Guest guest Posted September 15, 2001 Report Share Posted September 15, 2001 Butch, For myself, I am glad you wrote the article. At least it helps some people understand more about these countries. Thank you for the service. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2001 Report Share Posted September 15, 2001 Amen. and thanks. I hope you don't mind me sharing what you wrote with some of my friends. Many will think you are being too harsh, but we need to face realities. Our country is the first to come to the aid of anyone in need. If Afganistan had an earthquake, we'd still probably be the first to send financial support. I am not in favor of widespread retaliation and bombing of innocent people because they have been taught hatred of us, but if we could selectively destroy ben Laden and the others that are behind the terrorism, I'd be all for it. We do need to be careful, but something must be done. And I appreciated the humor in some of your descriptive terms. (I must remember the bovine excrement one. ) Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2001 Report Share Posted September 15, 2001 Butch put OT in subject. anyone that does not want to read OT material has the wonderful little delete option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2001 Report Share Posted September 15, 2001 Such an ugly display and explanation of your thoughts..... May the God/dess extinguish brutal hatred that spewed forth.... OT: Some Opinions on What's Going Down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2001 Report Share Posted September 15, 2001 Such an ugly display and explanation of your thoughts..... May the God/dess extinguish brutal hatred that spewed forth.... OT: Some Opinions on What's Going Down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2001 Report Share Posted September 15, 2001 Dear Butch, While you're certainly entitled to your opinions, I think a toiletries list is not quite the right forum for such an incendiary and vulgar rant. Could we please get back on topic? Thanks, C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2001 Report Share Posted September 15, 2001 Butch, You missed one very important fact, and that is that terrorists don't stay in one place for very long. The chance that Osama bin Laden is still in Afghanistan is pretty well nil, I would think. And if we go in there like Wayne, we will be the ones who will regret it. While we are the greatest might in the world when it comes to conventional warfare, our record shows we don't do so well in guerilla warfare situations. Pakistan may be in a tough situation, but what better way to insure the safety of someone they consider a hero, get back at a country they hate and feel betrayed by AND cover their own butts, than to feign cooperation? They didn't close their border, I'm sure he is already safely hidden away, but we can't very well go after him there can we? JMHO Heidi ----- Original Message ----- From: " Butch Owen " <butchbsi@...> > Hi friends .. and the rest or y'all too ... ;-) <long post snipped to save space> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2001 Report Share Posted September 15, 2001 In a message dated 9/15/01 12:40:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time, butchbsi@... writes: << I chuckle when I hear that so many countries that have been supporting, defending, training and encourging Terrorist activities are now acting as if they are shocked that such a thing could happen - and are claiming loyalty and support for America and the other civilized countries that they think might be coming after their ass .. ;-) >> Butch, i love your thoughts always so full of enthusiasm and you stik to your guns but i wanted to let you and every one else know America trained Osama Bin Ladin at their terroist training facilities ,my husband is in the millitary and was stattion at one of the US Army bases he was trained at. Unfourtunately he is so good (if that is the right wording ) because he was trained by the best. regretfully, tamika Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2001 Report Share Posted September 15, 2001 Butch, thank you for you rational and inteligent thoughts/input on the recent tragic events. Unfortunatly, to many Americans don't bother to know more than what those idiots on ABC, NBC and CBS say. In the words of Col. Stanislav Lunev, the highest ranking militarty spy ever to defect from Russia " I am continually amazed at how easy the American government makes it for enemies to penetrate American society and institutions. I am also amazed how many American Jounalists dislike America, and openly work against this country. " We see this every day on the national network news coverage, and this is the information so many Americans use to form thier opinions. They just swallow the pap that comes out of the mouths of the likes of Jennings, Brokaw et all. I am always to happy to meet and talk with people that have the brains to seek other sources of information. By the way, in the article I read by Col. Lunev, he also stated that these attacts upon America are NOT over, and that President Bush did absolutely the correct thing in his actions on Tuesday (by not returning to DC right away) As the col. said " The President's sole real repsonsibility is to preserve your Constitutional Government, not to hold press conferences " . I for one never had a single doubt that fateful day, that our president was in CONSTANT contact with those he would have been with, HAD he been at the White House. The power and command center are with him, wherever he is. Those network pundits making snarky