quote:

---

It reminds me that there is nothing more convincing than "the song of the soul set free." While good preaching and teaching is of great value, the testimony of a person delivered from the consequences of a life without God is more compelling. Just as cynicism and mistrust prevent many from accepting America's account of current events, the joy of the redeemed can be the most powerful apologetic.

---

quote:

---

We tell the Iraqi people: Rejoice after Saddam Hussein is gone, despite the fact that we know very well, and they know as well, that from now on they will be under a US wing that is ever in the ascendant. El Khabar -Algeria

Can the destruction of Saddam Hussein's statue... give international legitimacy to a war whose beginning was not clean? Yes, we Arabs deserve what is happening to us... but this is too much for us. Al-Jamahiriyah – Libya

It is wrong for the US to use its military muscle and hardware, which was designed for its counterparts in military power, against a small country like Iraq. Al-Quds - Palestinian

This loathsome war against Iraq is a war in which more bombs and weapons of destruction have been used than before in the history of mankind. It is a war against the Arabs. It is first a war against Arab honour and second a war to change the geographical map of the Arab nation. Al-Arab al-Alamiyah - London

The aggression against Iraq is a violation of international legitimacy and a serious threat to Arab national security. Al-Thawrah - Syria

The hidden agenda of the aggressors against Iraq - as well as the deception of the world community with empty slogans calling for the liberation of Iraq, the dissemination of democracy and subsequent reconstruction - has begun to unravel. Al-Wafd - Egypt

Baghdad fell yesterday to the hands of the new Tartars just as it fell to Hulaku [Khan] in 1258 [AD]. This momentous event will have great ramifications for the whole region. Free people should not go to sleep while there is inequity or accept occupation. Al-Watan - Oman

The USA has declared war on Islam. The USA has perpetrated the worst terrorist crimes against Muslims in Iraq and Palestine. Al-Watan – Qatar

---

quote:

---

It only took us a few weeks to destroy Sadam Hussein’s regime. But the Iraqis have earned honor for the liberation of their people over the last three decades in which thousands and thousands of Iraqis have sacrificed their lives for freedom from Saddam Hussein and his regime. As Iraqi people struggle with the tension between relief that Sadam Hussein is gone and humiliation at being invaded by America, we can help by treating them with honor. We can share their grief and express our gratitude toward them for the sacrifices many of them have made for freedom, if for no other reason than our growing awareness of the effects the security of their nation can have on our own. Empowering people with the dignity they deserve rather than with weapons whenever doing so suits our interests is a defense against terrorism that should be taken seriously.

---

I'm both befuddled and somewhat offended by the tone that you have taken here, Electra.

Befuddled because you concede that we should be concerned that the security of Iraq affects our own national security, yet in the same breath you decry that we have chosen to act on that concern.

Befuddled because you demand that we "empower" the Iraqi people, but decry the fact that we are in the process of doing it.

Offended at your implication that those who have been in favor of using military force in this endeavor, and are now rejoicing at the sight of renewed Iraqi freedom, are somehow less interested than you are in "treating [the Iraqi people] with honor."



Brett

"Siste viator et memento mori."

quote:

---

Electra said:

quote:

---

It only took us a few weeks to destroy Sadam Hussein’s regime. But the Iraqis have earned honor for the liberation of their people over the last three decades in which thousands and thousands of Iraqis have sacrificed their lives for freedom from Saddam Hussein and his regime. As Iraqi people struggle with the tension between relief that Sadam Hussein is gone and humiliation at being invaded by America, we can help by treating them with honor. We can share their grief and express our gratitude toward them for the sacrifices many of them have made for freedom, if for no other reason than our growing awareness of the effects the security of their nation can have on our own. Empowering people with the dignity they deserve rather than with weapons whenever doing so suits our interests is a defense against terrorism that should be taken seriously.

---

I'm both befuddled and somewhat offended by the tone that you have taken here, Electra.

Befuddled because you concede that we should be concerned that the security of Iraq affects our own national security, yet in the same breath you decry that we have chosen to act on that concern.

Befuddled because you demand that we "empower" the Iraqi people, but decry the fact that we are in the process of doing it.

Offended at your implication that those who have been in favor of using military force in this endeavor, and are now rejoicing at the sight of renewed Iraqi freedom, are somehow less interested than you are in "treating [the Iraqi people] with honor."



Brett

---

I’m surprised that my statements above are causing offense. That was not my intention. I am honestly trying to be conciliatory. Whatever. Though I have argued against invasion as the most effective means of creating security, I have never denied that our own security is wrapped up with the security of the Iraqi people. The fact that I have argued against invasion is not the same as accusing you or anyone else of not caring about the suffering of Iraqi people. Since I trust that our motives behind invading Iraq were about liberating the people from Saddam Hussein (I have been accused many times of suspecting oil was the real motive, but I have never argued this), I assumed that suggestions of further ways we can empower Iraqis now that Hussein’s regime is defeated would be welcomed. What is offensive about honoring them for their suffering and struggle for freedom? I suggested this not because I assume it had not occurred to you or anyone else, but rather because I assume you care.

Love in action is a harsh and dreadful thing. ~ Dostoevsky

quote:

---

I assumed that suggestions of further ways we can empower Iraqis now that Hussein’s regime is defeated would be welcomed. What is offensive about honoring them for their suffering and struggle for freedom?

---

quote:

---

"...the humilation of being invaded by America?" What a bunch of cr-p?! Where do you get such clueless statements?

and

You really need to get out more...

---

honordaddy,

Listen. You can disagree without the pejorative remarks or do you know how to do that? It's been how long? EVERYONE here knows you have a problem with this.

Go let some steam off some other way. Hit a punching bag or kick a dog or sum'n, but geeze...ugh...note the way Brett disagreed to the SAME quote. Learn from the Master.

Brandon
"Mommy, I know now that the terms, 'I'll knock yo' teeth down yo' throat!' meant you'd love me in the special way you do everyday of my life."--Darwin Hobbs
www.darwinhobbs.com

quote:

---

Again, I am not offended by your notion that we should "honor [the Iraqi people] for their suffering and struggle for freedom."

I am offended that you continue to suggest it.

---