| YourValentine 23.02.2005 09:01 |
Bush is here - and this is the situation: - no tram , bus or cars are in the streets. - all highways in the area are closed - all schools, kindergartens and the university closed 90% of the shops are closed -people are not allowed to be in the streets -if they leave their homes or are on their way to their homes, they are accompanied by police -all private garages in the city are sealed, no car is allowed to leave them - all public carports are empty and closed -all mail boxes and trash bins in the cities were removed, all cars removed - all manhole covers in the city were weld closed and cannot be opened - no ships allowed on the Rhine river, all bridhes closed - no planes allowed over the city area. There is an announcement that any private plane will be shot down without warning - instead police helicopters are cruising - the International airport in Frankfurt was / will be closed for an hour when the president lands/takes off - all hotel rooms in the city are occupied by American security people pretty much the same is happening in our neighbour city across the Rhine where Bush visits American soldiers. The progamme of Mrs Bush : visiting American children of soldiers yesterday, visiting Ramstein (US air base) today. Nice to meet you, Mrs Bush Now tell me, is that normal in the USA when the President visits? Is this the safer world he created when he attacked the Iraq? |
| wstüssyb 23.02.2005 09:07 |
not really we are used to him and dont pay much attention when he comes around. |
| YourValentine 23.02.2005 09:15 |
ICQ, William:) |
| Lisser 23.02.2005 09:17 |
Nothing is on lock down like that when he's around. When he flies in our airport (Greater Cincinnati/Northern KY International) all other air traffic is halted, but the airport is not closed. I'm not sure if every time this happens but it is not unusual for F-16s to fly next to Air Force 1. They have orders to shoot down anything that comes near them. It is normal for streets to close down when the motorcade comes through, but it doesn't take very long. I'm not sure why your people aren't allowed out and everything is so locked down. Here when the President is out, he likes to shake hands with people and be social. I guess his advisors just don't feel like he's safe. |
| YourValentine 23.02.2005 09:37 |
Apparently, he thinks that "Old Europe" is full of terrorists I think Bush is paranoid. No other president ever required such heavy security. Bush senior visited my city and it was a very different story, he actually talked to German people. |
| The Mir@cle 23.02.2005 09:51 |
Ow my god... I'm glad Bush doesn't come over to the Netherlands. (our goverment supports that asshole, so there's no need for him to talk to those sissies) Hate living in isolation. |
| Lisser 23.02.2005 09:53 |
Bush should talk to your people. I can imagine how that would make your city feel if Bush acts like he is too good to speak to your people. He should make more of an effort to speak to the people of other nations. Maybe if he did he might be more liked??? is that possible?? hahahaahaaa! How are you feeling today Barb? Hope your day is going well. :) |
| YourValentine 23.02.2005 10:20 |
I am forced out of work like most people here. Initially, Bush wanted to chat with students from our university but the plan was cancelled because he did not want to answer any questions the students handed in: about the American social security system, the Kyoto protocol, The US opinion about the UN, the Iraq war, the American economy, The US nuclear weapons in Germany, the role of the NATO etc etc etc. Instead he will talk to "young leaders" i.e. young (American) members of various German-American friendship organisations. I don't mind with which American citizens he or his wife speak, I only wish they would do it at home and I would not have to pay for it with my tax money. |
| Mr.Jingles 23.02.2005 10:31 |
The Mir@cle wrote: Ow my god... I'm glad Bush doesn't come over to the Netherlands. (our goverment supports that asshole, so there's no need for him to talk to those sissies) Hate living in isolation.Trust me, he will go there knowing that pot is legal in the Netherlands. The man sure hasn't forgotten his old party days. However, he might not go to the Netherlands while blow is still illegal, and we all know that's his favorite. If Bush doesn't go there, then at least we know that his daughter Jenna would be more than happy to party on in Holland. |
| The Mir@cle 23.02.2005 10:34 |
double post |
| The Mir@cle 23.02.2005 10:42 |
YourValentine wrote: Initially, Bush wanted to chat with students from our university but the plan was cancelled because he did not want to answer any questions the students handed in: about the American social security system, the Kyoto protocol, The US opinion about the UN, the Iraq war, the American economy, The US nuclear weapons in Germany, the role of the NATO etc etc etc.That's because he has no arguments to defend his political decisions. They would have kicked his ass. Mr.Jingles79 wrote:That would be a good reason to forbid smoking Canabis here ;-)The Mir@cle wrote: Ow my god... I'm glad Bush doesn't come over to the Netherlands. (our goverment supports that asshole, so there's no need for him to talk to those sissies) Hate living in isolation.Trust me, he will go there knowing that pot is legal in the Netherlands. The man sure hasn't forgotten his old party days. However, he might not go to the Netherlands while blow is still illegal, and we all know that's his favorite. If Bush doesn't go there, then at least we know that his daughter Jenna would be more than happy to party on in Holland. |
| Lisser 23.02.2005 11:12 |
Do you still get pay for the day you can't work Barb? I hope so. |
| flash00. 23.02.2005 12:06 |
i actually like bush, i know most you guys dont but.... i think it shows how powerful a nation/usa and bush are around the world, i listened to his speach last night and i really think he's gonna go after iran, CIA insiders or whatever have info that iran are planning to nuke isreal when its nuclear weapons are finished.:( |
| The Mir@cle 23.02.2005 12:31 |
flash00. wrote: i actually like bush, i know most you guys dont but.... i think it shows how powerful a nation/usa and bush are around the world, i listened to his speach last night and i really think he's gonna go after iran, CIA insiders or whatever have info that iran are planning to nuke isreal when its nuclear weapons are finished.:(Powerful... aarrrgg. That's what I hate! Is the rest of the world less important than the USA??? I hate that arrogance. No offence to you guys. The CIA let us believe what they want. Didn't the USA attacked Iraq because of the Nuclear weapons?? By the way, Israel does own a lot nuclear weapons as well. So let Israel defend itself, it's their own fault that they have a lot of enemies. |
| Mr.Jingles 23.02.2005 12:34 |
