Mister Bush, do feel free to use this

[gerbie]

It took a while before we learned what we did wrong. It took a big attack, in which thousands of innocent lives have been lost, before we realised that the way we are dealing with the rest of the world was wrong. I am very sorry that this has had to happen. From here there are two possible options. A third world war or a continuation of what we have been doing over the last decade, a cold war against everything we Americans considered wrong. It would make the cold war look like a fight in kindergarten. We shall take none of these options. As a true Christian, we will turn the other cheek. The only way this cycle can be stopped as by not reacting. No retaliation, no attacks on possible suspects. I shall repeat this, read my lips, NO RETALIATION.

It is time for us to admit that we had this one coming. Fifty years of interfering everywhere in the world whenever it suited us has come to a bloody final. Now we see what we have done in Korea and Vietnam. In Cuba and the Dominican Republic. In Haiti and Guatemala. In Nicaragua and Chile. In Panama and Somalia. And in dozens of other countries. Thousands of innocent Americans have become the victim of an idiot who wanted us to know what we did wrong. Until now we knew, but thought we could get away with it. We couldn't.

From now on we shall do whatever is necessary to help all those families in this tragedy. But not only the thousands who have died in the last 24 hours, but also those thousands who died in the last 50 years, because we considered our position in the world more important than the lives of individuals. The whole budget from defence will go to welfare, social benefits or third world development. We will finally pay off our billions of debt to the UN. We well recognise the UN as the true world power, the voice of the people of the world. We will do as the majority wants us to. We shall propose the abolishment of veto's for countries who happen to have too much power.

Finally I shall resign from my position as President of the United States of America. We will soon have new elections in which every vote is counted, in which democracy will really work. Until then I shall hand over the power to the senate.

Let our thoughts be with the ones who have lost their lives. Thank you for your attention, God bless America and peace on earth!

Comments

Re: Thank you

[gerbie.livejournal.com]

"First of all the choice is not between the US and terrorists"
I know it isn't, but that was the way Bush tried to portray it. I choose against terrorists. Any time, without any doubt and I don't think anybody with a bit of common sense wouldn't. But that is NOT a choice to combat it the way Bush is considering at the moment.

"the Taliban is responsible for as far as violating human rights"
They are. They shouldn't be. Something should be done about it. But why now? Why is the urge suddenly there? Why not when they turned Afghanistan from a very civilized progressive country into a medieval dump twenty years ago? Why was there only a bit of formal protest when they took down old Buddha statues, that were on the world heritage list? And why only Afghanistan? There are dozens of other countries that violate human rights. That includes your own, ask Amnesty International. Yes, something should be done, the faster the better, but not a war. There shouldn't be any innocent victims. We've already got over 6000 of them, every single extra one is too much.

"pick up a newspaper and it will be outlined for you every single day"
I do every day. I pick up three a day exactly. Sometimes even more. I read teletext (something you don't have in the states, a sort of limited newsinfo behind a tv channel) and on the web. I think I'm well informed. But I haven't read any proof, only suspicions. Like there were in Oklahama, where eventually an American turned out to be the gulity. How soon can you proof something this big. I agree with this Pakistani guy I saw today. It took America over a year to do the OJ trial, how come Bin Laden is guilty within 7 days? Innocent until proven guilty. I know there are clues. Plenty. But the only way to continue is a non violent one. Get him extradicted and give him a fair trial.

"No, neutrality is NOT a choice. It is a failure to make one"
Disagree. It is my choice. Not until I know enough facts to give a fair judgment, I try to stay neutral. That's why I often do not take sides. I will take sides against terrorism anytime, as I stated above. But I won't choose against Afghanistan. I do not want to choose between Bush and Bin Laden. In my opinion they're both insane. They have both done plenty wrong. They have both killed plenty of innocents. Don't force me to choose.

Re: Thank you from Detective Inspector Joe Doakes

[(Anonymous)]

' It took America over a year to do the OJ trial, how come Bin Laden is guilty within 7 days?'

I have a bit of evperience in the legal system so I might comment a bit. Any district attorney will tell you most evidence is gathered in the first couple weeks after a case. Often a case is 'cracked' on the spot. It depend on a variety of factors like eyewitnesses, physical evidence, etc.The rest of the time before a trial is paperwork, motions and the like.

Without getting into particulars evidence was found linking Bin Laden materially to almost all the hijackers so far. His hand seem to be all over this one. Whether a jury buys the evidence is speculation but I wouldn't lose any sleep if he got whacked tomorrow. His rap sheet's a mile long and he makes no bones about being an innocent choirboy.

OJ toook a year because his legal team dragged out the case. Still OJ did more time than many a murder suspect which brings up the story about a judge handing out a sentence, "If your guilty consider yourself lucky for getting a short sentence. If your innocent let that be a lesson to you!"

Re: Thank you from Detective Inspector Joe Doakes

[gerbie.livejournal.com]

I know there is plenty of stuff linking him, but no direct evidence. As you say, it might not stand up in a trial. I just liked the quote from this guy, because the OJ trial gave the whole world an example how cases can get lost after a years trial, even though nearly everybody considers him guilty. But he couldn't be convicted on that trial, the reasonable doubt was there. As there is still doubt about Bin Laden's role in this story. Ask anybody with half a brain and they'll name him. But I still prefer a world where the guilty get aquitted, above a world where the innocent hang!

