...but in the end I did. 9/11/2006 happened to be the best day for me to fly to Guadalajara. I seriously thought about NOT flying out of superstition or fear or call it whatever.

You know....the flights were empty....no more than 20% full. On a Monday. And I almost didn't fly because I was ...scared. I ended up flying because the alternative was my 110% giving up to Osama Bin Laden and his Manic-Islamic Mafiosa. Screw them. What a bunch of greedy, thieving, lunatic scumbags.

And, you know....flying on 9/11 actually allowed me to pay my respects to those who lost their lives and those who suffered (and still do) because of it.

Chris good for you. If we start changing our plans out of fear, then they win. And I agree it does in a way pay respect to those who lost there lives today. We should all continue however to keep our eyes open to our surroundings and report anything suspicious.

"We should all continue however to keep our eyes open to our surroundings and report anything suspicious."....correct, and I always do.

I flew yesterday from Montana back to California on a business trip. Salt Lake City, a major hub for Delta, was like a ghost town. No lines, quiet, great service. My opposing counsel in my case refused to fly on 9/11.

Everything went smooth as can be. Chris, if they are going to pick a place to bomb, chances are good it won't be in your neck of the woods, as history shows.

Chris as I know you are a big sissy !! but I hear you.I understand what you are saying ,life will never be the same as we know it.Its a shame these towel head scumbags get to scare good people..

Gee, Capt Jeff, I'm very disappointed to hear that kind of racial slur coming from you.

Mafiosi....plural.....
Mafiosa...one bad dude

Towel Heads....is that the same as ( )American? September 11th sucked but how many more have died because of the so-called WAR AGAINST TERROR? Thousands and thousands more, that is how many.

Bin Laden and his twisted agenda have nothing to do with Islam or Islamic principals...just like Jerry Falwell et al do not (hopefully) speak for all christians. Every group has their radical factions...with the growing dislike towards the western agenda you have two choices....go out and live life to the fullest or be a coward and buy into the propaganda.

Protect your rights America because you are losing them very quickly.

True, Cool. Nothing will be the same again in our life times, that is for sure.

I have said it before and I will say it again. I think they should just go blow him up, but they won't. Should they ever catch Bin Laden and his towel heads, another option is to put him on international TV and shoot a missle through him. He deserves it and then some.

cb "just like"? associating Jerry Falwell with Bin Laden - "protect your rights America because you are losing them very quickly".? Too much cool-aid!

binLaden is not representative of every muslim just like Falwell is not representative of every christian....no Kool-aid....just logic. Comparative analysis? Instead of trying to make gobs of money you may wish to try picking up a good book every once in awhile.

Why did Bush Senior not go after Hussein when he had a chance? BinLaden could have been accessed many times over as well....he was mujaheddin and your govt was supplying them with arms and training...you know...Afghanistan? During the Russian occupation?

Dropped the ball good there too. Still no infrastructure repairs as was promised. Same in I-Rack. When will Americans stop voting for the same idiots over and over again?

America has lost a great deal of its rights. Have you not read the Patriot Act?

Doesn't it sound strange to those of you who are sentient that the Patriot Act of some 300 or so pages was voted in within a couple of weeks of 9/11? And the Homeland Security nonsense?

If America is so great guys then what the hell are you doing here? Oh I know....who cares about here?

This is probably the safest place on the planet to be in. Drink up...happy hour (hic) is a 24/7 thang.

Let's be politically correct now, they should be called little sheet heads.

ahahahahhahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!! Omigo that is so funny Malibu! Shit heads for sure (speaking solely about the people involved). AAAAAAAAAAAAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

Laurie Mar, I totally AGREE!!! Shoot him with a missle, but they wouldn't even if they knew where to find him...

Where's Dog the Bounty Hunter when you need him???
Seriously tho - take 100 million of US military budget and offer it as a reward - dead or alive! (Hell, they're gonna spend it anyway). Bet a ton of "Soldier of Fortune" readers would have to have their PO boxes moved to Afghanistan right quick!

Ha! Right!

Nova - good idea, as he probably sits in a cave somewhere sucking on his curry slurppy.

coolbum, Quote from coolbummings: "If America is so great guys than what the hell are you doing here" What we are doing in San Pedro is "Living The Dream" While at the same time contributing to the local economy so it too can "Live The Dream". America is a great place, and it provides us with the opportunity to prosper (With a lot of hard work and some luck) And the freedom to do the things we like to do. If we did not care about Belize than we would not risk our money and time investing in it. Lets all hope and pray that Belize never experiences terrorism and remains a safe place for all to enjoy, locals and tourists.

Simply amazing, all the negative stereotypes about turbans and curry. Any of you actually have any kind of friendship or any relationship whatsoever with a middle easterner? Show me a racial, ethnic or religious group that doesn’t have it’s extremists - as I recall there was a pretty bad “terrorist” strike in the United States by one of our own. Forget terrorism, "they" won when they got you to buy into their brand of hatred.

LaurieMar - curry slurpy - funny! I had curry for lunch...now I don't feel so good...UGH

Not I Law! I'm only hating the bad people, no matter the background and I AGREE with you.

Sorry, Law - don't see any negativity and I stand by my comment, which by the way has nothing to do with any of my friends who may be from the Middle East.

Is that not like the racist who says..."Hey some of my best friends are (jewish, colored etc...)..."

.............COOL AID..............! yeah that's all you get cb, your comments are worth no more!

"Things will never be the same"
Bullship!
Except for the victims of Sept. 11th, their families and our military killed and wounded in the Middle East, not much else is different.
Most people have forgotten the horror of that day. America is moving on with living. Better police work will help prevent more mayhem.

The Federal Building in Oklahoma was done by US citizens.
The Unibomber was living in Montana.
Child predators are in every town in America.
Gang members rule entire neighborhoods.
Gun violence is at alarming levels.
Corporate scandals have crushed peoples lives.
Border security is non existent, northern and southern.
Terrorists could attack us in hundreds of ways still today.
But as a citizen of America I'm supposed to be afraid every day of the Terrorists!
But I'm told I'm safer today than 5 years ago.
I'm thinking my chances of getting killed by a gang banger or a drunk driver are WAY greater than a terrorist attack.