flash00. wrote: i actually like bush, i know most you guys dont but.... i think it shows how powerful a nation/usa and bush are around the world, i listened to his speach last night and i really think he's gonna go after iran, CIA insiders or whatever have info that iran are planning to nuke isreal when its nuclear weapons are finished.:(Can you trust the same people who gave the information that Iraq had WMDs, and links to Al-Qaeda? North Korea is most likely to nuke South Korea or Japan than Iran to nuke Israel. Yet Bush doesn't seem to care much about North Korea. Oh, and what can we say about Osama Bin Laden? Remember him? The man who killed 3,000 Americans but who seems to be forgotten more and more by the Bush administration day by day. Where the hell is he? and why Bush doesn't go after him even though the entire world knows that he's the biggest threat to America. Iran could hate Israel all they want, but at a time like this when relationships between Israel and Palestine have shown major improvements leading to a quite possible declaration of an independent Palestinian state, any wrong move from Iran would put the whole world including Muslim nations against them. Iran has shown more progress towards peace than the United States, and their peace purposes are very poor let me tell you. The Bush administration is an absolute embarassment to this great nation. Their arrogant "kick-ass" attitude is nothing but an evil obsession with power. |
| Lisser 23.02.2005 14:02 |
I hate that the rest of the world thinks all Americans are arrogant. I promise you, most Americans don't believe we are superior to other nations. Only the most ignorant people believe they are superior to others. I have never and will never think that I am better than anyone from a different country. I just live my life like everyone else does. I keep breathing and do what I need to do to stay alive. :) |
| Mr.Jingles 23.02.2005 14:24 |
True thing there Lisser Most Americans are not arrogant. At least we know that 59 million of them could possibly be arrogant, but when it comes to bringing up numbers, that equals to just 20% of the country's population. So don't blame us for the attitude of a fifth part of all Americans. |
| YourValentine 23.02.2005 14:25 |
Don't worry, Melissa, most Europeans are intelligent enough to make the difference between a nation and the administration. I would not want to be judged for the actions of a German government, either. There is a strong history of friendship between Europe and the USA although Bush does a lot to tarnish it. He really has the nerve to lecture Putin about democracy and the rule of law while he is doing a lot to sabotage both in his own country. Luckily, he left and we have our city back. |
| Leppar 23.02.2005 14:29 |
Can't you stop whining? Bush is doing a good job and it seems no matter what he does he gets stick for it? He is doing his best and doing what is best for his country. Fact is you can't please everyone but at least he is doing something about world problems. Can you cut him some slack please? |
| Lisser 23.02.2005 14:32 |
I am glad to hear that Barb. I know world issues are def important but there are so many things here in his own country he needs to look at in the face and do what he can to rectify them. I've said this before and I'll say it again....we should mind our own business and stay out of other country's issues and off their property. Unless they have some sort of weapon aimed right at us and intend to harm us, then there is no need for our govt to intrude on other countries. Just my opinion. |
| flash00. 23.02.2005 14:54 |
Leppar wrote: Can't you stop whining? Bush is doing a good job and it seems no matter what he does he gets stick for it? He is doing his best and doing what is best for his country. Fact is you can't please everyone but at least he is doing something about world problems. Can you cut him some slack please?totaly agree! if bush sat back and did nothing then god knows what would happen to this world, 2nd; this shit i.e. terrorism was going on long before bush got in power! remember clinton.... |
| Mr.Jingles 23.02.2005 15:17 |
Leppar wrote: Can't you stop whining? Bush is doing a good job and it seems no matter what he does he gets stick for it? He is doing his best and doing what is best for his country. Fact is you can't please everyone but at least he is doing something about world problems. Can you cut him some slack please?Then, let's cut Hitler some slack as well. He thought that exterminating the Jewish population was the best thing for Germany. Also don't forget about Stalin. He killed millions who opossed communism. But you can't really blame him for that. They just did what they thought was best for their countries. |
| Mr.Jingles 23.02.2005 15:38 |
flash00. wrote:Has Bush gotten rid of terrorism ever since 9/11?Leppar wrote: Can't you stop whining? Bush is doing a good job and it seems no matter what he does he gets stick for it? He is doing his best and doing what is best for his country. Fact is you can't please everyone but at least he is doing something about world problems. Can you cut him some slack please?totaly agree! if bush sat back and did nothing then god knows what would happen to this world, 2nd; this shit i.e. terrorism was going on long before bush got in power! remember clinton.... As far as I'm concerned Al-Qaeda still exists and has multiple cells worldwide, and has claimed themselves responsible for more terrorist acts around the world since 9/11. Osama Bin Laden is still on the run and probably active. The number people joining terrorist groups and militias is on the rise, and for those who think that there are no terrorists in the United States, remember those letters full of anthrax? Someone within our borders must have sent them and so far no arrests have been made of those responsible? Shouldn't we try to find terrorists here before anything else? |
| Haystacks Calhoun 23.02.2005 15:43 |
To flash00,leppar, and the like, Never argue with an idiot. They bring you down to their level and beat you with experience. |
| The Mir@cle 23.02.2005 16:21 |
Buddy Biancalana wrote: To flash00,leppar, and the like, Never argue with an idiot. They bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.Idiot??? Pardon??? Mr.Jingles is 100% right, and he brings up some good arguments. And because you can't win this discussion you call him (and me, cause I've the same ideology) a idiot?? Very very weak Buddy!! You must be glad that there are still persons like Jingles and Lisser in your country. Otherwise the world would hate the US only more and there would be more terrorism than there's now. |
| 1quen_fan 23.02.2005 16:48 |
I HATE BUSH!!! That old man has a smirk on his face when there are men and women dying in Iraq! |
| inu-liger 23.02.2005 18:07 |
Bush certainly fulfills the stereotype of an American who could care fuck less about countries other than his own. That, and of an American who...: 1) ...thinks he owns the whole word 2) ...controls his country like a dictator, telling people what to do, what not to do, and who can have jobs or not (remember the celebs who lost their shows and jobs just simply for criticizing Bush?! No wonder Britney Spears still has a job...) 3) ...is a redneck 4) ...is a war-mongerer, and a "daddy's boy" at that 5) ...is the biggest threat to homosexuals and bisexuals ...which brings me to ask this question: How can a President who opposes homosexuality, run a country where people in the southern states are fucking their sisters and/or cousins?? (again, could be a negative stereotype, but we know it happens) If you ask me, Bush should leave the homosexuals alone! Britney Spears is more of a threat to the marriage institution than the homosexuals. For those who haven't seen Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore, I recommend you see it! It's the most honest documentary about the most dishonest President on this planet! Glad I'm not American... |
