Captain's Quarters -

Occasionally when I see old movie clips of the Nuremberg rallies, I wonder (gleefully fantasize?) what a B-52 strike on them would look like. Or, to be more contemporary, a strike by a full combat box of B-17's or B-24's.

I find myself wondering the same thing about the al-Quds day rally...

No doubt Saint Jimmy Carter is filled with righteous joy whenever Ahmadinejad takes the podium.

"I wonder how they celebrate it at Columbia?"

They (Columbia) will start by removing the curtain behind the stage and all other dress's they're hiding behind.

What will it take for the left to see this threat? Perhaps a very bright light, followed by a FINAL THOUGHT---"maybe this was reality---please pass the kool-aid". And the few liberals in Alaska may have enough time for one extra final thought----- Bush was right!

Iran is run by the mullahs, not Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

I'd like to see the US stop placing pressure on Israel to follow policies that we would like to see implemented.

Let Israel fix the problem without our intervention and our wishful peace keeping agreements, it's not working.

Americans don't understand the irrationality of middle eastern politics, our ideas don't work there.

Israel is a sovereign nation and has a right to defend itself. Israel knows how to fix the problem, let them do it.

One thing the limited minds on the Left cannot seem to understand is this: Remove Israel,destroy it either physically and/or politically, and islam will simply move on to the next 'threat' to its existence- US.

This is NOT about Israel. Israel is just the biggest roadblock on their warpath to date.

Better idea let Israel take over land from Iran and see how they like it.

Bet that flies like a lead balloon.

I think it's an insult to human diginity for Iran to still be occupying lands of the Kurds, Arabs, Azerbaijanis, Turkoman, and Beluch.

Funny, but the name Al Quds is a shortened, should I say 'bastardized' (given that the people using that term are often 'bastards' not that there's anything wrong with 'bastards') term for the Arabic phrase Bayit al Muqqudish (in Hebrew the term would be Beit Ha Mikdash (or the Holy Temple). That is from the Quran, when speaking of the ancient Jews' (People of the Book's) erection and destruction of the First and/or Second Temples in Jerusalem. Well since the current neo nazi muslims belatedly claim there was never a "Holy Temple" in Jerusalem, one has to wonder what exactly these muslims are supposedly 'celebrating' under the name of Al Quds. Maybe the nursery rhyme Little Bo Peep- ...'eating her Quds and Whey?' Or one might ask, assuming one had a rational muslim mind, why the Prophet (who lived a couple of years or centuries) before the erection of the Al Aksa Mosque/Complex in Jerusalem, just what Holy Temple: Bayit al Muqqudish in Jerusalem he could be referring to, if today's muslim's believe no such thing existed in history. Is the Prophet wrong? Is Allah wrong? God Forbid.

The attacks on Israel are a propaganda distraction. These guys have regional ambitions in Iraq and in the Persian Gulf. Further, the Jews and Americans are the mullah's scapegoats and whipping boys for a an Iranian economy which is imploding in slow motion.

That doesn't mean these guys wouldn't take out Israel in a heartbeat if they thought they could get away with it.

And Blueangel:

You're dead wrong. The mullahs are highly rational fanatics. They understand that if they control the oilfields of the Persian Gulf and Iraq, they can bring Europe and Japan to their knees. That's why it's in our strategic interests to ensure that they fail. If we refuse to play the game, it's over for Europe and Japan.

quickjustice:

How am I wrong, you essentially confirmed what I stated.

Mullahs control Iran.

How does the politics of the middle east compare to that of western politics? They don't. Do you believe or trust anything the mullahs say to you?

Can you say...Taquiya?

Blueangel:

I'm merely saying that the mullahs are rational, as are the other players in the Middle East. I'm also saying that U.S. and European interests are directly implicated with respect to the oilfields of the Middle East. And the politics, cultures, language, and religions of the Middle East can be understood by people willing to study them. (The three dominant religions, by the way, are Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.)

"They're all crazy over there, and therefore we shouldn't be involved" is a copout with which I profoundly disagree.

If that wasn't your point,then please explain yourself further.

Jews in Alaska? Looks like Ahmadinejad has been reading the latest novel from Michal Chabon, The Yiddish Policemen's Union.

Mullahs may be smart and they may be clever, but they aren't rational, not in the sense of how we think rational people/governments behave.

Not sure where you're coming up with the
"They're all crazy over there, and therefore we shouldn't be involved"
line. That's clearly not what I said.

I said that we should stay away from placing pressure on Israel and allow that country to act in its own best interest, free from our intervention on how we think things should be handled.

Israel knows how to take care of the problem, let them do it.

Columbia's Latest Guest Speaker should read Columbia's Most Recent Guest Speaker.

dave? dave, where are you?

You folks of the 'open mind' about Ahmadinejad (read: you who do not pay attention to world events) demanded proof, links to Little Hitler leading chants of "Death to America."

