tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post7190442218585042616..comments2023-12-24T06:13:49.857-05:00Comments on Confessions of a Closet Republican: Who said that?? "Because things get difficult, you don't cut and run!" - The answer!Incognitohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09692949516037191969noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-60845727718536045552007-03-15T23:28:00.000-04:002007-03-15T23:28:00.000-04:00Thank you Papa J. Interesting reading!!So you mean...Thank you Papa J. Interesting reading!!<BR/><BR/>So you mean if you googled "Confessions,,blablabla" I'm listed? That's probably cos I have about 90 different posts on my blog. (Yeah.. have lots of time on my hands when not on stage). I think, just like with acting, it's a question of perserverance. The longer you're around and the more you audition the more likely you are to get a job (or googled- in blog terms). Yo ujust have that one post on yours, right? See I did read it. Interesting theory. Am taking note of all the actors around me, btw. <BR/><BR/>Never saw Adpatation. <BR/><BR/>Tootie? Ha! Wrong colour.Incognitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09692949516037191969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-21063466697930269532007-03-15T18:46:00.000-04:002007-03-15T18:46:00.000-04:00Indexed - all of the content of your blog can be f...Indexed - all of the content of your blog can be found through a google search. That's what I want for my blog.<BR/><BR/>And I loved "The Eternal Sunshine...", but I couldn't stand "Adaptation".<BR/><BR/>And I think I know who you are now...the girl that played "Tootie" from "The Facts of Life"?Dave Gormanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09644412333646768556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-26214218105640577952007-03-15T12:28:00.000-04:002007-03-15T12:28:00.000-04:00I've never been called a facist or a nazi before. ...I've never been called a facist or a nazi before. You're right I must just be stupid; however, genius, you ignored my question. What would have been the proper response then? What we did was wrong, because we didn't even try to enforce the law initially. Of course I'm not suggesting that we go in shooting any Tom, Dick, or Saddam walking down the street with a TV in hand. If you disagree so vehemently, you should offer a resonable alternative.<BR/><BR/>Here is some <A HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Looting" REL="nofollow">recommended reading</A> on the subject. <BR/><BR/>The simple question at hand is human life versus valuables. The more complex question at hand is human life versus rule of law.Papa Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12553592541103800402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-81986568290839330132007-03-15T11:50:00.000-04:002007-03-15T11:50:00.000-04:00Lambent.. You can't take things literally. Of cou...Lambent.. You can't take things literally. Of course one doesn't shoot civilian criminals, unless one is being shot at. But it was also a war, and in times like that you often have no way of gauging who are the common criminals and the insurgents. Remember, the insurgents are very clever.<BR/>And there's a difference between shooting a criminal or insurgent and a poor Tibetan pilgrim trying to make it to another country.<BR/><BR/>I hope you realize that I have absolutely no ill will towards the people of China, just their repressive government.I'm sure most of them would prefer a more democratic rule.<BR/><BR/>So you were born and bred in Hong Kong, but from what you have led me to believe you are a Brit. So you are an expat living in a foreign country. Many expats don't bother learning the language of the country they live in. They hang out with other expats and don't bother integrating. I think that's unfortunate. So good for you that you have. <BR/><BR/>Whenever we travel or live abroad we should make the effort to learn the local language. Even if it's a few words. We represent our country and with a little diplomacy and interest in others we can win over those who might otherwise hate us. A little kindness and sincerity goes a long way. I know I have been able to win people over by showing interest in who they are. During the Bosnian war, the US military did have classes in both language and cultural differences to better prepare the soldiers. I met a Bosnian woman who actually conducted those training sessions.Incognitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09692949516037191969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-57552695646398290352007-03-15T11:31:00.000-04:002007-03-15T11:31:00.000-04:00You're probably right, Dave. What do you mean by i...You're probably right, Dave. What do you mean by indexed? :-)<BR/><BR/>And, oops.. I meant Hepburn? Or is she dead? Cate, Kate... something..<BR/>Did you really like "Eternal Sunshine..."?<BR/><BR/>Winston actually didn't say that, but most people think he did, so he might as well have.Incognitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09692949516037191969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-16855134709121287412007-03-15T03:34:00.000-04:002007-03-15T03:34:00.000-04:00Erm...yes, you should have been more forceful. Yo...Erm...yes, you should have been more forceful. You weren't supposed to be invading though, you were supposed to be freeing. There's being forceful and there's shooting looters on sight - come on, they are civilian criminals, not terrorists and if you agree with Papa J on this one I can only hope that there aren't too many of you out there who think that civilian law-breakers should be shot on sight. It's behaviour like that that gets you riled up against China.