| iGSM 23.02.2005 18:44 |
I'm sure I learnt something in school about documentaries only showing what they want you to believe instead of blah-blah etc. I'm quite pleased that when he came to Australia that Bob Brown (a Senator) had a go at him and Brown was ejected from the joint sitting. Best ever. Even though he was told not to do it, he did it. The look on Bush's face was priceless. |
| Lisser 23.02.2005 20:01 |
Inu Yasha (a.k.a. Lum's Stormtrooper) wrote: Bush certainly fulfills the stereotype of an American who could care fuck less about countries other than his own. That, and of an American who...: 1) ...thinks he owns the whole word 2) ...controls his country like a dictator, telling people what to do, what not to do, and who can have jobs or not (remember the celebs who lost their shows and jobs just simply for criticizing Bush?! No wonder Britney Spears still has a job...) 3) ...is a redneck 4) ...is a war-mongerer, and a "daddy's boy" at that 5) ...is the biggest threat to homosexuals and bisexuals ...which brings me to ask this question: How can a President who opposes homosexuality, run a country where people in the southern states are fucking their sisters and/or cousins?? (again, could be a negative stereotype, but we know it happens) If you ask me, Bush should leave the homosexuals alone! Britney Spears is more of a threat to the marriage institution than the homosexuals. For those who haven't seen Fahrenheit 9/11 by Michael Moore, I recommend you see it! It's the most honest documentary about the most dishonest President on this planet! Glad I'm not American...Dark, come on now..that is the biggest pile of poop i've seen on these boards in a long time. I know you are entitled to your opinion but I don't agree with really anything you just stated. sorry. |
| flash00. 23.02.2005 20:33 |
i was talking not so long ago to a guy from iraq he and a friend had to leave just b4 the war started due to his life was in big danger most of his family had been tortured and some had disapeard a lot of his friends had been killed, and i asked him what he and his family thought about bush they said" we like him and blair because they got rid of evil saddam and his henchmen soon as they rid the areas where the terrorists are i.e. al-ziqaui* etc iraq will start to rebuild, he said we can say what we like now without being in fear" and thats an iraqi opinion.... p.s all those mass graves full of hundreds of thousands of bodys +children, |
| deleted user 23.02.2005 22:55 |
Agreed with Lisser. Inu, when you resort to using such petty and untrue stereotypes you immediately lose any ground in your argument. Generalizations will get you nowhere and it only makes you look close-minded. I, for one, do not appreciate being told that I "f*ck my cousin/brother/father/uncle" simply because I have Southern blood or because I have family who live in the South. How would you feel if someone said something that was blantantly false about you and the people around you? And since when have you become a gay-activist? I've been here for as long as you have, Inu, and I have not forgotten all of the anti-gay remarks that you have made in the past. But you wanna look all big and act as if you are so up-to-date with the politics of today, so I will let you carry on with your inane rants like the little boy that you are. Also I don't ever recall Bush telling me when I could get a job or how I should live my life, but hey, you seem to be on the inside of things so you certainly know better than I. But like Lisser said, you are entitled to your opinion. |
| Lisser 23.02.2005 23:16 |
<font color=purple>Miss James wrote: Agreed with Lisser. Inu, when you resort to using such petty and untrue stereotypes you immediately lose any ground in your argument. Generalizations will get you nowhere and it only makes you look close-minded. I, for one, do not appreciate being told that I "f*ck my cousin/brother/father/uncle" simply because I have Southern blood or because I have family who live in the South. How would you feel if someone said something that was blantantly false about you and the people around you? And since when have you become a gay-activist? I've been here for as long as you have, Inu, and I have not forgotten all of the anti-gay remarks that you have made in the past. But you wanna look all big and act as if you are so up-to-date with the politics of today, so I will let you carry on with your inane rants like the little boy that you are. Also I don't ever recall Bush telling me when I could get a job or how I should live my life, but hey, you seem to be on the inside of things so you certainly know better than I. But like Lisser said, you are entitled to your opinion.I couldn't have said this any better Miss James. Thank you! Two snaps guuuurl! Dark, I hope you can stop putting your foot in your mouth soon bc I really do believe that you are a smart young man. But I keep seeing you make the same foolish mistakes over and over on this board. Do you want negative attention or just any attention? Just a suggestion and maybe I shouldn't suggest but I'm going to...don't be a follower of something you don't believe in just bc it is the popular opinion. You'll get any respect you deserve when you can state your opinions in a mature, consistent way. Don't hate President Bush just bc the majority of posters on here might dislike him. Don't assume that all Americans commit incest, or that all Americans are rednecks. I promise you that America is a huge melting pot of all different sorts of people. Many wonderful people, many, for lack of a better word, scum. I think every person on this board can relate that they have their share of law-biding, good citizens along with their own population of scum. There are many posters on this board that are very proud of their leader and some that are very disappointed in them. I don't know any leader in the world's history that was ever liked by 100% of their people. Does anyone else know one? I'd love to hear who it was. I happen to enjoy living in America bc I do get to experience many different types of cultures and heritages. I take the good with the bad and keep my not so desirable opinions to myself. Well not all the time, but hey I'm trying!!! ;) |
| Saint Jiub 24.02.2005 01:48 |
Bush should not have visited Germany under those oppressive conditions. Germany should never have considered imposing these outlandish house arrest conditions. The security of one man is not worth disrupting the lives of millions of people. Any goodwill Bush might have developed by his visit is erased by this security fiasco. It would have been better for everyone if Bush had stayed away from Germany, rather than turning Germany into a prison. Was security as oppresive in France when Bush visited? |
| The Mir@cle 24.02.2005 04:23 |
double post |
| The Mir@cle 24.02.2005 04:27 |
