US Elections 2008

[Zara]

I think I'm going to answer. Give me a minute to get my facts straight and I'll have something. I wrote it down just now so...we'll see how well I do without a lot of time given to me.

[Zara]

I think it’s probably better to answer than to just leave it completely alone. Eh…I’ll give it a shot.

This isn't about idealisms. Your assertion that Paul's views border on "idealistic" and "impractical" is both unfounded and untrue, as much of this country did indeed adhere to these policies at one time or another.

It is about idealism (at least maybe just a little bit). If you look at people who tried to create idealistic societies in the past, for example, you’d see that they’ve all failed. Why? Because they were too perfect in the eyes of people. What happened? People got lazy, there wasn’t enough wealth, or it became a dangerous place to live. What’s the difference here? It sound too good to be true and that usually means that it is.

Since you don't know Paul's platform, let me enlighten you. You cite nice statistics, and all which favor my point of view. You then state that "I just don't like them." In other words you support the status quo. The status quo being that America is stretched thin, militarily and economically. And, if you know any inkling of history, all empires end with massive debts and collapse because they reach a point of exhaustion where they can no longer fund their extravagant ways of empire. Since Paul knows he cannot just erode the Federal Reserve assuming he is elected (which won't happen), he advocates auditing the meetings of the Fed, since they have always operated in a veil of secrecy.

 

Second, why does the government need to "spend a lot"? That makes no sense for a government that has the largest national debt in history and a looming trade deficit and a dollar that is continuously losing its luster. What you are prescribing is national suicide.

 

Third, why maintain troops in all these places? Not only does it cost is billions, but it fuels anti-Americanism. If you know anything about what the CIA calls Blowback, you would understand. But since you don't, your positions are without merit.

 

"His [bin Laden] rhetoric selectively draws from multiple sources -- Islam, history, and the region's political and economic malaise. He also stresses grievances against the United States widely shared in the Muslim world. He inveighed against the presence of U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia, the home of Islam's holiest sites. He spoke of the suffering of the Iraqi people as a result of sanctions imposed after the Gulf War..."

 

-- 9/11 Commission Report, pages 48-49

 

"There are a lot of things that are different now [after the invasion of Iraq], and one that has gone by almost unnoticed -- but it's huge -- is that by complete mutual agreement between the US and the Saudi government we can now remove almost all of our forces from Saudi Arabia. Their presence there over the last 12 years has been a source of enormous difficulty for a friendly government. It's been a huge recruiting device for al-Qaeda. In fact if you look at bin Laden, one of his principle grievances was the presence of so- called crusader forces on the holy land, Mecca and Medina. I think just lifting that burden from the Saudis is itself going to open the door to other positive things."

 

-- Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, Vanity Fair, May 2003

 

"One of the greatest dangers for Americans in deciding how to confront the Islamist threat lies in continuing to believe -- at the urging of senior U.S. leaders -- that Muslims hate and attack us for what we are and think, rather than for what we do. The Islamic world is not so offended by our democratic system of politics, guarantees of personal rights and civil liberties, and separation of church and state that it is willing to wage war against overwhelming odds in order to stop Americans from voting, speaking freely, and praying, or not, as they wish."

 

-- Michael Scheuer, Imperial Hubris, page 8

 

"The suicidal assassins of September 11, 2001 did not 'attack America,' as political leaders and news media in the United States have tried to maintain; they attacked American foreign policy. Employing the strategy of the weak, they killed innocent bystanders, whose innocence is, of course, no different from that of the civilians killed by American bombs in Iraq, Serbia, Afghanistan, and elsewhere."

 

-- Chalmers Johnson, Blowback, page XV

 

"The term 'blowback,' which officials of the Central Intelligence Agency first invented for their own internal use, is starting to circulate among students of international relations. It refers to the unintended consequences of policies that were kept secret from the American people. What the daily press reports as the malign acts of 'terrorists' or 'drug lords' or 'rogue states' or 'illegal arms merchants' often turn out to be blowback from earlier American operations."

 

-- Chalmers Johnson, Blowback, page 8

1. Yes. Many great nations and empires have fallen due to funding problems. But why do they have those funding problems? Want me to tell you? They were too big or tried to expand to the point of exhaustion. Empires that get too large cannot be governed efficiently by one, two, twenty or so people. It’s impractical and inefficient (because it was too hard for a few people to rule) and that’s the way they were being run (by one, two, or twenty people). Too much of a good thing isn’t really that good. It’s like getting your tonsils removed and having too much ice-cream. You begin to hate it within an hour. The ‘federal’ system of the U.S. is actually very cost efficient. Much more than, say, the unitary systems of Britain or France. The U.S. isn’t expanding its borders or fighting in all out bloodbaths for more land. The situation is a little different and I think you need to take that into consideration.

 

2. That response was in regards to Paul’s platform, not in regards to the current situation.

 

3. I didn’t need you to explain to me what blowback means. That’s high school material. Look at the bigger picture and what’s going on. The U.S. is dependent on foreign oil, China (a rapidly growing and industrializing nation with tons of people) has been getting top secret information from the U.S. (very recently, might I add), some of the missiles launched by Hezbollah upon Israel were Chinese, China has been giving away ‘nuclear’ information, Asia is in turmoil and every nation there is in a huge panic about what will happen next, ect. On top of that, the Middle East is becoming more and more ‘nuclear.’ If anything happens, the U.S. needs some fronts for attack/defense and resources such as oil (fuel for the nation and for abroad - if needed). Jeezzz…I wonder were this is going? A nation doesn’t need to hate yours to attack it; all they need is incentive such as land and resources. Hate is just an excuse.

Nice job of ignoring how the Army continuously recycles troops shifts. Some of the troops are serving in their 5th tour. And why, might you ask, does Ron Paul, of all candidates have the highest campaign donations from active troops! Surely there must be a reason!

That’s human nature at its best. People look for candidates through self-interest. There is no refuting that fact.

The dollar is crashing. If you understood anything about economics (which you do not) you would understand this. You are clearly ignorant. Since the inception of the Federal Reserve in 1913, the dollar’s purchasing power has depreciated by over 94% (go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ web site www.bls.gov and you can observe this by using this site’s inflation calculator).

