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30.12.2006

Saddam Hussein hanged

Tags: Uncategorized — Author: Phil @ 12:28 pm

I guess there’s no “death row” in Iraq…

123 Comments »

Although I don’t think that hanging is an acceptable way of executing people I must say that this man, if anyone, deserved to die like this.
There have been so many old communist and fascist dictators who have escaped justice that it was nice to see that someone didn’t manage to get away with the “ailinghealth”-problem.

Comment by Mikael — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 1:08 pm
Bush:”is an important milestone on
Iraq’s course to becoming a democracy that can govern, sustain and defend itself, and be an ally in the war on terror.”
-we will see, what will happen now….

I wonder why hung such a rush. The question was never whether Saddam would die, but when, how and by whose hand.
Saddam was a creature of the West. He was encouraged (and armed) by west mainly USA, because of Iran power in around 1980.

It would be good to let trial go on and handle all issues considering his time of power during past 3 decades.

Comment by Timo — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 1:24 pm
“Saddam was a creature of the West. He was encouraged (and armed) by west mainly USA, because of Iran power in around 1980.”

No offence and with all respect, but this is not true at least with respect to selling arms. Iraq was armed by Soviet Union, China and for a lesser extent by France (Mirages & Exocets). I challenge anyone believing that USA armed Iraq in 80’s name actually those weapon systems sold from USA to Iraq. (Don’t bother, the closest you will ever get are non-armed Hughes transport helicopters.)

Comment by M. — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 1:36 pm
When will justice be done to war criminals such as Bush and Blair?? After all they’re responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands innocents.

Comment by Nokia Guru — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 1:51 pm
Won’t be missed. A pity that the process did not support international law (that would make these sort of bloody dictatorships impossible) but undermined it, as deliberately willed by the Bush “administration”. Of course the Book of Revelations is more important in these matters than all the UN declarations of human rights.

Comment by mjr — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 2:03 pm
When will justice be done to war criminals such as Bush and Blair?? After all theyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands innocents.

See they won the war. So Saddam = Bad (lost), Bush = Good (won).
Just like any war… Hitler = Bad (lost), Stalin = Good (won).

Comment by Hank W. — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 2:13 pm
“When will justice be done to war criminals such as Bush and Blair?”

You shouldn’t be talking about justice in its normal use, when it concerns international justice. People who begin talking about death penalty like it’s used inside USA and then compare lack of justifications for death penalty to international cases like Saddam, are pretty clueless. One also has to quite naive to think that domestic and international justice systems have something to do with each other. (Or cynical to think that our domestic laws has more to do with politics than reason.) But there must be these people, because so many seem to get surprised and angry for Saddam’s quick execution.

Here’s a quick quiz for you: Allied leaders weren’t given death penalties at the end of WW2, why is that? Hint: It has something to do with the end result of the war.

Comment by Jani Kuusisto — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 2:23 pm
Hank W.
Who are the winners:
-Iraq ppl with new “democrazy” “brought and dropped in”?
-Bush (=God ?), Saddam is dead = end of killings in Iraq?

“See they won the war”
I have not noticed that happen yet, sorry if I not followed the news enough. And btw, what war do you mean?

Comment by Timo — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 2:24 pm
Its over yeeeeeeeeeee, now we can move on with life…hahaha
SADAM in sane is gone…aaaamen..its about time that scum is gone…i think it took toooo long…cheers to the brave IRAQI people….

Its about time that scum bag is gone…hahahaha
you liberal Europeans can kiss his butt….hahahah

Comment by Born in the USA — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 2:28 pm
Jani Kuusisto stop talking through our poop chute…you’re not making much sense.

Oh and lets add Ariel Sharon to the list…the guy responsible for the Sabra and Shatila massacres…why wasn’t he ever ‘brought to justice’?? heck the guy was a major U.S ally!! Double standards and hypocrisy anyone?

Comment by Nokia Guru — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 2:35 pm
By the way FYI more than 100 American soldiers are dead this month alone and their death toll is now a hair’s breath short of 3000. ‘Mission Accomplished’ indeed lol.

Comment by Nokia Guru — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 2:38 pm
With Sadam gone, it is “Ã¢â‚¬ËœMission AccomplishedÃ¢â‚¬â„¢”

Too bad your old friend, has a long neck. He would still be there except for the evil USA, and you all, would still be rich with food-for-oil.

Do you miss your blood money?

Oh wait, you europeans now support “Hezbollah, as everyone knows, a proxy militia for Syria and Iran.”

I Guess, things don’t change.

Comment by winter — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 2:47 pm
“why wasnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t he ever Ã¢â‚¬Ëœbrought to justiceÃ¢â‚¬â„¢?”

I just tried to answer, but you still insist that international law and domestic juridical system have something to do with each other. Go ahead, but don’t think that your clever insights are great revelations to anyone else.

Comment by Jani Kuusisto — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 2:49 pm
SATANA PERKELE!! This is my happiest day since 911!!
That filthy, murderous, treacherous, scumbag HUSSEIN will rot in HELL
forever!
May he become SATAN’S bitch in hell…NO 72 perverted virgins
for SADDAM..HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!..:LOL:

Comment by inFINNdel — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 2:54 pm
#6 Hank W.—I love great analogies. Nicely done. Very clever

Comment by Kristian (in Espoo) — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 2:56 pm
And it’s just too bad that his accomplices walk free…..

http://www.thetalentshow.org/images/worstweekever.jpg

Comment by Kristian (in Espoo) — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 3:06 pm
Right now CNN and Fox and other mainstream media are showing the MASSIVE celebration of Muslim community in Dearborn Michigan..
People shouting,dancing in the streets at news of Saddam’s LOOOng neck!
All people interviewed are ECSTATIC!
Everybody states”Now Irag is free and can finally move on and create a better Iraq!” UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!

Comment by inFINNdel — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 4:15 pm
#12 “Too bad your old friend, has a long neck.”

He’s your old friend, too!

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB82/
http://www.democracynow.org/static/rumsfeldcloset.shtml
http://www.rense.com/general35/rums.htm

Comment by Kimmo W. — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 4:28 pm
Well, nothing like the news of a dead dictator to make breakfast that much more enjoyable. Then scrolling across the bottom of Fox News is the idiotic Saddam-hugging comment from Erkki:

“The European Union has a very consistent stand . . . on opposing the death penalty and it should not have been applied in this case either - even though there is no doubt about Saddam Hussein’s guilt over serious violations against human rights,” Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja of Finland, which holds the rotating EU presidency, said in Helsinki.

