Comments on: George Bush’s World Famous Wild West Show http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/ bad news from around the world + tales of redemption. Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:12:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: msh441 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19478 msh441 Sat, 14 Jul 2007 10:17:44 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19478 [quote comment="19379"]...ultimately it doesn't matter. No one in the US sees these things, and they dont want to. Unless the media runs these stories on the front page of every major newspaper, anyone who chooses to can ignore the realities of the American presence in Iraq. [/quote] No offense intended, but at best, these sentiments (though understandable) are naive generalizations: Though it's true that anyone who chooses can hide their head in the sand... proof of the horrific results of war are readily apparent every day. The evidence is overwhelming that Iraq is a cluster-f@$k and the majority of the US public wants to see us out of there (56-60% depending what poll you read on any given day). Bush's approval rating is one of the lowest in history (32-34%... hell, he's barely ever had over 50% during his elections!) second only to the only president to be impeached (Nixon held 29% at his lowest point). Both the House and Senate have made efforts towards some legislation to get the US out of Iraq. Even when sucessful however, they are sure to be vetoed on the President's desk. On the other side of the coin, those who choose to seek out these horrors have the simplest task of all. If the news networks, papers or weekly publications aren't enough, just turn off your Google filter and search "iraq war" images. Just be sure and skip lunch beforehand. The old idea that one person can make a difference seems to unfortunately given way to apathy and cynisim (under these circumstances, how could it not?). Whether this war was "enginered" or not may be debatable... but now that the machine is in motion, there seemes to be only one person at the wheel... and it appears he's dead set on "staying the course". Quoting xarcadia:

…ultimately it doesn’t matter. No one in the US sees these things, and they dont want to. Unless the media runs these stories on the front page of every major newspaper, anyone who chooses to can ignore the realities of the American presence in Iraq.

No offense intended, but at best, these sentiments (though understandable) are naive generalizations:

Though it’s true that anyone who chooses can hide their head in the sand… proof of the horrific results of war are readily apparent every day. The evidence is overwhelming that Iraq is a cluster-f@$k and the majority of the US public wants to see us out of there (56-60% depending what poll you read on any given day). Bush’s approval rating is one of the lowest in history (32-34%… hell, he’s barely ever had over 50% during his elections!) second only to the only president to be impeached (Nixon held 29% at his lowest point). Both the House and Senate have made efforts towards some legislation to get the US out of Iraq. Even when sucessful however, they are sure to be vetoed on the President’s desk.

On the other side of the coin, those who choose to seek out these horrors have the simplest task of all. If the news networks, papers or weekly publications aren’t enough, just turn off your Google filter and search “iraq war” images. Just be sure and skip lunch beforehand.

The old idea that one person can make a difference seems to unfortunately given way to apathy and cynisim (under these circumstances, how could it not?). Whether this war was “enginered” or not may be debatable… but now that the machine is in motion, there seemes to be only one person at the wheel… and it appears he’s dead set on “staying the course”.

]]> By: kanji http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19462 kanji Sat, 14 Jul 2007 05:23:18 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19462 After reading up on that article....I have to say that sounds rather awful.. though you have to realize and understand the conditions over there. It sounds like urban fighting, and while innocents do get harmed it is due to the fact that the people attacking them are not wearing colours..they are using guerrilla and terrorist tactics so if your in the armed forces you want to stay alive. Not trying to make an excuse for whats going on because some of that is truly horrible, but look at it from the full perspective. If someone starts shooting at your convoy with an AK 47, it doesnt matter how old he is...you and others lives are at risk, you need to return fire. I mean, some of that can be explained I'm sure but some of that is horrific.... After reading up on that article….I have to say that sounds rather awful.. though you have to realize and understand the conditions over there. It sounds like urban fighting, and while innocents do get harmed it is due to the fact that the people attacking them are not wearing colours..they are using guerrilla and terrorist tactics so if your in the armed forces you want to stay alive. Not trying to make an excuse for whats going on because some of that is truly horrible, but look at it from the full perspective. If someone starts shooting at your convoy with an AK 47, it doesnt matter how old he is…you and others lives are at risk, you need to return fire. I mean, some of that can be explained I’m sure but some of that is horrific….

