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The Pirates of Tehran
By Fred Thompson Posted in Foreign Affairs — Comments (235) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
We wanted to bump this up top this Monday morning for those of you just coming by. Scroll down for newer content.
Oil prices fell. The stock market rose. Video images of smiling British soldiers with Iranian President Ahmadinejad were everywhere. So were pictures of the 15 freed hostages embracing family members back home. The relief over the return of the Brits was so tremendous; you could almost hear birds singing.
Maybe it's because military action won't be needed or maybe it's just because the ordeal won't drag on and on, but the world is breathing easier now. A lot of folks are happy. The problem, as I see it, is that Ahmadinejad seems to be the happiest.
And why shouldn't he be? He has shown the world that his forces can kidnap British citizens, subject them to brutal psychological tactics to coerce phony confessions, finagle the release of a high-ranking Iranian terror coordinator in Iraq, utterly trash the Geneva conventions and suffer absolutely no consequences.
The UN Security Council summoned its vaunted multilateral greatness to issue a swift statement of sincere uneasiness. The EU, which has pressured Britain to rely on Europeans for mutual defense instead of the US, wouldn't even discuss economic sanctions that might disrupt their holidays. Even NATO was AWOL.
Please do keep reading . . .
Tony Blair doesn't appear to be in much of a mood for celebrating. I don't know how he could be, given the troubling spectacle of British soldiers shake the hand of their kidnapper as a condition of release. In the old days, they would have kissed his ring -- but wearing Iranian suits and carrying swag more appropriate to a Hollywood awards ceremony may have been as embarrassing. Ironically, Blair's options are fewer by the day as his own party moves to mothball the British fleet, once the fear of pirates and tyrants the world over.
Some in the West seem part of Iran's propaganda war; claiming that the release of the hostages was a victory that proves the Iranian dictatorship can be reasoned with. To misrepresent unpunished piracy as a victory is as Orwellian as the congressional mandate banning use of the term "the global war on terror." What are we — Reuters?
Ahmadinejad must be particularly pleased to see "deep thinking" journalists making the case that American actions in Iraq were the true cause of the kidnappings. To believe this, all you have to do is ignore the history of the Iranian Revolution, which has been in the extortion business ever since it took power. Between the 1979 American embassy crisis in Tehran and the seizure of Israeli soldiers last year by Iran's Hezbollah proxies, there have been more than a hundred other examples.
If you include the imprisonment of pro-Democracy dissidents and non-Shi'a Muslim minorities within Iran, the number reaches easily into the tens of thousands. The dwindling and persecuted Christian population of Iran, I suspect, found little joy in Ahmadinejad's explanation that he was freeing his victims as an "Easter gift."
It is critical that we see this incident as part of a long pattern of behavior -- that will continue as long as the current leadership is in power. More importantly, it will escalate unimaginably if Iran achieves nuclear status, and with it the ability to hold millions rather than individuals hostage.
I have no idea if Ahmadinejad and those who put him in power really believe the Shi'a Twelver doctrine that they can spur the messiah to return by triggering Armageddon. You have to admit, though, that the possibility that they look forward to entering paradise as martyrs would make them a whole lot scarier as a nuclear power than the USSR ever was.
There is hope, though. The Iranian people are not an anti-Western horde. They're an educated and freedom-loving people for the most part, and reformers there have been begging us for support and sanctions that would weaken the ruling theocracy. Instead, they've just seen the Iranian dictatorship successfully bully the West into impotent submission. This is not a good thing.
We need to understand this and use every means at our disposal, starting with serious and painful international sanctions, to prevent Iran's rulers from becoming the nuclear-armed blackmailers they want to be. Unfortunately, we are hearing demands that we abandon the people of the Middle East who have stood up to Islamo-fascism because they believed us when we said we would support them.
If we retreat precipitously, the price for that betrayal will be paid first in blood and freedom by the Iranian people, the Kurds, the Afghanis, the secular Lebanese, the moderates in Pakistan and the Iraqis themselves. And America's word may never be trusted again.
Right now, the pirate Ahmadinejad is clearly more confident about the outcome of the Global War on Terror than we are. That ought to give us pause.
