And what's up with A.N.S.W.E.R. scheduling their marches to coincide with other groups' marches despite the other groups request not to do that?? I am aware of them having done that twice now here in DC, screwing the latin america solidarity types twice.

Because of the question of credibility, it is imperative that the U.N. weapons inspectors be allowed to resume their work.Isn't the fact that the Iraquis weren't cooperating with Blix the main excuse the administration used to invade Iraq?And now we won't let them in either? What's the logic of that?CNN sucks (check out "Lyrics" to "1-2-3-4"). I've actually been impressed with PBS and Ted Koppel.Thanks Mike for the comment on the site. The construction credit goes to Senyor.

U.S.,It is your choice to support a man who has well known ties to Communist organizations and who cannot muster up one good thing to say about America. I choose not to. I do not dispute your stated facts that the media is hyper-reporting unsubstantiated stories. This has been going on since OJ Simpson and even Desert Storm 1 when Ted Turner was the lone wolf. What else does a 24 hour news network have to do in a highly competitive market? I think I am just as frustrated and disgusted with the media as you. However, I don’t think it is a government (or vast right wing) conspiracy.You sound like a very intelligent person and I hope you are not one of the ostriches who believes that the WMD’s don’t and never did exist.Bat Boy… Now there is a website. They’re about as credible as CNN (in my opinion) ;-)

Mike, I'll never agree that someone (Ramsey Clarke) who supports using money for Health Care and Education for AMERICANS instead of using it to buy bombs to kill FOREIGNERS as Anti-American (my opinion).You state: "Are you implying that the Americans who are aggressively looking for WMD’s are somehow connected with CNN & the NY Times? (2 of the biggest voices of main-stream liberalism I might add)"In terms of the military and the media being connected, let us not forget the embeds, how much more connected can you be than riding in an attacking tank division during a war?I guess I am saying that the Americans who are aggressively looking for WMD’s are FEEDING false info to the media who are reporting it as fact. Both sides I feel are being incredibly irresponsible and are forcing regular Americans like myself to doubt anything that's reported as being truthful.For example, the barrels I mentioned that were reported by Fox News on the 27th that "may contain nerve agents" showed up in the pages of the NY Post yesterday under this headline:Barrel found by GIs tests positive for SarinA passage from the article: A platoon of chemical-weapons experts from the Army's 10th Cavalry Regiment rushed to the site and began testing the drum Saturday."I am satisfied that it is sarin," Lt. Col. Ted Martin said yesterday. Cyclosarin (sarin) is a variant of the nerve gas used in the 1995 attack on Tokyo's subway system.Smoking Gun??? It has to be!!! The Lt. Col., leader of an Army Regiment of chemical-weapons experts is "satisfied that it is sarin" a deadly nerve agent.Then how do we explain this article from the AP which ran online last night but didn't make it into the papers today.Headline:Tests Cast Doubt on Chemical Find in Iraq By LOUIS MEIXLER, Associated Press Writer BAIJI, Iraq - A metal drum found in northern Iraq that initially tested positive for nerve and blister agents might instead contain rocket fuel, according to new tests, a U.S. chemical weapons expert said Monday. FULL STORY:http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20030428/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_banned_weapons_20Again and again in the rush to be first to report a story, "journalists" refuse to check facts, give opposing viewpoints or question the truthfulness of what they are being fed by the military media liaisons.If we believe all the headlines that have been thrown at us lately then Sadam is dead, Bin Laden is days away from being captured and the war in Iraq is over.Here's one headline that need not be researched: http://www.weeklyworldnews.com/batboy/batboy.cfm?instanceid=10594

BTW Franklin,Whoever designed this website did a terrific job! It is one of the most organized and easily navigated sites I’ve visited.

Well said, U.S. Excellent point.

Unknown Soldier, Somewhere along the way, the anti-war movement was gobbled up by the anti-American movement ala Ramsey Clarke and the like. (in my opinion) Are you implying that the Americans who are aggressively looking for WMD’s are somehow connected with CNN & the NY Times? (2 of the biggest voices of main-stream liberalism I might add) Even if Bill Clinton were currently the president, I wouldn’t subscribe to this conspiracy theory. With all due respect, from your point of view anything discovered (or not) will appear illegitimate.As for the Christian Coalition connection, would you admit this is yet another stretch?

In response to Mike's post #554: The anti-WAR movement is not demanding the Americans in Iraq produce WMDs immediately, just that they do it truthfully. The Americans in Iraq are certainly trying their hardest to find weapons right now, so much so that every substance that even closely resembes a chemical or biological weapon winds up on CNN or the front page of the NY Times as evidence of the "smoking gun". CNN reported on April 7th the discovery of warheads and suspiscious looking barrels and told viewers that preliminary tests indicated that they contained nerve or blister agents. The Smoking Gun?? No tests later proved inconclusive.On April 8th the NY Times ran a photo on page B1 in which the barrels appeared under a yellow sign that said "Gas". The article stated "according to preliminary tests the drums may contain deadly nerve agents and mustard gas". Turns out later "more tests would be needed", and we've heard nothing since.Just last night on Fox News they were discussing some more containers found in northern Iraq again "preliminary tests show they may contain nerve agents" we'll find out soon, I guess.With the administration salivating for a weapons find to justify the war and the media racing to be the first to report that find, these manipulative reports will continue and once something real is found (if it ever is) how are we supposed to believe the report is true.

One for the Ashcroft groupies:http://www.publicintegrity.org/dtaweb/downloads/Story_01_020703_Doc_1.pdf

The immigration issue is a tricky one. However, if capital can move freely across borders, so should people.I have to admit that I'm still out on the "which economic system is best" question. This is a very mixed economy.Regarding suicide bombing - yes, it's repugnant. As is the firing of rockets into crowds or the bulldozing of families' homes. Unhappily, we all pay for that through foreign aid for Israel. Luckliy, our tax dollars don't finance the suicide bombers.I see suicide bombing as a desperate act of rebellion in the face of overwhelming firepower and years of humilitation and degradation. Talk about reaping the whirlwind! (Check out lyrics to Song 3907 and accompanying essays).

