Where you stand depends on what you watch

St. Petersburg Times ^ | April 4, 2003 | SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN

[EternalVigilance]

"Most of us are taking either Valium or Elavil -- it's terrible."

Dang, shoulda bought stock in the companies that distribute that in the ME...

[patriciaruth]

They will never hear that this destruction was probably caused by a failed missile launched by Saddam's cousin who was subsequently fired.

They hate already. The only protection we can muster is for them to fear us. They are never going to love us.

It's sad.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Yes, strength is respected if not feared. As noted, Arab countries are used to a higher level of violence and apparently have an appetite for it.

[WomanofStandard]

"It's part of our life," says Waseem Tayeh, a graduate student. "Every day you open your newspaper or turn on TV and you see killing -- it's nothing new."

It is NOT a part of our everyday life here in the USA, and we are fighting this war to help keep it that way. Just because they choose to live with an attitude of carnage and distruction, does not mean we need view it on a daily basis JUST because we were forced to deal with Saddam by waging war against him.

"I watch until 3 a.m. and even while I sleep, the TV is on," says Friej, the engineer. "Most of us are taking either Valium or Elavil -- it's terrible."

This is the way they want us to live? Folks are on drugs just to bear what they see on TV and in their streets and we should be showing those gruesome images on CNN and other channels so we too can be a drug addicted population just to get through life? The man is a selfish, pig, moron. Have I got that right?

[patriciaruth]

Well, judging from American TV and movies, I'd say that we also have an appetite for violence and are used to it.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Re drugs. I posted a Chavez/Venezuela article that describe how the people were popping pills and going to psychiatrists trying to handle the chaos. Here Bush is trying to give them freedom as LIBERALS insist he's helping drug companies. It's amazing what a daily dose of freedom will do for your health.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Apparently. But it looks like we're just babes in the woods compared to some.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

You got it. Turn off the tube until Britt Hume comes on Fox's Special Edition (5PM EST). You'll get the news and fair commentary, have time to enjoy life and will have no need to take sedation.

[patriciaruth]

I hear the Turks are really hell on wheels.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

If these Arab countries would give their woman some say, they'd be civilized too!

[SkyPilot]

"CNN says American troops are advancing here and here but it's all lies," says Al-Zabe

Delusional--that is the only word I can think of to describe this thinking.

In all my travels, the Arab mindset has puzzled me the most. It is almost psychotic is some ways. Do I think, "all Arabs are terrorists" as the man above stated. Surely, no. However, there is an incredible inferiority and persecution complex in the Arab world that is unlike anything else I have ever encountered.

Once, I was at a hotel swimming pool in Bahrain--very luxurious. I had lunch with a very nice man and his family. His little daughter and I swam and played tag in the pool--and we got along splendidly. Later, over a poolside drink--he wanted to engage me in politics. As we talked, he started getting angry, and mentioning the "Jews--those bloodsuckers!" --phrases like that. His mood swing was incredible to behold.

Even Mr. Spock would not be able to endure it long.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

If you're fed a daily diet of hate by government run news, I suppose you become filled with hate. It will take generations to change this, But hey! We have the time and the talent. No reason for not bringing freedom to the world.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Never seen, only heard: the sickening crunch of bone One of four journalists expelled from Iraq after more than a week in prison, Matthew McAllester describes the horror, frustration and finally relief when they were finally released into Jordan.

[happygrl]

The sound of wood against bone. This is what Jessica Lynch experienced.

Can you imagine ? Breaking arms and legs ? Shudder

[Cincinatus' Wife]

I can't. The doctor reported she had a broken ankle and foot, along with a spinal fracture, two broken legs and a broken arm. On his show, Rush said they strip women prisoners, then hang them upside-down by their ankles. This is one brave little gal.

[Stultis]

They will never hear that this destruction was probably caused by a failed missile launched by Saddam's cousin who was subsequently fired.

[patriciaruth]

Thanks for the picture. There can be problems with nepotism. Too bad this cousin didn't build Saddam's bunker.

[patriciaruth]

So for nicotine they formed an "alliance" with the beast.

Another day and Stockholm Syndrome would have been solidly entrenched.

Unbelievable.

[patriciaruth]

Can you tell me how to find your source for PFC Lynch's injuries. There has been a lot of "fog of war" reports on just what her injuries are.