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The Pirates of Tehran 235 Comments (0 topical, 235 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
Good to see you Sir
by Tennyson
Many await with interest as you decide whether to pursue the Presidency. Nearly as many await an affirmative response so we can aid in whatever way we can.
From a loyal supporter since 1994.
Welcome to our home, Mr. Thompson...
by GordonTaylor
It's nice to have you here, stay a while, kick off your shoes and have a glass of tea. It's going to be interesting these next few months, what better place to watch if from then right here in our house.
You honor us, thank you for coming.
Managing Editor
Excellent distinction
by RedThinker
There's intellectual honesty here, because a distinction is made between the Iranian people--who are not what most Red Staters think of when they think of Muslims (they are, in fact, well-educated, mostly reasonable people with their eye on the future as much as ours is)--and Ahmadinejad, who is a ruthless, albeit slightly inept, politician. And the infrastructure that supports him.
I disagree, however, that the British should have taken a blow-them-out-of-the-water attitude. They had their ROE, they assessed that it was more important to be taken captive than to spark an international incident.
I wouldn't exactly call these people cowards.
"Jesus taught forgiveness, compassion, understanding, and rejected hate, violence, war, and intolerance. We could use him back at our temples." -- E. Grey Seville
JESUS THE PACIFIST
by AMOS THE PROPHET
RedThinker:
Seville understood nothing about Jesus.
Jesus hated sin. He was violent toward his enemies. He was intolerant of their evil.
Jesus in the temple today would end up just as crucified as he was 2000 yrs ago.
If you believe for one second that crucifixion is a passive act your arrogance is exceeded only by your ignorance.
Jesus was a man of violence but not a man of evil. Show me where he rejected hate, violence, war and intolerance.
Thompson's words are powerful because they demand more than a passive acceptance of evil. Jesus demanded a price be paid for evil. He sacrificed his life as an act of war against evil. Thousands of our young people have done the same in Iraq.
This girly man you speak of is not the Christ who died for me. I will die for my Christ. Will you die for yours?
Jesus was not the brownshirt you make him out to be
by sinisterleft
You are such a troll! Jesus was all about love and peace, and I say that as an Othodox Jew who averts his eyes at the annoying Easter banner at the top of this page.
it's about my shoes and walking a mile therein
by sinisterleft
I guess you've never had the experience of being a minority in a world that doesn't really accept your view as legitmate and is constantly trying to change it. You'd understand if you had. I've been called a Christ killer, and I was born in 1972. Yes, that's AD.
Yes, but you won't be called one here.
by Moe Lane
We call people who use such terms 'bigots', and remove them forthwith.
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC.
uhhmmm
by kyle8
Yes I have, being a Practicing Christian in the USA nowadays leaves you open to the most heinous insults and discrimination, at least on occasion. I have nothing but love for my Jewish brethren, but would like them to show tolerance for me.
As to the nature of Christ from the gospels, I would say he lies somewhere in between what you say, and what Amos said. He certainly was not a Milquetoast, and did not countenance sin. The sins he railed against though, were not the sins that many religious people are all hung up on. He was mostly against hypocrisy and the sin of pride.
"Nothing works like freedom, Nothing succeeds like liberty"
Kyle
Please don't, not now, not ever. n/t
by c17wife
The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas-a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated.-Reagan
Maybe a small apology.
by mbecker908
It's too subtle.
____
Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.
I Demand An Apology, Erick!
by Raven
You took down the Easter Banner before I got a chance to see it...
There are those who look on Dresden and Tokyo and Hiroshima as some of the greatest evils ever perpetrated by man. I look on them and thank the perpetrators for saving millions.
Its now called CE, not AD
by David Hinz
PC has now deemed it CE for Current Era. That is what is now taught in our schools.
More common meaning of CE abbreviation
by ivorykeyer
A very short digression from the thread subject for a bit of clarification. Actually, CE is more commonly regarded as an abbreviation for the phrase "Common Era". Refer to this site as well as many others. It was the normal way of referring to the modern calendar when I attended non-Christian religious school growing up.