I’d like to see our foreign aid take a back seat to a whole lot of things including money spent to secure (not close) our borders and deport all illegal aliens, no matter where they came from. Other than birth by American citizen parent(s), legal immigration is the only right way to become a citizen of our country (in my opinion).I am definitely no fan of the World Bank and the other good ‘ol boy groups either. I am however a Capitalist.The Israeli – Palestinian issue will not be resolved in our lifetimes. Each side wants the other side dead. At least the Palestinians have the guts to admit it. However, I never see any headlines about an Israeli who strapped on a C4/nail vest and climbed aboard a bus in order to deliberately kill innocent civilians. I find that repugnant.

A big "BUT" however is in order. Couple of assumptions are way off the mark: foreign "aid" is relatively minuscule. The entire foreign "aid" account is significantly less than the military operation alone before Baghdad fell. And the top three recipients: Israel, number one by a long shot; Egypt, and either Colombia or Turkey. Colombia supported the war effort, to the consternation of the majority of its citizens.Also, foreign aid is really not an exercise in selflessness but one of realpolitic calculation and enough congressional strings to ensure a lot of the aid money stays at home. A place where a chunk of tax payer largess goes: the World Bank, ExIm bank and OPIC both which help subsidize US investment abroad. Yes, subsidize, as in not-free-market, as in government handout.(for more on this, check out lyrics and hyperlinks to Trickle Down Poison, on "Lyrics" at left)Finally, regarding Israel. It is precisely the memory of what happened to European Jewry and Gypsies and Communists and Russian Kulaks (sp?) that make the current actions of the state of Israel and its armed forces, the IDF, REPUGNANT. You'd think a group of people that survived genocide would avoid reppressing others. But their attitude seems to be "since we now got tha powa' screw you!"Check out the SONG 3907 and its accompanying essays (in hyperlinks) for more on this.

BIG SCOOP!!!I feel privileged to present you all with this copy of the speech President Bush will be giving tomorrow in San Diego. I cannot however reveal my source: My fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of Iraq's regime has been completed. The discovery and destruction of all weapons of mass destruction have been covered thoroughly in the press. An new Iraqi government has been established and appears to be stable. Our mission in Iraq is complete. This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now time to begin the reckoning. Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Australia, and Poland are some of the countries listed there. The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening. Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war. The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world hell-holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption. Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France. In the out years, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. I am ordering the immediate withdrawal of all US forces from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and all other Middle Eastern nations. Leave us alone. Solve your own problems. Need help? Call Germany. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth. Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France, or maybe China. Regarding the nation of Israel, I have this to say. It seems like everybody has forgotten what happened to European Jewry during the 1930s and World War II. Our nation will never permit the destruction of Israel. No way, Jose. Nevertheless, to Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Yo, boys. Work out a peace deal now. Just note that Camp David is closed. Maybe all of you can go to Russia for negotiations. They have some great palaces there. Big tables, too. I'm ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon chance, mes amis. I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. Pay your tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers, and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York. A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are going to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change. Mexico is also on List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I have a couple extra tank and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I'm gonna put 'em? Yep, border security. So start doing something with your oil. Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty---starting now. It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them be saying darn tootin'. Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America. It is time to eliminate World Cup soccer from America. To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thanks guys. We owe you. To the nations on List 2, a final thought. Drop dead. God bless America. Thank you and good night.If only it were true...

D'oh!!!! I got so carried away..uh, I meant to say Michael Moore. Great first post. heh.Sorry.

Yea, I'm lost too. WHat does Mike Myers have to do with anything?On Blix, the point is this: Bush got us into the war saying that Iraq was not abiding with the UN's disarmament resolutions. Iraq accepted the UN inspections under Blix and Blix, to Bush's horror, started saying that Iraq, despite shortcomings was complying. Further, he said there were no WMD, a statement echoed by the head of the IAEA, the world's nuclear watchdog. Bush through Powell claimed strong proof; the proof offered turned out to include a forgery as well as evidence that was discounted by official arms control experts. Then Bush claimed that they had secret evidence showing that there were plenty of WMD, clearly enough to threaten the US national security -- which was the grounds for a first-strike war.But lo and behold, having visited their top sites, the US personnel can't find these WMD. Again, this was the reason given over and over and over again for going to war - that Iraq's WMD posed a clear and imminent danger to US national security.And now, when the UN gets ready to resume its inspections, under the resolution which the Bush people claimed to be enforcing, they are being blocked.I never bought that this was over WMD - although I was worried about possible chemical or bio attack on invading US troops - nor do i buy for one second that this is for democracy. The Bush crowd shows clearly this was about oil. There's no need for caricatures given the Bush team's actions. They are a dangerous disgrace and need to be thrown out of office.

Daily Show Fan:What on earth are you talking about??? Mike Myers???

If you think Myers is funny when he's trying to be, cool. If you think the points he's making are funny... that's a shame. Check out The Best Democracy Money can Buy sometime (where Myers got a lot of his info). It will make any sane person sick to their stomach.Myers was TOTALLY on target with his comments at the Oscars. We have no president and the hypocritical sons of bitches in the administration who pretend to support "democracy" around the globe should be behind bars enjoying our wonderfully modern prison system. Who knows, maybe it will even rehabilitate them. hehRush Limbaugh - well we all know he's just a big fat idiot (Myers is just fat).

On the lighter side. . .Here is a funny site. http://www.revoketheoscar.com/index.htmlHack,I laugh at this guy the way (I’m assuming now) you may possibly laugh at Rush Limbaugh. :-)

I don’t understand the point. The anti-American movement demanded that Hans Blix be given months and months for his inspections. They now demand that the Americans in Iraq produce them all immediately.

More evidence that there's little if any evidence of the existence of WMDs in Iraq, the administration hopes for a wild card with the apprehension of former Iraqi Dep. Prime Minister Tariq Aziz. All I can say is that the eight of spades ain't much of a wild card:"Aziz -- described by one U.S. official as "pretty well wired" -- may have knowledge about the fate of top Iraqi leaders, including Saddam Hussein, a U.S. official told CNN. While it is considered unlikely that he would know the location of weapons of mass destruction, he "may be able to confirm their existence," the official said."Also, if people aren't sure the Christain coalition is on the ground and working hard in Iraq, here's proof: "This is a tough job, and it's very difficult to take people out of a darkness and lead them into light," said Jay Garner, the retired Army lieutenant general who leads the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance. "Once they have been standing in light long enough, their eyes will adjust."

