Chutzpah

You have to hand it to Bush. It takes some mighty big brass ones to ask countries to write off Iraq's debts to them even as you're forbidding them from participating in its reconstruction, excluding them from joining in on the $18 billion rebuilding effort. Apparently this is the result of botched timing - the memo about certain countries being excluded was not meant to have been released until after Bush's meetings. Not surprisingly, the countries involved weren't impressed.

I am sure they are similarly unimpressed at being excluded from the lucrative private military contracts, which are currently taking up $30 billion of the $87 billion earmarked for Iraq over the next year. Private "security forces" now represent the second-largest military contingent in Iraq after the US Military - there are more "private army" forces in Iraq than British troops.

However, even if you're one of the lucky countries invited to participate in the reconstruction effort, your worries may not be over. You may be facing some very stiff competition.

It's not all doom and gloom though - apparently there were anti-terrorism protests in Baghdad yesterday, which has to be a good sign.

Comments

[Chrish]

At long last somebody gets it and wouldn't you know it would be the Iraqi's. Now if more people would also begin protesting against Terrorists groups and their violence and the governments that fund, support, and provide safe harbor for
them maybe, just maybe this madness will stop.

Considering there was also another attack in Israel seems now would be a really good time to take the example the Iraqi's have given and let the terrorist groups, their supportive governments know that these acts are no longer acceptable and the World Community is against you.

Perhaps that's too much to ask so it will probably be the usual chain of events.
1) Terrorists attack Israel killing innocent
men, women, and children.
2) Silence from world community and anti war
groups except for maybe one or two
governments who renounce and condemn this
latest act of murder and violence.
3) Israel retaliates and she will killing the
expected target or targets as well as some
innocent men, women, and children.
4) World community and anti war groups express
their outrage, condemn Israel for this act of
murder and violence, and possibly fill the
streets with protestors demonstrating against
Israel's acts of violence. Oh, let's not
forget the "act of aggression".

I believe that's the usual chain of events isn't it?

[bobo]

Which came first, the chicken, or the egg?

[Chrish]

Does it matter?

[Jim]

Here's to the Iraqi's for protesting against terrorists. Way to go!!

As far as brass ones. Is it wrong to give contracts to the countries that have spilled blood in the name of Iraqi freedom? I.e. U.S., Britain, Italy, Japan, Spain, Poland, etc.? Or would it be better to give the contracts to the countries that defied the UN by selling arms to Saddam (i.e. France and Germany). Hello!!!! By the way, this is US taxpayer money, not UN or Iraqi money, we're talking about.

[bobo]

Chrish

Exactly my point. I agree.

[Del]

Luke you said it best yourself!

Chutzpah!!!

That's exactly why a recent poll showed that 61% of Americans approve of Bush handling his job!

That's why he will win the next election!

PREDICTION!!!

Suddenly you will see the likes of the French, Germans, and etc. - start coming around! Slowly - with a lot of 'bitchin' but their true colors will shine through!

Bush is a master card player!

Thanks to Providence for Bush being our leader!

[bobo]

Yep. Guts, determination and greed!

[Chrish]

While we're on it I'm wondering how long before the feminist groups will begin clamoring about how it's Bush's fault that the Iraqi women's rights are being violated similar to what they were proclaiming about the women in Afghanistan?
Again I ask where were the renunciations, protests, condemnations, rebukes, protests, and demonstrations when the Iraqi women were being so violently oppressed by Hussein? Altough not violent now it would seem they, the Iraqi women, will still have to stand up for their rights against those who would oppress them. So where are the feminist groups now? So please don't try to lay this at the feet of President Bush, lay it where it belongs, at the feet of the fundamentalists.....
http://www.msnbc.com/news/1003785.asp?0cv=CB30

[Chrish]

I'm sorry but for this particular instance I have to agree with the President's position. Let's see weren't the French & Germans selling weapons to Saddam even after the UN sanctions? And didn't the French, Germans, and Russians refuse to participate in the war, didn't provide any logistical nor material support in the effort?

Some body please explain to me why they should now profit off the blood and sweat of our people and those in the coalition who are, even now, over there trying to put things back in order for the Iraqi people to take control of their country?? Are the Germans, French, or Russians now providing any kind of support logistical or material to the continuing effort?

Excuse me but, it seems that the ones who should have first shot at those contracts are those countries who participated and continue to in this War.