I don’t need to go there. I already knew that. The dollar has lost purchasing power in comparisons to gold. Even if the U.S. did use the gold standard the price of the money would go down anyway. Why? Because there are more people and if you have more people you need more money. Where do you get that money when you only have a set amount of gold in the world? You either fight to get it(assuming that others will also use the standard as they did before) or you get cheaper currency (like a ½ cent for example). And, if people have less money then, how do they purchase everyday things without having cheaper products or new money that is worth less than it did before (because the government 'said so')? Also, fiat money exists on public trust in the government and the trust in others to also use that currency. If people didn’t trust gold (a useless ‘commodity’ like shells – people used those too, don’t forget that) the same thing would occur…the currency would ‘crash’ (as you’d like to call it). Also, what about counterfeiters trying to make loads off of fake money? At least with fiat money there is less hassle in regulating that.

The U.S. government was not given vast amounts of power. If you read the Constitution, those powers which are not delegated to the central government, are vested in the states. Prior to the Civil War, it was understood that the states had the right to secede at any time, and the Civil War was largely the birth of this idea of the modern nation, a "federal nation," if you will. Ron Paul is the only candidate that advocates change. All the other candidates support the status quo and the continuing bankruptcy of this nation.

Don’t just read what the Federalist’s said. Read what the Antifederalist’s also stated. They said that Congress would tax heavily, Supreme Court would overrule state courts, and that the president would come to head a large standing army. All of that is true. Also, think about mandates and federal grants. If the national government is telling your state what to buy then isn’t it basically telling you that they’re in charge? States are very dependant on money from the national government. Also, the state militia is funded and, basically, controlled by the national government. Also, during war-time, the president gains a lot of power. Don’t forget that either. Think about it for a while.

So you support coercion? An amendment being there does not make it right if a study of it reveals that it was never fully ratified. Moreover, a study of this country's history, along with actually reading the Constitution and the Federalist papers would enlighten one as to why the framers did not want an income tax. The only reason for its existence is to fuel an empire that is going to fall anyway that was establish with the Federal Reserve.

No I don’t but try getting rid of it and see how hard it is to pass another amendment to cancel out that one. (I’m surprised that you didn’t say anything about that big mistake I made.)

And this is why the Constitution has been eroded by men in robes. The framers intended the power to create laws in the legislature, not the judicial branch. Yet it seems there has been a perversion of this where the judges have historically substituted their own views and passions and politics instead of the law, and hence we have the bastard child known as "Constitutional law", which is nothing relating to the Constitution, just a bunch of case law with sociological and political underpinnings.

Don’t you just love the judicial branch of government? The Federalist’s should have taken some tips from their counterparts. This reminds me of United States v. Lopez.

("there oughta be a law").

right

 

I'm going to post some graphs and what not. So...stay tuned for that.

Edited February 27, 2008 by Zara

[Zara]

OK...some graphs (some of which may actually help you a bit).

 

The fall of the dollar relative to gold (told you I knew).

 

 

Inflation rates of Europe, U.S., and Japan

 

 

Federal Budget (the only thing I didn't and probably needed to cite but couldn't for obvious reasons)

 

 

 

 

Edited February 27, 2008 by Zara

[Anonymouse]

I think it’s probably better to answer than to just leave it completely alone. Eh…I’ll give it a shot.

 

It is about idealism (at least maybe just a little bit). If you look at people who tried to create idealistic societies in the past, for example, you’d see that they’ve all failed. Why? Because they were too perfect in the eyes of people. What happened? People got lazy, there wasn’t enough wealth, or it became a dangerous place to live. What’s the difference here? It sound too good to be true and that usually means that it is.

 

There is nothing "idealistic" in Mr. Paul's position. I have already pointed this out and you are just rehashing the same thing. Your basic assertion is that "It is idealism, because I say so." An assertion that something is idealistic does not make it idealistic without some showing of why it is so. I have already pointed that many of the points he articulates are, in fact, what was considered policy in this country not so long ago.

 

1. Yes. Many great nations and empires have fallen due to funding problems. But why do they have those funding problems? Want me to tell you? They were too big or tried to expand to the point of exhaustion. Empires that get too large cannot be governed efficiently by one, two, twenty or so people. It’s impractical and inefficient (because it was too hard for a few people to rule) and that’s the way they were being run (by one, two, or twenty people). Too much of a good thing isn’t really that good. It’s like getting your tonsils removed and having too much ice-cream. You begin to hate it within an hour. The ‘federal’ system of the U.S. is actually very cost efficient. Much more than, say, the unitary systems of Britain or France. The U.S. isn’t expanding its borders or fighting in all out bloodbaths for more land. The situation is a little different and I think you need to take that into consideration.

 

2. That response was in regards to Paul’s platform, not in regards to the current situation.

 

 

3. I didn’t need you to explain to me what blowback means. That’s high school material. Look at the bigger picture and what’s going on. The U.S. is dependent on foreign oil, China (a rapidly growing and industrializing nation with tons of people) has been getting top secret information from the U.S. (very recently, might I add), some of the missiles launched by Hezbollah upon Israel were Chinese, China has been giving away ‘nuclear’ information, Asia is in turmoil and every nation there is in a huge panic about what will happen next, ect. On top of that, the Middle East is becoming more and more ‘nuclear.’ If anything happens, the U.S. needs some fronts for attack/defense and resources such as oil (fuel for the nation and for abroad - if needed). Jeezzz…I wonder were this is going? A nation doesn’t need to hate yours to attack it; all they need is incentive such as land and resources. Hate is just an excuse.

 

I pointed out several things in my prior response. (1) His view on the federal reserve and getting rid of it cannot be automatically done, so one shall begin with baby steps such as auditing the fed. (2) Why does the government need to spend alot considering the state of its financial situation at the moment? (3) You basically gave nothing more than your personal view of the war and you supported it, in the process of why maintaining troops in hundreds of countries is not feasible politically, militarily and financially, you clearly did not know what blowback means, thus I had to aid you. If you do not like it, you should do a better job of not exuding misunderstanding of such things.