remarks about how that whole thing was just spin, he wasnt in danger, and should have been " comforting " the American People make me sick. This is the time for Americans to stick together and stand behind our President. What a hard task is before him, as you said Butch, one that has never been before as US President before now. Those of you who would critisize Pres. Bush, imagine if this had happened on 9-11-00-------- Our President, (Bill Clinton) would have made sure to appear frequently in front of the cameras, with (those fake) tears we saw so often running down his face, arms raised vowing to " work harder on this than I have ever worked before " getting on with his job of " working for the American people " . Then a few days later, bomb an asperin factory, or a tent city, brush off his hands and proclaim that " HE had taken care of those terrorists, and we could all just rest easy " If it had happened a year ago, it would have been all about Bill Clinton. In comparison, Pres. Bush, while appearing in front of the cameras here and there, goes more quietly about the business of what it is really going to take to rid the world of these terrorist and find the perpertrators of the horrid acts that took place on Tuesday. He knows this is going to be a long and ongoing process. And there is something else that W is keeping quiet about. And that is the proven fact that it is Mr. Clinton himself that helped to bring these tragedies to fruitition. That it was Clinton that reduced the funding in our inteligence dept. to almost nil. That it was Clinton that worked (probably harder than he ever had before) to reduce the size and power of our inteligence agencies. That it was CLinton himself who raised the standards for Inteligence officers to such a high standard that they could NO longer be met by anyone, hence our intelegence forces could no longer effectively do thier jobs, I myself cant even hazzard a guess as to why he would do these things, but he did do them. But Bush is not taking this oportunity to take pot shots or place blame. That is not his way, unfortunatly. I did not know much of what you wrote about. But I found it all most interesting. I pray for our country, and our President. I am proud to see how America has stood proud, and I am thrilled to see the resurgence of Patriotism. Not to mention the resurgence of Religion, it is suddenly PC to mention God, to pray, to even have God mentioned by our own government leaders. Amazing. Thank you again Butch. I realize you are going to recieve some flaming arrows ( and me too) but, so many americans are really inocent to these things and the way that things are in the world. No one likes war. But it is sometimes necessary. sincerly christina A/K/A chriss from the Ak. Soapers List Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2001 Report Share Posted September 15, 2001 In a message dated 9/15/01 1:58:04 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Lzrd637@... writes: << Butch, For myself, I am glad you wrote the article. At least it helps some people understand more about these countries. Thank you for the service. >> I agree, and I don't have a problem with things like this being discussed right now on the Toiletries list. That's just my personal opinion, but we are sort of " family " here, and when tragedy strikes, it's only natural for people to reach out to each other. Ordinarily, I'd say political discussions don't belong here, but something exceptional has happened, so exceptions have to be made... Christy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2001 Report Share Posted September 15, 2001 Hi friends .. and the rest or y'all too ... ;-) Below are my opinions on a few things going down and about to go down. I get the impression from some isolated statements that border on the ridiculous that some folks don't have a grasp of the scenario - don't see the big picture. This will give you but one of many perspectives possible to glean from current events - let you know who the players are. It's nice to know this since we're getting ready to kick ass! I might change some of these opinions in the next few days but most of the information below is just a repeating of facts as they are so there is no room for change of opinion. I chuckle when I hear that so many countries that have been supporting, defending, training and encourging Terrorist activities are now acting as if they are shocked that such a thing could happen - and are claiming loyalty and support for America and the other civilized countries that they think might be coming after their ass .. ;-) Reminds me of the tale of when the Lone Ranger and Tonto were surrounded by forty-eleven zillion screaming angry, armed to the teeth Indians. Lone Ranger told Tonto, " Well ol' friend, looks like we're in a heapa trouble. " Tonto comes back with, " What you mean 'we' .. white man? " I chuckle when I hear some obsessively partisan members of some lists spout their feeble attempts to bad mouth our Commander in Chief .. this President (Dubya) is facing a situation that is more difficult than any previous President has had to face in the history of this country and he is doing one hellva outstanding job. In order to preempt the two or four who will claim (without vaiable support for the statements except the snakes in their heads) I'm wrong and he is really is doing a crappy job - here's the results of the latest from an ABC Poll (thanks Joe) .. " global outpouring of sympathy & condolences to the USA is overwhelming. Nearly 9 in 10 Americans, 86 percent, say they approve of the job that Bush is doing as President. Moreover, 