The Republicans on Iran

In last night's debate, Republicans were asked about the incident last week when Iranian boats swarmed US navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz and whether the Navy commanders were right in not attacking the boats.

Mike Huckabee: Any Iranian who dared attack a U.S. ship would end up seeing the "gates of hell"

Fred Thompson: "One more step, you know, and they would have been introduced to those virgins they've been looking forward to seeing."

Comments

[A. Truman North]

I really enjoy Huckabee's sense of humor- it's too bad that he's not kidding! From anyone else, this line would have been a winner. But when you look like Jesus just whispered it in your ear, you start to look a little Pat Robertson-y.

Please, Mitt, take this bum out.

[Cenna MY]

This is precisely the type of arrogance that is doing us a lot of "favour" internationally

[Jerry Pomeroy]

It's one thing to deliver tough talk in a debate, quite another to authorize the use of force in the real world. Nevertheless, Huckabee's and Thompson's warnings to Iran, and all potential enemies of America, should be held until we can compare them to Democratic candidates responses to similar questions.

[norman]

Poor ol' fool can't just say, "What Governor Huckabee said!" FT has to add in a slur that offends our hardwon, can't believe we have them, hard hung onto, muslim allies! Not to presidential, but, it was likely the best prompting his handlers could send to his laptop screen (obvious both Fox-phony-media debates) to try and keep up with Mike Huckabee's quick mind.

[Barbara]

Thompson finally woke up to say something funny what if he sleeps through his entire presidency? Huckabee shot from the hip and sounded as tough as McCain. that would be a good ticket.

[Ron, Mich.]

Finally, someone who doesn't mince words and talk out of both sides of his mouth like a typical politician! I am liking Huckabee, and Thompson, more each day. WE are NOT the bad guys, people.

[Jerry Woodrum]

When did America become a country of *******? When someone pokes a stick in your eye you know them on their butt. When they point a gun at you, you kill them, period. The next guy who thinks about doing it will put his gun away. That is not being a bully. A bully initiates confrontation, this is conflict resolution.

[steven]

"Blame America First" is a common thread in the liberal left worldwide. The fact that a Baptist states this is somehow a crime, but if Reagan had said this, it would have worked.

The fact is truth is truth. I believe Mike and Fred BOTH have the courage to defend America and do not have to take a poll if the left agrees to make the decision. They won't launch an attack, but pull it back in mid flight like Bill did after getting a call from the United Nations. America is sovereign. America WILL keep it that way.

[Teddy Budell]

Here you have Huckabee the radical christian militant of christianity. I would give up my US citizenship if the American people voted for this kind of change. Religion from every corner of this world is destroying humanity and the new world order is wishing its mass to their knees to kill for it.

[REAGAN FAN]

Osama and Hillary have already ran up a flag of surrender and gone into the Retreat mode. They've even announced it to our enemies.
Liberals talk, talk, talk and fail to do anything, Oops and do great "photo ops." (Please Hillary dance with Bill again on the beach facing all of the swooning lefty photo-journalists) They'll "bring the adversary to the discussion table" and stall, stall, stall while the enemy gain strength. They are fools.
Mark my words I pray that America has the time for a Conservative to save America if these Liberal fools win.

[Kevin]

Absolutely beautiful. Hopefully his actions will be consistent with what he says. If they come up to our ships threatening to blow us up, kill them. It's really quite simple.

[Richard Torné]

This didn't sound like an intelligent political debate, more like 'let's see who's got the biggest balls', but some people will never learn. Didn't gunboat diplomacy go out with Lord Palmerston in the 19th century?

[Mike]

to CENNA MY

"Arrogance"? Give me a break.. These responses were dead-right. Us responding to provocation makes us the arrogant one's? You are delusional, ignorant and absurd. Go find some sand to bury your head in.

[John]

I'm tired of people talking about what the international community thinks. They all take our money. They all want to come here. We saved most of them from fascism. Most won't fight for democracy. Maybe people should think about what the average American thinks of the international community, and their lefty American counterparts.

[irina altschul]

Mitt would of been my guy if not too lazy to compain. as of now Huck IS my guy!
Without money he put this much noise around him. Nobody even heard of him one year ago.
Seems like he scared the HUCK out of the other candidates, so they begin to attac.
I think God is actually on his side, so am I.
Great sence of humor, saw him at the dabate here in Florida - love him. He is - me!

[Nena McConnell]

Even if these comments from Huckabee and Thompson have no effect on Iran and the middle east it is great to see leaders who will not mince words. We need more leaders who will stand up for our country and not be backed into a corner. We need this now more than ever. Thanks guys for your up front responces. !!!

[Common Sense]

I'm a bit confused, Jerry. When you say "Nevertheless, Huckabee's and Thompson's warnings to Iran, and all potential enemies of America, should be held until we can compare them to Democratic candidates responses to similar questions," do you mean that the debate should have not been aired until the Democrats had their own debate? That would be the only way to hold a warning, if I'm understanding you correctly.

[Otto]

If a small "zodiac" boat can blast a hole in the U.S.S. Cole, these bigger power boats could def. do some damage. America was not the instigator, Iran was. Emotional cripples may choose to ignore that, but I found it refreshing to see a canidate/s actually say what I was thinking when i saw the boats taunting the warships. I pity those who cower to political correctness and worry so much about ppls "feelings". How about the feelings of those family members who lost sailors on the U.S.S. Cole?

[Sarryl]

Tell it like it is. All Americans should think like this OOORA

[Sean B]

I think they said it right. Iran needs to take notes and back off, before we back them off PERMANENTLY.

[John Kelly]

Michael Dukakas, 1988 Democratic candidate for President is indeed very much alive. During the Winter Quarter, January to April, he teaches advanced classes in Government at University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and lives the rest of the year in Boston.

[J. Rice]

John F Kennedy was looked upon as the greatest democrat to ever be in office...would you have bashed him when he said:

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of Liberty."

...I think not.

Give 'em hell, Huck!

[WWM]

How is that arrogance to say that you will unequivocally respond to an attack on a U.S. military (or civilian, for that matter) vessel?

Just because they said they will attack if someone attacks us doesn't mean they're arrogant.

I think we need to step back and really think about what we're saying when we say things that are meant as disagreements with the Bush Doctrine and/or the Bush mentality. It's not arrogance at all - it IS overboard vengeance; and that makes me nervous.

[Duncan V]

I think Huckabee's comments were a little unwise framed as they were. This is even more so for those outside of the US who are looking for reason to redicule the US policy. However the Times Online needs to be more impartial as the image they use (see the link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3173652.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=2637446) shows Huckabee in an angry snarl. The image shown has nothing to do with the comment he made - but clearly it is meant to imply that he is a ranting in an angry way. This is not the case if you watch the video clip.

[Duncan V]

I think Huckabee's comments were a little unwise framed as they were. This is even more so for those outside of the US who are looking for reason to redicule the US policy. However the Times Online needs to be more impartial as the image they use (see the link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article3173652.ece#cid=OTC-RSS&attr=2637446) shows Huckabee in an angry snarl. The image shown has nothing to do with the comment he made - but clearly it is meant to imply that he is a ranting in an angry way. This is not the case if you watch the video clip.