]]> By: kanji http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19461 kanji Sat, 14 Jul 2007 04:59:31 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19461 I direct any and all of you that believe the war was "manufactured" to the very eye opening book Plan of Attack by Bob Woodward. He chronicles in great detail what was going on at the White House leading up to the invasion. If I remember correctly, Bush and his administration were acting on the best intelligence that they had; and that intel showed that Saddam had WMD's or there was a good chance of him having them as well as there was an established Al Qaeda - Iraq link. Looking back, obviously bad intel, but to go on and on spouting it as fact that Bush "deceived" or "misled" or as Matt so eloquently put it; "engineered" is quite absurd. No country or man or administration would be able to pull that off. I think its funny how on one hand; most of you have a very low opinion of George Bush and his intelligence; yet on the other hand, he has the ability to lie and deceive and manufacture a war. I just find that odd...... I direct any and all of you that believe the war was “manufactured” to the very eye opening book Plan of Attack by Bob Woodward. He chronicles in great detail what was going on at the White House leading up to the invasion. If I remember correctly, Bush and his administration were acting on the best intelligence that they had; and that intel showed that Saddam had WMD’s or there was a good chance of him having them as well as there was an established Al Qaeda - Iraq link. Looking back, obviously bad intel, but to go on and on spouting it as fact that Bush “deceived” or “misled” or as Matt so eloquently put it; “engineered” is quite absurd. No country or man or administration would be able to pull that off. I think its funny how on one hand; most of you have a very low opinion of George Bush and his intelligence; yet on the other hand, he has the ability to lie and deceive and manufacture a war. I just find that odd……

]]> By: coren http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19456 coren Sat, 14 Jul 2007 03:10:21 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19456 Is it bad enough in Iraq for the Americans/Brits to run away? Should perhaps they just barricade their bunkers and set up a base like Guantanamo? Is it bad enough in Iraq for the Americans/Brits to run away? Should perhaps they just barricade their bunkers and set up a base like Guantanamo?

]]> By: xarcadia http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19379 xarcadia Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:03:15 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19379 I had a lot of trouble keeping my breakfast down after reading this. I suppose I should have taken your advice and either not eaten first or waited till it settled. But ultimately it doesn't matter. No one in the US sees these things, and they dont want to. Unless the media runs these stories on the front page of every major newspaper, anyone who chooses to can ignore the realities of the American presence in Iraq. I think one of the most powerful statements in there (and all of them are enough to induce violent illness) was [quote post="1278"]“I just remember thinking, ‘I just brought terror to someone under the American flag’.”[/quote] We are the terrorists over there. And yet somehow it's ok. Because god damnit, we are bringing freedom to these people whether they want it or not. How appaling. I dont think the thesaurus has enough words to describe how truly disgusting this situation is. I had a lot of trouble keeping my breakfast down after reading this. I suppose I should have taken your advice and either not eaten first or waited till it settled. But ultimately it doesn’t matter. No one in the US sees these things, and they dont want to. Unless the media runs these stories on the front page of every major newspaper, anyone who chooses to can ignore the realities of the American presence in Iraq. I think one of the most powerful statements in there (and all of them are enough to induce violent illness) was

Quoting xarcadia:

“I just remember thinking, ‘I just brought terror to someone under the American flag’.”

We are the terrorists over there. And yet somehow it’s ok. Because god damnit, we are bringing freedom to these people whether they want it or not.

How appaling. I dont think the thesaurus has enough words to describe how truly disgusting this situation is.

]]> By: msh441 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19369 msh441 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 08:54:24 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19369 [quote comment="19334"]i'm sure bush will just veto it. such is the wonder of democracy.[/quote] He's already said that's his intention should it come across his desk. I fear there will be no movement towards a true exit strategy until the Cowboy is out of office. Reading between the quotes after commuting Libby's sentence, Bush pretty much acknowledged that he is aware his approval ratings have dropped through the floor. In responce he said it didn't matter at this point and he would do what he wants for the remainder of his presidency. So basiclly, the big "F-You" to us all for the next 18 months. Quoting proxy:

i’m sure bush will just veto it. such is the wonder of democracy.

He’s already said that’s his intention should it come across his desk.

