called a traitor by a rabid right winger,the complete thread
Posted: July 2nd, 2007, 12:02 pm
I want to preface this thread first to thank Studio8, as I was able to post the url on the TampaBay VFP daily digest, and second, without the connection with Molly Ivans offerred by JT, I may not have worked out of the morass funk this rabid right winger got me into.
What a DISRESPECT to the troops serving ( those fallen) and those who will spend his 4th of July dodging bullets on your behalf ...while you PROTEST with the most despicable, slimy and crooked organization (st. Pete for "peace") I have ever seen in my life.
veterans for peace????? Most ALL of you weren't drafted YOU JOINED. You "veterans for peace" deserve NO honor for joining in on this type of display. You are a disgrace to our country and should be kicked out with the Mexicans.
While you have the "right" Because of YOURSELVES and those fighting now to speak your mind...I think doing so on July 4th....a day in which this Nation HONORS our soldiers and are THANKFUL for our FREEDOM...THAT WE HAVE AS A RESULT OF WAR IN WHICH WE FOUGHT FOR OUR LAND, OUR RIGHTS, THE RIGHTS OF INNOCENT AND THE EMANCIPATION OF MANY COUNTRIES...is DISGUSTING ....
Obviously you don't remember your time served very well....I know first hand how you make these soldiers feel with this type of self-glorifying PARADE of BS!!!
SUPPORT OUR COUNTRY, OUR PRESIDENT AND DEFEND OUR FREEDOMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOUR A BUNCH OF Cowards!
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
On 6/30/07, Jmlaw@... wrote:
ALL,
We give too much deference to the rant of Ms. Hawkins! Quite simply, she is wrong. We are not cowards. We all have served our country honorably. We all have been discharged from that service honorably. We all were fortunate enough to survive that service physically. We all carry different emotional and psychological scars borne of that service. We were not given the right to speak out, we earned that right. Did most of us join, rather than be drafted? Probably so. Why? Because in our uninformed youth we bought into the same scam that Ms. Hawkins buys into - "War is about duty, honor, country, patriotic songs, parades and flag waving". Only we all found out War is not about that at all. For those who have served, War is about lies, politics, profits, death, destruction, humiliation and horror.
I served from 1967 to 1971. Guess which war that was! I, and others, lost many friends to the lies and the liars who perpetrated that war ("The Gulf of Tonkin, the domino theory, the Communist threat, etc.). The profits there went to Bell Helicopter, Inc. My son served 18 months in Iraq in combat as a military policeman protecting convoys in and out of Baghdad so that Halliburton, Brown & Root and others could clip billions of dollars in coupons at the expense of the US Taxpayer - yes, even Ms. Hawkins has paid her fair share. My son lost friends to the present day lies and liars, all of whom never served a day in combat, much less a day in uniform! He has returned, left the U.S.Army Reserves, and now quietly fights the V.A. for paltry disability benefits. He speaks little of his experience. As my father spoke little of his experience in the Battle of the Bulge. It has taken most of us more than 30 years to speak about Vietnam. Sadly, each of my family's last three generations has been somewhat defined by the war they were asked to participate in.
Less than 3% of the population ever serves in the Armed Forces. Most Americans stand on the sidelines with no personal risk or stake in the outcome of any U.S. war. They cheer and wave flags and say: "Go get 'em boys and now girls!" They are enablers of the consciousness men and women who, for reasons of politics and profits, send our young men and women to fight and die in foreign lands - unnecessarily!
My bet is that Ms. Hawkins has never seen a friend killed or maimed or blown in half by an I.E.D or witnessed the slaughter of civilians - women, children and old people - by both sides, sometimes inadvertently, sometimes intentionally. The unknowing demagogues and the generals who serve as their lap dogs call civilian casualties "collateral damage". Those who have witnessed it call it horror. You cannot be human and be unaffected by these events.
I have but one request of Ms. Hawkins. Walk a mile in our shoes! Then return to your rant and see how it strikes you!