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-10-05-iran_N.htm?csp=34

Oh wait. Ahmadinejad himself did not utter those words. No, he merely egged them on and smiled in response to the chants--clearly disapproving gestures.

There are none so blind as those who will not see.

"Of course, that's how they celebrate Al-Quds Day in Iran. I wonder how they celebrate it at Columbia?"

How lefties celebrate every holiday - by being silly and ignorant.

Yes - I want to know where our resident Leftys are on this one.

"Instead of hyperventilating about him speaking at Columbia, why don't you actually listen to what he has to say." Or some such palaver - I am paraphrasing from memory.

"Sunshine is the best disinfectent." Yeah. Uh huh.

Kumbaya...THIS.

Oh, and no sidestepping and thread-jacking, by converting this into a debate on the pros and cons of supporting Israel as an ally. The post is not about Israel. It is about Columbia's Guest Speaker. You know, the one who WASN'T subjected to being shouted down, pies in his face, chanted off stage, etc..

It's Al-Qud Day in Iran.

Tell me Israel wouldn't like to deal with the problem. Let them do what they feel is right for their country.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071005/wl_afp/iranisraelmideastpolitics_071005133939

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad celebrated Al-Quds Day today by calling Israel's existence an "insult to human dignity".

I can't wait until some tough leftist/liberal (send out a search party) tells him that his language is not very nice, or words to that effect. Perhaps one of those who described Saddam as "a bad guy" can help us with the wording of the "condemnation".

In the meantime can't we invite Mahmoud (I'm now calling all tyrants, including Adolf, by their first name) to come to America again so we can hear what he has to say for ourselves -and He can exercise the First Amendment rights granted to HIM by the geniuses on the sinister side of the aisle.

Just another example of free speech.

And, now that hitler is dead. And, it's obvious his side LOST "the big one," what's the harm in having those german records? And, the recordings of his harrangues? At the time it wasn't all that "influential," ya know?

By the time General Patton crossed the Rhine, an amazing thing had happened in germany. Those alive SWORE they weren't nazi's. Just like that! Overnight!

And, you want to see records like these erased? Why?

By the way, at least the shrimp in Iran has a very good reason to be angry! Do you know how the Israelis "got into syria?" It's one thing for you to twirl a globe ... and run your fingers about it. It's a whole other ballgame, knowing what the Saud's and the Iranians have stuck into the terror machinery ... And, wonder of wonder ... while it goes unreported ... more money went down that sinkhole, than homes built on hills where the "clay" underneath does not support structures. (Okay. A reference to San Diego. And, million dollar homes. Just to show you that what you pay doesn't necessarily guarantee that what you've purchased is sound.) But, yes. La Jolla. And, as my son says, very rich people love living on hills, where they get a "view." Bunch of ass holes, none the less. If you get my drift.

So, the shrimp in iran is now on a tear. Though you're not privvy to the private phone calls! Can you imagine? BIG HOLES IN SYRIA. And, nobody prints much of the truth about what went on.

I actually like it like that.

As to the Man Upstairs, I can't talk for him. But he seems to have left the Jews in place. From century to century. While, for instance, the old Romans, who once ruled the known world, got busted.

How soon after the destruction of Solomon's Temple did the "bust" come in to play? Well, from history. I know the Romans burnt The Temple to the ground in 77 AD. And, then in 79 AD Vesuvius blew its top.

Not exactly on a timetable you could measure with a wristwatch. (And, for Vesuvius' ash covering a beautiful civilization? Took more than 1000 years to uncover this one! So, you know what happened? People "forgot.")

Typical.

While it's a good thing the lunatics who rave like madmen, do, in fact, leave remnants of their gas bag blather, around.

No need to hid from what you hear.

Because the shrimp in iran isn't living on a long, extended lease. Ditto, for the giraffe in syria.

While the Man Upstairs just bides his time.

Ya know what? If you really want to punish germans, stop them from getting the latest; and just pump hitler's words at them 24/7. Because they went and stuck their heads in the sand.

I don't believe the "no nazi" gambit. But then that was Patton's "problem." He was probably glad he didn't have to shoot a lot of civilians who could'a been snipers. Instead? Well, they got cooperative. And, those that fell under stalin's boot? Wow. Did they ever get punished.

What we have is the record that's been left.

You could learn from it.

Just as I predict the shrimp in iran is pissing mad.

Yes, it's time for a STERN letter to Mr. Amamadjihadi. That should learn him.

Muslims Against Sharia condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the decision of Columbia University to provide a speaking venue for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Apparently letting Akbar Rafsanjani speak at the National Cathedral was not the height of American Dhimmitude, because providing a venue for the world's foremost anti-Semite, whose proclaimed goal is the destruction of the USA and Israel, definitely takes the cake. What is surprising is that we don't hear any complaints from Columbia alumni who should be ashamed of their silence.