[Longo]

The calculus is the Iranian retaliation is certain, so we may as wel finish them the first time around. Just imagine the Mullahs getting a shock and awe private viewing of the destructions of their HQ, C2, navy and other military installations. They may just get their wish.

[Longo]

The calculus is the Iranian retaliation is certain, so we may as wel finish them the first time around. Just imagine the Mullahs getting a shock and awe private viewing of the destructions of their HQ, C2, navy and other military installations. They may just get their wish.

[ian]

It's a good thing Huckabee will become a nobody after the primaries. Comments like that are not presidential, but perhaps that's what many are used to after 7 years of Bush.

[jana]

thanks for speaking up. We need someone like this in office.

[Gare]

Huckabee is not 'kidding'. That's why he has my vote. It is NOT vengeance when we are provoked by iranian bullies or anyone else. They think they can get away with murder because they watch abccbsnbccnn & listen to our politically correct b.s. When people do what is good they have nothing to fear, but when they do what is evil, they should be afraid; for we do not have a military for no reason.

[Nathan]

This "incident" has been blown way out of proportion. New evidence has surfaced that the "confrontation" was nothing really unusual or terribly problematic. The few boats only had crews of 3 or 4 men, armed only with machine guns. Only one boat was actually within visual range, and it was unarmed. Hardly a threat to three powerful warships.

And besides, if some more powerful country than the USA, who had repeatedly called us a world threat, and threatened to bomb our country, and was patroling its large formidable navy in waters off of our coast, we would feel perfectly justified in sending our boats out to check them out. Why the double standard? Why can't we view these things through the eyes of the other?

These Republican candidates (not to mention our President and Pentagon) are grandstanding -- with offensive comments to boot -- seizing on this to justify continued belligerance against Iran and stoke fear in the American people, for both their own political benefit and to justify continued war and out of control weapons spending. This madness of militarism and empire needs to stop before it destroys our country.

[serenity]

We need someone who will stand up to Iran.. Yes, we will be paying $6 a gallon for gas, when, not if it happens. It's either that, or you can all bow to allah. There is no question Iran has to be dealt with. If Hillary were to get in, the muslim nations will really see us as weak. Especially since they hold no regard for women. thank God I have horses...I'll still be able to get around. go huck!

could this really be what our political discourse has become...abunch of bullies showing off on the playground, saying what they´d do to those other guys if only they were the leader...its a braniwash, and a sad state of affairs...to let your mind go and cling to nothing more than the power fear brings.

[David]

We overthrew a democratically elected leader in Iran in 1953. We recruited Saddam Hussein to kill a democratically elected leader in Iraq in the 1960's. We support Saudi Arabia, are they democratic? We support Pakistan, are they democratic? THIS IS ALL FACT. I am a 40 year registered republican, this has NOTHING to do with liberal or conservative. This is misguided foreign policy. This is not about weak or strong it is about right and wrong.
Mike Huckabee is a fool and a tool. The man has made so many foreign policy gaffes as to be amusing....until you realize he is running for POTUS. This is when amusement turns to horror. I pray to God this man never gets in office.

[DEREK]

Keep takin' your shots at the guys who want to defend out country, and keep tellin' yourselves that if we just lay down, the enemy will suddenly become "peaceful." Keep convincing yourselves that a terrorist can be negotiated with. Whatever makes you feel better about yourselves. Just what we need, more naiive citizens with the very mentality that will leave our country vulnerable and create a hell for our kids to live in. How many attacks on U.S. since our invasion? And don't get stupid and try to count the losses in Iraq. When I signed up for the Army, I knew exactly what I was getting into, and am proud to fight for my country. And yes, I'm proud of the fight in Iraq, and my time there. I signed up to fight. It's called a "Battlefield" for a reason, people. A real waste of taxpayer dollars would be to pay for a military that never serves a purpose. Unfortunately, I'm fighting to give you people the right to voice your errant opinions about something you know nothing about. Keep watching the news, and keep getting lied to. Again, whatever makes you feel better.

[Drew]

Enough about Huckabee. He is nothing but a closet liberal! GO FRED!!!!!!!

[dave esser]

Americans have done more to maintain the freedom of the seas than any other nation in history. You want the benefits of American sea power (free, profitable trade), but deride our leaders use of it as arrogant or aggressive just because we have bigger, better guns, and we aren't afraid to use them on idiots like the Iranian Guard.

[Cecil NY]

Greetings All!
This is what has been reported to us. Now, what if the Iranian Navy was off the Florida coast, would American boats do the same? and lets ask ourselves why are we in these waters? who are we fighting for? be just and real about this issue, it is very serious. Good Luck and GOD bless the Human race!! Peace and Love from NYC.

[MGW]

Too bad I am a Canadian. If I was an American I would vote for these guys. Thompson for President and Huckabee for Vice President.

[lost hope]

yeahhh... lets just handle Iran the way the POMs handle Iran. heheheheh

[Mark]

This man wants to be our president?

The worst thing to do with our potential enemies is to provoke them. Fred Thompson joked about killing that night, as well as McCain.

Huckabee is in over his head. He has a glass jaw, and just doesn't have the brains to effectively run this country.

Lastly, I can just picture him laying around his hotel room thinking up these wonderful zingers. He's fake, I'm not falling for it.

RON PAUL 2008!

[Mark]

Also, Dr. Paul was correct, that the people on the stage that night were far too ready to jump into war.

The fleet commander came out yesterday and declared that they weren't sure these boats were even provoking them.

Look into the gulf of tonkin. We need to CALM DOWN.

[Steve V]

Interesting statement from Huck. Now I'm from the western mountains where if someone messes with you, then he sure deserves a country a$$ whopping..and we all have guns, lots of guns. Now that attitude is good and fine at times...but this is tricky. They say, the guys in the boat were provoking. Well, how would americans feel if Iranian warships were 2 miles off our coast..we'd seem to be in a pretty provocative stance eh...like some tough guy sitting outside your window? Now I know we need to be there, but not everyone shares our prospective and we should try to understand. If this happened out on our coast...fine, shoot'em before they get close. Being that we are basically outside their house with guns, we need to be a little sensitive to some ignorant and prideful people. Yes we should 100% pose a strong front so everyone knows not to mess with us. An old Chinese master told me a story about getting in a fight with 4 guys who attacked him...he said he damn near maimed the first one so quickly/badly that the others said ok...no more. I think we've already done this with Iraq...no need to get wild on people :)

[Steve V]

Remember what the old man said, speak softly but carry a big stick.

Huck is throwing out some Tough-War-Rhetoric to fire us up and vote for him. This is just some political muscle flexing. I'm a Huck voter but I don't favor this kinda talk being that its just more political blah blah.

[Hrothgar Killjoy]

They're both morons - tough talk gets you nowhere. Remeber Bush's infamous "bring it on" statement that he later had to apologize for? This is the same type of rhetoric that gets this country in trouble time and time again. It is arrogant and stupid and picking a fight with Iran is suicide - we can't afford the wars we are waging now and our troops are already over-strained with multiple tours. It's like throwing rocks at a bee hive while standing on a hornets nest. The best way to protect our country is to bring the troops home and have them secure OUR borders - not Iraq and Afghanistan's.

