Some observations during this political season, for the outspoken left

[Azred]

Originally posted by Azred: where is my cheap gasoline?

Originally posted by Chewbacca: Perhaps the daily sabotage on Iraq's oil infrastructure has put a damper on imports? Not to mention those who would benifit from Iraqi oil is probably not Joe American at the pump, but rather Mr. big oil business. Investing in Iraq's post-invasion oil industry appears to be a bust so far, though I have no stats to back up my speculations. I'm sure any losses can be written off though. Of course there are those who might benifit from a crippled Iraqi oil industry...like some of their neighbors for example. Rising costs per barrel + stable production costs = rising profits!

Well, that certainly puts an end to my "October Surprise" scenario of slashing gasoline prices in half to ensure a political victory. Phooey. *sigh*

Of course the Saudis don't mind Iraqi oil production being hindered. The Saudis care only about...the Saudis (which is, of course, as it should be). If we're going to go to bed with the Saudis, we'd best sleep with one eye open. [img]graemlins/beigesmilewinkgrin.gif[/img]

[ 10-25-2004, 04:04 PM: Message edited by: Azred ]

[Grojlach]

Originally posted by John D Harris: No Groj I'm not down playing it I have not heard of any, that is why I asked! When you supplied some examples did I try to make any excuses for the sorry sacks of horse manure, or blow it off with well the other side also does it? "HALE" NO, read what I wrote above.

The playing down I referred to was the "bunch of hate-mungers and dangerous gun-totters", references which in my opinion have to stem from something to deserve such a description, no?
Ah well, maybe we should give it a rest; life is too short to waste it with semantic nitpicking.

[Djinn Raffo]

Originally posted by Azred: Of course the Saudis don't mind Iraqi oil production being hindered. The Saudis care only about...the Saudis (which is, of course, as it should be). If we're going to go to bed with the Saudis, we'd best sleep with one eye open. [img]graemlins/beigesmilewinkgrin.gif[/img]

If you are going to bed with them, as you are, you should not only sleep with one eye open but raise the threat level to red as well.

[shamrock_uk]

I'm just going to respond to one of the points here in John D's excellent post; that of religion and the presidency. I must also ask for indulgence from religious people - these are merely my views, quite possibly innacurate and meant with no offence.


I don't have a problem with the President having a faith. I do think it's dangerous when that faith defines policy.

Allow me to quote from the final presidential debate:

"Prayer and religion sustain me. i receive calmness in the storms of the presidency. I love the fact that people pray for me and my family all around the country. Sombody asked me 'well how do you know?' i said i just feel it."

I personally had no doubts that Bush was sincere when he said this, he was clearly moved and unless he's an astounding actor, it was 100% genuine.

But the most powerful man in the world professed to 'know' that lots of people were praying for him all around the country because he 'feels' it.

As an atheist, I find that comparable to hearing 'voices in your head' and when it's the head of the most powerful man in the world, that scares the hell out of me.

Next he said:

Religion is an important part.... "I believe that God wants everybody to be free (whilst banging desk for emphasis).That's what I believe. And that's part of my foreign policy. In Afghanistan I believe that the freedom there is a gift from the Alimighty, and I can't tell you how encouraged I am to see freedom on the march.

Now, this is much more serious - the President basically stated that the outcome of the policy he carried out by invading Afghanistan was a gift from God.

How is this any different from an Islamic fundamentalist, if Mr Bush (basically a fundamentalist christian) is carrying out some sort of religious agenda in the belief that he's doing God's work.

Surely this cannot be allowed....


As for why I don't knock John Kerry for it:

1) I find it amusing he admits to being an altairboy - not something that would be considered an electoral asset in Britain
2) I agree with previous posters that he's just trying to appeal to the bible-vote which otherwise would be completely lost to him
3) As yet, he hasn't said that his policies are made by a supreme being

[ 10-26-2004, 04:30 PM: Message edited by: shamrock_uk ]

[Stratos]

Well, Bush is a democratically elected leader and a part of a "checks and balance" system, which the likes of al-Qaida isn't. If that was the case, we could vote bin Ladin out of the Oval Cave.

Nonetheless, both Bush and bin Ladin claim to be on a mission from God. I think neither are.