flash00. wrote: i was talking not so long ago to a guy from iraq he and a friend had to leave just b4 the war started due to his life was in big danger most of his family had been tortured and some had disapeard a lot of his friends had been killed, and i asked him what he and his family thought about bush they said" we like him and blair because they got rid of evil saddam and his henchmen soon as they rid the areas where the terrorists are i.e. al-ziqaui* etc iraq will start to rebuild, he said we can say what we like now without being in fear" and thats an iraqi opinion.... p.s all those mass graves full of hundreds of thousands of bodys +children,Off course, Sadam was a disaster for Iraq and I understand that the people are glad that they've got rid of him. And IF (It's unsure to me, but they say the terrorists will run out of money someday) the terrorism will stop, the people have their right to speak free and Bush has his oil. Everybody happy. But there are so many countries with evil regimes. Bush wanted to invade Iraq because of the oil, I tell you. The stories about nuclear weapons and Sadams' contacts with Al Qaeda were just excuses. In fact, Al Qaeda was not active in Iraq because they were afraid of Sadam. I think he has to play with open cards, instead of telling lies. But it's not only the Iraqi war. It's his whole attitude that makes us hate him (and that's make you like him). He's not the king of the world! As Jingles said, let him first solve the problems in his own coutry. |
| YourValentine 24.02.2005 04:34 |
Mike, he was not in France, he was in Brussels, Belgium, which is a secure city anyway (NATO Headquarter)but the security in Germany was demanded by the US side. No other president ever had such requests including Bush senior who was very welcome here. For example, the complete inner city was closed and people were not allowed to open their windows (let alone leave their houses) because Mrs Bush visited the cathedral. In the end it does not matter whose paranoia was satisfied here. The results have been just awful. People feel nothing but deep contempt for this man (question: why do you think Europe is important for the USA? answer Bush: come to my speech) and some companies want to be refunded for their financial loss. Lufthansa, for example, lost millions through cancelled and delayed flights because the restrictions were harder than they had been told. |
| Mr.Jingles 24.02.2005 10:15 |
The Mir@cle wrote:As Jingles said, let him first solve the problems in his own coutry.Actually it was Lisser, the one who said that. |
| Mr.Jingles 24.02.2005 10:22 |
And Dark, as Amanda and Lisser mentioned before stereotyped comments are really bad. Imagine if someone said that all Canadians like Celine Dion. |
| dragonzflame 24.02.2005 16:14 |
Bush really, really frightens me. I don't trust him at all and I'm really pleased that Helen Clark, our Prime Minister has the balls not to as well. I'm very pleased that US presidents can only have two terms - only three years to go! |
| inu-liger 25.02.2005 16:43 |
Mr.Jingles79 wrote: And Dark, as Amanda and Lisser mentioned before stereotyped comments are really bad. Imagine if someone said that all Canadians like Celine Dion.Good point. I don't like Celine for one. Sorry if what I said was dumb and not very bright, but I wanted to express my opinions about Bush. |
| Lisser 25.02.2005 17:43 |
I voted for Bush but I don't have time to list every single reason why and justify it to everyone on here. It really is a personal choice and it really shouldn't matter to anyone else why I voted for him. I voted for him for reasons that benefit me. Would it benefit my neighbor to vote for Bush? Would it benefit someone in Iraq if I voted for Bush? I do not know the answer to that bc I can only say what presidential candidate is the best choice for my personal beliefs. I would never call someone who voted for Kerry any negative names and I hope no one on here would call me any names for voting for Bush. We are free to vote for who we want to and I exercised that right. |
| flash00. 25.02.2005 17:53 |
Lisser wrote: I voted for Bush but I don't have time to list every single reason why and justify it to everyone on here. It really is a personal choice and it really shouldn't matter to anyone else why I voted for him. I voted for him for reasons that benefit me. Would it benefit my neighbor to vote for Bush? Would it benefit someone in Iraq if I voted for Bush? I do not know the answer to that bc I can only say what presidential candidate is the best choice for my personal beliefs. I would never call someone who voted for Kerry any negative names and I hope no one on here would call me any names for voting for Bush. We are free to vote for who we want to and I exercised that right. noooooo no ones gonna call ya names, i would of voted for bush!! :) |
| deleted user 25.02.2005 18:50 |
"Good point. I don't like Celine for one. Sorry if what I said was dumb and not very bright, but I wanted to express my opinions about Bush." - Sorry, but Dark being accused of being a fan of Celine Dion is slightly different from being told you commit incest. How about this one: Dark, you're a pig. You're a pig because you're a man and don't you know all men are pigs? (This is not my philosophy - truth be told, I'd say there are both men and women who are complete pigs. This is an extreme case in which you are simply lumped into a bunch and it is completely unfair.) Next time you want to voice your opinions about Bush, Dark, you may want to do it in a way in which you actually voice your opinions on Bush and not just throw around false insults about other people in the process. *Steps off soapbox* :p |
| iron eagle 25.02.2005 20:46 |
DepartmentThe Prime MinisterTranscript 22 October 2003 DOORSTOP INTERVIEW: ATTORNEY-GENERAL ON SECURITY MEASURES FOR U.S & CHINESE PRESIDENTIAL VISITS QUESTION: Mr Ruddock, could you please outline for us the security measures that are taking place for the visit of President Bush? ATTORNEY-GENERAL PHILIP RUDDOCK: Well I mean, obviously I can't outline all of the security measures. It would be quite inappropriate for me to do so. Security measures need to be put in place to ensure the safety not only of those who are visiting us but also to secure the safety and protection of the Australian community. But where there are resources that need to be deployed, we've made announcements particularly in relation to the arrangements for the FA-18 Hornets that will be used to escort the President's flight safely to Canberra and will also provide overflight arrangements here in Canberra. These were the sort of arrangements that were put in place when we had the Heads of Government meeting in Queensland a little while ago and are seen in certain circumstances to be an appropriate and prudent response. We've also outlined that certain military assets have been deployed, not necessarily to be used, but to be available. The arrangements for security are in the hands of civilian authorities. The local police have the primary role in relation to these matters. But the various Commonwealth agencies have been closely involved in the discussions we've shared with others who are interested in the appropriateness of the arrangements, the way in which we've tasked our resources and they are satisfied with those matters. We know of no particular threat but prudence demands that you take all reasonable measures that you can to minimise the possibility of any particular risk that may be unknown to you. QUESTION: Obviously... QUESTION: Is this the biggest security operation ever mounted in Australia for a visiting dignitary? PHILIP RUDDOCK: Well look, I think these things are incremental over a period of time. You enhance your capacities and you refine them. You deal with issues in a different way. I don't think it's always possible to compare one gathering, one visit with another. You respond to the issues as they arise with