91 percent say the President is doing a good job directing the nation's response. " Of course, 90% can be wrong and disgruntled folks can be right .. ;-p Any of you who have worked contingencies know that folks are now working round the clock. The President of the United States and his staff will need this kind of sustained support for what is surely to come. I am proud of our Congress - they know the value of bi-partisan support. There are some other countries who have either allowed or been directly involved with training and support of Terrorist Organizations for many years - identification of those countries on this list would result in argements from those who are NOT in the know - they would feel a need to deny and support those countries. But facts are facts and I am not the one who compiled the information on their activities - it's just the way it is. One is a Western country that has been on the State Department's (unpublished) List of Countries Sponsoring Terrorism for years - it's near and dear to most Americans as we have more American citizens from that country than their present home population. It is NOT Israel. You see, America has been forced to have double standards when they publish such lists - not saying it's right but they are concerned with the voting impact - some lobbys are powerful so we stick bad info on these countries in a drawer and try to deal with them one-on-one as friends. Doesn't always work either. But I'll tell you this - they are kissing butt now - they do not want to be identified among those who have supported Terrorism - especially the one that is a member of NATO! But - if we look at the list of international Terrorism organizations, we find headquarters for many of them in France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, UK .. and other countries .. including the USA!!!! Is it smart to stretch the meaning of freedom to a point of allowing known Terrorist organizations to have planning headquarters in your country because they claim to be political arms of those organizations? HELL NO!!! Some folks are claiming that the USA brought all this on themselves by training Osama ben Laden .. bovine excrement this is! The USA did train him - and thousands of others who are not extremists or Terrorists - as have most of the larger Western countries. We also trained thousands of Cubans who are now valuable members of our society. France trained the dude that later kicked their butt at Dien Bein Phu - Ho Chi Minh - abd gave asylum to the dude that took over Iran and brought on the Islamic Revolution - Khomeini. Italy, England and Russia trained many of the Generals I used to work with in Somalia .. Generals who later became the War Lords who destroyed the country and killed a lot of Westerners. I could go on and on but I think I've made my point. This is no different than parents raising and training a child who winds up being a serial killer or blowing up a building in Oklahoma. I have trained with officers from many countries - to include Iranians who later turned on us. Should we provide no training to foreign folks because they might later turn rogue? Those of you who are not aware of the political realities of the world today might want to do a bit of research - research beyond CNN. On some of the Islamic countries: Afghanistan is controlled by a bunch of idiotic outlaws - the Taliban. They have insulted the world with their outrageous violations of human behavior - their violation of the principles of the Geneva Convention in their destruction of arts, monuments, archieves and institutions - they are in violation of all that the United Nations and the civilized world stands for .. and they are in deep shit now. They have threatened any country that assists the West against them. They plan to hit Americans where ever we are and there are many of us who would love to get a round of two off on some of those scumbags. They have said that all countries must have total faith in Allah (God) and the Taliban will effectively resist the criminal activities of the West. The thought of them being a threat to the West, besides perpetrating cowardly and criminal acts of Terrorism, reminds me of a pissant crawling up an elephant's ass with rape on his mind. The country of Afghanistan has a small, narrow border with China, but is surrounded by Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Through Turkey - one of our longest term, most loyal, and most powerful allies - we have good relations with the former three countries - we can gain their support if we need them. The distance from the Arabian Sea to Afghanistan is half that of the distance from Incirlik Air Base, Adana, Turkey. Incirlik is designated as the main jumping off point for NATO punitive and preempt strikes on those who deserve it - those who are in the butt pucker mode now. ;-p Pakistan is twixt a rock and a hard place - betray the Taliban who they have supported in preparing for criminal actions - or get their ass kicked. Either way they are gonna lose - the military dictator will lose face in the Islamic World and will lose respect of those officers who helped him come to power. But he deserves this. I have mixed emotions about allowing the Pakistanis to get away with their support for the Taliban - I don't think one should be allowed to aid those who commit criminal acts and then be forgiven because they say they are sorry. But - on a strategic and tactical level, America is smart to give Pakistan a chance to help us - they can do much for us and save us untold days and dollars in intelligence collection. As for the demand for use