The real difference

Here’s a good article.  I just can’t understand why everyone feels the need to kill everyone else in the world, why everyone can’t just live peacefully with other human beings that may be different from them!
 
Remarks of Brigitte Gabriel, delivered at the Duke University Counter Terrorism Speak-Out

I’m proud and honored to stand here today, as a Lebanese speaking for Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East. As someone who was raised in an Arabic country, I want to give you a glimpse into the heart of the Arabic world.

I was raised in Lebanon, where I was taught that the Jews were evil, Israel was the devil, and the

only time we will have peace in the Middle East is when we kill all the Jews and drive them into the sea.

When the Moslems and Palestinians declared Jihad on the Christians in 1975, they started massacring the Christians, city after city. I ended up living in a bomb shelter underground from age 10 to 17, without electricity, eating grass to live, and crawling under sniper bullets to a spring to get water.

It was Israel who came to help the Christians in Lebanon. My mother was wounded by a Moslem’s

shell, and was taken into an Israeli hospital for treatment.When we entered the emergency room, I was shocked at what I saw. There were hundreds of people wounded, Moslems, Palestinians, Christians,Lebanese, and Israeli soldiers lying on the floor. The doctors treated everyone according to their injury. They treated my mother before they treated the Israeli soldier lying next to her. They didn’t see religion, they didn’t see political affiliation, they saw people in need and they helped.

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Bush tells his side. Weekly radio address.

I’m with the president on this…
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Today I want to talk to you about a matter of national security that has been in the news — the National Intelligence Estimate on terrorism. The NIE is a classified document that analyzes the threat we face from terrorists and extremists. Parts of this classified document were recently leaked to the press. That has created a heated debate in our Nation’s capital, and a lot of misimpressions about the document’s conclusions. I believe the American people should read the document themselves and come to their own conclusions, so I declassified its key judgments.
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The National Intelligence Estimate confirms that we are up against a determined and capable enemy. The NIE lists four underlying factors that are fueling the extremist movement: first, long-standing grievances such as corruption, injustice, and a fear of Western domination; second, the jihad in Iraq; third, the slow pace of reform in Muslim nations; and fourth, pervasive anti-Americanism. It concludes that terrorists are exploiting all these factors to further their movement.
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Some in Washington have selectively quoted from this document to make the case that by fighting the terrorists in Iraq, we are making our people less secure here at home. This argument buys into the enemy’s propaganda that the terrorists attack us because we are provoking them. Here is what Prime Minister Tony Blair said this week about that argument: "This terrorism isn’t our fault. We didn’t cause it. It’s not the consequence of foreign policy." Prime Minister Blair is right. We do not create terrorism by fighting terrorism. The terrorists are at war against us because they hate everything America stands for, and because they know we stand in the way of their ambitions to take over the Middle East. We are fighting to stop them from taking over Iraq and turning that country into a safe haven that would be even more valuable than the one they lost in Afghanistan.

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From the horse’s mouth… President’s weekly radio address 9/23

As we do every week, GraniteGrok prints the transcript of President Bush’s weekly radio address. This week he discusses moderate reformer leaders from the broader Middle East. I’m not sure I completely agree with his take on Abbas…
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week, I traveled to New York City to address the United Nations General Assembly. In my speech to the leaders gathered there, I spoke about a more hopeful world that is within our reach — a world beyond terror, where ordinary men and women are free to determine their own destiny, where the voices of moderation are empowered, and where the extremists are marginalized by the peaceful majority.
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I said that every nation must make a choice: We can support the moderates and reformers working for change across the broader Middle East, or we can yield the future to the terrorists and extremists. America has made its choice – we’re standing with the moderates and reformers.
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In New York, I met with two such leaders, President Talabani of Iraq and President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. In my meeting with President Talabani, I told him that America will continue to support Iraq’s democratic government as it makes the tough decisions necessary to bring security and prosperity to the Iraqi people. I assured President Talabani that America will not abandon the Iraqi people in their struggle to defeat the terrorists and build a free society in the heart of the Middle East.
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In my meeting with President Abbas, I told him that America remains committed to the vision of two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace and security. President Abbas shares this goal. He’s working hard to oppose violent extremists and build a society in which the Palestinian people can raise their children in peace and hope.
By supporting moderate leaders such as President Abbas, the United States can help Israelis and Palestinians build a more hopeful future and achieve the peace we all want in the Holy Land.

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Who is Sununu protecting?

