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Saddam Hussein warns U.S., West not to launch 'new crusade'
Published on: Saturday, 27 Jamadi´ul Thani 1422 (15 September 2001)
Baghdad, Iraq
By Ibrahim Khalili
Saddam Hussain
Americans should not begin a "new crusade" against Muslims, but rather learn from the pain that Iraqis and Palestinians have been suffering at the hands of the United States and Israel, Saddam Hussein said on Saturday.
"Just as your beautiful skyscrapers were destroyed and caused your grief, beautiful buildings and precious homes crumbled over their owners in Lebanon, Palestine and Iraq because of American weapons used by the Zionists," Saddam said in an open letter addressed to the American people, citizens of the West and their governments.
The Iraqi leader warned of a "new crusade" by the United States and its supporters against "an Islamic country."
He was apparently referring to Afghanistan, ruled by the radical Taliban. The United States accuses the Taliban of harboring the prime suspect in Tuesday's terror attacks, Saudi Arabian exile Osama bin Laden.
"If you rulers (from the United States and the West) respect and cherish the blood of your people, why do you find it easy to shed the blood of others including the blood of Arabs and Muslims?" said Saddam's statement, which was read on Iraqi television.
It was followed by footage of U.S. warplanes bombing Iraq during the 1991 Gulf War, and Israeli soldiers shooting at Palestinian stone throwers.
"Americans should feel the pain which they have inflicted on other peoples so that when they suffer they will know the best way to treat it (the pain)," Saddam's statement said.
Ten years after the Gulf War, Iraq is still shackled by U.S.-supported U.N. sanctions, which Saddam claims have caused the death of 1 1/2 million Iraqis.
Saddam questioned those countries that have rushed to condemn the terrorist strikes on New York and Washington, asking if they would respond in the same way if the attacks had been carried out against Arab or Islamic countries by forces from the West.
He said international security could be achieved if the United States "became rational ... and disengages itself from its evil alliance with Zionism," referring to the movement to establish and maintain a Jewish state.
Iraq, like other Arab nations, believes that the United States is biased toward Israel in its conflict against the Palestinians.
Paule "The Walnut" lives!
Afghan opposition claims hundreds of Taliban soldiers have defected
Published on: Tuesday, 15 Rajab 1422 (2 October 2001)
Dushanbe, Tajikistan
By Qaiser Habib
Afghanistan's opposition claimed Sunday that hundreds of Taliban soldiers had defected during three days of fierce fighting, which have seen the opposition score major territorial gains in the northern mountains of the rugged country.
Fighting is raging on several fronts, and "20 percent of the Afghan territory is now controlled by the Northern Alliance," an opposition spokesman, who goes by the single name Abdullah, told a news conference in the Tajik capital Dushanbe.
The opposition alliance was estimated to have controlled about five percent of Afghanistan before the recent offensive, and many are skeptical of their claim to now control 20 percent of the country.
The rebel alliance claimed it had captured the Taliban-controlled Qadis district in the northeast. Alliance spokesman Mohammed Habil, reached by telephone, said 30 Taliban soldiers and their commander were captured, and another 120 Taliban troops had defected to the rebels.
In Tajikistan, Abdullah said that more than 1,000 Taliban soldiers had defected to the opposition alliance over the past three days. The claims could not be independently confirmed.
He said the alliance had been in a defensive mode before the death earlier this month of its commander, Ahmed Shah Massood, who was killed by a suicide bomber, but now "the Northern Alliance proceeds to the offensive again."
The opposition also claimed that a Taliban commander in eastern Laghman province, Mohammed Suleman, had joined the opposition alliance together with 70 of his fighters.
A Taliban spokesman, reached by telephone, did not deny Suleman's defection but said he had been wanted by Taliban military courts for unspecified offenses and that he had gone over to the rebel side to escape prosecution.
Taliban radio, in turn, said at least 12 rebel soldiers died and several were wounded in an explosion at a military base in Baghram, 36 miles north of Kabul. It said Baba Jan, a top commander in the Communist era, could be among the casualties.
An opposition official, contacted by telephone from Kabul, said the blast was caused by defective munitions and five people were killed. He said Baba Jan was not in the camp at the time.
Meanwhile, the Northern Alliance said Sunday that any military operations against Afghanistan for harboring Osama bin Laden, the main suspect in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, should be orchestrated by the United Nations.
"We agree to anti-terrorist operations in Afghanistan, but we are concerned about the possible large numbers of victims among civilians," Abdullah said in Tajikistan. "That is why I suggested that this operation should be under the aegis of the United Nations."
Abdullah said the Northern Alliance would continue to fight the Taliban, with or without foreign assistance, but that its representatives were in daily contact with the United States, Russia and the Central Asia republics bordering Afghanistan.
In Dushanbe, Francesc Vendrell, head of the U.N. special mission for Afghanistan, told the news conference that he had informed the Northern Alliance about the latest negotiations with Mohammad Zahir Shah, the former king of Afghanistan.
Zahir said on Sunday in Rome that he would back a U.S.-led operation to oust the hard-line Taliban.
Paule "The Walnut" lives!
What people tend not to realize is that American supports Israel 100% This is in direct conflict with what did this article say …
” Muslims as a whole support resistance against Israeli occupation of Arab land.What the 99.99 % of Muslims do not support is any acts of violence against innocent civilians. Islam does not teach Muslims to take innocent lives. ”
We are not the innocent pups we want to believe we are. We Americans back financially the Muslim #1 antithesis.
Paule "The Walnut" lives!
BBC starts hate campaign against Shia Muslims
Published on: Saturday, 12 Rajab 1422 (29 September 2001)
BBC News; holding the Islamic sect 'Shia' responsible for the kidnappings near the Syrian border.
Last week, a report pubished by BBC about the terrorists who carried out the attacks on WTC included some reference to the kidnappings which took place on the Syrian border near the Beka'a valley. BBC claims the 'Shias' are responsible for this act.
Many readers of the BBC and the Shia News urged the BBC news agency to remove this article or to ammend it by removing the paragraph blaming the entire Shia nation for this act. The kidnappings were carried out by some groups in Lebanon and not the whole of Shia'as.
It is the utmost dissapointment that major news agencies like BBC are trying to portray Islam responsible for all the unwanted acts. It is not the religion which is to be blamed, but the individuals who carry out these terrible acts of violence against humanity.
The paragraph used on the BBC website is:
The Shia or "Party of God" organised kidnappings from the parched Beka'a Valley on the Syrian border.
Hizbullah, in arabic means "Party of God". Hizbullah is a Lebanon based resistance group against Israel's occupation of Arab land. The word Shia means Followers, Party, or Group. Had it been Shiatullah, then it would mean "Party, Group or Followers of God" Shias are commonly known as ShiatuAli (Arabic) or Shian e Ali (Urdu) which means followers, group or party of Imam Ali (AS).
What is BBC trying to do here? Does this mean that all the Shia Muslims in the world belong to the Hizbullah organisation?
It seems that almost all western countries are trying to settle their scores with their opponents using the terrible WTC tragedy. Isreal and India have been on the fore front of this hate campaign against Muslims.
Shia Muslims are spread all over the world and only a small fraction belong to Hizbullah. Muslims as a whole support resistance against Israeli occupation of Arab land. What the 99.99 % of Muslims do not support is any acts of violence against innocent civilians. Islam does not teach Muslims to take innocent lives. Anyone who goes against the teachings of Islam is not a Muslim. Blaming the whole Muslim community for acts carried out by some crack pots is unjust and the western media should act with responsibility.
Is the BBC serving Israeli interests now? Is Israel using the BBC to start a hate campaign against the Shia Muslims?
If it is a reporting error, where Mr. Matt Frei, BBC's reporter got confused with Hizbullah (Army of God) and the Shias (Group or Party), then BBC ought to ammend it and apologise for this mistake.
It is if we write "The Protestants or (Ulster Defence Association) organise kidnappings from East Belfast."
