande latte
You are not the car you drive
You are not your fucking khakis

You have to give up
You have to give up
You have to realize that someday you will die
Until you know that
you are useless

I say let me be never complete
I say may I never be content
I say deliver me from Swedish furniture
I say deliver me from clever art
I say deliver me from clear skin and perfect teeth

I say you have to give up
I say evolve and let the chips fall where they may

This is your life
Doesn't get any better than this
This is your life
And its ending one minute at a time

You have to give up
You have to give up

I want you to hit me as hard as you can

Welcome to Fight Club
If this is your first night, you have to fight

Kill one Iraqi each


Quoting Michael Moore's letter to Bullshit.
Sir, listen to me. You have to send in MILLIONS of troops to Iraq, not thousands! The only way to lick this thing now is to flood Iraq with millions of us! I know that you're out of combat-ready soldiers -- so you have to look elsewhere! The only way you are going to beat a nation of 27 million -- Iraq -- is to send in at least 28 million! Here's how it would work:

The first 27 million Americans go in and kill one Iraqi each. That will quickly take care of any insurgency. The other one million of us will stay and rebuild the country. Simple.

Now, I know you're saying, where will I find 28 million Americans to go to Iraq? Here are some suggestions:

1. More than 62,000,000 Americans voted for you in the last election (the one that took place a year and half into a war we already knew we were losing). I am confident that at least a third of them would want to put their body where their vote was and sign up to volunteer. I know many of these people and, while we may disagree politically, I know that they don't believe someone else should have to go and fight their fight for them -- while they hide here in America.

Read the whole thing here yourself.

Just read it


One of the best pieces of writing I've read in a while. I won't quote, for you really need to read it all.

Bush on Iraq - the translation


Good evening. Tonight in Iraq, the armed forces of the United States are engaged in a struggle that will determine the direction of the global war on terror - and our safety here at home. The new strategy I outline tonight will change America's course in Iraq, and help us succeed in the fight against terror.

Yee-haw! Tonight in Iraq, your kids, your spouses, your parents are engaged in a civil war that will determine the direction of Iraqi oil - and the wealth of a certain 1000 US citizens. The new strategy I outline tonight will boost the death toll in Iraq, and help us become even more hated by the rest of the world —if that's possible.
When I addressed you just over a year ago, nearly 12 million Iraqis had cast their ballots for a unified and democratic nation. The elections of 2005 were a stunning achievement. We thought that these elections would bring the Iraqis together - and that as we trained Iraqi security forces, we could accomplish our mission with fewer American troops.

When I addressed you just over a year ago, nearly 500 thousand Iraqis had already been killed. The massacres of 2005 were a stunning achievement. We thought that these deaths would bring the Iraqi oil to certain US companies - and that as we trained Iraqi security forces, we could kill more Iraqis with fewer American troops.
But in 2006, the opposite happened. The violence in Iraq - particularly in Baghdad - overwhelmed the political gains the Iraqis had made. Al Qaeda terrorists and Sunni insurgents recognized the mortal danger that Iraq's elections posed for their cause. And they responded with outrageous acts of murder aimed at innocent Iraqis.

But in 2006, the opposite happened. The violence in Iraq - particularly in Baghdad - overwhelmed the political and financial gains we had made. People who have nothing to do with Al Qaeda terrorists and Sunni Iraqis recognized the mortal danger that the New American Century posed for their future. And they responded with raging acts of resistance aimed at your innocent kids, your spouses, your parents.
They blew up one of the holiest shrines in Shia Islam - the Golden Mosque of Samarra - in a calculated effort to provoke Iraq's Shia population to retaliate. Their strategy worked. Radical Shia elements, some supported by Iran, formed death squads. And the result was a vicious cycle of sectarian violence that continues today.

The CIA, with help from Mossad, blew up one of the holiest shrines in Shia Islam - the Golden Mosque of Samarra - in a calculated effort to provoke Iraq's Shia population to retaliate. Our strategy worked. Radical Shia elements, some supported by Iran, formed death squads. And the result was a vicious rise in the civil war that continues today.
The situation in Iraq is unacceptable to the American people - and it is unacceptable to me. Our troops in Iraq have fought bravely. They have done everything we have asked them to do. Where mistakes have been made, the responsibility rests with me.

The situation of the US troops in Iraq is unacceptable to the American people - and I don't give a damn. Our troops in Iraq have died bravely. They have done everything we have asked them to do. Where mistakes have been made, the responsibility rests with me —and you can't do anything about it, ha ha!
It is clear that we need to change our strategy in Iraq. So my national security team, military commanders, and diplomats conducted a comprehensive review. We consulted members of Congress from both parties, our allies abroad, and distinguished outside experts. We benefited from the thoughtful recommendations of the Iraq Study Group - a bipartisan panel led by former Secretary of State James Baker and former Congressman Lee Hamilton. In our discussions, we all agreed that there is no magic formula for success in Iraq. And one message came through loud and clear: Failure in Iraq would be a disaster for the United States.

People keep telling me that we need to change our strategy in Iraq. Even my national security team, military commanders, and diplomats who conducted a comprehensive review. We consulted members of Congress from both parties, our lapdogs abroad, and distinguished outside experts. We benefited from the thoughtful recommendations of the Iraq Study Group - a bipartisan panel whose mission was to seed your minds and grant us the freedom to take the war to the next level, led by former Secretary of State James Baker and former Congressman Lee Hamilton. In the mainstream media, we sold you the idea that there is no magic formula for success in Iraq. And we imprinted one message in your minds: Failure in Iraq would be a disaster for the United States.
The consequences of failure are clear: Radical Islamic extremists would grow in strength and gain new recruits. They would be in a better position to topple moderate governments, create chaos in the region, and use oil revenues to fund their ambitions. Iran would be emboldened in its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Our enemies would have a safe haven from which to plan and launch attacks on the American people. On September the 11th, 2001, we saw what a refuge for extremists on the other side of the world could bring to the streets of our own cities. For the safety of our people, America must succeed in Iraq.