I fear there will be no movement towards a true exit strategy until the Cowboy is out of office. Reading between the quotes after commuting Libby’s sentence, Bush pretty much acknowledged that he is aware his approval ratings have dropped through the floor. In responce he said it didn’t matter at this point and he would do what he wants for the remainder of his presidency. So basiclly, the big “F-You” to us all for the next 18 months.

]]> By: Willis http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19355 Willis Fri, 13 Jul 2007 04:31:01 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19355 [quote comment="19330"]The House approved US troop removal by spring. I'm sure once we go everyone else will follow[/quote] how likely will big brother give us the reality that is absoulate truth? Quoting billybadass:

The House approved US troop removal by spring. I’m sure once we go everyone else will follow

how likely will big brother give us the reality that is absoulate truth?

]]> By: proxy http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19334 proxy Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:05:22 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19334 damn it all and billibadass, i'm sure bush will just veto it. such is the wonder of democracy. damn it all

and billibadass, i’m sure bush will just veto it. such is the wonder of democracy.

]]> By: billybadass http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19330 billybadass Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:34:29 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19330 The House approved US troop removal by spring. I'm sure once we go everyone else will follow The House approved US troop removal by spring. I’m sure once we go everyone else will follow

]]> By: munroe http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19323 munroe Thu, 12 Jul 2007 23:30:30 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19323 Of course the linked headline on the linked article is ABC's and not mine. I offer it solely to identify another issue that is being ignored. http://tinyurl.com/yrvyxu Of course the linked headline on the linked article is ABC’s and not mine. I offer it solely to identify another issue that is being ignored.

http://tinyurl.com/yrvyxu

]]> By: munroe http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19321 munroe Thu, 12 Jul 2007 23:03:10 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19321 I don't disagree with any of the commentary above. There is yet another dimension to this that the future may bring. There is a large number of returning soldiers who have been "emotionally injured" by the conflict who will be taking their place in American society. For some, the war won't end. This is not to suggest the actions against Iraqis are any less horrendous. All I'm saying is that there are other consequences that "stay the course' flag-waving refuses to acknowledge. I don’t disagree with any of the commentary above. There is yet another dimension to this that the future may bring. There is a large number of returning soldiers who have been “emotionally injured” by the conflict who will be taking their place in American society. For some, the war won’t end. This is not to suggest the actions against Iraqis are any less horrendous. All I’m saying is that there are other consequences that “stay the course’ flag-waving refuses to acknowledge.

]]> By: Secret Asian Man http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19319 Secret Asian Man Thu, 12 Jul 2007 22:45:19 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19319 this is it, this is the end of compassion and the birth of genocide this is it, this is the end of compassion and the birth of genocide

]]> By: Jon Dehm http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19318 Jon Dehm Thu, 12 Jul 2007 22:35:50 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19318 [quote comment="19314"][quote comment="19310"]I really wish the U.S. media would show pictures of these atrocities. Not to be vulgar (I do not wish any disrespect to anyone alive or dead), but to show people what is really going on. Isn't that what started to change things during the Vietnam era? We see NOTHING on the news here. I wish some rich activist would buy up a channel and just run images 24/7 to show Americans what their tax dollars are paying for and the message that is being delivered in their name to countless innocent civilians.[/quote] I agree.[/quote] None of this ever makes the news. It god damn should. The only things regarding the US military I see on TV these days, are the advertisements to join the military. They make it seem so honourable and cool, like you're in a fucking video game or something. The reality is much different. Quoting walktherapy:

Quoting KBryce:

I really wish the U.S. media would show pictures of these atrocities. Not to be vulgar (I do not wish any disrespect to anyone alive or dead), but to show people what is really going on. Isn’t that what started to change things during the Vietnam era? We see NOTHING on the news here. I wish some rich activist would buy up a channel and just run images 24/7 to show Americans what their tax dollars are paying for and the message that is being delivered in their name to countless innocent civilians.

I agree.

None of this ever makes the news. It god damn should. The only things regarding the US military I see on TV these days, are the advertisements to join the military. They make it seem so honourable and cool, like you’re in a fucking video game or something. The reality is much different.