Making its rounds in the internet, worth reading and acting upon...Dear MoveOn Member,The war in Iraq is over; the U.S. occupation of Iraq has now begun. In an unnecessary war, victory is never sweet: American soldiers, Iraqi civilians, and Iraqi soldiers lost their lives in a conflict that never should have happened. That's not victory, that's tragedy. The hawks in the Bush Administration see this as a indication of their belligerent world view. Never mind that we haven't found any weapons of mass destruction; never mind that Iraqi democracy (or even security) is nowhere in sight. The hotter heads have prevailed: pre-emptive unilateralism is now the official policy of the U.S.. Vice President Cheney, Secretary Rumsfeld, Paul Wolfowitz, and Richard Perle are now thinking even bigger about the "projection of American power." In the chilling words of a senior official close to the Bush Administration, "Anyone can go to Baghdad. Real men go to Tehran."Folks, we just have to stop this madness, and there's really only one way to do that: We need to throw these bums out. The good news is that over the last few months, we've built a base that just may be large enough to succeed. MoveOn's total membership is now over 1.3 million. We've taken out ads, written letters, delivered mountains of petition signatures, and taken action in hundreds of cities. And now we need to turn our attention toward one goal: regime change in the USA, the best way to repudiate Bush's policy of war. Are you in? If you're willing to help show Bush the door in 2004, just click below. We'll count you among the participants in this next phase of the peace movement. http://www.moveon.org/pac/newpresWe'll throw out Bush and the Republicans using every means available: by registering a wave of new voters, by organizing to make sure they get to the polls on election day, by raising enough money to compete with the President's mountain of special interest money, and by volunteering for political campaigns. We'll make it easy for you to play a part. President Bush believes he doesn't have to listen to the American public -- which, even during war, has overwhelmingly been skeptical or strongly resistant to the idea of an American empire. He has decided that his faith in the military takes precedence over his faith in democracy. The election in 2004 is our chance to take our democracy back. Polls show overwhelmingly that American's do not trust President Bush to revive the failing economy. They're just as concerned with the Administration's assault on civil rights, civil liberties and the environment. Last week in New Orleans, Presidential Advisor Karl Rove said that this will be a "close, competitive" race. If all of us get involved, it won't just be tight. We'll win. And that will go down in history. It will demonstrate that we mean what we say -- that we have the passion and the commitment to see our approach to foreign policy through. It will demonstrate that politicians who seek to curry favor through belligerence face political consequences, and that those who advocate a reasonable, multilateral foreign policy will be rewarded. And it will set the stage for an American policy that leads the world into a cooperative and safe future. Let's elect a new President in 2004, and put an end to the politics of unnecessary war. Sincerely, --Carrie, Eli, Joan, Peter, Wes, and Zack The MoveOn Team April 24th, 2003

To quote Vietnam Veteran and former Senator Bob Kerrey:"Santorum... isn't that Latin for asshole?"

Hey,Hey Ho, HoRick Santorum’s got to go

A spot on op-ed:Chest Banging, Here and ThereBy MAUREEN DOWDWASHINGTON There's nothing scarier than conservatives in transports of social and political engineering.The Republicans strain to appear diffident in Iraq, not wanting to be cast as overbearing imperialists. (Lt. Gen. Jay Garner, the new American viceroy, affects a Dockers look while meeting Arabs in jackets and ties.)The Bushies pretend that we don't want an all-access pass to Iraqi bases (we do); that we are not interested in influencing the disposition of Iraqi oil (we are); that we will stay out of Iraqi politics, even if they go fundamentalist (we won't); and that we will leave Iraq soon (we can't).Even as they stifle their Pax Americana impulses in Iraq, the imperialists swagger with a Pox Americana at home. Karl Rove has broken creative new ground in appalling political opportunism by pushing back the Republican National Convention in New York City to September 2004, the latest date for a convention in the party's history and only days away from you-know-when.Mr. Rove envisions merging the Madison Square Garden party with the 9/11 anniversary commemorations into one big national security lollapalooza. Perhaps President Bush should just skip the pretense of the Garden and give his acceptance speech at ground zero.In another red-meat moment, Rick Santorum, the obnoxious Pennsylvania senator who is No. 3 in the G.O.P., equated homosexuality with incest, bigamy and polygamy. "In every society, the definition of marriage has not ever to my knowledge included homosexuality," he told The A.P. "That's not to pick on homosexuality. It's not, you know, man on child, man on dog, or whatever the case may be."Even Mr. Santorum's old mentor, Newt Gingrich, felt emboldened to slither back on stage with a proposal to eviscerate the State Department.After vowing to reshape the American character when he became speaker in '94, Mr. Gingrich ultimately faced ethics questions and criticism for having an extramarital affair with a young Congressional aide after pushing for Bill Clinton's impeachment over his extramarital affair with a young White House aide. He stepped down in '98.The man who once depicted himself as an "Arouser of Those who Form Civilization" stepped back yesterday into a clash of civilizations between the Pentagon and the State Department. In remarks at the Temple of Triumphalism here (the American Enterprise Institute), Mr. Gingrich denounced Colin Powell's domain as a "broken bureaucracy of red tape and excuses" and demanded it be "transformed," like Rummy's.He attacked Mr. Powell for announcing that he would visit (rather than bomb) Damascus and for the prewar failure of diplomacy with Turkey — conveniently ignoring the fact that it was the Pentagon hawk Paul Wolfowitz who had tried and failed to talk turkey with Turkey.Rummy, who has taken on a Mars-like glow among carnivorous conservatives who crave more and more red meat, circulated a Kubrickian memo on North Korea, according to The Times's David Sanger. While Mr. Powell pressed for diplomatic talks in China to help de-escalate tensions between the U.S. and North Korea, Rummy's memo suggested that the U.S. and China gang up on the crazed Kim Jong Il to force a regime change.Even as the conservatives thump their chests in Washington, they have gotten a little nervous watching throngs of men flogging their chests bloody in Karbala. Their coolly rational schemes for establishing 18th-century-style democracy have run up against the 8th-century practices of Islam.The Bushies were unpleasantly surprised by the sudden muscularity of the Shiite clerics in southern Iraq. According to The Times's Douglas Jehl, Iranian-trained operatives have crossed into southern Iraq to help the Shiites who are demanding a state like Iran's.Administration officials have whispered other fears to reporters — that some of the weapons of mass destruction may have been removed to sell on the terrorism black market, accelerating the proliferation they had hoped to prevent. Or that Saddam loyalists are sneaking back into the government, waiting for the Americans, with their short attention spans, to pull out.As long as those Baathists haven't seen Americans triumphantly digging up Saddam's corpse, or his W.M.D., they can always hope.