Where is Osama?

Live your lives, Live the dream, Don't live in fear, be aware, think for yourself, Don't be predjudiced towards the unkown.

I'm off of my soap box now....so who's playing poker in February!!!!!???

Can we veer off to religion now?
I get a little tired of people telling us what a terrible place the USA is. It ain't perfect, but I can't think of any where else I have the opportunities I have here. If you want to bitch, got any better ideas?

Palapa Bob, So the Pope, a Rabbi and Jesse Jackson are.....Oh never mind!!

Jeez Reaper, I gotta hear the rest of that!

I want to jump with Jesse!

To all board readers capt jeff is no racist.But I am a realist.The scum that took down the trade center,where Arabs .There are good ones and bad ones ,And in all religions and all countries there are good and bad !!!if thy where french I would have called them beret heads ,if mexican might have called them sombero heads ,not to [#%!] any one off !! but I get mad as hell on sept 11.All I want to do is live in peace,and live the dream.thats why I come hear to getaway from all the,politics and bull sh*t !!!!!

Words can hurt! I hope you're more careful when here on the island with the many different peoples from all over the world.

Capt. - it's all good. We know you mean no harm, just like most of the posters on this thread.

You have given me something to call those idiot drivers in Houston - "cowboy hat heads"!

Gringo star do me a favor ,do not tell me how to act on the island .I try to get along with all .If the shoe fits wear it .I have no idea who you realy are?? And most folks on the island who know me, and know how I am senitive to all.and I not going take crap from some one who hides about who he or she is??Are you ashamed who you are??? share who you are and what you have done in life to help your fellow man..Ya see before you can tell me anything about life walk in my moccasins.

Well said, Capt. This thread was about Osama, 9/11 and terrorists, nothing more and nothing less.

AND.....since it is about terrorists....There is a meeting today of non-aligned nations (WE know what that means) in Cuba. Wouldn't think they would pile that much sh** in one place, but alas, I am sure it will be another missed opportunity for the US military!

I'm proud to be a half-Mexican, half-French moslem.

Hey Rykat: Belize is a member of the Non-Aligned Nations...and you still come here to visit?

Yes, got a problem with my tourist dollars, Mr President?

Just your attitude

Gringo now I know why you are so senative !!!!!lighten, up .lifes to short!!!Who cares who your mother or father was or is as long as there healthy or Whats your religion or Your backround.Whats Important is whats in your heart.And how you live life ,take a chill pill.

you're not the only one there gringostarr!

Yo Rykat....at least respond with something logical okay? We may agree to disagree and that is COOL. Captain Jeff....u are okay. At least you are saying it how you feel and I can dig that.

I posted a neat little joke today...some of you should read it as it made me laugh hard this morning....it is on this part of the site.

TAke care kids....it is a beautiful day in Belize.

gs : after some of the garbage you posted you're seeking logic? Its your interpretation. I'm saying exactly how I feel in less words, if you need more words: I don't give a flying F what you think of my attitude. How's that, clearer, simpler, logical?

Whatever. It is your opinion, one that I do not subscribe to but it is exclusively yours and for you that must feel great.

Have a fantastic day. I know I am.

Blessings go out to all the members of NAM this week, and I wish them the best in developing policy that will end American Imperilism within their borders. I wish them the best in creating ideas to help the 1 billion people in the world that live at or below the poverty line.

A priest, a hooker, a black guy and a Newfoundlander walk into a bar. The bartender walks over and says, "What is this, some kind of joke?"

Ok!! this should stir up some controversy!!!


Australians got it right

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia and her Queen at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his Ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown.
Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted That some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state, and its laws were made by parliament. "If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australi Is not for you", he said on national television.
"I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia: one the Australian law and another the
Islamic law, that is false. If you can't agree with parliamentary law, ndependent courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to go to another country, which practices it, perhaps, then, that's a better option", Costello said.
Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other country. Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims who did not want to accept local values Should "clear off.
Basically people who don't want to be Australians, and who don't want ! To live by
Australian values and understand them, well then, they can basically clear off", he said.
Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques Quote:
"IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians."
"However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the 'politically correct' crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia." "However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand."
"This idea of Australia being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Australians, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle."
"This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought Freedom"
"We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, Learn the language!"
"Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on
Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented.
It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture."
"We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask> is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us."
"If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like " A Fair Go", then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.
We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. By all means, keep your culture, but do not force it on others.
"This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'."
"If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted."

If Prime Minister Howard actually said that entire quote starting with "Immigrants, not australians...." I may have finally fallin' in love with a man! why the embarrassed graemlin, Danl or boop?

Finally, someone willing to say what alot of people think.

The guy has bal*s and says it like it is And good for him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm tired of people daring to question the 50,000 lbs. gorilla sitting on the table and then being called racist for stating the obvious.

I doubt the authenticity of the quote, but certainly support it.

I was also curious about the authenticity of this, so I "Googled" and this is one of the sites I found.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/mar2006/cost-m06.shtml

Dan'l

I'm glad you support immigration because we need John Howard to immigrate to the U.S.
Dead on, I hope it is accurate.
I come to San Pedro because I enjoy the place and the people. We usually bring school supplies and also donate to certain causes.
When the schools start teaching to hate Americans to 5 year olds, that will stop. When young and old celebrate when Americans are dying we won't be back at all. If you support those types you are as sick and twisted as they are. And to try to compare what someone says (Falwell) with what someone has done (Bin Laden) is weak at best.

That was not the comparison....the compare and contrast had to do with representation....being that BinLaden is NOT representative of all Muslims nor is Falwell representative of all Christians....PLEASE LEARN HOW TO READ past your anger....I could have used many different examples...just figured it best to stick to religious fanatics.

