Just imagine if you opened up tomorrow’s paper and saw a headline “Anti-Americanism ‘Helps Al-Qa’eda.’” Would have to be the Washington Times, or the New York Post, right?
Well, The Daily Telegraph ran a story Thursday entitled “Anti-Americanism in Europe ‘Helps Al-Qa’eda,’” and frankly, the American media along with the politicians they so revere could learn how a strong U.S. ally feels about slamming Uncle Sam in public (emphasis mine throughout):
Anti-American feeling in Europe is playing into the hands of al-Qa'eda and unwittingly encouraging terrorism, Australia's foreign minister said today.
In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Alexander Downer urged European politicians to weigh the consequences of their words before they "leap out there and attack America".
Not exactly a popular philosophy here in America, is it? The Telegraph continued:
Mr Downer gave warning that criticism of America's conduct in Iraq could – inadvertently – provide an incentive for terrorist attacks.
"People in the West, and not only in Europe, blame America for a suicide bomber in a market in Baghdad," he said.
"That only encourages more horrific behaviour. Every time there is an atrocity committed, it is implicitly America's fault, so why not commit some more atrocities and put even more pressure on America?"
Makes sense, right? So why don’t people on the left in this country see what a foreign minister from Australia does? Regardless, the piece continued:
Mr Downer added: "The al-Qa'eda leadership has said on many occasions that more than 50 per cent of the battle is a battle in the media. The more you can get media denigration of America, the more that the war against terrorism is seen to be an indictment of America, the better for those who started this war."
Speaking during a visit to London, Mr Downer, who has served as Australia's foreign minister for almost 11 years, said that European critics of Washington were not aiming to help terrorists, but this could be the unintentional consequence of their words.
"It's very rude to say these people want to help al-Qa'eda. They don't. But obviously America's enemies take comfort from continual attacks on America by America's friends," he said. "Before you leap out there and vigorously attack America, think about what you're saying and the consequences of what you're saying."
Seems like sound advice that many on Capitol Hill and in pressrooms across our nation should heed.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.
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<sigh>
February 8, 2007 - 19:48 ET by Rackie<sigh>
BZ to the Auzzies. They've
February 8, 2007 - 20:08 ET by Troika37BZ to the Auzzies. They've been behind us consistently, and seem to have a better grasp on the potential damage Muslims could bring if left unchecked. Hopefully this trend continues, and our good buddies down under stay in the fight.
T37,And their PM John Howard
February 8, 2007 - 20:14 ET by BlondeT37,
And their PM John Howard has it going on too. Telling the islamofascist muslim clerics to shape up or ship out. (And he told Al Gore to kiss off, too, LOL).
The only quibble I have wit
February 8, 2007 - 20:19 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveThe only quibble I have with the Aussies is their crappy gun laws. Other than that they do have it going on...especially the blondes! ;-P
Gun Safety Tip #8: No matter how responsible he seems, never give your gun to a monkey. (www.imao.us)
Okay, Mean Gene,I'll bite....
February 8, 2007 - 20:27 ET by BlondeOkay, Mean Gene,
I'll bite....What's with their gun laws that has you offended? Other than the fact that their gun laws probably are descendents of Brit Law?
Or do they give their guns to their monkeys?
Their gun laws are similar
February 8, 2007 - 21:08 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveTheir gun laws are similar to the U.K., but not quite as harsh. Gun owners do have to provide a "legitimate" reason/purpose for each gun. You can't just say, "I'm a hunter" or "I'm a target shooter" and be done with it. I have problems with governments that can arbitrarily determine if my reason for owning a gun is "legitimate" enough for them.
Every time a government sets stringent laws on guns just wastes their time, the people that obey laws aren't the problem--it's the criminals that they should be worrying about.
When both Japan and the U.K. set their draconian laws into effect, both countries saw sharp and sustained increases in gun crime. Simialr effect have also been observed in NYC, D.C., and California.
Conversely, crime drops when gun laws are loosened or when concealed carry permits have been easier to get. As you probably know, Florida is a "shall issue" state meaning anyone that meets the rquirements will be issued a concealed carry permit...couple that with the Castle Doctrine and you've got some great self-defense mojo goin' on there...I don't have any links, and it may still be too early to tabulate accurate data, but I wouldn't be surprised if crime in Florida is falling.
Gun Safety Tip #8: No matter how responsible he seems, never give your gun to a monkey. (www.imao.us)
That's what I figured you'd s
February 8, 2007 - 21:25 ET by BlondeThat's what I figured you'd say, Mean Gene.
Actually, I am considering getting a gun (here in Florida). Just because.
You know...hurricanes, looters....stuff like that.
Gun Safety Tip #8: No mat
February 8, 2007 - 21:33 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveGun Safety Tip #8: No matter how responsible he seems, never give your gun to a monkey. (www.imao.us)
What ever came of stories of
February 8, 2007 - 20:55 ET by ucWhat ever came of stories of The French in bed with Saddam for oil and greater global dominance and thus against inforcement of UN sanctions>> at the continued expense of the now free Iraqi people. Any links to make available on this thought to be old issue?
