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Bush's quiet green light on Iraq [Have Americans 'gone' Dovish on Iraq?]
Christian Science Monitor ^ | Monday, August 26, 2002 | By Godfrey Sperling

Posted on 08/26/2002 3:10:20 PM PDT by JohnHuang2

Edited on 08/26/2002 3:23:52 PM PDT by Admin Moderator. [history]

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To: Byron_the_Aussie
I am confident that if Australia (or Europe) were attacked, America would come to their defense. And, the fact that we actually pay for and maintain a strong military force would be looked at as a positive. Our huge investment also allows our Allies to believe that military spending is not that crucial for them-- disretionary spending, really--, after all you have the US to bail you out if things "get scary".

But, when WE ARE ATTACKED, and it becomes time for the US to exercise our force to advance the cause of civilization, then we are looked at as provoking instability in the world.

President Bush is not what the World Media (who mostly hates America) portrays him. He is no cowboy. He is rational, in-charge, and ever mindful of the role that history has thrust on America while he is in charge. And "we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail."

41 posted on 08/26/2002 5:33:49 PM PDT by RobFromGa
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To: Byron_the_Aussie
The polls are moving, against the president, and if he's got a smoking gun on Saddam then let's see it.

I'd like to see it as well. I hope that perhaps he's waiting to get everything in place, just so, before he reveals what is behind the curtain, if anything.

42 posted on 08/26/2002 5:36:50 PM PDT by RJCogburn
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To: Miss Marple
...it is probably nothing, but it is most indicative of the mind-set of Americans, which is what I was trying to explain to you...

Well thanks for raising it, because that mind-set is the key to everything that's happening. I reckon that if we knew for sure that Bin Laden was dead none of this would be happening. The possibility that he's still out there somewhere has to be preying on peoples' minds. I know it is, on mine. I think September 11 is the date when this President has to dig deep for every ounce of character he possesses and bring some emotional closure to the nation over 911. Explain that the grieving is over, what happened will never be forgotten, but it's time for America to finally wipe away the tears, let the anger go, and get back to work.

43 posted on 08/26/2002 5:36:52 PM PDT by Byron_the_Aussie
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To: RobFromGa
After reading your post(#41) all I can say is BRAVO!
44 posted on 08/26/2002 5:37:35 PM PDT by mystery-ak
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To: Byron_the_Aussie
Byron, the most important thing is to have a successful attack, not to get better poll numbers. If the case is stated before our troops and plans are in place, Saddam has too much warning.

You are going to have to be patient, and trust that I know what I am talking about. No one doubted the justice of our attack on Afghanistan (except the rabid peaceniks) and you will also be convinced when the President states his case. However, it will only be done when we are about ready to go in.

I suggest you read Cheney's speech that he made today in Tennessee. It pretty much states the case, although without details. I imagine the details will come with the President's speech.

I do not take war lightly, as I expect we will have terrorist attacks here. My son is old enough to be called for service, if it comes to that. My daughter and my nieces are of age to serve. My nephews would be called. My husband could be called to work in an industry that is critical, much as happened in WWII. And I worry about my grandchildren.

This threat is not simply a few nut cases. It is a large number of people intent on destroying western civilization, and putting us all under Sharia. I do not want my granddaughter in a Burqa.

So, please be patient. Character does indeed matter, and we have a President who has it in spades. He will do what is right for all of us. Just be patient.

45 posted on 08/26/2002 5:43:57 PM PDT by Miss Marple
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To: Byron_the_Aussie
The polls are moving, against the president

But, you see he doesn't give a crap about polls. He os concerned about America and our soldiers and doing what he believes is right. And most Americans get that.

if he's got a smoking gun on Saddam then let's see it.

How much more clear do you need it to be? The case has been made that he has acted against international law numerous times. He is without doubt acting to gather and cotrol WMD. He has assisted terrorists including OBL-- more details will come out at the appropriate time. Saddam Hussein is one of a few "tinpots" out there with the potential for great evil, this FReeper wants him taken out before he gets more capabilities.

46 posted on 08/26/2002 5:43:58 PM PDT by RobFromGa
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To: JohnHuang2
I thought that Vice President Cheney really spoke to the critics of the Presidents policy today.I did note that both CNN and FOX carried exerpts.So we will see what effect that has on the mood if any.But my guess would be once we go into Iraq the people will pull in behind the President big time and all these whining RINOS will be out sawing themselves off a limb they created.
47 posted on 08/26/2002 5:48:58 PM PDT by lexington minuteman 1775
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To: Byron_the_Aussie
I reckon that if we knew for sure that Bin Laden was dead none of this would be happening.

You are utterly clueless as to what is driving America at this point.

I for one could give a CRAP whether OBL is alive, dead or living in Sydney. I want to eliminate the forces in this world who do not wish to abide by the RULES OF CIVILIZATION-- the Terrorists. OBL was merely a wake-up call.

Unfortunately, the time to act was seven to ten years ago, but we had a Poll-Watching, Disgraced, Impeached, Serial Rapist, Euopean/UN-lovin'. America-Hatin' Pseudo-President at that low-point of American history.