Why is it that the western media uses Islam for mentioning every unwanted acts, and doesnt apply the same rules for their own home grown problems i.e. IRA conflict. Where the words IRA are used and not the Catholics.
Paule "The Walnut" lives!
President Khatami says nations should not be punished in place of terrorists
Tehran, Iran
By Rai Muzammal Hussain
Khatemi
Iran's President Mohammad Khatami told visiting British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw here Tuesday that Iran fully understands the feelings of the Americans about the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on September 11.
He said although the American administrations had been at best indifferent about terrorist operations in Iran (since 1979) the Iranians instead felt differently and had expressed their sympathetic feelings with bereaved Americans in the tragic incidents in the two cities.
Hojatoleslam Khatami said the Sept 11 incidents in New York and Washington had tolled the bells for the world and alarmed the humanity at large, and reminded that ill-wishers were out to exploit the tragic incident as a reason for confrontation of civilizations and cultures and to portray a truly peaceful Islam that has love for all humans as being a phenomenon inherently against the West.
He said Iran, in the meanwhile, has repeatedly said that catastrophes should not be responded by catastrophes.
President Khatami said with reference to the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11 that even though adequate evidence in proof f the criminality of one or a group of persons should be secured and presented that will not warrant confrontation with innocent nations.
He said once the people responsible for the attacks have been singled out beyond reasonable doubt the world governments would obviously be ready to get tough with the criminals.
He reminded that any scheme (for the Persian Gulf region) and any formula for that part of the world that should disregard Iran's due share in the regional security would simply further complicate the regional situation.
President Khatami said the September 11th. incidents in New York and Washington should not be allowed to be connected with irrelevant incidents in other parts of the world such as those in the occupied Palestine.
He said the best competent forum to address the issue of terrorism is the United Nations, and commented that the European Union and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) had a big role to play in the fight against world terrorism.
Elsewhere in his meeting with the British envoy Khatami said Iran is interested to develop closer relations with Britain, and observed that both Iran and the British Government had to do everything possible to make sure that negative judgments in the minds of the Iranian people about Britain that had persisted from a remote past would be for ever erased.
The British envoy said in response that President Khatami's proposition of dialogue of civilizations and his proposal for an assembly of leading religious authorities of the world and representatives of present-day philosophers would certainly be a big check against any eventual confrontation between Islam and the West.
He also commented that a global fight against poverty and discrimination is the pre-requisite for a meaningful struggle against terrorism.
Jack Straw who arrived in Tehran Tuesday is the first British Foreign Secretary to visit Tehran since the triumph on February 11, 1979 of the Islamic Revolution.
Paule "The Walnut" lives!
Arch. . .he may be a good friend of yours, and that's fine with me. A good many people have different perspectives. Perhaps they can handle their perspectives a little better by coming up with their own words to their own thoughts? The dude appears to be in "attack mode" on some religious drum. I consider myself a deist. So I just sit back and let all these religious fanatics beat their drums against one another, and wonder why they can't figure it out. Our basic molecular structure is all the same. "Belief systems" are the only thing that differentiate us. Look at your friend's last post. He continues to try and create a battle out of something he clearly cannot win. I wish him well in life. Because obviously. . .his shot at ridding the world of evil appears to take a stance against groups of people. . .rather than the roots of the cause. And. . .he still gets drawn into conversation. . .by insisting to bring others into his debate. ??? What's up with the dude? Is he trying to prove something? I believe Americans and the rest of the freedom and peace seeking world need to stand up for peace. They need not attack other individuals or groups, beliefs. When someone takes a hard-line stance that professes to support their belief system. . .that is fine. However, there is a difference between passion and ignorance. And yes. . .
I have read the Koran (yes, that is how it is spelled in America), studied Buddhism, read the Bible and the Book of Morman. As a child (living in Utah) I was not permitted to participate in certain sports because I was a Catholic. I was encouraged by the Mormons to read their prophet's book (Joseph Smith). . .the Book of Mormon. I thought it was interesting, but I did not buy into their belief. I believe there are many great Islamic people and Muslims. Honest-to-God good-hearted human beings stem from every religious belief and any other system based on morality. There is also "evil" within all of the ranks. I also believe that the intellectuals that we have put into office (throughout the world) are competent enough to make appropriate decisions in order that innocent lives are not taken during any retaliation. Even if there are only a hundred people in Afghanistan that stand for "freedom" or "peace," their souls should be spared. Now. . .everyone within their right mind would agree that the terrorists need to be weeded out. And nobody would argue the point that "terror" can be construed to mean many things. However. . .I just don't enjoy the way that your friend poses his hypothesis and states his/her beliefs. Therefore. . .I exercise the right not to listen to their rhetoric. And by all means. . .
Peace
Keep the Faith!
M&M Man
Ah yes instead of defending your position you take up the offensive position and attack. That’s cool. I don't know what’s funnier. The blatantly ignorant and racist remarks you made on the Bible thread. Or the way you relate me to a basher as not to challenge that pea brain of yours with a little insightful thought.
“.I no-longer trust anyone from the Middle East who is not a citizen of the United States. I don't care if they are Mormons, Catholic. . .Muslim or Atheist. It would be good for America to deport anyone without an appropriate visa. . .ASAP. ANYONE”
“For their belief system leads them to believe that they will go to heaven if they die. . .whilst killing an American. Think about that. So think about that. Killing a couple thousand Americans could possibly lead them to believing they will be the first-hand spokesman of their believed god. It is a ridiculous thought process.”
http://www.investorshub.com/boards/read_msg.asp?message_id=188707
When I say this it‘s based on a “calcified thought processes” and when you put forth a similar argument or statement it’s based on what, your superior enlightenment? I see that makes all the difference. At least I only name ONE faith as suspect in my queries of thought. I also love the way you berate their belief system as well.
I find you be quite naive and quite quixotic. Come back to the table when you have something.
Paule "The Walnut" lives!
BTW To me this is a mere exchange of thought and information. The opinions expressed here may be genuine or simply put forth as controversial discussion matter. I hold no animosity towards you or anybody else for his or her opinions or beliefs. Faith is all I/we truly have. Why would I ever choose to loose it, or try and take it away from others? Peace yourself ;O)~
Mark, omg, what are you doing over here...lol...Paule is a friend of mine; very thoughtful. I may be hardline in my approach to terrorism, but I keep an open mind with others' perspectives. OMG, don't try to crush what you don't necessarily believe or disagree with...lol
Arch
NATO: U.S. Proves bin Laden Link
By PAUL GEITNER
.c The Associated Press
BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - The United States gave its NATO allies clear evidence Tuesday that ``conclusively'' links Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaida network to the Sept. 11 terror attacks, NATO's secretary-general said.
In response, the alliance dropped the only condition on invoking Article 5 of its charter, which states that an attack on one member is an attack on all, Secretary-General Lord Robertson said.
``We don't intend at the moment to discuss how NATO will translate this decision into operational action,'' Robertson said. ``The United States are still developing their thinking and they will come back to the alliance in due course when that thinking is crystallized.''
NATO allies last month agreed to invoke Article 5 if Washington could show that the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were directed from abroad.
Tuesday's classified briefing had demonstrated that, and Article 5 was now ``fully invoked,'' Robertson said.
NATO officials said that means each member state is morally bound to help the United States if asked.
``The United States of America can rely on the full support of its 18 NATO allies in the campaign against international terrorism,'' Robertson said.
Robertson refused to elaborate on the ``additional information'' provided by U.S. Ambassador at Large Francis X. Taylor, who is President Bush's coordinator for counterterrorism.
The NATO secretary-general said it must remain secret for now ``for obvious reasons.''
He said the briefing covered the attacks themselves, the results of the investigation so far, what is known about bin Laden and al-Qaida, ``their involvement in the attacks and in previous terrorist activity, and the links between al-Qaida and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.''
The United States was also briefing its allies directly in their capitals, Robertson said. In Pakistan, which neighbors Afghanistan and has promised to cooperate with the United States against bin Laden, the U.S. ambassador briefed the president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, on the status of the U.S. investigation of bin Laden.