[John Galt]

The world is quite small and the Internet makes it even smaller. Do any of these children (other than Ron Paul) understand that every word goes around the world in seconds? Do they think they are just talking to Americans? This school yard talk was before Nukes and countries that are tired of being told what they can and can't do. If you have the money to buy them off, say what you want and hope for the best. However, once you (as a country) run out of money, it's time for a spanking... Rome learned, but no one reads history and the history they do read was proof read by folks like these children... We are beyond WAR folks, but we will have to lose many cities around the world before the PEOPLE stand up to the crazies... We haven't the money to go from war to war as we are running a welfare state... DUH!!! Ron Paul, you are my only hope...

[ejj]

Viva Huckabee! Mike has the right ideas - and is a genuine, sincere, realistic guy. We don't need smoke & mirrors and spin. America needs a guy like this whose heart & values are in the right place - including being biblically grounded. None of the other candidates make as much sense as he does.

[Jason B.]

The first thing that needs more light shed on it is the real role that iran plays in the international community. Relying on the media won't cut it. Be informed and educated because they do dumb you down. Iran poses no threat to us at all. We need to learn to stop 'throwing rocks' because this makes the people we hit very mad and we are lucky Iran hasn't used drastic measures to show its dissatisfaction of us overthrowing governments and creating an empire. How would we look at China if they overthrew our government and put in a puppet to control the country. Take these things into consideration because this is the cause of opposition in the international community. allnaturalhealer.com

[C. Matthew Smith]

(I'M WILLING TO BET AFTER READING THIS POST, THE MODERATOR WILL NOT ALLOW IT - BUT HERE GOES ANYWAY)

A quickie on the original issue: The reason Huckabee is so well spoken and seems different than everyone else is...he is - he simply speaks form the heart in truth.

Now to all of the harsh critics of my Christian brothers and sisters:

First, Christian bashing and equating a believer and follower in Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah of God with hate-filled, bloodthirsty terrorists is like comparing a dove with a serpent. No Christian wants war and will do everything in their power to avoid it - but will step up to protect innocent life even unto the sacrificing of self.

For anyone who says, "Jesus was a pacifist", try reading the Holy Bible (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-46). I can promise you Jesus proclaimed that He came to the earth to save, yes, but moreover to bring a division - between those that would be humble in spirit and believe and those who would be puffed up with pride and thumb their noses at God. Which one are you - there will be a test...someday. If you hear His voice now do not harden your heart.

It's amazing two thousand years later the Name above all names (Jesus Christ is Lord) still either draws the adoration or ire of man.

Second, if not for the Savior, we would not have schooling for the masses because education was only for the wealthy and royalty - yet, Christians wanted to make sure everyone could read the Bible for themselves - hence the availability of knowledge to the common man (especially the field of science - what a turn around!)

Third, if not for the Son of God there would not be hospitals as we know them - again, only if you had money could you afford to recieve adequate medical care. In fact the snake on the pole on the side of ambulances is a direct association with Jesus (John 3:13-14 shown as a prophetic sign in the OT, Numbers 21:9-9) and the hippocratic oath was inspired by Him as well.

Fourth, Christ has inspired more music, literature and art than any other historical figure - and there is more proof to His existance than any other historical figure as well - don't disagree without actually doing your homework (even His enemies left behind writings that show that Jesus performed every miracle found in the Bible; they just claimed He was given His authority to do these works by Satan). The only thing this proves is (since your enemies would never try to help you) He actually did perform miracles.

Fifth, not for Christ, women would still be considered a man's property equal to dogs and livestock just as every other religion on earth, even to this day, sees women. It is Jesus who showed the world that women have as much worth as men.

Sixth, and finally, it is God that gives free will, liberty and the right to pursue happiness - if this is removed from the constitution the only rights you have are the whatever those in power decide to afford you at their pleasure - just as it was until America became a nation.

Fact is, no Christian, myself incuded, wants an established "state religion" (which, by the way, atheism IS a religion and quickly becoming a state sponsered one). What if my understanding and practice of Christian worship differs from yours? This is exactly the mindset of radical Islam (if you don't believe the way they do - you aren't muslim enough and deserve death...Ironically they are willing to die while taking a life for their god, while we are ready to die to save life for YHWH the Father). As you can see, this is why the constitution is worded this way. There is no such phrase or meaning in the constitution that declares "there shall be a seperation between church and state", it says that the law making branch of the government shall not pass legislation forcing anyone to worship in a specific, state prescibed way under fear of prosecution.

Fear of Christianity is woefully unfounded. Those who call themselves Christians and do not love all of mankind are NOT Christians...period! The difference between Christianity and all other religions is simply this: the world believes that truth is not absolute and the human heart is basically good and that if you do good deeds you can go to heaven - Christians know that the human heart is exceedingly wicked and our nature is one of hatefullness, selfishness and pride and that only the blood of Jesus can wash you and regenerate your heart and that He alone is the path to the Father in heaven. All other religions are man's attempt to reach an impotent and distant god through good works, Christianity is God's reaching out to man to offer him redemption from the judgment to come through the taking of His perfect Son's life as a substitution.

This is what I see in Mike Huckabee and the reason I will vote for him.

You have heard it said, "you should never mix politics with religion," but, I say that they cannot be seperated since your beliefs dictate your character and is an indicator of how you will respond to everything that happens in life, public or private.

Mike Huckabee for President!!!

P.S. remembering back to the question to Huck in the first debate on Christ's running for president - He didn't come the first time to rule but to display humility as the King who climbed off His throne, shed His garments and tied on a towel to be a servant - washing His disciples' feet, but never fear, one day in the future He will enter into the political arena, there just won't be anyone who can depose Him as King of kings and Lord of lords.

He is risen, indeed!

You can't force someone to be a Christian because only God can change your heart so don't worry, a Christian President would never try to legislate his religion and make you follow his way.

[Mike Mitchell]

Huckabee practices the uncommon blend of toughness and love, known in the Bible as "meekness" - strength under control. He doesn't go looking for a fight but he defends what is right with appropriate strength. If you take a pleasure boat within the cordon area of any military ship, you're gonna know you were there. If I were foolish to do this here in Norfolk, they would shoot my boat and/or me and lock up the remains. Huckabee is simply stating common US doctrine that you don't mess with us, and we won't mess with you.

[B Dover]

pride and ignorance have no place in politics. To demoralize and dehumanize any enemy, or dead human is an act of depravity. i mean this for america and the middle east. We are both engaged in a pissing contest of deadly proportions, only difference is..... americans are further up on thier pedestal. Wake up Americans, vote with rational and morals.......... a great man once said " blessed are the peacemakers"

[john iurincich]

Hey Huck, the Straits are not the OK Corral and your not Wyatt Earp.

[david e]

Wow - finally someone with the guts to speak the truth. It refreshing

Think locally act globally....

If my neighbor was threatening my children like suicide bombers, radical islamists, the state police should defend them

America is the only refuge in the world with a light that truly shines for Justice, liberty and freedom....

Freedom has a cost - Praise God for the men and women that help to sacrifice for the greater cause of liberty.