-----------------------
For every complex problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong. H.L. Mencken (1880-1956)
Walked a mile, and then some!
by get2djnow
How arrogant can you possibly be? I'm an Orthodox Jew, I don't avert my eyes when I see something with which I don't agree or even find offensive. To say that the founder of Christianity was only about Love and Peace and Harmony is to slander the religion which over a billion people hold dear. What I hope is that the people who are reading your repulsive comments don't allow them to reflect on the rest of us. You are a left-wing, anti-Christian Jew. Actually I am very friendly with plenty of Christians and I know that they see you for what you are (and it AIN'T got nothing to do with your religion).
I don't feel the need to go through my history, but no one in America defends Israel's right to exist like Evangelicals, and that includes the left-wing idiots who have backed Pelosi and Hoyer! Wake up and smell the pig pooh you've been sleeping in the left in this country and around the world hates Jews. And frankly that starts well before Roosevelt (and Dulles) ordered the S.S. St. Louis to turn around and go back to Europe, comdemning over 900 Jews to their deaths.
Jesus came to fulfill The Law not destroy it...
by QueenOfCups
No need to avert your eyes... no one here believes that Jews killed Christ. He was the perfect Lamb of God slain from the foundations of the earth whose blood redeems all of mankind. Peace be unto you, brother. Love is the fulfillment of the Law. Love thy neighbor as thyself and do unto others as you would have done unto you. That is the Law of the New Covenant.
Guilty!
by RezDuane
Thirty-two years ago, I pleaded guilty to having a hand in His death. No, I'm not Jewish.
JESUS WAS A WARRIOR
by AMOS THE PROPHET
Jesus did warfare against the Romans, the Temple and others who set themselves up as God. His warfare was bloody and brutal. He put himself in harms way and became martyred by the forces of evil that surrounded him.
The sacrifice of his life was not an act of pacifism. It was in-your-face conflict. He encountered evil directly with the most powerful tool available, his life. His murder could never be construed as other than murder with evil intent. This is not the action of someone trying to avoid conflict. In fact Jesus forced conflict. He sought it out and demanded that evil show its hand.
So it is with armies of liberation. They force evil into the open. The war in Iraq is in the tradition of Christ and his war against evil. We have forced the evil doers onto the field by creating an environment of liberation from their tyranny that they cannot tolerate. Our troops bring light into the darkness of Islamofascism. If these fascists were men of peace they would lay down their arms and celebrate the liberation of their people. Their bloodthirsty rampage proves their evil and we seek them out to encounter and destroy them.
We are God's army, bringing justice and freedom where before there was murder and mayhem. Our soldiers march under the rubric of the cross of Christ. There is no more powerful or profound tradition opposing evil.
Amos, you've been here for two hours.
by mbecker908
and you're no prophet.
Perhaps you should heed Paul's advice concerning argument. He tells us to present Christ crucified. And to do it in an inoffensive manner because He, Christ, is the stumbling block.
You might also want to refer to the OT with reference to false prophets and be thankful that we live under grace.
Have a blessed Easter morn.
____
Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.
A PROPHET IS NOT WITHOUT HONOR EXCEPT IN HIS OWN COUNTR... JESUS
by AMOS THE PROPHET
There are always appeals sufficient to reject the living Christ. Paul is the constant device of the weak and the scoundrel. Yet he was rejected by his own for his many offenses. Christ is offensive to those who claim to be inoffensive.
You have neither read nor understood my words. It has taken mere minutes to discern the cowards on these forums.
Stop right there, AMOS.
by Moe Lane
I don't really care one way or the other about your personal relationship with Jesus; I do care when said relationship encourages you to engage in the insult direct. Damp it back (says the moderator). Aside from everything else, it's Easter morning, and He is Risen.
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC.
NO INSULT REPLIED TO DIRECT INSULT.
by AMOS THE PROPHET
I am to understand, then, that Christians are to be insulted at will on these boards but are not to reply with clarity and truth.
I'd say, lose the all-caps!
by David Hinz
but your belligerence will get you banned before this is even typed, so why bother, right?
Whatever makes you behave, AMOS.
by Moe Lane
If that particular head-trip is what it takes to make you play nice here, then go for it.
But you will play nice here.
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC.
Just trying to understand
by AMOS THE PROPHET
I was personally and directly insulted 3 times, count them. I replied in an impersonal, objective manner. For this I have been labeled insulting and been told I am not playing nice. Please clarify.
