roadhog said:
Congrats on catching me on a definition error.
"Definition error"? Not when you tried to embarrass MP so vehemently as if you knew for certain what you were asserting was true. IMO, the best way to handle something like that is to admit you were being an asshole, apologize, then don't do it again in the future.
In fact, that's not a bad prescription for anyone that has supported the regime that's now in power. But that would require some actual
character and
honestly, along with a lack of insecurity - wouldn't it?
roadhog said:
Why am I a "RW sheep"? Why am I a "right-winger"? Why have you labeled me a supporter of a "Neo Con Regime"?
If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...
roadhog said:
As far as I can tell, you have done so simply because I happen to serve in our Armed Forces.
My assuming you've been a Repig supporter has nothing to do with your occupation. You keep harping on your enlistment or commission as if your debate position should automatically be given carte blanche, simply because of your occupation. (Similar to cdpatten's try on another thread with the "working-class hero" speech.) It also seems that you're fishing for accolades by harping on your military creds.
I could not care less what your occupation is. If ones job has something to do with the subject - fine, let's hear it. (In your case it may have.) If not, then there is generally no need to bring it up.
I don't become rapturous just because someone waves a uniform or a flag either. I was in the US Army, 1st Cavalry and III Corps in the late 70's/early 80's as an Intelligence Analyst. I got lots of commendations & promotions & special assignments, a good service record, blah, blah. If I can use something that I learned from that job, of course I'll do so. I don't use it simply to get a pat on the back - NOR to gain creedence in an argument when my military experience is not that relevant.
roadhog said:
Nobody (including you) knows with certainty the best way to end it all...You are as much an arrogant ass as the folks who put us in this mess.
Of course nobody knows with certainty. You or I don't know with certainty what's going to happen outside our front doors 30 seconds from now. I never said I knew with certainty about the future of Iraq.
I would say that nobody can
predict exactly what will happen should all or most troops be withdrawn. A well-informed and reasonable assessment can be made however and that should be done in a non-partisan way. Most assessments I've seen say Iraq would
most likely eventually break up into the 3 main factions, unless a Saddam-like strongman rises, and the Shiites would be the majority.
Those chips will have to fall where they may because the ongoing carnage and wasting more untold billions is not a viable option.
Well, that's just the bunch that Bu$hCo can't handle. They probably would not fork over their oil assets to US Big Oil control. They'd kick the US bases the hell out, so Bu$hCo would not have a launch pad smack in the middle of the Mid East.
THOSE are
THE main reasons Bu$hCo does not want to leave Iraq. Has not a thing to do with the other lies they've given as reasons to "stay da course".
Bu$hCo focked it up and they should have known it would come out as it has, but their power & greed lust prevented that.
IMO, Iraq should have been left to the pre-2003 Baathists. Saddam was well-contained with the North & South No-Fly Zones, and his military was weak. There were no WMD's and Bu$hCo knew it. What the people of Iraq were tolerating under Saddam was unfortunate, but since March 2003 it has been far worse for them. In the end, it is
their problem to sort out as to who's going to rule, and what form of gov't they'll have. The US or Britain should NOT be nation-building there.
roadhog said:
Oh yeah, and metrics are for wussies. Do a real century or double. (that's a joke, no need to get all worked up about it).
Not worked up at all. I try do 1 to 3 metrics/week in the 3 good seasons, excepting of course weather and circumstances. "Metric" used loosely - anywhere from mid-50's to 70+ miles, so it averages out. Full centuries come when I can get them - 3 this year so far, and I hope 1 more before the snow flies. Rarely do I have time for 5+ hours on the bike. 25-40 milers on days when long isn't possible.
My weekly average from Jan. 1, 2006 to today is 75.8 miles, so I'm right on track for this year's 4k goal. Double's...when?