Alias

I believe he was. Why jump to the assumption he was responding to your post? Um, you're right - doops Carpe Diem

First off I dont hate Bush and certainly not the US, so save that crap for a legitimate poster that does. If you look again at my post, you'll see where I say "Then again, who knows"? That means that I don't buy too much into anything until a few sources that I recognize as only slightly saturated with bias all confirm it. Even then I question it. Try it once. It still remains a valid point that the initial DOD version was incorrect. And they are the ones in the know. Used for morale boost? Yes. True? No. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/correspondent/3028585.stm http://www.journalism.org/resources/research/reports/war/postwar/lynch.asp#4/ http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/11/07/lynch.interview/ and on and on and on. Not saying that some low level Army spokesman could not have been stretching it a bit. But it is just as easy to believe it was used as a boost....and was not factual to do it. edit to add: Support the troops! - always giving credit! Carpe Diem

I hope not, but that's yet to be determined Not according to Rumsfeld and Porter J. Goss, the central intelligence director, also warned of China's military expansion. Before the Senate Armed Services Committee, he said: "Beijing's military modernization and military buildup could tilt the balance of power in the Taiwan Strait. Improved Chinese capabilities threaten U.S. forces in the region. In 2004, China increased its ballistic missile forces deployed across from Taiwan and rolled out several new submarines. China continues to develop more robust, survivable nuclear-armed missiles, as well as conventional capabilities for use in regional conflict." http://www.taiwandc.org/nyt-2005-03.htm There are major concerns with China. And it will be energy that pushes the conflict along, not Taiwan. Carpe Diem

Fight Club managment - out of control Carpe Diem

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A2760-2003Jun16¬Found=true She was taken form SH Hospital by SF no doubt. But "rescued" might be a bit of glory talk. She also never fired her weapon, "willing to fight to the death" killing Iraqi's, who had shot and stabbed her. She apparently was in a high speed HV accident where she broke her leg. When SF arrived, there were only Dr's there. The same ones who tried to return her the day before. So it does seem that she was used for a "hero", boost morale purpose. Then again, who knows Carpe Diem

I agree to some extent that China likes to flex. I'll stress energy concerns again though. The Chinese economy is on fire and consumption of energy is way up. Although they continue to build nuclear and coal facilities, they're dependance on oil is outpacing the forecasted global output. Like the US - China is willing to resort to drastic measures to protect it's economy. They put alot of effort in oil relationships in Iraq up until the US invasion. Gone now. They are securing relationships and building bases with countries that border the shipping lanes to China from the mid east in efforts to deter any disruptions that may be caused by the US. Trust me. They have thier eye on the US. Including buying US oil companies How long will it take for the US to sell out everything? Greed. Where would we be without it? Carpe Diem

Nope - just second largest reserves in the world. That's key

Yeah, no shit. If we were there to suck Iraq dry of its oil, our gas prices would be a hell of a lot lower. That's just common sense. Not to mention we've never gotten more than around 15-20% of our oil from the Middle East. People assume that because it's an oil rich region that we get 95% of our oil from there. It actually mostly comes from South America, with another big part coming from Africa and old Soviet Bloc states. The US is there for oil. Now stop it! It seems your confusion lies in the difference between current suppliers and prices to the US and the US being in Iraq related to total reserves in the Mid East. Iraq has the second largest. World consumption is up largely due to China. Thus changing the game. When you hear the US is there to "Stabilize the region" It means secure oil for the US for the future. Sorry, but it largely about oil. Which is logical I guess. I just dont like the way it's being done. Dont forget Canada is and has been one of our top three suppliers for over a decade. And with the potential in oil sands, could be a larger supplier in the future...maybe Carpe Diem

Exactly my point. Never fully realized the percentage of recent increase. I would assume that the typical US commuter travels farther then anywhere in Europe, in most cases. Combine that with 6 & 8 cylinder vehicles - and it hurts to watch a Accord fill up at $34.00 weekly when it used to cost $20.00 only a year or so ago. Hybrid alternatives and lesser commutes seem to be the only thing an individual can do. 2.39 in Virginia today Carpe Diem

http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000006&sid=aa7J8AYVFE18&refer=home Will they beat Chevron with the new bid of $19 Billion in cash?? China's energy strategy continues to move along. The US wrecked all Chinese investments in Iraq and will back Taiwan if invaded. Have we created energy paranoia in the Chinese? Carpe Diem