J M
Member VFP
(1st Lt. Artillery, JAG - Honorable Discharge, 21 Apr. 1971)
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Lynn Hawkins <lynnhawkins77> wrote:
I am not discrediting anything you have said. NO - I have NOT personally experienced those things and I do NOT think that patriotism is waving a god damn flag or singing a song. YOU dont know me anymore than I know you.
HOWEVER, My comments circulated around ST. PETE FOR PEACE. prior to VFP having a relationship with them GOD knows that I respected your organization... if anyone deserves the freedom of speech it is the veterans. SPFP are NOT peaceful demonstrators and they are TROUBLE makers...I have been dealing with them for YEARS and know first hand as do most of our COUNTY their tactics. They are not an honorable organization.
I am not WRONG.... I am entitled to my OPINION. I could call you Wrong just the same. Why don't you focus on welcoming the troops homem fighting for better seperation pay, for better health care for the returning instead of welcoming in open arms FREAKS like Cindy Sheehan..
I haven't been there personally (I chose not to as is MY right) but my brother calls several times per month....and he IS talking about it. We are given the details, he has lost friends, his Sargent his arm, he has seen children killed....IT ISNT A FUCKIN VACATION and I am AWARE of that...I do not romanticize the war...and we worry everyday he will not come back. He isn't a cook or a mechanic he is with the infantry with the mortars and on the front lines in a shawdy tent in Baghdad...I am not BLIND to that facts and reality surrounding this war.
BUT - i will not make the troops feel that their mission was unnecessary, that them or their comrades died in vain....THEY DESERVE RESPECT. If ANYONE knows that it should be YOU.
This 4th of July I will spend in remeberance of those that have fallen and THANKFUL to those who are dodging bullets on our behalf.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
On 6/29/07, Jmlaw@...wrote:
You are correct. We do not know one another; however, our words speak volumes.
If you read my missive carefully, i.e., the first three sentences, you will note that I did not suggest that you were wrong to have your opinion. I suggested that you were wrong to call us cowards - which you did.
I now understand your frustration. With your brother over there only you and those in your position know what kind of suffering that creates. I went through it for 18 months knowing way too much too soon via cell phone and computer. It gave me a heart attack, literally, so while you support your brother, take care of your health. My prayers go out to you and your brother for his safe return.
I do indeed agree that our troops deserve respect. It is simply my belief that the first order of respect is not to lie to them.
Finally, at the risk of prolonging the debate, I respectfully disagree with your characterization of Cindy Sheehan as a "FREAK". Ms. Sheehan is a mother who lost a son in a war that many Americans believe should not have occurred and most Americans now believe should end - for the sake of the troops still deployed and their families here at home. I hope you view that as support for you and your brother.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
On 7/01/07, J W <opusmaximus2050> wrote:
Subject: Re: You ought to be ashamed "veterans for peace"
To: "Lynn Hawkins" <lynnhawkins77>
Dear Lynn, Cindy Sheehan is a Gold star mother
You call her a freak because she opposes this war and wants to make this administration accuntable for the lies and false intel that got us there.
It seems to be quite a dilemma, how to support the troops and yet oppose the war.
we have arrived at a saying which is,
Honor the warrior, not the war.
Peace be with you on this Sunday.
Jim
Dear Ms Hawkins
I am a Vietnam veteran, was awarded the air medal with three oakleaf clusters and refused the standard end-of-tour distinguishhed flying cross, altho I claim it, is on my DD214.
I had direct contact with soldiers who were killed over there and know very well what the troops are going through today.
I am a proud member of Veterans for Peace, as a citizen soldier and am ready to put my life on the line at any moment for my country and for freedom. But I don't agree with this president and the terrible lies that mis-directed us from fighting against Al_Qaida in Afghanistan setting our soldiers up at the butt end of yet another bad deal while the president and his chickenhawk buddies make themselves rich at their expense. Yes that is how I seee it. However I agree with you that no disrespect should ever be shown to returning veterans or to military personnell. Let freedom ring with the liberty bell when we have redeployed our troops into a more sane and rational mission.