What we mean by failure is clear: Radical Islamic extremists would grow in strength and gain new recruits. They would be in a better position to topple American forces, create stability in the region, and use oil revenues to fund their ambitions, instead of ours. Iran would be emboldened in its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Our enemies would have a safe haven from which to plan and launch attacks on the New American Century. On September the 11th, 2001, we set up extremists on the other side of the world at the expense of our own people. For the safety of a certain 1000 Americans, America must succeed in Iraq.
The most urgent priority for success in Iraq is security, especially in Baghdad. Eighty percent of Iraq's sectarian violence occurs within 30 miles of the capital. This violence is splitting Baghdad into sectarian enclaves, and shaking the confidence of all Iraqis. Only the Iraqis can end the sectarian violence and secure their people. And their government has put forward an aggressive plan to do it.

The most urgent priority for success in Iraq is security, especially in Baghdad. Eighty percent of Iraq's civil war occurs within 30 miles of the capital. This violence is splitting Baghdad into sectarian enclaves exactly as we planned, and hopefully shaking the confidence of all Iraqis. Only the Iraqis who can still think properly can end the US invasion and secure their motherland. And their government has put forward an aggressive plan to either arrest or assassinate such Iraqi leaders.
Our past efforts to secure Baghdad failed for two principal reasons: There were not enough Iraqi and American troops to secure neighborhoods that had been cleared of terrorists and insurgents, and there were too many restrictions on the troops we did have. Our military commanders reviewed the new Iraqi plan to ensure that it addressed these mistakes. They report that it does. They also report that this plan can work.

Our past efforts to seize Baghdad failed for two principal reasons: There were not enough bribed Iraqi policemen and American troops to secure neighborhoods that had been cleared of the resistance, and there were too many humanly creatures among the troops we did have who refused to kill every single civilian out there. Our military commanders reviewed the new Iraqi plan to ensure that it addressed these mistakes. They report that it does. They also report that this plan can work. Not with a high probability, but who cares, I love to gamble.
Now, let me explain the main elements of this effort. The Iraqi government will appoint a military commander and two deputy commanders for their capital. The Iraqi government will deploy Iraqi army and national police brigades across Baghdad's nine districts. When these forces are fully deployed, there will be 18 Iraqi army and national police brigades committed to this effort, along with local police. These Iraqi forces will operate from local police stations; conducting patrols and setting up checkpoints and going door-to-door to gain the trust of Baghdad residents.

Now, let me explain the main elements of this gamble. The Iraqi government will appoint a military commander and two deputy commanders for their capital. The Iraqi government will deploy Iraqi army and national police brigades across Baghdad's nine districts. When these forces are fully deployed, there will be 18 Iraqi army and national police brigades committed to this effort, along with local police. These Iraqi forces will operate from local police stations; conducting patrols and setting up checkpoints and going door-to-door to gain the trust of Baghdad residents. The plan is, hopefully, unsuspecting civilians will finally fall for it, thinking that these greedy mercenaries of the puppet Iraqi government are actually protecting them. Ha ha!
This is a strong commitment. But for it to succeed, our commanders say the Iraqis will need our help. So America will change our strategy to help the Iraqis carry out their campaign to put down sectarian violence and bring security to the people of Baghdad. This will require increasing American force levels. So I've committed more than 20,000 additional American troops to Iraq.

This is a big gamble. But for it to succeed, our commanders say the Iraqi puppets will need our help. So America will change our strategy to help the Iraqis carry out their campaign to put down all resistance and scare the shit out of the people of Baghdad. This will require increasing American force levels. So I've raised the bet by 20,000 additional American youngsters on the ante.
The vast majority of them -- five brigades -- will be deployed to Baghdad. These troops will work alongside Iraqi units and be embedded in their formations. Our troops will have a well-defined mission: to help Iraqis clear and secure neighborhoods, to help them protect the local population, and to help ensure that the Iraqi forces left behind are capable of providing the security that Baghdad needs.

The vast majority of these clueless American kids -- five brigades -- will be deployed to Baghdad. These troops will die alongside Iraqi mercenaries and be hated by the civilians just as much. Our troops will have a well-defined mission: to help Iraqi mercenaries exert martial law in the neighborhoods, to help them abolish the local population, and to help ensure that the Iraqi people left alive are not capable of providing the security that Baghdad needs.
Many listening tonight will ask why this effort will succeed when previous operations to secure Baghdad did not. Well, here are the differences: In earlier operations, Iraqi and American forces cleared many neighborhoods of terrorists and insurgents - but when our forces moved on to other targets, the killers returned. This time, we will have the force levels we need to hold the areas that have been cleared. In earlier operations, political and sectarian interference prevented Iraqi and American forces from going into neighborhoods that are home to those fueling the sectarian violence. This time, Iraqi and American forces will have a green light to enter these neighborhoods - and Prime Minister Maliki has pledged that political or sectarian interference will not be tolerated.

Many listening tonight will ask why this effort will succeed when previous operations to secure Baghdad did not. Well, here are the differences: In earlier operations, Iraqi collaborators and American forces cleared many neighborhoods of men capable of resisting - but when our forces moved on to other targets, the women and the children continued the resistance. This time, we will have the force levels we need to completely annihilate those bitches and bastards. In earlier operations, political and international interference prevented Iraqi butchers and American forces from going into neighborhoods that are home to those who still dream of stopping the US invasion. This time, Iraqi and American forces will have a green light to enter these neighborhoods - and Prime Minister Maliki has been bought and pledged that political or international interference will not be tolerated.
I have made it clear to the prime minister and Iraq's other leaders that America's commitment is not open-ended. If the Iraqi government does not follow through on its promises, it will lose the support of the American people - and it will lose the support of the Iraqi people. Now is the time to act. The prime minister understands this. Here is what he told his people just last week: "The Baghdad security plan will not provide a safe haven for any outlaws, regardless of [their] sectarian or political affiliation."

