WTFDYW:
//they (Iran), aren't important

Wrong.

imprimere: wichitaleaf: dalovindj: Iran seems to be using the nation-state version of the GOP playbook. What is good for your party is secondary to vigorously opposing the opposition. Even if that strategy means you will ultimately be decimated. For the GOP it means getting destroyed at the polls in the coming elections, but if Iran keeps this shiat up their destruction will be of a more literal sort.

Let's talk again November 7th. Lots of things can happen between now and then but I believe we are in for a potential landslide. Many people, in my opinion, are just not liking the whole Obama hope and change thing.
Just one guys opinion.

As a person who can't stand the whole "Obama hope and change thing", I think you're absolutely wrong. I believe the Republicans are having the hardest time getting their diarrhea together.

Getting ones act together has been going on in primaries forever. Don't you remember the democrats from last election. Hillary and Obama etc. They united in the end and all was well just like the repubs will do. Like they all do once a candidate is chosen. Look I don't like either party but I'm tellin ya people are done with Obama.

Now I am confused..if Israel and possibly the U.S and U.K have been pushing for Iran to retaliate by crippling the nuclear program using viruses, assassinations and sanctions etc why would they cancel their military drills? drills that would further infuriate Iran and lead to them snapping?

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/01/15/major-israel-u-s-military-dri l l-postponed-over-iran-tensions-reports/

JERUSALEM - Israel and the United States have agreed to postpone a major military defence exercise scheduled for spring, Israeli public radio reported Sunday, amid rising regional tension over Iran's nuclear program.

ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: Digital Communist: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: In all serious Canadian PM Stephen Harper has been trying his hardest to get Iranian attention but is still not mentioned when they threaten U.S, Britain, Israel

It doesn't matter. The world doesn't hate Canada. They hate the US. That's what power is all about. The biggest fire hydrant is the one that puts out the fire.

Just so we're clear. You are saying the US has a bad global reputation because they are the most powerful nation on earth and everyone is jealous, correct?

It has nothing to do with jealousy. It has to do with presence. If Iran pisses off Canada, what's going to happen? Nothing. You don't win the wiener contest swordfighting with Canada. Ahmadinejad doesn't want to threaten Canada, the UK, or Russia, or even Germany. He wants to show that he threatened the US and "won." That's where his virility is validated.

Ahmadinejad has been threatening U.K a lot actually, they are currently bitter enemies

Another Proxy threat. I shouldn't have included the UK in my post.

Iran has threatened Germany too saying they will bomb American bases in Germany

American bases.

American bases yes but bombings on German territory would also be an act of war towards Germany would it not? and why would Iran threaten Russia? why even include them

The threat against Russia is financial. If Iran goes all Fite against the US, the Russian economy is suddenly very threatened. It will put Russia into the uncomfortable position of choosing a side. Neither of which really wins in the end.

If an American base in Germany was discombobulated, you could count on one hand how many Germans would give a crap about it. Seeing Americans die would probably cause another 1980's "Get them the fark out" festival. Oh, and they might care. Those two. Or just that one guy.

Trance750: If any corporate CEO has done what OPEC has spent the last 30 years doing, they'd be in prison forever.

The jackasses from De Beers are still out in the wild

ontariolightning: Now I am confused..if Israel and possibly the U.S and U.K have been pushing for Iran to retaliate by crippling the nuclear program using viruses, assassinations and sanctions etc why would they cancel their military drills? drills that would further infuriate Iran and lead to them snapping?

Perhaps you want to look at differing goals within that group.

nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: Digital Communist: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: In all serious Canadian PM Stephen Harper has been trying his hardest to get Iranian attention but is still not mentioned when they threaten U.S, Britain, Israel

It doesn't matter. The world doesn't hate Canada. They hate the US. That's what power is all about. The biggest fire hydrant is the one that puts out the fire.

Just so we're clear. You are saying the US has a bad global reputation because they are the most powerful nation on earth and everyone is jealous, correct?

It has nothing to do with jealousy. It has to do with presence. If Iran pisses off Canada, what's going to happen? Nothing. You don't win the wiener contest swordfighting with Canada. Ahmadinejad doesn't want to threaten Canada, the UK, or Russia, or even Germany. He wants to show that he threatened the US and "won." That's where his virility is validated.