Europe is scared, Asia is weak, Russia is greed...and hopefully the allies will see the need for greater international law to support global integrity.

[Neil]

I think Thompson's comment was witty, but he came across as trying to go one-up after Huckabee made his comment. Huckabee's comment was the best line of the entire night!

[Tim Tyler]

To Ron, Mich. | 11 January 2008 at 06:11 PM.

"We are NOT the BAD GUYS" - er, yes you are ron, you're very very bad. I think its time to do your history on what the CIA has done to the free world since the 50's, toppling any government that might actually help its people.

How naive/ignorant are you republicans? Shame on you all.

[GC]

We are in a fight for our existence. You liberal left lunes better wake up pretty quick or you will be wearing sheets and burka's. We are free today only because we walk the walk and talk the talk. The world is a better place because of the USA. At the turn of the century (1900) there were only 8 democratic nations in the world....now there are over 140....because of the US. I would think all here would agree that freedom and democracy is a good thing.....and we have to do whatever it takes to preserve these God given rights.....AND THAT INCLUDES KILLING THE BAD GUYS !! If you think radicals want peace, you are sadly mistaken. They want your house and land and they will slit your throat to get it. WAKE UP !

[Sir Joshua]

Bragadoccio always helps on the campaign trail, but we must remember that everything the candidates say on TV is beamed all over the world now-a-days. They might as well know what we're thinking and the American people's response to these campaign statements. You can bet your boots that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard was tuned in to that debate just as much as the American people were. They must also know by now what a mockery of religion we think Islam is.

[WMcGehee]

Isreal still exists, surrounded by those who would love to destroy it becuase of tough talk, followed by tough action. We must have that same resolve to survive in a wolrd of terrorism.

[Willi Brix]

Thompsons one-liner was great. Of course, he also highlighted our weekness -- the islamic fanatics don`t mind dying at all; they don`t value life the way we do.

To those who think that small rubber boats are not threat to US warships: You seem to have forgotten the Cole bombing, as well as 9/11 for that matter.

[Winston Parsons]

There is one thing in all of this that I find kind of a baffle and a little bizarre. Don't we buy a lof of our oil from Iran? Why are the Iranians not blowing up oil tankers that are attached at the pipeline off of their shores?
If they hate us but enjoy our coin for services rendered then why do they not do like Chavez in Vensswayla and nationalize the oil like Mosadeck did in the 50's? What is really going on here?

[Winston Parsons]

Oh yes, I forgot on my last post to say that I am from Arkansas. For those of you taken in by the Huckaglam or the Hillbillary Show I hope you enjoy standing in the unemployment office of your local community after one of these become our president. You will see what I mean.

[GK]

You want real leadership?

How about someone coming out and admitting that this whole episode was overblown by the military and by the press.

A mouse cannot stub an elephant's toe.

[dave]

you stupid american idiots, all you do is threaten everyone else thinking you are so great and never flawed. THE WHOLE WORLD HATES YOU SO DIE.

[Justin Baird]

Wow. This is crazy. As a Canadian, I worry about American citizens who are careless with their nation's power and who are swayed by manipulative language. Why exactly does responding to a doctored Pentagon video show courage?

Wake up.

[luke]

I voted for Bush in '04, but respected Kerry for the fact that he went to war in Vietnam and understands first hand the terms combat and casualties. I make that point to add that I find it obnoxious when washington-types or 'rich'-kids run for office and pop off about blowing every threatening nation under the sun to kingdom come. We heard this same rhetoric some what eight years ago and some odd 3000-lives later, its a different story. Death is like....for real.

[Tom]

Tim, you have it all wrong. I've lived through the entire "cold war". The iron curtain was for real. As a kid I hid under my school desk during nuclear attack drills, I was in college when the Soviets tried to place ballistic missiles 90 miles off our coast. Believe me, what America, its military and CIA did was keep the free world free. A lot of your fellow countrymen died defending the freedom you have today. Please don't be so quick to accuse them or your country for the actions they took.

Huckabee's response was merely a variation of the early American flag motto, "Don't Tread on Me".

[SAL]

Huckabee--
there is nothing in Huckabee I like in him-- I think he thinks he is better & higher than God-- I just plain can't stand him-- by the way:

I AM A REPUBLICAN

[Don Smith]

A small flotilla of boats were coming out there to do what? To see if we were actually there?
Only had three or four persons per boat? Why kill a boatload of terrorists when only 3 or 4 will do?
The small ships could have packed enough powder to sink our ships.
Only one came within visual range? So we were actually that far out? International waters?
I'm sure the crew of the USS Cole would have chosen in hind sight to blast the ship that killed their crewmembers.
Huckabee and Thompson are right. Tell Abnidinajab to stand down (Thats what a defensive action would have done). There have been, and are, bullies in the sandbox. We (America) are the teacher trying to make everyone play nice. But you don't let the bullies slap the teacher.

[RLM]

To all of those concerned with how this "plays out on the international scene": you are a bit out of touch with reality. His statement is neither inflammatory nor is it a religiously militant quip. Nice try for you to spin it that way. His statement is clear to those who are listening: attack us without provocation, then prepare to die for it. It is amazing to see the Christiaphobia out there in the left-leaning ranks. Wow, maybe the religiophobes are right, maybe it is scary to think that someone who believes that we are accountable for our actions might come into a position of leadership. I would much rather have an atheist who lives for self and the moment, rather than others and eternity. Right. Give us all a break.

[Steve Yannolo]

What a nice change of pace to hear someone just telling it like it is. If our ships had been attacked they would have been, and should be, blown to pieces. Imagine the response you would have received from those nuts from outer space, Clinton and Obama. They would probably advocate having a discussion as to why the Iranians were harassing our ships, then get permission from the UN to consider responding. And their idea of a response would be an apology.

[Gerald Kay]

In response to Tim Tyler
America has done more to hinder democracy sincre 1900 and even today. I am a history student and very well aware of events and their causes in the past century. There were very few democratic governments at the turn of the century due to many countries emerging from empires (the British empire which covered roughly half the planet only disintegrated after the second world war) or monarchies (for example germany). Furthermore America has hindered democracy across the world, toppling governments chosen by the people of numerous countries, but theoretically opposed to America, in order to install dictators who were tyrannical in their methods. Look at Chile, Guatemala; if you looked at the news today you will see that Dying Suharto is on the verge of death, a tyrant installed by the US government in Indonesia. Even today the USA still acts as such; There is strong evidence that the USA bankrolled an attempted coup in Venezuala against Hugo Chavez, who has been popularly chosen by the people, largely because he runs a leftist government that helps the previously oppressed poor majority. All this has been done by right wing republican governments that you support, left wing "lunes" have done far more to help freedom in the world (even your beloved America, civil rights act passed by LBJ). Furthermore Republican governments in recent times have tried to rule through fear, convincing many Americans that they are going to wake up and find that Muslims have taken over the world, when it quite simply never will, as its not a brutal religion, as its made out to be on Fox etc. I could carry on for much longer, but what it all boils down to is; God help us if you guys ever get so much as a wiff of power ever again

[CClinton]

I'd have been more inclined to support them if they vowed to spray Tehran with hog fat.