I have made it clear to the prime minister and Iraq's other leaders that America's bribes are not open-ended. If the Iraqi government does not follow through on its promises, it will lose the flow of the American dollars - and they will eventually all be hanged by the Iraqi people. Now is the time to act. The prime minister understands this. Here is what he told his people just last week: "The Baghdad security plan will not provide a safe haven for any outlaws, regardless of [their] sectarian or political affiliation." Ha, ha, isn't he a nice puppy.
This new strategy will not yield an immediate end to suicide bombings, assassinations, or IED attacks. Our enemies in Iraq will make every effort to ensure that our television screens are filled with images of death and suffering. Yet, over time, we can expect to see Iraqi troops chasing down murderers, fewer brazen acts of terror, and growing trust and cooperation from Baghdad's residents. When this happens, daily life will improve, Iraqis will gain confidence in their leaders, and the government will have the breathing space it needs to make progress in other critical areas. Most of Iraq's Sunni and Shia want to live together in peace. And reducing the violence in Baghdad will help make reconciliation possible.

This new strategy will not yield an immediate end to suicide bombings, assassinations, or IED attacks. Our allies in Iraq will make every effort to ensure that our and their television screens are filled with images of death and suffering. And, over time, we can expect to see Iraqi people finally surrender, fewer patriotic acts of resistance, and the loss of all hope among Baghdad's residents. When this happens, daily life will cease to exist, Iraqis will lose confidence in their God, and the government will have the breathing space it needs to make progress in other critical areas. Most of Iraq's Sunni and Shia want to live together in peace. And killing all such people in Baghdad will help sustain the instability.
A successful strategy for Iraq goes beyond military operations. Ordinary Iraqi citizens must see that military operations are accompanied by visible improvements in their neighborhoods and communities. So America will hold the Iraqi government to the benchmarks it has announced.

A successful strategy for Iraq goes beyond military operations. Ordinary Iraqi citizens must see that military operations are accompanied by a visible increase in poverty in their neighborhoods and communities. So America will hold the Iraqi government to the benchmarks it has announced.
To establish its authority, the Iraqi government plans to take responsibility for security in all of Iraq's provinces by November. To give every Iraqi citizen a stake in the country's economy, Iraq will pass legislation to share oil revenues among all Iraqis. To show that it is committed to delivering a better life, the Iraqi government will spend $10 billion of its own money on reconstruction and infrastructure projects that will create new jobs. To empower local leaders, Iraqis plan to hold provincial elections later this year. And to allow more Iraqis to re-enter their nation's political life, the government will reform de-Baathification laws and establish a fair process for considering amendments to Iraq's constitution.

To establish its authority, the Iraqi government plans to take responsibility for security in all of American assets in Iraq by November. To give every Iraqi citizen a stake in the ass, Iraq will pass legislation to share oil revenues among all the companies sponsoring my next election campaign. To show that it is committed to delivering a better life to a certain 1000 American citizens, the Iraqi government will spend $10 billion of its own money on reconstruction and infrastructure projects that will create new markets for American companies. To silence local leaders, Iraqis plan to hold make-believe elections later this year, Florida style. And to prevent more Iraqis from trying to re-enter their nation's political life, the government will reform de-Baathification laws and establish a funky process for considering amendments to Iraq's American constitution.
America will change our approach to help the Iraqi government as it works to meet these benchmarks. In keeping with the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group, we will increase the embedding of American advisers in Iraqi army units, and partner a coalition brigade with every Iraqi army division.

America will change our approach to help the puppet Iraqi government as it works to meet these benchmarks. In keeping with the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group, we will increase the embedding of American kids in Iraqi army units, and partner a coalition brigade with every Iraqi army division. We have plenty of kids here anyway.
We will help the Iraqis build a larger and better-equipped army, and we will accelerate the training of Iraqi forces, which remains the essential U.S. security mission in Iraq. We will give our commanders and civilians greater flexibility to spend funds for economic assistance. We will double the number of Provincial Reconstruction Teams. These teams bring together military and civilian experts to help local Iraqi communities pursue reconciliation, strengthen the moderates and speed the transition to Iraqi self-reliance. And Secretary Rice will soon appoint a reconstruction coordinator in Baghdad to ensure better results for economic assistance being spent in Iraq.

We will help the Iraqis build a larger and better-equipped army, and we will accelerate the training of Iraqi forces, which remains the essential U.S. security mission in Iraq. We will give our commanders and civilians greater flexibility to spend funds for economic assistance. We will double the number of Provincial Reconstruction Teams. These teams bring together military and civilian experts to help local Iraqi communities digest the New American Century, strengthen the moderates and speed the transition to the American Republic of Iraq. And Secretary Rice will soon appoint a reconstruction coordinator in Baghdad to ensure better results for all the bribes being spent in Iraq.
As we make these changes, we will continue to pursue al Qaeda and foreign fighters. Al Qaeda is still active in Iraq. Its home base is Anbar Province. Al Qaeda has helped make Anbar the most violent area of Iraq outside the capital. A captured al Qaeda document describes the terrorists' plan to infiltrate and seize control of the province. This would bring al Qaeda closer to its goals of taking down Iraq's democracy, building a radical Islamic empire, and launching new attacks on the United States at home and abroad.

As we make these changes, we will continue to blame al Qaeda and foreign fighters. Al Qaeda is still clueless in Iraq. We decided its home base to be Anbar Province. Al Qaeda actually had nothing to do with Anbar being the most resistant area of Iraq outside the capital. A faked al Qaeda document describes the terrorists' plan to infiltrate and seize control of the province. This would bring the US closer to its goals of taking down Iraq's democracy, building a puppet Islamic democracy, and launching new attacks on Syria and Iran.
Our military forces in Anbar are killing and capturing al Qaeda leaders - and they are protecting the local population. Recently, local tribal leaders have begun to show their willingness to take on al Qaeda. And, as a result, our commanders believe we have an opportunity to deal a serious blow to the terrorists. So I have given orders to increase American forces in Anbar Province by 4,000 troops. These troops will work with Iraqi and tribal forces to keep up the pressure on the terrorists. America's men and women in uniform took away al Qaeda's safe haven in Afghanistan - and we will not allow them to re- establish it in Iraq.

