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But here's why I looked at this thread in the first place: Remember on a different thread where Larry said that world opinion was supporting Bush and his approach to Iraq and the 'war on terrorism'? Larry used the fairly weak examples of the elections of Sarko in France and Merkel in Germany (despite the elections in the UK, Spain and Italy that were clear comments on the issue.)

Well, here's another one: the people of Australia made a pretty decisive comment. "Howard humiliated as Liberals are Mauled" reads the Australian headlines. (In the Australian political parties, the "Liberal" party is most like the US Republican party) Howard was, along with the now-booted Blair, among the strongest supporters of Bush's policies. The winner in the election, Rudd, has promised to pull all Australian troops from Iraq in the next few months.

Where is world opinion?

tomdarch wrote:Man, you walked into this one:

I don't think so. War is an ugly thing, and attrocities always happen. Wrongs committed by a small minority of soldiers no more de-legitimize our efforts in Iraq than attrocities committed by U.S. troops against Germans and Japanese de-legitimized our efforts in World War II. In fact, in WWII we purposely targeted civilian populations and subjected them to fire bombing, even nuclear attack. We've never done anything remotely resembling that in Iraq.

And I never said world opinion supports Bush in any previous thread. I just pointed out that France and Germany had recently elected leaders that were much more friendly to America than those they replaced, and that there was no need for Krampus to hang his head in shame in front of the citizens of any country.

L K Day: I too am glad that I no longer serve, but the fact remains that I served. Have you dedicated any part of your life to protecting your fellow Americans? Have you enlisted to serve as a combat soldier in Iraq? Maybe you should consider doing your duty. If you believe in the cause then you can maybe save the life of one who does not share that belief and has no desire to be there. What do you say? Step up to the plate. Your local recruiter will cut a deal. I deliver this challenge to all who support the war. Put your money where your mouth is and demonstrate that you have what it takes to support your beliefs. To do any less is just being a lame poser.

Atl..retarded ATL.....we have been thru this..remember the arguments against either W or Clinton being President when neither had served in the military? Are you also saying that those who have not served should also not send our boys into battle? Because if you are, Obama, Edwards, and Clinton, along with Giuliani and Romney should bow out now...looks like McCain is left. You voting for him? If you don't you are only a lame poser.

BTW, age limits have also set in for many of us. If you don't know who LK Day is (hint: legend from the early days of the Red), then you might want to boot up on some history homework before high school graduation.

Peace out, as they say in Philly.

Atl - My only involvement with our military was as a civilian contractor, when I taught winter mountaineering for the U.S. Army Special Forces. I'm sure these guys went on to serve in the first Gulf War, Afghanistan, and possibly Iraq. A small contribution, I know, but they were the best students I ever had as mountain guide and climbing instructor.

Last year a friend of mine was home on leave from Iraq, and told me he was pretty sure I could still enlist. The first thing next morning I called my local recruiter who said I was in fact too old, by ten years. He said he'd been getting lots of calls like mine, from older guys who thought it wasn't fair that only the younger guys and gals were bearing the burden.

so you were young enough to serve during the first gulf war but didn't?

L K Day wrote:He said he'd been getting lots of calls like mine, from older guys who thought it wasn't fair that only the younger guys and gals were bearing the burden.

Some of old chickas got the same denial......

Pru - I'm not sure. The current age limit for enlistment has been moved up to 45 I think. During the first Gulf War I was just 40. Don't know what the age limit was then. But do you remember that one? It lasted about a week.

she meant me Mr. Day....(I think)..Pru, you are arguing up the wrong tree with me on this.I am not the one who said folks had to serve to have an opinion. That would put 99% of the posters hee, including you, out the door.

Piggy, you narcissistic bitch, I meant Larry.