of their land for takeoffs, that's another of the heavy demands we're placing to make their final decision more difficult. It's highly possible the Pakistani decisions for support of the USA might not be enough - we'll see .. but they are showing their cowardice in either regard. I have trained with Pakistani Officers and I have never been surprised at their support for Islamic Fundamentalists .. Palestine .. Arafat cannot control the Palestinians .. they have already become infected with an extremist mentality .. they have screwed their own cause by doing so. Prior to this incident, there were many American citizens in support of the Palestinians .. these folks didn't have to be in opposition to Israel to be in support of the Palestinians ... they were just like most Americans - we tend to support underdogs. But I'll bet a purty that there is not much support now - not after seeing them dancing in the streets and celebrating our misfortune. Sudan .. things haven't changed much since the Mahdi slaughtered British forces there in the 1800s .. they really don't deserve a lot of mention except to say that most of you don't even know the capital - so that's how significant they are. In the mid-80s, I was selected to command and lead a rescue mission (NEO) of US Embassy folks in Khartum. The mission was aborted before we could execute and I had 80 very frustrated young Military Police volunteers .. it would have been a good experience. Libya's Khadifi ... that Shithead is as sincere as a high sheriff kissing babies on election day. We are gonna get his ass someday - today, tomorrow - who knows? But we're gonna get his ass someday. Iran's new president is an honorable man - but he has been unable to do anything toward changing the national policies of the totally Islamic Terrorist supporting and instigating government of the Mullahs. Iraq .. well .. what do I need to say about Iraq? Syria's new King is a breath of fresh air - but even he has not been able to change generations of loyal support for those who hated Israel and those who consider themselves to be friends of Israel. Lebanon doesn't count - they (like Somalia) haven't had a government in a long time - they have no voice - they are pissants on a string. Algeria can't control their own people - they have slaughters of their villagers on a routine basis - normally throats are slit. Tunisa .. they don't support Terrorism .. no problems there. I've trained with Tunisian Officers - good folks they are. Saudi has no Terrorist problems - but they are one of the main sources of the export of Islamic fundamentalism to so-called moderate Islamic states. They, like Oman, keep a chicken in each pot and a car in every garage - there is no room for individual thought - just do your duty to Allah or we'll cut your damn head off! When an alternate source of energy is found, they will have to learn how to eat sand. The problem with ALL the Islamic countries is that they have tolerated Islamic Terrorism for many years - they've done this because it suited their interests to not piss off their citizens. Even those that didn't give direct support posed no objections and in most cases tacitly accepted the terrorists as long as it didn't affect their internal operations. The West has long said that it was the duty of the Islamic countries to police their own people and stop terrorism at the source. Our good friend, Egypt got upset only when their terrorists started attacking foreign tourists because it curtailed one of the only two sources of foreign income they could gain - it is only from tourism and export that a country can gain hard currency. Jordan .. perhaps the most solid of the Islamic countries - Turkey is far more solid but Turkey is NOT an Islamic country. The young King of Jordan is a chip off the old block - his father was a GREAT man and I'm thinking he will be too. Jordan has always had to do a balancing act twixt their Palestinean and Beduin peoples - and have done a good job. Jordan does not tolerate Terrorism and does not support Terrorism. As for those who are not so friendly with the USA: Russia is not our enemy now. They are afraid of us because the entire philosophy of Soviet mentality was built on the events of the Second World War - they were paranoid and wanted that buffer of Soviet States twixt them and the rest of the world - that paranoia still exists. Commie China is not a true supporter of Terrorism - they are far more interested in buying up US technology. But someday, maybe after I'm long since under snakes - the West is gonna have to deal with China. North Korea is an Outlaw State - a Rogue State .. but they are too busy destroying their own people and plotting against South Korea - they are not a player in this scenario. If they don't implode, they will have to be dealt with someday - they will become a danger to the world - time! Cuba has never been what one could call a supporter of Terrorism - in truth, I have respect for Fidel Castro .. the people of Cuba are not victimized on a daily basis and I think history will portray him as a benevolent dictator. I think the mutal hatred between Cuba and the USA is far more superficial than most think and it's based on what should now be considered as unreal fear that's been overcome by events. Off the top of my head - when I think of the major countries of the world, I classify them as follows - just my opinion: Our True Friends .. that is, those who I THINK will stand beside us with total support, no reservations or qualifications. England, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Germany, Israel .. and Turkey. Our