In March, I posted these top five reasons why the war is a shitty idea:1) will increase hatred towards USA around the world and breed more terrorists - clearly speculation but probably true; meantime more and more liberated Iraquis are telling the US invaders to get the hell out.2) will force Hussein to unleash God knows what against the incoming troops and neighboring countries, not to mention the torching of the oil fields - clearly wrong, thank God.3) the Kurds will get screwed again and the Turks will unleash a nasty conflict in the north - jury's out on the Kurds and thank God the Turks didn't march in.4) will make a nasty budget deficit even nastier - YUP.5) what should be at the top of the list: lots of innocent people will suffer - YUP. Pentagon refuses to count the Iraqi dead: why is that?What Bush blew:1) opportunity to let inspections work and disarm Hussein peacefully - NOW, they're opposing the resumption of Blix's team.2) good will around the world that came into being after 9/11 - oh yeah baby.What will always nag me: was war really the only way to get rid of Hussein and his ilk? (brought to power in part thanks to the CIA and maintained in power by Reagan and Bush I). Still nags me.Gandhi maintained until the end that Hitler could have been conquered non-violently. Also nags me.

Thanks Mike. Let us know when you're gonna be in the DC area.So a question for everyone: where are those weapons of mass destruction? It's been interesting to see the rhetoric shift away from this and to the democratization of Iraq. But the latter is not the reason given for invading Iraq: it was that war is necessary when the national security is threatened. Why? Because of the WMD. Yet the main key WMD suspect sites are not yielding anything and the Administration is gearing to block the participation of Hans Blix in any more weapons inspections.Further, the handpicked Iraqi delegation is poised to go to the OPEC meeting. No war for oil? We just saw it.

Without trying to sound like I’m some kind of name-dropper. . . Congressman George Radanovich. http://www.radanovich.house.gov/Viva la Truce

Just wanted to report that this weekend's recording session is going very well. We're almost done. Look for new stuff on our "audio" site soon!What you can look forward to: Johnson, Fuck War, Georgie's Daydream, Black Tar, and a new mix of "We shall not be moved."

Mike, I appreciate your dropping the disguises and explaining some of what's been going on here, and I'm sorry if I blamed your "Rolo" for something the other "Rolo" said. This is the first time I've logged on since my last message, but even before reading your and Franklin's recent posts, it occurred to me that, if someone out was signing in as me or Franklin or Bob or BIII in December, he might be signing in as Rolo or Captain America or someone else now.It's strange, I still feel like you or the other Rolo know me from some other context, but I'm not going to worry about it. Sometimes people get themselves into situations they never intended, which I think is the case here. I'll leave it at that. Long live the truce!

Mike, check out our "shows" section periodically, which will announce our gigs, but i'll do it here as well. Fact is, we don't get out much often cause of our other obligations and the fact that we all live in different cities. But we're recording some "for the web" recordings this weekend in DC so we'll have some new tunes to post. And frankly, the sound quality of the C-SPAN gig really was awful - they never had the full band on at the same time. Made me really appreciate the concept of the band as a group effort, where the whole really is greater than the parts (which is a big plus for people like me who really can't sing).Without going into any detail about your relative, who is the California Congressperson?

I have an aunt-in-law who works for one of the California Congressmen. I’m hoping my wife and I get a v.i.p. tour of the Capitol in the future. I’d like to come to one of your DC gigs while we’re there. I appreciate the invitation to debate the lyrics. My guess is that your facts are pretty accurate; you don’t sound like a poser to me.

That's funny! I look forward to meeting you at some gig. For what it's worth, while I may have strong views of my own, I don't think of people with different opinions and views as "hicks." Check out the "lyrics" part of this site and tell us where you think we have disagreements -we'll all be the better for it. Eventually I'd like to have a thing called "prove us wrong" where any fact that we screw up pointed out by a viewer is duly acknowledged. Kind of like a huge fact-checking exercise.

Truce Mother F-ers!!! I have to admit that I enjoy seeing things from the point of view of most who visit this site as opposed to my conservative friend’s views. It is a lesson people like Suzy and Timmy need to learn. Judging from their warped views of the world, they must hang around with Hollywood liberals at all hours of the day. They seem shocked at the fact that us “hicks” on the right actually have a different opinion from theirs. Maybe they should step into a different forum as I did to hear the other side of the story. You guys have definitely opened up new horizons for opinions in my world and I thank you for it.Yes, Rolo and many others going back to your C-Span appearance. You caught me !!!

BOB III: go suck an egg - been working all day on "George's Daydream" Plenty of changes to the song are being made - ha ha ha!!!ROLO - how will we ever know who the real Rolo is or is not? Mike in Phoenix - have you been Rolo all along? WOW - this is confusing!!And is the "other" Rolo Hacks' friend's mom?

Franklin, you need to spend more time on BLOWBACK music than you do in this chat room.

Hack:I’d like to get a couple of things straight with you. First of all, someone else posted the disgusting anti-Semitic web site under the name Rolo. I would never align myself with such sick small-minded and hateful dirtballs. Second, I am not who you keep referring to as someone’s mother of someone you know, I assure you. Third, I am sure you and Franklin and the rest of the band members are all good hearted tax paying contributors to our America. I keep coming back to this site because it is fun to rattle the cages of the opposing political views. However, I find racism disgusting and wrong. I’d like to sit down with all of you someday over a cup of coffee and have a laugh about the last 537 messages or so. Or maybe you can all just beat the shit out of me. Either way let me be the first to say Uncle in hopes that this site can return to the business of Blowback instead of a pissing contest.Sincerely,Mike in PhoenixBTW Franklin, I just read the Hackworth article you posted. Looks like we may not be so different from each other after all.

YIKES! ROLO IS THE MOTHER OF ONE OF HACK'S FRIENDS? COULD THINGS GET ANY MORE BIZARRE IN THIS SITE?BTW, link to a worldnet article (Rolo's media of choice) that supports a lot of what we've been saying on these pages:http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=32067

If the purpose of your insults is to see if I'm still here, the answer is yes, I still check the forum occasionally but not regularly. Let's see, you know I'm Jewish even though that fact's never come up here before, and you previously forwarded an article critical of the Clinton administration, addressing it specifically to me, although prior to that time I had not mentioned Clinton in this forum. Obviously you know me from some context outside this forum. Are you a mind reader? Do you have ESP? Or could you be, say, the mother of a friend of mine, with whom I spent a year on an email list, till I could no longer tolerate the way she treated some of the other participants?You know, I don't blame you if you want to create a fantasy life, with multiple identities and personalities. But you don't have to involve other, real people to do so. You're quite capable of carrying on a conversation with yourself, by yourself.Peace!