Russia - whose president, Vladimir Putin, had vocally opposed the U.S.-led invasion in 2003 that toppled Saddam - expressed regret that international opposition to the execution was ignored.

“The political consequences of this step should have been taken into account,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said in Moscow.

Moscow warned that Saddam’s death could worsen the discord and violence in Iraq.

And just how did Erkki think Saddam should have been jailed and how would he handle the terrorist acts over the next twenty years centered around gaining his freedom? Statements like his are irresponsible, when there is a failure to consider the cost of not acting, in this case not executing Saddam.

Comment by Fred Fry — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 4:40 pm
#19
It seems to be hard for some people to understand that jerking off to the ritual killing of anyone is not considered civilised behavior in Europe.

A statement similar to that of Foreign Minister Tuomioja would have been forthcoming from any country holding the EU Presidency. Even the government of Bush’s loyal suckup Tony Blair emphasised opposition to the death penalty.

Comment by Kimmo W. — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 4:57 pm
3 Marines killed in Iraq, making December deadliest month for U.S. troops in 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq The U-S military says three more Marines have been killed in battle in Iraq.

With at least 106 deaths, that makes December the deadliest month this year for American troops. The Marines died yesterday of wounds from fighting in western Anbar province.

According to a count by The Associated Press, at least 2995 members of the U-S military have been killed since the Iraq war began in March 2003.

****************

woooo hoooo more terrorist invaders getting what they deserve!!

Comment by Nokia Guru — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 4:59 pm
Erkki would have brought that geezer to Finland of course and have tea with him at tea time a bitch about evil israel and evil U.S…thats how Erkki would have done it..or may be even put him on Kella…ahahahaha

screw you sadam,,,screw you iraq,,,screw your iran and all those bums in the big cat sand box….also,,,marines and army killed in iraq ? yeh, shame. you dont want to die dont join the military….what all this bithcing about death and wars…if you join the army, you go to fight. you go to fight? high chance of death…. yes, there will be more dweath in iraq, you dont like it ? go there and do something you xbox bitch…

By the way, I was also in the Marines in the desert storm war. I caught a bullet and I bitched, I was 18 years old…but Im laughing now….see ya sadammmmmmm

Oh and any sadam lovers here ? feel free to join him at your own hands. Ropes are always on sale…

see ya
and stop your damn bitching you cry babies

Comment by Born in the USA — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 5:39 pm
Kimmo: not even everyone here in the US is thrilled about the death penaly, including myself. I found it very disconcerting watching CNN yesterday and seeing all these “Stepford” anchor people reporting about the imminent death of Hussein with that way too cheerful a smile plastered upon their faces. State sanctioned murder of any person, even one as vile as Saddam, always leaves me queasy. ( I live in Texas, so I am queasy a lot).

Comment by Nipsu — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 5:44 pm
#22
“Erkki would have brought that geezer to Finland of course and have tea with him at tea time…”

It is hardly surprising that supporters of the failed Iraq policy of the pro-war, pro-death Bush regime will indulge in silly gloating over Saddam’s demise.

Suggesting that Tuomioja, or any other European opponent of the Iraq quagmire, would have warm feelings toward Saddam is really the mother of all strawman arguments.

Comment by Kimmo W. — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 5:52 pm
Ã¢â‚¬Å“Erkki would have brought that geezer to Finland of course and have tea with him at tea timeÃ¢â‚¬Â¦Ã¢â‚¬Â

and

he would have met Sadan with his French white flag of surrender, all clean and polished, high up on his front door.

Yup. you do have warm and fuzzy feelings toward Sadam. Its really comes out strong, as you critize the USA. And then do NOTHING to help anywhere in the world.

No quagmire over there. Just a low level, your out and I am in power, so lets take some Muslim revenge. Check the Iraq economy some day.

Quit watching the BBC and maby you will see a different picture.

Oh yea, Oh yea, Oh yea

its Miller time. (That is a Beer)

Comment by winter — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 6:12 pm
Enforced democracy Bush-style…

Saddam Hussein is clearly an evil man. However, I fail to see how such a shoddy undemocratic biased trial followed by a barbaric execution is a good example for Iraq’s future “peaceful” course.

Execution is nothing but a barbaric act of revenge which sets no example of proper human rights in a country already affected by far too much killing.

Comment by JG — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 6:16 pm
I think I will go out and shoot my gun up in the air.

On second thought, my neighbors, will just shoot back.

Not a good idea.

Comment by winter — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 6:19 pm
#25
Gee, Winter, you’d better be careful not to get semen all over your keyboard. It looks like your masturbatory frenzy has already shorted out your spell-checker.

Comment by Kimmo W. — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 6:24 pm
The USA used to be a model occupier. I suppose Arabs don’t count in this regard: an amazing combination of utter incompetence and indifference has led to the present bloody chaos. It is quite an achievement to make even Gerald Ford appear competent and well informed. A disgusting, dispiriting spectacle.

Comment by mjr — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 6:30 pm
Now here is a hero of Iraq:) He didn’t left his country and was killed by invaders as many other civilians.

After 30 years most probably we’ll hear another story of Saddam. Like it was with fake Hitler’s death…

Comment by Belino — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 7:19 pm
Wow, look at all the mouthpiece Americans making the rest of us Americans looks like dumb fucks, as usual. Congrats guys, good jobs everyone, handshakes all around. You got what you wanted. Mission Accomplished!

Oh wait…

Comment by gopha — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 7:34 pm
“Down with the Asians”?

Comment by a — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 7:37 pm
born in the u.s.a:
By the way, I was also in the Marines in the desert storm war. I caught a bullet and I bitched

In the frontal lobe, it appears. It’s the quickest way to become a Republican.

Comment by Freeridin' Franklin — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 7:52 pm
winturd: “its Miller time. (That is a Beer)”

Wrong again.

Comment by DAVE THE RAVE — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 7:55 pm
Here’s a good analysis:

“This whole endeavor, from the very start, has been about taking tawdry, cheap acts and dressing them up in a papier-mache grandeur — phony victory celebrations, ersatz democratization, reconstruction headed up by toadies, con artists and grifters. And this is no different. Hanging Saddam is easy. It’s a job, for once, that these folks can actually see through to completion. So this execution, ironically and pathetically, becomes a stand-in for the failures, incompetence and general betrayal of country on every other front that President Bush has brought us.”

You can find the rest of it here:

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/011729.php

Comment by Kimmo W. — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 8:03 pm
Fred Fry:
Well, nothing like the news of a dead dictator to make breakfast that much more enjoyable.