[James]

"Give-em Hell Huck!!!"
At least you have the B---s to defend our country and our President

[Simon]

its bizarre that so many of you are endorsing the killing people (the majority of whom in modern warfare are civilian) in a simple 'us and them' reactionary fashion. american imperialist intervention (both military and economic bullying) throughout the world in is more than enough justification for the hate they receive from the so-called 'international community'. If the US invaded England, tortured and killed my innocent friends, whilst 'reconstructing' my country by selling its assets to foreign firms, like how Iraqis must feel, i like to think id stand up against these aggressors - to think of the US as defending itself is utter madness

[Ned Iko]

Thank you C. Matthew Smith for the thorough explanation on the only way to God - Jesus Christ. I 100% agree with you but would like to add that I am concerned that we, Christians in America, occasionaly confuse "The American Way" with The Way (=Jesus) and sometimes think they are one and the same. That is evident in the mentality like when we talk about the mission field we automatically think somewhere out there, overseas. And somehow, in the back of our minds, we think that America is a "Christian nation". Or we think that America once was a "Christian nation". Unfortunatelly, that is just a myth and such a concept is not even Biblical. The only nation created by God on earth is Israel and then God created "the real thing" and that is a Holy Nation consisting of all citizens of The Kingdom of Heaven, regardless of what "earthly" kingdom/nation they originate from. I, as a Christian, renounce any such notion that America is a Christian nation because all that does is give a distorted picture of the holy and pure message of the Gospel and the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the eyes of all the precious lost souls in world, regardless if they are Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic or any other man-made religion. The filth coming out of Hollywood that we pollute the world with is NOT Christian. Some of the covert operations by the CIA that consist of killing, cheating and lying for the sake of making our lives more comfortable is NOT Christian. Brittney Spears is NOT Christian (I don't care if her parents are baptist. God has no grandchildren; only sons and daughters. If she does not repent she is on her way to hell). Barak, Hillary and all of the other pretend church-goers are NOT Christian. Treating millions of people as slaves for 200 years just because of the color of their skin is NOT Christian. Promising land to the native Americans by our government and never giving it to them but, instead, placing them in conditions where they would die from the elements and diseases is NOT Christian. In the end, I have a feeling Huckabee IS genuinely Christian so I plan on voting for him not because I think he would be a good Commander In Chief but because I think he would be getting on his knees in the middle of the Oval Office and would be crying out in the name of Jesus to the One and Only God Almighty to have mercy on our country. On this topic I highly recommend "The Cross and the Sword", which you can hear for free at http://www.whchurch.org/content/page_722.htm

[Stefano]

In Italy we always complain about our politicians..but... oh my goodness, the level of the american politicians of one of the two major parties is those of the crazy retarded (with all my respect and apoligizes to the retarded people..).. stop these people please..

[Dennis Argall]

I am an Australian who has served my country in its defence department and foreign service including in the management of our defence alliance with the US.

We made the greatest error of strategic judgement in our history in encouraging and supporting US invasion of Iraq and we must now, with a new government here, seek to ensure US understanding that the world does not belong to the US or its allies and that failure to recognise the realities of the independence and character of other nations will be the core factor hastening the decline and fall of American empire. Childish swiping at people will prove to more and more the ineffectuality and absurdity of such posturing and hasten your fall as a world power.

Begin to address the future sensibly and reasonably. Deflate, communicate, behave.

To all those who support Huckabee because of his humor.... are you so easily swayed by charisma that you're willing to give your vote to the man who can make you laugh the loudest? This is exactly what's wrong with politics. Candidates are more concerned with putting on the best show than guiding the country from an intellectual standpoint. The founding fathers of our country were well versed in the principles and the values of the Enlightenment era.. and now look what has happened. Our country was one of the first to adopt and integrate those values into a working government and now... Do not fall for the politics of Mike Huckabee. The only candidate speaking with any sense of logic or academic knowledge was Ron Paul. He was not misguided in his answer. He was addressing the simple fact the topic was even brought up! We do not need to START another war.

[Steven Terry]

Warmongers! If Huckabee was a christian... He'd try to find ways to avoid confrontation instead of provoking WW3. He's just a lackey and stooge carrying water for the 'Establishment' criminals that have your enslavement planned for you.

[Witioni]

Mike Huckabe uses his religion as a tool to gather political support. Though he says he is just being honest by speaking of his religion openly, it is obvious HE knows he is PERSONALLY benefiting from using Christianity for personal gain. Otherwise he wouldn't tone down his religious tone when he enters states that do not look favorably upon religious politicians. So, if he changes his message because it's not beneficial to his candidacy, then he cannot be trusted. There is only one politician that speaks the same message regardless of where he goes and how much criticism he receives. A man willing to be tarred and feathered in public to speak his beliefs is a politician who can be trusted. I think we all know who that Republican is.

Besides, are you really telling me you people are voting for the man who makes you laugh the loudest??? Is this what our country has become?

[Ryudo]

Do you believe single thing that spews out of your television? The first time I saw the video of the "powerboat incident" the audio did not ring true to me...The "Iranian" voice sounded like someone doing a bad impression of an Iranian voice, and I don't speak a lick of Farsi. Lo and behold...A couple of days later, those who actually do speak the language state publicly that it does NOT sound iranian. THINK about it America...I love this country, we were lied to to get us into Iraq, the current adminitration is lying to get take over Iran and the middle east in general, when are we going to WAKE UP, stop jumping on the groupthink bandwagon, and start paying attention to our collapsing bridges, our Failed health care system (i'm an ER nurse and take the brink of the un-insured) and bring our troops home to their families!

[What]

Are these guys serious? They sound like war mongering religious loons!!!!!

[john]

America will soon be fighting Iran. The war will spread beyond the borders of Iraq. Eventually, millions will die on both sides. This is going to be a long and bloody war.

[Sunru]

Any excuse?
From the reaction to most of the comments here.
America looks for enemies to attack to please their war mongering populous?
Iran is no threat, but America is doing its damn hardest to make it one.
And people please, do some research take 5 minutes of your time to figure out that the threat was a complete fabrication. The American people, then it seems, have an insatiable lust for blood.
Grow up America.

[Right is Right]

Seriously to
Neil | 12 January 2008 at 08:20 AM...

It's not about elephants and donkeys! Do you really think it's time to try the lifestyles of Iran, China, or dare I say, Russia. So many live on the words of these political pawns when in reality you can't stop what has begun. Whether the US continues to turn their faces away from the constant & grotesque crime in these and other regimes overseas or not, Islam is growing... btw, even in your own backyard.
So, sit back and relax and maybe... just maybe you'll get lucky and it won't be YOUR head on the chopping block, but YOUR child! Best regards!!

[Hmmmer]

What's really telling about how media "shifts" information is the question before the videos.

>In last night's debate, Republicans were asked about the incident last week when Iranian boats swarmed US navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz and whether the Navy commanders were right in not attacking the boats.<

I think "swarmed" should read 'approached' and "not attacking the boats" should read 'not defending their vessels'.

Language, is it what is being said or is it what you want to hear?

Pay attention, it's tricky out there.

Hmmmer. Things that make ya go hmmm?

[RPV]

Delusional?