Ahmadinejad has been threatening U.K a lot actually, they are currently bitter enemies

Another Proxy threat. I shouldn't have included the UK in my post.

Iran has threatened Germany too saying they will bomb American bases in Germany

American bases.

American bases yes but bombings on German territory would also be an act of war towards Germany would it not? and why would Iran threaten Russia? why even include them

The threat against Russia is financial. If Iran goes all Fite against the US, the Russian economy is suddenly very threatened. It will put Russia into the uncomfortable position of choosing a side. Neither of which really wins in the end.

If an American base in Germany was discombobulated, you could count on one hand how many Germans would give a crap about it. Seeing Americans die would probably cause another 1980's "Get them the fark out" festival. Oh, and they might care. Those two. Or just that one guy.

and if Germans are killed you expect them to go ah, oh well? not bloody likely
I don't think Germans will appreciate being bombed

Iran is getting to be as shrill as North Korea. All they need is a raving pompadoured midget in charge to complete the homage. Maybe they can give Ahmadinejad a new hairdo.

Awww, Tehran just "unfriended" me!

What, was it the oil production I did?

Party Boy: ontariolightning: Now I am confused..if Israel and possibly the U.S and U.K have been pushing for Iran to retaliate by crippling the nuclear program using viruses, assassinations and sanctions etc why would they cancel their military drills? drills that would further infuriate Iran and lead to them snapping?

Perhaps you want to look at differing goals within that group.

Maybe..but I don't think Obama is as anti war as some on here think he is..he's still attacking Pakistan with drones even though Pakistan told him to stop.. I think he wants to seem reluctant on joining missions like in Libya but still end up doing most of the bombing anyway

its like how the Canadian PMs have to seem a bit distant from American presidents even though they might be closer behind closed doors...its public perception that is important not reality

I wouldn't be surprised if Obama wanted to bomb Iran just as much as Israel

draa: wichitaleaf: Let's talk again November 7th. Lots of things can happen between now and then but I believe we are in for a potential landslide. Many people, in my opinion, are just not liking the whole Obama hope and change thing.
Just one guys opinion.

Right, because people will certainly vote for those that hate blacks, gays, homosexuals, muslims, and the poor. Bullshiat. Or maybe your thinking they'll vote for the people that boo gays in the military. Right? Or the people that cheer the death of the uninsured. Maybe you mean the people that put an Obama death threat on bumperstickers passing them off as a bible verse. Am I close? Or maybe you mean the people that blocked tax cuts for the working class last December? I could go on but most of the people here already know the rest.

Yup, people are sure tired of Obama and just want these crazy farks back in power. I just know they do.

I get it I get it. But you really believe all that stuff you just typed out? Wow! Look they all get to Washington or their state capitols and fall in line with all the interest groups and lobbyists. Both dems and repubs are worthless. But really the repubs are not what you say. If anything they both are to blame. But again all politics are local so everyone will vote their own congressman in and blame the others.

ontariolightning: While the U.S is busy in Asia .. Canada is quietly rebuilding its military and building super prisons to put in American POW's for when we make our invasion

Can you start in Wisconsin? Please?..

ontariolightning: anti war

Its not anti-war or pro-war. Neither can anyone look at the US, Israel, and the UK and say all goals align 100%. A person can't even say that the goals of the US aren't the same over time. You can look backwards and see where they are different. How so?

ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: Digital Communist: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: In all serious Canadian PM Stephen Harper has been trying his hardest to get Iranian attention but is still not mentioned when they threaten U.S, Britain, Israel

It doesn't matter. The world doesn't hate Canada. They hate the US. That's what power is all about. The biggest fire hydrant is the one that puts out the fire.

Just so we're clear. You are saying the US has a bad global reputation because they are the most powerful nation on earth and everyone is jealous, correct?

It has nothing to do with jealousy. It has to do with presence. If Iran pisses off Canada, what's going to happen? Nothing. You don't win the wiener contest swordfighting with Canada. Ahmadinejad doesn't want to threaten Canada, the UK, or Russia, or even Germany. He wants to show that he threatened the US and "won." That's where his virility is validated.

Ahmadinejad has been threatening U.K a lot actually, they are currently bitter enemies

Another Proxy threat. I shouldn't have included the UK in my post.