 

'Blowback' is not 'high school material'. Despite your response, many of our politicians in the highest levels show an ignorance of the word, including the McCains, Obamas, Gulianis, Clintons and Romneys as was evident during the debates and campaigning. Second, your response above is confusing me. Just what are you trying to say? It seems to have nothing to do with anything.

 

(1) So what if the U.S. is dependent on foreign oil? If you want to lessen the strain and burden, drill in Alaska. But then environmentalists would not have it. What Paul advocates is nuclear energy, which would completely end our dependency on it. Many of the people again don't want any of this. It seems fair to say people want their cake and to eat it too.

 

(2) Why is China a threat? How much spying and information stealing has the U.S. done? How much weapons does the U.S. have? How much weapons does the U.S. sell to its client states and how much does the U.S. use the CIA for its dirty operations and overthrows or what not? The only country right now that is a menace to world peace is America, not China. When China does become menace, criticism won't be far off. You should thank China for still supporting American debt, as without Chinese and Japanese taking our worthless dollars we would be in far worse situation than we are now and I don't think the day is far when they decide to dump their dollar assets.

 

(3) You speak of Hezbollah missles from China but fail to mention the American missiles and American technology Israel uses that constantly bombs Palestinians, Lebanese, etc. Why? Whoever wrote your response is clearly an ignorant republican neo-con, that much is for sure. Furthermore, Israel itself has been guilty of selling American technology to China, and here you are defending it. Some "ally". (Not to mention Israel's denial of the American issue). And this is why the wisdom of the framers is so important, avoid entangling alliances. But you, nor the person who seemed to write your response, seems to know that.

 

 

That’s human nature at its best. People look for candidates through self-interest. There is no refuting that fact.

 

It's interesting to note that what I said was Paul receives the highest donations from active and non-active military personnel, than all other candidates combined. What do you say? You mention self-interest. And what's bad about self-interest? That only shows that people who are actually doing the fighting know more about war and peace than politicians and keyboard warriors like you.

 

I don’t need to go there. I already knew that. The dollar has lost

purchasing power in comparisons to gold.

 

No you did not, otherwise I wouldn't have pointed it out.

 

Even if the U.S. did use the gold standard the price of the money would go down anyway. Why? Because there are more people and if you have more people you need more money. Where do you get that money when you only have a set amount of gold in the world? You either fight to get it(assuming that others will also use the standard as they did before) or you get cheaper currency (like a ½ cent for example). And, if people have less money then, how do they purchase everyday things without having cheaper products or new money that is worth less than it did before (because the government 'said so')? Also, fiat money exists on public trust in the government and the trust in others to also use that currency. If people didn’t trust gold (a useless ‘commodity’ like shells – people used those too, don’t forget that) the same thing would occur…the currency would ‘crash’ (as you’d like to call it). Also, what about counterfeiters trying to make loads off of fake money? At least with fiat money there is less hassle in regulating that.

 

 

OK...some graphs (some of which may actually help you a bit).

 

The fall of the dollar relative to gold (told you I knew).

 

 

Inflation rates of Europe, U.S., and Japan

 

 

Federal Budget (the only thing I didn't and probably needed to cite but couldn't for obvious reasons)

 

 

First off, what is the point of those graphs? They do not demonstrate anything or disprove anything I have said.

 

Second, this response shows a basic level of misunderstanding when it come to economics. You are only giving lip service to how gold is going to cause inflation, yet you, do not even use the word inflation. First, even if there is a drastic amount of gold increase such as in the case of Spain's empire from the new world, thereby causing inflation, it is no where near the levels of what fiat inflation does. That is a myth. Second, a government in this age cannot inflate gold. Gold acts as an inflation hedge for the most part. The gold that a government has, is the amount of its money. It cannot be inflated and increased. The money supply must remain relative to the amount of gold, thereby causing a check on inflation.

 

Historically, gold has out competed all other forms of currency and commodity to come out on top as the prime choice for money. This has been constant through almost all ages of empires young and old. The reason for gold's success is because it is easily portable, durable and divisible. Gold and silver are divisible, so that they can be divided into small pieces without losing their value; unlike diamonds for example (or of course paper money), they are homogeneous, so that one ounce of gold will be of equal value to any other.

 

The purchasing power of gold always rises relative to the inflation of paper currency. Your point that somehow gold will be chaotic is without merit because (1) this country experienced its biggest development when it adhered to hard commodities as a source of its money and (2) the purchasing power of money (remember money can be anything, gold, paper, etc. ) can adjust by changes in the general price level to accommodate any quantity of money in relation to goods. It's just gold, unlike paper, cannot be inflated. If gold got the point of not being divisible enough to use in everyday common transactions (such as platinum would be today), some other commodity ( silver) would arise to serve as a subunit. And by allowing the participants to decide that through experience (the market), it will work its way in a course correcting way like markets always do.

 

 

Don’t just read what the Federalist’s said. Read what the Antifederalist’s also stated. They said that Congress would tax heavily, Supreme Court would overrule state courts, and that the president would come to head a large standing army. All of that is true. Also, think about mandates and federal grants. If the national government is telling your state what to buy then isn’t it basically telling you that they’re in charge? States are very dependant on money from the national government. Also, the state militia is funded and, basically, controlled by the national government. Also, during war-time, the president gains a lot of power. Don’t forget that either. Think about it for a while.

 

I don't see what the point of this is. What are you trying to say? Somewhere along the lines the meaning must have gotten lost in translation. If you are quoting anti-federalists you are only aiding me, as my position, and Paul's is purely Jeffersonian. My point was that the size and power of government has grown, beyond what was intended in the set up of the country. Your point? You mention anti-federalists and with good reason, as Hamilton and the federalists wanted nothing short of a strong central government with states taking a back seat. As I mentioned, prior to the civil war, there was this understanding that states had the power to secede from the union at their own choosing if they saw fit. This was the whole notion of states' rights. The idea of a government "by the people" (supposedly). The civil war was mostly a fight for whether this country will adhere to the Jeffersonian model of a republic, or the Hamiltonian notion of federalism run amok.