No one but arseholes were happy about the events of 9/11 and ask around and you will find many folks who knew one of the victims or family member or associates of victims. This tragedy affected many people.

I just did not wish to see all Muslims thrown in with BinLaden. That was the point of that statement.

It is like saying that George W. Bush is an example of how ALL Republicans think. Now if you were a true Repulican would you not take umbrage at that kind of generalization?

Yes and my point is that if you celebrate and it brings joy in your heart when americans are dying then you don't have to be in Bin Ladens camp. I will not support you, your religion, your country, or your 72 virgins. Many claim not to support Bin Laden and other radicals. All the while teaching hatred and collecting funds to send to him. Please don't tell me how to read I see right through your bullship.

Danza,
Who exactly are you refering to?

Danza....how many Muslims do you know? What an outrageous generalization. I could have used any number of examples to make my point. What is bull**** to you is understood by others....what happened happened and it may or may not happen again but there are countless innocents dying everyday all for the sake of THE WAR AGAINST TERROR.

Danza do you understand historically the Sunni/Shia rift? Understand that and you will understand why the countries of Iraq and Iran will be the staging of a conflict that could get very very nasty.

Wow, don't stop visiting Danza, what will we do without you?!!?? I mean, think of the needy kids that wouldn't get through their childhood without the handouts from America!

Don't flatter yourself or your nation. Being generous gives you NO RIGHT to tell others how to live. You need to look up the word unconditional, if your intentions are pure.

If you think Belize will ever teach hatred, you need to put the crack pipe down. Even if they did, you should give more, just to show that the teachings of hatred are wrong and Americans are loving and generous.

Funny, nobody hates Belize as a nation, but many countries now are alienated from the US. I wonder why?

Asad Shoman, Belizean Ambassador to the UN, "No country has the right to force their own version of democracy on another", addressing GWB.

SIN

"We are not with stupid"

I think some folks should go out and buy TEAM AMERICA - World Police. Great DVD and hilarious as hell...the puppet sex scene alone is worth the price. An excellent spoof brought to you by the creators of South Park.

good flick and Grandma's Boy

Under da water, I am referring to the people that were dancing in the streets in celebration when the towers were falling and people were dying.
Cool bummings, No I don't understand all about the middle east politically. And I don't think our troops belong over there. They should be free to kill each other without our assistance. As long as they keep it over there.

SIN, That's great because I brought a few school supplies over that's a bad thing. I did so at the request of a local that was working with particular students that were struggling in some areas. Now your missing the point. I wouldn't bring supplies or even visit a country that taught hatred. Many Middle East countries teach, 5 yrs and up that the way to heaven is to kill Jews, Americans, and Christians.
Take that huge chip off of your shoulder and make some pencils for the kids.

Danza ,your my man ,you are so on the money..Next trip down,if your there will buy you a drink or two or buy all night or all week or all month.Tell it like it is..

Capt. Jeff
I hope you mean it, because I'll take you up on it. I try not to post to much but I do keep up on the board. I pay particular attention to you and several others when you do post. Keep up the good work. I don't try to be mean but in getting ready to go to Abreojos, Mexico, fishing for 10 days I just dropped and broke a new bottle of Rum. We'll be down in March for 30 days. Thanks for the kind words.

Americans cheer as innocent Iraqi's are slain everyday.

for Rykat: Goodwill at the South Summit
“It’s too soon to reach any conclusions, but I hope the respect and cordiality that have existed so far, will continue in all the coming sessions of this summit (of the Non-Aligned Movement, NAM),” said Dexter Rose, ambassador of the Republic of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Havana.
The diplomat also said “there have been some good speeches, especially the ones about UN democratization, one of the burning issues these days.”
Rose highlighted Cuba as an example for the Third World “for the solidarity and collaboration provided to our countries. I am a product of that collaboration. I was educated here [in Cuba]” he pointed out.

I'd like to see an example of any decent American cheering for the death of innocent civilians, anywhere. Get real. There are numerous examples of people cheering at the death of innocent Americans. What BS.

Under Da Water...That's the worst post I have ever seen. Very thoughtless. Do you think Americans are sick of the war just because of the cost and American lives lost?
:rolleyes:

Look at any of Bush's speeches. He talks, people cheer. How does that look to people watching the TV in the Middle East.
If you support Bush and his kabal, you are supporting the death of innocent people. You can't support one aspect of the war, and disregard another. Its all or none, just like Bush said.

RE: Coolbumming's analogy with respect to individuals (not always) serving as an accurate representation for a group at large:

Leaving religion and nationality out of it one can perhaps whittle it down even more and speculate "Geez, maybe all of the Bin Ladens are really not bad, perhaps it's just that bad apple misunderstood son Osama...?" I mean the Bush family has been friends and business associates with the Bin Ladens for YEARS, so how bad can they be? Shafiq bin Laden was together with George Sr at the Ritz Carlton in DC Sept 10th/the morning of the 11th 2001 at a meeting for the Carlye Group (what a coincidence, eh.) And George W's good buddy James Bath, well heck, he was in charge of all of the Bin Laden holdings in TX. Maybe it's just a matter of finding one's self... I mean it took a good while for George W to get his act together... there were his failures drilling for oil as head of Arbusto... and zikes, trading Sammy Sosa sure turned out to be a mistake!!! But now, as the well spoken leader and commander in chief of the US, he's well... uh..... well, perhaps he and Osama both still need a bit of work. So maybe it's best to not look at this whole mess as a "war on terrorism" or "war" at all... A "complicated family quarrel" has a much more civilized tone, don't ya think???

I'd like to see an example of any decent Muslim or Arab cheering for the death of innocent civilians, anywhere. Get real.

Decency has absolutely nothing to do with race or religion. It's all about the individual.