Iran has threatened Germany too saying they will bomb American bases in Germany

American bases.

American bases yes but bombings on German territory would also be an act of war towards Germany would it not? and why would Iran threaten Russia? why even include them

The threat against Russia is financial. If Iran goes all Fite against the US, the Russian economy is suddenly very threatened. It will put Russia into the uncomfortable position of choosing a side. Neither of which really wins in the end.

If an American base in Germany was discombobulated, you could count on one hand how many Germans would give a crap about it. Seeing Americans die would probably cause another 1980's "Get them the fark out" festival. Oh, and they might care. Those two. Or just that one guy.

and if Germans are killed you expect them to go ah, oh well? not bloo ...

If Americans were targeted (italics because politics), then I don't think they would have been bothered so much by the German deaths as "Why Are Americans Still Here?" would have bothered them. You underestimat just how much Americans are hated in Europe (and around the world).

nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: Digital Communist: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: In all serious Canadian PM Stephen Harper has been trying his hardest to get Iranian attention but is still not mentioned when they threaten U.S, Britain, Israel

It doesn't matter. The world doesn't hate Canada. They hate the US. That's what power is all about. The biggest fire hydrant is the one that puts out the fire.

Just so we're clear. You are saying the US has a bad global reputation because they are the most powerful nation on earth and everyone is jealous, correct?

It has nothing to do with jealousy. It has to do with presence. If Iran pisses off Canada, what's going to happen? Nothing. You don't win the wiener contest swordfighting with Canada. Ahmadinejad doesn't want to threaten Canada, the UK, or Russia, or even Germany. He wants to show that he threatened the US and "won." That's where his virility is validated.

Ahmadinejad has been threatening U.K a lot actually, they are currently bitter enemies

Another Proxy threat. I shouldn't have included the UK in my post.

Iran has threatened Germany too saying they will bomb American bases in Germany

American bases.

American bases yes but bombings on German territory would also be an act of war towards Germany would it not? and why would Iran threaten Russia? why even include them

The threat against Russia is financial. If Iran goes all Fite against the US, the Russian economy is suddenly very threatened. It will put Russia into the uncomfortable position of choosing a side. Neither of which really wins in the end.

If an American base in Germany was discombobulated, you could count on one hand how many Germans would give a crap about it. Seeing Americans die would probably cause another 1980's "Get them the fark out" festival. Oh, and they might care. Those two. Or just that one guy.

and if Germans are killed you expect them to go ah, ...

And to add on to this, Germans would have blamed Americans for it.

nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: Digital Communist: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: In all serious Canadian PM Stephen Harper has been trying his hardest to get Iranian attention but is still not mentioned when they threaten U.S, Britain, Israel

It doesn't matter. The world doesn't hate Canada. They hate the US. That's what power is all about. The biggest fire hydrant is the one that puts out the fire.

Just so we're clear. You are saying the US has a bad global reputation because they are the most powerful nation on earth and everyone is jealous, correct?

It has nothing to do with jealousy. It has to do with presence. If Iran pisses off Canada, what's going to happen? Nothing. You don't win the wiener contest swordfighting with Canada. Ahmadinejad doesn't want to threaten Canada, the UK, or Russia, or even Germany. He wants to show that he threatened the US and "won." That's where his virility is validated.

Ahmadinejad has been threatening U.K a lot actually, they are currently bitter enemies

Another Proxy threat. I shouldn't have included the UK in my post.

Iran has threatened Germany too saying they will bomb American bases in Germany

American bases.

American bases yes but bombings on German territory would also be an act of war towards Germany would it not? and why would Iran threaten Russia? why even include them

The threat against Russia is financial. If Iran goes all Fite against the US, the Russian economy is suddenly very threatened. It will put Russia into the uncomfortable position of choosing a side. Neither of which really wins in the end.

If an American base in Germany was discombobulated, you could count on one hand how many Germans would give a crap about it. Seeing Americans die would probably cause another 1980's "Get them the fark out" festival. Oh, and they might care. Those two. Or just that one guy.

and if Germans are killed you expect them to go ah, ...