I already did. Play nice, AMOS.
by Moe Lane
Subject closed.
You have a problem with this, you can send in a complaint via the Contact link at the top.
The Fuzzy Puppy of the VRWC.
THREAD JACK
by Erick
That wasn't very nice. We're all here talking about Fred and all of a sudden get a thread jack and we're off discussing religion.
Party foul.
The Jesus you speak of is the Lion of Judah...
by QueenOfCups
and His terrible swift sword of the Second Coming... we are celebrating the Lamb of God today.
RedThinker,
You are
by Nahanni
RedThinker,
You are wrong.
We all would not be in the position we have been in for the last three decades if Jimmah Carter wasn't an idjit and had a pair. We also would have not had to put up with 3 decades of Islamofascist terrorism if the UN was actually what it is supposed to be. The UN is way past it's sell by date-it reeks of corruption and decay and needs to be discarded. But I digress...
I do agree about the people of Iran. Unfortunately we are not dealing with them. We are dealing with their Islamofascist tyrannical rulers. And the ONLY thing those boys understand is violence and overwhelming use of force. Why the hell do you think the Islamists have never fought Israel in a conventional war setting since the 1970's? I will tell you-they can not handle getting beaten like a red-headed stepchild. The Islamist male ego is very immature and fragile.
What we need to do with these mullahs and that Ahmadinejad is to bitch slap them so hard they will soil their undergarments at the mere thought of pulling any more crap. Slap them down so hard that they will soil them if they think that WE think they are screwing around. They are much like Jackals-if they see weakness they will go for the throat. Hit them with a stick and they go slinking off with their tail between their legs.
Unfortunately the EU, UN and the US Congress all showed their true face on this one. The face of Neville Chamberlain. I am sure Ahmadinejad and the mullahs are much encouraged. The Europeans will pay for this in a few years time, just like they had to pay for their appeasement of Hitler. The UN is useless and is best ignored.
As far as the US is concerned I will quote what Victor Henry told FDR; 'All I know is that for the next four years we will need a very strong Commander-in-Chief'. The Islamists are much encouraged by Pelosi shutting down any vote of condemnation of Iran in this matter, they are also very much encouraged by her idiotic behaviour in Syria. I will guarantee you that the Islamofascists greatly desire that the next President is a Democrat and the House and Senate stay in Democratic control. You see, the Islamofascists know they can treat them like a pimp treats one of his whores and the Democrats will grovel to them. The Democrats are in the Islamofascists harem now.
Rules of Engagement!?
by Winghunter
Rules of Engagement!? Soldiers on the ship and in the boats can't figure out that the protection of their brothers and self-preservation is the first rule??
Abducting the soldiers of a foreign power ISN'T an international incident!? Whether they thought they were in their waters or not!
Continuously parading them in front of camera's expressly against the Geneva Convention is not an international incident!? Threatening their lives to put on their dog-and-pony show to confess their guilt of a nonexistent crime!?
By what modicum of reasonable thought do you pretend to imitate?
Some of the postings I've seen
by The Gadfly
indicate that the Rules of Engagement were a significant factor, because the Brits weren't allowed to shoot until they called the Home Office for permission. By then it was too late.
I've also seen reports that the Home Office didn't regard them as being in a combat zone, and therefore did not properly prepare them for the possibility of being captured.
While I will assign 20% of the blame on the soldiers who should have known better even if their commanders didn't, I will also assign 80% of the blame on the politicians and Home Office who seem to think the Global War on Terror is a game with rules, and not a battle of wills.
You must be ignoring scripture.
by California Conservative
As I was just telling my co-worker today, there are 2 kinds of liberals: (1) those who don't believe in God, and (2) those who believe that God is a closet liberal.
Matthew 10:34-35 --
"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man a variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter against her mother in law."
"Jesus the (closeted) Pacifist" is right up there with "Jesus the (closeted) Environmentalist" and "Jesus the (closeted) gay rights advocate". They all belong to the holy trinity of false gods.
You can twist scripture any way you want to, but if you find yourself at variance with key doctrines of Christianity, you can rest assured that you are going down the wrong path.
Welcome!
by RightSideRedux
Senator Thompson - welcome!