 

No I don’t but try getting rid of it and see how hard it is to pass another amendment to cancel out that one. (I’m surprised that you didn’t say anything about that big mistake I made.)

 

Then you agree that taxation is coercive?

 

 

Don’t you just love the judicial branch of government? The Federalist’s should have taken some tips from their counterparts. This reminds me of United States v. Lopez.

 

right

 

I see someone has been formally acquainted with the commerce clause.

 

[AVO]

Jack Nicholson endorses Clinton

http://youtube.com/watch?v=U9NUPLaoUdo

 

Kal Penn endorses Obama

 

[GevorgP]

Quote from Bill Clinton's Speech to Turkish press;

 

'Hillary is the best for Turkey'

The former US president Bill Clinton, who is actively involved in his wife's presidency campaign stated: "Turks support us a lot."

 

"Turkey is a very significant country for us. We need to have good relations with Turkey. The biggest contribution to this will come from Hillary. There will be great progress in relations if Hillary is elected president."

 

End of the Quote

 

GeorgP's answer;

 

And the worst for America because of the following:

QUOTE (GevorgP @ Mar 14 2008, 02:37 PM)

 

In current geopolitical situation, when US invasion in Iraq and subsequent astronomic military spendings couldn't be covered by occupied oil resources, the five year period resulted in absolute economic collapse for the world's superpower.

 

Now it is apparent that US strategic interests in the Middle East are crying for a "Cheaper" solution under current deadlock in Iraq; that is creating there two reliable puppet states; Kurdish and Suni, at no cost to USA, insuring that most of Iraqi oil resources are under their control and pulling out troops to stop unlimited military spending and, at the same time, obtain more reliable US allies, as opposed to Turkey.

 

Then using the exempt resources prevent economy from absolute collapse by insuring it's smooth downfall, which is most important thing currently.

 

But alas, US interests don't match with Bush ones, he now is planning to carry out most deadly and binding for US, long term program; locating super-expensive radars in Turkey.

 

This hits two targets at the same time; binding next US president (I guess Barak Obama will be next one) to cooperate with Turkey which, given current political situation, is against US interests and at the same time guarantees (wouldn't leave any other option to future American presidents) US support to Turkey for a long time after Bush "presidency". And Bush, I guess later on, will visit Turkey frequently to "listen/get" Turkish praises/prizes.

 

Note please that EU, despite of prior promises, given to Turkey, after reassessing current situation, is refusing Turkish HUG. They recognize, by learning Armenia or Kosovo historical experience, how deadly and disgusting it could be.

 

The EU members, especially Germany with 3 million Turkish population, have bitter recognition of the fact that Turks are "Masters" in assimilating/absorbing other nations, even out of Turkey, where they are minority there, FOR A WHILE, their "culture", religion and great know how in the population reproduction area, is a super-arm; able to absorb, in no time, such weak, in the "area", European states.

 

And then "the MINORITY" will enforce to accept their type of democracy, moderated by Mullahs/Generals.

 

Now Bush ends up his "term" with faded image of American distinguished wealth and power in the world. And, if not prevented, he can attach Turkey to the American tow cable to drag them, regardless of US weakness or tiredness; waiting for China to replace the Superpower.

 

Regards,

 

GevorgP

 

[Arpa]

If one were to follow the rhetoric հրետորական of the front runner candidates, one would get the impression that they are running for the presidency of Germany/Japan/WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, (I just threw that in), Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Furkey... ad infinitum, ad nauseam.

Which one of them is running for the presidency of the US?

Which one of them will speak about us, the US ?

That "n****" , whether we be (Middle Eastern, ex communist?) Armenian, Alaskan or Kenyan Americans.... Obama?

Which one of them is running for peace and prosperity and which for war an wreckage?

Edited April 2, 2008 by Arpa

[Ashot]

Armenian Americans for Sen. Barack Obama in the State of Pennsylvania

01.04.2008 12:17

 

Armenians for Obama have been gearing up throughout the State of Pennsylvania in preparation for the April 22nd presidential primaries. Philadelphia grassroots activists have been working several hundred hours, registering voters, manning phones to call Pennsylvanians, and posting flyers and buttons to spread Senator Obama's message of Hope. Armenian Americans and volunteers from all walks of life have kept the Philadelphia regional headquarters in downtown buzzing, reported the Armenian National Committee of Pennsylvania (ANC of PA).

 

"We are working to organize our activists in pursuit of helping presidential hopeful Senator Barack Obama, commented Ara Chalian, ANC of PA Chairman. "His strong record in office, best reflects the views and values of Armenian American voters."

 

This past January, the ANCA endorsed Senator Obama, and since then activists around the nation have been active with his campaign. The campaign for the Democratic nomination for President has reached a critical point. Pennsylvania has been declared the key state for the Democratic Party candidates, and is one of the deciding factors in the Democratic nomination for president

 

Enthusiastic and supportive Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) activists will be heading to the Philadelphia Obama Headquarters on April 9th, 2008, in addition to regular daily support from an array of community members. AYF activists will phone bank in and out of the headquarters and canvass Philadelphia as well as their respective communities. ANC and AYF activist, Mikael Garabedian, has already spent over 60 hours volunteering. "It is a powerful experience working for Senator Obama's campaign that stands for human rights and equality. The ANC of PA and AYF will continue to aid the campaign in any way they can now and beyond the critical Pennsylvania primary," commented Garabedian.

 

The community has been called to action by the ANC-PA and the AYF leaders to participate and play a leading role in aiding this campaign to a victory in the Keystone State on April 22nd. Almost 120,000 voters registered as new democrats within the past month alone and the drive has lead to over four million Pennsylvanians being registered as democrats in this major battleground state.

 

Public Radio of Armenia

[Arpa]

Obama- Biden???

Our “friends” in Ankara must be soiling in their vartiqs.

We hear that Sen. Obama will announce his running mate on Sunday. In the meantime the noise is that it will be Sen. Biden of Delaware.

Look up his record in re of Armenian issues.