I live in Canada...Anti Americanism has been here longer than any country in the world
I get it

This goes way back. Arab/Persian conflict is older than Islam. It's partially why the center of Sunni is Arab and the center of Shi'a is Persian.

ontariolightning: While the U.S is busy in Asia .. Canada is quietly rebuilding its military and building super prisons to put in American POW's for when we make our invasion

Funny, little-known fact- during the War of 1812, in Upper Canada many women who were camp followers/soldier's wives, etc, with the American invading army were captured by the Mohawks who were Brit allies along with many American soldiers. After peace was signed, the Mohawks released their prisoners as part of the treaty. (Contrary to popular myth, Five Nations people did not indiscriminately murder, burn alive, etc. all prisoners they took.)
While all of the men were happy to go back, a lot of the women stayed, because they found out as women within the Mohawk nation they had a lot more rights and political power than they did in their own country.

Someone should sell Ahmadinejad one of those exploding cars those nuclear scientists drive.

cynicalbastard: ontariolightning: While the U.S is busy in Asia .. Canada is quietly rebuilding its military and building super prisons to put in American POW's for when we make our invasion

Funny, little-known fact- during the War of 1812, in Upper Canada many women who were camp followers/soldier's wives, etc, with the American invading army were captured by the Mohawks who were Brit allies along with many American soldiers. After peace was signed, the Mohawks released their prisoners as part of the treaty. (Contrary to popular myth, Five Nations people did not indiscriminately murder, burn alive, etc. all prisoners they took.)
While all of the men were happy to go back, a lot of the women stayed, because they found out as women within the Mohawk nation they had a lot more rights and political power than they did in their own country.

didn't know that, very interesting!

Silly_Sot: This goes way back. Arab/Persian conflict is older than Islam. It's partially why the center of Sunni is Arab and the center of Shi'a is Persian.

Strange thing about that.

2010 New poll: angry at US, Arabs support an Iran nuclear bomb

A new poll of Arab opinion finds that for the first time a majority of the public across the region - including a sizable minority in Saudi Arabia - believes a nuclear-armed Iran would be a positive development in the Middle East.

...

This year's poll finds that large majorities of Arabs list the United States and Israel as the region's worst enemies, far above Iran. The US returns to one of the top rungs of the "enemies list" after having been judged positively by a small majority of Arabs last year, a shift from past years that Mr. Telhami qualifies as nothing short of "amazing" given longstanding Arab views of the US.

In 2009, 51 percent of the public was "optimistic" about the US. This year, nearly two-thirds say they are "discouraged" about America's actions in the region.

ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: nicoffeine: Digital Communist: nicoffeine: ontariolightning: In all serious Canadian PM Stephen Harper has been trying his hardest to get Iranian attention but is still not mentioned when they threaten U.S, Britain, Israel

It doesn't matter. The world doesn't hate Canada. They hate the US. That's what power is all about. The biggest fire hydrant is the one that puts out the fire.

Just so we're clear. You are saying the US has a bad global reputation because they are the most powerful nation on earth and everyone is jealous, correct?

It has nothing to do with jealousy. It has to do with presence. If Iran pisses off Canada, what's going to happen? Nothing. You don't win the wiener contest swordfighting with Canada. Ahmadinejad doesn't want to threaten Canada, the UK, or Russia, or even Germany. He wants to show that he threatened the US and "won." That's where his virility is validated.

Ahmadinejad has been threatening U.K a lot actually, they are currently bitter enemies

Another Proxy threat. I shouldn't have included the UK in my post.

Iran has threatened Germany too saying they will bomb American bases in Germany

American bases.

American bases yes but bombings on German territory would also be an act of war towards Germany would it not? and why would Iran threaten Russia? why even include them

The threat against Russia is financial. If Iran goes all Fite against the US, the Russian economy is suddenly very threatened. It will put Russia into the uncomfortable position of choosing a side. Neither of which really wins in the end.

If an American base in Germany was discombobulated, you could count on one hand how many Germans would give a crap about it. Seeing Americans die would probably cause another 1980's "Get them the fark out" festival. Oh, and they might care. Those two. Or just that one guy.

and if Germans are killed you expect th ...