<BR/><BR/>My host countries culture? I was born and bred here. It would be nice if occupying forces could speak the local language, but 2 years chilling in Italy ain't quite the same as a six month tour of Baghdad, is it? Let's get practical here. Shooting criminals and learning the language are probably not the way to go about sorting this situation out.HKMGBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13035419803047385665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-56364248052519724942007-03-15T00:53:00.000-04:002007-03-15T00:53:00.000-04:00I think I figured it out...but even if I didn't I ...I think I figured it out...but even if I didn't I don't think you're the person to help me...lol.<BR/><BR/>And I'm surprised to hear that you're Kate Winslet. I figured you were older than 35, because now you have enough of a brain to be a conservative...like the great Winston Churchill once said. I guess you bloomed early.<BR/><BR/>Either way, I loved you in <BR/>"The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind".Dave Gormanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09644412333646768556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-52588334083246281962007-03-15T00:09:00.000-04:002007-03-15T00:09:00.000-04:00Dang, how did you know, Dave?? it's actually Winsl...Dang, how did you know, Dave?? it's actually Winslett.. :-)<BR/><BR/>So does this mean you still want me to email you, or did you answer your own question? I'm still not sure what you were asking... but...Incognitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09692949516037191969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-58028660878826289632007-03-14T23:27:00.000-04:002007-03-14T23:27:00.000-04:00Incog...it turns out that blogger blogs now automa...Incog...it turns out that blogger blogs now automatically set things up so that the content is indexed by search engines. I think. I don't really know for sure. Your blog is indexed though.<BR/><BR/>Out you? Why bother...I already know you're Cate Blanchett.Dave Gormanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09644412333646768556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-70286523314288490692007-03-14T23:19:00.000-04:002007-03-14T23:19:00.000-04:00Welcome MOMA. Glad you stopped by. Yes, it is true...Welcome MOMA. Glad you stopped by. Yes, it is true, of anything. Just like the phrase when the going gets rough... blablabla.<BR/><BR/>Lambent, I don't mind dissenting comments but please be civil. We are all entitled to our opinions, whether we agree with others or not, and there's no need to be mean-spirited about it. There needed to be a much more forceful approach at the beginning, even the people complained about not feeling protected. <BR/><BR/>And I would think you, of all people Lambent, would agree with the importance of understanding your host country's culture, which includes a working knowledge of the language. I have many friends who have joined our military, who have university degrees. They're not all high school drop outs. And other than a few bad apples, which you get in any sector of life, they are a hard working, courageous bunch of guys and gals who have committed to protecting the freedoms that even you enjoy.Incognitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09692949516037191969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-90088545246412418862007-03-14T21:53:00.000-04:002007-03-14T21:53:00.000-04:00Papa J, please. Look at what you wrote previously...Papa J, please. Look at what you wrote previously. If people don't respond to an occupying force's requests, you can't just start shooting them. It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Really it is.<BR/><BR/><BR/>And you've changed your tone. <BR/><BR/>"We should have shot vandals and looters on sight in the first couple of days." Didn't you just say they didn't respond to your entreaties? You would should them "in the first couple of days." That's great. Really, you fucking imbecile. Listen to yourself. You are either A: A fascist; B: A Nazi or C: Just plain stupid. I would go with C.<BR/><BR/>Comments like you made are what so much of the problem is. Go in and shoot them in the first couple of days. What a joke.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-63007208823852209022007-03-14T17:29:00.000-04:002007-03-14T17:29:00.000-04:00anyway, and ABOVE ALL, that quote is just true! of...anyway, and ABOVE ALL, that quote is just true! of course, when it's necessary, and worth it.<BR/><BR/>this "next blog" thing is great!<BR/><BR/>hello everyone!momahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00487764689976527678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-62471315628371726822007-03-14T11:03:00.000-04:002007-03-14T11:03:00.000-04:00Lambent,Overthrowing a government is not like cont...Lambent,<BR/><BR/>Overthrowing a government is not like controlling a riot in Watts, you are reestablishing the rule of law. If the populace won't respond to entreaties to obey that law en masse how would you propose correcting it? (Mind you I am not talking now, I am talking about when we moved in to Iraq and allowed those conditions to persist.)