[egad]

I may have missed the point, the Republicans in question appeared to go to Syria for the same reasons as Pelosi in the articles that I read on the matter.  I agree that Pelosi was in the wrong, but so were the others who went, at least in my eyes. 

[egad]

Wow, some much to respond to in this thread. 

First, the better jaw-jaw than war-war quote.  I'm not going to argue that diplomacy is better than war was what Churchill meant.  However you also have to remember that Churchill could recognize when diplomacy was not an option.  The best example of this is Churchill's criticism of the appeasement of Hitler and called on Britain to improve its military.

Also, it seems like the argument is being made that a blatant act of war, 9-11, which followed many other blatant acts of war the first World Trade Center bombing, attacks on the USS Cole, etc. does not justify war.  Especially as inocent people will die with the non innocent as always occurs in war.  Now let me be clear, an act of war does justify war.

Iran getting nuclear weapons is a problem, as Almadenajad or whatever has clearly stated that he wants to see Israel wiped off the map.  He has recently tested missiles with the capability of launching a nuclear warhead into Israel.  The problem is real, and Iran can not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. 

Also, while it may not be the only thing that keeps the peace, fear does play a significant role.  The history of humanity clearly shows this, as well as the present.  Examples of fear keeping the peace can be clearly seen in the repressive dictatorships of Africa, or even under the reign of the now defunct Saddam Hussien.
  Pax Romana was based upon fear of their legions.  Gengis Khan's empire was based upon fear of his hordes.  Fear is what kept order within their span of influence.  The idea that men can live together has to involve two men that believe in that idea to work.  The problem with the leftist train of thought concerning foreign policy is that it is based on the assumption that everyone thinks like they do.  This is not the case, and fear of consequences and reprisals are necessary to keep these other people in line.

[egad]

It is irrelevant; the 3 Republicans are as guilty as Pelosi and the other Democrats who went.  All of them were members of the House of Representatives if my memory serves correct.  Meaning that none of them have any role in determining American foreign policy as the powers in that regard are strictly limited to the executive and the Senate.  So they ignored American policy to conduct their own brand of foreign policy when they have no role in American foreign policy, unless you count obstructing the application of American foreign policy by withholding funding in the next budget.  Of course none of them will be prosecuted on the matter as private American citizens such as Jimmy Carter among others have been trying to conduct American foreign policy without any authority to do so for at least a decade without prosecution.  Plus it's more politically convenient to complain about the trip than it is to bring charges against the Speaker of the House for taking it.  It just means that any agreement that they had reached would be pointless unless the President would be willing to propose it to the Senate for approval.

  Personally I find it humorous watching Middle Eastern diplomats play our politicians and media like a grand concerto.  It is obvious that they have studied us enough to know just what elements of American and European society want to hear from them and they deliver their lines brilliantly.  Knowing full well that those elements will ignore there actions and focus solely on their words..

[egad]

Epilouge?

Nice headfake.

[egad]

The harm of these comments is that they support the extremist worldview.  I went to school with many middle eastern students who had ludicrous views of Jews and their actions; and they supported their assertions with small American liberals arts professors books on the subject.  Most of these are not credible scholars at tier 3 or lower colleges.  Because of their position as a professor, no matter how obscure they were taken as a credible source, by highly intelligent and educated middle easterner.  Imagine the effect on the less intelligent/educated Muslims.  Rosie as a host on the View, a quasi entertainment/news morning program is also in such a position. 

Now you are right that such comments are viewed as ridiculous by all but the most extreme western Europeans.  Unfortunately Europeans are not the problem; the problem is the Muslims who are being persuaded by extremists that 9/11, 7/7 etc. are a Jewish and American conspiracy to slander them and justify our "illegal" actions against terrorist groups such as al-Queda.

[egad]

Don't know how I missed this until know, but this looks like a great story.  Can't wait to read the rest of part 2.

[egad]

Great story,
I can't wait to read about Mercy

[egad]

Wow, you didn't lose a bit during your break did you Hatour?

Great story

[egad]

That's good stuff

[egad]

Great Story

[Author]

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