Now that the dollar is being waved they're all clamoring for a bit of the action now. Sounds a little like vultures flying around waiting to feed.

I also see no problem with those countries forgiving the debts of Iraq. It seems to me the only one who was really truly benefiting from those transactions was Hussein, his sons, and his administration it certainly was not the Iraqi people. This especially should hold true since they were also selling him weapons even after the UN sanctions.

I would think that if they really want some of the action then perhaps they should involve themselves a little more with support and material without expecting something in return.

[Chrish]

On the other hand as regards "Private Military Contracts" I do have trouble with that one. On reading the article I was struck by the concept of "private armies" and what logically would be the conclusion. Since these are companies employing ex soldiers, SAS, whatever to do the jobs they have AND are being paid some hefty salaries and the company is charging a hefty bill does give me pause for concern. Let's face it the bottom line for any company providing any service is "Profit" the higher the profit the better the jobs are. Now what's going to happen when the war ends or, for that matter, all of these pathetic wars going on around the world and there's no more jobs or Profit for those companies? It isn't too far a stretch of the imagination, probably happening already, where they create or keep going, by whatever means necessary, wars just to maintain their bottom line. Now that's a scary thought and is cause for concern.

[Del]

I can't help but think about the story of the ‘Little Red Hen’!

While the work is being done – no one wants to help. Once the heavy lifting is done – everyone wants a piece of the action!

This is why I love our President!

He has given them an opening for piece of the action. Our President is more than willing to negotiate – of course at this point he’s not showing his cards.

Though specific countries are crying and whining – soon they will ‘pony up to the bar’ and start making offers of one kind or another.

At this point is they don’t – they will not nor should get anything in the way of business. We should keep most of it for our own companies, which honestly will be translated to a huge portion going to the Iraqis in the form of contractor work.

You reap what you sow!

[Chrish]

I agree Del, they have nobody to blame but themselves. They were given the opportunity to be active participants but chose to say no. Now they really expect to profit from it? I don't think so. If they're, as they say, so concerned about rebuilding Iraq then they will actively participate with the effort without expecting compensation. You have to say one thing about Our President, he's not afraid to say No and stand by it.

[bobo]

From chrish:

"Now that the dollar is being waved they're all clamoring for a bit of the action now. Sounds a little like vultures flying around waiting to feed."

Sounds a bit like the American companies as well - in fact this is what was being said in advance of us invading Iraq, because everyone knew that contracts worth billions would come out of the invasion of Iraq.

I do hope that most of the work is contracted out to Iraqis, that they are paid a decent salary, and they will be the primary beneficiaries of this whole effort. Not just billionaire industrialists - American, or any other nationality.

[Del]

There's a rumor that Democrats are really saddened by the following news...

Dow today closed over 10k!

And the following info in this article!

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031211/nyth120_1.html

Knowing that there are mostly Dems on this site - are you guys glad about the above news?

A simple Yes or No would suffice...

[bobo]

Of course. What's good for the U.S.A. is good for me and mine. Hope other economic conditions improve as well.

[Del]

Thanks bobo for your honesty...

Don't worry - economics are cyclical in nature - everything including jobs will all head up!

The Dow closing over 10k is mainly psychological but it may very well indicate that the 'bulls' will now commence to run and when that happens - it's all-good!

[Luke]

Ouch, Krugman in today's NYT: "I think the administration's hard-liners are deliberately sabotaging reconciliation."
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/12/opinion/12KRUG.html

[Kaj]

Del wrote:
"Thanks to Providence for Bush being our leader!"

Time for some reflection - oh yeah, reflection from a European.

I must say that I am fascinated by the USA and all that goes on inside it. If I were a Social Engineer by profession, I'd want to be able to live forever, because I'd want to be able to see how this experiment - capitalism wrapped in patriotism - would end.

In my view, the USA is ever more progressing on a road that seems set, whether the nation is led by a Democrat or a Republican.

Throughout history, the world has seen a variety of social-economic / political systems, and by far, most have failed - the most prominent being, of course, fascism and communism. The US is the frontbearer for the one last system that has shown itself to be the victor over the two systems I just mentioned. And to date, no social-economic / political philosopher seems to have come up with a new, alternative system (if one discounts theocracies such as Iran, which - in essence - is a capitalist country on the social-economic level, but of course different on the political level).

However, the US is interesting for a different reason, and that is that - although the US is essentially still a democracy - some of the hallmarks of fascism, communism and theocratism can be seen.