Yours truly
Jim Willingham
ps we ain't cowards
I want my country back!
Lynn Hawkins <lynnhawkins77> wrote:
If you want to help below is my brother, 26 year old SPC Fischer, husband and father of 3 children and 2 step-children....PRAY FOR HIM.

Lynn's brother in Baghdad
Jim wrote:
Lynn,
Your brother looks very alert and mindful and i am sure that he is as capable as anyone in his situation. He is better than a hundred George Bushes or Dick Cheneys or Wolfowitzes
and we need him to be healthy and strong.
Lets pray together yes indeed.
Dear God,
We pray that he will know that he is remembered during his tour over there, not forgotten or takin for granted. and that he will not be wearied or let down, but will keep his spirit strong and focused, and we pray that his tour will end and that he will be brought home, to stay here and not return to Iraq. We pray for common sense and decency in our governmentel leaders, that they may deserve the courage and honor of this man, an American soldier, with a sister who loves him and fervently supports him in his efforts to restore sanity to this tragically war torn nation. Amen.
Lynn,
One last word, I appreciate that you are sticking up for your brother. We learned all too late that returning military veterans from combat zones need encouragement and welcoming. I am confidant that we both share in this area. Proud to be a vet,
yours in faith, Jim
ps I liked the prayer that you got me into and will keep on with that.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Lynn Hawkins <lynnhawkins77> wrote:
I like it as well and will keep it.
Best of luck in your new mission...we may cross paths one day
On 6/29/07, Jim Willingham <opusmaximus2050> wrote:
yes we have to stick together
we are one nation
have a long way to go.
and now the flag unfurls
Lynn Hawkins <lynnhawkins77> wrote:
we will agree to disagree bout Cind, that is for sure!!!!! The one thing my brother asked of my mother was to NEVER do anything of the nature...and he is fighting this war too....
Please don't tell me you respect and trust chavez as well???? If so that is very scary...

On 7/1/07, J W <opusmaximus2050> wrote:
Dear Lynn and compadres,
I too have some disagreements with President Chavez, for one, that he has used the same strong arm tactics that both President Bush and Prime minister tony Blair have used to propagate his goals. Fortunately, Chavez's policies have not resulted in mass casualties based upon lies, the way that Bush and Blair's have.
I agree that Chavez shutting down the Caracas TV station was dumb. Totally. But his strength in Venezuela lies as much with the elite wealthy but small upper class that constitutes the "Rebublican" Venezuelan opposition (and fuels dissent from the large underclass) as in any manipulative tendencies on his part. He is blessed with petrodollars, which he has used somewhat for public good, but also has ties to corruption and favoritism with the military, as he has purchased military equipment for them and increased their pay and benefits, while favored individuals get rich. (Sounds somewhat like Bush-Cheney to me). Venezuela has a democratic tradition and will not succumb to a military or totalitarian dictatorship. He was elected a couple of times, in elections that were at least as fair, open, and honorable as the last two elections here in America (national).
That he has called Bush names is no different from Bush using his inflated rhetoric about other countries, and we know now how distorted his (Bush's) opinion is, with regards to national security issues.
I suggest that your intensity of opinion is perhaps distorted as well and clouds the issues at hand. How is Chavez a threat to America? He does not subscribe to a kow towing attitude towards the current administration in Washington, regarding the manipulative economic policies that have suppressed a genuine economics development in Latin America for the last 100 years, in favor of an elite and a history of dictatorships. that is where I suggest that Chavez's real "threat" lies, an economic independence from a strong armed American economic-military policy towards Latin America.
He is not a revolutionary, only an elected strongman, like President Bush, just with different ideas.
I personally would shake his hand but would go out of my way to avoid President Bush, who is a tragic man.
J W
1LT USAF Vietnam flight instructor in tactical airlift (I flew a hearse)
resigned commission 1972
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Lynn Hawkins <lynnhawkins77> wrote: (to me)
your left wing liberalist mumbo jumbo doesn't even deserve an answer.