Your comments are to the point and will be well received on these pages!
As to your potential presidential run...
I hope that if you enter the race you might do so quickly... As Governor Romney has said: "come on in the water's fine."
Otherwise, I know that Mitt would welcome your endorsement :)
Welcome Senator
by Jeff Emanuel
I rarely agree with every word somebody says, whether in speech or writing. However, you are off to a good start.
Do keep it up! :-)
I just have one thing to say,
by itrytobenice
Please, please, please, please, please, please!!!!!!
I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant's faithful 100 percent.
Ditto, Ditto, Ditto, Ditto, Ditto, Ditto (nt)
by Neil Stevens
Run like Reagan!
Fred Thompson can't be trusted
by davemason2k
He spent too much time around Hollywood liberals and now he's just another brianwashed L.A. type. Stick with your dayjob Fred!
When someone as distinguished...
by AnonCon
as former Senator Thompson is gracious enough to offer his insights, and does so in so lucid and compelling a manner, he deserves a better reception.
Oh my word
by Mayhem
That's got to be one of the cheapest shots I've seen on this board in a while. Sustain your comments with something other than drivel, please.
Ridiculous
by Neil Stevens
It's ridiculous how wrapped up some people get in their own Presidential choices that they act this way.
Run like Reagan!
Do you have any links
by c17wife
to back up your claims?
We are ready to read anytime.
_______________________________________________________
The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas-a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated.-Reagan
you have very little class
by David Hinz
and what you do have is not high.
Spent too much time with Hollywood liberals?
by QueenOfCups
How does that even make sense given the article he just wrote? If Senator Thompson can spend his days around LA liberal Hollywood types and still see past the fog, and give cogent anlysis, then in my mind he is just the leader the nation has been praying for.
I think we have many fine conservatives, but no one that has really stood out as the one who will be able to give the smack down to the silliness of the media and the libs. I was beginning to fear one would not come.
LOL
by jfpurdue01
This is either a joke or a liberal trying to infiltrate a conservative blog. Don't forget that Reagan not only spent much of his life with those liberals in Hollywood, but he was actually the head of SAG and stood up for those liberals when the government came after them with communist accusations (some of which turned out to be true, some of which were not). Please explain if this was a joke, otherwise we'll just assume you are liberal trying to stir things up.
dave is a poster child for
by Nahanni
dave is a poster child for that old adage 'It is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool then to open it and remove all doubt.'.
His "dayjob" will be your POTUS
by Winghunter
He's provided more for this country in one year than your entire lineage has in its existence.
Show some semblance of decency as if you knew what the word meant.
"After two years in Washington, I often long for the realism and the sincerity of Hollywood."
Hey Now, Winghunter
by Raven
You don't know what his lineage is. He may very well be a mortal embarrassment to some very respectable people in our history
There are those who look on Dresden and Tokyo and Hiroshima as some of the greatest evils ever perpetrated by man. I look on them and thank the perpetrators for saving millions.
If all Hollywood liberals think like this...
by tankertodd
Then pass the weed and call me Barbra. I'm signing up.
"The pain inflicted by your country's indifference is tenfold that inflicted by your ruthless captors."
Rep Sam Johnson on the House floor commenting on his experience as a Vietnam POW
Actually, the Republican Party AND the country has
by mbecker908
done much better with actors than with Governors, Senators, CongressCritters™, and former Vice Presidents.
As a matter of fact, the only POTUS I've been OK with in my lifetime was an actor.
____
Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.
Banished!
by California Conservative
To the land of wind and ghosts.
As an aside: you know that you are really on the right path when the trolls come out to play mind games on RedState.
So Did Ronald Reagan<nt>
by Repair Man Jack
"...and each wasted evening is
a gross violation against the
natural course of your only life;"
-Charles Buckowski
to have you with us.
In Vino Veritas
RUN FRED! RUN
by Mayhem
Please!! Oh, my word, I would fall out of my chair if you got in. I hope you keep giving sending Redstate posts like this. A man can only go without nourishment for so long. ;)
I am honored Mr. Thompson
by Wubbies World
I am honored Mr. Thompson.