Embedded quote clipping is taking all the fun out of this :(

ox45tallboy: ontariolightning: Maybe..but I don't think Obama is as anti war as some on here think he is..he's still attacking Pakistan with drones even though Pakistan told him to stop.. I think he wants to seem reluctant on joining missions like in Libya but still end up doing most of the bombing anyway

I wouldn't say he's anti-war as much I would say he would only use military force for the right reasons and in the right amount. Compare Libya, Pakistan drone attacks, and the bin Laden mission to Bush's Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Iraq war happened because a cabal of guys decided to make it happen because it served their own interests, rather than the interests of the country as a whole. I don't see that happening on Obama's watch.

isn't Gitmo still open? patriot act? what about that new detention law that Obama signed?
are those the interests of the U.S or a cabal of guys who want it to further their own interests

ox45tallboy: The Iraq war happened because a cabal of guys decided to make it happen because it served their own interests, rather than the interests of the country as a whole. I don't see that happening on Obama's watch.

Obama isn't hooked into the neocons in the same way. That said, Iraq was a long game spanning decades. Bush I got shiat from it and sparked off people like Wolfowitz. Clinton was pressed to sign the ILA during the mid-term elections and the Lewinsky scandal.

ontariolightning: isn't Gitmo still open? patriot act? what about that new detention law that Obama signed?
are those the interests of the U.S or a cabal of guys who want it to further their own interests

if i can cut in. Obviously, that wouldn't refer every form of policy.

ontariolightning: http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2012/01/05/harper-iran.html

"Your listeners should be under no illusion, Iran is a very serious threat to international peace and security. In my judgment, it is the world's most serious threat to international peace and security," Harper said during an appearance on the Rutherford Show, an Alberta-wide radio call-in program.

Harper also said he has no doubt Iran wants a nuclear weapon and would be prepared to use one.

"This is a regime that wants to acquire nuclear weapons ... and has indicated some desire to actually use nuclear weapons," he said.

Well, best as I can tell, Iran hasn't been a heavy-hitter in the Tech field since Alchemy ended, and probably inherited that by way of Gnosics fleeing the Nicene Inquisition. After all, they're just starting to get good results with centrifuges, and this stuff is already a mature, sixty years in the marketplace product for us.

To put that in perspective: I've already bought as many as five different copies of the same alblums in half that time, just to keep up with technological improvements in media format alone.

I've been laying odds on a proxy war with Pakistan, however I do believe that India can keep them busy if it goes down in Iran proper. Which would be sad, because a lot of good people Anonymous has been working to support in their efforts to turn out Dinnerjacket and the Mullahs will be up to their eyebrows in the shiat.

Beyond that -- I wouldn't read too much into Iran's "capture" of one buggy drone. China may be gladhanding their oil supplier now, but without Consumers for their goods, they're toast economically. And we've got Big Oil fighting for a doomed pipeline for Alaskan oil that could just as easily be sold to China. Russia is the Wild West now, they'll make a stack of cash either way the shiat hits the fan -- and they're sitting pretty to clean up on rebuilding Iran afterwards as a preferred vendor.

ox45tallboy: nicoffeine: If an American base in Germany was discombobulated, you could count on one hand how many Germans would give a crap about it. Seeing Americans die would probably cause another 1980's "Get them the fark out" festival. Oh, and they might care. Those two. Or just that one guy.

I beg to differ, sir. 50,000 troops add a lot of money to the local economies around those bases. I think you'll find quite a few Germans in the service industry would be out of a job rather quickly if we shuttered our bases.

Offset. The service industry matters to no politician. The US troops would still be seen as American Devils, no matter how much is lost to their absence ,which wouldn't happen, closed-doors style. And because that wouldn't happen, German politicians would have nothing to fear by resuming an Anti-American stance.

It's easy to use the US as a rallying point. If I were in charge of a foreign country, it'd be on my list of "who's the mostest bad guy first."

Trance750: If any corporate CEO has done what OPEC has spent the last 30 years doing, they'd be in prison forever.

No. There would be a major political party exalting that person as a job creator, or wealth generator depending on which side of the pond they reside. They might have to do a dog and pony show in front of Congress, during which they say they don't recall something over and over, but that's about it.

Teen Wolf Blitzer: davidv:

Before I die, I'd like to sex a Persian chick.

I got my chance about 5 years ago. Would highly recommend it to anyone.

clyph: BarbadoSlim: I can't wait to start bombing these assholes.

I'm sure your local armed forces recruiter will be happy to help you enlist.

That is, unless you're another mother-farking spineless chickenhawk.

My money is on chickenhawk.

