tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post4165520033611046582..comments2024-03-17T03:16:44.995-04:00Comments on BigCityLib Strikes Back: Doom, Baby! Doombigcitylibhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081538803991095825noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-57326835108393864092008-02-08T18:22:00.000-05:002008-02-08T18:22:00.000-05:00Just watch the teevee, drink the high balls, play ...Just watch the teevee, drink the high balls, play golf, think about your next new car and let the grown ups worry about <I>teh politics.</I><BR/><BR/>By the way, Grumpy...I lived in the 3rd World for almost a decade.Ti-Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06620550471437012866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-7692326572444760482008-02-08T17:07:00.000-05:002008-02-08T17:07:00.000-05:00>>Quite certain. Now, lay off the talk radio and o...>>Quite certain. Now, lay off the talk radio and opinion passing as history and go read a book, or something. You'd probably be less grumpy if you weren't historically illiterate.<<<BR/><BR/>As opposed to a spandex wearing wine cooler drinking student of middle eastern affairs who pontificates on the validity of a commentator's observations whilst looking up questionable *facts* from Wikipedia to bolster his pseudo intellectualism. <BR/><BR/>I'm not making an intellectual argument, I am simply stating facts and am *oh so amused* that you truly believe political instability/civil strife/war on Pakistan and India's doorstep is going to somehow motivate these two countries to defeat the Taliban (you know, cuz there's just like totally no political upheaval in Pakistan that might possibly occupy their time more than neighboring Afghanistan these days) and bring order to Afghanistan. I stand corrected, you're not on crack - more likely crystal meth.<BR/><BR/>Now where did I put my transistor radio and my white ear plug? Can't make it through the day without ma feeux uf Rutherferd errr John Gorrrrmley, hyuck, radio shoooows! Oopsie, I just PLUM fell outta my ternip truk! Sheeit! Where's maaaa rifle woman????Sean Cummingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01550744638377851070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-56391881075380720822008-02-08T12:43:00.000-05:002008-02-08T12:43:00.000-05:00Well said ti-guyGrumpy, check out http://www.amazo...Well said ti-guy<BR/><BR/>Grumpy, check out <BR/>http://www.amazon.com/Great-Game-Struggle-Central-Kodansha/dp/1568360223<BR/>or<BR/>http://www.amazon.com/Tournament-Shadows-Great-Empire-Central/dp/B000WCTR2S/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202492318&sr=1-1<BR/><BR/>Warning: many words with multiple syllables<BR/><BR/>Sorry if the links truncate - but you can go to amazon and search on the titles <BR/>The Great Game<BR/>Tournament of ShadowsNorthern PoVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04670080478290108536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-38547256462406507402008-02-08T12:21:00.000-05:002008-02-08T12:21:00.000-05:00You know, because two nuclear armed mortal enemies...<I>You know, because two nuclear armed mortal enemies (Pakistan and India) one fundamentalist Islamic nation wanting to join the nuclear club (Iran) one country that invaded Afghanistan and started this mess in the first place (Russia) and one country with no vested interest in middle eastern affairs (China) are totally gonna solve this.</I><BR/><BR/>Why didn't you just call all of them "wogs" and save yourself the time?<BR/><BR/>There's nothing that promotes clarity in thinking and urgency of action more than real threats in a neighbouring country and the imperative to protect one's own civilian population and economy, knowing that no one else can help you.<BR/><BR/>It's certainly more compelling than the opinion of some overfed, poorly-educated and hysterical North American blathering on about existential threats that do not intersect with his or her life in any real sense at all.<BR/><BR/>Like the Balkans, Afghanistan's instability is due to the convergence of peoples/interests there, which are supported by and played-off against each other among its neighbours. No degree of assuming the "white man's burden" is going to change that...it never has in the past. The British couldn't do it, the Russians couldn't do it, and I doubt it'll work this time either. So far, the only success seems to be the establishment of a narco-state.<BR/><BR/><I>Are you quite certain you're not on crack?</I><BR/><BR/>Quite certain. Now, lay off the talk radio and opinion passing as history and go read a book, or something. You'd probably be less grumpy if you weren't historically illiterate.Ti-Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06620550471437012866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-52705623952870101362008-02-08T11:49:00.000-05:002008-02-08T11:49:00.000-05:00Heroin isn't even in the same league as tobacco an...Heroin isn't even in the same league as tobacco and alcohol for causing death. What's more, heroin kills by overdose, and overdoses are mainly the result of it's being illicit and unregulated.Lennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05937127608668201556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-43244086797144480172008-02-08T11:37:00.000-05:002008-02-08T11:37:00.000-05:00BCJ,http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/drugsre...BCJ,<BR/><BR/>http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/drugs<BR/><BR/>reveals more clearly what was ment by the Executive Director of the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime.<BR/><BR/>He (Antonio Maria Costa) also wrote in the conclusion of the official aforementioned U.N. report:<BR/><BR/>"Once again, the yearly Afghan opium harvest may kill, directly and not, over 100 thousand people."