Our military forces in Anbar are killing and capturing resistance leaders - and they are getting bonuses for slaying the local population. Recently, local tribal leaders have begun to show their willingness to take their share of the millions of dollars we've poured into Iraq in bribes. And, as a result, our commanders believe we have an opportunity to deal a serious blow to the resistance. So I have given orders to increase American kids in Anbar Province by 4,000 troops. These troops will work with Iraqi and tribal forces to keep up the pressure on the civilians. America's men and women in uniform got killed by the US funded Taleban in Afghanistan - and we will make sure more will get killed in Iraq.
Succeeding in Iraq also requires defending its territorial integrity - and stabilizing the region in the face of the extremist challenge. This begins with addressing Iran and Syria. These two regimes are allowing terrorists and insurgents to use their territory to move in and out of Iraq. Iran is providing material support for attacks on American troops. We will disrupt the attacks on our forces. We will interrupt the flow of support from Iran and Syria. And we will seek out and destroy the networks providing advanced weaponry and training to our enemies in Iraq.

Succeeding in Iraq also requires blending its territorial integrity - and de-stabilizing the region in the face of the extremist challenge. This begins with addressing Iran and Syria. These two regimes are allowing terrorists and resistance fighters to use their territory to move in and out of Iraq. Iran is providing material support for attacks on American troops. We will disrupt the attacks on our forces. We will interrupt the flow of support from Iran and Syria. And we will seek out and destroy the networks providing advanced weaponry and training to the people in Iraq.
We are also taking other steps to bolster the security of Iraq and protect American interests in the Middle East. I recently ordered the deployment of an additional carrier strike group to the region. We will expand intelligence sharing and deploy Patriot air defense systems to reassure our friends and allies. We will work with the governments of Turkey and Iraq to help them resolve problems along their border. And we will work with others to prevent Iran from gaining nuclear weapons and dominating the region.

We are also taking other steps to bolster the security of US companies and protect American interests in the Middle East. I recently ordered the deployment of an additional carrier strike group to the region. Ha ha, it was fun. We will expand intelligence sharing and deploy Patriot air defense systems to reassure our lapdogs. We will work with the governments of Turkey and Iraq and hopefully raise more problems along their border. And we will work with others to prevent Iran from gaining nuclear weapons and dominating the region.
We will use America's full diplomatic resources to rally support for Iraq from nations throughout the Middle East. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the Gulf states need to understand that an American defeat in Iraq would create a new sanctuary for extremists - and a strategic threat to their survival. These nations have a stake in a successful Iraq that is at peace with its neighbors - and they must step up their support for Iraq's unity government. We endorse the Iraqi government's call to finalize an international compact that will bring new economic assistance in exchange for greater economic reform. And on Friday, Secretary Rice will leave for the region - to build support for Iraq, and continue the urgent diplomacy required to help bring peace to the Middle East.

We will use America's full diplomatic resources to rally support for Iraq from nations throughout the Middle East. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the Gulf states need to understand that an American defeat in Iraq would mean the end of US dollars flowing in - and a strategic threat to their survival. These nations have a stake in a successful Iraq that is at peace with its neighbors - so we must block up their support for the resisting Iraqi people. We endorse the Iraqi government's call to finalize an international compact that will bring new bribes in exchange for greater economic opportunities for US companies. And on Friday, Secretary Rice will leave for the region - to buy out more bastards in Iraq, and continue the urgent diplomacy required to help bring Iraqi oil to the US.
The challenge playing out across the broader Middle East is more than a military conflict. It is the decisive ideological struggle of our time. On one side are those who believe in freedom and moderation. On the other side are extremists who kill the innocent, and have declared their intention to destroy our way of life. In the long run, the most realistic way to protect the American people is to provide a hopeful alternative to the hateful ideology of the enemy - by advancing liberty across a troubled region. It is in the interests of the United States to stand with the brave men and women who are risking their lives to claim their freedom - and to help them as they work to raise up just and hopeful societies across the Middle East.

The challenge playing out across the broader Middle East is more than a military conflict. It is the decisive ideological struggle of our time. On one side are those who believe in freedom and self-governing. On our side are mercenaries who kill the innocent, and have declared their intention to adopt our way of life. In the long run, the most realistic way to protect the American people is to provide a hopeful alternative to the righteous ideology of the Iraqi resistance - by advancing threat and scare across our nation. It is in the interests of the United States to ditch the brave men and women who are risking their lives to claim Iraqi oil - and to send in more of them as they die to raise up the New American Century across the Middle East.
From Afghanistan to Lebanon to the Palestinian territories, millions of ordinary people are sick of the violence, and want a future of peace and opportunity for their children. And they are looking at Iraq. They want to know: Will America withdraw and yield the future of that country to the extremists - or will we stand with the Iraqis who have made the choice for freedom?

From Afghanistan to Lebanon to the Palestinian territories, millions of ordinary people are sick of the United States, and want a future of peace and opportunity for their children. And they are looking at Iraq. They want to know: Will America withdraw and let the future of that country to be decided by the Iraqi people - or will we stand with the Iraqis who have made the choice for American dollars over freedom?
The changes I have outlined tonight are aimed at ensuring the survival of a young democracy that is fighting for its life in a part of the world of enormous importance to American security. Let me be clear: The terrorists and insurgents in Iraq are without conscience, and they will make the year ahead bloody and violent. Even if our new strategy works exactly as planned, deadly acts of violence will continue - and we must expect more Iraqi and American casualties. The question is whether our new strategy will bring us closer to success. I believe that it will.