Now, don't go through the roof just yet, people - let me explain first.

More and more Americans are today taking a rather negative view on Europe, and especially so since George W. Bush became President. Many Americans now tend to see Europe - in their view symbolized by France and Germany - as an obstructionist continent, always protesting and always infringing on American interests. Many Americans also do not understand, or do not want to understand, why so many Europeans (and not just the French or the Germans) sometimes express their uneasiness with regards to actions peformed by the US government. Many Americans - and this I find even more dangerous - also tend to believe that Europeans 'hate' Americans.

Regarding the latter, I can say: we don't hate Americans. On the contrary, we like you lot!

But I must say that some of the sights & sounds coming from the US these days, and the past few years, bring back collective memories, things we at school are taught about our European history.

Today, we Europeans are watching a country where people, and foremostly its leaders, wrap themselves in the national flag and make *very* patriotic statements which-really-do-remind-us(!) of some very bad, bad things from some very bad, bad days in some countries, about 50 years ago.

The fact that a lot of people in that country are firmly stating that no one should question the motives & actions undertaken by their leaders, who have wrapped themselves in the national flag, on the premise that those protesters are 'traitors', only strengthen the quality of the bad, bad images and sounds in our collective memories.

The nearly fundamentalist approach with regard to state religion in that country equally frightens us. (And yes, most Europeans really do call that fundamentalism.) Most of us here are truly appalled by American media reports describing how abortion clinics are bombed, how fundamentalists (I will call them that, sorry) blow up government buildings, and how viciously militant certain groups in American society can get whenever a judge or politician questions the presence of the 10 Commandments on government grounds. And yes, even the images of children, asked to stand up in their class room each morning to pledge allegiance to the flag and to God, reminds us of some of the dark periods of European history.

So what do fascism, communism and theocratism have to do with our nation!?, you may ask again?

Well - the core of fascist belief, the fundament of that political system, was The State. Nationalism to the max. All resources, including human resources, were to serve The State, and nothing else. Those who objected to the all-encompassing power of The State, were deemed 'traitors'. Now, of course, the US is - in no way! - a fascist nation. Mind you, for the record, I did not say it is. But the flag waving, the patriotism, the unquestioned allegiance to the leaders - they're all images, and they remind us of that. Throw in some names of organizations with names reminiscent of military terms, like AmeriCorps, National Guards, the Peace Corps, and they remind us nutty Europeans of bad things like the Bund Deutsche Maedel (loosely translated as 'Girls Union), the Red Youth, the Komsomol and the Red Volunteers, and so on. Mind you, all these things are just images, but we Europeans can't help comparing - they're still images.
Regarding the imagery concerning theocratism, I think I have been clear enough (the morning allegiance, 10 Commandments, etc.)

This is why the US is so fascinating, and even more so because - to Europeans - the American society seems ever more willing to shed what we would call 'threads' - the social-economic system, based on solidarity, that keeps the society together. To most of us Europeans, it is as if individualism in the US is ever more turning into an "I, Me, Mine"-mentality. Therefore, it is interesting to see how a society without those 'threads' (i.e., a social infrastructure paid for by taxes and the like)functions. If at all - but that is, perhaps, music for the future, as we would say.

Now, this is not a "Let's Bash America!"-article. On the contrary. But it may help you understand why we Europeans have such ambivalent feelings toward the US - especially since it just might happen that we, one day, might have exactly the same system here.

Kaj

Thanks Kaj... very enlightening...

May I just add something and I would like to hear your thoughts...

I agree with you – if I were a Social Engineer – it would be fascinating to see if our present system would work.

One part I disagree is your take of our ‘extremist position’ - I know that isn’t the case.

Though from the outside it may seem that the ‘fundamentalist’ have taken over – that’s not entirely correct.

Yes I did refer to Providence just like many of our founding fathers did. Like Ben Franklin, Tom Paine and many believe even George Washington – I am a Deist. Personally I do not believe in revelation (my opinion being that because of revelation – we’ve had so much war through the ages).

Also I do not agree with everything that President Bush believes in. Example – I’m Pro-Choice, I don’t believe affirmative action is a good thing and most recently did not agree with the Medicare prescription plan. There are other things. The point being – I’m constantly badgering the current administration – I do not follow like a lemming. I believe the majority of Americans are also in this club.