OIl for food
February 9, 2007 - 19:32 ET by M J BTry www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1485649,00.html
Media
February 8, 2007 - 23:09 ET by Jerry Mackmy opinion is that the msm in this country have convinced themselves that they do not have any responsibilities at all. Also everything that they report is news which is based on facts and must be proven wrong. No matter where they got the "facts" or what they leave out.
So wait, do you want people
February 8, 2007 - 23:12 ET by The TruthSo wait, do you want people to just shut up? Do you want people to just accept that people are dying over there with no end in sight and just ignore it?
Absolutely not. But do not pr
February 8, 2007 - 23:21 ET by Jerry MackAbsolutely not. But do not print hear say or factless information.
No, we would just appreciate
February 8, 2007 - 23:22 ET by Free StinkerNo, we would just appreciate if the MSM (US & Euro) would stop acting as the propaganda arm of Al Quaida.
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"One thing that seperates liberals from conservatives is that liberals are craftier and work without the hinderance of a conscience." --Lynn Wooley
No "truth", we want
February 8, 2007 - 23:29 ET by Chicago RepublicanNo "truth", we want people to have some historical perspective, and an understanding of what it takes to keep your Xbox running.
*There have been fewer casualties in OIF than on Iwo Jima in WWII.
*Our enemies don't give a rat's ass about casualties or how long it takes to succeed. They are committed.
*Your buddies on the Left have no plan to win other than to give up under the guise of 'redeployment'.
The Left in the media refuse to tell the truth about the SUCCESSES that we are having in Iraq. Hardly a mention. "Truth", if you were going to invest money in a stock, would you want to know the WHOLE story (historical ROI, stability, etc) rather than just the fact that you are having to part with a lot of money now?
Perspective, "Truth". Not media soundbites and ignorance of history. (please don't embarass yourself and talk about Vietnam and say that history supports your suppositions. You'll be eaten alive for that here.)
And to piggy-back on your i
February 8, 2007 - 23:52 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveAnd to piggy-back on your investing analogy...
History has shown that investors that keep their money in a stock for long periods of time, will more often than not see gains. It takes time. "The buy now, sell tomorrow" strategy may make a quick buck or two, but the wise investors keep their money working for them and see bigger gains over a longer period.
The war on terror is very similar in that aspect. It is going to take time, it is going to take patience, there will be setbacks, but if we stick with it with a good strategy, we will see definite pay-offs.
How long has it been since the U.S. was attacked on our own soil? I think that is a big pay-off to fighting this war on terror.
Ask yourself another question or two: How many terrorists have we removed from the streets of the world? And what is the death ratio of terrorist-to-U.S./Iraqi Servicemen? How come the MSM never talks about that?
Gun Safety Tip #8: No matter how responsible he seems, never give your gun to a monkey. (www.imao.us)
How long has it been since th
February 9, 2007 - 00:12 ET by Chicago RepublicanHow long has it been since the U.S. was attacked on our own soil? I think that is a big pay-off to fighting this war on terror.
I agree, Gene, but I think a better question to ask is, how many terror plots on Western Nations have been foiled because of the GWOT and the increased intel that has resulted?
Many.
Unless you were being sarca
February 8, 2007 - 23:44 ET by Mean Gene Dr. LoveUnless you were being sarcastic, your comment lays bare your ignorance and shows me you have trouble with reading comprehension and no skill in critical thinking.
There is a difference between reporting and criticizing. Straight reporting is what we all want. What we are sick of is the MSM utterly refusing to acknowledge the good that has been done or the fact that we are making a difference. Most of Iraq is at relative peace, select areas are hotbeds, but the way the MSM deals with Iraq they make it sound like the entire country is in complete anarchy. That is simply not true. If I have my statistics straight, more people die in car accidents in America every day than the number of our soldiers soldiers die each day over there.
More than likely there would be an end in sight if the MSM wasn't so adamant in their hatred of Bush. Another big factor in how long this has been drawn out is the fact that our politicians (on both sides) are trying to run the war in a 'politically correct' manner. As you can see, that doesn't work. We have military commanders that have the knowledge and ability to run this war (with congress' oversight), but the politicians continue to insist on keeping them hamstrung and impotent.
And everyone that thought the war on terror was an in-and-out operation was fooling themselves or complete idiots. First off there is potentially anywhere from 50-100 million "radical Muslims" add to that other terror groups around the world. Then factor in the reality that none of these people wear uniforms, they are not official or discrete armies or militias of any governments, they attack innocent civilians trying to live their lives. They hide amongst the civilian population. And they really don't care if they die. Now do the math...it's going to take a long time to completely get rid of them.
If we used more decisive and forceful methods we would be making more headway at a much quicker rate. Our politicians don't have the stomach for it, they are too worried about the winning their next election (as they always are). The rhetoric is tiring and too many people (particularly on the Left) buy into it and quite frankly have forgotten (if they ever knew) what the price of freedom is and that lasting freedom demands sacrifice from time to time.
Gun Safety Tip #8: No matter how responsible he seems, never give your gun to a monkey. (www.imao.us)
Very well put Gene. Amen to
February 8, 2007 - 23:52 ET by Chicago RepublicanVery well put Gene. Amen to it all.