<BR/><BR/>As for the average SAT score of the American GI I believe you are sounding a lot like <A HREF="http://www.nypost.com/seven/11022006/news/nationalnews/gis_drop_smart_bomb_on_kerry_nationalnews_todd_venezia_in_n_y____and_ian_bishop_in_washington.htm" REL="nofollow">John Kerry</A><BR/><BR/>Yes, I do believe that with immersion training... (for the first three months in Iraq your squad must speak arabic and nothing else when they are in casual conversation)...with immersion training it could easily be done.Papa Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12553592541103800402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-35317817317936901742007-03-14T05:36:00.000-04:002007-03-14T05:36:00.000-04:00Shot vandals andlooters, Papa J? The death senten...Shot vandals andlooters, Papa J? The death sentence for vandalising and looting? WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!? That would have really ingratiated yourselves into Iraqi hearts! Would you shoot pick-pockets too? That is the funniest thing I've heard in ages. I'm going to email this one around a bit.<BR/><BR/>Teach them Arabic? Look up the average SAT scores of the average American GI - good luck in class!<BR/><BR/>This is true entertainment!HKMGBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13035419803047385665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-29016528316759613212007-03-14T00:50:00.000-04:002007-03-14T00:50:00.000-04:00Thanks Peddlin for the translation service.:-) I ...Thanks Peddlin for the translation service.:-) I just figured it was spam so couldn't be bothered to check it out.<BR/>Oil... hmmm.Incognitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09692949516037191969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-1487437942532154782007-03-14T00:49:00.000-04:002007-03-14T00:49:00.000-04:00Canada, and most of the rest of the world, BCF. Sa...Canada, and most of the rest of the world, BCF. Sadly. I think this lack of global solidarity just proved to Saddam and the Islamist extremists that they would prevail. Saddam got his butt kicked, but the Islamists certainly have been doing well.<BR/>Gaelic is a dead language, so you forgot the Irish. Tsk, tsk, and you 1/2 Irish.. ;-) I lived there for many years as a child. Lovely country!<BR/><BR/>Yes, Europe is going to get very messy, that's why i want to visit a few more places before it does. Soon.<BR/><BR/>And I actually think the tyranny we face today is even worse. The German fighters wanted to survive. The Islamic extremists embrace death. That's the fundamental difference. They have nothing to lose, in their twisted minds.Incognitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09692949516037191969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-85735428832511262092007-03-13T21:32:00.000-04:002007-03-13T21:32:00.000-04:00HAHA! Following is the German to English translati...HAHA! Following is the German to English translation of our idiot anonymous friend UBERguber! any idiot with cut and past skills and google translate site access will see: Just thought you'd all be interested in case you thought you were missing any intellect.. here it is: <BR/><BR/>"With Oelbestellung.de you have the possibility of ordering in completely comfortable kind fuel oil and liquid gas for your power requirement and at any time of experiencing the newest from the mineral oil market Fuel oil, liquid gas and bio Diesels buy and price comparison with Oelbestellung.de With Oelbestellung.de you have the possibility of ordering in completely comfortable kind fuel oil and liquid gas for your power requirement and at any time of experiencing the newest from the mineral oil market. Price comparisons for fuel oil offers Germany find you out completely with Oelbestellung.de. The interesting fuel auctions and the possibility for mineral oil large orders round the fuel oil offer off. You find fuel oil for consumers here everything that you need: current information from the fuel oil market, background knowledge of specialists and up to date fuel oil prices. Now again: exchange yourselves with Gleichgesinnten in the fuel oil forum over questions and experiences approximately around fuel oil. Our Shop offers to you besides many articles approximately around the topic fuel oil at convincing prices:'peddlinshutterbughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14624979712101548132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-29746395769812690692007-03-13T19:42:00.000-04:002007-03-13T19:42:00.000-04:00We do have a moral obligation to be there. It was ...We do have a moral obligation to be there. It was a sad day when Canada failed to join the Iraq coalition. However we have made up for it somewhat by taking our part in Afghanistan. We are 5 english speaking peoples, US, England, Australia, Canada and NZ. Europe is going to get very messy before this is sorted out. The tyranny we face today is no different than WW II - fascism is fascism. <BR/><BR/>What me google? ;)Blazingcatfurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05260488914265052543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-19689245201614827742007-03-13T18:28:00.000-04:002007-03-13T18:28:00.000-04:00Dave, Meta what? my content is indexed by google? ...Dave, Meta what? my content is indexed by google? Pray tell what do you mean? <BR/><BR/>And I *could* email you, but it depends on why? You trying to out me? ;-)Incognitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09692949516037191969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-42319337231027584732007-03-13T18:25:00.000-04:002007-03-13T18:25:00.000-04:00BCF? Did you cheat? :-)Google is really amazing. ...BCF? Did you cheat? :-)<BR/>Google is really amazing. Next quote, if I have one, I will have people promise not to google, scout's honor.