Under your name you should sign
-USA Traitor
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
to "Lynn Hawkins" <lynnhawkins77>
Good luck, I fought for my country
and continue to do so.
jimboloco mumbo jumboloco
on June 29, 2007 Lynn Hawkins <lynnhawkins77> wrote:(thankyou mr tiles)
"The MINUTE someone impugns your patriotism for opposing this war, turn on them like a snarling dog and explain what loving your country really means." Molly Ivans, a Texas columnist wrote that just before she died. http://www.freepress.org/columns/display/1/2006/1304
What a DISRESPECT to the troops serving ( those fallen) and those who will spend his 4th of July dodging bullets on your behalf ...while you PROTEST with the most despicable, slimy and crooked organization (st. Pete for "peace") I have ever seen in my life.
veterans for peace????? Most ALL of you weren't drafted YOU JOINED. You "veterans for peace" deserve NO honor for joining in on this type of display. You are a disgrace to our country and should be kicked out with the Mexicans.

Obviously you don't remember your time served very well....I know first hand how you make these soldiers feel with this type of self-glorifying PARADE of BS!!!
SUPPORT OUR COUNTRY, OUR PRESIDENT AND DEFEND OUR FREEDOMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOUR A BUNCH OF Cowards!
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
On 6/30/07, Jmlaw@... wrote:
ALL,
We give too much deference to the rant of Ms. Hawkins! Quite simply, she is wrong. We are not cowards. We all have served our country honorably. We all have been discharged from that service honorably. We all were fortunate enough to survive that service physically. We all carry different emotional and psychological scars borne of that service. We were not given the right to speak out, we earned that right. Did most of us join, rather than be drafted? Probably so. Why? Because in our uninformed youth we bought into the same scam that Ms. Hawkins buys into - "War is about duty, honor, country, patriotic songs, parades and flag waving". Only we all found out War is not about that at all. For those who have served, War is about lies, politics, profits, death, destruction, humiliation and horror.
I served from 1967 to 1971. Guess which war that was! I, and others, lost many friends to the lies and the liars who perpetrated that war ("The Gulf of Tonkin, the domino theory, the Communist threat, etc.). The profits there went to Bell Helicopter, Inc. My son served 18 months in Iraq in combat as a military policeman protecting convoys in and out of Baghdad so that Halliburton, Brown & Root and others could clip billions of dollars in coupons at the expense of the US Taxpayer - yes, even Ms. Hawkins has paid her fair share. My son lost friends to the present day lies and liars, all of whom never served a day in combat, much less a day in uniform! He has returned, left the U.S.Army Reserves, and now quietly fights the V.A. for paltry disability benefits. He speaks little of his experience. As my father spoke little of his experience in the Battle of the Bulge. It has taken most of us more than 30 years to speak about Vietnam. Sadly, each of my family's last three generations has been somewhat defined by the war they were asked to participate in.
Less than 3% of the population ever serves in the Armed Forces. Most Americans stand on the sidelines with no personal risk or stake in the outcome of any U.S. war. They cheer and wave flags and say: "Go get 'em boys and now girls!" They are enablers of the consciousness men and women who, for reasons of politics and profits, send our young men and women to fight and die in foreign lands - unnecessarily!
My bet is that Ms. Hawkins has never seen a friend killed or maimed or blown in half by an I.E.D or witnessed the slaughter of civilians - women, children and old people - by both sides, sometimes inadvertently, sometimes intentionally. The unknowing demagogues and the generals who serve as their lap dogs call civilian casualties "collateral damage". Those who have witnessed it call it horror. You cannot be human and be unaffected by these events.
I have but one request of Ms. Hawkins. Walk a mile in our shoes! Then return to your rant and see how it strikes you!
J M
Member VFP
(1st Lt. Artillery, JAG - Honorable Discharge, 21 Apr. 1971)
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Lynn Hawkins <lynnhawkins77> wrote:
I am not discrediting anything you have said. NO - I have NOT personally experienced those things and I do NOT think that patriotism is waving a god damn flag or singing a song. YOU dont know me anymore than I know you.