Extract from FAITH AND FREEDOM
By Jimmy Carter

A basic question to be asked is, "Has the Iraqi war reduced the threat of terrorism?" Unfortunately, the answer is "No". Not only have we lost the almost unanimous sympathy and support that was offered to us throughout the world after the attack of 9/11, but there is direct evidence that the Iraqi war has actually increased the terrorist threat. In testimony before the Congress, CIA Director Porter Goss stated, "Islamic extremists are exploiting the Iraqi conflict to recruit new anti-U.s. jihadists [holy warriors].... These jihadists who survive will leave Iraq experienced and focus on acts of terrorism." He added that the war "has become a cause for extremists."

To corroborate his opinion, the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center reported that the number of serious international terrorist incidents more than tripled in 2004. "Significant" attacks grew to more than 650, up from the previous record of about 175 in 2003. Terrorist incidents in Iraq also dramatically increased, from 22 attacks to 198, or nine times the previous year's total - after the U.S. handover of political authority to an interim Iraqi government. It is obvious that the war has turned Iraq into the world's most effective terrorist training camp, perhaps more dangerous than Afghanistan under the Taliban. Also, instead of our being able to use Iraq as a permanent base from which to pressure Iran and Syria, there seems to be a growing allegiance between the evolving Iraqi government and its fundamentalist Shiite neighbors, which may greatly strengthen Iran's strategic position in the Middle East.

The adoption of preemptive war as an American policy has forced the United States to renounce existing treaties and alliances as unnecessary constraints on our superpower's freedom to act unilaterally. Another serious consequence of this policy is the likelihood that other aggressive nations will adopt the same policy of attacking to remove leaders they consider to be undesirable.

When the United States orchestrated the first step toward potential democracy in Iraq early in 2005, there was a dramatic demonstration of courage and commitment to freedom as a large number of Shiite Muslims and Kurds went to the polls in the face of intimidation from Sunni dissidents and terrorist groups. The next steps toward writing a constitution and then forming a representative government are still not predictable as I write this text, but there is great concern about whether Sunnis will cooperate and how dominant the religious laws will be. The ruling Shiite religious parties are demanding that provisions of the Koran, called Sharia, become the supreme authority on marriage, divorce, and inheritance issues. It would be ironic if crucial women's rights that survived Saddam Hussein's regime were lost under the new "democratic" government sponsored and protected by the United States.

It will be a notable achievement if success can be realized, and despite the uncertainties and an increase in the fervor of terrorists, this effort to bring democracy to Iraq deserves the world's support.

There is no doubt that America must accomplish its fundamental objectives before withdrawing our troops from Iraq, but those goals have never been clearly delineated. It is likely that political pressures from a disillusioned American public will be a major factor in setting the minimal goals and time schedule for U.S. troop withdrawal. We should provide the people with water, sewage, communications, electricity, and the ability to produce and market their oil. The Iraqis must have a security force as effective as the one we dismantled, to support a stable and democratic government.

A basic question that will determine the final outcome is whether American leaders will insist on permanent military bases and dominant economic involvement in the country, or make it clear that we have no plans to maintain a continuing presence for our own benefit.

To a surprising and disturbing degree, most Arabs in the region do not agree with my favourable assessment of the democratic effort. In a respected survey done by Zogby International in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates and reported in March 2005, an overwhelming majority of Arabs did not believe that U.S. policy in Iraq was motivated by the spread of democracy in the region, and believed that the Middle East had become less democratic after the Iraq war and that Iraqis were worse off than they had been before the conflict. Overall approval ratings of the United States were at an unprecedented low of 2 percent in Egypt, 4 percent in Saudi Arabia, 11 percent in Morocco, 14 percent in United Arab Emirates, 15 percent in Jordan, with a high of only 20 percent in Lebanon.

These were the Arab countries that had the closest historical ties with America. More than three-fourths of the Arab respondents professed support for democratic principles of government, but they strongly condemned the attack on Iraq and the apparent bias of the United States against the rights of the Palestinians. Despite our admirable democratic efforts, these are not good omens for our policies in the region.

All the U.S. has to do is:
(a) Pull out of Iraq.
(b) Pull out of the Middle East in general, can't have those nasty oil companies exerting undue influence there
(c) Pull out of Afghanistan
(d) Leave Israel to fend for itself, no aid whatsoever
(e) Sever relations with all those nations who do not like the U.S. Don't attack them, just don't talk to them or trade with them.
(f) Stop bitching at Iran just because they want to produce peaceful nuclear energy. Everyone knows that Iran has NO intention of producing fissionable material and handing it over to terrorists or anything like that. It's all innocent stuff.

Then apparently everything will be just fine. America will be safe. The world will be safe.

Do you believe that?

We have heard many opposing views on this thread. We have heard no solutions. The only things that I can think of that might help would be to (a) get real on ethanol production and other alternative energies - including clean 21st century peaceful nuclear power, not the "peaceful" nukes that Iran wants - (very attainable and realistic goals) and (b) move Israel to California. That last bit is probably not realistic but it would sure settle things down if it could happen. Mind you, there are enough JAP's who think that California is the Holy Land. Might work!

Right on, Danza and Chris.
SFJeff - unreadable jibberish
gringostarr - quoting from the most inept boob of the 20th century, would be insulting myself to read it
under da - you're 3:10 post....sick puppy!
law - how do you read those lawbooks with your head buried so deep in the sand?
SIN - typical nonsense
cb -a mind is a terrible thing to waste on cartoons and puppets.
IMHO (haha) - All of you leftist radical GWB, America haters should invest $19.99 and go to www. obsessionthemovie.com purchase and watch even elitists can learn something occasionally!

sfJeff...was waiting for someone else to state the Carlyle Group, Arbusto et al scenarios...Halliburton, Dick's old company, is raking in multi-millions...WAR - what an incredible cash cow.

Jimmy Carter is such an inept boob eh Ry....Okay so what would you have done in 1979? What would you do now other than keep spouting Fox News rhetoric? What would you propose to make this world a better place for everyone and not just Americans?

Just because the Bush axis is shown for what it is, capitalism, greed and manipulation, you start to call folks leftist radicals?