I’m sure you’re very happy that Augusto Pinochet, another US-supported murderer, died a natural death. I bet your breakfast will taste all the more delicious as you fantasise about the thousands of people he tortured and murdered.

Comment by Freeridin' Franklin — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 8:12 pm
Suggesting that Tuomioja, or any other European opponent of the Iraq quagmire, would have warm feelings toward Saddam is really the mother of all strawman arguments.

- Sorry, but I guess you forgot about all those European ‘human-shields’ that rushed to Iraq to protect Saddam’s assets, and the Governments that let them do that.

The USA used to be a model occupier.

- And at the end of WWII the US demanded trials as well which also resulted in hangings. The Soviets just wanted to shoot them like dogs. Same for Japan.

See they won the war. So Saddam = Bad (lost), Bush = Good (won). Just like any warÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ Hitler = Bad (lost), Stalin = Good (won).

- Sorry, but the end of WWII was not the end of the War. We fought Stalin and the Soviet Union Europe’s way, Diplomatically. That took 40+ years. Strange how Europeans cannot recognize thier own foreign policy in action!
- The Council of Europe wants to investigate the crimes of Communism and Stalin but the Socialists voted against it (P.A.C.E) I asked for a breakdown of the vote, but it is SECRET. And just why is that?
- Keep in mind that the ‘winners’ were not the ones who started the war. Not even in Iraq. Saddam managed that when he invaded Kuwait.

Kimmo,
There is no joy in this. This should have been done with the first Gulf war. Instead of Erkki complaining, he should have suggested alternatives beforehand. ‘You should not have done that’ does no good afterwards. Take a look at another imprisoned former dictator, President Taylor of Liberia. The only reason he is sitting in a jail cell in the Hague is because the UK volunteered to imprison him ‘if’ he is convicted. No other country stepped forward. Not even Finland. What was the alternative for Taylor - the death penalty.

Comment by Fred Fry — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 8:14 pm
I challenge anyone believing that USA armed Iraq in 80Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s name actually those weapon systems sold from USA to Iraq.

Read this for starters.

Comment by Freeridin' Franklin — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 8:15 pm
I bet your breakfast will taste all the more delicious as you fantasise about the thousands of people he tortured and murdered.

Franklin,
You got me all wrong.

Comment by Fred Fry — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 8:20 pm
Franklin,
You got me all wrong.

Could be. While singing a lament for Saddam is not on my agenda, I find gloating over the death of anyone somewhat repulsive.

They sure were in a rush to hang him. Could it be so he wouldn’t have time to write down some of his recollections from the early 1980s, hmm?

Comment by Freeridin' Franklin — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 8:34 pm
“The USA used to be a model occupier. ”

Huh.. we bombed the guys in 2 wars, and you, some how think that when we take over, it will all be nice, and cozy. Reading the BBC again, I see.

Now the fact that we have had less than 200 men in uniform do something stupid, out of a MILLION men rotated into and out of Iraq, is well, to be commended. So yes we are a Model occupier.

Bet your Finnish Prison system is not as nice. Bet the EU prison system has way more bad apples than the USA had in Iraq.

Come on guys, prove me wrong. Lets look at Frances underground Glub Gitmo, first.

Comment by winter — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 8:35 pm
Finally USA got the man behind the 9/11 attacks

Fun to see all jews celebrating, woohooo we finally got him, lets grab more land woohooo! Osama? who cares? we all know Saddam was an anti-semite!

Comment by The Swede — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 8:35 pm
#40 “Come on guys, prove me wrong.”

You are the one making the bizarre assertions, therefore it is your job to prove yourself right.

Comment by Kimmo W. — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 8:42 pm
Oh wait, how un PC of me to slam the EU like this. Why you all are a model of the civilized world.

I mean you get rid of ugly French cars by burning.

Then you, forget to attend a little local war in Europe, and just let the USA do it for you.

You did nothing for Darfur, so 400,000 are dead, this year alone.

You support Iran by becoming Human Shields, so Hezbollah can take over more of Lebanon.

A model all right. Can you still say “food for oil”?

Comment by winter — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 8:43 pm
“your job to prove yourself right.”

I already did, its called the French Prison system. Can you say dungeon.

Comment by winter — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 8:46 pm
“bizarre assertions”, lets look at some of yours

Nokia Guru -When will justice be done to war criminals such as Bush and Blair??

Wow it does not get more left wing that this one.

Or

Nokia Guru - FYI more than 100 American soldiers are dead this month alone and their death toll is now a hairÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s breath short of 3000. Ã¢â‚¬ËœMission AccomplishedÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ indeed lol.

Wow another lefty, doing the body countdown to 3000. Forget the 11 Million purple fingers again?

Or

Kimmo W -Ã¢â‚¬Å“supporters of the failed Iraq policy of the pro-war, pro-death Bush regime will indulge in silly gloating over SaddamÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s demise.Ã¢â‚¬Â

Pro-death Bush regime. Another, lets bash Bush, but forget Darfur on our watch again statement.

Comment by winter — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 8:55 pm
#44 “I already did, its called the French Prison system. Can you say dungeon.”

Having no personal experience of the prison system of any country, I couldn’t say, but nothing in any of your posts contains anything that would meet the standard of “proof”.

However, I have been reading recently about the case of a 17-year-old kid who was sentenced to double-digit prison time without parole for having consensual oral sex with his 15-year-old girlfriend. That is simply barbaric, no matter how comfortable the prison conditions might be.

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=32&url_subchannel_id=&url_article_id=22700&change_well_id=2

http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/LegalCenter/story?id=1693362&page=1

Comment by Kimmo W. — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 9:07 pm
2006 CASUALTIES IN IRAQ LOWER THAN 2005…

Humm any one notice? USA is getting out, just like we did with Japan and Germany? Oh I forget, its not PC to point these things out.

Comment by winter — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 9:11 pm
“nothing in any of your posts contains anything that would meet the standard of Ã¢â‚¬Å“proof”

oh, do I have to turn of the BBC for you?

Comment by winter — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 9:13 pm
Nokia Guru -When will justice be done to war criminals such as Bush and Blair??

Wow it does not get more left wing that this one.

One doesn’t need to be a left-winger to reach that conclusion. It’s a common sentiment in the world today—across the entire political spectrum. Bush’s and Blair’s actions have given dictators and despots around the world justification to commit all kinds of attrocities. After all, if the world’s superpower does it, why shouldn’t they?

When America acts irresponsibly, the whole world has to live with the consequences.

Comment by Kristian (in Espoo) — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 9:13 pm
You are the one making the bizarre assertions, therefore it is your job to prove yourself right.

