• Got the Contributing Memberships stuff finally worked out and made up a thread as a sort of "How-To" to help people figure out how to participate. So if you need help figuring it out, here's the thread you need to take a look at -> http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3581 Thank you, everyone! Rich Z.

Here's A Good Topic For Ray's Ranting Room

als2052

Road Trip!
1. Why are we in Iran?

2. Why are we in Afghanistan?

3. Why are we getting ready to do same in Iran?

4. What did we accomplish in Vietman?

5. What are we doing in Pakistan?

6. Why are we not taking care of ouselves first?

Everyone's .02 welcomed...
 
OK this ought to help stir the poo very effectively.

Are any of the above causing/helping to cause: 1) unemployment, 2)high fuel prices (or are the reigning republicans simply making lots of money too), 3) the credit card crunch, 4) the disheveled housing market and oh heck where does one start the list?

Another thought. Regardless of what you think of the last adminstration, that politician left office with a balanced budget. Strange concept, you can't spend more then you take in and now your great, great, great grand children would still be paying the present debt even if every penny going over there stopped right now

The sobering thought is that no one on the horizon is worth a poo to fix/change the situation which, strangly enough, seems to be getting worse.
 
Been asking myself the same questions?

Our initial objected (stated) was to find OBL and his Al Queida mafia and put them out of business. Actually, numbnuts actually stated he was going to "end terrorism"....right:rolleyes: Good luck on that one.

Our goals have been so blurred over the past 6 years, that I'm not really sure what the hell we're trying to accomplish?

Peace in the Middle East? - Ain't gonna happen. Never has and never will. Philosophical and religious differences will prevent this from happening.

Stopping Terrorism? - Ain't gonna happen! If you can stop terror, you can end crime. Neither can truly be accomplished. You can route it, slow it down and defer it, but you can't STOP it:(

Install (Enforce) Democracy? - Again, good luck. The effort to install a free and democratic society is gaining momentum or failing miserably, dependant upon whom you speak with and what you hear or read.

Military websites, journals, blogs, radio, political administration officials and supporters and some who are benefitting in one way or another from the mess, et al indicate we're "winning."

NPR type facilities, the yellow press, anti- bush folks and the like say we're failing.

I tend to listen to both side, look as many facts and facets as possible, and form my own conclusions. Those of us that are more open minded, have no financial or personal interest in the matter, seem to see things for what they are, not what we want them to be.

My conclusion in that regard is, we're treading water. Sure we're making some headway, but unfortunately, within 5-10 years of the final troop withdrawl (unless a presence is maintained in the area by NATO or coalition forces-which means we're still in conflict), the region will be right back where it was or worse:( Unless they (the indigenous people or the various regions) are willing, able and equipped to defend themselves, the "bullies" will just come back when the "good guys" are gone.

One report yesterday from a local Iraqi, stated they (locals) were busy trying to stay alive, avoid suicide bombers, attacks, snipers, kidnappings, etc., and blamed the US for thier problem. It's sort of like this. Even under a bad regieme, at least you know who the players are and where you stand:thumbsup:

I have friends serving and working in Iraq, Afghanistan, and "other areas" of the Middle East. To them, I wish them God's speed and a safe return.

To the administration, I wish they'd hurry up and get the hell out so we can try something else!:mad:

Like KAP said, there's really not much running thats worth a tinkers dam, but if they can put an end to this nonsense and maybe the IRS at the same time, Hell! I'd even vote for Billery:thumbsup::lmao:
Oh well, there's my buck 2-50 worth.
 
JMHO...I'll be brief.

Iraq...
This war was started back in the day of papa Bush and we had the support of many many other Nations. This war was prematurely ended because a lot of the supporting Nations as well as others felt it was the right thing to do.
If we had finished the war then, we may not have Had to return with Bush Jr.
.............................
Clinton's Administration allowed Iraq to break a lot of the Resolutions of the Treaty that was agreed to by Iraq. Subsequently NOTHING was done to Saddam or his Regime to keep them in check or to enforce these Resolutions. All the while, the atrocities Saddam and his Regime continued to inflict on his people kept getting worse every day.