HOWEVER, My comments circulated around ST. PETE FOR PEACE. prior to VFP having a relationship with them GOD knows that I respected your organization... if anyone deserves the freedom of speech it is the veterans. SPFP are NOT peaceful demonstrators and they are TROUBLE makers...I have been dealing with them for YEARS and know first hand as do most of our COUNTY their tactics. They are not an honorable organization.
I am not WRONG.... I am entitled to my OPINION. I could call you Wrong just the same. Why don't you focus on welcoming the troops homem fighting for better seperation pay, for better health care for the returning instead of welcoming in open arms FREAKS like Cindy Sheehan..
I haven't been there personally (I chose not to as is MY right) but my brother calls several times per month....and he IS talking about it. We are given the details, he has lost friends, his Sargent his arm, he has seen children killed....IT ISNT A FUCKIN VACATION and I am AWARE of that...I do not romanticize the war...and we worry everyday he will not come back. He isn't a cook or a mechanic he is with the infantry with the mortars and on the front lines in a shawdy tent in Baghdad...I am not BLIND to that facts and reality surrounding this war.
BUT - i will not make the troops feel that their mission was unnecessary, that them or their comrades died in vain....THEY DESERVE RESPECT. If ANYONE knows that it should be YOU.
This 4th of July I will spend in remeberance of those that have fallen and THANKFUL to those who are dodging bullets on our behalf.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
On 6/29/07, Jmlaw@...wrote:
You are correct. We do not know one another; however, our words speak volumes.
If you read my missive carefully, i.e., the first three sentences, you will note that I did not suggest that you were wrong to have your opinion. I suggested that you were wrong to call us cowards - which you did.
I now understand your frustration. With your brother over there only you and those in your position know what kind of suffering that creates. I went through it for 18 months knowing way too much too soon via cell phone and computer. It gave me a heart attack, literally, so while you support your brother, take care of your health. My prayers go out to you and your brother for his safe return.
I do indeed agree that our troops deserve respect. It is simply my belief that the first order of respect is not to lie to them.
Finally, at the risk of prolonging the debate, I respectfully disagree with your characterization of Cindy Sheehan as a "FREAK". Ms. Sheehan is a mother who lost a son in a war that many Americans believe should not have occurred and most Americans now believe should end - for the sake of the troops still deployed and their families here at home. I hope you view that as support for you and your brother.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
On 7/01/07, J W <opusmaximus2050> wrote:
Subject: Re: You ought to be ashamed "veterans for peace"
To: "Lynn Hawkins" <lynnhawkins77>
Dear Lynn, Cindy Sheehan is a Gold star mother
You call her a freak because she opposes this war and wants to make this administration accuntable for the lies and false intel that got us there.
It seems to be quite a dilemma, how to support the troops and yet oppose the war.
we have arrived at a saying which is,
Honor the warrior, not the war.
Peace be with you on this Sunday.
Jim
Dear Ms Hawkins
I am a Vietnam veteran, was awarded the air medal with three oakleaf clusters and refused the standard end-of-tour distinguishhed flying cross, altho I claim it, is on my DD214.
I had direct contact with soldiers who were killed over there and know very well what the troops are going through today.
I am a proud member of Veterans for Peace, as a citizen soldier and am ready to put my life on the line at any moment for my country and for freedom. But I don't agree with this president and the terrible lies that mis-directed us from fighting against Al_Qaida in Afghanistan setting our soldiers up at the butt end of yet another bad deal while the president and his chickenhawk buddies make themselves rich at their expense. Yes that is how I seee it. However I agree with you that no disrespect should ever be shown to returning veterans or to military personnell. Let freedom ring with the liberty bell when we have redeployed our troops into a more sane and rational mission.
Yours truly
Jim Willingham
ps we ain't cowards
I want my country back!
Lynn Hawkins <lynnhawkins77> wrote:
If you want to help below is my brother, 26 year old SPC Fischer, husband and father of 3 children and 2 step-children....PRAY FOR HIM.

