Gravitymaster

Subject: Hollywood vs. Bush Administration The Hollywood group is at it again. Holding anti-war rallies, screaming about the Bush Administration, running ads in major newspapers, defaming the President and his Cabinet every chance they get with names like "stupid", "morons", and "idiots". Jessica Lange went so far as to tell a crowd in Spain that she hates President Bush and is embarrassed to be an American. So, just how ignorant are these people who are running the country? Let's look at the biographies of these "stupid", "ignorant", "moronic" leaders, and then at the celebrities who are castigating them: President George W. Bush: Received a Bachelors Degree from Yale University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He served as an F-102 pilot for the Texas Air National Guard. Vice President Dick Cheney: Earned a B. A. in 1965 and a M. A. in 1966, both in political science. Secretary of State Colin Powell: Educated in the New York City public schools, graduating from the City College of New York (CCNY), where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in geology. His further academic achievements include a Master of Business Administration Degree from George Washington University. Secretary Powell is the recipient of numerous U. S. and foreign military awards and decorations. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld: Attended Princeton University on Scholarship (AB, 1954) and served in the U. S. Navy (1954-57) as a Naval aviator. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge: Raised in a working class family in veterans' public housing in Erie, he earned a scholarship to Harvard, graduating with honors in 1967. After his first year at The Dickinson School of Law, he was drafted into the U. S. Army, where he served as an infantry staff sergeant in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star for Valor. National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice: Earned her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Denver in 1974; her Master's from the University of Notre Dame in 1975; and her Ph. D. from the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver in 1981. (Note: Rice enrolled at the University of Denver at the age of 15, graduating at 19 with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science (Cum Laude). So who are these celebrities? What is their education? What is their experience? Barbra Streisand : Completed high school. Career: Singing and acting Cher: Dropped out of school in 9th grade. Career: Singing and acting Martin Sheen: Flunked exam to enter University of Dayton. Career: Acting Jessica Lange: Dropped out of college mid-freshman year. Career: Acting Alec Baldwin: Dropped out of George Washington. Career: Acting Julia Roberts: Completed high school. Career: Acting Sean Penn: Completed High school. Career: Acting Susan Sarandon: Degree in Drama from Catholic University of America in Washington, D. C. Career: Acting Ed Asner: Completed High school. Career: Acting George Clooney: Dropped out of University of Kentucky. Career: Acting Michael Moore: Dropped out first year University of Michigan. Career: Movie Director Sarah Jessica Parker: Completed High School. Career: Acting Jennifer Anniston: Completed High School. Career: Acting Mike Farrell: Completed High school. Career: Acting Janeane Garofalo: Dropped out of College. Career: Stand up comedienne Larry Hagman: Attended Bard College for one year. Career: Acting While comparing the education and experience of these two groups, we should also remember that President Bush and his cabinet are briefed daily, even hourly, on the War on Terror and threats to our security. They are privy to information gathered around the world concerning the Middle East, the threats to America, the intentions of terrorists and terrorist-supporting governments. They are in constant communication with the CIA, the FBI, Interpol, NATO, The United Nations, our own military, and that of our allies around the world. We cannot simply believe that we have full knowledge of the threats because we watch CNN. We cannot believe that we are in any way as informed as our leaders. These celebrities have no intelligence-gathering agents, no fact-finding groups, no insight into the minds of those who would destroy our country. The silence was deafening from the Left when Bill Clinton bombed a pharmaceutical factory outside of Khartoum, or when he attacked the Bosnian Serbs in 1995 and 1999. He bombed Serbia itself to get Slobodan Milosevic out of Kosovo, and not a single peace rally was held. When our Rangers were ambushed in Somalia and 18 young American lives were lost, not a peep was heard from Hollywood. Yet now, after our nation has been attacked on its own soil, after 3,000 Americans were killed by freedom-hating terrorists while going about their routine lives, they hold rallies against the war. It is time for us, as citizens of the United States, to educate ourselves about the world around us. If future generations are going to enjoy the freedoms that our forefathers bequeathed us, if they are ever to know peace in their own country and their world, to live without fear of terrorism striking in their own cities, we must assure that this nation remains strong. We must make certain that those who would destroy us are made aware of the severe consequences that will befall them. Yes, it's a wonderful dream to sit down with dictators and terrorists and join hands, talking of world peace. But it is not real. We did not stop Adolph Hitler from taking over the entire continent of Europe by simply talking to him. We sent our best and brightest, and with strength and determination defeated the Nazi regime. President John F. Kennedy did not stop the Soviet ships from unloading their nuclear missiles in Cuba in 1962 with mere words. He stopped them with action and threat of immediate war. We did not end the Cold War with conferences. It ended because of the strong belief of President Ronald Reagan...PEACE through STRENGTH.

QuoteI am right on the bubble for sizes on the mindwarp helmets, right between a M and a L. Anybody have any suggestions on which way I should go?Quote Go for the large, your head will probably swell in time. Then it will fit Sorry, couldn't resist.