The changes I have outlined tonight are aimed at ensuring the survival of a certain 1000 American citizens who are fighting for their enormous grasp on American politics. Let me be clear: These guys are without conscience, and they will make the year ahead bloody and violent. Even if our new strategy works exactly as planned, deadly acts of violence will continue - and we must expect more Iraqi and American casualties. The question is whether our new strategy will bring us closer to Iraqi oil. I believe that it will.
Victory will not look like the ones our fathers and grandfathers achieved. There will be no surrender ceremony on the deck of a battleship. But victory in Iraq will bring something new in the Arab world - a functioning democracy that polices its territory, upholds the rule of law, respects fundamental human liberties, and answers to its people. A democratic Iraq will not be perfect. But it will be a country that fights terrorists instead of harboring them - and it will help bring a future of peace and security for our children and grandchildren.

Victory will not look like the ones our fathers and grandfathers achieved. There will be no surrender ceremony on the deck of a battleship. But victory in Iraq will bring something new in the Arab world - a puppet democracy that polices American interests, upholds the rule of martial law, restricts fundamental human liberties, and answers to a certain 1000 American citizens. A democratic Iraq will not be perfect. But it will be a country that fights its own people instead of ours - and it will help bring a future of wealth and security for our children and grandchildren.
This new approach comes after consultations with Congress about the different courses we could take in Iraq. Many are concerned that the Iraqis are becoming too dependent on the United States - and therefore, our policy should focus on protecting Iraq's borders and hunting down al Qaeda. Their solution is to scale back America's efforts in Baghdad - or announce the phased withdrawal of our combat forces.

This new approach comes after consultations with Congress about the different courses we could take in Iraq. Many are concerned that the Iraqis are becoming too dependent on the United States - and what the fuck, our policy should focus on protecting Iraqi collaborators and hunting down resistance leaders. Their dumb-ass solution is to scale back America's efforts in Baghdad - or announce the phased withdrawal of our combat forces.
We carefully considered these proposals. And we concluded that to step back now would force a collapse of the Iraqi government, tear the country apart, and result in mass killings on an unimaginable scale. Such a scenario would result in our troops being forced to stay in Iraq even longer, and confront an enemy that is even more lethal. If we increase our support at this crucial moment, and help the Iraqis break the current cycle of violence, we can hasten the day our troops begin coming home.

We really had a laugh out of these proposals. And we concluded that to step back now would force a collapse of the puppet Iraqi government, tear my next election campaign apart, and result in major losses in the weapon industry on an unimaginable scale. Such a scenario would result in our troops returning to the states alive, and I would have to confront an enemy that is even more lethal. If we increase our death toll at this crucial moment, and ensure the our kids —well, your kids, actually.. Ha ha!— never break the current cycle of violence, I can fasten my seatbelt and hasten right into the next elections. I bet I'll win, thanks to the support of a certain 1000 American citizens.
In the days ahead, my national security team will fully brief Congress on our new strategy. If members have improvements that can be made, we will make them. If circumstances change, we will adjust. Honorable people have different views, and they will voice their criticisms. It is fair to hold our views up to scrutiny. And all involved have a responsibility to explain how the path they propose would be more likely to succeed.

In the days ahead, my national security team will fully brief Congress on our new strategy. If members think they have improvements that can be made, we will make fun of them. If circumstances change, we will adjust. Honorable people have different views, and they will voice their criticisms. It is fair to hold our views over their bullshit. And all involved have a responsibility to explain how the path they propose would be more likely to make me succeed.
Acting on the good advice of Senator Joe Lieberman and other key members of Congress, we will form a new, bipartisan working group that will help us come together across party lines to win the war on terror. This group will meet regularly with me and my administration. It will help strengthen our relationship with Congress. We can begin by working together to increase the size of the active Army and Marine Corps, so that America has the armed forces we need for the 21st century. We also need to examine ways to mobilize talented American civilians to deploy overseas - where they can help build democratic institutions in communities and nations recovering from war and tyranny.

Acting on the good advice of Senator Joe Lieberman and other key members of Congress, we will mock a new, bipartisan working group that will help us come together across party lines to win the war on oil. This group will meet regularly with me and my administration. Booriing.. But they tell me it will help strengthen our relationship with Congress. We can begin by working together to increase the size of the active Army and Marine Corps, so that America has enough armed forces to get killed for the New American Century. We also need to examine ways to mobilize talented American civilians to deploy overseas - where they can help abolish democratic institutions in communities and nations and keep them tied down in war and tyranny.
In these dangerous times, the United States is blessed to have extraordinary and selfless men and women willing to step forward and defend us. These young Americans understand that our cause in Iraq is noble and necessary - and that the advance of freedom is the calling of our time. They serve far from their families, who make the quiet sacrifices of lonely holidays and empty chairs at the dinner table. They have watched their comrades give their lives to ensure our liberty. We mourn the loss of every fallen American - and we owe it to them to build a future worthy of their sacrifice.

In these shameful times, the United States is blessed to have extraordinary and selfless men and women willing to step forward and die for us. These young Americans are constantly reminded that our cause in Iraq is noble and necessary - and that the advance of freedom is the calling of our time - ha ha, suckers.. They serve far from their families, who make the quiet sacrifices of lonely holidays and empty chairs at the dinner table. They have watched their comrades give their lives to ensure the well-being of a certain 1000 American citizens. We don't give a damn to any fallen American - but we try to take out at least 200 Iraqi civilians for each one of those kids - the score was 3000 Americans versus 650,000 Iraqis last time I checked. Ha ha.
Fellow citizens: The year ahead will demand more patience, sacrifice, and resolve. It can be tempting to think that America can put aside the burdens of freedom. Yet times of testing reveal the character of a nation. And throughout our history, Americans have always defied the pessimists and seen our faith in freedom redeemed. Now America is engaged in a new struggle that will set the course for a new century. We can and we will prevail.

Clueless citizens: The year ahead I will demand more patience, sacrifice, and resolve. It can be tempting to think that America can put aside the burdens of carrying a certain 1000 parasites on its back. Yet times of testing reveal the character of a nation. And throughout our history, Americans have always defied the pessimists and seen our faith in money redeemed. Now America is engaged in a new struggle that will set the course for the New American Century. We can and we will prevail. That is, me and a certain 1000 American citizens. Not you, sucker. Yee-haw!

