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True; I'm just trying to think in the most altruistic sense, a devil's advocate, in my own mind, to justify why it is I don't (and, as it appears, many others do not) begrudge him so passionately for his role in Saddam's regime. (There had to be a point in his life, as there is in everyone's, when you make a choice to "go" with someone you know is bad, evil, and by doing so, you will be complicit, at the very least by doing so.)

Stated another way, if I would be hired at a company, just a little person, and work my way up, over time, I would realize this is a "bad company," unethical, immoral practices. Now, if I aspire to higher levels within that corporation, then, with the knowledge I have accumulated along the way, I am aware of what I'm getting into. Is that not wrong for me to strive to "get at the top of the ladder" in that company rather than stay "a peasant" where I will not become a part of murders? Did Baghdad Bob really have no choice, early on, to slither away into obscurity....attracting little attention from Saddam (if he became involved, of course, as a "little person")?

I can't help but think that abuse abuse and torture change the rules of the game. Wish we knew more of his story. But let's face it; we know that Saddam had no problem with capturing and torturing children and raising and training them to his own ends, that he would use threat of torture of family members as leverage to control those under him and would even withhold basic needs from those who served him, so to what extent was this particular man acting, ever, of his own free will? Most were never allowed a free will to begin with under Saddam.

You dont begrudge him because he came into your living room. And because his lies were so false and hollow it could be laughed off.

But there is a vileness of propaganda and the vileness of the CNN etc. reporting of it: It gave a 'human face' to the regime that killed so many, in order to deliver their lies; unbelievable to you - but believed by millions of Arabs and perhaps Iraqis too, for a time. truth be told, he said nothing different from Tariq Aziz, or Saddam himself. He was part of the evil regime. And was willing to do it, or he wouldnt have had such high station.

Now, dont forget that if they could have killed 100,000 American troops instead of 100 they would have celebrated it. This mouthpiece was a key part of the war machine and his lies directly contributed to additional deaths, thanks to his 'dedication'. One small example: Just remember the 100s or Iraqis killed in a counterattack on Iraqi airport. Their inability to fight better made them seem more absurd than dangerous, but 150 Americans still lost their lives in this 'easy victory'.

As for his character, I dont really know it, but I do know he did have choices and he cast it with saddam. that is so whatever his other characteristics: I am sure OJ Simpson is a suave gentleman at times and Scott Peterson is a decent neighbor. And I hear Hitler loved animals and children, etc.

Just some cold water 'pondering' on baghdad bob.