So, Although our economy was doing well under his leadership, Clinton's Look the other way and Let's talk and talk and talk Philosophy allowed this and other Global issues to get out of hand, where as someone was going to have to clean up the mess (Global Issues) eventually.
..............................
WAR and BLURRED GOALS:
You Can't fight a war where the media has the access it has.

NTM we Americans should NEVER have entered this war or EVER again enter a War, Where its Policy or its path and or outcome is dictated to us by International opinion or influences (NATO). It's like fighting with one hand tied behind your back. Talk about Indecision!!!:willy_nilly:

But honestly...what were we supposed to do sit idly by while Saddam butchered his people, became more powerful etc. etc? sounds like a Hitler to me.
................................

Vietnam:
What did we accomplish?...We showed the world what a Cluster Phuck Really looks like!:rolleyes:
NTM.. we gave the Russians a show (Comedy/Drama) as we let the Russians fight us Vicariously thru the Vietnamese by supplying them with weapons etc. during the Cold War.

IMO...There was NO international threat, and we had absolutely Nothing to gain from it, thus we should not have been there in a Military Capacity.

We had our Civil War let them have theirs...who are we to stop them?

JAN... I Have nothing but Respect for our Troops both past and present. So if I sounded disrespectful in any way (toward the troops) it was unintentional, and I'm sorry. My problem is with our leadership then and Now.

Again, This is just My Humble Opinion and I kept it as brief as possible.
 
Yep, there's more.

3. Why are we getting ready to do same in Iran?
6. Why are we not taking care of ourselves first?

Iran:
You don't think they're a threat or have been a threat to us or our Allies abroad?
I say we should let some other Country take the lead on Iran and we should sit on the sidelines. Is that a Reality:rolleyes:?.. I don't think so.
........................
Why are we not taking care of Ourselves first?:

That is a question I ask frequently as well!!!
I have a few Ideas as to why we're Not, but it's hard for me to try to convey my view without writing a book on the subject!:hehehe:
 
Just out of curiosity, if China thought our country was being run badly or not in their best interests and they sent troops HERE, how would WE feel about that situation? Based on the huge growing trade deficit between the USA and them, they might actually have a justifiable reason for doing just exactly that......
 
Iran:
You don't think they're a threat or have been a threat to us or our Allies abroad?
I say we should let some other Country take the lead on Iran and we should sit on the sidelines. Is that a Reality?.. I don't think so.

Sure they're a threat to both; however, it's time the neighboring nations and citizens of theier own country take a postitive and premptive role...first:thumbsup:

Basically, the Saudi's have "allowed" us (the US) to "use" thier bases for premptive strikes, air mobility and superiority. That said, they used to place caveats on our use pretty regularly. As well, they and others (Kuwait, etc) usually take a secondary (or further back) role in the battles that concern them and let us (the US) and NATO do the dirty work:(

I had the pleasure/honor to sit with 2 military vets today at lunch. They both seemed to agree that this thing will not end well (because we had no real strategy to get out going in) and unless the indigs are willing to put up or shut up, the place will fall again in a year (+/-).

One of them made an intersting observation regarding Desert Storm and the reason we didn't push further into Iraq. Daddy Bush knew that, "if we brake it we've own it."

Jr. Hadn't figured that one when the crapola hit the wind machine, thus, we broke it, and now, we own it.

Troop pull out? Not gonna happen:NoNo: We'll always have bases/a presence in the region:(

At least Billy left office with a smile on his face and a balanced budget:thumbsup::lmao:
 
Sure they're a threat to both; however, it's time the neighboring nations and citizens of theier own country take a postitive and premptive role...first:thumbsup
That's what I'd like to see, but without an outside influence Nothing Short of a Civil War is going to fix their issues. And I'm not even sure that'll help.

NTM which neighboring Countries are you suggesting lead this Positive and Premptive role?...They're all into their own agendas and/or are too scared to do anything without Our Help.. IMO.