In the least. It does not seem that it will not be that "furkish delight", aka Hillarious.

Or, on a separate note. How about that Cheney-Bush clone Senator from Arizona who still thinks Georgia is a US state on the East Coast, that is named after george a-bush, and has no Idea where Armenia is, or which of them is a Christian Nation.

 

Edited August 21, 2008 by Arpa

[hetanos]

Obama- Biden???

Our “friends” in Ankara must be soiling in their vartiqs.

We hear that Sen. Obama will announce his running mate on Sunday. In the meantime the noise is that it will be Sen. Biden of Delaware.

Look up his record in re of Armenian issues.

In the least. It does not seem that it will not be that "furkish delight", aka Hillarious.

Or, on a separate note. How about that Cheney-Bush clone Senator from Arizona who still thinks Georgia is a US state on the East Coast, that is named after george a-bush, and has no Idea where Armenia is, or which of them is a Christian Nation.

 

May I also add that Joe Biden was the prominent advocate in Senate for the military action against Serbia in the 90s. Add to that his 30+ years in Senate and we realize that Obama's change message was not inspiring after all. All of the suckers(and they know who they are) in this forum that believed in his change con are deeply disappointed, I hope...

[MosJan]

Daily Show Barack Obama Circle of Life

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykR_OKqWPDs

[Arpa]

Hail Mary Pass.???

This is the latest “motto” in reference to McCain’s Choice of Veep Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska.

Yes hajakh lsats eyi sa cliché n bayts chgiteyi nra imastn ou tsagoum@. Yerevi ayd droshmvel e 1975 in mi football khaghi @ntatskin, ima, verjin ropeyin housahat, desperate pass, aysinkn mi pass or miyayn Sb. Mariam@ karogh e aghotkov prkel.

 

America n lav yerkir e, miyayn mi ban. Shat kromanol yev kronakentron. Aveli qristonya qan Qristos, aveli Cathloc qan Papa. Hima khosum en the inchpes MaCain i vaz@nker@ Evangelical e. Mi qani or araj khosum eyin Obama i kronin masin, the mithe na Qristonya hayrenaser e the mahmedakan aylaser.

Qani angam piti lsenq or Obama i gorts@nker@ Catholic e? Nuynisk Catholic Italatsiner@ ayspes chen khosir. Mithe sa Katoghikosi @ntrowtyun e?

Mi ayrats srti k*k mkhitaranq. Minchev verjin ropen mit kar or McCain i gorts@nker@ piti liner ayd yeres-pokhan, ayo yeres pokhan (Democrat-Republican-independent?) TelAviv Connecticut i yerespokhan tsayrahegh oughabar hrya Lieberman @ piti liner. Saved by a hair? Saved by a hair from having a senator from telaviv from becoming our next president. He May burn in the hellfires of telaviv. May he eat his yarmulka/hat-

"I'll eat my hat"...

'I'll eat my hat' is an expression, in Britain at least, that means 'that's the last thing I'll do; I'd rather go to prison than do that', or something similar. I guess it's also known elsewhere. It's an odd saying and I've never found an origin. However, the other day in the weekly 'historical supplement' to our local evening paper, which contains a Q&A section, the following was suggested.

Q. How on earth did such a daft expression as "I'll eat my hat" become so popular. Has anyone ever eaten their hat?

Percy Jones, Chipping Sodbury

A. Yes, they have, but hat in this case doesn't come from the headwear but from "hattes", an early meatball made from veal, dates, saffron and other spices and bound with egg. Eating your "hatte" sounds a much happier fate than breakfasting on your bowler although there are numerous cases recorded of folk doing just that.

Takavin amen huys chi sparvel.

Yerevi Americatsine @ irants patoum@ savorin Hayerit’s the inchpes Vardanants@ kronakan peterazm er. The inches Iraq@ Afghanistan@ yevln kronakan paterazmner en. Russia i yev Georgia i paterazmn el kronakan e? Yerkousn el mets masamb Orthodox Qristonya?

Nayev chi moranal gender-sex (Hillary) varkats@. Hima Tikin Sara n khosum a “18 million cracks in the glass ceiling“.

Ardyok mi or mer Hayastani tegnatsounern al piti khosin Araqelakan, Avetaranakan, Katholic, yehovayakan kam mormon i masin?? Aramazt mi arastse, “astvats ou akbar” musulman!

Vortegh en mer kroni dastiarak Arad ner@, Onnig ner@, Djark ner@, Sako ner@ yev aylq or mez oughen the inchpes qveyarkel.

Edited August 30, 2008 by Arpa

[Ashot]

Did you hear the one about McCain's houses?

In the long saga which is the U.S. presidential election campaign, Americans are still managing to see the funny side. As Obama and McCain use the final seven weeks before the vote to re-energise their supporters, the U.S. comedy industry has been in full swing.

 

The Internet is flourishing with videos, comic strips, jokes and rumours. Bloggers, journalists and cartoonists have had more than their share of fun throughout this campaign.

 

An embarrasing moment at a press conference when Republican candidate John McCain couldn't remember how many houses he owned turned into a comedy hit in the American media.

 

But as RT's correpondent found out, on the streets of New York, not everyone thinks the election is a laughing matter.

 

“It’s nothing to laugh about, unfortunately. It’s a little too serious. We just can’t take another eight years of what we had,” said one man.

 

“Politics isn’t funny right now. There’s not much fun going on. One candidate is scary and the other one is even scarier,” another said.

 

Comedian Ishaq, who says his name means 'laughter' in Arabic, thinks they should lighten up. "Everything in politics deserves being made fun of! Because it’s ridiculous, ridiculous! Almost everything that you see on television!"

 

The American election campaign has been a thrilling ride. It's seen some serious battles of wit and tests of political mettle.

 

But it's also had its lighter moments. Now with just weeks remaining until America elects its new leader, the constant torrent of satire, rumor and political quips is reaching fever pitch.

[Em]

Anonymous asked: "You're not saying you'd vote for her simply because she's a woman, and not because of her merits (or lack of in this case) are you?"

 

My reply:

 

I would.

