Posted on 11/26/2006 6:43:12 AM PST by TigerLikesRooster
That's it? Of course there would be demonstrations - which the government can't legally stop as long as they don't turn violent - but it appears they're not attracting too much interest.
Should be: Thousands rally in Constantinople during Papal Visit to Saint Sofia
Turkey is not a backwards country compared to France. I have never seen a "squat" hole in the ground 'toilet' in Turkey. I have never been ignored by the waiters in a Turkish restaurant. Wines aside, the Turks can brew a decent pilsner. French cannot.
And France is a member of the EU....and NATO.
I would trust someone that admires Ataturk before I'd trust a frenchman.
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70.5 million....99.5% muslim.
Are you taking the apologist stance that it doesn't count because they're not all there?
I will have to try some of that. I just bought some "Old Tom's" Egg Nog, for festive season guests. (Lewiston,Maine product). At Ontario, Canada's LCBO. A beer man myself.
I should quit while ahead but..... I see you have the advantage here. You have been to Turkey . I have actually had some "heads up" on this subject. I found myself on side with Turkey.
To which I must add this. Your post gives me the opportunity. The would be assassin of Pope John Paul II, served 19 years in Italy. He was released and deported to Turkey. A minor court ruled that his imprisonment would count in totality . This toward his long sentence to be served for a murder of a journalist and two bank robberies. Thus he was released very early. (Jan 2006).
An appeal was heard by the Turkish Supreme Court. They ruled that nearly 20 years for trying to kill the Pope, did not count toward the Turkish sentence. They sent him back to prison. His appeal will be heard 2010.
A pretty solid Supreme Court, I would say. LOL
Well, all I've ever had in Turkey, (that I can remember!) is Efes Pils. And some Raki just for medicinal value! Now there are good beers in France.....and Italy....but they are either old German breweries or imports!
I don't want to live in Turkey, mind you, but there are sexy hot-flaunting models that sit side-by-side in the airport with women wearing burkas. And they get along apparently just fine, and I didn't get shot or beheaded for drinking outside at a family cafe.
Don't get me wrong. The hot movie on the screens time before last trip was about a crazy US Marine that went around in Iraq indiscirminantly blowing away wedding parties with a 50 cal machine gun....but hey, how much better do we get from OUR hollywood types? =)
All I'm saying is that Ataturk seperated church and state in Turkey, instituted a secular republic, closed the sharia courts and abolished the caliphate. Turks are typically VERY proud of this stuff.
If only there were an Iraqi Ataturk. Frankly, without one, I think Iraq is sunk. Hell, we can't even find a Ronald Reagan around here these days!
What the Pope said is the full truth. This rally proves it once and for all.
Sure- I'd drink an Italian Beer and then I'd go to NY for the rodeo.
I agree.
No, I am tired of coverage of every minority protest.
Why IS it that the French and Italians can't brew a beer to save their lives?
Until they start killing themselves, who can take them seriously?
I think it's because the French and Italians don't have a "pub" culture. They are wine drinkers and don't have a taste for beer as nuanced as Britain, Ireland and the Czech Republic. The Italian beer I've had was dry, like a Roling Rock- not bad- but not like a good Bass or Sam Adams. Personally I really enjoy Pete's Wicked Ale or A nice Guiness with a Jameson's back;)
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