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-79221124852078681302008-02-08T11:36:00.000-05:002008-02-08T11:36:00.000-05:00ti-guy wrote:>>It's in the interests of the region...ti-guy wrote:<BR/><BR/>>>It's in the interests of the regional powers...Iran, Pakistan, India, Russia and China to ensure stability in Afghanistan.<<<BR/><BR/>You know, because two nuclear armed mortal enemies (Pakistan and India) one fundamentalist Islamic nation wanting to join the nuclear club (Iran) one country that invaded Afghanistan and started this mess in the first place (Russia) and one country with no vested interest in middle eastern affairs (China) are totally gonna solve this. I especially like the part about Pakistan and India, you know, because we just know how well those two countries play in the same sandbox.<BR/><BR/>Are you quite certain you're not on crack?Sean Cummingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01550744638377851070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-8001533738932150902008-02-08T11:19:00.000-05:002008-02-08T11:19:00.000-05:00MJ,Strictly speaking he's right. Its probably cig...MJ,<BR/><BR/>Strictly speaking he's right. Its probably cigarettes (or alcohol).bigcitylibhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05081538803991095825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-91510396697900259372008-02-08T11:18:00.000-05:002008-02-08T11:18:00.000-05:00"The ultimatum is a phony."It's all been phony - r..."The ultimatum is a phony."<BR/><BR/>It's all been phony - right from the selection of <I>Lieber</I>Manley to do his cut & paste job.Lennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05937127608668201556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-13662204286109696082008-02-08T11:14:00.000-05:002008-02-08T11:14:00.000-05:00lenny,You said:"Heroin isn't even close to being t...lenny,<BR/><BR/>You said:<BR/><BR/>"Heroin isn't even close to being the "world's deadliest drug"."<BR/><BR/>Can you please enlighten the UN and the rest of us...with facts.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-7567010907504409852008-02-08T11:04:00.000-05:002008-02-08T11:04:00.000-05:00As ever, the extreme left-leaning media in this co...As ever, the extreme left-leaning media in this country REFUSE to publish or report any news from Af'stan other than who got killed. <BR/><BR/>Defund the CBC, let it die. Or better yet, load it with correct-wing journalists in order to finally provide BALANCE in the Canadian media. THAT would be worthwhile and arguably better serve Canadians than the filtered left-wing slop we're constantly having shoved down our throats.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-60751072106825892142008-02-08T11:00:00.000-05:002008-02-08T11:00:00.000-05:00NN has a Conservative bias, but its still the best...NN has a Conservative bias, but its still the best aggregator.<BR/><BR/>If there's good juicy anti-conservative stuff going on, though, he'll report it.bigcitylibhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05081538803991095825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-69213249379027430542008-02-08T10:56:00.000-05:002008-02-08T10:56:00.000-05:00"according to Canwest and Canoe columnists,"Whats ..."according to Canwest and Canoe columnists,"<BR/><BR/>Whats your opinion on National Newswatch?<BR/><BR/>To me it seem they give prominence to the above mentioned pack and high-lite minor headlines so as to try to damage the Liberals <BR/><BR/>anyone agree?<BR/>"just cause I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me"Northern PoVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04670080478290108536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-28978621805044472202008-02-08T10:52:00.000-05:002008-02-08T10:52:00.000-05:00A good quote from J. Laxer"The ultimatum is a phon...A good quote from J. Laxer<BR/>"The ultimatum is a phony. NATO has 35,000 troops in Afghanistan. Units are arriving and leaving all the time. Shifting a few more troops to the south in time for Harper’s deadline is no big deal, and it won’t be necessary to convince the French, the Germans, the Spaniards or the Italians to send the troops. It will be easy enough to do it with U.S. and British units.<BR/><BR/>All this posturing is intended to convince Canadians that Harper is standing up to the Big Guys and not simply pandering to the Bush White House." http://www.jameslaxer.com/blog.htmlNorthern PoVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04670080478290108536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-33814686347685319172008-02-08T10:49:00.000-05:002008-02-08T10:49:00.000-05:00"becoming practically the exclusive supplier of th..."becoming practically the exclusive supplier of the world's deadliest drug "<BR/><BR/>Heroin isn't even close to being the "world's deadliest drug".Lennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05937127608668201556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-35069839511069262042008-02-08T10:19:00.000-05:002008-02-08T10:19:00.000-05:00Actually, the Taliban read the Toronto Star as it'...Actually, the Taliban read the Toronto Star as it's so friendly to them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-77870835327732922482008-02-08T09:34:00.000-05:002008-02-08T09:34:00.000-05:00Well, for one thing, Mr. Ivison, I doubt they read...<I>Well, for one thing, Mr. Ivison, I doubt they read the National Post, because nobody reads the National Post.</I><BR/><BR/>except of course, BCL.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-39365705477786925712008-02-08T08:54:00.000-05:002008-02-08T08:54:00.000-05:00My questions are:1. After 7+ years, why isn't the ...My questions are:<BR/><BR/>1. After 7+ years, why isn't the Afghanistan government, army, police, controlling Kandahar?<BR/><BR/>2. The Manley Report and Harper are proposing that we police Kandahar until when?<BR/><BR/>3. Are 1,000 additional troops going to really be enough? 600,000 Russian troops over 10 years were not enough.