 

 

This is why democracy is such a bad thing.

 

 

After the whole Sarah Palin ordeal I have to admit thta I shoul eat my words. I was kidding about backing Hillary solely for her gender. I really did support her for mostly getting it right. Politics is politics. No one is the PERFECT candidate, no one can change the system. But I was backing her since she was a woman who was QUALIFIED to do the job. She wasn't being sold to me as the "pretty hockey mom" .

 

I am shocked that this woman (Palin) may actually become V.P. She believes "books are dangerous; abortion is murder (EVEN in instances of rape and incest); evolution is wrong; war is right"; and gays can be "cured" through HER religion.

 

Her entire position is based on her religion. It's scary. (And I'm religious ). Choosing her was a very smart choice by the Repubs. Now the brainless, spineless female sheep have a "woman just like them" they can identify with.

 

I cannot fathom that an intelligent, educated woman who values her right to make decisions about her reproductive health would ever give Palin a chance to take office. The media is so busy discussing her looks, personality, her daughter that the important issues are swept under the rug.

 

And the Democrats are pitifull in their handling of her. They are playing nice. "They are runnig a clean campaign." I fear they will be handed a "clean" loss by the American people. They are underestimating the opponent and the unintelligence of the average voter. That is why they stand a big chance of losing. Really all they need to play up is the INCOMPETENCY of the last 8 yrs of Bush & Co. The Republicans have drug this country to it’s knees and they still stand a real chance of taking office for at east 4 more yrs. Only in America could this happen. If the Democrats don’t wisen up I am going to change my political affiliations or move to Europe.

 

That is my rant. Thank you for indulging me.

[Arpa]

Has anyone seen that ass licking senator from TelAviv Connecticut, aka Joe Lieb/sclieberman, the one time (veep) running mate of Gore, the one time Democrat, and now, all of a sudden (indepnendent) Republican McCaim ass licker since Sara Palin outstaged him?

I’m sure, you can find him in the nearest Synagogue, with his “yarmulka” beating his chest with “me culpa, mea culpa”!

WOW!

How lucky can we be that Sen. McCain chose the Governor of Alaska to be his running mate, rather than that so called "senator" (երես փոխան**, abput face literally, բառացի) from TelAviv, CT.

**Խնդրեմ Օհաննէս, մեզ գրիր "երեսփոխան" բառի մասին, թէ արդեոք նա կազմուել է Վասակ Սիւինի ի երես փոխանք փոխելից?

Edited September 17, 2008 by Arpa

[Harut]

After the whole Sarah Palin ordeal I have to admit thta I shoul eat my words. I was kidding about backing Hillary solely for her gender. I really did support her for mostly getting it right. Politics is politics. No one is the PERFECT candidate, no one can change the system. But I was backing her since she was a woman who was QUALIFIED to do the job. She wasn't being sold to me as the "pretty hockey mom" .

 

I am shocked that this woman (Palin) may actually become V.P. She believes "books are dangerous; abortion is murder (EVEN in instances of rape and incest); evolution is wrong; war is right"; and gays can be "cured" through HER religion.

 

Her entire position is based on her religion. It's scary. (And I'm religious ). Choosing her was a very smart choice by the Repubs. Now the brainless, spineless female sheep have a "woman just like them" they can identify with.

 

I cannot fathom that an intelligent, educated woman who values her right to make decisions about her reproductive health would ever give Palin a chance to take office. The media is so busy discussing her looks, personality, her daughter that the important issues are swept under the rug.

 

And the Democrats are pitifull in their handling of her. They are playing nice. "They are runnig a clean campaign." I fear they will be handed a "clean" loss by the American people. They are underestimating the opponent and the unintelligence of the average voter. That is why they stand a big chance of losing. Really all they need to play up is the INCOMPETENCY of the last 8 yrs of Bush & Co. The Republicans have drug this country to it’s knees and they still stand a real chance of taking office for at east 4 more yrs. Only in America could this happen. If the Democrats don’t wisen up I am going to change my political affiliations or move to Europe.

 

That is my rant. Thank you for indulging me.

 

inch lav...

[Nané]

I see odd similarities between these elections and the ones we had beginning of this year.

 

One segment of the "American people" is pinned against the other segment (just like in Armenia earlier this year).

 

One of the candidates (guess who) claims the "the best of America is in these small towns that [they] get to visit, and in these wonderful little pockets of what [she] calls the real America." And she believes that there are "pro-America areas" of the country ... which assumes there are "anti-America areas" right? (While LTP believed that the real Armenians were gathered in the Opera Square and the rest were traitors).

 

And in general ... how serious is "3/01" compared to "9/11"? If the US government could get away with the sloppy work of 9/11 ... what makes people think the Armenian government should/must/will pay for 3/01?

 

Political prisoners? How many are there in Armenia? A hundred? And how many "detainees" have been locked up at Guantanamo for the past 7 years? About 750. And they sure as hell are not receiving a better treatment than our Armenian PPs.

 

And on a lighter note

 

Why McCain is Armenian

 

1. He addresses everybody with "my friend(s)."

2. He makes bogus promises ("I know how to get Bin Ladin.")

3. The looks of his "secretary" are more important to him than her brains.

4. He loves to gester with his hands when speaking.

5. He has 13 homes and 9 cars.

 

 

 

 

[Sahak]

Has anyone seen that ass licking senator from TelAviv Connecticut, aka Joe Lieb/sclieberman, the one time (veep) running mate of Gore, the one time Democrat, and now, all of a sudden (indepnendent) Republican McCaim ass licker since Sara Palin outstaged him?

I’m sure, you can find him in the nearest Synagogue, with his “yarmulka” beating his chest with “me culpa, mea culpa”!

WOW!

How lucky can we be that Sen. McCain chose the Governor of Alaska to be his running mate, rather than that so called "senator" (երես փոխան**, abput face literally, բառացի) from TelAviv, CT.

**Խնդրեմ Օհաննէս, մեզ գրիր "երեսփոխան" բառի մասին, թէ արդեոք նա կազմուել է Վասակ Սիւինի ի երես փոխանք փոխելից?

I agree that piece of shit was too much for me as well.