I am honored to see you here. I appreciate your forthright candor in explaining your views on Iran. I had posted about your possible run for the presidency that was in the "Politico" web site this morning.
I had a response to that post in which the person in question was not familiar with your views and positions on issues. I do honestly believe your willingness to post your views and thoughts here will go a long way to dispelling any "unknowns" or "misconceptions" on your views.
I have not hid the fact that I am a supporter of yours. I am praying and hoping you chose to run for president. You would be a very good one sir.
"Wubbies World" - MSgt, U.S. Air Force (Retired): "Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know." -Jer 33:3-
no one here is happier than me
by haystack
to see your name at the top of the front page Fred.
I welcome you to Redstate, officially sign up as your number one fan, and look forward to much more from you over the next 10 years.
As for your maiden piece, well done, and I couldn't agree more. The greatest concern I have with what you suggest, is the idea that so few see the separation between the Iranian people and the puppet regime running their daily lives into oblivion.
Too many people believe that, because they were "elected" they represent the will of the people, and as such give no regard to the crisis Ahmadinejad brings to the international table.
Keep 'em coming sir...
haystack's 12th:
Conservatives (and Presidential Candidates especially) shall offer no aid and comfort to the opposition in times of legislative conflict (and ensuing political campaigns).
Hey, no fair!
by tennessee_conservative
I wanted to sign up for that "number one fan" position. :P
"The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, 'I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'" ~Ronald Reagan
President Bush was 54 when he was elected, Clinton 45
by davemason2k
None of the Rupublicans running in 2008 are under the age of 60. I wonder if that will comeback to haunt us considering Obama is picking up speed. I was watching McCain on CSPAN the other day and he looks alot older when he's walkign around as opposed to the Meet the Press closeup shot we normally see. McCain and Thompson better start powdering their nose so they don't look like a dead corpse on election day. hehe no disrespect, just telling the truth.
And Ronald Reagan turned 70 a mere 17
by c17wife
days after his inauguration.
What is your point?
Oh, that's right, you really don't have a valid one.
_____________________________________________________
The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas-a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated.-Reagan
Reagan didn't have to deal with 24/7 news/internet
by davemason2k
like Bush and Clinton had to. These guys started fresh looking and now they look old and beat down. Imagine a 70 year old going through all that. Scary thought.
Again, do you have a valid point?
by c17wife
News, internet?
What president deals with that?
That's why they have press people.
Seriously, you are beginning to be tiresome.
__________________________________________________
The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas-a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated.-Reagan
No Class....
by Wubbies World
No class and definitely no manners.
"Wubbies World" - MSgt, U.S. Air Force (Retired): "Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know." -Jer 33:3-
then maybe we should start worrying about Obama.
Doubt it, though. Hillary's probably going to take it, and she's a sexagenarian. (Watch your minds, I mean she'll be over 60!)
Ahhh, no. We would be nominating somebody like
by mbecker908
Diana Irey...
____
Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.
I certainly hope that Diana Irey runs again for Congress!
by johnthebaptistmoore
I certainly do hope that Diana Irey runs again for Congress in the near future!
Is She Single?
by Raven
I have permission to date other women while my wife is away...
There are those who look on Dresden and Tokyo and Hiroshima as some of the greatest evils ever perpetrated by man. I look on them and thank the perpetrators for saving millions.
No disrespect?
by AcademicElephant
No disrespect? How on earth could this be anything but disrespectful--not to mention pathetically shallow and banal? You were right to retract below, and I suggest that next time you engage your brain before your (cyber) mouth.
I see you quite rightly retracted this"I'm kind of old-fashioned. I like to engage my brain before my mouth." Donald Rumsfeld
Ronald Reagan:
by Mayhem
"I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience."
He shoots, he scores!!
by Greiner
"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way."
John Paul Jones (letter to M. Le Ray de Chaumont,16 Nov.1778)
McCain was never a serious contender
by QueenOfCups
in my opinion since that whole "gang of 14" nonsense.
More Like
by lordmarcus
Since McCain/Feingold....
------
Ah always keep mah feathahs numbahed, foooor just such an emergency!