Good Friends .. those who I THINK will stand beside us with a bit of caution or reservation. France, Mexico, Spain, India .. and Taiwan. Our Fair Weather Friends .. those who I THINK will give us support with the level of lip service they think is necessary. Netherlands, Japan, Italy, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway .. and Greece. The reasons I classify as above are many and the fact that a country is listed as it is does not necessarily reflect their level of civilized behavior .. might be that they are not in a position to do more due to the demands of their own citizens. I would like to be wrong on the last group - but believe I will not be. Understand that even those countries that are members of NATO are not obligated to provide military forces to a NATO operation. Article 5 is a resolution that allows NATO to function as one body but it does not take the rights of autonomy from any country .. there will be some NATO countries wimp out on this - you will see .. ;-( BUT - the level of support given by this or that country will show us all much about that country. The word being passed from US Ambassadors to their foreign counterparts now - as you read this - is .. in my words, " Shit or git off the pot - you are either with us or you are against us! " This is not a time for pantywaist political niceties!! I remember the fairy tale of Henny Penny - she found some wheat and wanted help grinding it, making the dough and cooking the bread - none of the barnyard animals wanted to help. But when it came time to eat the bread they all wanted some. Those countries who do not give their total and loyal support to those that want to rid the world of Terrorism might be the next to suffer from Terrorist activities. In my opinion, they don't deserve any of the bread we're cooking now! Aside from the list of countries above - understand that almost without exception, Americans whose origin is one of those countries are united as Americans. It's hard for one who is not an American to understand how easy it is to become an American in heart, mind and spirit .. I have discussed this with foreign born Americans for more than 45 years and I am no longer surprised - I know what they will say before they say it. Except for our Native Americans, we are a nation of foreigners .. even the origin of the Native Americans is one that could generate lots of discussion but no need for that now. But we are a nation of Americans! Bottom line - the world is united and pissed - America is resolute and determined to punish those who deserve it - and this will not be a one time one night hit - it will be a long term effort where any thought of supporting Terrorism will make butts pucker. The rules of engagement for the present include primarily military force - the future rules will include military force, diplomatic efforts and economic isolation. In the past, economic concerns took precedent - many European countries developed trade with some of the countries that we all knew were into support of Terrorism .. such as Iran and Libya. This crap will not be allowed in the future - if country A wants to continue their business dealings with a Terrorist supporting country they will be exposed to the contempt of other countries - I hope! These efforts must work and when they do, the world will be a better place. I believe the deaths of the innocents in the planes, in the World Trade Center, in the Pentagon and surrounds, and the honored sacrifices of the many heroic firefighters, police personnel, medics and other assistance personnal who knowing the dangers, voluntarily went in harms way to help others and then gave their all, will not have been in vain. God Bless America ... Butch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 15, 2001 Report Share Posted September 15, 2001 Hi, As a mother of an Airborne Ranger, whose friends died in Somalia and other places, (read Black Hawk Down) I do see where Butch is coming from and understand that it is not hate. Some people, however do not want to hear anything that doesn't co-incide with their ideas. Now that is diffinately intolerance. Gee, those who did this evil crime know about intolerance don't they? I am a woman whose father went to war. I watched 2 of my brothers go and another go twice. I kissed my husband off to Vietnam twice. Not to mention Korea and other places. Finally, I watched as a young man was being dragged through the streets of Mogadichu (spelling). I watched for so long knowing full well it was possibly my son. I listened for the phone to ring for a week. I was a crazy woman til it did. After another mission, I listened while he told of going through his fallen buddies things to send home to the family. I helped write the letter. One never gets used to these things. I know the horrors of war. I do not want him to go again. I do not want anyone to go again. BUT because I have lived through these things, I KNOW the hell that is going on in NY and across the nation as we wait for word of our loved ones. Each day the hope is fading. I do NOT want this to happen again! This MUST be stopped before your children are under the cement of a fallen building. Before YOU are the victim of Terrorism! I NEVER want another phone call like the one I got Tue. " Mom, Todd, went to the Pentagon today and I can't find him. What am I going to do? " I know something must be done. I despise war, but I despise terrorism even more. Sorry for ranting but I also have a hole in my heart. Again! KayeGet more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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