]]> By: arthmail http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19316 arthmail Thu, 12 Jul 2007 22:03:46 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19316 What's sad, is that as soon as these guys start talking, they are going to be astrasized. People like Bill O'Reilly will look at them, call them disgraces to their uniform, to their nation, perhaps even pull out the traitor card, and label them as idiots. He, meanwhile, is making a killing off of everything since 9/11. The truth of this war is going to, i believe, only slowly makes its way into popular American awareness and media. In the meantime, it will spread a great deal of hate throughout the ME. As Stephen Colbert would say, the right are good at Truthiness - meaning things that sound like truth, but are in fact false. What’s sad, is that as soon as these guys start talking, they are going to be astrasized. People like Bill O’Reilly will look at them, call them disgraces to their uniform, to their nation, perhaps even pull out the traitor card, and label them as idiots. He, meanwhile, is making a killing off of everything since 9/11.

The truth of this war is going to, i believe, only slowly makes its way into popular American awareness and media. In the meantime, it will spread a great deal of hate throughout the ME.

As Stephen Colbert would say, the right are good at Truthiness - meaning things that sound like truth, but are in fact false.

]]> By: Nadine Laturnus http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19315 Nadine Laturnus Thu, 12 Jul 2007 22:00:34 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19315 I can't imagine what the children see on a daily basis growing up there, that is if they are not injured or killed. Without hearing stories like these, to some it is out of sight, out of mind. What a selfish human thought. I can’t imagine what the children see on a daily basis growing up there, that is if they are not injured or killed. Without hearing stories like these, to some it is out of sight, out of mind. What a selfish human thought.

]]> By: walktherapy http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19314 walktherapy Thu, 12 Jul 2007 21:54:13 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19314 [quote comment="19310"]I really wish the U.S. media would show pictures of these atrocities. Not to be vulgar (I do not wish any disrespect to anyone alive or dead), but to show people what is really going on. Isn't that what started to change things during the Vietnam era? We see NOTHING on the news here. I wish some rich activist would buy up a channel and just run images 24/7 to show Americans what their tax dollars are paying for and the message that is being delivered in their name to countless innocent civilians.[/quote] I agree. Quoting KBryce:

I really wish the U.S. media would show pictures of these atrocities. Not to be vulgar (I do not wish any disrespect to anyone alive or dead), but to show people what is really going on. Isn’t that what started to change things during the Vietnam era? We see NOTHING on the news here. I wish some rich activist would buy up a channel and just run images 24/7 to show Americans what their tax dollars are paying for and the message that is being delivered in their name to countless innocent civilians.

I agree.

]]> By: KBryce http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19310 KBryce Thu, 12 Jul 2007 21:20:19 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19310 I really wish the U.S. media would show pictures of these atrocities. Not to be vulgar (I do not wish any disrespect to anyone alive or dead), but to show people what is really going on. Isn't that what started to change things during the Vietnam era? We see NOTHING on the news here. I wish some rich activist would buy up a channel and just run images 24/7 to show Americans what their tax dollars are paying for and the message that is being delivered in their name to countless innocent civilians. I really wish the U.S. media would show pictures of these atrocities. Not to be vulgar (I do not wish any disrespect to anyone alive or dead), but to show people what is really going on. Isn’t that what started to change things during the Vietnam era? We see NOTHING on the news here. I wish some rich activist would buy up a channel and just run images 24/7 to show Americans what their tax dollars are paying for and the message that is being delivered in their name to countless innocent civilians.

]]> By: TheCurmudgeon http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19304 TheCurmudgeon Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:53:55 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19304 I've been purposly avoiding reading about Bushes take on the so called "progress" in Iraq. I find it so hard to comprehend that any inteligent human being would buy any of it. I’ve been purposly avoiding reading about Bushes take on the so called “progress” in Iraq. I find it so hard to comprehend that any inteligent human being would buy any of it.

]]> By: Shane http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19302 Shane Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:36:51 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19302 I can't even begin to fathom what that must be like. I can’t even begin to fathom what that must be like.

]]> By: zackmitchell http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19301 zackmitchell Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:36:20 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/07/george-bushs-world-famous-wild-west-show/#comment-19301 Only killers call killing progress. Only killers call killing progress.

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