RE: Wedding gift from United States

Ok, I didn’t want to be drawn on this but what can I say, I’m weak.

Firstly, I have read very little about what is happening in Afghanistan as there seems to be quite an effective media-block on almost all military operations. However, I have read several differnt newspapers and seen a couple of interviews on TV news which seem to suggest that the number of civies killed in ‘stan is between 2,000 and 5,000. Also, I would like to suggest that the Iraqis have suffered a great deal of civillian casualties, not just from the IIPGW but also from subsequent sporadic bombing raids (I won’t even bother to go into the damage done by the sanctions).

This is of course only in the last 12 years. How many civillians have to die in the next 12 before we realise that something needs to be changed.

Finally, Garry is right to mention atrocities commited before 1990. Many civillians died in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia but that’s ok, nobody was counting back then so we can just forget about it. And then there were the two greatest acts of murder mankind has ever seen (short of the holocaust – well pointed out Sauron).

RE: Bombing of a wedding

I find it interesting that the US armed forces have been involved i several armed conflicts since 1990 in which tens (if not hundreds)of thousands of civillians have been killed. If, however, you look at official claims and statements of the State Department or the Pentagon not one civillian was killed on purpose. Therefore, the only possible conclusion is that despite the massive budget and the extensive training, the Americans are the most accident prone military ever and they should avoid getting involved in any wars simply because they know that hundreds of civillians will be killed accidentally (surely this is man-slaughter or professional misconduct?).

On the other hand, in Kosovo 4,500 Albanians were killed and not one of them by accident. The VJ, with its pathetic budget and questionable training techniques, hasn’t made one mistake in a complex, furious ground war. Perhaps the Yanks should go to Yug to get some advice.

RE: Merkava IV unveiled today

Why is it that Merkavas haven’t been exported? In my opinion this is one of the best tanks out there and surely the Israelis could do with unit prices going down a little.

Also, I’ve heard a criticism of the Merkava that its optimised for desert operations and would flounder in Central Europe or a tropical clime. Does anyone know why this might be? I can’t seem to figure it out.

RE: Who is the most popular singer in your country

Well it’s all over for the Yugoslavs, the fat lady (Ceca) is the most popular singer by far. There is hope, scientists are still divided over whether her particular brand of “ethno-folk-pop” can really be called singing. The current consensus is that she has a team of proffessional cat stranglers working for her back stage. Animal rights groups are up in arms although if you ask me, human rights groups should also get in on the act – there is evidence of real human suffering at her concerts. 🙂

So, can you tell I don’t think much of Ceca?

BTW, Ceca is the widow of the Serbian militia-leader, the late Arkan.

RE: Croatia wins!!!

A well deserved victory. Put a smile on my face anyway :-).

The World Cup looks pretty open now doesn’t it?

RE: Russia a member of NATO!

NATO hasn’t been itslef recently. Since the collapse of the USSR and WarPac it has (to one degree or another) been a tool for the Imperialist expansion of the US and it’s satellites. In ’99 it breached it’s own charter, at the same time as breeching that of the UN. It plainly displayed that it’s internal, beurocratic structure was no longer very “democratic” if it ever has been. Ultimately it is no longer a defensive organisation.

Do I think NATO should continue to exist? Yes, sure, why not. Or, you could get rid of it, stop the US bombing (or otherwise intimidating) little countries and generally allow everyone to get on with their own business without interfering just because they don’t give western multi-nationals preferred treatment. That’s not going to happen for a long time so you may as well keep NATO.

On a side note, I personally feel that the existence of NATO is endangering me and my family more than it is protecting them.

RE: FHM 100 Sexiest Women 2002

Jordan, Sarah Michelle Geller and Holly Valance shouldn’t even be in there at all – let alone in the top 20.

RE: Kelly …

“Who says I am arrogant?”

You can’t blame people for getting the wrong impression Kelly (and I quote):

“…a lady of my looks…”

“Its not my fault I was blessed with a fine heritage.”

Jeez, you look nice but don’t get too full of yourself ok.