Name calling....the last defence of the intellectually-bereft.

Looks like you "googled" up a winner there Danl!

not name calling cb...."accurate labeling"!

Since the Vietnam war the American government, corporate banks, and big business have formed a trinity based upon building a world empire in a new fashion out of neccessity, because the old methods of military imperilism had failed. If the greatest war machine in history couldn'y contain the small and very poor counrty of Vietnam, how can they command influence over the rest of the world?
So they made a shirt from a military battle field, to an economic one. The basic scheme is offering cash loans "aid" through IMF or world bank to help poorer nations to build infrastrucutre. The catch is they must hire American companies to build the new dams, hospitals, roads, etc.. Companies like Haliburton, Betchel, Carylse Group, etc.. So all the money comes back into the U.S, but we still make them pay back the huge debts, that we know they can never pay. Once they can't repay us, we have them where we want, and collect our 'pound of flesh' whenever we need.

We create profit charts for these countries, and show them how their countries will prosper with these huge loans. This is what we did in Saudi Arabia (after much bribing) in 1980 after OPEC had a trade embargo against the U.S. for awhile. That's where the Bin Ladens get there cash from, and that's why we invaded Hussien, because he didn't want to indebt his country into the U.S.
That's why we want to invade Iran too.
Its Manifest Destiny my friends, and anyone that stands in the way is a communist, terrorist, or whatever else.
There isn't one solution to something so multi-facited, but a start would be to go back to the basic principals of the U.S. and be an example of Freedom, not the freedom police...which, in turn, creates more terrorist.

You forgot to add Media to that list. Long live an unfettered and unshackled press (its still there just getting harder to find),

Rykat what may seem accurate to you without having met me simply amazes me. Leftist commie pinkos don't buy resource-based stocks.

Well we all know who OWNS the media

from Rykat: "would be insulting myself to read it"
Now that explains a lot about Rykat and friends

Closer to home;

Many years ago, under Liberal Prime Minister, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Canada formed a Government owned oil company "PetroCanada". This was supposed to eventually provide Canadians with self sufficiency in non-renewable fuel.

With the changes in governments the Conservatives, under (U. S. puppet) Brian Mulroney decided it would be prudent to make this a publicly owned company. He had already made sure (as president of The Iron Ore Company of Canada) that all our iron ore deposits were American owned.

PetroCanada is now over 70% owned by U.S. interests.

It is my opinion that if we had not given in to the U.S. interests that we would now be at war with our closest neighbours, or at least under stringent trade embargoes, (look at the softwood lumber agreement).

Food for thought.

and all the ports in the US are owned by the Chinese and Chavez owns all the Citgo's and so on, food for thought but so what?
udw: you're believing too much of that nonsense your reading on those Socialist blogs take a break once in a while and tack to starboard, it may be refreshing!
cb: include "commie-pinko" to your leftist profile...is that correct because I didn't use those terms?
after surviving 4 years and listening to 26 more there ain't a word said by ole Jimmy boy that I want to hear or read

Ok, put redneck prick GWB and Rykat in a room with Osama (2 on 1). Whoever walks out wins. But wins what?

Put 500,000 troops in the Middle East with 500,000 insurgents. The last stading person wins. Wins what?

Right on Jeff, the only color of importance today is green. Too bad so many are fooled into believing this "war on terror" is about making the World a better place. More like blood for money.

I just hope someday the younger generation will wage a "war on ignorance" and kill off all the assholes like Rykat, if his dead heart doesn't kill him first. But then again, you can't blame folks who's parents are related.

Who had parties (celebrating) after the US leveled two Japanese cities and killed how many people (civilians)? Nice stuff.

Now, onto changing the Geneva Conference rules on torture!

"A dictatorship would be a whole heck of a lot easier to control" GWB

SIN

"I'm not with stupid"

Whatever...I added commie pinko because that is what usually follows leftist in terms of that sort of fractured rhetoric.

Danl&Boop.....BANG ON.

And now America is looking to go after Mexico and convince them to get rid of Pemex (ACTUALLY they have been trying to do this for a long time)....why do you think W was so scared of Obrador possibly becoming President?

The Chinese are duking it out with Chevron to see who controls the tar sands of northern Alberta.

Instead of developing clean energies we are so hellbent on sticking to old polluting ones...big boys, big business, big money....all one happy little clique. Let's make a few more wars and keep our shareholders happy.

Americans want, want want....when will you people ever be satisfied? When everything is gone and we are all living in the dark?

There is another thread on this forum about Belize wanting to have a commission for a minimum wage definition. Some folks on that thread seem to think the status quo here is just fine and dandy the way it is and that all Belizeans need to do is work harder and they will achieve whatever.

Man, SOME OF YOU Americans literally do take the cake for arrogance and stupidity. And then you wonder why someone else dislikes your country in an intense fashion?

Like I keep asking if America is so great then what are you doing here....LIVING LARGE THAT'S WHAT. Cuz you sure as hell couldn't do it back at home!!

I am disgusted by some of the remarks here. I am disgusted with the same old cliches being trotted out vis a vie Left vs. Right...that anyone out there who questions the insanity that this world finds itself in must be a crazy commie or leftie or old hippy dippy or whatever.... :rolleyes:

not likely SIN, the younger generation will probably sit on their dead asses under a palm tree, like you, and live off their daddy's money

Rykat

"No you're not WITH stupid"!

I offered two ideas, one sensible (alternative energy) one a bit silly but not impossible (move Israel to California).

Does anyone else have any ideas? We know there are disagreements being spat out here, but what about solutions?

offering solutions here, Chris, will get you one of two results: ignored or "ripped a new one" so there is not much sense in bothering

I think you have two great ideas. Are you going to run for office? Where do I send my contribution? Which of course is so I can influnece your decisions at a future date. Can Rykat be your VP I'll double my donation.