professional advice. We have very professional organisations who have over time developed a great deal of experience but we've worked with organisations that we collaborate with internationally. And we will take every step that we reasonably can to protect not only our international visitors but to protect the Australian community. QUESTION: Obviously a lot of instructional direction has come from American authorities to Australian authorities. Do you think Australia or Australian authorities have learnt a lot from this? PHILIP RUDDOCK: I don't necessarily like the word instruction. We don't operate under instruction, we liaise. We talk through issues, and there are matters about which we've had a view as to how they should be addressed and others need to be accepting of that. And equally, we don't claim to have all of the expertise that can't be improved by liaison and listening to others. It's a collaborative exercise and I think it needs to be seen in that context. QUESTION: The rules of engagement for the Hornet, I gather, allow them to shoot down any intruding aircraft. That indeed is the situation, is it? PHILIP RUDDOCK: Well let me just put it this way. When you deploy assets of that sort, there have to be rules of engagement approved by the Minister for Defence. I don't wish to go into the nature of those rules of engagement but the extent to which, if there was a hostile act intended to Canberra from the air, you would want your forces to have rules of engagement that would permit them to deal with it. And all I would say is that the rules of engagement are approved by the Minister for Defence |
| iron eagle 25.02.2005 20:52 |
another take--this one from the world socialist web site---- United States President George W Bush’s fleeting visit to Australia this week took place behind unprecedented levels of security. Thousands of armed police, soldiers and US security personnel practically “locked down” the capital city to ensure that ordinary people would not get near enough to Bush to voice any opposition to his administration’s criminal war on Iraq. During his 21-hour visit, as part of a whistle-stop tour of Asia, Bush spoke only to dignitaries, parliamentarians, a handful of vetted guests and military personnel. Even the Australian media—not known for challenging the Bush administration’s war crimes—was barred from speaking to the president, a privilege accorded only to selected White House journalists. While the official purpose of his trip was to “thank the Australian people” for the Howard government’s participation in the Iraq war, Bush avoided visiting any major cities, confining his stopover to Canberra, Australia’s isolated rural capital. The visit began with a moment that was truly surreal. After his plane touched down at Fairbairn air base, Bush and Australian Prime Minister John Howard, together with their wives, posed at the top of the plane’s steps waving as if to a large crowd of well-wishers. A photograph of the scene appeared on newspaper front pages around the country. The tarmac, however, was empty except for US diplomatic personnel, contingents of security agents and White House journalists. |
| iron eagle 25.02.2005 20:58 |
By far, the testiest commentary of the day comes from the Berliner Zeitung, which opts for the headline, "The Emperor Makes a Visit." Essentially, the paper says: Beware. Bush may look like darling old grandma on the outside, but underneath, there's a wolf lurking. "The president's friendly tone doesn't change the fact that this is the same warlord with imperial claims as before," writes the paper. "This is a man who in his re-election sees vindication and acceptance for his belief that violence is often needed to bring freedom and democracy to the world. It is also a man who in addition to having a mandate from voters sees himself as doing God's work." The paper attacks all the security measures needed to make Bush's trip possible -- the entire city of Mainz will virtually stop functioning during the hours Bush is there. "The fact that whole cities and regions have to be turned upside down for him does not exactly fit in with the Message of the Redeemor," he wants to bring, says the paper. "But that is the way emperors travel." The paper doesn't see the new Bush as a true reflection of change, but just proof of America's ability to adapt itself to suit its own needs. "At the moment, the EU seems useful to Bush," it writes. "The world power has determined that even its mighty military is not enough to turn an underdeveloped country like Iraq into the 'youngest democracy in the world.'" |
| iron eagle 25.02.2005 21:06 |
MAINZ, Germany : At least 4,000 demonstrators vented their anger at the visit of US President George W. Bush to Germany but were kept well away from the security ring around him. The centre of the picturesque western city was almost totally deserted after being shut to traffic and pedestrians during Bush's visit, with only a few police vehicles and armoured cars visible in the streets. The protesters brandished placards reading "Terrorist Nr 1" and "Bush Swim Home" while police helicopters circled overhead. The organizers of the rallies, an alliance of pacifist groups under the motto "Not Welcome, Mr Bush", said they were expecting 10,000 people to attend, but police put the numbers at about 4,000. "Everything is very peaceful," said the organisers' spokesman Reiner Braun. The stretch of the Rhine river that flows through Mainz was shut to shipping, but police confirmed that a boat with an anti-Bush protester on board had managed to sail towards a bridge shortly before the president's motorcade crossed it. Three police launches intercepted the boat before it reached the bridge. Police sealed manhole covers, removed mailboxes, insisted garage doors remain open and even temporarily closed the airspace to protect the US leader. German airline Lufthansa complained that the security measures for Bush's visit had forced the cancellation of 71 of its flights from Frankfurt airport. Frankfurt, Germany's biggest airport, was closed for 25 minutes on Wednesday morning to allow Bush's jet to land at the nearby US airbase Rhein-Main. But Lufthansa said none of its flights were able to take off in the 45 minutes which followed Bush's arrival. "We had to cancel 71 flights because of the temporary closure of Frankfurt airport and because of the reduced frequency on the takeoff and landing runways," said Lufthansa spokesman Thomas Jachnow. The extent of the security measures for Bush's visit "were hard to understand in our opinion", he added. Jachnow said a total of 4,675 passengers on Lufthansa and other flights were affected by the disruption. A spokesman for Frankfurt airport confirmed that 104 flights were cancelled because of the US president's arrival but said that bad weather conditions were to blame. There was a 57-kilometre-wide (35.4-mile-wide) air exclusion zone in operation over Mainz. Security was also tight in the neighbouring city of Wiesbaden where Bush visited US troops later on Wednesday. |
| Mr.Jingles 26.02.2005 12:34 |