 

[Arpa]

The final stretch!

Now that there is less than a week to the finals, the candidates are visiting every “reservation” they can. And, at every stop you can hear the crowd scream “hoya hoya” after every “keyword”.

====

I had heard this anecdote some time ago.

----

A candidate was running for election. It so happened that there was a large Native American Reservation in his district. At one of the local powwows he was the featured speaker.

He goes-

“I will see that every Native American family has at least two roasts on their Thanksgiving Table.”

The Natives go-

HOYA!! HOYA!!

“I will see that every Native American has at least two tractors in their garage and two cows in their barn.”

The natives go-

HOYA!! HOYA!!

He is so happy that the natives are so receptive and appreciative.

Next on the agenda was inspecting the dairy farm that he had helped realize.

It was dark already.

The Chief guiding him cautions him to watch his step and pull his pants up as there was a lot of HOYA deposited by the cows.

 

 

 

[MosJan]

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY CONGRATULATES OBAMA-BIDEN VICTORY

 

*

 

"Change" - it has been the driving theme of the 2008 Presidential election with both candidates promising to change how things are done in Washington. Across the board on issues important to Armenian-Americans and their friends, Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Joseph Biden Jr. (D-DE) in their rhetoric and their records represented positive change, bringing the United States back in line with the historic principles that made our country great and the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) congratulates them on a hard fought election victory.

 

Several key issues to the Armenian-American community include reversing the Anti-Evans Doctrine, ending attempts to isolate Armenia, ending genocide denial, ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights consistently around the world, and a peaceful and just resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. While Senator John McCain was an early supporter of self-determination and fundamental freedoms for the people of Nagorno Karabakh, in recent years he sided with Turkey and Azerbaijan to oppose reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide and turned a blind eye to Azerbaijan's human rights record.

 

"By all accounts this was an historic election which provides a tremendous opportunity for all Americans," stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "The new Administration will have a far-reaching impact over the next four years. The Assembly looks forward to the immediate revocation of the Anti-Evans Doctrine, and in its place ensure that all U.S. diplomatic and foreign policy personnel are made fully aware of the historical reality of the Armenian Genocide and are allowed to speak the truth freely," continued Bryan Ardouny.

 

The Anti-Evans Doctrine was formulated by the Bush Administration to remove Ambassador John M. Evans after he acknowledged the Armenian Genocide in 2005. Ambassador Evans' statement, however, was consistent with former President Ronald Reagan's 1981 affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, as well as George W. Bush's acknowledgement by reference to the International Center for Transitional Justice analysis on the Armenian Genocide. In 2007, the Armenian Assembly bestowed upon Ambassador Evans the distinguished Henry Morgenthau Award for Meritorious Public Service. The award, established in 1996, recognizes those individuals who exemplify the courage embodied by Ambassador Henry Morgenthau, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire during the time of the Genocide. Morgenthau was the first American to alert the world of the Armenian Genocide and later established the Near East Relief Society to help provide relief assistance for the survivors.

 

Ambassador Evans' remarks were also consistent with President George W. Bush's campaign promise, U.S. policy and legal precedents. However, the Bush Administration removed Evans for his public acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide and disallowed State Department officials from accurately reflecting U.S. policy. Ambassador Evans is currently working on a much anticipated book regarding his experience.

 

The Obama-Biden ticket has consistently demonstrated a rejection of the Bush Administration's fundamentally flawed policy on this critical human rights issue. Specifically, during their tenure in the U.S. Senate and with respect to the removal of U.S. Ambassador John M. Evans, and the subsequent nominations that ensued, both Senator Obama and Senator Biden have pressed for affirmation of the Genocide.

 

Last week Senator Obama stated "Joe Biden and I believe that the Armenian Genocide is not an allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical evidence." Senator Biden as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee not only cosponsored S.Res. 106, the Armenian Genocide resolution, but also spearheaded legislation, S.Res. 65, honoring the legacy of Hrant Dink and calling for the repeal of Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, which punishes discussion of the Armenian Genocide. Senator Biden has a career long commitment of integrity on Armenian issues.

 

Over the course of the U.S. Presidential race, Turks and Azeris panicked over the prospect of the election. A senior foreign official issued a warning to both campaigns that the U.S.-Turkey partnership would end if they supported affirmation of the Armenian Genocide. Turkey has bluffed before and other countries have called Turkey's bluff. Given Senator Obama's and Senator Biden's strong record with respect to affirmation of the Armenian Genocide Given, Turkey should heed calls to come to terms with its genocidal legacy.

 

The Assembly also expressed the expectation that the Bush "Anti-Evans Doctrine," which penalized the mere acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide by U.S. diplomats will be summarily revoked. In a separate letter to the Bush Administration, the Assembly specifically requested that the Bush Administration revoke this fundamentally flawed policy prior to the inauguration of the next President, and called on the Administration to instead embrace former President Ronald Reagan's policy of Genocide affirmation. This Administration, as Reagan's did, can avoid the annual exercise of congressional consideration of a genocide resolution by simply using their constitutional powers to reaffirm U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

[MosJan]

OBAMA SCORES TRIUMPH

 

*

 

article's photo

 

The November 4 decisive election for the Americans and the whole world ended with the glorious victory of the Democratic candidate.

 

Yerevan's “Congress” hotel was overcrowded today morning. The invitees of the US Embassy in Armenia had gathered at the hotel since 7:30 a.m.

 

Before the end of the vote, Republican candidate John McCain congratulated Obama on victory after seeing the great difference in votes. He also thanked all people voting for him. All Americans living and working in Armenian could follow the historic moment on live broadcast.

 

“Today marks the victory of the first African-American candidate Barack Obama. It is really very important as forty years ago Americans murdered Africans because of deeply-rooted race discrimination. Today we have the first African-American president to win the White House,” the first Secretary for the Political-Economic Department of the US Embassy, Daniel Hastings said to A1+.