Perhaps that because more jumpers have AADs.

QuoteI'm thinking it's a reference to a peace pipe. It's getting hot again.Quote Or a Crack Pipe maybe.

Perhaps a short visit to Amnesty International is in order to help round out your perspective a little. http://web.amnesty.org/ai.nsf/countries/iraq?OpenView&Start=1&Count=30&Expandall

Thanks Dave, you just made my day better.

The Palestinians, no question. There have been many times Isreal has tried over and over to make peace with the Palestinians if they will stop the homicide bombings, including offering Arafat 95% of the land he wanted. Arafat turned the deal down over a few blocks he wanted included instead of being willing to compromise. 95% and no more homicide bomberings and Arafat turns it down. Why? Isreals policy is basically: "No homicide bombings and we have peace. Start homicide bombing and we will come in and start arresting people and destroying homes. It is the Palestinians who choose there fate. Unfortunately the only thing Isreal has ever found willl stop the bombings is returning the aggression. The Palestinians can have peace whenever they choose.

Possible Protester Dies in Golden Gate Bridge Leap Wed Mar 19, 8:55 PM ET Add Top Stories - Reuters to My Yahoo! SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A man who may have been protesting the looming U.S. war on Iraq (news - web sites) plunged to his death from San Francisco's famed Golden Gate Bridge on Wednesday, officials said. The unidentified man, who handed authorities a statement before jumping, survived the initial fall into the frigid San Francisco Bay but died soon after Coast Guard rescuers scooped him up and rushed him to shore for treatment, police said. "He jumped, he wasn't pushed," said California Highway Patrol spokesman Wayne Ziese, who called the death a suicide. "Apparently he had a statement to give to police and jumped." There were few other details available about the 40-year-old male as the law enforcement agency said it does not release any information regarding suicide cases. Earlier in the day, authorities had said the man slipped or jumped while hanging a banner on one of the bridge towers protesting a U.S. war on Iraq. But U.S. Coast Guard (news - web sites) Chief Petty Dan Brophy later said rescue workers so far had not found the banner indicating the man was a protester. The soaring span connecting San Francisco and the Marin Headlands represents one of the top spots in the nation for suicides. Of the 1,000 people who have jumped off the 225 foot- (69 meter-) span only about 15 have survived. Anti-war sentiment is strong in the San Francisco Bay Area, where tens of thousands of protesters marched last weekend to rally against military action. The death of the man in his 30s, however, would be the first related to the latest protests over the U.S.-led war against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein (news - web sites).

I see the day coming when we all have to wear those silly bicycle style helmets all day every day, except in bed. Quote You don't think you need a helmet in bed????? I have banged my head on the headboard too many times. I think a requirement to wear a helmet in bed is a good idea. It will protect people like me who are too stupid to know better.

Perhaps we could have the Govt require only the Cypres and ban all other AADs

Based on your statement, you must be for the Gov't banning skydiving entirely. After all, you could hurt yourself. While they are at it, they could require your main to be packed by a rigger because some skydivers are too stupid to pack it correctly themselves. While we are at it, lets also ban people from working on their own cars, homes, appliances etc because they may be too stupid to do the repairs correctly. We should also require a Gov't approve electrical outlet covers because someone might accidently electrocute themselves because they are too stupid to realize sticking a knife in the socket is dangerous. I will also assume you want the FAA standing there while you board the plane to check and make sure your helmet complies with Gov't Skydiving Helmet Safety Requirements and to check and make sure your AAD is turned on. Can't pass a law unless you are willing to enforce it, right? DZOs don't have police powers. Lets also ban small cars because you might die if you are hit by a Semi, while we are at it, we better ban Semi's because they might kill someone if in an accident. Let also ban gas furnaces and water heaters because if you are too stupid to maintain them, they might blow up. No wait, I know, we could require an annual inspection like we do automobiles in many states. Is this the kind of world you want to live in? Skydiving is dangerous, we all know that and accept the risk. If you want to go down the road of more Govt regulations, you have NO IDEA what kind of a can of worms you are opening.

It begs another question. If one loses altitude awareness and is only 500 ft from impact, would one rather they hadn't been so macho and were wearing an AAD or not? I might also wish I was driving a Tank if I'm riding my motorcycle down the road and see a car in my lane heading towards me. The truth about AAD's is Skydivers don't really buy them in case they get knocked out as that rarely happens. The buy them in case they F*ck Up and then say they bought them in case they get knocked out. $1200 is better spent on more training.