"No you're not WITH stupid" was worth the VP position alone.
I thought we were celebrating the end of WWII. And not having to learn Japanese. Re-writing history is fun though. (SIN)
Sorry Chris I wish I did have the solution. But I did like yours even the silly one. I guess they could rebuild the temple in California.

O.k. everyone....sung in the key of???
by the Beetles....."All we need is love"

Chris,
I like your first solution, although don't agree with the nuclear energy aspect because of the potential danger, and it takes 250k years for nuclear waste to become bio-degradeable. Since there are more enviromentally friendly options, id like to see us go in that direction.

The second option has some merit. The problem with Israel is that within its borders are religous sites that are holy for more then one religion. Same in Iraq, and other countries too. So why not make these specific sites "world holy sites" and have them governed by the UN or some other organization. So then no one country owns them, and everyone can go there to worship.

Yeah Chris: I have another idea: do not move Israel to California. They have been fighting over there since the dawn of time - don't need any more problems in this State.

For what it's worth ...here's an idea (simultaneously sensible, yet silly in that it will never happen)

-force Co's like Kellog Brown & Root to be fiscally accountable to every cent (of your taxpayer money) they get. And no, they are not a legal firm for those of you who do not know who the Co is...

-hold people such as Paul Bremer and those in control of such things as the "development fund for Iraq" (started with 6 billion $'s of Iraq's $ that was transferred to the Fed Reserve Bank in NY) accountable for where the $ goes.

Demanding this does not seem terribly "commie pinko" ...For example, I mean to ME it seems like if 88 million US taxpayer dollars is paid to a Co to deliver three million meals to feed US troops and said meals are never provided (but the $ paid) folks have the right to ask a question or two... (and this isn't "leftist blog gibberish"... ask Congress' General Accountability Office who are being stonewalled in any effort to investigate such.) But again, heck, what do I know... maybe there is good reason billions of dollars are simply unaccounted for. And by no means do I profess that this is a "red state" Vs. "blue state" issue... nor it is a new problem... It's just perhaps getting heppening on a continuously grander and grander scale nowadays...

-And people think folks lining there pockets here in Belize is bad!!!

Quite interesting reading.
If the good Muslims bannned together and decided to condem the bad, and did this openly, and in masses, they might get respect from the rest of the world.
Wake up Muslims, you have the power and population
to fight the eval extreem, child and women killers
They hold the key to World terror.

How are we supposed to band together? We are just individual people scattered all over the earth, living out lives in peace. How would all the Christians band together?

Muslims have respect in the rest of the world, just not by certain Americans.

Good point CS.
Most of the time from our perspective it is difficult to see "good" Muslims. We hope they are there but the silence is deafening.
In the key of C for ...

I don't remebering good Christian's harmonizing together against bad Christians when they; bomb abortion clinics, blow up federal buildings, commit atrocious wars against defenseless countries, etc...

Under and gringo, not worth my time to debate.

C$- No answers eh? You must be very important and busy to not have time for this subject.

Read much of this post, and not worth debating most of you on this subject.
Most do not read what is said, conflict on who said what.
Why waste my time.

But I asked you for a way to use your suggestion. Don't you have any further ideas?

The peace loving Muslims have to speak up, loud and clear against the bastards who hide behind the good.
Movements, publications,and show they do not approve of the bastards. Maybe, even take up arms against them.They, the peace lvinng ones prove they want to stop this, hold their own destiney.
Good against eval
Read your post before your last one, and tell me you asked for suggestions, try again.

I'm peace loving and live on Ambergris Caye...so you tell me to take up arms against the bad guys???!!???
You can't be serious!!!

Great we got to hear some very pointed opinions. Mostly hot air though.

Muslims standing up and fighting against the bad ones. Interesting idea. So......who is the Northern Alliance and the Iraq Security Forces? Must be French Foreign Legion I guess.

Oh yeah, I forgot. WE WILL GIVE NO PENCILS TO COUNTRIES THAT TEACH TO HATE AMERICANS AND JEWS. If you're not part of the solution you are part of the problem? Is that it?

So tell me, are you ready to stand up for that conviction? Really? Think about it next time you fill up your eight or twelve cylinder SUV or pick-up. Who's oil is it, who is getting rich from it?

Until you start to car pool and look for alternative energy sources YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM, forget pencils you are paying their salaries.

SIN

"I'm not with stupid"

TGIF peeps! Free wings tonite!

Can you deliver? :p

clover: you don't make any sense at all.

I laff when folks think they own their homes....government can come along and appropriate it at any time...anywhere.....freedom? Misnomer...just like democracy.

Time for a drink....(hic)

It's long been said that the first casualty of war is truth.

I am sure of two things only -
1. That we are being fed a load of baloney from every side in the dispute.
2. That "what needs to be done" in actual form and action is in a constant state of change due to worldwide interdependence and a multiplicity of causes.

My vote, my view - is that to ride these tides, we need leaders with great intelligence and great compassion. Now - can we find one or two , and if we do, can s/he get elected.

I'm not with Stupid either.

Well said, Diane.

Everyone seems to wonder why Muslim terrorists are so quick to commit suicide. Let's see. . .

No Jesus
No Christmas
No television
No cheerleaders
No baseball
No football
No hockey
No golf
No tailgate parties
No Walmart
No Home Depot
No pork BBQ
No hot dogs
No burgers
No lobster
No shellfish
No gumbo
No beer
Rags for clothes and towels for hats
More than one wife
You cannot shave
Your wife cannot shave
You cannot shower regularly to wash off the smell of donkey cooked over burning camel dung
The women have to wear baggy dresses and veils at all times
Your bride is picked by someone else
She smells just like your donkey
But your donkey has a better disposition
Then they tell you that when you die it all gets better!

I mean, really, is there a mystery here?

The voice of another bigoted ugly american

Well gee, thank you very much gringostarr. And, my next book will be called: "Don't tell me the Truth!"

Don't you have any muslim neighbors or friends? There are a few here in San Pedro that you may have come in contact with when you visited. Was that your impression of them? Why do you condemn all people in a huge religious society just to get in a slam at the terrorists?

