I have many friends who are women. I have slept with none of them nor would I. Not because they are unattractive but because that kind of friendship is very different to me.
I think the problem goes well beyond the current administration. I wont give personal feelings but I will try to qualify that statement,
As I see it we have two extreems trying to gather power in the US. This has resulted in two extreem strategies to end or exit the war. Neither of these promote a smooth contiuum between warfare and politics. I feel as though the right exit strategy will include aspects of both. Therein lies the problem. We have shown ourselves to be incapable of political discussion without trying to belittle those who think differently.
As I post this reply I see that since we last discussed this there have been several people's comments moderated out. Wouldn't it be nice if we could do that to those we elected into office and start having real discussion without the bashing and name calling.
Make that 6 but I will have to be there via long distance.. Maybe I'll send my web cam but you'll have to promise to put the Yak on so I can see... I like Yaks..
The forces in and around Iraq are doing a great job. Been there, hope to never go back but of course I will if told to do so. I hope you get to go home and stay there soon. In the mean time all you can do is take care of yourself and those around you.
I don't believe there are many that do not respect the military but there are many that do not agree with this war. There's a big difference and most understand the difference between the war and the warrior.
Hey Smoky, Long time no see. Sorry if this offended in any way. We're just trying to have some fun, flirt, etc which may actualy lead to a date for one or more. If nothing else, we'll develop some friendships...
Well we all do crazy things once in awhile.. As long as everyone's having fun, all is well.. Heck, I know I have a warped sense of humor and I like me OK..
Good to see you still have a sense of humor. I hadn't even said anything yet about long posts (yet).. In all seriousness, I think many of these will be long just by the nature of the subject...
Regarding the vote issue. I see your point but I don't believe it's a decision to be made by anyone in the US. I would think the Maliki government would have to initiate that. Perhaps some pressure from the US but I don't believe we should have a say in the matter if thee is indeed a legit government in Iraq.
I have no problem with the agencies you mentioned administering the aid programs but I do think they need to be closely monitored by the people appropriating the funds.
I also agree with you on the wishing to see the military assisting with the humanitarian relief. I know they tried initially but that's really impossible to do given the current situation. Nice to see people remember that the military does more than fight. Sometimes we forget.
I shudder to even think it... But I know it would be a lot. Just imagine for example if we were currently auditing 5% of annual tax returns and then we decided to increase that to 8%. Just using the numbers that's a 60% increase in in workload and I would imagine a corresponding increase in costs not to mention the added costs for lost work for people that have to explain themselves to the IRS.
I'm reluctant to say anything negative about the IRS (They're listening).
However, I'm not in favor of giving them anymore of my money so they can increase the amount of audits they do. I think most people are honest about such things and I don;t see where an increase in fine, taxes would help those other areas you mentioned.
I do like the fact that you are at least offering up ideas on how to solve some very real problems. Maybe a flat tax would make things easier, eliminate the big machine that is the IRS (Damn, here comes an audit)and free up the funds used to process all those tax returns every year.
Yes, I can imagine there are those i.e. the elderly, homeless, not physically attractive, down on their luck type of people that feel axactly the way you describe.
1. There are no provisions in the works for an Iraqi vote but then again there really are no provisions for a US withdrawl. Seems organizing a vote would be relatively easy. Opinion polls while useful at times do not always tell the real picture. CS is a great example of that. It always seems to me that people who feel strongly about one point or another are quick to come out and give their opinion, especially when there are already those of a similar opinion. A vote would remove any doubt.
2. I would say it's a safe bet the Iraqi's would want our economic assistance but I think it would be best to use an International Agent to handle the control and distribution of funds/assistance with strict oversight from the Congress. I think it likely we would at least be in a withdrawl mode as the economic assistance really begins to kick in. Of course this would depend on the outcome of my answer to Q1 above. I don't see where it would be necessary to have an occupation force on the ground for the entire period.
We have certainly lost some respect from the international community but I believe working these problems will help restore that. Unfortunately, the press and some people will always focus on what the see to be negative aspects of the US.
On one hand, it's highly doubtful that anyone in that region could take us in a straight up battle. If we were in a full combat stage there's no doubt we could operate much like we did with the initial invasion.
On the other hand, we're not in this mode and we are trying to do everything possible to get Iraq to a position where they can take control of their on nation, eject/eliminate insurgents/terrorist, and at the same time protect the civilian population. We all have our own thoughts on how this is going, how many troops we need etc.. but one thing that's clear is the insurgency have definately used the proper tactics in their efforts. If they continue these tactics and public opinion continues to decline then it may be possible to "force" us to depart. Not through use of arms but through the their manipulation of our political leadership and the voters/people of the US.
Interesting, That thought might could be expanded to Maliki telling the US to leave which would be a good show of strength and may serve to solidify his position/power to the Iraqi people. May even lessen the possibility or severity of further war.
I don't think he's quite there with the military and police yet but he's not that far either.
You're right there are some really good post and really good ideas. I tend to lean towards AB's initial post as a good start. If the Iraqi people vote and want us out of their country, we should go. If Icarus is correct and I believe he is, then the people wanting us out are not limited to the insurgents or terrorists then a vote would certainly verify that. If that is the people's choice then we should go.
In contrast, if the people vote and they want our continued assistance then I think we have an obligation to assist. I say this for two reasons.
First, I know some disagree but I believe we are the ones that made the mess and as long as the Iraqi government is progressing along established, agreed upon time lines then I think we should help. If we don't then the current government will collapse.
The second reason is that unfortunately, our elected officials are playing politics instead of working together. I can't believe there will be any solution, withdrawl or change until after the next elections. Why not use the time we will more than likely have to try to salvage some of this mess.
Anyway, my thoughts on at least part of your question. Take care
Oceans, This is a good way to start a thread. Hopefully we can discuss ad keep it civil. I would love to answer but at the moment I am almost late for my gym time. In the words of Arnold... I'll be back..
Jerry53531 Forum Posts (410)
In all seriousness, I think many of these will be long just by the nature of the subject... 
RE: Lawyer you could actually like
Finally, a lawye you can like...