The Iraqi connection

The Observer (U.K.) ^ | 11/11/2001 | David Rose

[MeekOneGOP]

Unfortunately, it's not just CNN that's using the term "right-wing extremists." A correspondent on FOX used it tonight when referring to the "fringe elements" within Saudi Arabia. My blood boils every time I hear the phrase used in reference to Islamic nutballs/terrorists.

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Help me out here, if you would please. I also heard the phrase "right-wing extremists" used on FOX yesterday. My first reaction was the same as yours: "Huh? Where's that coming from?" Why would they want to equate it to "Right Wing" and add the Whacko to it? Here's where I need your help in getting educated. Wouldn't "Skinheads" like the guys in Idaho be considered "Right Wing Extremists?" I mean, aren't those people extreme in their beliefs to the point of GREAT EXCLUSION of certain groups as well?

I kinda shrugged off the use of the phrase because I felt that it was probably a correct phrase - or not far off base.

Educate me folks. . .(now my fear of flaming begins?) ;-)

[MeekOneGOP]

Of course, the Muslims had no trouble destroying the Buddists monuments that "soiled" their land! In fact, the destruction was celebrated!

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Reminds me of the coverage of the Palestinians shown dancing in the streets after hearing the news of the WTC attack on September 11th. . .

[MeekOneGOP]

Good points all around! By this, I assume you are talking about bc failing to nail OBL after the first WTC attack and the Embassy bombing in S Africa?:

If Toon hadn't dropped the ball, we might not be facing this mess.

[MeekOneGOP]

I wonder if it's just a coincidence that only now is the news coming out that bin Laden has admitted responsibility for Sept. 11.

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Huh? Is this confirmed?? If so, how did I miss that???

[KirkandBurke]

Pardon my butting in, but maybe I can help. Using right wing to describe the islamic terrorists is problematic, but so also is using the same term to describe skinheads and neo-nazis. The problem lies in a faulty understanding of Left-Right ideology.

A more appropriate (although not perfect) way of understanding Left v Right is to think of it in terms More Government versus Less Government. The Left believes in more government. Government dictating what we ought to do, how we should think, where we can go, etc. The Left generally thinks in terms of groups and group movement. The Right believes in less government. More liberty for the individual to decide for themselves. The Right thinks in terms of individuals. Individuals are judged on their own merits. With this (very simplfied definition)in mind, the islamic terrorists, Bin Laden, Al Queda, Taliban, et al are hardly right-wing. Their ideology revolves around a highly centralized, domineering government. they think in terms of the group (islam). They believe that some sort of quasi-government/religious bureacracy should dictate peoples' lives. They come from an ideological bent that has more in common with old Soviet Communism than any thing else, save possibly, Naziism. Those who espouse the americanized version of neo-naziism are also the nasty children of the Left. Their ideology is based in groupthink. They desire a centralized militaristic form of government founded upon racism and bigotry. They generally believe in a managed economy rather than free enterprise. More governemtn controls (to favor their group), rather than less.

It bothers me also, that the term right wing is bandied about when describing those I would consider "control freaks." Those who love liberty, believe that individuals (regardless of race, creed, color, etc) should stand on their own merits, who desire representative government, less government, equality before the law, etc are the True Right.

[MeekOneGOP]

Pardon my butting in, but maybe I can help. Using right wing to describe the islamic terrorists is problematic, but so also is using the same term to describe skinheads and neo-nazis. The problem lies in a faulty understanding of Left-Right ideology. . .

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Thanks, good FReeper for your helpful comments there! I do appreciate the input.

I think they probably should refer to these "Right Wing Terrorists" as "Malik Shabaz'ers" instead! (I'm not sure I got that name correct? He's the guy that's always on FOX News and is with the New Black Panthers?? He's the leader of the "Blame America First" crowd that hates this country and all it stands for).

I searched trying to find something on this guy but came up totally blank??. . .

[holden]

"right-wing extremists"... "educate me"

It's documented that when Hillary uses this phrase, she dismissively refers to those who "listen to talk radio."

HF

[gumbo]

fascists are right-authoritarians

That's a neat map you've got there, btw.

But I've never seen the logic of calling fascists "right-wing." Seems to me fascism, as in National Socialism, has far more in common with left-wing authoritarianism than with the right.

This formula that 'fascism = right wing' is, I believe, an invention of the left, and has been unquestioning accepted by the media and historians.

[gumbo]

Yes, I understand what you're saying. What I'm saying, though, is that fascism should not be placed on the right side of the "authoritarian" box.

It belongs on the left, alongside communism. Though different, both communism and fascism take away economic freedom; only to varying degrees.

[Rocko]

Bump.

[Rocko]

Bump.

[Victoria Delsoul]

FACT-point in the entirety of the arguments regarding the Muslim religion. Idol worship!

Idol worship, indeed!

[FReethesheeples]

Even if Iraq had not direct connection whhatsoever to the 9/11 attacks, 9/11/01 makes it ABSOLUTLEY IMPERATIVE that Iraq/Saddam be exterminated.

Otherwise,

1) the terrorists will think they can get away with murder,

2) They Middle Eastern "Bad Guys" are tribal, and will have no respect for the U.S.,

3) Saddam will (attempt to) assassinate Geo. W. Bush, given the blood feud he has with GHWB, and

4) Saddam WILL use his NUCLEAR capabilities against the U.S. as they become more mature, inevitably.(!!)

P.S. This is a widely-held view at HIGH levels of the USG and among knowledgable/THINKING military-foreign policy experts in and out of the Government.

[MeekOneGOP]

Excellent information and post! Thanks a lot! I think a lot of folks would be well served to see this.

This make me a right-centrist type of person I think. I always have said I'm a "Moderate Conservative", but NOT by the MEDIA's definition (i.e., Jeffords, McCain, etc.), but by the actual definition. "Moderate Conservative" would equal "Right-Centrist", then, correct?

Thanks, again good FReeper!

[MeekOneGOP]

BTW, can you give me the link where your graph is found on the Internet? Thanks!