In the Belgian capital, where the NATO session was held, Russian President Vladimir Putin was meeting EU leaders Tuesday, and was to see Robertson on Wednesday. Putin has thrown his support behind the American-led anti-terrorist coalition, drawing his country into closer cooperation with the West.
``The facts are clear and compelling,'' Robertson said of the U.S. briefing. ``The information presented points conclusively to an al-Qaida role.''
``We know that the individuals who carried out these attacks were part of the worldwide terrorist network al-Qaida headed by Osama bin Laden and his key lieutenants and protected by the Taliban,'' he said. ``It is clear that all roads lead to al-Qaida and pinpoint Osama bin Laden as having been involved in it.''
Robertson's comments came ahead of a speech by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who warned Afghanistan's Taliban rulers that they must ``surrender terrorists or surrender power.''
The Taliban, an Islamic militia that controls the majority of Afghanistan, said Sunday they know where bin Laden is, and that he is under their control. Previously, they had said they didn't know the Saudi millionaire's location, but they could deliver messages to him.
AP-NY-10-02-01 1002EDT
Keep the Faith!
M&M Man
Paule. . .there you go again. I am no-longer reading your messages secondary to your calcified thought processes which I have no desire to contribute towards. You remind me of "paid bashers" on the HRCT thread of Raging Bull. You write the same, you act the same, you think the same. I have no desire to participate in your proposterous debacles so please leave me out of your limited visions.
Peace. . .
Keep the Faith!
M&M Man
What really saddens me is that I began to sympathize with the Palestinians and was reading the Qur'an to further my religious studies, then "poof." I'm upset with myself in that I was so off the mark in my disbelief of anything like this ever happening. I was naive enough to have believed that any Muslim that made it into America would enjoy their new life's so much that they would forget about any terrorist thoughts. I was wrong, dead wrong.
Paule "The Walnut" lives!
MMAYR...
"You have absolutely no evidence to verify your documentation on Muslims"
Well let’s see. My parents met in India while serving in the Peace Corps. They have shaken Mother Theresa’s hands while feeding the starving. Then they decided to go to Egypt for a while. After my parents came home from their five-year long stay in Saudi Arabia they decided that the rest of the Middle East was too dangerous for any more travel. I have spent days and days talking to them about the land region and peoples as well as how things really work. You might say I have gained a little hands-on perspective. Add in the thousands of dollars donated to the Afghan freedom fighters as well as the two Afghans that came to stay with us during the 80's. And I would say I have actually had more experience and insight than most Americans in regards to the middle east and its people.. My parents still have a picture of an Afghan holding his AK-47 high against the Russian bear sitting on top the mantle in the living room. It was a gift from those Afghans. Muslims I might add.
My documentation not only comes from direct communication with Middle Eastern Muslims but plenty of reading and studying the worlds religion(s) during the last four years at 6-8 hours a day!
"If you wish to debate the issue of religious belief. . .go read Karen Armstrong's book, "The History of God." Man created religion, not a God."
Ah yes you read one book and now are an expert. Are we going to debate the Zoroastrian birth now? Ok I'll just leave you at this. I've read that book. Found it topical, one-dimensional and monotonous. Poke your head into some serious reading and then tell me about my closed mind and soapbox. I think you should start with the dark ages and how European society intertwined with the Middle East. I have several good titles if you’re interested. Let me go to my parent’s house and I could give you at least five years of hard studying on the Middle East. I know don’t waste my time as my mind is so closed you wont even listen to what I have to say.
Sarals had a good point when she stated,…”That the Muslim faith is growing in America is not horrifying if you understand their faith.... IMO. Sara”
Good point. It would just be nice if these millions of Muslims that admittedly compose only a small percentage of the overall population of that faith believed in the same message as the Dalai Lama, Malcolm X or Muhammad Ali. We wouldn’t be having this issue.
Paule "The Walnut" lives!
Paule. . .That is not at all true. You have absolutely no evidence to verify your documentation on Muslims. I am not a Muslim. . .was baptized Catholic. . .but think all religions are a little off-based. I prefer not to get in on a religious debate because they all stem from fanatics. Like I said, get off your soapbox and start focusing on the real issue. If you believe you can write a law to define your own source of terrorism. . .do it. I did not say I supported the slaughter of any race or creed. . .but you argue I am somehow in support of this. Grow up. I believe the situation that transpired in the United States is being handled appropriately. I do not, however, believe that someone needs to sit on some message board and try to declare themselves a "know it all" as they spout out their beliefs. Mine certainly need challenging, but not by those with closed minds. If you wish to debate the issue of religious belief. . .go read Karen Armstrong's book, "The History of God." Man created religion, not a God.
Peace. . .
Keep the Faith!
M&M Man
FROM THE NY TIMES... Why will never be defeated. Why we can NEVER be defeated...
October 2, 2001
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Eastern Middle School
By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
I recently attended meet-the-teacher
night at Eastern Middle School, my
daughter Natalie's school in Silver
Spring, Md. The evening began with the
principal noting that Eastern, a
public school in suburban Washington, had 40 different
nationalities among its students. Before the teachers were
introduced, the school's choir and orchestra, a Noah's ark of
black, Hispanic, Asian and white kids, led everyone in "God Bless
America." There was something about the way those kids sang
together, and the earnest, if not always melodious, way the school
orchestra pounded out the National Anthem, that was both moving
and soothing. As I took in the scene, it occurred to me how much
the Islamic terrorists who just hit America do not understand
about America.
Their constant refrain is that America is a country with wealth
and power but "no values." The Islamic terrorists think our wealth
and power is unrelated to anything in the soul of this country —
that we are basically a godless nation, indeed the enemies of God.
And if you are an enemy of God you deserve to die. These
terrorists believe that wealth and power can be achieved only by
giving up your values, because they look at places such as Saudi
Arabia and see that many of the wealthy and powerful there lead
lives disconnected from their faith.
Of course, what this view of America completely misses is that
American power and wealth flow directly from a deep spiritual
source — a spirit of respect for the individual, a spirit of
tolerance for differences of faith or politics, a respect for
freedom of thought as the necessary foundation for all creativity
and a spirit of unity that encompasses all kinds of differences.
Only a society with a deep spiritual energy, that welcomes
immigrants and worships freedom, could constantly renew itself and
its sources of power and wealth.
Which is why the terrorists can hijack Boeing planes, but in the
spiritless, monolithic societies they want to build, they could
never produce them. The terrorists can exploit the U.S.- made
Internet, but in their suffocated world of one God, one truth, one
way, one leader, they could never invent it.
Lord knows, ours is hardly a perfect country. Many times we have
deviated from the American spirit or applied it selfishly. But it
is because we come back to this spirit more times than not, in
more communities than not, that our country remains both strong
and renewable.
Why can't we convey that? In part, we're to blame. President Bush
denigrated Washington during his campaign and repeated the selfish
mantra about the surplus that "it's your money — not the
government's money." How thankful we are today that we have a
Washington, D.C., with its strong institutions — FEMA, the F.A.A.,
the F.B.I. and armed forces — not to mention a surplus to help
manage our way out of this crisis.
In part we don't talk about these issues so we don't embarrass our
autocratic allies in the Middle East. But this negative view of
America as a nation that achieved wealth and power without any
spiritual values is also deliberately nurtured by governments and
groups in the Middle East. It is a way of explaining away their
own failures to deliver a better life for their own people: The
Americans are powerful only because they stole from us or from
others — not because of anything intrinsically spiritual or humane
in their society.
A society that will dig until it has found every body in the World
Trade Center rubble — because at some level it believes every
individual is created in the image of God — a society that raises
$600 million for the victims in two weeks, is a godless,
spiritless place? Guess again.
These terrorist so misread America. They think our strength lies
only in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon — the twin pillars
of our wealth and power — and if they can just knock them down
we'll start to fold: as if we, like them, have only one truth, one
power center.
Actually, our strength lies in the slightly dilapidated gym of
Eastern Middle School on parent-teacher night, and in thousands of
such schools across the land. That is where you'll find the spirit
that built the twin towers and can build them over again anytime
we please.