Nah, I have to agree with QueenofCups
by The Gadfly
He only lost 25% of his support with McCain/Feingold (I would be one of them). That meant he still might have been able to win a Republican primary. But then he went and did the Gang of 14 and lost another 25% of his support. The first only made it difficult, the second impossible. After that, your would have thought he'd know better than to snub CPAC, where he probably lost another 25%. At this stage of the game, he's in it because he's stubborn, not because he can win.
Otherwise, why are you doing this? Who do you think you're impressing? (Do you have an online sweetie you're wooing with this display of "cybercourage?")
If we could be throwing real rotten eggs at you, we would.
"Who will stand/On either hand/And guard this bridge with me?" (Macaulay)
So, In your limited view...
by Winghunter
...we should have a 13 year old, say like yourself, who should be the POTUS of '08...Great.
"After two years in Washington, I often long for the realism and the sincerity of Hollywood." - Fred Thompson
Welcome, Mr. Thompson
by streetwise
What the Republican party needs now is a candidate that can motivate, inspire, lead and WIN!
While I am leaning towards Rudy, good luck with your candidacy and may the best man win!
However, I do have a bone to pick with you as a L&O fan. Your character kind of dumps on the ADA's from time to time. Tsk, Tsk! :>)
That was rude, I withdrawal my last post
by davemason2k
I will keep the age problem to myself. Please feel free to delete that.
I would recommend
by scorpio
If you have a problem with Messrs. Thompson's age or day job, you
a) start another thread instead of jacking Messrs. Thompson's well thought out contribution
b) stop acting like a class idiot (I was personally suprised you were not banned for your comment above, but that's me)
c) withdraw from your shallow comments and observations and actually look at the 2008 field.
Welcome
by SteveLA
Welcome Senator
How about some more blogs on how you see the issues confronting this country and what a President Fred would do. Love to hear more about what you think about the following in no particular order:
Illegal immigration
Social Issues like Gay marriage (defending DOMA) and abortion.
Taxes
The role of the Federal Governement in environmental policy
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Dennis Miller for President...no more wimps!
The good Senator on illegal immigration
by canking
audio link
Fred Thompson
by Waldorf
I would hope that you would enter the Republican Primary. I would like to see you and you ideas, values in the race. Good luck. Your perception of what we are up against in this world is refreshing and heartening. Please run.
This was a great post. It
by ZeldaC
This was a great post. It shows real insight into the complexities of Iran without compromising our standards regarding freedom and democracy. You have my vote in the Republican primaries should you care to run. Please do.
There is nothing I can really add here
by scorpio
except
Run, Fred, Run!
5e10 n/t
by SteveLA
_______________________________
Dennis Miller for President...no more wimps!
Super post, Senator.
by Section9
Welcome to RedState. The wicked triumph when the good do nothing. It is time for the good to take their stand, eh?
"History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it"-Winston Churchill
"History will be kind to me,
by Section9
"History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it"-Winston Churchill
Gee, I dunno - if a "stongly
by sbvftcontributor
Gee, I dunno - if a "stongly worded letter" from the UN had in fact been sent to Ahmadinaggedon's mailbox right after their capture, I'm pretty darn sure the 15 brits would have been released far earlier.
....not
Fred Thompson in 08. A no brainer. Where do i donate?
Dead on!
by Shaggy Dog
Senator you are spot on about Iran. I had been leaning Rudy, but him going off the deep end w/ Taxpayer funded abortions + what you just said in this article has me ready to hop on your bandwagon.
Where do I send my check to Thompson08?
I sincerely hope that
by AMHGOP
I sincerely hope that Senator Thompson is aware of the tidal wave of support awaiting him if he runs. All I seem to see among much of the field is either defeat and dispair or simply underwhelming. I doubt the Senator will ever read these comments, but America needs someone like Fred Thompson.
post, all I can say is-
Nail, meet the hammer.
Leverkuhn, I hope you read this and give considerable thought to just how big a victory this little hostage incident for Iran actually was.
And please know that I say that with the utmost respect for you and your opinions.
America had better be ready, because it can get much worse now that these fools have been emboldened.
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The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas-a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated.-Reagan
If the Senator
by josh at Large
If the Senator knows exactly where the British ship was, it would be interesting why the evidence presented to him hasn't been made public.
And if the Senator has seen such evidence, it behooves him to say as much when he calls this event a kidnapping.
