Letters to the Editor
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Serious question NOB
Assuming Iran develops a nuke, can we trust them to control what they have?. . .can we trust them to prevent others from using it?
Why do you, and others who make similar points, never express anxiety over Pakistan then?
The only time one hears Pakistan mentioned these days is when some winger tries to beat up Obama by misquoting him.
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@Reilly
Every other leader in the world is just a character actor in our leading man's movie. And the citizens are simply extras.
That's an interesting observation. I'll watch for that pattern.
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@ L.W.M.
Bear in mind that the Liberty was totally unarmed. It was not a warship.
Not entirely true; but AFAIK, all they had was small arms and maybe a couple machine guns at best. Like the Pueblo (also recounted in Bamford's book), who could have resisted (briefly) the North Korean capture, but which chose not to do so. No deck guns; no missiles. Hardly a defence against torpedoes and bombs from Israeli fighters. Not to mention, the crew were under the impression that all they had to do was show they were a U.S. vessel and the Israelis would call off the attack.
That being said, I've read "Body of Secrets" (of course!), and I agree with Bamford and others that the U.S.S. Liberty "hit" was no accident.
Cheers,
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The young Michael Ledeen
(This comment is on-topic, if you give it a chance.)
"The Power of Nightmares" is a three part BBC series about the history of neo-cons. You can find it in eighteen segments at YouTube. I did not read Glenn's "A Tragic Legacy" but I take it the story he tells agrees with the one told in "Nightmares."
I don't know how links work here but here is a great ten minute YouTube intro to the neo-cons.
youtube.com/watch?v=Jrc4glIBD9Q
In this second ten minute segment, Michael Ledeen himself takes center stage at two points. He is introduced at 3:30 and he makes a second appearance at 7:30.
youtube.com/watch?v=oHaB_mZipTk
Rinse and repeat. It doesn't get much more astounding than that bit about CIA Director Casey. These folks have always been over the top.
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@Gator and Omoo
Israel did in fact attack Jordan using a pretext that even the US declared laughable.
In fact they attacked Jordan in 1966.
Although I find no evidence that the US declared anything laughable. Is there a ceremony in the Rose Garden for that?
;>
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Ash. Respectfully. Hisham Ali Hafiz wrote a poem : The Fire Under The Ash Burns. (If you like Rumi you'll love Persian Hafiz)
I hope it can be googled.
... Hafiz with some liberties.... `While the terrified insist on feeling nothing... Seeing nothing, hearing nothing. They believe to take one side.... terror filled.. cause more troubles. Raise a question about 'issues'... Bring a charge of false facts. *There is a small influential group hypocrites, and a lost group of moderates. While the majority insist to not feel... anything.
And this cause fear.
Of false accusations,
everyone hides behind a wall.
Which full of holes, exposes...
whispers to be heard, everybody?
Inattentive, and believes he/she can be,
full of self-control and is invulnerable.
That this secret (lie) is safe and undisturbed,
No one has comprehended or realized this :
They/You/Me are under the ash and a fire is burning. Hafiz.
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-- Pedinska
You're right. I was thinking of what we use to call union suits, one piece long underwear. That is one very amusing picture at that website.
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@TODP
Elderly Jews in this country remember when antisemitism was rampant in the US.
Elderly Jews don't remember when many prominent Jews in this country opposed the actions of the State of Israel and wrote letters about it to the NYTimes.
Below is a "copy" in its entirety of a very important letter to the New York Times from Jewish intellectuals including Albert Einstein, Hannah Arendt, and Sidney Hook that appeared on December 4, 1948. Of particular interest is the reference to the Deir Yassin massacre which occured earlier that year. While it is quoted from in brief on several web sites, it appears nowhere in its entirety, and it deserves to be disseminated as it originally appears.
Letters to The Times New York Times December 4, 1948
New Palestine Party Visit of Menachem Begin and Aims of Political Movement Discussed
TO THE EDITORS OF THE NEW YORK TIMES
Among the most disturbing political phenomena of our times is the emergence in the newly created state of Israel of the "Freedom Party" (Tnuat Haherut), a political party closely akin in its organization, methods, political philosophy and social appeal to the Nazi and Fascist parties. It was formed out of the membership and following of the former Irgun Zvai Leumi, a terrorist, right-wing, chauvinist organization in Palestine.
The current visit of Menachem Begin, leader of this party, to the United States is obviously calculated to give the impression of American support for his party in the coming Israeli elections, and to cement political ties with conservative Zionist elements in the United States. Several Americans of national repute have lent their names to welcome his visit. It is inconceivable that those who oppose fascism throughout the world, if correctly informed as to Mr. Begin’s political record and perspectives, could add their names and support to the movement he represents.
Before irreparable damage is done by way of financial contributions, public manifestations in Begin’s behalf, and the creation in Palestine of the impression that a large segment of America supports Fascist elements in Israel, the American public must be informed as to the record and objectives of Mr. Begin and his movement.
The public avowals of Begin’s party are no guide whatever to its actual character. Today they speak of freedom, democracy and anti-imperialism, whereas until recently they openly preached the doctrine of the Fascist state. It is in its actions that the terrorist party betrays its real character; from its past actions we can judge what it may be expected to do in the future.
Attack on Arab Village...
http://www.al-bushra.org/israel/1948.html
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Lessons I've learned about bleach....
....if you don't actually touch the dirty things, then you won't need any bleach. After all, unitards don't float through the air in the manner of, say, anthrax spores. ;-}
History, as it's taught in high schools, is subject to the textbooks that are allowed. I don't think I need to remind too many people about what a fight it can be to maintain accurate textbooks.
Anyone for a side of "intelligent design" with that history main course?