What I’m trying to convey is that the majority of Americans today that support the current administration and belong to the Republican Party have a varied mix of views. More and more of the majority is becoming much more active in the political process. It is not as extreme as your view.

Today our system, our country is at the top of the game. Since it’s inception – it has continued to lead the world not only militarily but also economically. Last I checked – we still have tons of people trying to get into this country – legally or illegally. Reason – we have the best system today. Is it perfect? Of course not.

Recently – a poll that I’d be happy to dig up illustrated that compared to for instance Europeans – Americans work more hours, are more productive and are much more aggressive in terms of getting ahead. It’s in our nature – we inherently want the best.

From the outside – this looks like we want to conquer the world. It looks like we’re greedy and sometimes especially presently – we seem to emit ‘F*** everyone else’.

The majority of Americans don’t have that attitude. We just have come together as a nation – understanding that we all have differences and are just trying to make the world a much safer place to do what we grave – ‘Enjoy Freedom to the fullest’.

Getting hit in NY on 9/11 was profound. It awoke in us the fact that ‘we’re not in Kansas anymore’ – it hardened us and it was either handle it like in the past or go at it head-on.

I know there are plenty of arguments – why did it involve this or that – and why now Iraq – well we’ve come to the conclusion that ‘deadly extremism’ such as the mutant so called Muslim extremist must be completely eradicated with extreme prejudice!

That is the major reason why the majority of Americans back and support what Bush is doing. This action of course – leads to many other things that must be done and yes it will be interpreted a thousand different ways but in our minds this is all interconnected. What must be done – will be done.

[Del]

Oops once again...

It was I Kaj that sent the above note!

[Kaj]

OK Del,

You wrote:
"What I’m trying to convey is that the majority of Americans today that support the current administration and belong to the Republican Party have a varied mix of views. More and more of the majority is becoming much more active in the political process. It is not as extreme as your view."

Wouldn't you agree that it would be a *lot* better if your president would, by his actions, that what you say is what America is like?

On my part: hell yeah! But Bush apparently doesn't seem to mind that, through his actions, the world (well, we Europeans, anyway) are getting more and more worried - and in fact, some of our fears possibly confirmed?

Kaj

[Del]

Kaj,

I do see where you're going though it's a combination of interpretation, actions and negotiating/leverage that our President must manipulate in order to stay on course. Remember the main goal - eliminating our enemy. This is not easy.

For example - let's take the most current announcement about who gets to do what in Iraq. I think this move is brilliant. Understanding that we want to do what’s best for Iraq at this juncture Bush sitting down at the negotiating table and involve countries that did not support the action would not be to our own best interests for a lot of reasons.

Now by playing the ‘hard ass’ that he is – watch and mark my words – the French, Germany, Russians and others will start making overtures to Bush. These motions will be subtle with all ‘saving face’ and it is a masterful way to make sure all get involved.

Yes Bush will get things on the whole on his terms. The fact is we the USA have already put skin in this game and others that now want to join on the rewards are going to have to ‘pony up to the bar and buy a round.’

Now I can understand from the European perspective how this gets twisted and manipulated and shaped into some ‘taking over the world ploy’… many Americans including I say – Thank Providence for having Bush where he is today!

Maybe if those countries and Europeans would stop trying to get so philosophical and stop trying to conjure up all these theories about why this and that and just try to see things for what they really are – maybe then we can clean up this mess and everyone can come out a winner. Especially - for the folks in Iraq.

[Chrish]

Ok, I was going to respond but now I'm not sure whether I'm posting to "Kaj" or "Del" or Del's
alternative figure "Kaj"??? Since the post on 12/12/03 at 5:09 PM says "Oops once again...

It was I Kaj that sent the above note!

and shows it was posted by Del.

So which is it Del?
Is it You, is there a Kaj, or is Kaj your other side???

You MUST have been in the Air Force, right? WingNut..... LOL

[Del]

It was me! I stated to Kaj what it was I...

DEL

It was the anonymous post at 5:04 written by me - Del.

[Chrish]

Yep, musta been a wingnut..... LOL....

Now I have to go back and re-read what Kaj said so I may respond.......

Hope your day was a good one Del and a good evening for you guys overseas.

[Kaj]

For the record, and Luke will confirm this, if necessary: I am *not* Del, and Del is *not* me.

[Del]

Kaj...

It's not so bad being me!

he-he-he...

[Kaj]

Yes, Del, it is, because you sound pro-Bush ;)

[del]

You're right Kaj...