I guess you missed the part about while UN inspectors were there I'm pretty sure they weren't there in the 80's which is the time frame the article you linked is talking about. Guess you missed this in the article "This is one of the many witness statements that were taken by researchers from Indict — the organisation I chair — to provide evidence for legal cases against specific Iraqi individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. "This account was taken in the past two weeks." "The 17 UN resolutions passed since 1991 on Iraq include Resolution 688, which calls for an end to repression of Iraqi civilians. It has been ignored. Torture, execution and ethnic-cleansing are everyday life in Saddam’s Iraq. Notice how it says these occurances are part of 'EVERYDAY LIFE" in Iraq? Do you honestly believe Saddam is afraid the Weapons Inspectors will find out about hia atrocities? Thats not even what they are supposed to be there for so why should they care? Have you EVER heard of a Weapons Inspector, U.S. Congressman or Hollywood Actor EVER visiting an Iraqi Prison?........... No?........... Why do you think that is? You might also try reading a little about Iraq at Amnesty International. http://web.amnesty.org/ai.nsf/countries/iraq?OpenView&Start=1&Count=30&Expandall

For someone who has shown themselves to be sensitive to personal attacks in the past, you sure do dish them out. I think you owe an apology for this one John. The sentiments that he expressed in his first and subsequent posts in this thread are EXACTLY the ideas promulgated by Joe McCarthy and his Committee on UnAmerican Activities. EXACTLY. So why should Bodypilot be offended, I was sympathizing with him? I see, as long as YOU can justify your attack, it's O.K.? I will remember what you said. The next time you are belching your left-wing babble and it reminds us of Stalin, we will be justified in personally attacking you in the same way?

***Can you show me evidence of Saddam killing civilians while UN inspectors are there? And I don't advocate ignoring the situation in the middle east. *** Sure. try this link http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3284-614607,00.html

http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/business/3_15_03reservist.html If this is true, it really sucks!!!!!

For someone who has shown themselves to be sensitive to personal attacks in the past, you sure do dish them out. I think you owe an apology for this one John.

Thanks, don't know why that didn't upload unless it's the fromat.

Which implies there "IS" for going to war with Iraq. My question is what is the underlying reason there have been so much opposition for this action and none for similar actions. On another note: Where were all the protests when Clinton invaded Haiti? Is the answer that had GWB claimed this was a "Humanitarian Effort", it would be supported? Since when did we start letting our Foreign policy be dictated by Saudi Arabia? Are you saying if they hadn't told us to stop we would have invaded Iraq and taken over the oil fields? Care to make a guess? What benefit would it be to America to take over Iraqi oil fields? Oil Companies buy it from them, refine it and sell it. Are you suggeting more support if they did? What happens in a few years when the inspectors leave? What happens if we go along with the U.N. inspections for a few years and Saddam is a good boy while they are there. Once they leave don't you think he's going back to what he was doing before the first Gulf War? When he does that, the same people protesting GWB now are going to be outraged he left Saddam in power. He can't win either way so he might as well do what he thinks is morally right. Don't you think the French and German govt's would be putting more pressure on Saddam to leave Iraq if millions were protesting in the street for Saddam to leave? Don't you think Saddam views all the protests as encouragement to continue to play a hide and seek game with the inspectors? Don't you think a more peaceful way to settle this would be for the world to speak with one voice and demand Saddam leave Iraq?

Ah, the American Way.

Then apparently your memory is different than mine. The protests against war with Iraq have spurred some of the largest protests since Vietnam. When Clinton went into Iraq, I remember a few hundred Freepers protesting in D.C. but that was about it. Certainly not on this scale. Why the difference? Can you give me the U.N. Security Council Resolution number? If there's no economic benefit, how can it be about oil? If it's about oil, how come we didn't go into Iraq during the first Gulf War? How come we didn't take over Kuwait if it's about oil? Who was this impression created by? Why was this impression created? Why is there doubt? Who created the doubt? Agreed Apparently you haven't been reading some of the accounts of torture coming out by many whom have escaped Iraq. Apparently you aren't aware of the estimated million people Saddam has put to death. Why do you think he stopped gassing the Kurds? Do you think he would still be gassing them if he wasn't under the world's spotlight? But it is in progress and if the U.S. were to pull all our troops from the Middle East, don't you think it would continue on an even broader scale? Why aren't millions protesting in the streets for Saddam to leave Iraq so the Iraqi people can be free?

Actually, I have a very good memory. There was some vocal opposition to Clinton launching an attack, but certainly not nearly on the scale we are seeing today. I don't remember people in the streets all over the world. I also don't remember Clinton being berated into going to the U.N. for approval after approval. I really see no comparison between the two. Be honest.. why do you think there's so much protest worldwide now, when it didn't exist on the same scale then. Be honest...

Yes he did. There was no vote for the action by the U.N. Security Council. I disagree. I think Europe is making the same mistakes they made when they tried to appease Hitler. Answer this question: If Saddam doesn't have WMD, then why is he threatening to use them if America attacks? Then why is it SO important this time for GWB to have U.N. approval over and over? Be honest!!

Does seem odd doesn't it? I wonder why it was O.K. for Clinton to take unilateral action against Milosevich but GWB is expected to get U.N. approval to take action against Saddam. Perhaps GWB should have just claimed it was a humanitarian effort.

Just wondering how many supported the Humanitarian War against Milosevich when President Clinton accused him of "Ethnic Cleansing"