So in these troubled times, if you want to feel reassured about
how strong this country is, or what we're fighting to preserve,
just attend a P.T.A. meeting. It's all there, hiding in plain
sight.
Oil Reserve Declared 100 Percent Ready
NewsMax.com Wires
Tuesday Oct. 2, 2001
HOUSTON -- A Texas congressman toured one of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve sites Monday and declared it 100 percent ready to supply oil in a national emergency.
Rep. Joe Barton, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, visited the Big Hill Storage Facility with two other Texas Republican congressmen, John Culberson and Kevin Brady. They were concerned about energy security in light of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is the most significant asset we have against severe supply disruption, which is a real possibility as we move toward conflict in the Middle East," Barton said at a news conference in Houston.
"I am very pleased to announce that the Big Hill Storage Facility of the SPR is at 100 percent readiness."
Although there is a 15-day notice requirement for withdrawal by President Bush, Barton said the Big Hill site is capable of performing an immediate emergency draw down.
"Those onsite are very aware of their potentiality as a target of terrorism, and are very alert to their responsibility to protect the facility," Barton said. "After my visit there today, I am comfortable that, although still vulnerable to the possibility of an air attack, they are prepared for any attempt to penetrate the site through a ground-based stealth attack."
The oil is stored in huge underground salt caverns at four sites along the Gulf Coast in Texas and Louisiana. Decisions to withdraw crude oil from the reserve during an energy emergency are made by the president under the authority of the Energy and Conservation Act.
Security is not only critical at the sites, Barton said, but also the oil supply must be kept at full capacity and he said legislation would be introduced this week to carry out that goal.
President Ford signed the legislation creating SPR in 1975 after the 1973-1974 oil embargo that cutoff oil flowing to the United States from many Arab nations. The oil shortage sent economic shockwaves throughout the nation and sparked the call for the petroleum reserve.
Since then, the SPR has been used in an emergency only once, during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. More than 540 million barrels of crude oil is currently stored in the reserve's caverns, which have a capacity of about 700 million barrels, according to SPR figures.
Copyright 2001 by United Press International.
God Bless America!
Excel
It's my understanding that some people in some religions feel that
if you are not a part of that religion that you are either evil or
you are not a person...
so either way... they ain't doin' bad if they kill those people, in any way...
Some are more drastic than others, but either way it's OK for them....
(some even think that more pain will help)
I think they are gonna be in deeeeeeep trouble when they have to talk
to their God.....
JMO
George
I guess that nobody is responsible for his or her actions any more. eom
Paule "The Walnut" lives!
mmayr...
"Anyone who knows anything about the Muslim faith understand Muslims (like Catholics, Mormons, Christians, Baptists. ..and all other faiths!) would have never condoned what took place in America."
Does a little thing called the Spanish Inquisition remind you of anything? Oh I know, these were just religious zealots not indicative of the true believer or man of faith.
"Stop blaming people of faith and start focusing on the real issues. TERRORISM!"
When did the rest of the world stand up and tell the Catholic Church to quit killing in the name its faith? Do you think it was fun for them to be slaughtered for their beliefs? Could they have been in terror of the Church?????
Right now this small “extremist” form of Muslim faith is composed of and practiced by millions of people. So sit back and take a relative look at what you are saying. Realize that it literally took thousands of people to accomplish the act of 9/11
Fact is faith Killed 5000+ people and the Proprietors of that faith are sheepishly denouncing the act. In the Christian bible God asks for the life of a mans son by his own hands. DO YOU HAVE THAT AMOUNT OF FAITH IN YOUR GOD? The man in the bible did, and so do the “extremist” Muslims you make reference to.
These people have a fanatical belief in God. Good or bad that belief killed 1000's and hurt millions. The mainstream Muslim response was dancing in the streets. Followed by a halfhearted denouncement by the leadership (and I use that term very lightly) a full week later telling us that any fool should realize that true Muslims would never condone such acts of hate. Yet Muslims are doing just that.. To this day tens of thousands of Muslims are throwing daily hate rallies against the “Satanic” USA. Different countries different people all with one thing in common they all practice this “extremist” form of Muslim faith and all believe that the USA is the root of Satanic evil and that dying for God gets you to paradise.No matter how many innocent AMERICAN women, children, unborn babies, mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers; all oblivious to the Muslim Theocratic agenda, need to die horrifically painful disgusting deaths they need to commit to get there. To proove to God their loyalty.
I disagree with your statement.The pride of America is not found in any building, piece of steel nor glass “Think Deeper”. The people are OUR HEART AND SOUL.
We as a people have stood up against tyranny and terrorism in all its guises and forms. Why are not the Muslim communities paying more than mere lip service to this act of utter chaotically evil violence? Why has not the MUSLIM world stood up and demanded justice? The Koran strictly commands the Muslim people to police themselves. They (the Muslim government(s) in charge) do just the opposite. They hide these so called “extremists” and threaten HOLY WAR OF GOD by millions of their people to all who try and find them. Right now the Muslim world is hiding a terrorist. The Muslim world is harboring terrorist training camps. The Afghan Taliban is composed of Muslims from several countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Indonesia, India, and the USA. They are not all ignorant poor street children as this highly sophisticated and well-organized act of hate demonstrates.
As shown on television Muslim men, women and children from different countries danced and threw candy and celebrated as we cried and died. Muslims did this, your common average everyday Muslim, and from not one, but several countries around the world including here in the USA.
Muslim faith infiltrated our homes and our lives took everything they could. Everything we gave and still give willingly. They repaid us in kind by destroying a world symbol of freedom commerce and trade while killing thousands doing it. You can say what you want but I am still waiting for a MUSLIM leader to vehemently stand up against this outrage and demand the evil that gave them this terrible black eye be brought to justice NO MATTER WHAT THE COST. The Iranian President has come the closest however the rest have given our plight what seems to be little more than lip service.
BTW I am no hate monger and I wish the next time you speak to me you do not insinuate as such. Faith is terrorizing us right now and has done so in the past.Currently It just happens to be that of Muslim orgin. I notice that Christians stand up proudly and loudly against other Christians that commit atrocities in the name of God, why not the Muslims? I think it’s a fair question.
I feel in your post you are sitting there almost blaming the very freedom that you enjoy daily as causing this Utter act of carnal violence. So did the Good Muslims last night on 60 minutes and so did the Muslim terrorists….
Paule "The Walnut" lives!
http://www.rewardsfund.com -- 'nuf said (eom)
There's a really good book called "The Good Heart". The basis of the book is a conference between Christians and Budists (especially the Dalai Lama) where they peacefully and respectfully try to understand their differences and find common ground where it exists... and most importantly, through understanding, to have compassion for others beliefs.
That the Muslim faith is growing in America is not horrifying if you understand their faith.... IMO.
Sara
Excellent comment. I am getting threats of getting someone to come see ... The boycott fueled the naked short selling and the issues behind the boycott has the short sellers ticked and I me ticked.
>> Gary,
>
> Why would I be coming to see you? YOU are attempting to stop a FREEDOM
> that I, and others have. I have NEVER shorted a specific stock...BUT, I
> have 'shorted the market' over the last 2 years...don't you wish YOU
> had???!!!!
>
> Fortunately, I DO have access, and the ear, of a number of people who DO
> make these types of decisions.
The short seller are on a campaign to stop the petition from being signed so it has no clout. I mean they are really upset.
Struck a nerve. Glad no one else took this petition on. I do not intimidate easily, scare nor respond to threats. That petition is going in with what we got on 1 November ...
Doing what we can but the shorts are out to stop it getting out to the public as conveyed by the threatener.
I am also fortunate that some seek out
> my opinion....my personal hope is that they listen to GOOD reason and
> GOOD experience. In this case, it would be my view as opposed to yours.
>
> So far so good....
And in another email ...
I'm tempted to start working to make sure YOU are AT LEAST 'temporarily
halted'...all legal, transparent and with PLENTY of checks and
balances...but wouldn't want to infringe on ANY of your, or our,
freedoms....in fact, am willing to die defending yours, AND mine!