Yep it's a terrible thing supporting someone that has let me keep more of my money... made my world safer... is not bending over for liberal ideals... standing up to cry baby European countries that now want something when they don't deserve it... playing those same shameful countries like the dumb fox that he is…

Yep it's tough being I!

And especially tough knowing that we've got 4 more years locked in of the same terrible thing.

Ya gotta hate it!

He-he-he…

[Kaj]

Del,

Although you probably despise me for mentioning it, as I suspect you - like many Americans - close your eyes to the truth whenever the truth does not fit your convictions well, I advise you to read Al Franken's "Lies, and the Lying Liars who tell them".

At first, I thought it would be just another populist book written by a lefty who - as per usual - closes his own eyes to truths. But it turned out not to be. In fact, that book was a real eye-opener to me.

Hey, you know what? I dare you, no - challenge you to read it.

As for tax breaks and you having more money and all: yeah, you probably have more money in the bank at this moment. But please, when you fill in your IRS forms come April, take some time to calculate your net financial gains over all of 2003, and please do not forget to deduct all the possibly extra expenses - costs for government programs like education and all you now have to pay for as this Administration has cut much of the funding for a large number of programs taxes used to be paid for.

[Del]

Now Kaj... you're starting to worry me!

Al Franken? C'mon you've got to be kidding me... next you'll tell me to check out Mike Moore.

Tell you what - I definitely won't spend money on his book but I do have a library card and if they have it - I'll give it one hour. Having read excerpts from his book – I reckon I can get through it in about that time.

Here’s why I’m worried about you. Do you know Al’s background? Aside from being a half decent comedy writer – I can’t seem to find anything on why we should pay attention to his political views? I will give him all the benefit of the doubt but whenever he opens his mouth his ‘pure’ hatred of the right overshadows any little sense he may have on any subject.

There are so many other liberal books out there from well renowned backgrounds for instance Mario Cuomo – remember him? There are others though I must be honest – most of those ‘REAL’ books aren’t popular and go out of print quickly. Why because liberalism is slowly dying out.

Point is the liberal thinking best sellers today are sold by authors that are famous for other things – like actors, comedy writers, etc… Name reginition sells their books not the awful writing.

Now look and compare the bestselling authors from the right – Ann Coulter, Monica Crowley, Laura Ingraham and so many more that have the credentials to write on the subject and actually discuss the issues without any hatred – just good old plain common sense. (Notice how I listed females only – not only are they educated, intelligent and on the right side – they are attractive!)

The left has a real problem with this and again this points to my general thesis that the MAJORITY of Americans understand this completely – yet the liberals can’t seem to get it.

So next time I’ve got an hour to kill – I’ll go through Al’s book but honestly that’s a very weak source of information.

Hopefully you are reading material from more notable authors that actually have the background and actually know how to communicate ideals without the usual ‘hatred diatribe’.

If you have one – let me know because they are few and far between…

[bobo]

Everything in Al Franken's book is footnoted to respectable news sources.

[bobo]

Del,

I dare you to read the whole Al Franken book.

We can make it fair by you agreeing that if you read the whole thing, I have to read a book of your choosing. What do you say?

[Chrish]

Del,

Sorry I do have to put my 2 cents into this one.

Ouch, it would seem Bobo's gotcha on that one and his request seems to be a fair one.... Wouldn't you agree? Don't take it too bad, hell, Bobo and {no name} have me searching all over the internet for reputable news sources for statements I've made.... Blast it!!!

Bobo, don't you have a job or something you should be doing???? :o)

[bobo]

Actually, I do. :)

Seriously, I would love to do this.

I'll read a book recommended by you, Del, if you'll read Al Franken's book, which has been enjoyed by many of this posting to this site. Honestly, it's not a tough read, and often times he's funny. It's also fully researched and footnoted, so that you don't have to wonder where his information is coming from.

[bobo]

I do have to get back to work, but I await Del's choice of which book I need to read (so that he'll read the Al Franken book)......

[Del]

Hi bobo - like I mentioned - I will give the one-hour I'll need to get through Al's book...

Remember - I will read it in the library because I do not spend money foolishly.

Now my dilemma – to find you a comparable book from the right.

That’s the point I was trying to get across bobo – look at your source – Al Franken?