Agreed. But look at the jump between 2002 ($1.35) and 2005 ($2.33) 74% increase Now thats's an adjustment! Carpe Diem

Nice! One reason Bush created the Corporate Fraud Task Force last July was to investigate whether white-collar criminals get the punishment they deserve. Carpe Diem

Historical gas prices in slide show format What a recent bump http://www.nbc10.com/slideshow/news/3946710/detail.html?qs=;s=23;p=news;dm=ss;w=400 Carpe Diem

Love the P&T's show - especially the PETA one! I'd buy the conformity conclusion for the most part. Wonder if they are cut or have cut their sons. Just to see how deep they are in the "Bull Shit" themselves - did they mention I wonder? Carpe Diem

I also find it interesting that the majority of people taking the "uncut" side to the extreme are..well, most wont say, but I think uncut. Why the beef? Most cuts and ones who cut, seem pretty adjusted to it and really dont acknowledge any issues. Never knew this was such a touchy issue as related by Rhino. Who would have known

What would be interesting is to find out why the 7 who voted "cut and wish I wasnt" feel that way other then just being funny Carpe Diem

I find that interesting also Yes, but I still do not see evidence in the bookwork that proves a lasting psychological effect. Which is one reason I continue to ask someone that has the ideal real world situation and also continue to ask if any cut men remember the procedure or pain. I'm curious on what set him off. Unless I'm simply not aware of his tantrums, until now That has me more curious then the actual answer to the original question. But oh well, it's hard for a wall to get an answer Carpe Diem

Whew! Chill Bro Cool. I'll take you up on that. Lets start with: You've circumcised one of your sons. You did not with the other. You assert it to be a horribly traumatic experience for (a) child. So, again, what abnormal behavior, that you attribute to cirumcision, have you seen in your first son? Carpe Diem

C'mon Dude! Your the expert in regards to psychology and how neuropathways in very young children are formed and developed. And you are a perfect case study for this question. I'm the "shallow" one. Help me get deeper You've circumcised one of your sons. You did not with the other. You assert it to be a horribly traumatic experience for the child. So, again, what abnormal behavior, that you attribute to cirumcision, have you seen in your first son?????? I got four that are cut - no issues at all. Me cut - no issues at all. Trying to get a better understanding of these issues you are convinced resulted from it. Carpe Diem

You probably think a baby being aborted doesn't feel pain because it's dead now right? That's the train of thought you are following.. Hard to follow your train of thought - SINCE YOU REFUSE TO ANSWER MY QUESTION. Try that first. And I'll be more then happy to engage you on your point. But save the chump shots in the future You are poking in a mutually sensitive area. Carpe Diem

So, what behavior issues have you had with your son that you attribute to him being cut? Just curious since I'm so shallow. Maybe you can help me with that answer? Uh, you chose to judge me instead of answering my question. Edit to remove rude comment - try answering the question and not lashing out! Carpe Diem

And don't forget the great results for democracy that the democratic election provided for the US The UIA, which took majority, includes the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) and the Dawa Party, both of which are sectarian Shiite parties that seek to establish some form of Islamic state. A good question at this point is if Bush accepts a vote which provides a democratic result, but not the guy he "planned" to have at the top. Carpe Diem

[Reply]Oh good. This should please the Lefties to no end. Lets just walk away and leave Iraq to fight it out between the Sunnis and Shiites. It's whats going to happen when the US leaves anyway - lets get serious - you really think the US forces can prevent a "civil" war once out? Or is your solution to stay at all costs? Even at this point, you still will not reconize the huge part Iraqi oil reserves are playing in US stratigy? Interesting Carpe Diem

So, what major issues has your youngest had that would create such a firm attitude against it? Nightmares? Acting out? Any behaviour issues? Some think this "multiation" scared the child for life - Ask him if he remembers this "tragic" event. I'll bet he won't know what you are talking about Carpe Diem

I've read that Canadians are moving into shale oil extraction as a result of the current prices. The technology to develop shale oil as a viable resource no doubt exists. It is more expensive than traditional oil drilling and thus has not been seen as economical. Recent increases in crude oil prices resulting more from politics than physical reality have made shale oil more of an option. With that in mind, it puts Canada in the top three in regards to "reserves" Carpe Diem