Last week, I wondered who exactly MY U.S. Senator John E. Sununu actually represents in Washington, DC. because of what he said in a September 12th speech given at a luncheon hosted by the American Arab Institute. In that speech, he discussed how his Lebanese ancestry allowed him to bring a "personal perspective" to debates involving Arab-related issues in … Read more

Kissinger: “War of Civilizations”

Henry Kissinger- people either like him, or hate him. My Dad can’t stand him and has long blamed the oil mess we’ve been in since 1973 on "that rat Kissinger." I’m not sure whether I agree with Dad on that one, but I guess I must say I’ve long wondered about the enigmatic Henry Kissinger. … Read more

Axis of Evil Summit in Cuba. Deja-Vue Again.

The Washington Times reports on what I call the "Axis of Evil Summit" wrap-up in Havana, Cuba with the requisite America-bashing we have come to expect from this bunch. Additionally,  the attendees backed Iran’s "peaceful" nuclear program. No real surprise there, either.
Developing countries yesterday wrapped up a multinational summit with North Korea charging that U.S. threats drove it to acquire deterrent atomic weapons and Iran winning solid support for its nuclear ambitions. Iran, Venezuela and Cuba joined North Korea in leading efforts to forge an anti-U.S. alliance. Summit leaders, in a statement on Iran, "reaffirmed the basic and inalienable right of all states to develop research, production and use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes."
Of course, it’s all OUR fault that these countries seek the weapons of mass destruction. Seeing the writing on the wall regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, given President Bush’s resolve in his pledge to prevent that country’s development of atomic weapons, the collected rogue regime leaders
warned that any attack or threat against any nuclear facility used for peaceful purposes was a violation of international law.
Since when does Iran, Cuba, and North Korea care about "international law?" Only when pointing fingers at the US, naturally.
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As I noted in past postings, the sides are being drawn in the new world war, and enemy players include countries right in our own hemisphere.

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From the horse’s mouth… President’s Weekly Radio Address

Every week, President Bush delivers a radio address, a-la- the famous "Fireside Chats" by FDR. Because of the vast differences in our daily lives since the Roosevelt administartion, most people no longer gather ’round the radio for news and entertainment, especially on the weekends- which means you, like most Americans, didn’t hear what the President had to say. GraniteGrok feels it’s important for well-informed people to give the President a listen, whether you agree with him or not.
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This week he discusses the need for two pieces of legislation he feels is needed to properly interrogate and prosecute terrorists. This is the same legislation you have been hearing about this week in the media involving "renegade" Republicans (including, naturally, John McCain) trying to derail the president’s proposals:
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. On Monday, I visited New York, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon to attend memorials marking the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. It was an emotional day for me and for our country. On that day, we remembered those who lost their lives, and we paid tribute to those who gave their lives so that others might live. We rededicated ourselves to protecting the American people from another attack.
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Next week, I will return to New York, where I will address the United Nations General Assembly. I look forward to talking to the world leaders gathered there about our obligation to defend civilization, and how we must work together to support the forces of freedom and moderation throughout the Middle East.
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As we work with the international community to defeat the terrorists and extremists, we must also provide our military and intelligence professionals the tools they need to keep our country safe. Congress is considering two vital pieces of legislation to help us do just that. My Administration is working closely with members of both parties to pass these bills.

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“Islamists Riot in Rage at ( fill in blank )”

Another day. Another "outrage." The never-ending indignation of the always "insulted" Muslim street continues apace. Day after day come the headlines and scrolling kyrons at the bottom of the news TV screens. By now, they are completely ubiquitous and part of the "background" like so much white noise. You’ve all seen them:
"Islamists riot in rage at the Muhammed Cartoons"
"Islamists riot in rage at the Israeli incursion"
"Islamists riot in rage at the toilet flushing of Koran"
"Islamists riot in rage at Abu Graib prisoner abuse"
"Islamists riot in rage at (_enter grievance dujour here__)."
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Of course, today’s grievance entry is Pope Benedict XVI. You know the story: Pope gives speech-Mentions Islam in an historical context, and denounces violence. The "offended" party reacts with violent outrage at the insinuation they are violent… From the BBC, here are some reactions from Muslim leaders to the Pope’s words:

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Explaining the war. September 11th, 5 years later.