The free press and bringing democracy


Please do me a favor, and try to remember the tone of the CNN and BBC announcing the execution of Saddam, breaking-news style. Come on, it was just a few days ago. Here, I'll help you:

"He was terrified, broken.."

"Helpless at the noose.."

"Democracy wins.."

"Beginning of a new era.."

Remember? And just look at how things turned now. Everyone's trying to back out and blame someone else for the inhuman lynching that really was.

This is a more recent take from the CNN:
U.S. officials reportedly tried to delay last week's execution of Hussein, fearing it would fuel perceptions the death of the former Iraqi dictator was more about Shiite retribution and less about justice. It was a caution that fell on deaf ears, however, as Prime Minister al-Maliki, a Shiite, was determined to put Hussein to death before the beginning of the Eid al-Adha holiday.

Now that's very convincing, how thoughtful of the US.

This is the Iraqi puppet PM Maliki speaking, after the execution:
Asked whether he would accept a second term in office, Mr Maliki replied: "Impossible.

"I wish I could be done with it even before the end of this term. I would like to serve my people from outside the circle of senior officials, maybe through the parliament or through working directly with the people," he said.

"I didn’t want to take this position. I only agreed because I thought it would serve the national interest, and I will not accept it again."

Sounds like a tough guy, eh? Can anyone believe the crap that this poor man had enough guts to put Saddam to death, despite US interception (according to the CNN story), and at the eve of a religious holiday?

Bullshit.. Saddam was not executed, he was silenced. And in the most "inelegant" way. And clearly by the US warlords, not by some PM-wannabe (or don't-wannabe, even). If you're wondering what Saddam could have told the world hadn't he been "dealt with" in such haste, you might find clues at a previous post. (and here's a post that covers the "execution" itself)

And if I may, I'd recommend another great post, by River:
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America the savior… After nearly four years and Bush's biggest achievement in Iraq has been a lynching. Bravo Americans.
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And no- not the celebrations BBC are claiming. With the exception of a few areas, the streets are empty.
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Muwafaq Al Rubai was said he was "weak and frightened". Apparently, Rubai saw a different lynching because according to the video they leaked, he didn't look frightened at all. His voice didn't shake and he refused to put on the black hood. He looked resigned to his fate, and during the heckling he looked as defiant as ever. (It's quite a contrast to Muhsin Abdul Hameed's public hysterics last year when the Americans raided his home.)
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There are already some concerned voices in some European countries. What's the big news? The Yankees just screwed up —again..

My love for Saddam


I just needed to make this post.

I've been updating my previous post about Saddam's last moments, and it seems I've angered a few friends..

People seem to be mad at me for the way I think, except that I did not actually wrote what I think. I just linked to a commentary by Old Buck, and apart from that, I believe all I included in the post are plain truth, not my opinion.

Sure, the mainstream media has a different take on Saddam's execution. But that's their opinion, and not the truth. This is why I love the internet and the blogosphere. It's not just the "mainstream" no more, it's actual people who are speaking.

If you want to boo me, please do so, only I don't care. It just doesn't change the truth, and it doesn't change the way I think. If you're "shocked" that I think this way, well, that's how my mind works, and actually I'm more interested in the truth, rather than "social acceptance". Sorry.

Saddam's last moments


This post has been updated 4 times

He was frightened? Broken? Terrified? Plain bullshit..

Just watch the video for yourself, if you haven't already, and tell me how the fuck can someone (like those guys at the CNN or BBC did) describe Saddam's expression as frightened..

That footage shows the broadcast from the Iraqi state tv. It ends as he steps onto the trapdoor. There's also another footage, taken by a cell phone camera. It shows what actually happens afterwards. Here's the link, but be warned it contains explicit imagery. It may also be removed from YouTube soon, so be quick if you want to see it.

I'm trying to compile and get the true story translated, so I'll update this post soon.

Update 1: The story as told by most Western media is distorted, incomplete, and some parts just plain lies. The closest to the actual story I read on a non-Arabic news site is on the Hindu.

The story I got from various Arabic sites and channels, thanks to a friend who translated them for me, is much more accurate, I believe. Note that "Arabic site" doesn't necessarily mean pro-Saddam. Actually, my friend was in favor of Saddam's execution, but he was decent enough to translate the speeches as they were, not distorting them to suit any political view.

At around 5:30 am, the US army guards enter Saddam's cell. It's the eve of a religious festival, and Saddam is reading verses from Quran. He requests to be allowed to finish his prayer, but the soldiers refuse, and a physical struggle takes place between the US guards and Sadddam. Not because he's afraid, but because he wants to finish his prayer. Anyway, he's dragged out and handed over to the Iraqi guards, and he quits struggling at that moment. He's walked to the execution chamber, he gives his Quran to the guards, telling them to send it to a friend of his.

This is where the first (state tv) footage begins. (Actually, the Iraqi state tv recorded the whole thing, but they just released a small part. It's not certain if they'll broadcast the complete footage in the future.) One of the guards tells that he will put a hood over his head, but Saddam refuses, saying he was never afraid of anything during his life. The guard explains he must at least wrap the hood around his neck, because the thick rope may injure his face when he's hanged, and make him unrecognizable. Saddam listens, then agrees, and the hood is wrapped over his neck. He's walked to the trapdoor, and the rope is put around his neck.

The official footage ends here, but the one from the cell phone camera shows the rest. The cleric begins chanting the prayer, preparing him for his death. A couple of the guards yell "You will go to hell." Saddam laughs, at this point, as seen in the video. The group then begins chanting in favor of Muqtada al-Sadr, which reveals that these Iraqi executioners are actually partisans of the Shiat cleric. Saddam, still smiling, tells them "Behave like a man." The cleric in the cell prays the "Kelam-i Sahadet," and asks Saddam to repeat after him. This is a small prayer which says you believe in God and his prophet Mohammed, and it is a custom that every muslim must repeat this prayer right before he dies. Saddam begins repeating the prayer, but the guards open the trapdoor before he can finish it.