More on the subject:
1. Why Does Columbia host Ahmadinejad?
2. Absolutely The Most Brilliant Commentary on Ahmadinejad & Columbia (R-rated language)

Otter,

While I agree with your comments here, I don't think you take them far enough. The goal of islam, political ideology that it is, is that the entire world either convert to islam or to submit to it. We see this day in and day out, as you point out that Israel isn't the only target...we see attacks daily on Buddhists in Thailand, Christians throughout the Middle East, we see what has happened in Darfur, we see what is happening across Northern Africa.

It's simple, in islam, according to the qur'an, world dominance by islam is the only acceptable outcome. So as you say, it's not just Israel, but it's also not just Israel and then the U.S. It is Israel, the U.S., all of Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and Australia.

And I'd have to say I'm a heckuva lot more concerned about the future of America, Europe and Asia (by the way, there is evidence that the majority of persons living in Russia will soon be followers of islam) than I am Israel - Israel seems to have some sort of Secret Defense System that the world just can't quite figure out. :wink:

"I don't recall a millenia-long tradition of Jews in Alaska, but maybe Ahmadinejad can speak on that history when he comes to Columbia for his next speech."

NO. But study your history. You will see there was internal debate within the Zionist leadership on whether there should be a Jewish state in Argentina or in Palestine. If you don't believe me please read Theodor Herzl's (Founder of modern political Zionism) early works. In addition early Zionism was not based on religion and millenia-long tradition but on a socialist nation state for Jewish people. The argument that Jewish people have a birthright to modern day Israel is propogated by main stream media to the uninformed masses.

While you are studying your version own version of "history" I would suggest two books to help your understanding of current events. 1. Imperial Hubris by Michael Sheuer and 2. Dying to Win by Robert Pape.

"NO. But study your history."

I suggest you also study history. The Jews "occupied" the area which includes "Palestine" long before Mohammad was even born. There were two Jewish kingdoms located in that area, Judah and Israel. These kingdoms existed 1000 years before the beginning of Islam. I suggest you start with the history of King Harrod and work backwards through time.

While you are studying actual history, I would suggest two books to help your understanding of Jewish history in the Middle East.

Ben-Dov, Meir, In the Shadow of the Temple: The Discovery of Ancient Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Keter, 1985.

Daniel-Rops, Henri, Israel and the Ancient World, Garden City, Doubleday Image Books, 1981.

Look ya'll - lets just cut to it shall we? 350 million Arabs cannot bear the idea of an egalitarian society, with a free and uncensored press, open and transparent elections in their midst or accept the right of a tolerant, non-Arab, non-Muslim minority of about 10 million Israelis to live unsubjugated in the Middle East. That is the true basis of the dispute.

To answer Mamoud's rant about 'Why are Palestinians suffering for the sins of Europe?" That is a smokescreen. The REAL reason is that Palestinian Leaders (at one time including the leaders of Egypt and Jordan) started wars of aggression that they lost. These leaders then failed their own people again by herding them into 'refugee' camps instead of assimilating them into their kindred nations.

History is not so kind to events like the wars against Israel. Compare a map of Deutschland in 1914 with one of 2007. Now, try and make the case for returning turf that has been German since Roman times and the world will laughingly lecture you about the wages states incur when they repeatedly attack their neighbors and repeatedly lose.

Also - in UN jurisprudense the term for the WB is 'disputed' territories. "Occupied' territory is turf captured by an aggressor.

Columbia University also had scheduled Saddam Hussein for commencement speaker. He couldn't make it. Apparently some sort of hang up in his schedule.

"The Jews 'occupied' the area which includes 'Palestine' long before Mohammad was even born."

Ray,

Being a student of history I will read your two books as you suggested. But Zionist history and Jewish history are two different things as I think you will agree. It is a nuanced point but I think a very important one. I do not disagree(nor would any half way intelligent person); nor was it my intent to imply otherwise that Jewish people have lived in what today is Israel/Palestine for thousands of years. But Jewish people have lived in Europe for thousands of years(or close too).

So in my humble opinion I think Ahmadinejad has a point. Why not a "Jewish" nation state in Europe or America? I wouldn't have proposed Alaska(maybe New York) but I am not Ahmadinejad's spokesperson. If we are serious about a Jewish state why not? Early Zionists debated it why can't reasonable people debate it today? Listen to what Ahmadinejad says not through the mainstream media filter but actual transcripts. He does not hate Jews(nor is he a real holder of political power in Iran; but I digress). Iran supports its Jewish community and has Jewish representation in its parliament. The issue he is approaching is Zionism and a nation state in Palestine therefore excluding millions of Palestinians and Arabs equal citizenship. Not a "Jewish" nation state. Fine but important points.

Unfortunately, religion has a tendency to inflame politics and vice versa. All people should have an opportunity for self determination and justice. But that opportunity should not come at the expense of others.