How could I possibly ask you to read something from say… Bernard Goldberg…

I’ll keep searching for something fair at the level this challenge is coming from…

Hmm… I wonder if Dr. Seuss wrote anything political?

He-he-he…

[Del]

Well bobo I have decided and the author I named above was a hint...

The book... a NYTimes Bestseller...

Bias - A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News

This book is extremely appropriate considering that Al's book relies heavily on news accounts.

Unlike Al Franken – Bernard Goldberg worked for CBS as a preeminent reporter for close to thirty years.

When this book first came out – people went running for the hills. He did the unthinkable – he exposed his industry for the fake phony frauds that they are and they went nuts because it came from one of their own that knows the truth.

The facts contained in Bernard’s’ book are clearly proven by history. He gives you the before – how it was twisted – how it was received and the aftermath. A most enlightening read.

After reading this book – if you take an honest approach – you’ll go back and start realizing that the info Al relied on was at many times very flawed!

This will be a good exercise because I can assure you I will find compelling evidence on much of the info in Al’s book using the information that is CLEAR in Bias.

Soon you’ll be a full-fledged flag waving Republican!

[Chrish]

The challenge has been thrown down Del will read Al Franken's book and Bobo will read Bernard Goldberg's book, correct? And remember you both have to read your respective book in its entirety, no cheating. Agreed?

Oh Good grief, what if Del switches sides and Bobo switches sides what then??? LOL

[Del]

I will read the entire book...

I'm just hoping it's a bit funny - in the past I did like some of Al's comedy though as he got older (or maybe it was me) - he got a bit tired.

One quick bit that I enjoyed showed Al as a remote reporter with a satellite dish on his head transmitting his story live...

Well lo and behold here comes a lightning/thunder storm and yep lightning nails him!

A bit childish but I could not help but laugh!

This is a Democratic mouthpiece… he-he-he…

[Chrish]

Alrighty Then.... It's done.. I'm really looking forward to the commentary from the two of you... Seriously..... Enjoy your reads... :o)

[Kaj]

Hey Del,

"Aside from being a half decent comedy writer – I can’t seem to find anything on why we should pay attention to his political views?"
In fact, Ann Coulter is probably more of a comedian than Al. Her, ah, "books" are probably a gazillion times more funny than Al's, simply because what she writes is so incredibly, mind-numbingly stupid that its just, well... Laughable! Heck, Al's debunking of Coulter's outright *LIES* in his book is fantastic. Who knows, Del - read without prejudice and maybe you'll be convinced as well.

[Del]

Kaj,

I'm going to try and read his book with an open mind.

However I still have reservations about you because of how you measure the relevance of the source.

Ann Coulter graduated with honors from Cornell University School of Arts & Sciences, and received her J.D. from University of Michigan Law School.

Did you know that she was a litigator with the Center For Individual Rights in Washington, DC, a public interest law firm dedicated to the defense of individual rights with particular emphasis on freedom of speech, civil rights, and the free exercise of religion?

Most recently she was named one of the top 100 Public Intellectuals by federal judge Richard Posner in 2001.

Point is – its tough measuring Al (the joke) Franken with someone that has real credentials especially with the specific subject in question not to mention she is gorgeous!

I always had a weakness for smart, good-looking women. You have got to admit she looks better than Al at the very least…

[bobo]

Hey, I'm back.

I will read the Bernard Goldberg book happily. As long as it's got information in it, I'll be very happy.

The Ann Coulter stuff is hard for me to read because she is long on hate speech and short on information. Very relieved that I don't have to read a whole book of her drivel.

As far as the Center for Individual Rights - you might want to look a little closer at that and at the organizations and people she has been aligned with. A simple search on the internet turns up some pretty interesting information.

[Del]

bobo - just because Ann Coutler didn't belong to organizations to YOUR liking is not the point... The subjects she writes on are matters that have consumed her life from a professional standpoint – hence the credibility.

As compared to Al... Well... I keep looking for what Al has done and all I find is Saturday Night Live... sad...

As far as the book of choice - Goldberg worked in the industry that he attacks for almost thirty years.

The reason I picked this one is the subject matter - when it comes to news - be wary of much of it.

Again - reason for the choice - it'll help to decipher the gibberish coming from Al.

[Chrish]

HA HA HA!!!! LMAO!!! So, may I ask when are you two gonna read your respective books and stop with the critiques?? LOL!!

You two.... Bobo, have a real good day. Del, you have a real good evening.....

And read your books!! :o)