Re: Thank you from Detective Inspector Joe Doakes

[aquariusmama.livejournal.com]

The evidence against bin Ladin can't be released because it is classified. It would endanger the lives and positions of the intelligence people that have gathered it. It would endanger the countries in the Middle East that have offered it. To release the information to early would cut off ways of obtaining any info in the future. It would give the Taliban clues as to how info is obtained. That would be stupid. The proof will be offered when everything is in place to make a move. There is NO way it could have gotten this far if there wasn't overwhelming proof and the government wasn't 100% sure. The evidence has been shared with Great Britain, Germany and France so far.

Re: Thank you from Detective Inspector Joe Doakes

[gerbie.livejournal.com]

Excuse me for sounding cynical, but who has the evidence? If it is classified, why let everyone know that there is evidence. If they've got it, why tell others? Is it the Taliban or Bin Laden who is behind it. To me the CIA or FBI having proof sounds as convincing as the statement by the Taliban telling the world they don't know where Bin Laden is.

Re: Thank you from Detective Inspector Joe Doakes

[aquariusmama.livejournal.com]

Wow, you are cynical! I am having a hard time with your whole statement.
"Why let everyone know?" Well, aren't you the one that wants to see the evidence. What if they were saying absolutely nothing? Wouldn't you be even more annoyed? They can say that there is evidence and not be giving away classified information. What do you think they should do?
"If they've got it, why tell others?" Come on, really? Of course those that have offered to fight need to know everything possible.
It is bin Ladin that is behind it. Some people in the Taliban support what he does, some don't. If the Taliban continues to protect him and his followers, then they are included.

Why are you so distrusting of Americans? Why do you have such a cynical view of us? Why do you think the CIA and FBI would be misleading the world? Nobody wants a war, nobody wants innocent people to die. Where does all of this distrust come from, can you help me understand that?

Re: Thank you from Detective Inspector Joe Doakes

[gerbie.livejournal.com]

The distrust comes from the fact that the CIA has played a role in many operations abroad that weren't for the good of the world, not for the world peace, but purely and solely because the US thought it was necessary, either for win of money or win of political power. I do not distrust Americans, I distrust the American political system.

If the CIA had told the world that they didn't have any evidence at the moment, what do you think the reactions would be? The best reaction for them would be that they were called incompetent, it could be much worse. So it would surprise me had they said so. So if they say they do have evidence, I just think: they would, wouldn't they, regardless if it is true or not.

Re: Thank you from Detective Inspector Joe Doakes

[aquariusmama.livejournal.com]

I guess you will just have to wait and see then. I believe the evidence is there. I believe you're right about some CIA operations. However, I don't necessarily disagree with them doing things to benefit just our country. It depends on the specifics. Unless you can give me that, then I don't know.

Re: Thank you from Detective Inspector Joe Doakes

[gerbie.livejournal.com]

An entry I wrote earlier this year about a great book. An American was killed in Santiago, because he knew too much.

http://www.livejournal.com/talkread.bml?itemid=4637600

The book told me about the role the CIA played in Chile.

Re: Thank you from Detective Inspector Joe Doakes

[aquariusmama.livejournal.com]

Ok, I am sure there have been some shady things done in the name of the CIA. I don't doubt that at all. I may completely disagree with some of it. I don't know about this particular case, though. It sounds vaguely familiar, I would bet there is more to it. There are at least 2 sides to every story right? I will look into it though.

I thought it was interesting, though, in your "book review" you mentioned your prejudice against the US. That is what I really want to understand. If you have a bias already then you can make everything you read and hear prove that bias. You seek out the information to boost your beliefs. Nothing wrong with that. I just would like to understand exactly where you are coming from.
I just personally think that I live in a really amazing and beautiful country. I also think many other countries are beautiful and amazing. I may not agree with everything that my country has done in history... but I really believe in what America stands for. How many Americans do you know? Not LJ know, but REALLY know. I am just curious.
Also, remember, the US is not the only country to have a "shady" past. (Or present.) If you base your opinion on the CIA you are going to have to do that for all secret operatives in all nations. I'm sure if that information were available you would be shocked.

Re: Thank you from Detective Inspector Joe Doakes

[gerbie.livejournal.com]

Very true, I wouldn't want to know everything that goes on behind the scenes in international politics. I agree that the US has got some brilliant things, that other countries lack.

I also agree with the statement that if you're biased already, you will look for things to confirm. I do know some Americans. Not many. But I have met plenty of them, I also travelled through the States on three occasions.

The thing that nags me has to do with the fact that my country is politically completely depending on the US. Coming back to the cold war point I have used before. Why did we have to choose between the two parties who together battled the Germans out of my country? Why suddenly was America heaven and the Soviet Union hell? Why do we have to stay loyal infinitely because your country helped rebuild my country. When do we start thinking for ourselves again.