 

In reply to our question whether Obama’s victory implies the end of the Iraqi war and whether the American troops will be withdrawn from the country, Hastings said:

 

“Barack pledged to withdraw the troops within a year and to concentrate more resources in Afghanistan. He also promised to reinforce ties with our European partners. I think it is very important who will be appointed the next foreign minister of the country.”

 

To note that in reply our remark that Republicans also lose elections, Armenian Republican MP Armen Ashotyan said: “I find Republicans’ defeat as normal. If we ruled Armenia the way they did in the USA during the last eight years, we would undoubtedly lose elections in Armenia.”

[MosJan]

SARGSYAN CONGRATULATES BARACK OBAMA

 

*

 

article's photo

 

Serzh Sargsyan today sent a congratulatory message to US President-elect, Senator Barack Obama. The message states:

 

“Dear Mr. Obama, I warmly congratulate you on being elected the 44th President of the United States of America.

 

I’m confident that during your tenure in office the Armenian-American relations will acquire new quality, the economic and political cooperation between our countries will deepen for the benefit of our friendly peoples.

 

The largest American Armenian structures have many times conveyed to me their inspiration with your promises of change to the American people. I highly assess your awareness and approaches towards Armenian issues. I’m do believe that American Armenians will become a firm link between our countries.

 

The Armenian nation is grateful to the United States for the multifaceted assistance to our country, which has been continuous from the very first day of our independence. We shall continue making efforts for this assistance to contribute to the reinforcement of democracy and economic growth in Armenia.

 

As Minsk Group Co-Chair country the US plays an important role in the process of settlement of the Karabakh issue.

 

Once again congratulating you on being elected US President, I wish you good health and predictive activity for the sake of the United States and its people.”

[MosJan]

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT, DIASPORA CONGRATULATE OBAMA

 

*

 

article's photo

President Serzh Sarkisian on Wednesday congratulated Barack Obama on his historic victory in the U.S. presidential election and expressed confidence that U.S.-Armenian relations will grow closer during his presidency. Obama’s election triumph was welcomed by influential Armenian organizations in the United States that expect the new U.S. president to end Washington’s refusal to recognize the 1915 mass killings of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey as genocide. “I am confident that during the years of your presidency Armenian-American relations will gain a new quality and political and economic cooperation between our countries will deepen to the benefit of our friendly peoples,” Sarkisian said in a congratulatory message to Obama. “The largest structures in the Armenian-American community have repeatedly relayed to me their enthusiasm for the changes promised by you to the American people,” he said. “I highly appreciate your awareness of and approaches to issues facing the Armenian people.” It was an apparent reference to Obama’s repeated public characterizations of the 1915 massacres as genocide and his support for relevant draft resolutions circulating in the U.S. Congress. As recently as on October 31 the Illinois Democrat reaffirmed his pledges to recognize the genocide if elected president. Obama’s running mate, Joe Biden, is known for an even stronger advocacy of genocide recognition. "The Armenian Genocide, carried out by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923, resulted in the deportation of nearly 2 million Armenians, and approximately 1.5 million of those deported were killed,” his campaign said in a statement sent to the Armenians for Obama pressure group. "Barack Obama strongly supports passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.106 and S.Res.106) and will recognize the Armenian Genocide," it added. The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), which officially endorsed Obama’s presidential bid, praised the statement, saying that it will continue to “work hard” for the Obama-Biden ticket. Both the ANCA and another major lobbying group, the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA), were quick to welcome the election result. “Given Senator Obama's and Senator Biden's strong record with respect to affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, Turkey should heed calls to come to terms with its genocidal legacy,” the AAA said in a statement. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, meanwhile, expressed hope that Obama will stick to the outgoing U.S. administration’s policy on the subject that has avoided the use of the word “genocide” with regard to the 1915 killings. "We hope that some theses raised during the election campaign will stay there [in the past] as campaign issues," Erdogan told reporters in Ankara. "The relations between Turkey and America are determined not by changing [u.S.] administrations but by the strategic nature of our ties, which we believe will continue," he said, according to the AFP news agency. In its October 31 statement, the Obama campaign also called for continued U.S. assistance to Armenia and the expansion of U.S.-Armenian ties. “As president, Obama will maintain our assistance to Armenia, which has been a reliable partner in the fight against terrorism and extremism,” it said. “An Obama administration will help foster Armenia's growth and development through expanded trade and targeted aid.”

* By Emil Danielyan

[MosJan]

OBAMA VICTORY WON’T AFFECT U.S. POLICY TOWARD ARMENIA

 

*

 

article's photo

Armenians are interested in Barack Obama’s statements on the Armenian Genocide recognition, although as a part of election campaign, an Armenian political scientist said. “Armenian Americans votes unanimously and dependently on the candidate’s position on the Armenian issue,” Alexander Iskandaryan, director of Caucasus Institute, told a news conference today. “Election pledges and post-election policy are different things. So, Obama’s victory won’t affect the U.S. policy toward Armenia. The U.S. policy is first of all aimed to secure its own interests,” he said. Democrat Barack Obama captured the White House on Tuesday after an extraordinary two-year election campaign, defeating Republican John McCain to make history as the first black U.S. President. Obama won at least 338 Electoral College votes, far more than the 270 needed.

 

[MosJan]

SHARON WIENER: OBAMA UNDERSTANDS IMPORTANCE OF TURKEY AS STRATEGIC ALLY AND FRIEND

 

*

 

article's photo

The U.S. president-elect understands the importance of Turkey and the two countries would work together even more closely under the new administration, a high-level U.S. diplomat said. "America cannot face the challenges alone and the next administration’s partnership with Turkey will continue in the fight against the PKK and other terrorists, in building a democratic, secure and stable Iraq, in finding new energy resources and routes of supply and in promoting peace in the Middle East and other regions," U.S. Consul General in Ankara Sharon Wiener said. She said Barack Obama understands the importance of Turkey as a strategic ally and a friend, in a bid to soothe concerns that a possible problematic period lay ahead in the relations of the two countries due to the Democratic new president’s approach the Armenian Genocide. "We will work together even more closely as Turkey has been elected to the United Nations Security Council," Wiener added, Hurriyet reports.