You know, I was considering debating the subject with winter, but a far more interesting debate with my refrigerator caught my attention.

Comment by Freeridin' Franklin — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 9:23 pm
winter, in reading your Limbaugh-laden posts, you have the distinction of being the prototypical American every non-American (and most Americans, actually) has become terrified of.

You hate and hate and hate some more; all you are doing is spreading hatred around. If it weren’t for your constant usage of other people’s words (mainly deaf druggie Rush L.) I would almost think you have some kind of personality disorder. All you do is say negative things, grossly exhibit hatred of things you clearly don’t understand and spell the majority of your words most incorrectly.

You are the guy Borat was making fun of. You are the wart on the foot of humanity. Your comments make less and less sense every day, and the tone of your posts make me wish I had a nuKular bom so I culd blow u up, but dat wudn”t be PC now, would, itt?

Comment by DAVE THE RAVE — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 9:28 pm
Nokia Guru -When will justice be done to war criminals such as Bush and Blair??

When will Tarja Halonen and Erkki Tuomioja be put on trial for supporting African kleptocrats who have killed millions of people?

That crime alone should see them swinging from a noose.

Comment by Finnpundit — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 9:32 pm
#47 “2006 CASUALTIES IN IRAQ LOWER THAN 2005Ã¢â‚¬Â¦
Humm any one notice?”

Must admit that I missed that one: point me to a reliable source, and I’ll accept it - and no, it doesn’t have to be the BBC.

“Humm any one notice? USA is getting out, just like we did with Japan and Germany?”

Last thing I looked, the USA is still in both of those countries. The way things are going, the US exit from Iraq is likely to look more like the one from Vietnam. Either way, it seems that it won’t be fast enough for an increasing number of US military personnel:
http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=1-292925-2449372.php
But of course, the news is from the notoriously anti-American left-wing hate-sheet called the Army Times.

Comment by Kimmo W. — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 9:34 pm
That crime alone should see them swinging from a noose.

Ah, back to the murderous fantasies again. Tell me Markku, if that is your real name, are you related to Ragnar NordstrÃƒÂ¶m in any way? I doubt he’d view your exhortations to “eradicate” Finnish soldiers very favourably.

Comment by Freeridin' Franklin — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 9:54 pm
To follow up on #46, all you fans of the US justice system will love this one:

“The Drug War Chronicle reports that pressure is building for Texas Gov. Rick Perry to commute the sentence of Tyrone Brown, who was sentenced to life in prison for smoking pot. In 1990, when he was 17, Brown took part in a $2 robbery in which the victim was not physically injured, a crime for which he received 10 years of probation. A few weeks later, he tested positive for marijuana, and the judge not only revoked his probation but inexplicably resentenced him to a life term….”

http://reason.com/blog/show/117275.html

Comment by Kimmo W. — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 9:56 pm
To follow up on #46….

The American ‘justice’ system can’t even avoid committing acts of barbarism within its own land. So obviously, anything America attempts abroad has no credibility.

It’s a good situation for Russia though. America’s failures elevate Russia’s political clout enormously.

Comment by Kristian (in Espoo) — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 10:18 pm
“BushÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s and BlairÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s actions have given dictators and despots around the world justification to commit all kinds of attrocities. After all, if the worldÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s superpower does it, why shouldnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t they?”

As if the Dictator/Despot types give a rats arse about what Bush and Blair do. Picture Robert Mugabe justifying a rotten decision on the grounds of what Bush/Blair do. Those fellows walk to the beat of their own drum.

Comment by Unit — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 11:09 pm
Unit:
As if the Dictator/Despot types give a rats arse about what Bush and Blair do.

No point in sending “strong messages” to them, is there?

Comment by Freeridin' Franklin — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 11:18 pm
for a bunch of Scandinavian losers that do nothing to help others outside the rain deer gates… you guys sure bitch a lot…

thats all you do is bitch and cry, what the hell are you doing to help ? not a damn thing…you looser. so please. keep your poor sadam flower child mentality in the sauna…but i see the cold froze your brain, or the sauna melted it down…either way, you buddy sadam is dead…

again…YOUR BUDDY SADAM IS GONE, BUT FEEL FREE TO JOIN HIM IF YOU CHOOSE. will lower unemployment…

love you all,,,hahahah

Comment by born in the U:S:A — Sat, Dec 30th, 2006 @ 11:54 pm
ItÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s a good situation for Russia though. AmericaÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s failures elevate RussiaÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s political clout enormously.

Kristian,
I think someone stole your ID.

The last time I checked, Russia was blackmailing half of Europe over natural gas prices, defending Iran’s nuclear program because the Iranians are paying them off through purchases of nuclear equipment, refusing to hand over people suspected of nuclear terrorism in contravention of a UN convention they signed, not to mention littering half of Europe with radioactive material. Lets also throw in oil-for-food payoffs in exchange for selling their N Security Council vote.

I just don’t see it. Although I am sure Russia would love to speak on behalf of all of Europe.

Comment by Fred Fry — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 12:09 am
#59 “you guys sure bitch a lotÃ¢â‚¬Â¦”

Pot - meet Kettle.

“YOUR BUDDY SADAM IS GONE,”

If he was anyone’s buddy, he was yours. If he hadn’t made the mistake of invading Kuwait in ‘90, evereything would have been business as usual - just like with Pinochet. He could have kept on killing his own dissidents and ethnic minorities, and no American administration would have done anything more than a few tut-tuts in the occasional human rights report.

Comment by Kimmo W. — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 12:14 am
for a bunch of Scandinavian losers that do nothing to help others outside the rain deer gatesÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ you guys sure bitch a lotÃ¢â‚¬Â¦

You should avoid walking under power lines and being near magnetic fields in general. They might set the bullet in your brain in motion, which is when you get the urge to post here.

Comment by Freeridin' Franklin — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 1:29 am
If he was anyoneÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s buddy, he was yours. If he hadnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t made the mistake of invading Kuwait in Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ90, evereything would have been business as usual - just like with Pinochet. He could have kept on killing his own dissidents and ethnic minorities, and no American administration would have done anything more than a few tut-tuts in the occasional human rights report.

My sentiments exactly.

Comment by Hank W. — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 1:31 am
at least Allende had the decency to eat his AK-47

Comment by Hank W. — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 1:32 am
Is this the ‘ lets pretend Iraq is a success moment’ ?

Or will saddam hussein’s wmd’s still kill occupation forces?