LaurieMar, my neice is engaged to a Muslim man. Neither she nor her future husband smell like a donkey or its dung.

Gringostarr, maybe you should reread. I believe LaurieMar says Muslim terrorists NOT all Moslims.

But her slams are directed at muslim beliefs/practices, not specifically terrorist practices. Hurtful to say the least!

Thank you Deacon. That is exactly what my post said. Gringo and Hon: read the first line - what does it have to do with neighbors, friends or neice's engagement?

A self-righteous ugly american!

Whatever you say, and the same to you. But you need to get real and stop reading something that is not there.

Wow, criticism of hygiene, manner of dress, dietary habits, etc. Could you get any more superficial?

I'm for people taking responsibility and for frank conversations - but that kind of joking isn't likely to help. It is the same kind of stuff that was used to perpetuate prejudice against most ethnic groups (before they assimilated) in the states, including my Irish and French-Canadian ancestors.

Why do people use racial slurs? Because they work.
In the toolbox of Language, racial slurs are an easy shorthand; group a set of people (easily picked out by visual cues) into a set of expected shortcomings, and move on. Time is saved, and you never apply these shortcomings to yourself, meaning you can feel better than the group that doesn't get it and never will get it.

In a world where most words have lost their edges ("murder" and "pregnant" come to mind as garnering little reaction when used in conversation) a racial slur can pack all the punch it used to carry.

On the other hand, who reacts when they hear the phrase "Paddy Wagon" (a reference to Irish as criminals, always being picked up by police) or "Indian Summer" (which references a summer turned cold, derived from "Indian Giver", a claim that american Indians would take back what they promised)?

If the goal is to quickly end a conversation and waste no more time on discussion, a good solid racial slur will bring things to a halt. In one word, you can show both an unwillingness to hear another view and a clear demarcation of where you think the others stand compared to you (far below). One does not name vermin; one calls them, simply, vermin. That tone continues to this day.

http://www.rotten.com/library/language/racial-slurs/

gringostar - your "self-righteous ugly american" slur is less offensive how?

I don't mean it to be less offensive, but I apply it selectively. It's a way of thinking/behaving.

Gringo: who said I was a "pure, white American?" Your comments are ridiculous and quite frankly not worth any more of my time responding. Plus, it is a free world and I will be there in November. Hope I don't see you.

And, what is it with your nasty language: "niggers, chinks, jews" - tsk, tsk, you should be ashamed of yourself.

The Muslim Community looks forward to your visit.

Great. That's helpful. :rolleyes:

Your argument makes about as much sense as my friend, Laurie's. Apparently a racial slur is acceptable as long as it's only aimed at a select group? :rolleyes:

The irony of this whole thing is that the e-mail I posted was sent to me by a Muslim acquaintance!

Gringostar I do not want to respond to the above chat we all have beat this up too much.And nobody should insult anyone , some of us have seen the light about that now ... We now can all agree on that..!!! but can you answer a simple question !!You say you live full time in sanpedro what to you do there ??you seem to keep that a secret ??it is a small island every body knows every body ?? you sound like a ok person??why do you not share info about you realy are .?? you can e mail mail me in private if for some reason you do not to share about who you are with the board..my life is a open book all on this board know me,, my real name, and what I do for a living and how I try to live my dream out!!! just curious.

Sorry but I'm not able to reveal my identity without creating problems for my local family.

HA!

How about a hint.

Ditto Deacon, Tell us who you are and if you post under any other names on this board

Double HA!

Either a DRUMMER or a wannabe Drummer.

gringostarr's real name is Haywood ........! And I'm not kiddin'

Rykat, Haywood you tell us his last name too?

Snort! Clever, 2miles!

JABLOMEE!

Rykat - don't know you that well just yet!!!!

Not you.....gringo!!!!!!! :p

Gringo is a fake, troll or what ever.

Yeah, I know, I know, you posted right after me and I was being silly!!!

every sect has problem groups. Plenty of Muslim groups have condemned 911, If you don't know this you aren't listening.

there have been plenty of bands of murderous christians throughout history. See Crusades, American Indians.

re:gringostarr: no reason for a person to have to unmask themselves. plenty of folks on here are anonymous and prefer it that way. especialy when he's under attack.

lets have a joke about christian terrorists now and see how christians like it.

seriously we have gotten religious-ism (like sexism and racism) in the western world BAD towards Islam.

its shameful.

this stuff:

Rags for clothes and towels for hats
More than one wife
You cannot shave
Your wife cannot shave
You cannot shower regularly to wash off the smell of donkey cooked over burning camel dung
The women have to wear baggy dresses and veils at all times
Your bride is picked by someone else
She smells just like your donkey
But your donkey has a better disposition

refers to Muslim practices. not just terrorist practices. and one word in a long 'joke' can easily be missed. the word 'terrorist" in the first line of the joke. and in this current atmosphere, i personally think its offensive and not funny.

i have Muslim friends. they are wearing around tshirts with flags on them to keep from getting harassed. one good lebanese friend who has owned a very nice restaurant here in town for years was hauled in by the fbi with all his friends after 9-11. ridiculous. an arabic or persian looking name or face and you are screwed in this environment.

not quite fair when like a few freakos did the damage. tis called racism.

terrorism = not fighting by the 'established' rules of warfare.

see George Washington, 1776. shooting from behind trees.

basic rule of war. strike at the level you are capable.

i am a quaker pacifist. i do not believe in violence to solve problems. others disagree. thats fine. but historical perspective is needed in order to knowledgably analyze a situation.

til recently, all Israeli presidents had at one time been 'terrorists'. Begin planted bombs all over the middle east. George Washington was a terrorist to the British. Custer was a terrorist to the Indians. The indians were terrorists to Custer.

labels just don't work. they muddy the puddle.

discuss the guilty people and what they did, not their religion, how often they shave, whether they have tailgate parties, what they wear, or how they pray.