You seem unable to comprehend
February 9, 2007 - 00:12 ET by NL207You seem unable to comprehend that Islamofascists killed 3,000 women, children, babies, old people and office workers here in the US of A on 9-11. Those who actually carried out this act died in its commission. Those who inspired it live on in muslim countries across the middle east. Presently, many of those persons are in Iraq. Abu Al Masri claims he has 12,000 Al Qaeda fighters under his command in Iraq. Even if he is lying about this and has only 6,000, that is still enough to commit hundreds of 9-11 attacks.
Yes, people are dying in Iraq. But if dummies like you and the rest of the left in this country are allowed to tuck tail and run, leaving this force of Al Qaeda intact on the battlefield as is your bent, the dying will not stop, it will simply change venues. Worse, the iniitiative will transfer to Al Qaeda and we will be responding to their moves instead of they to ours. This is a truth you should think about. What does the left propose to do about the Islamofascists? Nothing that I can see. The left gives all the appearances of believing that the Islamofascists will simply go away if we leave Iraq. I think this is pure delusional thinking. I think the Islamofascists will continue to purue their stated goals, the destruction of Israel and the conversion of America to Islam or its destruction if it wil not be converted.
Perhaps you would prefer the
February 9, 2007 - 06:55 ET by Dave RPerhaps you would prefer the alternative, which is people dying over here?
I hate newspapermen.....I regard them as spies.....If I killed them all there would be news from Hell before breakfast. -Gen. William T. Sherman
Moral support for the terrorists..
February 8, 2007 - 23:45 ET by Gary HallNoel, back on about Jan. 18th, a hot item in the news - and specifically as reported by Ed Henry of CNN was this little tid bit:
Possibily the press understood that they were on fragile ground here, and did not run with the ciritism of President Bush here, that they obviously wanted to run with, understanding that this was a double edged sword. al Maliki's expressing the obvious view that media coverage of even the President's critque of happenings in Iraq would provide moral support to the terrorists, was a hot story, but..... gee mom, if we really talk about this, then does it not become rather obvious that it might be our own actions that have fueled the successes of the terrorists in Iraq? Might it be because of us, that this "wanton killing" (thank you Helen) of innocent civilians is occuring on a daily basis - with the media unable to find the dignity to blame the terrorists for it.
The Germans are a load of dol
February 9, 2007 - 00:19 ET by NL207The Germans are a load of dolts. Der Spiegel is little more than a mouthpiece for Eurpean Socialism. Do you people know the Germans have had several near misses last year, attempted train bombings by Islamofscists which only failed by the grace of God. There were two bombs placed on commuter trains in Northern Germany last July. One of them was discovered before its timer expired. The second failed to explode properly when it attempted to detonate. A third bomb was much more ominous. This was planted on the high speed line near Hannover where it was discovered by German Bahn employees before it could explode.
These fools think the Islamists are just going to go away iof America relents. They deserve what they get.
Iraq's Baath party had a huge
February 9, 2007 - 11:36 ET by AlgerHissIraq's Baath party had a huge love affair with the Nazi's back in that day: Big surprise there.
Isn't Germany still making reparation payments for their hideous, murderous rampage?
And while we're rightfully bashing Germany, click here to recall one the most destructive human beings Germany gave us. (Hint: It ain't Hitler.)
Rochester, Minnesota: A Fem_Leftist City!
It is refreshing to note that
February 9, 2007 - 07:02 ET by Dave RIt is refreshing to note that the Aussies haven't been afflicted with the same appeasement disease that the Euro-weenies have contracted. It's amazing what has happened to the European psyche in the sixty-two years since the end of WW II. Short memories they have.
I hate newspapermen.....I regard them as spies.....If I killed them all there would be news from Hell before breakfast. -Gen. William T. Sherman
Democrat strategy of 'opposing' Bush backfires.
February 9, 2007 - 07:26 ET by acaiguanaDemocrat strategy of 'opposing' Bush backfires.
The Democrats have been on a slippery slope since the beginning of the Iraq War. This is being exposed finally in their so-called and apparently now failed resolution to oppose the Troop Surge in the Senate.
The debate in the Senate that the Democrats so desparately wanted to cut off was about the number of Resolutions that would be allowed to be presented for a vote and the number of resolutions included some that were pretty clear in their support of the War and of Bush's policies.
It was a unique opportunity for some Senators, including Lieberman, to point out the amount of damage these resolutions were causing the morale of the troops, the morale of the American people, the will to fight and how encouraging these type of silly assertions enhanced the enemies will to fight on and on.
But the MSM chose for the most part to ignore this part of the debate, instead concentrating on trying to make the Republicans look obstructionist.
Obstructionist to what? Obstructionist to the very idea that if our Congress were to pass such a resolution it would give aid and comfort to the enemy? If that was being obstructionist, then I am proud of the Republicans standing firm.
My only regret was that the Republicans did not flood the airways and print media with Press Conferences and announcements stating that they stood four square behind the President and this War on Terror. A missed opportunity and a weak spined bunch, these Republicans.
ACA
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Hillary Clinton says: "I want to take those profits."