Lest we forget: USA aggression

Subject: RE: Lest we forget: USA aggression
From: GUEST,Captain America
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 03:05 PM

Arne,

You did not say endemic, but you rattled off a list of problems and insinuated that they are as universal in the U.S. as in other nations. Furthermore, your statement about men of God in the U.S. was presented in a manner that gave only a negative viewpoint. As for your other so-called "actual points," they are also so stereotypical that I am not sure that you had any legitimate points to make. And you sure as hell don't seem too anxious to address my "actual point" that the immigration influx to the U.S. speaks for itself in terms of the vast comparative benefits of this nation. They would love you as a contestant on The Weakest Link.

Subject: RE: Lest we forget: USA aggression
From: Troll
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 03:31 PM

Brian. Re: missle defense system. I'd be in favor of it if I thought it would work. As it is, I don't believe it will work in its present configuration and the money to MAKE it work could be used on other, more effective means of missile defense.
For a real good take on how we got saddled with "Star Wars", read the book "Junk Science."

troll

Subject: RE: Lest we forget: USA aggression
From: Kim C
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 03:37 PM

I just read at abcnews.com that the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt is "headed east" and that a group of about 2100 Marines is scheduled to leave North Carolina on Thursday.

Subject: RE: Lest we forget: USA aggression
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 06:01 PM

Just a note about the Marines. 2100 is about a Battalion Landing Team (BLT). They are on permanent duty in the Caribbean and the Mediteranean, and have been, for at least 50 years (my age and stuff lends credence to this). So that doesn't mean a lot.

The second thing is that we still don't know who perpetrated this atrocity. The only peole to take credit for it are the Japanese Ultra Right Wing "Red Army Group." So I am not so convinced that bin Ladin did this. I'm fairly sure he doesn't care about it, probably wishes he did do it, but I would look at Iraq before I'd look at anyone else.

The third thing I've learned is no one gets involved in a war without some form of financial gain. It is always about money. So who stands to make a buck on this? Lots of folks.

Yes lots of people have done something, or nothing, and things have happened that were less than pleasant. But I really struggle with the concept that since my family didn't directly kill someone doesn't make them culpable. In Viet Nam, or I should say on my return home, I always tried to remind those who thought me a savage killer that I pulled the trigger but it was their tax dollar that purchased it. In the criminal world it is akin to hiring an assasin (we've had that discussion before).

I would encourage everyone to set just a little lower on their horse and continue to assist the world in becoming a bit saner space in time. Arlo Guthries Mom is correct about the world.

And last but not least a numerical correction. It was mentioned that the WTC death tole would exceed those killed in Viet Nam. We lost nearly 60,000 in that little fracas and last I looked we weren't that high on the count here. And I mean no denigration of those who were lost in the WTC. I grieve in my own way for all of those who die in government's name. CarolC is correct on that one.

Think I'll stop now
Peace - Steve

Subject: RE: Lest we forget: USA aggression
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 20 Sep 01 - 05:28 AM

Troll. Thanks for that. I am old enough to remember 'Star Wars' and always did think it a 'pie in the sky' concept (excuse the pun). I thought it had been discredited (correctly so), and dropped years ago. I was amazed when it reared it's ludicrous head again (new name, same idea). What amazes me even more is the short time span in which they reckon they could have it in place. Speaking as an engineer, I have a fair idea of how long it takes to develope even a fairly simple system. To get the MDS in place so quickly would indicate to me that the research work (and consequently the US government spending) has never stopped. Of course I have no proof, so am only speculating, but how many of us (in any country) have any real idea what our governments are up to, and consequently what we, as tax payers, are paying for.

It saddens me to think what I may be paying for without my knowledge. My guess is, that one way or another, we all have a share in every atrocity that is carried out in the world.

Brian

Subject: RE: Lest we forget: USA aggression
From: Kim C
Date: 20 Sep 01 - 10:32 AM

Steve, I think in the beginning, it was estimated that about 50,000 or so people worked in the WTC; but they weren't all there at the time the planes hit. Someone explained to me how the commuter system works in NY - everyone can't go in at the same time, so there were still people on their way to work at 9:00, 9:30. If they HAD all been there, the numbers would have been much higher.

And like Will Rogers, all I know is what I read in the papers. :-)