Comment by The Swede — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 1:54 am
“BushÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s and BlairÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s actions have given dictators and despots around the world justification to commit all kinds of attrocities.”

tell that to Lybia (no Nukes anyone?), or wait, to the 3 new axes of evil, Syria (Out of Lebanon, well except for some Finns as Human Shield for them), Iran (with the 3rd ID on its border), and North Korea (Who have their favorite Bank in shutdown, thanks to Bush).

Right. Your test, Failed, on the first 4 attempts.

Any more short sided remarks?

Comment by winter — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 2:03 am
“saddam husseinÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s wmdÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s still kill occupation forces?”

are we up to 600 WMD’s or is it higher? I can’t keep track.

Comment by winter — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 2:04 am
“Russia was blackmailing half of Europe over natural gas prices,”

noooooooooooo, he just wants all your money. So give it to him.

Comment by winter — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 2:07 am
2006 CASUALTIES IN IRAQ LOWER THAN 2005Ã¢â‚¬Â¦
mudvillegazette

Comment by winter — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 2:10 am
”
The Strong Man expects to die in one of two ways Ã¢â‚¬â€ with a nine millimeter ballot (ie, assassination) Ã¢â‚¬â€ or old age. That has certainly been the case in the Middle East. A public, legal trial followed by court-sentenced execution? That isnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t going to happen unlessÃ¢â‚¬Â¦unless a democracy replaces a tyranny. This is astonishing news Ã¢â‚¬â€ history altering news. For centuries the terrible yin-yang of tyrant and terrorist has trapped the Middle East.In 2003 the US-led coalition began the difficult but worthy effort of breaking that tyrantÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s and terroristÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s trap, and offering another choice in the politically dysfunctional Arab Muslim Middle East.

SaddamÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s demise serves as object lesson and example. In late 2003 every Middle Eastern autocrat saw the haggard Saddam pulled from the hole; now theyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ve seen him hung. The larger message: To avoid Saddams fate means political liberalization. The message extends beyond the Arab Muslim Middle East. IranÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s mullahs see it. At some reptilian level, destructive despots like ZimbabweÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Robert Mugabe also understand it.”

Some thoughts from Austin Bay

Comment by winter — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 2:34 am
Saddam

The left’s battlecry: Cut him some slack.

Comment by winter — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 2:40 am
And is this guy next?:

rope

Comment by winter — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 3:45 am
Wow, even thanks from Iraqthemodel

“On this day as we celebrate justice we shall not forget to pray for blessings for the souls of the dictator’s victims and we shall not forget to thank our brothers in America and the rest of the coalition nations who helped us and are still helping us in our struggle to build the new free and democratic Iraq.”

Comment by winter — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 3:52 am
winter, when do you reckon they’ll have gay marriage in Iraq?

Comment by Freeridin' Franklin — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 4:12 am
#59: “thats all you do is bitch and cry, what the hell are you doing to help ? not a damn thingÃ¢â‚¬Â¦you looser. so please. keep your poor sadam flower child mentality in the saunaÃ¢â‚¬Â¦but i see the cold froze your brain, or the sauna melted it downÃ¢â‚¬Â¦either way, you buddy sadam is deadÃ¢â‚¬Â¦”

Happen to know what the saunas are really for? They are built so that old dogs and assholes like you can be taken behind them, so that the kids don’t have to see them shot. There’s some mentality for you.

Comment by aet75 — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 6:27 am
And is this guy next?:

http://www.bush-whacking.com/mo%20bush%20smaller.jpg

Comment by DAVE THE RAVE — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 11:05 am
Kimmo W: A thousand thanks for the National Security Archive link. It’s priceless. I didn’t know about such archive.

Comment by m — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 12:22 pm
Oh and seeing a rope put on anyones neck just makes me plain sick and sad.

Comment by m — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 12:25 pm
Unit: “As if the Dictator/Despot types give a rats arse about what Bush and Blair do.”

Aside from lowering the standard of conduct even more, for dictators and despots, I also worry that individuals in Europe’s police and military organizations will take cues from their American counterparts.

For example, should apprehended suspects now expect American-style torture sessions?

Comment by Kristian (in Espoo) — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 1:09 pm
#79 By the way, my comment is not meant as anti-American propaganda. It is an actual concern.

Comment by Kristian (in Espoo) — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 1:12 pm
#66
“tell that to Lybia”

Gaddaffi is just as bad a despot as he ever was, and got a free pass from the USA, just like Saddam had while he was committing most of hijs atrocities.

“Promoting democracy” is just a convenient smoke-screen for maximising global power, and to do that, American governments have used their power to remove democratic governments and replace them with dictators.

#69 “2006 CASUALTIES IN IRAQ LOWER THAN 2005Ã¢â‚¬Â¦
mudvillegazette”

The site’s a joke, right? So US casualties were 846 last year, and “only” 816. You Bushie cheerleaders really are desperate!

#70 “‘SaddamÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s demise serves as object lesson and example… The larger message: To avoid Saddams fate means political liberalization.’”

No, the message is, that to avoid Saddam’s fate dictators need only pay heed to US geopolitical and economic interests: political liberalisation can actually be dangerous - at least in Latin America.

Comment by Kimmo W. — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 1:52 pm
Fred:

I think someone stole your ID.

No, it’s really me

The last time I checked, Russia was blackmailing half of Europe over natural gas prices,…

The price of oil has increased worldwide. Sure, Putin uses the increase to reinforce his position:
In return for supplying Europe’s market, he’d like to assume more ownership and control over the European energy sector.

Russia has no obligation to supply Europe with oil. There’s a much larger, potential market in Asia. Putin is simply pointing-out that very natural reality.

None of this necessarily means that Russia holds all the cards. We’ve got the infrastructure in-place to accept Russia’s supply—it’s an easy deal for Russia.

And Russia benefits from our technology and cooperation. It’s always been that way; even during the Cold War. And yes, Russia even supplied us with the bulk of our energy back then…..in fact, very reliably.

We don’t have to accept the implied offer. In my opinion, a reduction in supply would be a great wake-up call for Europe to become more environmentally conscious and also to reduce its over-bloated population.

…..defending IranÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s nuclear program….

Not everyone see Iran as the root of all evil. Most Europeans don’t. Instead, they are more concerned about what America will do to enlarge and preserve its hegemony. And thereby force Iran to act.

….not to mention littering half of Europe with radioactive material.

Yeah well, old habits die hard It’s another reason why Russia needs Europe’s technology and economy.

Although I am sure Russia would love to speak on behalf of all of Europe.

In future years, as Russia grows, I predict it will have more to contribute other than just raw materials.