That’s OK Rolo. Did I mention that I like to take it up the ass?

I may be many things Hack but anti-Semitic isn’t one of them.

Sorry Franklin, I meant to type http://www.nationalvanguard.com

Frankin,I get all my news from either http://www.vanguardnewsnetwork.com/ or http://www.nationalvangaurd.com

You can get a copy of our CD by clicking on "CD" on the left.But seriously, let's see if we can have an actual dialogue. Start with one or two parts that you totally disagree with the "analysis" and we'll see where we go.I still want to know what media you consider credible.

Yeah... Me and the other 2 people who frequent this great site.As for MY answers to your questions; you are confirming my point about the Fadayeen-RamseyPS: Where can I get a copy of your CD(s)?

So, woewoe, tell us, what are credible news media outlets? And while you're at it, give us specific points that are wrong with the A.N.S.W.E.R. analysis. Really. Be specific.By the way, if we're such idiots, why is it that you keep coming back to this site? As far as I can tell, you've been coming here ever since our September debut in C-SPAN (which I'm glad you watch a lot). Gee little fella, makes me feel loved.Poor woewoe. Get yourself a copy of our CD and listen to Carnivore backwards. It'll cheer you up.

Wow C.A. Nice to see one of the useful idiots who understands the irony. There may be hope some for you. It’s like trying to explain the workings of a deep-fat fryer to a McDonald’s employee.

"If any of you think this propaganda is fact, you are truly a lost soul who needs to be sent to a re-education camp or France"Only Marxist commies run re-education camps,Rolo.If you are suggesting people need to be sent to 'em,maybe you're the commie pinko scum.

Thanks for posting the A.N.S.W.E.R. analysis there. Would be interested in learning what parts you think are incorrect and why.Since you rip so much on media, perhaps you could enlighten the rest of the class as to what are credible news outlets?

Why don't the leftist, Marxist fringe whack-jobs and their followers have any credibility? Read this excerpt from the A.N.S.W.E.R. website. If any of you think this propaganda is fact, you are truly a lost soul who needs to be sent to a re-education camp or France:(side note: You’ve gotta love how these nuts often refer to the NY Times as if it were some sort of main stream authority that speaks to the masses. . . LOL!!!)OCCUPATION IS NOT LIBERATION:Why We Are Marching on April 12 March Will Focus on the White House, Corporate Profiteers, Fox News and the Pro-War Media Having slaughtered and maimed thousands of Iraqi people, the White House and the Pentagon brass are celebrating the use of their massive, overwhelming and brutal military power to crush resistance to their invasion of Iraq. The images portrayed in the U.S. media conceal the reality. While hospitals are overflowing with civilians and soldiers, the streets of the country are littered with incinerated bodies, destroyed homes and families buried alive. (See "Amid Allied Jubilation, a Child Lies in Agony, Clothes Soaked in Blood," Robert Fisk, The Independent (UK):http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=395117) The Bush administration is moving rapidly to impose a colonial-style occupation government on Iraq. This is not liberation. It is the use of overwhelming firepower to seize the land and resources of Iraq, and eliminate Iraq's sovereignty, while violating the most basic principles of self-determination. This is a war for Empire. The Bush administration, having carried out a war of conquest in Afghanistan and now in Iraq, will now step up its plans for future wars of aggression in the Middle East and elsewhere. The people of the United States and the world must stand together with all of those who resist in the Middle East to say no to imperialism and to Empire. The occupation of Iraq will be used to set the stage for intensified war planning against Syria, Iran, southern Lebanon, North Korea, the Philippines, and against the Palestinian people who continue to resist occupation in their homeland. On Saturday, April 12, people in Washington DC and around the world will continue the mobilization against the invasion and the occupation in an international day of action with demonstrations in major capitals around the world. The global movement that suddenly emerged in the past six months in opposition to Bush and the U.S. war drive is a singularly important development. People all over the world, in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Latin America, in the United States and in Europe marched in coordinated action. These movements have now defied borders and built an international voice of solidarity. Even the New York Times on February 17 referred to this movement as the second "superpower" in the world. This movement represents the hopefulness of the planet that war, imperialism, oppression, racism and any form of colonialism can be overcome through the globalization of human solidarity. It would be the most tragic and wasteful outcome if this movement -- less than a year old -- decided that its efforts had failed because Bush and the Pentagon proceeded with their slaughter in Iraq. The war on Iraq does not prove the failure of the anti-war movement. If anything, the war on Iraq proves only that the economic, political and military authority in the United States is morally bankrupt. It is nurtured by a system that has become addicted to militarism and war. Dick Cheney, speaking on behalf of the administration, promised after September 11 that there would be "endless war" and a war lasting a lifetime. These were neither idle comments nor rhetorical flourish. Since then, the administration has been absolutely brazen about its planned military adventures abroad and its systematic war against Arab Americans, Muslims and civil rights and civil liberties at home. While they will never admit it, this planned "endless war" is a class war waged by the U.S. government on behalf of corporate and banking elites against all those governments in the formerly colonized world that have dared to maintain nominal independence and control over their natural resources. Bush put it succinctly when he said to the world "you are either with us or with them." Working people in the United States have nothing to gain from this war for Empire. It is for the enrichment and power of the same corporate and banking circles that have engaged in mass layoffs, union busting, wage cutting, elimination of healthcare and other benefits. In fact, Bush's war for Empire requires a massive transfer of wealth from social service programs to fund the Pentagon's rapidly expanding budget. The Bush administration's plans for world domination are based on a fantasy entertained by the right wing and neo-conservative movement and corporate thieves that military power alone is the ultimate arbiter in world politics. The New World Order that they aspire to is similar to the Old World Order of 19th Century colonialism. The people of the world aspire for freedom, justice, equality and self-determination. Brute force alone will not reverse the long historical process whose necessary outcome is liberation. The essential element in this struggle is to maintain and build the global movement -- the force that has always and can win against military and economic might. *** CHANGE OF LOCATION *** The assembly site for the April 12 demonstration will be at 14th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW on the east side of the White House ("Freedom Plaza/Pershing Park"). This is a change from the Washington Monument grounds. The monument grounds are muddy from rain throughout the past week. We are expecting dry weather on Saturday. MARCH ROUTE The April 12 demonstration will include a brief rally and then a march that will target the offices of the corporations and mass media that have either profited from the invasion and occupation of Iraq or served as the principle purveyors of the lies and misinformation in service of the war machine. Our march route takes us to the Carlyle Group, Fox News, the Justice Department and FBI, the White House, Bechtel, the Washington Post, the New York Times and the offices of Halliburton. Marchers will disperse at Farragut Square and take the metro from the Farragut West stop to RFK Stadium to get on their buses. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BUSES COMING TO DC: *Bus Drop Off* Bus drop off will be on 14th St. south of Pennsylvania Ave. South. (between Pennsylvania Ave. and Constitution Ave. -- drop off on the north part of the block closer to Pennsylvania Ave). Buses should go to the bus drop off / rally location, drop off passengers, and then proceed to parking (see below). After the rally, passengers will take the metro from Farragut West to RFK Stadium/Armory (the bus parking location) to get back on the bus (details below). *Bus parking at RFK Stadium* We have arranged bus parking at RFK Stadium. Buses can park in Lot 8A. The cost of parking for the day will be $30 and buses must pay when they enter the parking lot. The bus drivers should indicate that they are with the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition event. A map of RFK stadium showing the parking areas can be found athttp://www.dcsportscommission.com/directions/dcsec_parking.pdf *After the rally* The march will end at the Farragut West metro station. Volunteers will be on hand to help direct people. Bus passengers will take the metro to RFK Stadium/Armory on the blue/orange line. There will also be volunteers on hand at this end to direct everyone to the appropriate RFK parking lot. Buses will be parked in Lot 8A. It will cost $1.10 for each passenger. If your driver needs to sleep during the day, we recommend that he/she park at RFK and take the metro to the hotel listed below which has given us a special day-rate. Details can be found athttp://www.internationalanswer.org/campaigns/a12/logistics.html#dc1 Contact information for BUSES, VANS AND CAR CARAVANS TRAVELING TO DC can be found athttp://www.internationalanswer.org/campaigns/a12/a12transp.html MORE INFORMATION Additional details about the demonstration -- including driving directions, public transportation information, van and car parking, low cost housing, disability access, tabling policy and more about how you can get involved -- can be found on the April 12 logistics page athttp://www.internationalanswer.org/campaigns/a12/logistics.html **********FOR MORE INFORMATION:http://www.InternationalANSWER.org http://www.VoteNoWar.org dc@internationalanswer.org New York 212-633-6646Washington 202-332-5757Chicago 773-878-0166Los Angeles 213-487-2368San Francisco 415-821-6545Boston 617-522-6626Sign up to receive updates (low volume):http://www.internationalanswer.org/subscribelist.html To make a tax-deductible donation, go to http://www.internationalanswer.org/donate.html International A.N.S.W.E.R.Act Now to Stop War & End Racismwww.InternationalANSWER.org