<BR/><BR/>Unfortunately, people, misguidedly, believe that we have no moral obligation to be in Iraq. I beg to differ. I have argued this point in previous posts, but do we just stand by and watch a bully beat the daylights out of someone and do nothing because it's none of our business? I don't think that way. I realize people need to stand up for themselves, but what if they can't? It's my moral duty to help those who need to be helped. Even at the risk of my own life.<BR/><BR/>And I would agree... we should have imposed some kind of martial law, but I think we were afraid of being viewed as invaders rather than benevolent liberators. So we have been tiptoing around rather than getting to the task at hand.<BR/>We made some major mistakes, including underestimating the tribal mentality and the tenacity of the insurgents. their jihad against democracy.<BR/><BR/>And I agree, as well, about the language issue. But logistically that would be difficult. I think they do pick up some phrases here and there, and for the most part, many do act as ambassadors. we never see that part in the media. I have a friend who was there and he had some lovely stories to tell. But I do agree, that there needs to be more diplomacy taught to our soldiers.Incognitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09692949516037191969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-70646438431361939792007-03-13T18:09:00.000-04:002007-03-13T18:09:00.000-04:00They say that had there been more support on the h...They say that had there been more support on the homefront for the Vietnam War, we could have won. Who knows. <BR/><BR/>And it is sad, BCF, because people don't realize how quickly the middle east will be radicalized, as soon as we pull all foreign troops out of that region. And from there, it will easilu spread out. <BR/><BR/>As for our german friend. I dare say he is a spammer, but I decided to leave it on for a while, because he had the tenacity to actually go through the whole word verification process. I wouldn't recommend anyone clicking on any of the links, however.<BR/><BR/>I thought the WV process would deter spam. Guess not.Incognitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09692949516037191969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-72523614847248163052007-03-13T14:40:00.000-04:002007-03-13T14:40:00.000-04:00Hey Incog...I have a blogger question that I wante...Hey Incog...I have a blogger question that I wanted to ask you about META tags, since I see the content of your blog is indexed by google. Can you email me?Dave Gormanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09644412333646768556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-39275113926258572522007-03-13T12:40:00.000-04:002007-03-13T12:40:00.000-04:00You know, I did think of googling the answer; howe...You know, I did think of googling the answer; however, it just felt like cheating. <BR/><BR/>I have a comment and an observation or two. When we went into both world wars, it was understood by most of America that we had a moral obligation to be there. Most Americans would deny that with this war.<BR/><BR/>Two big mistakes we made:<BR/><BR/>1. We didn't immediately impose a maritial LAW upon entering the country and so there was no law. While we celebrated the toppling of the statue of Saddam...we shouldn't have let the Iraqis do that. We should have shot vandals and looters on site in the first couple of days. The law would have been established early and wouldn't have been five years of catch up.<BR/><BR/>2. All of our soldiers should learn arabic. Even now it should be mandatory. I lived for two years in Italy. I learned the language quickly and therefore I quickly loved the country and the people. Our military has no vested interest in Iraq. They see it as a job they can clock out of. If they spoke the language and could communicate first hand with the citizens there would be a much deeper sense of obligation. Not to mention the Iraqis would hear our input and commitment directly from us not through a translator. Using a translator by definition adds distance from the people.<BR/><BR/>We shouldn't cut and run, and we can certainly do much more on the most fundamental levels to make our military function as 100,000 embassadors on the ground.Papa Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12553592541103800402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-80322343662729913672007-03-13T12:38:00.000-04:002007-03-13T12:38:00.000-04:00Ya Ya bitte but what the heck u talkin bout Willis...Ya Ya bitte but what the heck u talkin bout Willis???Blazingcatfurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05260488914265052543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34133856.post-8185510869876524252007-03-13T11:15:00.000-04:002007-03-13T11:15:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com