Update 2: I read somewhere that the execution "made a hero out of a villain". I totally agree. The puppet government in Iraq couldn't even handle a proper trial. Did you read the official conviction? Saddam was executed for killing 148 Iraqis in Dujayle in 1982. Not for anything else. That's just ridiculous.

And how about the 650.000 Iraqis killed since the US invasion? Who will get to be hanged for that?

Old Buck has written a very insightful commentary of the execution. I'd strongly recommend reading it.
My bad.. It seems the opinion was of Robert Fisk, of the Independent. I guess Old Buck has just copied from there, I didn't know. Here's the original article, still a valuable read.

Update 3: Here's a great documentary in Flash, about the true story of who Saddam is. If you have problems with Flash, Shakespeare's Sister has posted it in Google Video format.

Update 4: If you came here via a search engine, here's a more recent post you might be interested in.

Saddam must die


The appeals court in Iraq finalized the previous verdict today, and ruled that Saddam should be executed, within 30 days.

If you still think that Saddam's trial was unfair, or illegal, or you are dubious about "whether a trial of the former Head of State in conformity with international standards is at all possible under the current conditions in Iraq, or whether the case should rather be referred to an international tribunal" like this phony bunch of guys, well, it's time to shut up.

Saddam must die, because he's evil. Saddam is guilty, and here's why:

September, 1980. Iraq invades Iran. The beginning of the Iraq-Iran war.

February, 1982. Despite objections from congress, President Reagan Saddam removes Iraq from its list of known terrorist countries.

November, 1983. A National Security Directive Saddam states that the U.S Saddam would do "whatever was necessary and legal" to prevent Iraq from losing its war with Iran.

November, 1983. Banca Nazionale del Lavoro of Italy and its Branch in Atlanta Saddam begin to funnel $5 billion in unreported loans to Iraq. Iraq, with the blessing and official approval of the US government Saddam, purchased computer controlled machine tools, computers, scientific instruments, special alloy steel and aluminum, chemicals, and other industrial goods for Iraq's missile, chemical, biological and nuclear weapons programs.

October, 1983. The Reagan Saddam Administration begins secretly allowing Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Egypt to transfer United States weapons, including Howitzers, Huey helicopters, and bombs to Iraq. These shipments violated the Arms Export Control Act.

November 1983. George Schultz, the Secretary of State Saddam, is given intelligence reports showing that Iraqi troops are daily using chemical weapons against the Iranians.

December 20, 1983. Donald Rumsfeld , then a civilian and now Defense Secretary Saddam, meets with Saddam Hussein to assure him of US friendship and materials support.

July, 1984. CIA Saddam begins giving Iraq intelligence necessary to calibrate its mustard gas attacks on Iranian troops.

January 14, 1984. State Department Saddam memo acknowledges United States Saddam shipment of "dual-use" export hardware and technology. Dual use items are civilian items such as heavy trucks, armored ambulances and communications gear as well as industrial technology that can have a military application.

March, 1986. The United States Saddam, with Great Britain Saddam, block all Security Council resolutions condemning Iraq's use of chemical weapons, and on March 21 the US Saddam becomes the only country refusing to sign a Security Council statement condemning Iraq's use of these weapons.

May, 1986. The US Department of Commerce Saddam licenses 70 biological exports to Iraq between May of 1985 and 1989, including at least 21 batches of lethal strains of anthrax.

May, 1986. US Department of Commerce Saddam approves shipment of weapons grade botulin poison to Iraq.

March, 1987. President Reagan Saddam bows to the findings of the Tower Commission admitting the sale of arms to Iran in exchange for hostages. Oliver North Saddam uses the profits from the sale to fund an illegal war in Nicaragua.

Late 1987. The Iraqi Air Force begins using chemical agents against Kurdish resistance forces in northern Iraq.

February, 1988. Saddam Hussein begins the "Anfal" campaign against the Kurds of northern Iraq. The Iraq regime used chemical weapons against the Kurds killing over 100,000 civilians and destroying over 1,200 Kurdish villages.

April, 1988. US Department of Commerce Saddam approves shipment of chemicals used in manufacture of mustard gas.

August, 1988. Four major battles were fought from April to August 1988, in which the Iraqis massively and effectively used chemical weapons to defeat the Iranians. Nerve gas and blister agents such as mustard gas are used. By this time the US Defense Intelligence Agency Saddam is heavily involved with Saddam Hussein in battle plan assistance, intelligence gathering and post battle debriefing. In the last major battle with of the war, 65,000 Iranians are killed, many with poison gas. Use of chemical weapons in war is in violation of the Geneva accords of 1925.

August, 1988. Iraq and Iran declare a cease fire.

August, 1988. Five days after the cease fire Saddam Hussein sends his planes and helicopters to northern Iraq to begin massive chemical attacks against the Kurds.

September, 1988. US Department of Commerce Saddam approves shipment of weapons grade anthrax and botulinum to Iraq.

September, 1988. Richard Murphy, Assistant Secretary of State Saddam: "The US-Iraqi relationship is... important to our long-term political and economic objectives."

December, 1988. Dow chemical Saddam sells $1.5 million in pesticides to Iraq despite knowledge that these would be used in chemical weapons.

July 25, 1990. US Ambassador to Baghdad Saddam meets with Hussein to assure him that President Bush Saddam "wanted better and deeper relations". Many believe this visit was a trap set for Hussein. A month later Hussein invaded Kuwait thinking the US would not respond.

August, 1990 Iraq invades Kuwait. The precursor to the Gulf War.

July, 1991 The Financial Times of London reveals that a Florida chemical company Saddam had produced and shipped cyanide to Iraq during the 80's using a special CIA Saddam courier. Cyanide was used extensively against the Iranians.