What’s wrong Franklin? You upset to see that you are wrong yet again? What great quotes from the NY Post do you have for us today to back your big lies? You surely got your daily marching orders from A.N.S.W.E.R. today. Please enlighten the other useful idiots with your vast knowledge of world history and the virtues of socialism. Can’t you be happy for just 10 minutes for the 25 million people who were just handed liberty? It must suck being you.

Hey! Fuzzy Wuzzy, maybe you should be a D.A. in Oakland! Or perhaps you can submit an amicus brief, you legal eagle you! WOW WOW WOWEEand such harsh language! ouch poopsy!in a word: t-h-e-r-a-p-y

I see that the quislings have been having fun again. What, nothing substantive to complain about?How about those cops in Oakland taking charge of the vermin scum trying to block supplies for our military? I’m sure you anti-Americans are all upset over that one. I hope they and their organizers are charged with sabotage and sentenced to not less than 30 years in a federal prison. After all, what they did on the docks does constitute sabotage.

Another one for the "I hope I'm wrong"/"call me Cassandra" department:the triumph in Baghdad is probably the beginning of a nasty nightmare in Iraqwhat woud change it: real genuine reform in Iraq, power-sharing with all Iraqi sectors, as well as progress on the Israel-Palestine front.The absence of any one of these elements may well lead to Lebanon Part II.We also haven't seen the end of what may go down in the north.

Rolos are chocolate-covered caramel candies, but I don't know why he chose that name.

hey what does rolo mean anyway

You're right, U.S. Maybe all Rolo really wanted was a little attention (don't we all?). There's lots more photos if you follow the "More Rolo" link on that page.

Thanks for the link Haskell.Rolo doesn't seem like such a hateful, jingoistic right-wingnut anymore. In fact, he looks downright cuddly!!!

Thanks, Franklin, I liked the Times article. Good to see the largest-circulation daily newspaper in America hasn't lost its touch. Sure, its editorial stance tends to be liberal, but no more so than the Wall Street Journal tends to be conservative. I think Rolo's just upset because he could never get a job at either paper -- make that any paper. But you might if you got your hair cut, Rolo:http://www.me.umn.edu/~weathers/rolo.htmlDown, Boy!

WOW Franklin!! The NY Times!!! What’s next, Salon.com or The Nation or any of your other left wing publication that spouts your style of rhetoric??