/veteran

How's that working out for ya, Sgt. Slaughter?

/oh, and your sacrifice has made it possible for me to drive my 5.0, Expedition and other 5.0, relatively inexpensively. So thank you.

dalovindj: HempHead: An oil embargo and flying drones is an act of war by the US against Iran.

Can you imagine if Iran started flying armed drones over Washington DC or announced an embargo of corn?

Iran is the 3rd biggest oil exporter...this is all leading us to another patriotic war in the Middle East.

Given all these givens, it is perhaps an unwise strategy to taunt the bully who is just dying for a reason to pound your ass. Whether fair or unfair, if you know that most powerful and efficient military machine the world has ever known would like to turn your country into rubble, you should maybe try a strategy that aims to avoid that outcome, rather than hasten its arrival.

As Jon Stewart said, it's as if someone in Iran has decided they don't like having working roads, buildings and infrastructure and are projecting a profitable future for themselves in the rubble business.

This is why I think they might be actually trying for electricity. It's insane for them to want war. It's less insane for them to be honestly pissed we aren't letting them have something as basic as electricity.

This thread is a contender for "Looniest January Thread." Even for Fark.

Teen Wolf Blitzer: davidv:

Before I die, I'd like to sex a Persian chick.

If it's anything like sexing a Persian cat then all you have to do is pick up the tail and blow to see what's back there...

DeathByGeekSquad: ontariolightning: While the U.S is busy in Asia .. Canada is quietly rebuilding its military and building super prisons to put in American POW's for when we make our invasion

We're rallying the rednecks to defend against the perilous 101st Flying V Goose Squadron and the stout 10th Mounted Moose Division.

The war has already been started by unleashing Justin Bieber on the populace.

HempHead: dalovindj: Iran seems to be using the nation-state version of the GOP playbook. What is good for your party is secondary to vigorously opposing the opposition. Even if that strategy means you will ultimately be decimated. For the GOP it means getting destroyed at the polls in the coming elections, but if Iran keeps this shiat up their destruction will be of a more literal sort.

An oil embargo and flying drones is an act of war by the US against Iran.

Can you imagine if Iran started flying armed drones over Washington DC or announced an embargo of corn?

Iran is the 3rd biggest oil exporter...this is all leading us to another patriotic war in the Middle East.

VIVA USA!

Im feeding the troll, but...

I don't see how an embargo is an act of war. Possibly some sort d WTO violation, but war?

If Iran didn't want to buy our corn, we'd shrug (and probably bribe people to get that reversed)

Somacandra: imprimere: HOWEVER, I want the US to take absolutely no major role in retaliation, other than embargos and a complete cutoff. Then, if more than nasty letters are issued, let the US provide NO MORE money, troops or weapons than any other nation.



Sorry, but the ink is already dry on this deal for the US and the Saudis.

I think there's a difference in what you two are talking about.

The OP wants any UN intervention to be dominated by other countries so we're not leveraging most of the risk/cost

Your article is Saudi Arabia giving us cold hard cash for some planes

ox45tallboy: nicoffeine: Offset. The service industry matters to no politician. The US troops would still be seen as American Devils, no matter how much is lost to their absence ,which wouldn't happen, closed-doors style. And because that wouldn't happen, German politicians would have nothing to fear by resuming an Anti-American stance.

It's easy to use the US as a rallying point. If I were in charge of a foreign country, it'd be on my list of "who's the mostest bad guy first."

uhhh, that service industry also involves a little something called a "tax base", which politicians do care about. But I'm with you as far as "who's the mostest bad guy" - the US seems like a bully, and our media shows involve all kinds of anti-foreigner propaganda.

The service tax base doesn't represent enough votes to make a dent (or even a ding) in election numbers. The people who made the money aren't the service employees (or even their employers). It's the ones who don't see (the stockholders) that make these votes, and, while losing at the end, don't care for unpopular (pro-(or accepting)-American) opinion. This is the base of politics all over the world.

In the US, Bank of America saw an opportunity and squandered it on popular (stockholder) votes.

The people aren't always right, but they are always voting.

As long as there's a bogeyman, there's a "no" vote.

ox45tallboy: Gitmo is open only because the Congresscritters refused to fund its closing.

LOL - so not spending money on Gitmo is keeping it open??

Orwell would definitely approve.