HALLIBURTON COULD GET $1.5 BILLION MORE FROM IRAQ WORK-ARMY link Can anyone tell me that Bush is a good president after reading this? What I find absolutely cynical is the way how Republicans point fingers at liberals calling them anti-American traitors for criticizing and disagreeing with the invasion of Iraq among a whole bunch of other policies from the Bush administration. Meanwhile, soldiers coming from hard-working families who struggle to make a decent living are being injured and dying every single day so Dick Cheney and his buddies can become a lot richer than they are already. Killing your own troops for your own benefit and shamelessly receiving money stained with their blood... THAT'S WHAT I CALL PATRIOTISM. |
| 1quen_fan 26.02.2005 21:41 |
BUSH SUCKS!!! I DON'T KNOW WHY PEOPLE THINK HE IS THE BEST PRESIDENT IN THE WORLD!! There was no nuclear weapons in Iraq,but we attacked them. North Korea has nuclear weapons,and Bush isn't doing a dang thing about it! |
| Saint Jiub 27.02.2005 00:07 |
If the Democrats had provide a competent, honest and somewhat moderate ticket ... Bush would have been easily defeated. I would have held my nose and voted for that whiny Lieberman ... |
| Mr.Jingles 27.02.2005 00:48 |
I don't think any of the Democrats would have been a worse choice than Bush, except for Al Sharpton. Bush won because he used fear as an strategy to convince people that his 'kick-ass foreign policy' was the best and only choice to defeat terrorism. Sadly there's too many Americans who happen to be too easy to be brainwashed. |
| Saint Jiub 27.02.2005 01:31 |
Kerry Edwards was worthless and offered nothing. They were so worthless they could not even effectively offer empty promises. They basicly tested the political winds and said whatever they thought might get votes ... occasionally the political winds apparently shifted and they earned the flip-flopper label. The improving economy also hurt Kerry/Edwards. |
| iGSM 27.02.2005 03:43 |
<> I'm glad you said it instead of I, heh. Actually I think it's probably safter (at the moment) to live in New Zealand than Australia. People are afraid of new things over here. |
| jasen101 27.02.2005 03:44 |
I'm sorry...i just can't see how you could vote for a man like Bush. He pulled the wool over your eyes. |
| Mr.Jingles 27.02.2005 12:35 |
Rip Van Winkle wrote: Kerry Edwards was worthless and offered nothing. They were so worthless they could not even effectively offer empty promises. They basicly tested the political winds and said whatever they thought might get votes ... occasionally the political winds apparently shifted and they earned the flip-flopper label. The improving economy also hurt Kerry/Edwards.I'll take it as you didn't watch any of the presidential debates. Kerry won all of them (according to different internet polls) because he proposed ideas to make this country better. Sadly that wasn't enough to win him the election. To some it might have been as if Kerry had too many plans in mind, but the truth is that at a time like this when so many things are going the wrong way thanks to the Bush administration, those measures were necessary. On the other hand Bush did nothing but defend his own actions, and I don't recall him saying that certain things had to be changed. I can see how the economy is growing when the deficit has hit an all time high. Is the Bush administration proposing anything?... NO! Does he have any plans to save social security?... NO!... Is he doing anything to give health care to 50 million Americans?... NO! All Bush ever does is go to Capitol Hill and tell the Congress to do something, just like he went to NATO last week and asked all those nations to help him re-build Iraq. Basically, Bush always expects people to clean up the mess he made. |
| jasen101 27.02.2005 19:01 |
let's play a game! let's play a game! Everybody try to guess which country Bush is going to invade next and for what bullshit reason...I'll go first: COUNRTY: CANADA REASON: We Canadians have been pissing Bush off for a long time. We've got it coming. W's MADE UP HIDDEN WEAPON of TERROR: Canada has been secretly talking with Osama Bin Laden and has been manufacturing plutonium. The canadians plan to unleash a nuclear dirty bomb soon by a war head disguised as a sick Moose. |
| iGSM 27.02.2005 19:10 |
Pish-posh. We all know you Canadians have sharpened ice-skates. I've been told you can hear them being sharpened over the border. |
| inu-liger 27.02.2005 20:07 |
iGSM wrote: Pish-posh. We all know you Canadians have sharpened ice-skates. I've been told you can hear them being sharpened over the border.The Americans are probably going to wage war on us because they're gonna blame us for the NHL lock-out this season :P (Not that that makes any sense, but :P ) |
| iGSM 28.02.2005 00:42 |
AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT NHL IS! Actually I do..but I have to run now.. Denis Leary is stalking me for using that joke. |
| Sonia Doris 28.02.2005 08:00 |
I remember when Bush came to Romania. It was like a god or something was visiting us. The media was all about that... :S Anyways... the measures u wrote there, omg!!! Would the US do that if an European official would visit? hm... don't think so... |
| Saint Jiub 01.03.2005 01:23 |
Mr.Jingles79 wrote:Rip Van Winkle wrote: Kerry Edwards was worthless and offered nothing. They were so worthless they could not even effectively offer empty promises. They basicly tested the political winds and said whatever they thought might get votes ... occasionally the political winds apparently shifted and they earned the flip-flopper label. The improving economy also hurt Kerry/Edwards.I'll take it as you didn't watch any of the presidential debates. Kerry won all of them (according to different internet polls) because he proposed ideas to make this country better. Sadly that wasn't enough to win him the election. To some it might have been as if Kerry had too many plans in mind, but the truth is that at a time like this when so many things are going the wrong way thanks to the Bush administration, those measures were necessary. On the other hand Bush did nothing but defend his own actions, and I don't recall him saying that certain things had to be changed. "No I did not watch the debates, because the debates are more about pomp rather than about any real substance. I prefer to read about the issues rather than see the issues glossed over in a debate. Maybe Kerry won the debates. It is well known that Bush is not a great public speaker. There is more to the presidancy than public speaking." I can see how the economy is growing when the deficit has hit an all time high. "Maybe because you are a student (and do not yet have a career). you do not see the economic growth. From my perspective, the railroad industry is booming - and that growth does not happen without a growing economy and a shitload of stuf to transport via rail." Is the Bush administration proposing anything?... NO! Does he have any plans to save social security?... NO! "You haven't heard about privitization? I suppose it is better to stick money under a mattress" ... Is he doing anything to give health care to 50 million Americans?... NO! "Good - another entitle ment program mismanaged by the government is not needed." All Bush ever does is go to Capitol Hill and tell the Congress to do something, just like he went to NATO last week and asked all those nations to help him re-build Iraq. Basically, Bush always expects people to clean up the mess he made. |
| Mr.Jingles 01.03.2005 08:45 |