Today is the fifth anniversary of the most devastating attack on our homeland since December 7th, 1941. The events of both days demonstrate again history’s ability to repeat itself.
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Following the Pearl Harbor attack, in his December 9th radio address to the nation, President Roosevelt explained the state of war thrust upon the country:
“The sudden criminal attacks perpetrated by the Japanese in the Pacific provide the climax of a decade of international immorality. Powerful and resourceful gangsters have banded together to make war upon the whole human race…Together with other free peoples, we are fighting to maintain our right to live among our world neighbors in freedom and in common decency without fear of assault… We are now in this war. We are all in it- all the way. Every single man, woman, and child is a partner in the most tremendous undertaking of our American history. We must share together the bad news and the good news, the defeats and the victories- the changing fortunes of war.”
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As we know, that war was enormous in its scope and ferocity. At times, things looked pretty bleak for our side.
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On September 20th, 2001, President Bush addressed a joint session of Congress and the American people, describing for the nation the sudden state of a new war:
“On September the 11th, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country.  Americans have known wars — but for the past 136 years, they have been wars on foreign soil, except for one Sunday in 1941.  Americans have known the casualties of war — but not at the center of a great city on a peaceful morning.  Americans have known surprise attacks — but never before on thousands of civilians.  All of this was brought upon us in a single day — and night fell on a different world, a world where freedom itself is under attack.”
The President identified the enemy:
“Our enemy is a radical network of terrorists, and every government that supports them.”
He then declared war:
 “Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there.  It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated.”

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Guess who’s coming to dinner? Who invited him?

In this previous posting, I applauded  Mitt Romney’s stance regarding Sunday’s lecture in Massachusetts at Harvard’s Institute of politics. Today’s Boston Herald published a letter from Daniel Wolfson of Brookline, MA expressing a similar sentiment to mine on the upcoming visit of the former Iranian leader and Gov. Mitt Romney’s refusal of the use of … Read more

Mitt: Thumbs up. US State Dept.: Thumbs down.

Here at GraniteGrok, we spank ’em when they’re wrong… and thank ’em when they’re right- . While we have been somewhat tough on possible presidential wannabee Mitt Romney (here and here), today we congratulate him for his stance on a visiting terror state leader. Today’s (Sept. 6) Boston Herald reports: Gov. Mitt Romney is refusing to … Read more

President Bush speaks. Often, actually.

We repeatedly hear people say that the President hasn’t spent enough time "selling" the war. I have said it fairly often myself. I had the opportunity to speak with a high level administration official recently and mentioned precisely that point. "Why doesn’t the President speak to the people? You know, explain the situation so that they’ll understand it." I said. His answer reminded me that the President, in fact, does- every week in his "Weekly Radio Address". Like Roosevelt’s famous "Fireside Chats", President Bush has taken time every Saturday to speak to the nation. You probably missed them because other than the occasional mention as part of some news blurb, the MSM virtually ignores them. He suggested I make it a point to either listen to it or read it every week.
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This is what the President said this past Saturday, September 2nd:
Good morning. This week, I spoke to the American Legion in Salt Lake City. I thanked the military veterans for their lifetime of service to our country. And I gave them an update on the war that America is now fighting in defense of freedom in our time.
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We’re approaching the fifth anniversary of the September the 11th attacks — and since that day, we have taken the fight to the enemy. Yet this war is more than a military conflict; it is the decisive ideological struggle of the 21st century. On one side are those who believe in freedom and moderation — the right of all people to speak, worship, and live in liberty. On the other side are those driven by tyranny and extremism — the right of a self-appointed few to impose their fanatical views on all the rest. We did not ask for this war, but we’re answering history’s call with confidence — and we will prevail.
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We are using every element of national power to defeat the terrorists. First, we’re staying on the offense against the terrorists, fighting them overseas so we do not have to face them here at home. Second, we made it clear to all nations, if you harbor terrorists, you’re as guilty as the terrorists, you’re an enemy of the United States, and you will be held to account. And third, we have launched a bold new agenda to defeat the ideology of the enemy by supporting the forces of freedom and moderation in the Middle East and beyond.

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Notable Quotes: George P. Shultz on preemptive action

Former Secretary of State George P. Shultz wrote the following back in 1986 in an essay included in the book, Terrorism- How the West Can Win. Twenty years ago… Can we as a country, can the community of free nations, stand in a purely defensive posture and absorb the blows dealt by terrorists? . I … Read more

Terrorism solved. It’s the stereotyping, stupid!

In this prior posting , I reported on an assistant professor here in a NH college who believes that terrorism can be solved if only we would move away from our stereotypes and start seeing each other as human beings, and learn to empathize. It appears this silliness is not confined to some nutty professor at … Read more

I can’t believe I agree with US Rep Tom Lantos!

