Yes. It is currently unworkable just like the other 1007 plans for the middle east. A legitimate peace agreement cannot be reached, at a minimum, until Araphat is gone.

Why is this a Story?
 

It isn't fair, but that's not really what I'm doing.

Remember also that the role of the NG in the 1960's - 1980s wasn't like the role of the NG now in Iraq. The post-Cold War restructuring of our military has greatly increased the role/active service/pressure on the Reserve and the NG.

The focus of my opprobrium is not the Guard itself, but those individuals who, when faced with the risk of being called to serve our nation in war (a) jump into Guard units that are nearly 100% certain not to deploy into harm's way (e.g., Quayle and Bush), and (b) then come out the other side as conservative uber-patriots and all-around tough guys (e.g. the same). I find folks like Cheney -- who didn't even go into the Guard, but ended up in the same role afterwards -- somewhat worse.

To complete the list -- Bush's apparent failure as a young man to complete his NG obligation kicks him a few notches down that pole in my view, and Clinton's machinations in that regard were simply embarassing. Note that, in my view, military service is not required -- but standing up and being counted honestly in a critical time should be required. I have much more respect for those who demonstrated in the streets on the other side and/or took conscientious objector status than I do for the so-called "chickenhawks".

P.S. Part of it may also be the residuum of the unkind (and often unfair) attitude that active duty soldiers traditionally take towards the competence, toughness, etc. of the national Guardsmen (the old joke is that NG stands for "No Good").

S_A_M

Anti-Semitism
 

Peace will not occur in the Middle East until something is done about the anti-semitism rampant in the Arab world.

The majority of Arabs not only want to see the complete destruction of Israel, they want to see all jews everywhere dead. The problem in the Middle East isn't Israel; the problem is the virulent anti-semitism that is widespread in the Arab world.

Why is this a Story?
 

This was pretty good.

No, check that - this was very good.

Why is this a Story?
 

Let's look at the tape, shall we? [The contents of your screen have been modified to provide emphasis.]

I pointed out one occasion that was inarguably a photo op. Not the entire trip, but the ceremonial presentation of food that was not in fact food. For the cameras. I also noted that this is not all of what Bush does. The extrapolation from this that "Bush {currently} governs by photo op" is yours, not mine. I pointed out an occasion on which it occurred, and thanked the media for pointing out what in particular was fake about it, because doing so stops photo ops from subsuming the entire role of the presidency. Is the media overstepping bounds by saying "The following things about the photograph you see are not real"?

Why is this a Story?
 

You're right. You didn't say that at all. Hank frequently, and Bilmore sometimes, reflexively respond to what they _think_ you must have said, because it is post by Tyrone.

S_A_M

Why is this a Story?
 

Perhaps, but i read it differently. My post you now quote was a defense from a rabid attack; that I had turned the turkey story into some Nuremburg rally to celebrate the brave President Bush. Of course, I did need to respond, and provided the charecterization of your post that I did. My charecterization of your post? - collateral damage. In the end, you should blame the rabid, not the one bit. You guys control her, not me.

Why is this a Story?
 

Yes, completely. Ty said NOT that "the press isn't covering it - they should be all over the story" -- he was saying that the only interetsing part here is that it shows reporters getting PO'd (probably unfairly) at being handled by the Administration.

S_A_M

Why is this a Story?
 

I'm first to admit my education was second rate, but i do genrally understand thoughts put forth in simple declarative english. Was there some "white type" cloaking in Ty's post or something?

the Dean quotes from yesterday; on your computers is there like a George McGovern image winking at you while you read them? are you guys having us on?

Why is this a Story?
 

Fair enough, but I think military service as a prerequisite for being president is, since Clinton, losing its luster. And I would submit that it really won't be an issue going forward, though I understand your point regarding hypocricy.

Why is this a Story?
 

Fuck off. I was busy doing shit besides hanging out on the board. And if you look, I bitched at Atticus (but not as much because it was last night, not this morning, and I was in a more pleasant mood last night) and SAM as well as at club (I think it was him) and Hank.

so you can suck my left one, asshole.

Why is this a Story?
 

Wait, don't you have multiple left ones (assuming you are a cuddly girl kitten)? THis also is not a nice sentiment, sweetie. THe offer is fine, but the delivery is a bit terse.

Why is this a Turkey?
 

I haven't read the news today, but what is all this about Bush and a fake turkey? By the way, can you spot the fake turkey?

http://www.ryanjschofield.com/mt/arc...faketurkey.jpg

Why is this a Story?
 

I have decided that the niceness does not extend to posters whose posts I abhor. Particularly when such posters accuse me of things I haven't done in a snarky condescending way.

Why is this a Story?
 

"Haven't done"? As in, you haven't been decrying conservative rants and agreeing with liberal rants? You haven't been decrying tone when what is really bothering you is content? Bullshit.

This is what a politics board is. You need to find a board on which everyone takes turn praising each other's candidates and exchanging bread recipes. I'm not sure this here is good for your emotional health.