I find it disturbing that the US military is considering enlargement in Europe to facilitate new forays into Africa—and also, obviously, to protect its existing and future oil routes to the Asian subcontinent.

The last thing I want is another American-drawn border in Europe. Most of what Russia does, is in response to America’s actions.

Comment by Kristian (in Espoo) — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 2:21 pm
Well, Kurds and shi’tes in Iraq seem to be happy with Saddam’s process and fate (along with the Iranians) so there is not much of point to put the flower hat on and lecture them, what kind of sentences they should pass.

If they had chosen the path of the International Criminal Court in the Hague, I think it wouldn’t have been a problem to find a place for his life imprisonment. There has been many terrorists doing life sentences even before in Britain, Germany, France and Italy. Some ex-Yugoslavian war criminals (or the Hague Inquisition victims, as they are probably considered back home) are currently doing time even in Finland and that with Martti Ahtisaari’s efforts in Kosovo has probably won us many new friends in the nationalist circles of the area.

Personally I think the life sentence would have been enough. A real life sentence, that is. We all have to live through the terror of dying at some point of life anyway. Why the convict should be spared from the preceding boredom. Besides, natural death can be a real bitch sometime.

Comment by Antti (the redneck one) — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 5:03 pm
“I also worry that individuals in EuropeÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s police and military organizations will take cues from their American counterparts.”

Gad, now my phone call to tech service in India will be listened to by your Europeans.

Right.

Check out your Paris Prison system, you will find out, they are way ahead of the USA. I worry we will copy you.

Comment by winter — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 5:26 pm
#83 “Kurds and shiÃ¢â‚¬â„¢tes in Iraq seem to be happy with SaddamÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s process and fate (along with the Iranians).”

Many will certainly welcome his fate, but many would have liked to have had a more complete examination in court of the full array of the atrocities that he committed - including those that took place with the acquiescence, if not approval, of the USA and other Western countries.

Comment by Kimmo W. — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 6:19 pm
#84 “Check out your Paris Prison system”

Are there any French people reading this? Perhaps they could comment on Winter’s latest act of diversionary desperation.

Comment by Kimmo W. — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 6:22 pm
“For example, should apprehended suspects now expect American-style torture sessions?”

I think that any government will resort to torture, if they are in a tough enough position. Didn’t the Finns torture some Ruskies back in the days of The War?

And do you really think that Bush/Blair lowered the standard even more? Thats quite a stretch and I think you know it as well. There have been a few isolated incidents(anomolies) from individuals that have been terribly wrong, but I can’t concieve how that would indict the whole system.(Abu Gharib ect)

Comment by Unit — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 6:37 pm
winturd wrote :”The Paris Prison system!”

oooh! le eek!

Comment by DAVE THE RAVE — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 6:37 pm
I recently reviewed some of the barbaric methods used by Saddam’s henchmen on YouTube, and I have to say that I was sickened.

One reel especially got me ill, it was a collection of arm-breakings (arm placed lengthwise between two cinder blocks and then crushed by a man swinging a large metal pipe), finger and arm amputations (with machetes and those big-ass Arab curved swords) and tongue removals (tongue pulled out with surgical tongs and sliced with what appeared to be razor blades).

The screams were what made the crude videos so horrific.

Now, you big Bush supporters, I am not saying that the US has stooped to that level of depravity. However, I truly wish that (even the potential for) comparison between Bush and Saddam’s methods would not even have needed to be brought into discussion. The US is supposed to be above that kind of crap. Abu Ghraib was a prime example of what world perception can do, as well as Cheney’s glib comment that waterboarding of prisoners was a “no brainer.”

Torture, even the hint of it, is wrong (as was this whole fuckmess of an invasion was to begin with). How can you (winter et al) be so smug in your WalMart armchair, knowing that the difficult and treacherous road down Torture Lane has been made in your name?

If I was you, I’d put my Super Big Gulp down, stop repeating what the fear mongers want you to believe and try to think on your own. I hope you don’t want blood on your hands, I mean, who does?

Or maybe you do?

I don’t.

Comment by DAVE THE RAVE — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 6:49 pm
Kristian,

Thanks again for the great insight. Just to clarify my comments on the Blackmailing through Russian gas prices. In general, they should be charging full market price for their gas, but for former Soviet-states, it is Russia’s fault that they are addicted to natural gas as they were responsible for the infrastructure. So they should work with them to wean them off the gas. Instead they are taking advantage of the former hostaged-states one more time.

As for Iran not being taken as a serious threat in Europe. That is normal for Europe as they normally see nothing as a threat until it is too late, and they some form of over-reaction is required.

As for the radiation poisoning, are you giving Russia a pass because it’s an ‘old habit?’

Don’t worry about the US increasing it’s presence in Europe. It is not going to happen. the only discussion at the moment is the shifting of US troops from countries like Germany to Poland and the like. The main stumbling block at the moment is that the Germans all of a sudden are afraid of losing the income. Europe poisoned the relationship with the US Army by making it nearly impossible for them to most their military equipment through Europe in preparation for Iraq part-II. It is much easier to station the equipment at sea (See Diego Garcia) or simply move the equipment directly from the US.

Have a Happy New Year!

I would like to offer you a beer the next time I am in Finland. (Probably Sept.)

Happy New Year to the rest of You! (Sans beer. I’ll drink one for you!)

Comment by Fred Fry — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 7:32 pm
when you eurotrash hit WW3…we will come save your butts again and again and again….like we did over and over and over again…

Europe the global war starters,,and the world beggers for help…see ya soon, euro bitches, yes and we will save you from yourself…AGAIN.

happy new year

Comment by born in the U:S:A — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 9:41 pm
“yes and we will save you from yourselfÃ¢â‚¬Â¦AGAIN.”

Yep, if you are so desperate for “Thank You” card, you better direct your whining to “France for thought” or “The Netherlands for thought” My personal ass was saved by my granpa and his pals. No GIs in our graveyards.

Comment by Antti (the redneck one) — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 10:09 pm
#91 “Europe the global war starters,,and the world beggers for help”

Right. We Europeans started the Iraq war, and when Saddam was about to crush us, the USA came to the rescue. Of course the liberal-biased media has kept the truth from the public at large on that one.

Oh, and you really saved our asses in Vietnam too.

If that kind of thinking is what the US education system puts out, it’s no wonder that Bush got elected.

Comment by Kimmo W. — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 10:12 pm
when you eurotrash hit WW3Ã¢â‚¬Â¦we will come save your butts again and again and againÃ¢â‚¬Â¦.like we did over and over and over againÃ¢â‚¬Â¦

Hey bunghole, if Russia happens to attack Finland again, we won’t blame you for not providing them with tanks and fighters. Actually, we would kind of prefer if you kept your “help” to yourselves.