Rolo, so much hate. One word for you: t-h-e-r-a-p-yFor the rest of you (psst, Rolo, you might learn something), from today's New York Times (8 April):The Last RefugeBy PAUL KRUGMANn 1944, millions of Americans were engaged in desperate battles across the world. Nonetheless, a normal presidential election was held, and the opposition didn't pull its punches: Thomas Dewey, the Republican candidate, campaigned on the theme that Franklin Roosevelt was a "tired old man." As far as I've been able to ascertain, the Roosevelt administration didn't accuse Dewey of hurting morale by questioning the president's competence. After all, democracy — including the right to criticize — was what we were fighting for.It's not a slur on the courage of our troops, or a belittling of the risks they face, to say that our current war is a mere skirmish by comparison. Yet self-styled patriots are trying to impose constraints on political speech never contemplated during World War II, accusing anyone who criticizes the president of undermining the war effort. Last week John Kerry told an audience that "what we need now is not just a regime change in Saddam Hussein and Iraq, but we need a regime change in the United States." Republicans immediately sought to portray this remark as little short of treason. "Senator Kerry crossed a grave line when he dared to suggest the replacement of America's commander in chief at a time when America is at war," declared Marc Racicot, chairman of the Republican National Committee.Notice that Mr. Racicot wasn't criticizing Mr. Kerry's choice of words. Instead, he denounced Mr. Kerry because he "dared to suggest the replacement of America's commander in chief" — knowing full well that Mr. Kerry was simply talking about the next election. Mr. Racicot, not Mr. Kerry, is the one who crossed a grave line; never in our nation's history has it been considered unpatriotic to oppose an incumbent's re-election.Anyway, what defines patriotism? Talk is cheap; so is putting a flag in your lapel. Citizens prove their patriotism when they make sacrifices for the sake of their country. Mr. Kerry, a decorated veteran, has met that test. Most of his critics haven't.I'm not just talking about military service — though it's striking how few of our biggest hawks have served. Nor am I talking only about financial sacrifice — though profiting from public office seems to be the norm, not the exception, among those who wrap themselves in the flag. (Mr. Racicot himself accepted the job as R.N.C. chairman only on the condition that he remain on the payroll of Bracewell and Patterson, a law firm that specializes in lobbying.)The biggest test of a politician's patriotism is whether he is willing to sacrifice some of his political agenda for the sake of the nation. And that's a test our current leaders have failed with flying colors. Consider the case of Tom DeLay, the House majority leader, who also piled on Mr. Kerry last week. As it happens, during the war in Kosovo Mr. DeLay was a defeatist, and blamed his own country for provoking Serbian atrocities; any Democrat who said similar things now would be accused of giving aid and comfort to the enemy.Mr. DeLay's political agenda hasn't shifted a bit now that we're at war again. He's still pushing for huge, divisive tax cuts that go mainly to the rich: "Nothing is more important in the face of a war than cutting taxes," he says. And he's still eager to slash any and all domestic spending. In the midst of war he pushed through a budget that included sharp cuts in, yes, veterans' benefits. You can see why Mr. Kerry blasted back, "I'm not going to be questioned in my patriotism by the likes of Tom DeLay."Some timid souls will suggest that critics of the Bush administration hold off until the war is over. But that's not the American tradition — and anyway, when will this war be over? Baghdad will fall, but during the occupation that follows American soldiers will still be in harm's way. Also, a strong faction within the administration wants to go on to Syria, to Iran and beyond. And Al Qaeda is still out there.For years to come, then, this country may be, in some sense, at war. And all that time, if Mr. Racicot and his party are allowed to set the ground rules, nobody will be allowed to criticize the president or call for his electoral defeat. You know what? If that happens, we will have lost the war, whatever happens on the battlefield.

Tell it to the judge dip-shit. Once the line has been crossed, there are consequences for your actions. Dr. Spock would be so proud of your mom for the way she raised you, you filthy leftist vermin street scum animal. (For definition of “filthy leftist vermin street scum animal” click on link): http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/030407/168/3qdhu.html

Another lesson in the Constitution: it supersedes any federal law. So you can't supersede the right to think freely, the right to free association, and the right to worship (or not) the deity of one's choosing.Now in Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union and in Iraq and in China and in Cuba, thinking differently and opposing state policy was/is tantamount to treason. How many Cuban dissidents are being shipped off to jail as we speak for daring to think differently?That's the essence of totalitarianism, whether of the fascist or socialist kind.Since this isn't a totalitarian state and this isn't Nazi Germany and this isn't the Soviet Union or Cuba or China or Iraq, we have the freedom, guaranteed by the US Constitution to believe what we want when we want, despite the wishes of those sniveling would-be Nazis or Dictators.So without further ado: FUCK THIS WAR BEFORE IT FUCKS YOU!

Today’s quick lesson in Federal Law:SABOTAGEU.S. CODE AS OF 1/02/01TITLE 18 CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDUREPART I, CHAPTER 105 - SABOTAGESection 2153(a) Whoever, when the United States is at war, or in times of national emergency as declared by the President or by the Congress, with intent to injure, interfere with, or obstruct the United States or any associate nation in preparing for or carrying on thewar or defense activities, or, with reason to believe that his act may injure, interfere with, or obstruct the United States or any associate nation in preparing for or carrying on the war or defense activities, willfully injures, destroys, contaminates or infects,or attempts to so injure, destroy, contaminate or infect any war material, war premises, or war utilities, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than thirty years, or both.(b) If two or more persons conspire to violate this section, and one or more of such persons do any act to effect the object of the conspiracy, each of the parties to such conspiracy shall be punished as provided in subsection (a) of this section.Section 2154. Production of defective war material, war premises, or war utilities (a) Whoever, when the United States is at war, or in times of national emergency as declared by the President or by the Congress, with intent to injure, interfere with, or obstruct the United States or any associate nation in preparing for or carrying on thewar or defense activities, or, with reason to believe that his act may injure, interfere with, or obstruct the United States or any associate nation in preparing for or carrying on the war or defense activities, willfully makes, constructs, or causes to be made orconstructed in a defective manner, or attempts to make, construct, or cause to be made or constructed in a defective manner any war material, war premises or war utilities, or any tool, implement, machine, utensil, or receptacle used or employed in making, producing, manufacturing, or repairing any such war material, war premises or war utilities, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than thirty years, or both.(b) If two or more persons conspire to violate this section, and one or more of such persons do any act to effect the object of the conspiracy, each of the parties to such conspiracy shall be punished as provided in subsection (a) of this section.Section 2155. Destruction of national-defense materials, national-defense premises, or national-defense utilities (a) Whoever, with intent to injure, interfere with, or obstruct the national defense of the United States, willfully injures, destroys, contaminates or infects, or attempts to so injure, destroy, contaminate or infect any national-defense material, national-defense premises, or national-defense utilities, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.(b) If two or more persons conspire to violate this section, and one or more of such persons do any act to effect the object of the conspiracy, each of the parties to such conspiracy shall be punished as provided in subsection (a) of this section.U.S. Code, Title 18, Chapter 12, Section 231Section 231. Civil disorders (a)(1) Whoever teaches or demonstrates to any other person the use, application, or making of any firearm or explosive or incendiary device, or technique capable of causing injury or death to persons, knowing or having reason to know or intending that the same will be unlawfully employed for use in, or in furtherance of, a civil disorder which may in any way or degree obstruct, delay, or adversely affect commerce or the movement of any article or commodity in commerce or the conduct or performance of any federally protected function; or(2) Whoever transports or manufactures for transportation in commerce any firearm, or explosive or incendiary device, knowing or having reason to know or intending that the same will be used unlawfully in furtherance of a civil disorder; or(3) Whoever commits or attempts to commit any act to obstruct, impede, or interfere with any fireman or law enforcement officer lawfully engaged in the lawful performance of his official duties incident to and during the commission of a civil disorder which in any way or degree obstructs, delays, or adversely affects commerceor the movement of any article or commodity in commerce or the conduct or performance of any federally protected function - Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.(b) Nothing contained in this section shall make unlawful any act of any law enforcement officer which is performed in the lawful performance of his official duties.

