Our Allies... the Germans

[Velociryx]

Agreed. Seems pretty clear that he's got it, so the question becomes, how dangerous is it?

Thanks again, Germany....

-=Vel=-

[monkspider]

This is no big news, similar stories of half-truths are espoused by the US government everyday.

[Monk]

Duncan,

That's easy. Unlike the bulk of you Euros, we Americans aren't suprized by a smoking gun. It's more than obvious that he is producing and keeping WoD. All this BS about a smoking gun is to convince you blind Euros.

"All you blind Euros"? My country is getting ready for sending troops to the Middle East and my PM refuses to apologize to the demonstrators in Copenhagen after he accused them of serving or at least supporting Saddam Hussein. Get your facts straight. There are plenty of other European governments offering considerable support.

[Velociryx]

Ummm...I would have to disagree with you, Monkspider.

Three things MAKE this big news:

1) Currently, much of world attention is focused on the ME, and in Europe there are calls for stronger "proof" that Saddam posesses weapons of mass destruction

2) Germany has seriously bulked up its supply of vaccinations against this particular disease (6m ---> 100m...that's a pretty significant jump, and not one that would have been necessary if there wasn't a percieved threat).

3) Europe (specifically Germany and France leading the charge) have been CLAMORING for this proof, while attempting a bit of a powerplay diplomatically, against the US.

This appears out of nowhere.....oh what? Germany just "forgot" to tell the rest of the planet they might wanna bulk up on Smallpox vaccinations? And how convenient it was to forget that particular detail, given that it provides the "proof" they're so eagerly demanding, which of course, serves as the backdrop for their powerplay....

Add 'em up, and what do you get?

-=Vel=-

[Ming]

Originally posted by Monk
And so I have to say I think it's disappointing that a good moderator who is actually very capable of making a point surrenders to the urge to "lob something back in the other direction" which sounds likes we're in a fight or something.

It's a two way street.. And frankly, there is far more American Bashing than Euro bashing here. Just look at the OT and the proof is there. American bashing came LONG before Euro bashing. I think a lot of americans just got sick of it and wanted to give them a taste of their own trash.

And I have no problem with posting a REAL NEWS STORY. If it happens to make the Euros uncomfortable...
It doesn't bother me one bit.

[Velociryx]

Amen and well-said, Monk! And thank you and your countrymen!!!

-=Vel=-

[DinoDoc]

Originally posted by Monk
my PM refuses to apologize to the demonstrators in Copenhagen after he accused them of serving or at least supporting Saddam Hussein.

God bless Rasmussen, even Bush didn't have the balls to do that.

[DuncanK]

Originally posted by Monk
Duncan,

That's easy. Unlike the bulk of you Euros, we Americans aren't suprized by a smoking gun. It's more than obvious that he is producing and keeping WoD. All this BS about a smoking gun is to convince you blind Euros.

"All you blind Euros"? My country is getting ready for sending troops to the Middle East and my PM refuses to apologize to the demonstrators in Copenhagen after he accused them of serving or at least supporting Saddam Hussein. Get your facts straight. There are plenty of other European governments offering considerable support.

?

I guess those aren't the blind Euros then. Those are the Euros who can see something right in front of their face.

[Velociryx]

And for the record, Rasmussen is right.

What Saddam WANTS is to stall long enough so that public opinion turns against war (people don't like the tension and uncertainty....keep it high too long, and they'll start to balk), such that any attempt to USE force would be political suicide here in our western democracies.

How do you do that?

You play shell games.

Refuse to cooperate till the last possible minute, and then make a few concessions.

If they buy it, then it *looks* like you're trying, and they'll give you more time.

Rinse and repeat.

Public anti-war sentiment grows, and Saddam wins.

Good job, peaceniks! You just provided some added job security for a ruthless dictator!

-=Vel=-

[monkspider]

Originally posted by Velociryx

Good job, peaceniks! You just provided some added job security for a ruthless dictator!

I don't think we made Bush's job any more secure.

[Velociryx]

Bush is a one-term wonder who will be out of the world's hair in 2004. We'll give HIM a regieme change....

-=Vel=-

[Dinner]

It is interestingthat even in 1943 ,when Hitler's mania was totally clear for everyone to see, there was still a significant anti-war movement in the U.S. (this is a full year after Germany declared war on the U.S.!). There has always been and will always be people who don't want to do things which are clearly necissary.

[DuncanK]

Originally posted by Velociryx
Bush is a one-term wonder who will be out of the world's hair in 2004. We'll give HIM a regieme change....

-=Vel=-

If the economy doesn't crash I wuoldn't count on it.

[Demerzel]

Originally posted by Velociryx
Good job, peaceniks! You just provided some added job security for a ruthless dictator!

-=Vel=-

Yes of course I marched in the anti-war rally because I wanted to support Saddam. Sheesh give me a break, I marched because I don't want to see war for the sake of war.

The more REAL evidence that builds up, the more I'll support the war. A second resolution would significantly help boost support by a large margin.

And yes if it's true the German government has a lot to answer for.

[Ming]

Originally posted by DuncanK
If the economy doesn't crash...

IF... What do you call the economy now...