Europe the global war starters

So which way is it, turd? Does Europe start too many or too few wars?

Comment by Freeridin' Franklin — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 10:23 pm
Europe wasn’t, and still isn’t, a single country, and I understand how this must confuse you. And the Germans, who started the WW2, definitely didn’t ask/expect/receive help from the States. Also, we Finns never fought with nor against you during the war (if you don’t count the tiny volunteer ambulance corps). And, you could say that the war in the Pacific, while it certainly served German interests, really wasn’t started nor carried out by Europeans. The way you express yourself, you must be under the influence, mentally challenged, or an adolescent past your bedtime.

But you have a Happy New Year too. Same goes for the rest of you people here!

Comment by aet75 — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 10:36 pm
Whoops, my previous post missed: #91!

Comment by aet75 — Sun, Dec 31st, 2006 @ 10:53 pm
This sort of event always invites all kinds of creatures to crawl out of the woodwork… the thing is, people who are so eager to tie those slipknots always make me uneasy. Lynch mentality is just not for me. And no, I’m not a Saddam lover, a know a person whose family left Iraq after some tragic events. That man will not be missed. But the fact that did his execution do more harm than good to the cause of pacification of Iraq, it’s hard to tell. The chances of him being released by insurgents? Don’t you have any faith in your military?
And this whole Saddam issue is moot when considering the current conflict. There are the real fundamentalist terrorists (who considered Saddam as a betrayer and an enemy, and will celebrate his death) who are attacking the occupation forces, and then there is the sectarian violance, which I think (and so does the US military btw) is only going to be exacerbated by this execution.
Nobody even remotely familiar with this subject doesn’t have to be told that martyrs outlive the leaders (more so when Islam is considered). Saddam Hussein didn’t identify himself with the faith and jihad before he was fighting a losing battle. He became religious only to deliver a dying man’s blow to US and its endeavours.
All this aside, I’ve always wondered about people who insist that ultimate jugdement is passed by a higher being in the afterlife, only to feel obligated to kill/mutilate themselves. Like divine punishment is something to be supplemented. Don’t make sense to me. But I’m an agnostic, so what do I know.
I wrote this after some drinks, and didn’t go over it. I think my message will come through anyway. And sorry about ranting. It’s the drink, too.

Comment by aet75 — Mon, Jan 1st, 2007 @ 12:32 am
Got in a little hometown jam
So they put a rifle in my hand
Sent me off to a foreign land
To go and kill the yellow man

Born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
I was born in the U.S.A.
Born in the U.S.A.

I’m having a Bruce Springsteen moment

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!

And thanks Fred. I’ll see you in September! But, I have to warn you, one of my favorite places is Storyville. Beers are 6e for a small one. Don’t worry, I won’t hold you to the beer offer

http://www.storyville.fi/kartta.htm

Comment by Kristian (in Espoo) — Mon, Jan 1st, 2007 @ 2:31 am
And thanks Fred. IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ll see you in September! But, I have to warn you, one of my favorite places is Storyville. Beers are 6e for a small one. DonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t worry, I wonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t hold you to the beer offer

Well, Storyville is the local for the evil welfare-statist MPs, so no price is too high. So how about having a F4T get-together? We might meet some SDP MPs and have interesting discussions with them about autovero.

Comment by Freeridin' Franklin — Mon, Jan 1st, 2007 @ 3:54 am
If anyone deserves to die it’s me (resting pulse at around 160 b/min right now).

Comment by saempy — Mon, Jan 1st, 2007 @ 5:26 am
Hopefully that bean brained frat boy and puppet master in Washington feels good for his latest accomplishment in his unceasing pursuit of world peace! His extra long arm was deeply inserted in the butthole of the Iraqi kangoroo court, giving him a nice and predictable gift by silencing one of the biggest mouths that could have come and bite his ass. What else was accomplished with this barbaric act is hard to understand but let’s make no mistake about it, it will in the longer run do nothing but harm for American interests. Exactly like any other move this chimp has done and keep on doing. Happy New Year and PEACE to the world!

Comment by Petteri — Mon, Jan 1st, 2007 @ 9:04 am
“If anyone deserves to die itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s me (resting pulse at around 160 b/min right now).”

errm…

Did you get a Mickey Finn last night?

Comment by RAVE THE DAVE — Mon, Jan 1st, 2007 @ 3:51 pm
Kristian,
Don’t think I have been to Storyville yet. I often passed it on the way to Botta. Even met the wife there one night! As for the beer prices, I know and the offer still stands. Franklin, I’ll extend the offer to you too!

Comment by Fred Fry — Mon, Jan 1st, 2007 @ 4:38 pm
now you got the martyr.

Comment by hopeatikari — Mon, Jan 1st, 2007 @ 6:55 pm
160 beat/min? Hypertension?

Comment by tim73 — Mon, Jan 1st, 2007 @ 7:06 pm
“…having a F4T get-together?”

Perhaps this is the slippery slope ending up to F4T readership bingo cruises to Tallinn

Comment by Antti (the redneck one) — Mon, Jan 1st, 2007 @ 7:20 pm
auuuuu, let me dry my eyes and move to Finlnd, collect commie, welfare..or should you move to the U.S and i can get you a trailer to live in and smoke your mushrooms…waaaa, stop your bitching….you have a silver spoon in your mouth and up your bum___. whats your problem… your problem is that you pay high taxes…and get fed from birth to grave…no work, oy yeh, go to your social security office and collect or your welfare state will help you.
ouuu, you have it sooo bad in Finland.

SADAM is DEAD, and with all your idiotic talk you wont change the world, so stop your bitching. damn hippies…my question to you is >>>>> what are you ganna do about it ? answ.>>> not a damn thing..period!

bitch bitch bitch….go be ahuman shield or something, and hug the terrorist…waaaaaaaaaaaa,, cry to your mamass

life is great, so stop bitching

remember, LIFE IS GREAT

Comment by born in the U.S.A — Mon, Jan 1st, 2007 @ 9:45 pm
Perhaps this is the slippery slope ending up to F4T readership bingo cruises to Tallinn

The libertarian wing would fight the socialist welfare state by consuming as much tax-free alcohol as possible, so this would turn out much like most other cruises to Tallinn.

Comment by Freeridin' Franklin — Mon, Jan 1st, 2007 @ 10:18 pm
#107 “remember, LIFE IS GREAT”

Mine sure is. Yours seems to suck!