I cannot believe the day has come that I actually agree with Democratic US Rep Tom Lantos. Not only do I agree, but I applaud him! Fox News carries the AP report: WASHINGTON — A congressman said Sunday he would ask the U.S. administration to freeze the $230 million aid package to Lebanon proposed by … Read more

Notable Quote: Brit Hume on radical Islam

Michelle Malkin reports on observations put forth by Brit Hume during this week’s panel discussion (about the Fox News employees’ release from captivity) on Fox News Sunday that really sums up radical Islam and the Israeli/Palestinian problems in a nutshell: Hume: Yes, and what an appealing faith these thugs must believe Islam is, that conversions have to be effected … Read more

A terrorist linked to a mosque? No way! Really?

In several prior postings, I wrote that I am generally opposed to the construction of mosques here in my backyard (NH) given the nature of the new world war in which we find ourselves and the M/O of our enemy. As I’ve repeated over and over: there’s always a mosque. That’s where the radical ideology gets … Read more

A Bounty of Mutinies to Come?

The headline in the Daily Mail (UK) screamed:  "Mutiny as passengers refuse to fly until Asians are removed."  Leaving aside the minor matter that the British press uses "Asian" to describe anyone with an ethnic background from the region stretching from Turkey to Siberia to Japan to Indonesia – which, while geographically accurate is disingenuously … Read more

Build a mosque? Not in my backyard…

This week’s New Hampshire Sunday News (Sunday version of the Union Leader) carried several articles of a special series featuring an in-depth look at Muslims living among us here in NH and their attempts at constructing a Mosque in Manchester, the state’s largest city.
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Back in June, I submitted an opinion piece to Union Leader for publication on its editorial page regarding a news story they had run about the financial difficulties faced as NH Muslims attempt to construct their  mosque/community center and who offered to pitch in and help. While it was not published in that paper, they subsequently contacted me for an interview for their two-part series: Muslims among us: faith vs. fears. This is what I wrote on June 19th:
Upon reading the article entitled, “A call to build” in Sunday’s paper, I found myself both angry and perplexed. When reading that “Members of the Greater Manchester Interfaith Council are hoping that area churchgoers will pitch in to help build New Hampshire’s first mosque,” I nearly fell off my chair. Why would they do such a thing? Time after time, each occurrence of successful or thwarted terror strikes have a common ingredient: a mosque with radicalized members and “imams”- so-called “holy” men. Knowing this, why would we want something like this here in NH? How many mosques have been used throughout the Moslem world as ammo dumps and hideouts for murderous thugs?
The new world war that we find ourselves fighting is against a radical fascist ideology, much like Nazism- only worse. The Germans found their wellspring of support generated from hyper-nationalism and racism, fueled by a charismatic leader. Today’s enemy, the so-called “Islamo- fascists,” have added a final and nearly unstoppable feature to the totalitarian mix: religious fervor. Can you imagine the thought of a Hitler Youth Summer camp somewhere in Manchester circa 1943-44? Such a notion sounds utterly ridiculous, right?
 

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Gatorade is not the problem

Received this in an email: 

Toiletries don’t commit acts of terrorism.

Muslims do.

So why can’t I take my toothpaste on the plane? How is it that Gatorade is forbidden? Why can’t I have a bottle of water?

Because we aren’t really fighting a war with terror, we are losing a struggle with political correctness. It is not so much the evil of outsiders, it is the cowardice of Americans.

The cowardice that won’t let us call a spade a spade, that makes us all live in an alternate reality, that puts survival secondary to servility. We are fighting World War III with one arm tied behind our back.

Last week was a good example.

A group of two or three dozen fascist Muslims in England and Pakistan plotted to blow up 10 or 12 passenger-laden airliners in transatlantic flight. The purpose was to celebrate and reprise the attacks of September 11. The means was the detonation of explosive liquids disguised as common liquids – like Gatorade or shampoo.

The plot was discovered, followed and – hopefully – foiled by British intelligence with an assist from Americans and Pakistanis. Immediately, new restrictions were put on airline passengers. Because the plotters planned to use liquids, passengers were forbidden to bring liquids onto airplanes.

Not medicines, not crèmes, not drinks, not nothing. Untold hundreds of thousands of airline passengers immediately and indefinitely lost the right to carry liquids or pastes on themselves or in their carry-on luggage.

Which is stupid.

 

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