What is delusional here is calling a routine patrol that happens every freaking time a warship goes through those waters, an incident, and then blowing it all out proportion. Oh no, look Captain, arm the nukes, there's a little speed boat coming toward us....

THAT is what makes America "arrogant". This government thinks it can mislead the populace, but it's grip is loosening every day.

[Don]

Thompson? The nearly 20-year lobbyist turned actor? Why would anybody care what he says?
Is he for dry comic relief? It isn't even funny. Why on earth would anyone listen to such a man?

[C. Matthew Smith]

A little clarification for you B Dover - peacemaker and peacekeeper are two different animals and I believe you are referring to latter while Christ spoke of the former in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:9). Let keep it in context.

A peacekeeper does nothing but sit on their hands and give chance after chance after chance, afraid to engage and terrified of calling evil evil and are always more interested in self preservation and political correctness than protecting the innocent - the UN would fall under this catagory.

A peacemaker does whatever it takes to ensure that the oppressed and down-trodden are freed from bondage and affliction even when nobody else agrees with their tact. They do not call bad good and good bad. They shine the light in the darkness and expose the truth for what it is; good or bad. They cannot stand by and allow righteousness to be set aside for personal gain.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. By the by, Jesus was no peacekeeper, He was a peacemaker, and gave His life for it.

Let's not lump the 99% of men and women fighting and dying as peaceMAKERS in with the other 1% that are just bad apples. It's really in poor taste, very dishonorable and intellectually dishonest.

I don't want some politician who is more interested in saving face than saving life - keeping the peace by giving in to every fascist and dictator. We already saw what the fallout from that ideology in WWII. I'm looking for someone who will tell me the truth even if I don't like it and will do what says according to his conscience and MAKE peace regardless of the cost..

[john]

nothing has changed has it since the massacre at Sand Creek ?

[Lisa Ray]

Huckabee's foreign policy experience was obtained from breakfast at an International House of Pancakes. Fred Thompson made this clear on more than one occasion during this debate.

Thompson has the momentum and is raking in the donations to prove it. I anticipate he will be the nominee for the Republican party and I pity the Democrat who will be forced to debate him.

[Howard]

Hoo-rah! God bless America, or heaven forbid we will face their wrath!

I, and the entire planet bar the good US of A, desire nothing less than them being toppled from bully status of the planet Earth. That will be the day humanity can finally declare progress.

[Chris]

Most of those Clowns don`t have a clue what
really went on.So,rather than open their dumb--
ass mouthes they should pay attention on what
the american people have been asking for:
a. bring our troops back home !
b. impeach this incompetent president !
c. impeach this lying vice president !
Any other mumbo-jumbo is what it is, nothing
but ass-talking ...enough of it!

[Mary]

Sooo...because what the huck is a Christian its okay for him to make funny haha about killing other humans who have been provoked by the US unceasingly because some little birdie is whispering in it's ear?If you have kept up with things you would be aware that the Tonkin incident has been refuted by the boots on the ground and media hype has tricked you again! boogabooga! Huckster deserves his name,he is so fake that anyone who believes in Him must be the same. Thompson is just a lizard.

[hcbrand]

In a recent debate, the "dovish" Democrats were asked, "When a terrorist nuke is detonated in a major American city, what will you do?" This fear-based rhetoric begs the question, "Where should our military be in the event of a terrorist nuke detonated in the US?" Furthermore, we don't hear anyone applying the logical path, "why are US ships in the Gulf of Hormuz?" Are we in an undeclared war with Iran or are we just borrowing the gulf because we're the good guys?
Before you jusmp to the logical, irrational conclusion: How would we respond to ANY nations navy parked in the Gulf of Mexico?

[Sudip Minhas]

We have all built our sense of reality on what is being fed to us. People jump to conclusions because that is what the administration wants us to believe. We believe "our" interpretation of the videos shown to us and will not accept "their" interpretation of "routine contact". Truth lies between these two positions. When a whole lot of countries find fault with our worldview we need to reassess the situation instead of shoot left right and center.

[Carl Adam]

Do a little research into the Gulf of Tonkin affair that launched us into the Viet Nam war, this Iran "incident" reeks of the same storyline. Iran is one of the "Rogue" nations. A rogue nation is a term for one the few nations left that do not let the international banking cartel opperate within their borders... The International Banks don't control the money and the media of those countries so they send us stupid Americans over there to bomb them into submission.
Turn off the TV and listen people like Ron Paul who are not afraid to tell the truth.

[yourlifehasvalue]

This is the same Gulf of Tonkin bullshit all over again. Go go go defend your country and fill the pockets of internacional bankers and corporations.

[prophettruth]

Well, Neo-Cons sure have got there sights on Iran don't they. Corp. Government is not what America is supposed to be about. Washington smells of corruption and I as an American Man will no longer accept the status quo. Someone once said that when Facisim come to America it will be wraped in a flag and carrying a cross. GOD HELP US........

[John Wamoi]

I am Papua New Guinean but American politics really fascinates me. I believe that how the world operates especially for us the smaller developing nations is entirely determined by the governance of the US. I would like to commend your forefathers who stood for democracy and liberty that most of us in the developing nations are enjoying. Thankyou America. In my view, I think Huckabee is the man for the Presidency because I feel that America badly needs a Godly President now more than it has ever imagine.
John.W. PNG

[Carl]

Some americans are truly hilarious.
I'm sure this is what was said in Rome. "We'll show those barbarians!"
The U.S. will end up the same way unless it changes.
Many americans also seem blissfully unaware about the state of your military and the way it effects your economy. You are soon bankrupt for fighting a war in Afghanistan and a war in Iraq, think about what would happen if you'd add the rest of the world to that list. Think.

Racist, ignorant bullshit thats all thats coming from the Republicans ...
Good luck with that, still clinging to the idea of virgins? You lot are more stupid and less clued up then the world first thought. Just shut up and let the world recover from the mess you've made .

[Mich]

Religious fanaticism, and i emphasise, FANATICISM is the basis of al-qaeida's mission. They in their various mass killings have stated that they believe they are doing God's work. Now think of the irony of some americans supporting Huckabee because he's very religious and 'tells it like it is.'

He strikes me, with all his speeches as someone who really thinks he's God's personal assistant, come down from heaven to come and save america from the rest of the world, abortion and gay people. Fear breeds anger, clicheed as it may sound, anger is one letter short of danger. Get with it, there is nothing wrong with people trying to be peaceful, ask yourselves why it is that america has been under attack alot more since it started talking war here and there and attacking other countries after 9/11. Iraq was a 'threat', now it's people are on their knees, far worse off than they ever were with saddam, all so that americans can be 'free'. Be very afraid of people who aren't perturbed with preaching war, because we all know paranoia is what started the iraq war, paranoia is what will provoke more wars.

[Mike Martin]

Let's get this right here.
Christians turn the other cheek no?
We are pro-life, but we want to kill people in prison, you would think you'd want a prisoner to have every chance possible to come to christ, no.
When has the replubicans-- most of them pro-life sign or put out any new pro-life bills?
We want to go to another country and control them, but can't control our own borders.