But we keep on going.
"NO OWN - NO SELL" Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/NoShorts/petition.html
Proud To Be An American Against Terrorism & Its Propaganda!
:=) Gary Swancey
repost from RB (TABLE) board:
===========================================EZ
Hi Folks: Interesting letter:
This is a letter from former Army captain Richard G. Kidd IV, USMA, '86, to some of his classmates about his perceptions that he developed during his time in Afghanistan (1993 and 1998-99). After resigning his commission in 1991, he served with the United Nations from 1993-99.
Dear Classmates:
Many of you are probably not aware that I was one of the last American citizens to have spent a great deal of time in Afghanistan. I was first here in 1993 providing relief and assistance to refugees along the Tajik border and in this capacity have traveled all along the border region
between the two countries.
In 1998 and 1999 I was the Deputy Program Manager for the UN's mine action program in Afghanistan. This program is the largest civilian employer in the country with over 5,000 persons clearing mines and UXO. In this latter
capacity, I was somewhat ironically engaged in a "Holy War" as decreed by the Taliban, against the evil of landmines, and by a special proclamation of
Mullah Omar, all those who might have died in this effort were considered to "martyrs" even an "infidel" like myself. The mine action program is the most respected relief effort in the country and because of this I had the
opportunity to travel extensively, without too much interference or restriction. I still have extensive contacts in the area and among the Afghan community and read a great deal on the subject.
I had wanted to write earlier and share some of my perspectives, but quite frankly I have been a bit too popular in DC this past week and have not had
time. Dr. Tony Kern's comments were excellent and I would like to use them as a basis for sharing some observations.
First, he is absolutely correct. This war is about will, resolve and character. I want to touch on that later, but first I want to share some comments about our "enemy." Our enemy is not the people of Afghanistan. The country is devastated beyond what most of us can imagine. The vast majority of the people live day-to-day, hand to mouth in abject conditions of poverty, misery and deprivation. Less than 30% of the men are literate, the women even less. The country is exhausted, and desperately wants something
like peace. They know very little of the world at large, and have no access to information or knowledge that would counter what they are being told by the Taliban. They have nothing left, nothing that is except for their
pride.
Who is our enemy? Well, our enemy is a group of non-Afghans, often referred to by the Afghans as "Arabs" and a fanatical group of religious leaders and their military cohort, the Taliban. The non-Afghan contingent came from all over the Islamic world to fight in the war against the Russians. Many came using a covert network created with assistance by our own government. OBL (as Osama bin Laden was referred to by us in the country at the time)
restored this network to bring in more fighters, this time to support the Taliban in their civil war against the former Mujehdeen. Over time this military support along with financial support has allowed OBL and his "Arabs" to co-opt significant government activities and leaders. OBL is the "inspector general" of Taliban armed forces, his bodyguards protect senior Talib leaders and he has built a system of deep bunkers for the Taliban, which were designed to withstand cruise missile strikes (uhm, where did he learn to do that?). His forces basically rule the southern city of Kandahar. This high-profile presence of OBL and his "Arabs" has, in the last 2 years or so, started to generate a great deal of resentment on the part of the local Afghans. At the same time the legitimacy of the Taliban regime has started to decrease as it has failed to end the war, as local humanitarian conditions have worsened and as "cultural" restrictions have become even harsher.
It is my assessment that most Afghans no longer support the Taliban. Indeed the Taliban have recently had a very difficult time getting recruits for their forces and have had to rely more and more on non-Afghans, either from
Pushtun tribes in Pakistan or from OBL. OBL and the Taliban, absent any US action, were probably on their way to sharing the same fate that all other outsiders and outside doctrines have experienced in Afghanistan-defeat and dismemberment.
During the Afghan war with the Soviets much attention was paid to the martial prowess of the Afghans. We were all at West Point at the time and most of us had high-minded idealistic thoughts about how we would all want to go help the brave "freedom fighters" in their struggle against the
Soviets. Those concepts were naive in the extreme. The Afghans, while never conquered as a nation, are not invincible in battle.
A "good" Afghan battle is one that makes a lot of noise and light. Basic military skills are rudimentary and clouded by cultural constraints that no matter what, a warrior should never lose his honor. Indeed, firing from the prone is considered distasteful (but still done). Traditionally, the Afghan order of battle is very feudal in nature, with fighters owing allegiance to a "commander" and this person owing allegiance upwards and so on and so on. Often such allegiance is secured by payment. And while the Taliban forces have changed this somewhat, many of the units in the Taliban army are there because they are being paid to be there. All such groups have very strong
loyalties along ethnic and tribal lines. Again, the concept of having a place of "honor" and "respect" is of paramount importance and blood feuds between families and tribes can last for generations over a perceived or
actual slight. That is one reason why there were 7 groups of Mujehdeen fighting the Russians.
It is a very difficult task to form and keep united a large bunch of Afghans into a military formation. The "real" stories that have come out of the war against the Soviets are very enlightening and a lot different from our fantastic visions as cadets. When the first batch of Stingers came in and were given to one Mujehdeen group, another group-supposedly on the same side, attacked the first group and stole the Stingers, not so much because
they wanted to use them, but because having them was a matter of prestige.
Many larger coordinated attacks that advisers tried to conduct failed when all the various Afghan fighting groups would give up their assigned tasks (such as blocking or overwatch) and instead would join the assault group in
order to seek glory. In comparison to Vietnam, the intensity of combat and the rate of fatalities were lower for all involved.
As you can tell from above, it is my assessment that these guys are not THAT good in a purely military sense and the "Arabs" probably even less so than the Afghans. So why is it that they have never been conquered? It goes back
to Dr. Kern's point about "will". During their history the only events that have managed to form any semblance of unity among the Afghans, is the desire to fight foreign invaders. And in doing this the Afghans have been
fanatical.
The Afghans' greatest military strength is their ability to endure hardships that would, in all probability, kill most Americans and enervate the resolve of all but the most elite military units. The physical difficulties of
fighting in Afghanistan, the terrain, the weather and the harshness are all weapons that our enemies will use to their advantage and use well. (NOTE: For you military planner types and armchair generals--around November 1st
most road movement is impossible, in part because all the roads used by the Russians have been destroyed and air movement will be problematic at best). Also, those fighting us are not afraid to fight. OBL and others do not think the US has the will or the stomach for a fight. Indeed, after the absolutely inane missile strikes of 1998, the overwhelming consensus was that we were
cowards, who would not risk one life in face-to-face combat. Rather than demonstrating our might and acting as a deterrent, that action and others of the not so recent past, have reinforced the perception that the US does not
have any "will" and that we are morally and spiritually corrupt.
Our challenge is to play to the weaknesses of our enemy, notably their propensity for internal struggles, the distrust between the extremists/Arabs and the majority of Afghans, their limited ability to fight coordinated
battles and their lack of external support. More importantly though is that we have to take steps not to play to their strengths, which would be to unite the entire population against us by increasing their suffering or killing innocents, to get bogged down trying to hold terrain, or to get into a battle of attrition chasing up and down mountain valleys.
I have been asked how I would fight the war. This is a big question and well beyond my pay grade or expertise. And while I do not want to second guess current plans or start an academic debate I would share the following from what I know about Afghanistan and the Afghans.
First, I would give the Northern Alliance a big wad of cash so that they can buy off a chunk of the Taliban army before winter.
Second, also with this cash I would pay some guys to kill some of the Taliban leadership making it look like an inside job to spread distrust and build on existing discord.
Third I would support the Northern alliance with military assets, but not take it over or adopt so high a profile as to undermine its legitimacy in the eyes of most Afghans.
Fourth would be to give massive amounts of humanitarian aid and assistance to the Afghans in Pakistan in order to demonstrate our goodwill and to give these guys a reason to live rather than the choice between dying of starvation or dying fighting the "infidel."
Fifth, start a series of public works projects in areas of the country not under Taliban control (these are much more than the press reports) again to demonstrate goodwill and that improvements come with peace.