As well, they and others (Kuwait, etc) usually take a secondary (or further back) role in the battles that concern them and let us (the US) and NATO do the dirty work:(

Nothing new there.
That's the biotch about being a Super power.

One of them made an intersting observation regarding Desert Storm and the reason we didn't push further into Iraq. Daddy Bush knew that, "if we brake it we've own it."
Jr. Hadn't figured that one when the crapola hit the wind machine, thus, we broke it, and now, we own it.

Hell, I knew that!
Like I said earlier, If we had done it right the first time, when we had EVERYONE'S blessing, then EVERYONE would "own It"...Not just us and a few others.
Come on now...Why should we have trusted Saddam to abide by the resolutions after the first war? Hell, he was breaking the rules long before the first war to the point of Sanctions being applied, and Even then he broke the rules and undermined NATO.:willy_nilly:

Troop pull out? Not gonna happen:NoNo: We'll always have bases/a presence in the region:(

It's been that way since WWII with the exception of Vietnam I do believe.

At least Billy left office with a smile on his face and a balanced budget:thumbsup::lmao:

:rolleyes:
At what cost.. 911?!!!
Sure the budget was balancing out, but while he was Busy balancing the budget, and with Monica on his brain :hehehe:, America got Complacent and Terrorists were scheming away...
Long before Bush Jr's. term in office I might add. Then what..9 months after Bush became President 911 happened, followed shortly thereafter with war with Iraq and Ka Blammm...the Budget is in the toilet AGAIN!:toetap05:

That being said...Who's to blame for our current situation with Iraq and the Budget????:toetap05:


JAN...I DON'T agree with everything Bush Jr. has done, but I do believe Saddam needed to be replaced LONG before his Presidency. So It fell into the lap of Bush Jr and he put his foot down.:bash:

Clinton damn sure wasn't going to do anything...He had a distraction!:hehehe:
It's a shame though...How many that were murdered over there, during his term that is:nonod:.
 
Doesn't anyone remember Clinton GUTTING the military while he was in office? I remember stories of all kinds of military bases being closed down. He was a VERY anti-military president. How do you think that appeared to the rest of the world? Anyone think maybe someone would try to take advantage of that?

I'm surprised we haven't been more overtly attacked recently. With our military forces spread so thinly across the world, there really isn't much force here on our own shores to do much. Heck, if the jokers in Washington succeed in disarming the citizenry of the USA, we'll be sitting ducks.....
 
Thats not just the Clinton administration. Even this administration has neutered the military while at war:( Base closings, cutbacks, lengthened deployments.....the list goes on......:(

We really need a change. I just don't see much on the horizon, but who knows?

You boys battle this one out amonsg yourselves. I'm going to go have a beer:icon_cheers:
 
Seriously, would anyone in a position of REAL power allow themselves to be voted out of office? :crazy03:
 
Thats not just the Clinton administration. Even this administration has neutered the military while at war:( Base closings, cutbacks, lengthened deployments.....the list goes on......:(

We really need a change. I just don't see much on the horizon, but who knows?

You boys battle this one out amonsg yourselves. I'm going to go have a beer:icon_cheers:

I'm with you Gordon:beatdeadhorse5:
 
I hate discussing politics, but I didn't vote for Reagan, Bush1:reddevil: or Bush2.
I believe Busch1 started the mess we are in now as a result of Busch 1 failures. I also believe 911 was a result of his blundering ( Busch1). Busch 2 doesn't know how to get it finished, but some cronies are lining their pockets. As for Reagan, selling weapons to Iran to aid Contras ... I know this isn't as bad as playing head games under a desk.
 
I hate discussing politics, but I didn't vote for Reagan, Bush1:reddevil: or Bush2.
I believe Busch1 started the mess we are in now as a result of Busch 1 failures. I also believe 911 was a result of his blundering ( Busch1). Busch 2 doesn't know how to get it finished, but some cronies are lining their pockets. As for Reagan, selling weapons to Iran to aid Contras ... I know this isn't as bad as playing head games under a desk.

