pajarito

You know...........I think I have to agree with you on this one.

Do you have experience with the Pentecostal Church in order to make your claims? Everything you've stated is exagerated to the point of being ridiculous. You're obvious hatred of Christianity has no bearing as to whether John Ashcroft is justified in applying his principles of faith in his job.

I believe that he's referring to the manner in which it is done. He's saying that there are limits even when free speach and expression are involved. You're trying to generalize.

This has already been hammered to death before but this country is secular in the sense that no religion is sponsored over another. That doesn't mean that religion is not or should not be in government. I'm not Pentecostal, however, labeling them as a "whackjob sect" in your argument is unfair without giving specific examples of why.

Not true. That was a random unprovoked attack on Christianity. It has nothing to do with the topic at hand. You're attempt at attacking the faith of John Ashcroft in order to discredit him is an obvious misunderstanding of what his faith teaches concerning the law. Christians are to obey human law except where that human law violates God's Law. Our supreme duty is to obey God. Since God tells us to also obey human laws, we should. But, when they come in conflict, we are to "obey God rather than men." That doesn't give us a free ticket; however, to do what we want and say "I'm above the law because I'm Christian."

Dude...that is freakin' insane. Unbelievable video with the Birdman alongside. That is way beyond anything I would have thought possible 10 years ago.

Like in Waco? In Waco, they were stockpiling illegal weaponry and munitions as well as molesting minors. Right? Nothing to do with religion.

Who wouldn't?

In all fairness and speaking just of Europe, I've only spent time in Spain, Germany, and Turkey. I've only passed through England. I can honestly only say that there seemed to be a negative feeling towards us (Americans) in Spain. I was there for 1 month. The other places, only for about 1 week each.

Wow… In the sequential barrage that followed my statements about jealousy and freedoms, 4 out of 5 came from persons in the UK (Mr2mk1g, nigel99, Kerr, and Red Skydiver). JackC is an unknown so I can’t add him to the list. It makes me wonder, though, about the jealousy part when I receive such an immediate, large, and defensive response. Maybe I’m just pulling this all out of thin air and there really is no basis for my feelings of European opposition. Seriously, if I am wrong, I retract the statement and apologize. I shouldn’t try and piss a bunch of people off with inflamatory posts. As for the freedom part, I don’t know your systems well enough to have made the statement that I did so I’m just asking. You’re correct in that the first one that comes to mind is gun ownership. I guess that one is very obvious. Another might be religious freedom. I know I’ve read stuff concerning religious tolerance in Europe. Specifically, I think it was speaking of France. It concerned how their government was trying to suppress or eliminate non-standard religions in order to keep the traditional structure in place and dominant. I’ll try and locate the article. In America, we are more tolerant of other religions and you are free to start whatever church you like whether it conflicts with the majority or not. It also spoke of the differences in general “schools of thought” concerning how we view the roll of government. It said that Europe, in general, still has the feeling that a government official, once elected, is supreme in his station and that the people are accountable to him. In America, a government official, once elected is directly accountable to the people (always) and that the government is specifically “for the people” and not visa versa. I know…I know…officials are elected there just like here but I’m speaking of the general mentality in regards to the official’s responsibility of service. Whether, once elected by the people, his allegiance is to the government or to the people who elected him. Again, I'm not trying to anger anyone today (maybe later ). I like the Brits (at least the SAS troops; I've had more experience with them than the general Great Britain populace). They were some of the best people I've had the privilage to work with.

Also, there is no significant difference in the amount of freedom enjoyed by American's when compared to the rest of the west. Certainly none perceived - if they’re not perceived they’re not missed. Yeah...I guess it's all relative. If you don't know you're getting f%$#ed, I guess it doesn't matter.

Jealous? What of exactly? Off the top of my head... - The extent of freedom that we enjoy. - Our dominating success in the world economy. - The relatively short period of time that it took us to achieve that success. - Our overwhelming military strength as the one and only superpower. - The controlling influence we have over world affairs.

What's considered honorable in the methods of warfare has changed considerably over time.

I got it right off. Most skydivers should. Anyway, freaky appearance with the folds of skin. I like it though.

I'd love to learn to surf! The waves over here suck, though.

Sorry. I didn’t mean it as an insult and certainly didn’t want to take stuff out of context or start shit. It just sounded like you were pandering to the Europeans who all too often appear to be looking down their noses at us and resting on their high pedestals. It appeared confusing as to which side you were really on. I’m obviously mistaken so I stand corrected.

The “W.Va.—Cali. Metaphor” is a bad stereotype. Not everyone from W.Va. is an ignorant hillbilly as you put it. I mean, I don’t believe everyone from California is a stoned out dumbass surfer. I’m originally from Alabama. You probably think my Dad was in the K.K.K. or something and that my family owns a cotton plantation. Come on man…this is 2004. Also, our culture is made up of everyone else’s culture around the globe. Theirs may be hundreds or thousands of years old but ours has direct linkage. I also believe that we’ve been around long enough to not be considered “upstart.”

What great feedback! I’m very proud to embody the characteristics of what you consider to be an American. It humbles me and I take that as one of the best compliments. Thank you! I also love the fact that I've affected your life so deeply based on this simple internet chatter. Most of my training in the Army focused on the fact that the mind is the most powerful weapon. I've provoked thought with you even when you're not on-line. I'm in your head all through the day. Excellent! Many times, thoughts, even though they may anger you deeply, also influence change in opinion over time. It’s for your own growth…bro. Hang in there.

My Granddad was an Infantry Platoon Sergeant who landed and fought at Utah Beach. He was later shot through the hip and temporarily paralyzed during the Battle of the Bulge. He healed up and months later was returned to his unit on the front line. He Earned a Purple Heart for being shot. Had received a battlefield commission and finished out the war as a 1st Lieutenant. He also was awarded a Bronze Star and a Silver Star for gallantry in action.

Damn...Gets your blood pumping...doesn't it?

No class...

I think the answer to your question is clearly obvious in the last half of the clip....after the militia man had been shot in the back and killed. Officer in Charge....'Ceasfire???' anyone? anyone? anyone? errr....nope From the video, it didn't appear so. I'll give you that. However, like I said, there's no way to really be sure. The video could definitely be used as circumstancial evidence against the soldier/soldier's involved should charges be filed. I don't think you could base your whole case on it, though. There are many scenarios where a wounded guy on his stomach could be very dangerous. Things are rarely exactly as they seem. Gotta go. Be back later.

Sorry. I was actually referring more to the helicopter footage. I said earlier that the ground Marine video definitely looks questionable. I also said, however, that it could be very deceiving. No one can really tell exactly what the circumstances were except for the people on the ground. Hopefully, there was adequate command & control by the leaders.

Probably. I have a long list of war movie favorites. That's not the basis for my opinions, however. "My" summary is that, if it has come to the last resort of war, you should hit fast, hard, and decisive. It's just the way I was taught and it seems to be working for us so far.

Totally off topic, apologies. I've seen this said lots of times on here and it confuses me. 'Could give a rat's ass'? Surely that should be couldn't? It's a Southern thing, I guess. I'll say "couldn't" if you'd like for clarity.