Lynn's brother in Baghdad
Jim wrote:
Lynn,
Your brother looks very alert and mindful and i am sure that he is as capable as anyone in his situation. He is better than a hundred George Bushes or Dick Cheneys or Wolfowitzes
and we need him to be healthy and strong.
Lets pray together yes indeed.
Dear God,
We pray that he will know that he is remembered during his tour over there, not forgotten or takin for granted. and that he will not be wearied or let down, but will keep his spirit strong and focused, and we pray that his tour will end and that he will be brought home, to stay here and not return to Iraq. We pray for common sense and decency in our governmentel leaders, that they may deserve the courage and honor of this man, an American soldier, with a sister who loves him and fervently supports him in his efforts to restore sanity to this tragically war torn nation. Amen.
Lynn,
One last word, I appreciate that you are sticking up for your brother. We learned all too late that returning military veterans from combat zones need encouragement and welcoming. I am confidant that we both share in this area. Proud to be a vet,
yours in faith, Jim
ps I liked the prayer that you got me into and will keep on with that.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Lynn Hawkins <lynnhawkins77> wrote:
I like it as well and will keep it.
Best of luck in your new mission...we may cross paths one day

On 6/29/07, Jim Willingham <opusmaximus2050> wrote:
yes we have to stick together
we are one nation
have a long way to go.
and now the flag unfurls
Lynn Hawkins <lynnhawkins77> wrote:
we will agree to disagree bout Cind, that is for sure!!!!! The one thing my brother asked of my mother was to NEVER do anything of the nature...and he is fighting this war too....
Please don't tell me you respect and trust chavez as well???? If so that is very scary...

On 7/1/07, J W <opusmaximus2050> wrote:
Dear Lynn and compadres,
I too have some disagreements with President Chavez, for one, that he has used the same strong arm tactics that both President Bush and Prime minister tony Blair have used to propagate his goals. Fortunately, Chavez's policies have not resulted in mass casualties based upon lies, the way that Bush and Blair's have.
I agree that Chavez shutting down the Caracas TV station was dumb. Totally. But his strength in Venezuela lies as much with the elite wealthy but small upper class that constitutes the "Rebublican" Venezuelan opposition (and fuels dissent from the large underclass) as in any manipulative tendencies on his part. He is blessed with petrodollars, which he has used somewhat for public good, but also has ties to corruption and favoritism with the military, as he has purchased military equipment for them and increased their pay and benefits, while favored individuals get rich. (Sounds somewhat like Bush-Cheney to me). Venezuela has a democratic tradition and will not succumb to a military or totalitarian dictatorship. He was elected a couple of times, in elections that were at least as fair, open, and honorable as the last two elections here in America (national).
That he has called Bush names is no different from Bush using his inflated rhetoric about other countries, and we know now how distorted his (Bush's) opinion is, with regards to national security issues.
I suggest that your intensity of opinion is perhaps distorted as well and clouds the issues at hand. How is Chavez a threat to America? He does not subscribe to a kow towing attitude towards the current administration in Washington, regarding the manipulative economic policies that have suppressed a genuine economics development in Latin America for the last 100 years, in favor of an elite and a history of dictatorships. that is where I suggest that Chavez's real "threat" lies, an economic independence from a strong armed American economic-military policy towards Latin America.
He is not a revolutionary, only an elected strongman, like President Bush, just with different ideas.
I personally would shake his hand but would go out of my way to avoid President Bush, who is a tragic man.
J W
1LT USAF Vietnam flight instructor in tactical airlift (I flew a hearse)
resigned commission 1972
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Lynn Hawkins <lynnhawkins77> wrote: (to me)
your left wing liberalist mumbo jumbo doesn't even deserve an answer.
Under your name you should sign
-USA Traitor
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
to "Lynn Hawkins" <lynnhawkins77>
Good luck, I fought for my country
and continue to do so.
jimboloco mumbo jumboloco