Its the one topic where everyone has an opinion...;)
 
My dear old daddy always said not to talk politics nor religion. And opinions are just like assholes, everyone has one. Did Hussien need to be removed?
yes. Do we need to fight terror over there? yes
Did Clinton balance the budget by cutting spending, military, SS, and medicially? yes
Did Clinton have offered the head of Bin Ladin on a silver plate? yes
Has this country not been attacked from middle east terrorist for years? yes
So what is the answer, I DO KNOW, but if one or all of you do, then run for the presdency and straighten this out.
 
My dear old daddy always said not to talk politics nor religion.

Your daddy was right:thumbsup:

And opinions are just like assholes, everyone has one.

Right again:thumbsup:

Did Hussien need to be removed?
yes.

:thumbsup: But....there's always a "but" to go with that opinion;)...we needed an exit strategy and "plan" for installing a new central government. That we didn't really have:(

Do we need to fight terror over there? yes

Not really. we're not "fighting terror" over there, remember? We're there trying to install Democracy and a free government to the people of Iraq;) At least that's what we're being sold.

If we wanted to fight "terror", we'd be in Syria, Iran, Yemen, et al and focus the bulk of our military operations, manpower and equipment on finding Osama:thumbsup:


Did Clinton balance the budget by cutting spending, military, SS, and medicially? yes

remember, the cutbacks started long before Clinton and continue under Bush Jr. We can't blame this mess on one president or one party.

Did Clinton have offered the head of Bin Ladin on a silver plate? yes

He screwed the pooch on that one, but again, different time, different place in history. If you'll recall, we once SUPPORTED the Iraqi government. When people mention Iraq having "weapons of mass destruction", they're right! We gave them to them, trained them and allowed them the use:rolleyes:

Has this country not been attacked from middle east terrorist for years?
yes

Yes, and you can thank intelligence sources, law enforcement and the like for the lack of activity. Once we got our heads out of our collective asses and began (to a degree) exchanging information, reviewing intel, and talking to each other, there were several terrorist plots foiled both here and abroad. The agencies responsible for these catches? FBI, CIA, Secret Service, ICE...to name a few.

So what is the answer, I DO KNOW, but if one or all of you do, then run for the presdency and straighten this out.

No thanks, doesn't pay enough!:thumbsdown::lmao:

Now...where did I put that beer?????
 
1. Why are we in Iran?

2. Why are we in Afghanistan?

3. Why are we getting ready to do same in Iran?

4. What did we accomplish in Vietman?

5. What are we doing in Pakistan?

6. Why are we not taking care of ouselves first?



All I can say is AMEN MY BROTHER! :nonod:
 
Thats not just the Clinton administration. Even this administration has neutered the military while at war:( Base closings, cutbacks, lengthened deployments.....the list goes on......:(

Base closings?... Which ones were closed under THIS admin?

Cut backs actually bagan back in the Regan Administration. He started an Early Out program for people who weren't planning on staying in the military.

As far as Lenghtened deployments, that's not uncommon during war time.
 
My .02

NEVER FORGET.......NEVER SURRENDER. No matter who is in office, whether we approve or not, we need to be united as a Nation for our troops. The bickering back and forth between the "parties" is for the birds. There are things about each administration that I don't agree with......but I refuse to pin one thing on just one administration, I for one know that I couldn't have done the job any better than the past 8 Presidents we've had in office. Again, just my .02
 

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I agree to a point.

My dear old daddy always said not to talk politics nor religion.

I actually teach my kids this golden rule, as it could potentially ruin friendships etc.

That being said...Because we don't openly talk about such things, the Government does what it wants.
Seems like a lot of Americans just don't want to be bothered with it (Politics) and just want to live in a fantasy world where things are going to work themselves out:rolleyes:.

What Has become acceptable is.. The Media, TV Personalities, Musicians and Politicians are allowed to publicly talk about Politics and we the people should only discuss it within the confines of our own home.:nonod:
So what happens is, the ONLY outside opinions we get are from the above mentioned and they usually aren't unbiased opinions, because they have their own agenda.

Talking leads to knowledge... Knowledge leads to power.
:D
 
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