And, the US(and the World) are paying for it now. But at least we are willing to still take on EVIL.

48 posted on 08/26/2002 5:51:28 PM PDT by RobFromGa
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To: RobFromGa
..but, when WE ARE ATTACKED, and it becomes time for the US to exercise our force to advance the cause of civilization, then we are looked at as provoking instability in the world....

This is the other arm of the spin, the 'ungrateful world who won't support the US when the chips are down.' It's not true. Go and take a look at how many nations were involved in the attack on Afghanistan, even nations like France who invariably attract moronic scorn here on FR no matter what they do. A lot of conservative governments around the world will be risking their status because of their support for the US when this thing starts. This Iraq attack is a gift to the international Left- unless the president makes a clear unambivalent case for it. Over to you, GWB.

49 posted on 08/26/2002 5:52:12 PM PDT by Byron_the_Aussie
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To: JohnHuang2
Good catch. The "dovish" knocking of knees grows louder!
50 posted on 08/26/2002 5:52:44 PM PDT by Freemeorkillme
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To: mystery-ak
thanks for the BRAVO.
51 posted on 08/26/2002 5:53:46 PM PDT by RobFromGa
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To: RobFromGa
...but, you see he doesn't give a crap about polls...

Dream on, Rob.

Despite GW's down-home bonhomie he's a politician, through and through.

52 posted on 08/26/2002 5:54:06 PM PDT by Byron_the_Aussie
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To: Byron_the_Aussie
Closure? Three thousand people killed in a sneak attack and you think the President should work for closure and for all of us to get back to work?

Byron, you do not understand Americans at all. We will hunt these people down if it takes 50 years. We are not going to sing Kumbya and go back to things as they were. Forget it.

What part of "awakening a sleeping giant" do you fail to understand?

Bin Laden is only one of many. We are after them all. Bin Laden is just the poster boy.

"We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail."

That is it in a nutshell. Either you are with us or with the terrorists. Plain and simple.

So, be patient and pay attention. If you can access Fox News in your part of the world, watch the President's speeches. Closure is not something Americans need or want. We want JUSTICE.

53 posted on 08/26/2002 5:54:24 PM PDT by Miss Marple
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To: Miss Marple
...Byron, you do not understand Americans at all. We will hunt these people down if it takes 50 years...

What 'people', Miss M? Terrorists? Iraqis? Iranians, like with your sister? Or, all Muslims?

As the mission creep on the Al-Qaeda campaign spins out of control, that's a fair question.

54 posted on 08/26/2002 5:58:26 PM PDT by Byron_the_Aussie
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To: JohnHuang2
Bill, er George, we've almost got the polls in shape FOR WAR!
55 posted on 08/26/2002 6:00:04 PM PDT by iconoclast
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To: Miss Marple
Excellent post, MM.

I think some American beliefs just do not translate well. Everybody hates the "Good Guy" sometimes because of the reflection in the mirror. Luckily, America can stand alone though.

Without us, the World would be a far different place today. Not that they'll ever admit that or thank us though. We just do what America always does. And, we'll do it again.

56 posted on 08/26/2002 6:02:21 PM PDT by RobFromGa
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To: RobFromGa
...but at least we are willing to still take on EVIL....

Selected evil, Rob. Back in April another tyrant, namely Robert Mugabe, flew to New York for a UN conference and some shopping on Fifth Avenue. Where was the presidential outrage then? Later this week Mugabe will adress the Conference on Sustainable Development in SA. Where's the outrage from a State Dept spokesman? Will the US pull out of the conference? Call me picky but there is some evil around that gets a free pass every time.

57 posted on 08/26/2002 6:05:36 PM PDT by Byron_the_Aussie
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To: Byron_the_Aussie
Terrorists. My sister's concern is not that they are Muslims (she works with several), but that they might be Muslimn TERRORISTS.

I can only conclude that you hope this cup passes from Australia, and that your country is not involved.

Well, I hope that you are not attacked as we were, for I do not wish that on anyone. But somehow, because you are descendents of the English colonists who settled you, I do not believe you are safe. Indonesia and the militant Islamacists there are not that far from your shores.

Recall the words of Churchill:

If you will not fight for right when you can easily win without blood shed; if you will not fight when your victory is sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves.

58 posted on 08/26/2002 6:07:27 PM PDT by Miss Marple
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To: Miss Marple
I accept most of your comments in this post but,

If the case is stated before our troops and plans are in place, Saddam has too much warning.

I cannot see how he can have any more warning than he already has.

59 posted on 08/26/2002 6:15:59 PM PDT by RJCogburn
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To: Byron_the_Aussie
Call me picky but there is some evil around that gets a free pass every time.

Yeah, including A-R-A-B-I-A!

You know, the country that the "axis of evil" missed as it passed through Iraq, Iran, and NORTH KOREA!

60 posted on 08/26/2002 6:25:39 PM PDT by iconoclast
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