Comment by Kimmo W. — Mon, Jan 1st, 2007 @ 11:21 pm
born in the U.S.A:”auuuuu”

Your spelling of “auuuuu” hints of a Finn behind the keyboard.

A real American would spell it. “Awwwww,” erm, troll.

Comment by RAVE THE DAVE — Mon, Jan 1st, 2007 @ 11:49 pm
Yes he definitely looks like a finnish troll.

Comment by m — Tue, Jan 2nd, 2007 @ 12:19 am
Phil, would you please make a separate topic “Russia”, so people can go there and let themselves out Saddam is executed, but it’s again ending up with evil Russian empire.

Comment by Alex — Tue, Jan 2nd, 2007 @ 11:30 am
82. Kristian, I totally agree. If price for X is too high, don’t buy X. There is definitely a need to look for new power sources etc.

Comment by Alex — Tue, Jan 2nd, 2007 @ 11:34 am
#59 “Comment by born in the U:S:A”

Go back to jersey man.

Comment by saempy — Tue, Jan 2nd, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
Saddam’s death just added another digit to the death toll in Iraq. It accomplished little, and no, I don’t believe that capital punishment is justice. All the people he killed are still dead. Now he’s dead too. So what. Life (and by life, I mean lots more death) continues to go on Iraq, sans Saddam.

Comment by giustino — Tue, Jan 2nd, 2007 @ 10:36 pm
Hope everyone survived New Year’s! I suffered only minor damage. Hence, my 2007 resolution is to practice drinking more alcohol……maybe with Fred’s and Franklin’s help

Alex: Phil, would you please make a separate topic Ã¢â‚¬Å“RussiaÃ¢â‚¬Â, so people can go there and let themselves out Saddam is executed, but itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s again ending up with evil Russian empire.

Difficult to separate. They are very connected. When America commits atrocities while deposing a dictator—especially one who it originally installed—it affects the outcome of our political processes here in Europe. And those outcomes determine our level of ‘warmth’ with Russia. It’s unavoidable.

Fred: Just to clarify my comments on the Blackmailing through Russian gas prices. In general, they should be charging full market price for their gas, but for former Soviet-states, it is RussiaÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s fault that they are addicted to natural gas as they were responsible for the infrastructure. So they should work with them to wean them off the gas. Instead they are taking advantage of the former hostaged-states one more time.

Yes, it’s all political of course. Pro-western governments are offered ‘market prices’—the same prices we in wester Europe pay—whereas pro-Kremlin governments are offered ’special prices.’ I’m not sure if that’s blackmail or not.

Fred: As for Iran not being taken as a serious threat in Europe. That is normal for Europe as they normally see nothing as a threat until it is too late, and they some form of over-reaction is required.

Yugoslavia is the example that is usually noted here. Examine Russia’s position during that timeperiod, and you’ll understand exactly why Europe couldn’t act. I mean, who would’ve taken the lead, Germany? In light of WW2, how would Russia’s leadership have been able to defend its own reputation domestically, if Germany’d once again occupied an eastern land?

I sort of remember an airport incident involving Russia, America and Britain. Quite bold…..on Russia’s part. How’d have Russia reacted if Germany’d been ‘in charge?’

Actually, I see Yugoslavia as having been Russia’s responsibility. Why shouldn’t Europe have let Russia act? Or maybe Europe could have helped Russia? Given that ethnic cleansing and war crimes occurred on both sides, which side do you think Russia would have supported?

If you analyze the loyalties and at-stake interests, you’ll see that Russian intervention wouldn’t have been in America’s favor. And if you analyze exactly what was at-stake, then you’ll see why America expediently bombed the civilian Serb population.

http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Balkans/Pipelines.html

As for the radiation poisoning, are you giving Russia a pass because itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s an Ã¢â‚¬Ëœold habit?Ã¢â‚¬â„¢

No pass whatsoever. That’s why I put the frowny face after my original statement ——->

DonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t worry about the US increasing itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s presence in Europe. [...] the only discussion at the moment is the shifting of US troops from countries like Germany to Poland and the like. [...] Europe poisoned the relationship with the US Army…

I don’t believe in the ‘poisoned relationship’ concept. Geo-political realities are much more predictable….so are politics de jour. I read somewhere that Robert Gates wants to increase troop levels in eastern Europe, contravening the former policy by Donald Rumsfeld’s. The article is dated Dec/2006, but I can’t seem to find it.

It would be good if the US pulls-out of Germany. But, I’m not convinced yet, that it’ll happen.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela_Merkel

They’ve brought-in Helmut Kohl as an adviser. We’ll see.

Just for frame-of-reference, this is how it looked before……

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Schr%C3%B6der_and_Putin.jpg

Comment by Kristian (in Espoo) — Wed, Jan 3rd, 2007 @ 2:25 am
It was great to see that the United States of America have vanquished this hideous Pan-Arabist secular socialist and replaced him with Shiite Islamists. Truly.

Saddam faced his death like a man.

Comment by Krisu — Wed, Jan 3rd, 2007 @ 8:19 pm
Anyone have the full hanging video? Is it on YouTube or Al Jazeera or Pravda?

Please provide a link. Thanks!

Comment by Kristian (in Espoo) — Fri, Jan 5th, 2007 @ 4:33 am
# 119->

Do a youtube search. You’ll find what you’re thirsting for.

Comment by RAVE THE DAVE — Fri, Jan 5th, 2007 @ 12:55 pm
Thanks DAVE, for some reason, I expected clearer video. But, I guess that’s as good as it gets, considering the cell phone camera.

Comment by Kristian (in Espoo) — Sun, Jan 7th, 2007 @ 7:53 pm
“The American Ã¢â‚¬ËœjusticeÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ system canÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t even avoid committing acts of barbarism within its own land. So obviously, anything America attempts abroad has no credibility.”

Hah, did you give your own system a pass??? Check out your French prison system, its way way barbaric than any USA system.

To set the record straight, not following your beloved BBC propaganda, the USA has sent over 1 million rotations to Iraq, with less than 200 bad apples. TRY MATCHING THAT ONE.

Try again.

Comment by winter — Mon, Jan 8th, 2007 @ 3:45 am
#122 “Check out your French prison system”

Leave it to winter to come up with the mother of all non-sequiturs. It may be a bit difficult to grasp that the French prison system is not “our” prison system.

Also, I have yet to see any major exposÃƒÂ© about Dickensian conditions in French prisons.

Comment by Kimmo W. — Mon, Jan 8th, 2007 @ 12:28 pm