I have written about this before. Another link:

http://www.livejournal.com/talkread.bml?itemid=5285251

Obviously I exaggerated, the last sentence came back to haunt me three months later, if you have got time read, and also read the comments by others and my replies. It gives a bit more an idea why I have reacted as I have done up until now.

Re: Thank you from Detective Inspector Joe Doakes

[aquariusmama.livejournal.com]

Ok, I read it. I think that I will take up too much space with my thoughts so I will respond to you in my journal, Ok? See ya there.

Re: Thank you from Detective Inspector Joe Doakes

[gerbie.livejournal.com]

Ok, I have found it and read it, my reaction will follow soon as well :-)

Re: Thank you

[aquariusmama.livejournal.com]

Granted, Bush did make it sound as if the choice was either with "us" or with the terrorists. The speech was being addressed to the American people, though. Yes, people all over the world would hear it but it was basically a "pep rally" for the nation. Us could also be taken as meaning NATO, since all nations in NATO should be joining in the fight because of Article 5.

Fully agree something should have been done about the Taliban before. As I said it has been a sore subject with me for quite some time. Why now? Well, the attention of the world is being drawn to it. There are a lot of people out there that don't read papers or watch the news or even give a crap about the rest of the world. (There are people like that in every country.) So, why not? It's a touchy time. Volitile? Yes, but it always is.
I believe you are very well read! Otherwise I would not enjoy having a conversation with you at all. I love to hear other views, as long as they are educated...like yours ;). There is proof that they were involved with bin Ladin. Various trails have led back to him. OJ?????? Come on!!! Let's not start that, arghhhhh!! :)
Extradite Bin Ladin? Isn't that what was being attempted and flat out turned down? Too, late. Anyway, how many terrorist attacks do you think the world would see during his trial?
Still have to disagree on the neutral thing, sorry. I understand being neutral in some cases but this time I don't. As far as Bush killing "innocents", I assume you mean the death penalty and him being the Gov. of Texas. Hmm, that's a whole other discussion.

Re: Thank you

[gerbie.livejournal.com]

Article five scares me. Just because my grandparents generation considered the Americans more important in the defeat of the Germans, something they couldn't have done without the other option, the russians, nowadays if some weird president in your country says its war, I am supposingly in war as well.

I think I'm well read, I enjoy knowing a lot of things from everywhere. Similarily I can return the compliment. Even though we seem to disagree most of the time, we are still talking in a civilised way. It confirms that I have to be carefull with my prejudice, not all Americans are ignorant. LJ proves that quite often I have to say, then again, during the heat of the discussions a week-weekandahalf ago some people seemed to have lost all sense of reality.

The death penalty is a different discussion, true, but not entirely unrelated. Only today I read that most Europeans will refuse extradiction to the States, as long as the death penalty is a risk. However extreme, I can understand some extremists who say that they too have used the death penalty: flying some planes into the WTC.

Re: Thank you

[aquariusmama.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure that I understand what you mean about the Russians and Americans. Are you saying that the Russians helped defeat Germany more than the Americans? How do you feel about the fact that the Russians are involved in the fight against terrorism? Do you think that Americans dislike Russians?
Do you really think that most Americans are ignorant? This is a huge country, there are a lot of different kinds of people here. I don't think that anyone can broadly generalize or stereotype Americans...that seems ignorant to me. As far as losing a sense of reality, well, I think all Americans did for a while there. Now, we are getting a different reality all together. I think we are becoming a much stronger country all together. Things that my generation and even my parent's generation hardly thought about have become so important. Patriotism, our love of freedom and a respect for our country and the way it works.
I am really interested in knowing where your opinions of Americans come from. I know that we don't have the best reputation in some countries but I would really like to know why. I don't have any generalizations about you.
As far as the last comment, what did the people killed on the 11th do to warrant the death penalty? I read that Iraq said the attacks resulted from US policies. So those people deserved the death penalty? Our death penalty doesn't have anything to do with the mass murder of innocent people. I have some reservations about the death penalty. It scares me that an innocent person might be put to death. However, I believe that if someone is responsible (without a doubt) for some particularily heinous crime(s) then they don't deserve to be kept alive by my tax dollars. I think Texas over used the death penalty. Not every state has a death penalty. I think that shows that there are conflicting opinions nationwide about it. As far as extraditing and (after trial) putting to death someone like bin Ladin. Hmm, I don't know. I would love for him to suffer a horrible and painful death for what he (if proven) did. (The death penalty isn't painful though, unfortunately for some.) More than death for him, though, I would love to watch him live a long life...
I want to see him suffer as he realizes everything he has attempted to do has failed. I want him to watch as peaceful Islam followers grow and prosper hand in hand with all other religions and nations. I want him to see what is accomplished when religious freedom is respected. I want to see Isreal and Muslim nations in peace, and watch him discover that terrorism will not work. It has no place in this world. I want him to see all of his followers hunted down. Most of all, I want him to realize that he is the cause of the fall of his warped brand of Islam. If he hadn't pushed and forced the world into action...who knows what would've happened. (Which is back to why you are involved in the fight against terrorism, the world needs you too.)