Sixth, I would consider vary carefully putting any female service members into Afghanistan proper-sorry to the females of our class but within that culture a man who allows a women to fight for him has zero respect, and we
will need respect to gain the cooperation of Afghan allies. No Afghan will work with a man who fights with women. I would hold off from doing anything too dramatic in the near term, keeping a low level of covert action and pressure up over the winter, allowing this pressure to force open the fissions around the Taliban that were already developing. I expect that they will quickly turn on themselves and on OBL.
We can pick up the pieces next summer, or the summer after. When we do "pick-up" the pieces I would make sure that we do so on the ground, "man-to-man." While I would never want to advocate American causalities, it is essential that we communicate to OBL and all others watching that we can and will "engage and destroy the enemy in close combat." As mentioned above, we should not try to gain or hold terrain, but Infantry operations
against the enemy are essential. There can be no excuses after the defeat or lingering doubts in the minds of our enemies regarding American resolve and nothing, nothing will communicate this except for ground combat. And once
this is all over, unlike in 1989, the US must provide continued long-term economic assistance to rebuild the country.
While I have written too much already, I think it is also important to share a few things on the subject of brutality. Our opponents will not abide by the Geneva conventions. There will be no prisoners unless there is a chance that they can be ransomed or made part of a local prisoner exchange. During the war with the Soviets, videotapes were made of communist prisoners having
their throats slit. Indeed, there did exist a "trade" in prisoners so that souvenir videos could be made by outsiders to take home with them. This practice has spread to the Philippines, Bosnia and Chechnya were similar
videos are being made today and can be found on the web for those so inclined. We can expect our soldiers to be treated the same way. Sometime during this war I expect that we will see videos of US prisoners having
their heads cut off. Our enemies will do this not only to demonstrate their "strength" to their followers, but also to cause us to overreact, to seek wholesale revenge against civilian populations and to turn this into the
world wide religious war that they desperately want. This will be a test of our will and of our character. (For further corroboration of this type of activity please read Kipling).
This will not be a pretty war; it will be a war of wills, of resolve and somewhat conversely of compassion and of a character. Towards our enemies, we must show a level of ruthlessness that has not been part of our military
character for a long time. But to those who are not our enemies we must show a level of compassion probably unheard of during war. We should do this not for humanitarian reasons, even though there are many, but for shrewd military logic.
For anyone who is still reading this way too long note, thanks for your patience. I will try to answer any questions that may arise in a more concise manner.
Thanks, Richard Kidd
I think it's probably time people stopped worrying about Muslims and started focusing on the the "terrorist" issue. Did anyone ever read the story of Malcolm X? Muslims are not in America to topple buildings like the WTC. That has NOTHING to do with the Muslim belief (and I am Catholic, not Muslim). People are targeting individuals (ALL INDIVIDUALS) of another creed. That, is stupid. Osama bin Laden and his crusaders are nothing but a branch off of the beliefs of Islam. . .that has gone awry. We're all pissed off that a bunch of rubble bound camel jockeys toppled the pride of America. . .but we need to face it, we weren't ready for the attack. Why? Because we are a democracy. . .and we believe in "freedom." Only in the past month have Americans been united and willing to give up some of those freedoms. Now, we see how terrorists (and that does not mean MUSLIMs!) came to America. . .were educated by American institutions. . .and toppled American pride. Or did they? Perhaps we can all take a look in the mirror and see if we've weakened. But enough of this "Muslim" crap. Anyone who knows anything about the Muslim faith understand Muslims (like Catholics, Mormons, Christians, Baptists. ..and all other faiths!) would have never condoned what took place in America. Flat out. . .it is evil. It is the evil on our world that created this destruction. Stop blaming people of faith and start focusing on the real issues. TERRORISM!
Peace. . .
Keep the Faith!
M&M Man
Count me a signature #531 (eom)
That is horrifying!
Interesting read...honestly take time to digest the full ramifications of this article and comments.
"A world-wide democracy of any sort will never happen--at least not w/o a vast number of human beings being killed off. The greatest chance of any world-wide government (as things stand) is an absolute theocracy under Fundamentalist Islam. Only they are willing to kill innocents to acheive their goals. All it would take is the spread of Islam in the US and other world powers to the point that they take control. It won't even take a majority." By Dellsap
>>>>>>>
here, read this:
What Is The Fastest Growing Religion In America?
Islam, it is growing at a rate of 7% to 10% a year or about 400 to 500,000 Muslims per year! In just a few years Muslims have grown from a few hundred thousand to 7 to 8 million. Islam is the third largest religion in America and soon there will be more Muslims in America then Jews.
Islam has grown in America in three main ways - by immigration, by biological growth, and by evangelism. A large number of Muslims come to America as university students. Almost every university in America has a Muslim Student Association and they are all linked together through a national association and the internet. Others have come as immigrates to escape oppressive
governments in their home countries. Many Muslim families have large numbers of children. Finally, Islam has used the freedom and openness of America to evangelize Americans.
Where Are Muslims Found In America?
The largest concentrations of Muslims are in urban areas but Muslims are found in almost every town and city. As fast as Christians abandon urban intercity areas Muslims are moving in. Muslims are purchasing abandoned intercity churches and converting them to Mosques.
In 1986 it was estimated that there were only 600 major Mosques in America. Now there were over 3000 registered Mosques! To this we can add another 1000 unlisted, less official locations. One study stated that there are at least two new Mosques opening every week in America!
In addition there are also thousands of "Islamic Cultural Centers", day schools, bookstores, restaurants and recreational facilities. Muslim holidays are celebrated at the White House. In public schools cafeterias serve Islamic approved foods, and special accommodations are made for girls to have some separate classes and wear scarfs in class.
How Are Muslims "Evangelizing" America?
Muslims have a well organized national strategy for "evangelizing" America. They conduct local, regional, and national conferences to equip, train, and recruit "missionaries" to spread Islam in America. Their financial resources are practically unlimited being funded by millions of dollars in oil money America sends to Islamic counties every day. Muslims are well organized through their communities, Mosques, student organizations and political action groups.
Dr. Ismail Farqui, of Temple University said, "We must convert 50 to 70 million Americans every year. It is possible, especially because the lower stratus of society have been suffering from the bankruptcy of the social order."
What Is Islam's Appeal To Americans?
1. The moral failure of western society is evidence that Christianity is a failure and not the true religion of God.
2. Muslims say Christianity has only a negative message for humanity. Muslims do not believe in original sin so all men are capable of accepting Islam and saving themselves.
3. Muslims believe Islam is the one true and universal religion of God. Therefore Islam is superior to every religion and God's final revelation.
4. Muslims believe Islam is a religion of purity and peace. It is family based and protects its women and children from immorality. It has helped the poor, cleaned up slums, and forced drug dealers to leave neighborhoods under its control. It creates a caring community which provides for and supports individuals and families.
5. Muslims do not see any difference between the state and religion so the government has the right to establish religious laws and limit religious freedom. Islam works through our educational and political system to open Islamic schools and elect local and national officials. At present there are many members of local governments and several members of the House of Representatives who are Muslims.
6. Muslims say Islam is the true religion of African - Americans claiming it is an African religion while Christianity is a western religion.
Paule "The Walnut" lives!
I don't know how these people can still think they are religious. They are damned to hell and are too blinded by selfishness and stupidity to see it. They are a dying breed because they cannot adapt.
Paule,
You have cut to the heart of the problem. While on the one hand the Muslim heirarchy denounces the attack, on the other they blame American policy and swear to defend the terrorists to the last man.
It is time we show them that they can't have it both ways. As "W" said...You are either for us or against us!
The Bird of Prey
Did anybody watch 60 minutes last night?
The interview with the four Muslims. All claimed that this attack was not true Islam and while not directly BLAMING America stated that it was because of AMERICAN POILCY that these attacks occurred...
In my hand I have a bloody stick. Although you are bleeding about the head and shoulders, we (the stick and I) did not do it. Our true nature is to grow old with time peacefully. No you may not have the stick and if you try to take it we(the entire worlds forests and its many lovers) will all feverishly fight to the death to stop you.