"discuss the guilty people and what they did, not their religion" ....No, Marty, their religion is much of what feeds their actions. It needs to be discussed.

I'm a very un-religious person. I'm fine with the idea of something much bigger than us out there (a "god" if you like). But! I'm satisfied that none of the various religions have the mystery of what it is and how we should deal with it figured out right.

In fact sometimes I think religion is daft....I suppose if I had to become religious I'd pick Buddism...pretty mellow stuff there, that fat guy statue at the entrance of Chinese restaurants doesn't look too harmful to me.

I'm not particularly nauseated by the use of religion as a terror tactic. Bad people will do what works. Rather, I'm just astonished that in this day and age young men believe so much in what they're fed by their religious leaders as to go to the extreme of blowing themselves up.

Marty: "there have been plenty of bands of murderous christians throughout history. See Crusades, American Indians." ....yes, but that wasn't me and what happened then can't possibly be used to justify what is happening now.

It's all bad and it's all very sad.

its NOT their religion that leads to hatred

find a passage in the Koran that says anything like 'kill thy neighbor'

the Wahhabi branch is more hard core, but they are only a branch.

http://answering-islam.org.uk/Gilchrist/Vol1/9d.html

A small group founded by al-Wahhab in the eighteenth century, but it was the primary force in the creation of the state of Saudi Arabia in 1932, the country of the cities of Mecca and Medina, and from them, the Wahhabi have influenced Muslims throughout the world who go into the pilgrimage to Mecca.

They are the Puritans of the Muslims, with the most strict, severely enforced moral standard of conduct, and their call for a pure Islam regulated by a literal interpretation of the Koran.

For them, it is a polytheism to visit the graves of the saints, and they are against observance of the feast of the Birth of the Prophet... and they discourage such Western innovations as cinema and dancing.

Although this has been an interesting, emotional, angry and judgemental thread I think LaurieMar copied an e-mail she received!!
Why are some people so quick to jump on a post?
Too much bad energy on the board these days...
Happy Birthday Belize!

It is an e-mail I received from a Muslim gentleman and gentle man named Paul, who runs, yes - a convenience store in my neighborhood for the past 7 years. His family escaped from Northern Pakistan, where many of the above list are a fact of life. He has seen people tortured, killed, etc for defiance by evil people (he describes as extremists and Muslim terrorists who want to destroy Western world beliefs and freedoms) and that is exactly why he is here. And, that is the only point of the e-mail. He has had his store windows smashed in because he hangs an American flag. I have helped him legally, to the best of my ability.

When the family first arrived, they were freaked out: wore the traditional clothing, etc. His wife is gorgeous and it did not take them long to realize that it was okay to wear makeup, shorts, and show their face. They are hard-working, honest folk who are actually embarrased by some of the extremist Islamic beliefs.

To assume, when you have never met me, that I am racist, is an insult. Too many people jump on the "racist bandwagon" when this is not about race, it is about a very real, sorry state that some Islamic people have been subjected to all over the world. His e-mail solely concerned extremist Islamic beliefs, which often breed terrorism, and the violence they often generate. And, no wonder to me. I am not a religious person - my Church on Sunday is the "Church of the Blue Sky" because I would rather be outside enjoying myself. I am not a scholar on the teachings of Islam and I doubt any of you are either.

These freaks are the exact reason why 911 occurred and why you can no longer take even a bottle of water on a jet.

He is right where he wants to be and should be. He also enjoys all the freedoms and foods that he wants to, without being scared for his life and the lives of his wife and children. He told me there are passages in the Koran that support beatings of a wife. And, he also thinks his wife looks great in a mini skirt!

I now rest my case. Put me in the dog house with the Pope.

This whole thread has been interesting to say the least. Americans, I will say the same thing I said on 9/11 we need to have leadership that wants us to get to a point where we are energy independent. That means drilling for oil in ANWAR (How many American soilders should die so we don't have to drill in a pristeen wilderness that 99% of us will never see?) Sending our oil money to Arab countries is funding terroists who attack us. It also means every one of us needs to curb our life styles a little. No one seems to be driving less or slower to save fuel. Look at the ads in your sunday paper, how much of the stuff being sold is just something that you don't realy need.
When I visit Belize, I am truly impressed at how little people can have and still be very happy. We truly are the most wasteful people on this planet and it's easy to see how the rest of the world can hate us.

Hating us for being wasteful is no different than hating people who have little and are very happy. Hate is hate - no excuses, no reasoning acceptable.
Agree with you about Anwar and also the Gulf Coast of Florida - ridiculous no drilling there!

AGREED! You should finish destroying your own lands before setting out to destroy others.

Like to stick a well right in your "back" yard there gringostarr, or somewhere else familiar to you!

You'd like to destroy Ambergris Caye? Nice!

you sure you want in there lauriemar?
:>
getting kinda loud.
the pope needs to vet his speeches!

'they' want me to bring 'them' as many 'presents' as I can pack & bring to 'them' on my next visit. 'They' are like children on Christmas morning when I arrive from the US with my 'goodies' that 'they' tell me 'they' could otherwise never receive or afford. The US is indeed a great place to 'be from'. I like it.

Gringo has something deep down to hide, wonder what it is. Please come clean, as you sound like you changed your name on this board a few times.
Capt Jeff, and quite a few have nothing to hide, and are very open in there opinions, and do not hide.
Extremist do not care who they harm, no matter what side they are on, or what religion they are.
Wake up you loving Muslems and speak up against those who want to bring down your peaceful side.
Beat the Cubens to the oil in the Gulf, drill south of the Florida Keys now, as well in the rest of the Gulf, and Alaska.
When the oil is gone, we will have true alternatives in place well before that, and working.

The Pope needs to speak LOUDER and with more CLARITY and please skip the APOLOGIES!!!! Thankfully he did not apologize for what he said but said he was sorry for what it may have caused. If he had apologized for what he said than Papal infallibility would have gone right out the window!!!!! Sorry Marty IMHO!

Where ever it may be....DRILL!