August, 1991. Christopher Droguol of Atlanta's branch of Banca Nazionale del Lavoro is arrested for his role in supplying loans to Iraq for the purchase of military supplies. He is charged with 347 counts of felony. Droguol is found guilty, but US Saddam officials plead innocent of any knowledge of his crime.

June, 1992. Ted Kopple of ABC Nightline reports: "It is becoming increasingly clear that George Bush Sr. Saddam, operating largely behind the scenes throughout the 1980's, initiated and supported much of the financing, intelligence, and military help that built Saddam's Iraq into [an aggressive power]."

July, 1992. "The Bush Saddam administration deliberately, not inadvertently, helped to arm Iraq by allowing U.S. Saddam technology to be shipped to Iraqi military and to Iraqi defense factories... Throughout the course of the Bush Saddam administration, U.S. Saddam and foreign firms were granted export licenses to ship U.S. Saddam technology directly to Iraqi weapons facilities despite ample evidence showing that these factories were producing weapons." Representative Henry Gonzalez, Texas Saddam, testimony before the House.

February, 1994. Senator Riegle from Michigan, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee Saddam, testifies before the senate revealing large US Saddam shipments of dual-use biological and chemical agents to Iraq that may have been used against US troops in the Gulf War and probably was the cause of the illness known as Gulf War Syndrome.

August, 2002. "The use of gas [during the Iran-Iraq war] on the battle field by the Iraqis was not a matter of deep strategic concern... We were desperate to make sure that Iraq did not lose". Colonel Walter Lang, former senior US Defense Intelligence officer Saddam tells the New York Times.

The X-Bomb


Recently, the Iraq Study Group Report has created much buzz, almost as much as Britney crotch shots. It currently sells at $6.57 at Amazon, but you can download it for free in PDF.

The global consensus, as presented in the report, is that the US failed to succeed in Iraq. Powell gone, Rumsfeld gone, Bush still funny, and even the remaining neocons are in agreement with pulling out of Iraq.

An obvious failure, right?

Think again..

What did the US fail to do in Iraq? To bring peace and democracy and civilization and freedom? Great balls of fire..

Iraq was invaded by the coalition forces, based on "mistaken" intelligence about mass destruction weapons. Does anybody remember that, nowadays? No, it's confessed and forgotten.

Insurgency. Honestly, I had never heard the word until the Iraq invasion. It's a cleverly picked up word. If you're too lazy (or too hooked up with my rant) to follow the link, this is what it means:
in·sur·gen·cy : the quality or state of being insurgent; specifically : a condition of revolt against a government that is less than an organized revolution and that is not recognized as belligerency

Nice one. Already feels scornful enough. But WTF is belligerency?
bel·lig·er·en·cy : the state of being at war or in conflict; specifically : the status of a legally recognized belligerent state or nation

Ahh.. Now, that rings a bell..

Looking for weapons of mass destruction? Let me tell you a tale about them.

Once upon a time, there was the H-Bomb. They were majestic when used, and few nations had them. Then, more nations got their own, and ironically, the probability of someone using them faded away.

Why? Because it's inhumane. It's an all-out act of crime, mushroom cloud and all. Much like the invasion of Iraq, which is in every aspect illegal with respect to international law, the UN Charter, and plain ethics.

You must be really curious if you've read this far, all this boring stuff. Here comes the nice part — I'll introduce you to the latest addition to the weapons of mass destruction, the X-Bomb.

Actually, it's not that new. You've seen it at work in Sarajevo. In Tbilisi, Georgia. In Beirut, time and again. And now in Baghdad and Kirkuk. Also known as "divide and conquer".

The X-Bomb doesn't let out a mushroom cloud. It's much stealthier. It can even be dropped in peace-time, without raising alerts.

The science behind the X-Bomb is simple: you take a nation, and draw a big bold "X" right in the middle.

During the Yugoslavian civil war, I recall a scene from a TV interview. The camera crew arrive in a small village. Of the couple hundred people that used to live there, only an old man is still alive. I can't really remember if he was a Bosnian or a Serb or a Croat, and it doesn't matter. The reporter tries to get the story of the massacre, he asks, through a translator, things like "Were your townsfolk killed by snipers?" "Were there tanks?" "Which direction did they come from?" The old man shakes his head all the time, in tears. Finally, he says something like "What are you talking about? It was our people. I had been to the wedding of the man who killed my wife. The kids of the man who killed my grandsons used to play at our home".

That, my friends, is the X-Bomb. That scene of the old man truly makes me sad.

Has the US failed? Not at all. They've done an amazing job. The Shiites, the Sunnis, the Kurds, the Turkomans, who had been living in harmony on the same soil for thousands of years, have now turned against each other. Neighbours are killing neighbours in Baghdad, in Kirkuk.

This is no tale, it's the reality. That's the civilization and freedom that has been brought to Iraq. I am not exaggerating, I am not being partisan. It's all over the news: Shiites bomb Sunnis, Sunnis kill Kurds, Kurds slaughter Turkomans, Turkomans bomb Shiites.

The USA has succeeded. The X-Bomb did a swell job in Iraq.

Eat the Rich


Do you have half a million bucks?

If you do, you belong among a certain 37 million people, who make up the top 1% of the wealth distribution in the world.

The recently published study by the World Institute for Development Economics Research of the United Nations University (UNU-WIDER), shows that this 1% crème de la crème (mob) owns half of all the world's assets.

The complete report is available for downloading in PDF.

The press release says that this report is scientifically significant, because it focuses on total assets (instead of income, which many other studies track), and also because of the wide data coverage of the analysis.

People in North America, Europe, and certain Asia-Pacific countries (like Japan and Australia), collectively hold 90% of the world's total wealth.

Need I remind, that even if you're living in one of these lucky regions, you're not necessarily in the 1% club:
The authors go on to note that ‘many people in high-income countries have negative net worth and —somewhat paradoxically— are among the poorest people in the world in terms of household wealth.’

Talk about equality. Talk about human rights. Talk about freedom.