[Virginia]

I don't know much about Islam, but I bet I know more than these old fogies! That's great they want to defend the US and its people -- "defend" being the operative word -- but I don't at all appreciate the little religious slurs in play here -- especially from Mr. "I get my facts on Mormonism from non-Mormons" Huckabee. When derision of religion -- any religion! -- becomes acceptable, persecution ain't far behind.
NOTE: I do not support Mitt Romney, but I believe absolutely they need to leave his and everybody else's religion ALONE.

[Raymond]

You guys are being played and manipulated into position. They are priming us for war with Iran before the end of Bush's term.

[C.Dalton]

J.RICE and others who think either of these people are worthy of being global political leaders...
This - "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of Liberty."
Is very, very different in context and delivery and meaning to this - "One more step, you know, and they would have been introduced to those virgins they've been looking forward to seeing."
Inciting racial and religeous hatred is not a good thing at any time, from any nation. "They do it" is not an excuse.
America does need strong leadership, of course, but tempered with knowledge and true understanding and a level of detachment from emotional outbursts.
Gung ho - no thanks

[Liberty2008]

Mike Huckabee is the epitome of LEADERSHIP! WOW! He is a frame of reference like the founding fathers. He is SOLID and Sensible. HUCKABEE is the PIC for SOUTH CAROLINA! Without Question!

[kristi]

ok the fact remains iran is not even willing to stop enriching uranium it does not care what we think. And as far as the the boats and our warships go, it was international waters. who in there right minds would go up on warships in small boats unless they were teasing us so we would fire the first shot. They are purposly provoking us. its like a dog on a lease you keep teasing that dog and provoking it as soon as it gets off that lease its gonna bite. i think huck would be best he has strong moral values and stands up for what he believes.

[Alex Bakst]

Of course American forces should respond when attacked, there's no question there. How the military reacts to provocation is another matter, and that was what was at stake in the Straight of Hormuz.

I don't think it's arrogant to presume that America is a sovereign nation and will defend itself when necessary, and therefore there was nothing arrogant about Huckabee's response.

But I think Fred Thompson's "meet those virgins" comment was absolutely out of line. It mocks the Islamic religion and has distinct xenophobic overtones, and why? Just so that he could get a joke (hear me not laughing) into the debate that will appeal to some of our more belligerent voters out there?

Not too presidential, indeed.

[heather]

I'd rather have a man in office that will deal with our own nation's big issues before screwing with another country. Like ^^ said, what would you guys think if another military power decided to disarm us or nuke our big cities (Miami, Vegas, LA, SF, NYC, Chicago, Atlanta)? Seriously. Another Pearl Harbor perhaps? I hope this never happens but talking shit and promising to lay out countries that don't want to make deals with us is crap. To be honest I'm sick of American elitists and the shit-talking debates (like this one) make me sick. (sarcasm) I can't imagine why they'd want to defend their own country or nuke our own. (/sarcasm)

[riki cooper]

None of these candidates even bothered to ascertain the true situation. The whole thing was a hoax. It just proved the candidates arrogance and why the world disrespects the US.

Have not heard Obama's reaction to the incident... that wasn't!!

[greg klomp]

i don`t think Mike Huckabee knew much about what happened that day. I think that his answer was meant to sound as if he knew something about the event but his answer did not have any further information about the event. To me, it sounded like a blanket cover- all answer without any specific knowledge of the event. The questioner even said "wait, what what about.....".

[John K]

Even die-hard republicans in America, and right leaning voters from Britain, Australia and the rest of the Coalition Of The Witless acknowledge that they were lied to and manipulated into allowing their leaders to lead them into the biggest military blunder since Vietnam. The Iraq 'Oil For Fools' fiasco has unleashed a torrent of anti-west action and solidarity amongst enemy tribes, disparate religions and unfriendly nations. Before the War on Truth, the middle east consisted of a bunch of smaller nations and factions who didn't agree with each other and were more concerned with their own local problems. Since Bush's infamous top-gun-style photo shoot and declaration of "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03), 3788 American service people have been killed. Despite that fact, he recently described the security situation in Iraq, to Australian Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile by stating,"We're kicking ass." (Sept. 5, 2007) Phrases like this and both Thompson and Huckabees attempts to reduce a serious question down to who can come up with most quotable soundbite is dismaying and indicative of the pathetic reasons on which people in this forum appear to be are staking their decision to vote. Humor is most useful when deflecting anger or finding compromise, not when vilifying a subject or opponent to score cheap laughs at the expense of intelligent debate. "He's funny", is probably not the best indicator of the most capable honest and worthy presidential candidate. If this was the case, I'd prefer to have Steve Colbert in the Whitehouse doing a 4 year 'emulation' of Bill O’Reilly. At least the Oval Office would produce some intentional laughter.

[International Man of Leisure]

Luckily, Hucktser has zero chance of becoming president. Good thing too, as he is singularly unqualified to hold any kind of public office. I wouldn't give him a job sweeping streets.

[helena f]

reading these comments makes me incredibly depressed. when will ordinary americans realised that they are the provacator, they are patrolling another countries borders with enormous warships its not surprising that the other countries dont like it.

america needs to deal with its problems at home which are frankly so much more important than being the bully boy and thnking its their business to try and decide how the rest of the world should act. it doesnt take a genius to realise that these so called candidates are simply spouting red neck bull**** about blasting iran into nothing.

dont you all realise that if those ships had attacked it would have resulted in a nuclear war??????????? how short sighted can you be?

these people are telling you exactly what you all want to hear. why dont you use you brains and vote for a candidate with with policies which might actually improve your lives with real healthcare and social policies.

only you can save yourselves you have the powerr to vote for someone intellgent and capable who will make america a great country again. please dont mess it up. and dont vote huckabee!!!

[Ian]

Thompson's comment about the virgins was just ignorant pandering. The Shi'ia of Iran don't believe that nonsense. That is a belief held by the Wahhabists of Saudi Arabia. You remember them don't you? George dancing with them last week? Begging for oil? Begging them to buy weapons systems from us? The clowns who hijacked some airliners and flew them into the twin towers. THOSE GUYS.

[Michelle]

Dont you people have your own elections? Mind your own business. We really dont care what you think.

[Tom Edgar]

So many depressing supporters of the "Red Necks" posting semi literate ignorant comments I shot to the end and found postings of common sense by Helena/Ian/John K et.al
Restored my faith, a little.

It is obvious that most jumped on the propaganda issued by the State Department, later denied by the U S N . These are the people who vote with a bigotry and mindset
that is the root cause of the reasons why America goes halfway around the world to attack countries who have never threatened the U S A . Whilst at the same time leaving alone those who actually did attack the Twin Towers 9/11 Notably Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

When will America embrace Democracy?
Don't tell me you are the prime example.
Switzerland allows its citizens input on all important decisions; not just at election time when the majority of so called democracies elect their next group of Dictators.

tomedgar@halenet.com.au

[ACY]

I wonder how many of the armchair warriors bellowing on these posts will keep screaming if their own lives are on the line. What total arrogance! If Americans keep acting like this the US economy will tank and any Yankee tourist will have a big bullseye in the back. Moreover, the US military performance in Iraq is hardly comforting if there is to be a war with Iran. Time to take those dark glasses off regarding blind support to Israel and Big Oil.