I have no solid evidence the ship was on either side of any maritime boundary, and think capturing the vessel, if on the wrong side of the border, is within the bounds of fair play.
Unless there are some out there who would tolerate a Cuban gunboat sailing near Miami.
For a good military reference on the Shatt al-Arab over the last 500 years, I would submit this article, from the Pakistani "Defence Journal" Shatt Al-Arab from July, 1999.
Wowser
by SteveLA
Gee Josh you been here all of 10 minutes and you are already in-lighting us rubes...good one.
You think maybe John 'F'n Kerry' and his magic hat could have maybe done something like a Ramboish rescue or perhaps the KOS kids might have parachuted in with Nasty Nancy (head scarf and all).
While we're speculating, where did the Master of the boat that the Brits were searching think he was?
_______________________________
Dennis Miller for President...no more wimps!
You obviously haven't been paying
by c17wife
attention the last several days.
Either that or you are just an idiot.
Your choice, matters not to me.
Just shut up since you obviously don't know what you are talking about. Or come back and play nice when you have done your homework.
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The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas-a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated.-Reagan
You might want to stay for at least an hour or two before you poke someone in the eye.
Signature disclaimer: I'm not currently paid by any campaign, but I am available. Current preferences for President: 1) F.Thompson; 2) Romney; 3) McCain; 4) Gingrich; Guiliani removed 04/03/07
Under over pool
by SteveLA
Taking bets on how long before "Josh" leaves a hot steaming pile on the carpet? Anyone on Under or Over estimates.
I'll take, his next posting should be a doozie.
_______________________________
Dennis Miller for President...no more wimps!
I give even money that.....
by Wubbies World
I give even money that he won't make it to the bathroom with this one. He can't help himself.
"Wubbies World" - MSgt, U.S. Air Force (Retired): "Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know." -Jer 33:3-
Under, I'll take the under.
by Greiner
"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way."
John Paul Jones (letter to M. Le Ray de Chaumont,16 Nov.1778)
Under Wins!
by SteveLA
Hmmm gone already, wonder if the IP came up as a serial troll or what.
Never mind, don't need to know.
As idle chit hat, I wonder what the record is for a "blam".
_______________________________
Dennis Miller for President...no more wimps!
considering the incident
by streiff
happened in the Persian Gulf, not in the Shatt al-Arab, I suppose I'm at a bit of nonsense is supposed to prove.
"A man can never have too much red wine, too many books, or too much ammunition." -- Rudyard Kipling
streiff. When we get RS 3.0 can we get the
by mbecker908
"Access Denied" page to display how long they lasted. It will make the O/U pool a whole lot easier.
Thanks in advance...
____
Those who live by the sword get shot by those who don't.
>Ahem<
Condemn ye the wicked,
But suffer ye the foolish with tolerance -
They need the rest of us... (badly)
;-)
WOW!!
by Greiner
What an honor to have you here!!!!! I have only one thing to say;
RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Where do I donate. I know you can win.
"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm's way."
John Paul Jones (letter to M. Le Ray de Chaumont,16 Nov.1778)
Ditto's
by Wubbies World
Sign me up too!
"Wubbies World" - MSgt, U.S. Air Force (Retired): "Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know." -Jer 33:3-
Senator Thompson
by Oz
Welcome to Red State.
As you can see from my signature, I'm a fan of what I've heard from you. I know that you and Newt are out there "waiting," but don't wait too long. Unfortunately, you're going to have to raise a lot of money if you decide to run.
It would also be good to see you in the Reagen Library debates.
Signature disclaimer: I'm not currently paid by any campaign, but I am available. Current preferences for President: 1) F.Thompson; 2) Romney; 3) McCain; 4) Gingrich; Guiliani removed 04/03/07
You just may force me to abandon Giuliani!
No one in the West seems to have the courage to stand up to Iran. We can't be a nation that is so weak that we don't even have the stomach to handle higher gas prices as a result of sanctions against Iran.
I like what I'm hearing from you and I hope you do enter the Republican primary.
"Back in the thirties we were told we must collectivize the nation because the people were so poor. Now we are told we must collectivize the nation because the people are so rich. "
William F. Buckley, Jr.