<B><font color=#800000>Rip Van Winkle</B> wrote: "Maybe because you are a student (and do not yet have a career). you do not see the economic growth. From my perspective, the railroad industry is booming - and that growth does not happen without a growing economy and a shitload of stuf to transport via rail."Once again you proove here that you base your accusations and facts on things you don't even know. For your information I graduated from college almost 3 years ago, and yes I do have a career. I consider myself lucky that I have a job because at times like this you never know for how long could you have the privilege of having a steady job that gives you the comfort to support yourself and others without too many financial worries. I know that the economy has been growing, but it's been growing at such a slow rate that it's nothing to be too happy about. And concerning the debates, it doesn't always matter who is the best speaker, but who can bring more convincing issues. |
| Mr. Scully 01.03.2005 09:54 |
I can't understand how a person with IQ 91 can become a president - and a president of the most powerful country in the world! That's just unbelievable. Sure the republican party could offer better candidates...? Bush is not clever, he's not educated - don't tell me that a charisma is a sufficient condition to become the best candidate for a president. Thank god Bush didn't come to our country; he only visited Slovakia and Bratislava looked exactly like Barbara's city. "Don't look out of the window or you might be shot" - that's simply great :-) I think Americans are blamed for their arrogancy because of total lack of geographic education - they have only a very rough idea about most European countries and they usually don't see any difference between "Russia", "Yugoslavia", "Slovakia", "Slovenia" etc. I hope at least the US army checks their maps before they attack a country :-) Even the White House website recently confused the nationalities of two European presidents. Btw. I DID support Bush's mission in Iraq. I don't see just black & white. |
| Saint Jiub 01.03.2005 22:01 |
The 91 IQ "report" is a hoax: link Reportedly, based on his SAT scores his IQ is about 125 (That seems to be a bit high to me for someone who avoids reading). link As for why Bush was elected - neither the Republicans nor the Democrates pay any attention to "moderate" America. The primaries are decided before most of the nation gets a chance to even vote. The Democrats could have won the presidency very handily in 2000 and 2004, if they provided decent candiates. A Boston flip-flopping mega-liberal and a politcian who can't carry his own state do not qualify as decent candidates in my mind. At least Clinton in 1988 was respectable (at the time - before Whitewater, Travelgate, the Foster "suicide", accepting political donations from China, and the looting of the Whitehouse upon departing etc) |
| jasen101 02.03.2005 00:36 |
rightly said. |
| Lisser 02.03.2005 10:08 |
Mr. Scully wrote: I can't understand how a person with IQ 91 can become a president - and a president of the most powerful country in the world! That's just unbelievable. Sure the republican party could offer better candidates...? Bush is not clever, he's not educated - don't tell me that a charisma is a sufficient condition to become the best candidate for a president. Thank god Bush didn't come to our country; he only visited Slovakia and Bratislava looked exactly like Barbara's city. "Don't look out of the window or you might be shot" - that's simply great :-) I think Americans are blamed for their arrogancy because of total lack of geographic education - they have only a very rough idea about most European countries and they usually don't see any difference between "Russia", "Yugoslavia", "Slovakia", "Slovenia" etc. I hope at least the US army checks their maps before they attack a country :-) Even the White House website recently confused the nationalities of two European presidents. Btw. I DID support Bush's mission in Iraq. I don't see just black & white.If some Americans lack the proper geographic education, all Americans shouldn't be criticized for this. It is never a good idea to put every American, every African American, every Asian, etc. under one umbrella. There are 1000s of Americans every year that don't even complete high school muchless go on to concentrate more on world geography in higher education. I am sure this issue of not obtaining proper education exists in other countries as well. I also want to remind others of the cost of higher education in America. It is not free for the majority of people. You can attend Universities for free through grants if you are a single mother below poverty, if you are a Native American, a minority, etc. You can also get scholarships if you are in the top of your class. I was fortunate enough to have my university paid for by my parents. They started saving to pay for this before I was even born!! If my parents didn't pay for my higher education then I would still to this day be paying on student loans of about $50,000! This is back in 1993-1997 and only for a Bachelor's degree at a state University. When you get in to private universities, Ivy League, Master's and Doctorate degrees, you are talking easily $500,000 or MORE!! Maybe Geeks or Miss James can give us some newer monetary figures on the cost of higher education in the States. I bet Zeni can offer some opinions on this as well. I know she is working on her Doctorate. I wonder if she would like to vent about how much she has had to fork out on her education. Don't get me wrong, it is very worth it, but it makes it difficult for our society to obtain it. It is NOT free and it is NOT cheap so it is NOT very accessible to most people in the USA. This might be an idicator of why every American citizen is not as well versed in education as people from other countries where higher education is free or even affordable. I have a friend from Sweden who told me he actually gets PAID to go to university!! That does NOT happen here in the States. Most university students in the USA struggle to attend classes all day and wait tables all night to make ends meet. I graduated from University in 1997 and I can guarantee you that even though I took many courses on geography in college AND in high school, I couldn't sit here and name every single country on a map today. However that does not mean I am geographically incompetent or arrogant. If I want to know or need to know where a certain country is, I get a map and I look it up. The same if I am traveling in the States and don't know where a certain place is. I get a map and I get the information I need to know. I can't store it all in my brain. I guess I am not that talented. |
| Mr.Jingles 02.03.2005 10:58 |
Compared to how things are in Latin America and other parts of the world, the U.S. offers great financial aid plans for education. Lisser is quite very right on the fact that you don't need to be a genius to get a scolarship or to the least an education loan, and a lot of help is being offered for those who can't afford paying for an education. However I have to strongly complain about the interests being charged for educational financial aid, which are absolutely ridiculous. Also a lot of Universities across the nation (more particularly the private ones) increase their tuitions abruptly every semester, sometimes between 5% or 10%. I'm still paying for my tuition loans (I graduated in 2002), and frankly I don't have a freakin' clue when I will finish paying it all. |
| Lisser 02.03.2005 11:24 |