[Mojo Jackson]

Very Republican comments...How come when I did my tour in Nam I saw very few of you tough guys, there?
My son is now on his 2nd tour in Iraq. He tells me very few are over, there.
Ian..bravo on your comment.
A lot of you folks are eager to kill, or at least talk about killing.
Is it fun to kill for Jesus, or are you just stupid?

Why are Americans so obsessed with the concept of good and evil, and assume that western countries are good and others evil? Only 20 years ago the US were great friends with Iraq. This might be simplistic, so maybe we need a simple resolution to the Middle East. And that surely must begin with a fair solution for Palestine.

[Ian]

From my viewpoint, a pro-american brit, with enormous respect for america and it's people, I feel embarrasment and shame for the off-the-cuff remarks of these politicians. I'm sure they didn't intend to sound like xenephobic, gung-ho rednecks, or make so light of killing people due to a fake radio message.

The majority of american people know that any country which attacks another country, without first being attacked itself, has always been viewed unfavourably by history. Its true even now, and always will be.

A tiny group of crackpot saudis and egyptians took a lucky shot on 9/11. Their leader is almost forgotten, still laughing at us, 6 years later, whilst hundreds of thousands of people have died at the hands of invading forces in afghanistan and iraq - the countries either side of Iran.

If I was persian, with nuclear-armed pakistan and India also next door, US troops massed on both borders, and US ships threatening to shoot my rubber dingies for daring to venture into my own persian gulf, I would be building uranium gas centrifuges as quickly as I could.

Fortunately, the CIA has pulled the carpet from under the president by showing that Iran isn't enriching uranium any more.

I'm heartened that the majority of americans seem to be entering a period of introspection, and are considering there own terrible, terrible economic situation.

The fed has been printing so may dollars that they are virtually worthless, oil-rich arab countries are bailing out US banks, and the US president doesn't seem to have any love in his heart. The only happy american citizens are texas oil producing families, who are now making $100 per barrel, rather than the pre-Iraq $30.

My american friends don't believe in waterboarding, invading sovereign states, assasinating foreign leaders by cruise missile, extraordinary rendition. They are accustomed to being the "good guys", and can't believe they were seduced into this by supporting their commander-in-chief.

The Republican party will look to it's heart, change, and one day form a great government for a great people. But not yet - not with jokers like these two chumps.

The one silver lining to this post- 9/11 cloud is that americans are no longer sponsors of terror in Northern Ireland. The collection buckets are no longer passed around Boston bars, and peace reigns in Northern Ireland

[Max Ridgeline]

Sad thing folks is that none of this squabble, about who said what, matters. We're running out of natural resources and increasing the population at an alarming rate. This arrogant ride for humans is going to be over soon.

Find something that really matters to fight about.

[cognitdiss]

These two are both idiots. Their performance is shallow and unimaginative- the same things could be heard on any middle school basketball court before a fight. When a chipped tooth is the biggest risk, this kind of talk is fine, but when our nation's fate is up for grabs, this kind of attitude is way to cavalier.

Obviously morals and tact are nonexistent with either of them, neither are displaying presidential qualities of leadership, only a good knowledge of how to appeal to an audience of lowest common denominator, exactly what you'd expect of two professional speakers, a preacher and an actor, no less, both trained to whip their audience up into a frenzy.

If we fall for either of them we are manipulable suckers of the most immense proportions- obviously the republican agenda of starving us for education is paying of in terms of our country's now world renowned political and moral ignorance, making us born and bred patsies for any shallow money making scam of a political agenda they can come up with.

[Brazilian]

Aside from the fact that morally speaking when you do something to someone you give them the right to do exactly the same to you, and so shouldn´t complain if anybody bombs you back, or invades you, or builds military bases in your country, or surrounds your territorial waters with a war fleet, etc., etc., but just for fun, do suppose you attack and invade Iran too...how long do you think you´d be able to hold on to it? AND even if you could...what next? Pakistan? Egypt? Lybia? You are coming apart just trying to hold on to Iraq!
The fact is the Muslim world is just too big to be taken on like this, you´d end up like the Roman Empire - as soon as it overextended, it broke down quickly into nothing...
Be pragmatic and down-to-earth, hardliners, you can´t control the world by fear...you have NO alternative but to learn to live with and respect other countries, religions, and cultures. If you think might makes right, then at least realize it implies in the right of payback, and never-ending war and killing for both sides.
America, you ARE a great country, there are many wonderful things there, and you DO believe in democracy, but you are being misled by warmongers and oil and military big businessmen into thinking you are the best, the godchosen to bring democracy to the whole world, even if you have to invade and destroy other countries to do it...and you are not, you are just a country with many qualities and idealistic people who are being tricked into becoming nationalistic and religious fanatics just like the ones you were supposed to fight against...there is a very very deep saying I would like to offer to you: "Battle not with monsters, lest you become one yourself". Don´t give in to hate, America...hate begets hate...fight for freedom yes, but be very very very careful, for evil and greedy men are always ready to manipulate noble feelings into fanaticism.

[JR]

Come on you Times readers. Wake up and start getting your news from independent sources.

Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul gave the only memorable and sensible response to this incident: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS7Idj9uaOY&feature=related

Pentagon version unravels: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVM4N2ZlSao

Iranian video of incident:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaOdskQy2nM&feature=related

Oh sorry - I forgot. We're not supposed to mention Ron Paul on a mainstream news page.

[freedomofmine]

I believe that he would not lie and cruel to kill people easily if he really believe god. I believe that he just use religion to cheat people and get the seat of president. So Open our eyes for him.

[Andrew Smith]

Are you sure they were not in fact Israeli gunboats.....Again!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/documentaries/features/dead_in_the_water.shtml

I think this sort of posturing by US presidential candidates should be treated with the contempt it deserves!

The biggest aggressors in the Middle East are the United States and its ally Israel. They wll stop at nothing in manufacturing a pretext for war with Iran.

[MJ]

FREEDOMOFMINE quit your sniveling!!! Aggressors? Are you freaking kidding me??? If you don't like the way the US runs go live somewhere ELSE. And in the event that you already live elsewhere, go focus on what YOUR government is doing and keep your whiny crybaby opinions to yourself.

[CG]

What's funny (or scary) about all this is that, now that we know what actually happened, the "conservatives" would have started a war because they were too impatient and hot-headed to get the facts first.

[DemoReadyToVoteForMcCain]

I posted a question about the rumors that
Republican voters are casting primary votes for Obama and asked someone to speculate as to the reasoning behind that chess move and how it might affect foreign policy... from a Republican point of view. My comment was not posted. Why? Gee, methinks it a legitimate question. If this one doesn't get posted, you all don't play fair. Boo Hoo.

[Eve LeRieux]

When 9/11 happened everyone was ready to go war. America was united in grief, patriotism and anger. How quickly it is forgotten. Something that should NEVER be forgotten. We must not weaken into the couch potatoe mode that left us vulnerable. We have to show our strength because folks there are killing fanatics out there who want to see us all dead..every woman, child and man of us. This is a dangerous world we live in. Our freedoms and way of life are protected by our military men and women who go into this with their eyes wide open and they are armed for a reason. Without them all of our lives would be hanging by a thread.