Another ominous sign: continuing pockets of resistance and who knows how many "volunteers." Even if they get Saddam, they may get bogged down for years with suicide bleeding operations, Lebanon Part II, although they will try to train an Iraqi army to leave behind, in typical proxy style.Today's quick lesson on the US Constitution:Amendment I: COngress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exewcise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.Ratified 15 December 1791."I take the Constitution personally." Sam Smith.

I sure hope those rubber bullets sting, you filthy anti-American scumbags."...Last week, a San Francisco-based peace group, Direct Action to Stop the War, had announced that it would stage a series of protests Monday involving new acts of civil disobedience.The Port of Oakland was among the targets, organizers had said, because at least one shipping company is handling war supplies..."

At this point, even if we find WMD, it will be small amounts designed for short- or medium-range (i.e., tactical) use in the vicinity of Baghdad, for defensive purposes, posing no threat to Iraq's neighbors.I don't think we're going to find Saddam Hussein either. He's probably in Syria, Libya, or China by now, leaving a double to be "martyred" in his place. I wonder if we could have avoided war by offering to double his fortune, say $7 billion, or less than a tenth of this war's cost. But watch out for vindictive actions on his part when the war's over. Even if he escapes, he'll want to avenge his own "death." THis will be especially dangerous if he's smuggled WMD out of Iraq.

Wanna retract that silly statement? Or will Ramsey get mad...

Interesting. Another way to support the troops is to stop this idiotic war and remove them from harm's way.So we're not finding weapons of mass destruction... wasn't that THE reason for picking this war?

OK, Rolo, I filled out their form, even though their info says not everyone who volunteers is selected.Meanwhile I will continue to work for a non-profit medical foundation that researches causes and treatments of Gulf War Illness, among other diseases. What, pray tell, will you do when the war is over?

Why don't you RATS do something productive for a change:http://www.adoptaplatoon.org/

R.I.P.'War' Singer Edwin Starr Dies at 61Thu Apr 3, 5:00 AM ET - Reuters By Jason Hopps LONDON (Reuters) - Nashville-born soul singer Edwin Starr, whose 1970 hit "War" denounced conflict as good for "absolutely nothing," has died aged 61 from a heart attack at his home in central England, his manager said on Thursday. "Edwin passed away at his Nottingham home on Wednesday afternoon following a heart attack," manager Lilian Kyle told Reuters by telephone. "I am absolutely saddened and shaken up by his death. He was performing right until the end," she said. Starr -- born Charles Hatcher -- gained fame in the mid 1960s with a series of soul hits, including "Agent Double-O-Soul," which he promoted by appearing in a short film with original James Bond actor Sean Connery (news). Starr signed to the Motown record label and racked up more hits in the United States and Britain, where his gutsy and strident style earned him a huge cult following. His most memorable numbers were foot-stompers "25 Miles" from 1969 and 1970's visceral number one hit "War," a thundering indictment against war that earned him a Grammy award and includes the lines: "War has shattered many young men's dreams/We've got no place for it today/ They say we must fight to keep our freedom but Lord/There's just got to be a better way." Starr himself served in the U.S. army for three years before embarking on a career in music. U.S. rock star Suzi Quatro (news), who met Starr as a teenager in Detroit, led the tributes to the soul legend. She told BBC Online: "He was the best. There was nobody better on the stage and he was the nicest man you could ever wish to meet." Starr shifted from soul to disco in the late 1970s then moved to Britain in the 1980s where he toured repeatedly on oldies and soul revues. More recently, he played at charity events and was due to perform at the international music festival Womad -- World of Music, Arts and Dance -- in Reading, southeast England, in July. In a 2000 interview with Britain's Guardian newspaper he analyzed the secret of his success: "I just take care of myself," he said. "I never drink. I've never been involved with drugs. I don't let the business control me. I don't feel the need to be in the public eye. I've never searched for adulation, and I'm not gonna start, at this point in my life, to do so." -- additional reporting by Michelle Green

HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Governments of the USA and the UK need to ask the UN Security Council to mediate an immediate cease-fire and resume weapons inspections, rebuild the civilian infrastructure that has been destroyed, and compensate the families of the civilians killed.The Administration's gamble, even if successful in the short-term in ousting Hussein, will result in lasting damage to our national security.

Is there a point somewhere in your diatribe? What do you suggest we do at this point (without quoting some liberal rag)?

A reminder: the Administration's gamble is that Iraq would fall quickly, by driving out Hussein, and US/UK forces would be welcomed as liberators. Why this assumption? Because during Gulf I, coalition forces had difficulty keeping up with all the Iraqi surrenders - and soon there were spontaneous uprisings in the south and north - which were crushed by Hussein as we watched.This is not happening, although the Administration has faith that once Hussein is captured or killed, the war will be over. However, the possible beginning of sucide bombings as well as the shift to unconventional warfare may ensure this is a long quagmire, regardless of what happens to Hussein.The shift to unconventional warfare is good news to Hussein and really bad news to US/UK. Washington Post, Tuesday, April 1, pg. A21, summarized this well in quoting a Pentagon official: "Everyone is now seen as a combatant until proven otherwise." This means that all of Iraq is considered hostile and major fuck-ups, like the killing of ten civilians, including five children who "appreared to be under 5 years old" yesterday, March 31 (Washington Post, front page "A Gruesome Scene on Highway 9: 10 dead after vehicle shelled at checkpoint"), will only increase. This is bound to anger even more Iraqis who could have welcomed US/UK forces. Not to mention spreading anger throughout the region.