Paule "The Walnut" lives!
Osama bin Ladin is the current international equivalent of Charlie Manson and/or Hitler.
He has taken the farthest-out, leftwing, fruitloop version of misinterpreted Islam, and then bastardized it to suit his own purposes. He then, like Adolph, set about collecting the raghead versions of Goerings, Goebbels, the skinheads, and Squeaky Frohm around him - to promote his self-serving, however well-funded, insanity.
His funds, and the terror cells he spawned, were used. So, he is as guilty as if he had flew the damn planes himself.
First they will cut off the head of the phucquing snake, and then they will wring out the eggs and smash them also.
It all goes back to the money. Without the money they are no more than a bunch of wigged out camel jockeys desperate to organize a raving, midnight circle-jerk - while beating veiled women and children with sticks in their spare time.
NO RESPITE, NO QUARTER, NO MERCY, NO PRISONERS...!!!
John
The Koran teaches the righteous to fight for the sake of Allah. Allah does not love those who oppose Islam.
Let those who would exchange the life of this world for the hereafter, fight for the cause of Allah; whether they die or conquer, We shall richly reward them.
Sura 4:74
When the sacred months(*) are over them. If they repent and take to prayer and pay the alms-tax, let them go their way. Allah is forgiving and merciful.
Sura 9:4
(*) Shawal, Dhul-Qa'ada, Dhul-Hajja, & Muharram
Do not say that those who were slain in the cause of Allah are dead; they are alive, although you are not aware of them.
Sura 2:151
Fight for the sake of Allah those that fight against you, but do not attack them first. Allah does not love the aggressors.
Kill them wherever you find them. Drive them out of the places from which they drove you. Idolatry is worse than carnage. But do not fight them within the precincts of the Holy Mosque unless they attack you there;
Sura 2:190
Believers, why is it that when it is said to you "March in the cause of Allah" you linger slothfully in the land? Are you content with that life in preference to the life to come? Few indeed are the blessings of this life, compared to those of the life to come.
Sura 9:38
Whether unarmed or well equipped, march on and fight for the cause of Allah with your wealth and your persons.
Sura 9:41
"NO OWN - NO SELL" Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/NoShorts/petition.html
Proud To Be An American Against Terrorism & Its Propaganda!
:=) Gary Swancey
Taliban has stated the bin laden is being hidden for his own safety... British journalist (woman) is behind bars in Afghanistan ... 36 yr old held in England on anit-terrorism laws and I believe I heard the trail for Americans teaching Christianity has begun. just out on Fox News.
"NO OWN - NO SELL" Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/NoShorts/petition.html
Proud To Be An American Against Terrorism & Its Propaganda!
:=) Gary Swancey
dreamer psoted this on SI ... http://www.drudgereport.com/ ... interesting reading.
"NO OWN - NO SELL" Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/NoShorts/petition.html
Proud To Be An American Against Terrorism & Its Propaganda!
:=) Gary Swancey
This was such a good argument that it was a must post here.NYC a Catholic,is debating Looking4bulls, a Muslim.
"LQQK, obviously you wish to ignore my true message.
First let me start off by saying again, I believe you are a classy guy who has handled himself quite impressively on this thread. I believe you know G-d, I believe you know real Islam and I also believe you know Muhammad's true message. I have met many men of many different faiths who I believe to be actual men of G-d and I consider you one of them. I would feel it an honor for men (of any faith) just like yourself to teach my children about God. Unlike other posters who think you can get in shape by sitting on the couch eating donuts watching workout videos. I believe you have to work to develop your spirituality just like lifting develops your muscles. And that takes trainers and teachers who guide you and help you in your spiritual path. Solitude at home does little, one needs to get out and take the time to listen to wise men who aren't afraid to tell us what is G-dlike and what isn't. It can be argued that silence and lack of action is responsible for more deaths than the wrong action. There is no yesterday much less the centuries ago Catholic history you wish to counter to me with in an attempt to neutralize today's acts of your Islamic brothers. All we have is today, what we do, what we say, how we act and how we don't.
So back to my message. Why is it that the best known Islamic leaders of America and the world are Bin Laden, Yasser Arafat and Louis Farrakhan? Why is it that both you and Muhammad Ali waited for over a week to speak out about those "Islamic extremists"? Why is it that heroes of Islam are Khadafi, Saddam and Bin Laden? Why is it that Muslim across the world march down the streets with their pictures? Why is it that Islamic children dance in the street with their mother's and father's throwing candy when thousands of innocent people get murdered? Why is it that Louis Farrakhan can call Judaism "a gutter religion," the Pope an "Antichrist" and Adolf Hitler "a wickedly great man" and not a single Muslim America speaks out? Why is it that Muslim Americans like Farrakhan have such a huge following in America but if a Catholic leader had said anything close to that he would be excommunicated? Why is it that Muslims who don't believe in these people's words or actions are conveniently silent but then when repeatedly asked their opinion they claim these people are extremists and don't represent Islam while not being able to point to one single famous Islamic spiritual leader who represents their beliefs?
Catholic extremists do things like get married, ordain women priests or marry gay couples. All we have in this world is today, what we do, what we say and maybe more importantly what we don't say. I post the pope's words and travels here regularly and I'm proud to call him my spiritual leader. Make no doubt about it, if any group claiming to be Catholics were to fly planes into building the pope would call for his head and no country in the world would have to find him because Catholics around the world would ban together to hunt these cowardly criminals down themselves and kill them with a dull knifes.
I don't want to hear about Muslims being persecuted people excuse, you want to know persecution then speak about that oil less middle east state of Israel which is totally surrounded by Muslims.
Islamic silence has given a wink and a nod to all these cowardly actions and now I'm sorry to say that your children will grow up in an America which doesn't trust Islam. Islam and it's silence reaped what it has sowed in this country and you and your children will pay for it by mistrusting, loss of civil liberties and hatred.
One final question While is it that no one calls real men of Islam like LQQKING4BULLS their spirtual leader? I would if I was Islamic."
Paule "The Walnut" lives!
I understand that tv station to be very unreliable - aimed at the Muslim masses.
It was reported that 5 American commando's were captured this morning but both the Taliban and the US denied it.
Authorities Detain Nearly 500
By PETE YOST
.c The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - Authorities investigating the terrorist attacks have arrested or detained more than 480 people, Attorney General John Ashcroft said Friday.
Ashcroft disclosed the numbers after releasing a document left behind by the hijackers. He said it provided ``a shocking and disturbing view into the mindsets'' of those responsible.
FBI Director Robert Mueller made clear the investigation is focusing on more than one group associated with Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida network. ``One should not focus on one individual, but on a series of networks across the world,'' he said.
Ashcroft added, ``We have not ruled out the participation of other individuals and other organizations in this attack.''
Mueller said investigators have had substantial cooperation from other countries in tracking the movements of the hijackers. He said authorities have began to put together a picture of how the attacks were planned and completed but ``the picture is nowhere near fully painted.''
Ashcroft said the document left behind by the hijackers contained instructions for before and during the flights as well as numerous religious references.
He said those references were ``a stark reminder of how these hijackers grossly perverted the Islamic faith to justify their terroristic acts.''
The FBI released photographs of the 19 suspected hijackers on Thursday, a move that was designed to bring in information from people who may have seen the men before the Sept. 11 attacks.
Ashcroft called the release of the photos part of a ``national neighborhood watch,'' while Mueller acknowledged that questions remained about whether an accompanying list contained the true names of the 19.
``What we are currently doing is determining whether, when these individuals came to the United States, these were their real names or they changed their names for use with false identification in the United States,'' Mueller said.
The FBI director said there was evidence that one or more of the hijackers had had contacts with al-Qaida, the network associated with Osama bin Laden, the exiled Saudi millionaire who is the Bush administration's top suspect in the attacks.