All true Jingles..the point I wanted to hit hard on is how higher education is very unaccessible to most Americans bc of the cost. I'm trying very hard not to make excuses for people that do not take an interest in their own education and place a high priority on it but it is a fact that higher education is not a right for people in the States. You are not promised higher education. It is expensive. I could not believe it when my friend from Sweden told me he actually gets a check bc he is a student!! How many credit hours did you take per semester Jingles and how many hours per week did you have to work while in University to pay other bills and eat? When did you study? I can not even imagine how I would have survived in college if I had to work full time to put food in my mouth, try and find a place to live on a waitress salary, and worry about how I am going to pay back all this money!! I am very thankful that I had my parents to pay for my University. I thank them all the time for paying for my education. If it weren't for them paying for my degree, I wouldn't have this job so I can post on Queenzone's NB while working!!!! Ok now back to work!!! :) haahahhaahahaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! |
| deleted user 02.03.2005 12:55 |
Good post, Lisser. Feels odd to me to be told that I am ignorant by a complete stranger. |
| Lisser 02.03.2005 13:05 |
I agree. I am getting bored with it. Can you refresh my memory, you are in college now right? How are the studies going? :) |
| Mr.Jingles 02.03.2005 13:15 |
Lisser, I actually didn't have it as hard as those people who have to support themselves 100%(luckly). I have a lot of admiration for them, and kudos to these people because they make a huge effort to achieve their goals and at the same time have to deal with taking care of their basic economic needs. When we moved to NY almost 9 years ago we didn't have quite a lot of money, but yet my father chose to pick a suburban middle class Long Island neighborhood instead of a ghetto town in Queen or Brooklyn (no offense to anyone who lives there, or any kind of low class areas). He made the choice because he thought he'd rather deal with higher mortage costs and taxes than dealing with the feeling of insecurity of living in a place where crime is a common thing. Then when my sister and I started college we applied for financial aid, in which we recieved loans and scolarships that sometimes paid for more than half of the tuition costs. My father paid for the rest, but we agreed that once we finished college we'd take care of the payments for the education loans. When I started my first semester at the local community college of Nassau county, I got a job at a pharmacy, which turned into a 8 month nightmare. I had a manager who was a complete asshole and treated everyone like a worthless piece of shit. Aside from that I was working around 30 hours per week while taking 12 credits (4 classes) each semester. What made it worse was the fact that my car back them (my first) was totally breaking apart, and while I had it, I paid between $1,000 and $1,500 getting it fixed on different ocassions. Things eventually got better as time went by, I quit that horrible job and got a better car. |
| Lisser 02.03.2005 13:35 |
I don't know how you even made it as far as you did with those barriers!!! I was fortunate enough to not have to worry about any of those things. My parents bought me a dependable car to get back and forth to university in. I was only responsible for putting gas in it. I did not have to pay for any repairs to it or pay the insurance on it. My father paid cash for the car so there was not any payments to make. This deal was in affect for me as long as my grades were satisfactory to my parents. I did not have to work while attending college but if I chose not to, I would not have any spending money. So I worked about 25 hours/week waiting tables. I am very lucky to have such wonderful parents. I did not apply for any financial aid. I wouldn't have qualified for it due to my Dad's income. I am glad for that too bc like you stated, the interest rates are horrible. I ask my dad all the time how I can ever repay him. He tells me I am repaying him by working and contributing to society in a postive way. Kudos to you too Mr. Jingles, for your dedication and hard work. |
| Mr.Jingles 02.03.2005 13:45 |
Seriously Lisser, compared to some people I've met I had it quite easy. Although I can't deny that putting with it was hard at times, but meeting people who had it worse than me made me feel lucky and ashamed of whinning about my very own situation. I once met this Mexican girl at school who had a full time (weekdays) and a part time (weekends) job while being a full time student. She eventually had to drop out a couple of classes because she was dealing with too much, and she was getting at the most 5 hours of sleep everyday. I seriously don't know how can people handle so many things at once. Thanks for the kudos, Lisser. More Kudos for you for still working waiting tables while being financially supported by your parents. Most people in your situation would most likely become spoiled kids who take things for granted becuase their parents give them everything. Your attitude was very mature indeed, so congratulations! I however think that we shouldn't forget about all those less fortunate people who deserve a lot more kudos than anyone like you and I. |
| deleted user 02.03.2005 13:56 |
"I agree. I am getting bored with it. Can you refresh my memory, you are in college now right? How are the studies going? :)" - Same here with the boredom. And yes, I am in college now, my second year actually. This next semester I'll be transfering to another college. The studies are going well, thanks. :) I gave a pretty good speech in my Public Speaking class the other day on how to bake sugar cookies. Oh yeah! ;^) |
| Maz 02.03.2005 14:53 |
My situation is slightly different in that I get paid to go to school. I have a fellowship which means that in addition to my own school work, I have a job assisting/teaching other courses. I am a paid employee of my University. Many graduate programs, regardless of discipline,* have assistantships/fellowships to help promising students finish their degree, but these can be hard to come by. If I didn't have that, there's no way I could afford grad school as grad tuition is generally 3 times that of undergrad. One thing I have noticed when talking with various academics is the difference between US and European colleges/universities. The US, overall, has one of the best higher education programs in the world (which becomes more evident by the large number of Asians that come to the US to study). But the program is very different than those in Europe. This can be very specific, such as the different grading systems, or large and more of an institutional difference, such as the role of higher education. Also, the US economy has moved in such a direction that trying to get a decent job without a college degree is nearly impossible. *Law Schools and Medical Schools are the biggest exceptions. I guess they figure those folks will be making a ton of money anyways that a few student loans won't kill them. |
| Lisser 03.03.2005 09:30 |
Right...those situations are extremely hard to come by...very competitive. It's a good thing though! Good luck Zeni and keep up the hard work!! When you are done with school you'll be able to pay my cable bill too right? |