<BR/><BR/>According to the U.N., Afghanistan produced 185 metric tons in 2001. Last year, Afghanistan produced 8,200 metric tons. THAT IS A 4400% INCREASE. I guess that is why the report concludes:<BR/><BR/>"in 2007 Afghanistan produced an extraordinary 8,200 tons of opium (34% more than in 2006), becoming practically the exclusive supplier of the world's deadliest drug (93% of the global opiates market). Leaving aside 19th century China, that had a population at that time 15 times larger than today's Afghanistan, no other country in the world has ever produced narcotics on such a deadly scale."<BR/><BR/>http://www.unodc.org/pdf/research/AFG07_ExSum_web.pdf<BR/><BR/>An election focused on Afghanistan is welcomed by this Liberal.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-66578324702112010942008-02-08T08:52:00.000-05:002008-02-08T08:52:00.000-05:00Because of it, we enjoy basic civil liberties like...<I>Because of it, we enjoy basic civil liberties like freedom of expression which the Nazis and the Taliban abhor and which Canadians, BCL, Kinsella, and a few others excepted, enjoy.</I><BR/><BR/>The Nazis sock-pupetted a lot, Biff.Ti-Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06620550471437012866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-72222460008199220332008-02-08T08:47:00.000-05:002008-02-08T08:47:00.000-05:00Frances - you make a good point about reminding ev...Frances - you make a good point about reminding everyone that this is a UN approved mission.<BR/><BR/>If this were 1939 BCL would be protesting Canada's participation in WWII. That war took a while but Canada's participation against the forces of evil, Nazi Germany, was the right thing to do. Because of it, we enjoy basic civil liberties like freedom of expression which the Nazis and the Taliban abhor and which Canadians, BCL, Kinsella, and a few others excepted, enjoy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-9254042947825141272008-02-08T08:44:00.000-05:002008-02-08T08:44:00.000-05:00Liberals have to take a stand on it and the realit...<I>Liberals have to take a stand on it and the reality of the situation on the ground there is that should Canada withdraw to a safe part of the country, who will replace Canada?</I><BR/><BR/>The entire premise is flawed. It's in the interests of the regional powers...Iran, Pakistan, India, Russia and China to ensure stability in Afghanistan. NATO should pull out altogether and let them take care of it.<BR/><BR/>...Well, maybe not the US, since it helped fuck it up in the first place, when it left a power vacuum after the Soviet invasion.Ti-Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06620550471437012866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-63960883478393088462008-02-08T08:39:00.000-05:002008-02-08T08:39:00.000-05:00Dion does come by this naturally I suppose since, ...<I>Dion does come by this naturally I suppose since, let's not forget, he holds french citizenship.</I><BR/><BR/>You're the anonymous questionning my heritage on the other thread, aren't you? The one who thinks "french" isn't spelled with a capital "f?"<BR/><BR/>BCL...the sock-puppeting by Biff is ridiculous. Two comments in this thread alone.Ti-Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06620550471437012866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-46618609300544821952008-02-08T08:37:00.000-05:002008-02-08T08:37:00.000-05:00Neither party (Libs or PC's) have flushed out a po...Neither party (Libs or PC's) have flushed out a policy that creates a win/win scenario for anyone. The Liberals got us into this mess and the Tories can't get us out (because they don't wish to). What's missing from the debate is an actual DEBATE! If that means we have an election to flush out the parties positions and more importantly, the parties plan for Canadian troops, then I'm all for an election. There is no happy medium on the Afghanistan question. Liberals have to take a stand on it and the reality of the situation on the ground there is that should Canada withdraw to a safe part of the country, who will replace Canada? Thus far, the Liberals haven't answered that question and as an ex Canadian infantry soldier, I'd be very interested in learning who the Liberals expect will replace us.Sean Cummingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01550744638377851070noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-48893139494874186252008-02-08T08:36:00.000-05:002008-02-08T08:36:00.000-05:00I would suggest that the collective weight of Cana...<I>I would suggest that the collective weight of Canada's Conservative punditocracy will have the same ability to move the public on this issue that it has had for the past couple of years...zero!</I><BR/><BR/>And I'm astonished at how desperate they've been....no sophistry, no falsehood, no rationalisation was too hair-brained for them to trot out in service of their manly-man fantasy of glorious wars for the liberation of brown peoples everywhere.<BR/><BR/>You ever meet any of these conservatives pundits? It's astonishing to note what pasty little sawed-off dweebs most of them are.Ti-Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06620550471437012866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23292180.post-16075329100826249172008-02-08T08:06:00.000-05:002008-02-08T08:06:00.000-05:00Once upon a time the Liberal Party of Canada could...Once upon a time the Liberal Party of Canada could be counted on to take responsible mainstream positions on matters that mattered. Lately, and especially since the ascension of Dion to the head of the party, that is no longer the case. If the Liberals were doing this for short term political gain, that is to say mere posturing, that would be one thing, but Dion clearly means what he says.<BR/><BR/>Say what you will about the Conservative position but Harper has run circles around Dion on this. The more I see of Dion, the more he reminds me of the hapless Joe Clark.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com