At a court hearing Friday in London, prosecutors said an Algerian pilot instructed four of the hijackers who crashed the plane into the Pentagon. The prosecution said Lotfi Raissi, 27, qualified in the United States as a pilot in 1997, attending the same Arizona flight school as four of the hijackers involved in the attacks Sept. 11.
``He was the lead instructor of four of the pilots that were responsible for the hijackings,'' prosecutor Arvinda Sambir told the court.
Richard Egan, Raissi's defense lawyer, said his client ``adamantly denies any involvement in the recent appalling tragedies.'' Raissi is wanted in the United States on charges of giving false information in connection with his application for a pilot's license.
In Washington, the Justice Department released an arrest warrant for Raissi and a criminal complaint from Arizona charging him with two counts of making false statements to the Federal Aviation Administration about his medical condition and arrest record. The compliant made no mention of any connection between Raissi and the hijackers.
Two Middle Eastern men who fraudulently obtained licenses to drive trucks hauling hazardous materials were arrested, the Justice Department said. Fadhil Al-Khaledy was arrested Thursday in Chicago and Raad Al-Malfky was arrested in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Both obtained the licenses through an alleged scam in Pennsylvania that involved at least 20 Middle Eastern men who got licenses. All have been arrested; none has been linked to the hijackings. The arrests came amid concerns about possible terrorist attacks involving chemical or biological weapons.
A Middle Easterner believed to be the middleman in the scheme was also captured. Elmeliani Benmoumen helped the others illegally obtain the licenses, according to the FBI. Benmoumen denied being involved in the scheme.
In other developments:
A grand jury in Boston subpoenaed student records from the University of Rhode Island. It was among several universities which have received subpoenas from grand juries in the investigation. ``Our belief is it's a general request,'' University of Rhode Island spokeswoman Linda Acciardo said. ``We have no reason to believe it's connected to the individuals who hijacked the planes.'' The university said it learned the subpoena was related to the attacks after it contacted the FBI in Boston to confirm it.
Evidence surfaced in Las Vegas that at least five of the hijackers had stayed in the casino town between May and August, said a source who insisted on anonymity.
Officials said the government's manhunt has thwarted two terrorist attacks since Sept. 11 and gathered evidence suggesting collaborators were in various stages of planning on several other plots to harm U.S. interests here and abroad.
Evidence seized in raids in the United States and in Europe included plans or materials for an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Paris and an attack with explosives on a military site in Brussels, Belgium, the officials said.
The FBI's toll-free hot line for people with information about the 19 hijackers is 1-866-483-5137. A form also is available on the Internet at http://www.ifccfbi.gov.
AP-NY-09-28-01 1630EDT
Keep the Faith!
M&M Man
Holy War Has Funds, Bin Laden Says
.c The Associated Press
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) - Osama bin Laden, the top suspect in the Sept. 11 terror attacks, says Washington's move to freeze assets of groups linked to his al-Qaida movement will not curtail his activities, a newspaper reported Friday.
The report appeared in the Urdu-language Ummat, which is published in Karachi. The newspaper said it had submitted questions for bin Laden to Taliban officials and had received written replies. Efforts to contact Taliban officials to confirm were unsuccessful.
``Freezing of the assets or accounts of al-Qaida or any other jihad (holy war) organization won't make any difference,'' Ummat quoted bin Laden as saying.
``By the grace of God, al-Qaida has got three alternate financial systems, which are separate and independent. This system is run by people who love jihad, and if the whole world - including the United States - tries to remove them, they won't succeed,'' he was quoted as saying. ``These people are not a few hundred. They are in the thousands and hundreds of thousands.
President Bush on Monday ordered a freeze on the assets of 27 people and organizations with suspected links to terrorism, including bin Laden and al-Qaida.
In the interview, bin Laden said his vast network of thousands of sympathizers would not be affected by Bush's move because its members include financial experts who know all the loopholes in the global financial system.
Bin Laden - a millionaire Saudi exile living in Afghanistan since 1996 - repeated denials that he had been behind the Sept. 11 attacks against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The Bush administration has demanded the Taliban hand him over to the United States, or else face retribution.
``I want to clarify that my job is to inspire Muslims and to tell them what is in their interests and what is bad, what Islam says and what anti-Islamic forces say,'' bin Laden was also quoted as saying. ``Al-Qaida was established for jihad against those infidel countries that are attacking Muslims. Jihad is the sixth most important principle of Islam. Every enemy of Islam is afraid of jihad.''
Bin Laden claimed the Western media were spreading propaganda against him. ``They are saying such absurd things about us that we wonder (whether) they have become the victim of their own propaganda and began to fear it,'' he said.
Islam does not permit the killing of innocent women, children or men, even during war, he said. ``I have said this before - that I have no connection with the Sept. 11 attacks in America ... nor any information about it.''
The newspaper has not been a conduit for bin Laden statements in the past.
AP-NY-09-28-01 1622EDT
Keep the Faith!
M&M Man
U.S. and British special forces have conducted operations in Afghanistan and the Central Asian region, a senior administration official told CNN on Friday.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. and British special forces have conducted operations in Afghanistan and the Central Asian region, a senior administration official told CNN on Friday.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
CNN is sensitive about reporting information that could jeopardize lives or ongoing military operations.
It is CNN's policy not to report the specifics of imminent or real-time military actions when told by appropriate authorities that this could jeopardize lives or ongoing operations.
CNN Senior White House Correspondent John King reported that a senior Bush administration official said the operations took place "in the region" and "in country," meaning Afghanistan.
The official characterized the operations as part of routine special operations deployment that always accompany any U.S. military deployments overseas.
Reports of special operations were first reported in the Pakistani press and in Friday's editions of USA Today. A senior U.S. official has confirmed those reports to CNN.
The operations are intelligence or reconnaissance-related, possibly to scout the terrain and look for places for helicopters to land or possible targets for airstrikes. King reported the administration official said, "We have an intelligence deficit here."
U.S. military special operations units include U.S. Army Rangers, Navy Seals, Army Special Forces and the supersecret Delta Force.
http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/09/28/ret.special.operations/index.html
When I first saw it I just stared at it.Then common sense took over,I realized this photo wasn't possible.Yet it angered me.
It IS NOT authentic ! Already been analyzed by
professionals as such. Too bad (under circumstances)
we need to be exposed to this crap ! :(
I don't know if anyone has seen this or not,but its enough to make you angry;
http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/lastpic.htm
Terrorist of the stock market needs to be talked about here http://www.investorshub.com/boards/board.asp?board_id=791
We need to leave this thread to the Acts of Terrorism concerning the WTC.
Hope to see you over there.
"NO OWN - NO SELL" Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/NoShorts/petition.html
Proud To Be An American Against Terrorism & Its Propaganda!
:=) Gary Swancey
Yep me too ... the bashers are dragging up everything on me. One thing about it if someone attacks it a shorter or a basher ... but I have had my entire life slammed out ont he interent before. Use to it... I know I have struck a nerve when the bashers and shorters start slamming me.
"NO OWN - NO SELL" Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/NoShorts/petition.html
Proud To Be An American Against Terrorism & Its Propaganda!
:=) Gary Swancey
No problem Gary. I've been in a few battles over there before. HeheheHe!!! I think it's worth it!
God Bless America!
Excel
Rb is the haven for bashers and shorts. Be perpared for it to be totally attacked. Where the boycott was to physically point out what is in this petition it would have helped the shorts and bashers by stopping trading and allowing them 100% control of the market. This is to take the control away from them.
"NO OWN - NO SELL" Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/NoShorts/petition.html
Proud To Be An American Against Terrorism & Its Propaganda!
:=) Gary Swancey
Thanks for your work Gary. I took it to the cess pool at rb on three boards. We should get some signitures there.
God Bless America!
Excel
The Terrorist of the stock market (bashers & Shorters) are starting to raise cane about that petition and it has not been out but a couple of hours. The bottomline is the government is lifting restriction to get people to buy and we are to buy what ... Phantom shares. They need to stop it and make it transparent.
"NO OWN - NO SELL" Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/NoShorts/petition.html
Proud To Be An American Against Terrorism & Its Propaganda!
:=) Gary Swancey
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