Tim Blair

Are you going to dance as well, Tim?

I'm looking forward to seeing the circus myself and I hope the protestors don't forget their stilts, lovingly crafted giant puppets, and "Bush is Hitler" signs. Few things can drive moderates and independents into the Bush camp as reliably as watching the antics of a bunch of crazies performing street theater and clashing with police.

Shouldn't you be going as a Cambodian peasant?

Also, don't forget to pretend to be drunk and celebrate Christmas as well.

Tim, you should wear your costume at tomorrow's Communists for Kerry rally, as an example of unsuccessful political re-education.

Tim,

Why the ao dai? Bringing a lady friend with you?

I feel so sorry for the folks who live and work in NY. May be entertainment for many of us, but for them I'm sure it will be a pain in the a**.

Having stated that, I must confess I can't wait to see how the idiot anarchists and other groups make fools of themselves. I'm very sure NY is MORE than able to deal with whatever the idiots have planned.

I'm prepared for the MSM (mainstream media) to provide us with sympathetic reports about how the poor, misunderstood protesters were brutalized by the NYPD. The more clever columnists probably have the templates for their police brutality and anti-free speech reports already written. They just need to fill in the particulars to make their reports seem real.

If anyone hasn't checked out the Communists for Kerry site (above), please do. It's a very funny site. These guys are like the Protest Warriors.
Check out pictures and text of some protests these people have already done.

Diet Coke coming out of your nose really hurts!

Considering the alleged rape that is supposed to have happened during the war, a better sign would be:

"JOHN KERRY IS MY DAD!"

Tim, perhaps a better slogan would be:

"John Kerry shot at my dad, but wound up hitting himself."

Few things can drive moderates and independents into the Bush camp as reliably as watching the antics of a bunch of crazies performing street theater and clashing with police.

Yup. Looks like someone has been misunderestimated... again.

"John Kerry shot my dad and all I got was this lousy sign"

Dammit, Tim, I just spit out my coffee all over my keyboard.

Where do I send the bill for a new one?

Nothing fancy, mind you.

SMG

The last remaining superpower just got whipped by the developed world's leading economic basket case. Nice.

"John Kerry shot my dad, raped my mom, cut off my sister's ears and got a purple heart for the finger he nicked while doing it."

Mr Blair;

I'm sure many of us would pay money to see a picture of you in your peasant outfit at the rally.

"The last remaining superpower just got whipped by the developed world's leading economic basket case. Nice."

Wow. That statement is so colossally idiotic that I don't know where to begin. I'll just hit the bullet points:

• What exactly is the relationship between superpower, economic basket case, and basketball? Do you always see things in bizarre non-sequiturs?

• I don't know a single American who wanted that bunch of spoiled, arrogant assholes to win. Besides, we're too busy being a wealthy, happy hegemon to devote a molecule of concern over losing a game. Sorry about that - schadenfreude is a rather satisfying feeling, except when the target doesn't give a rat's ass. Then it's just pitiful.

PS - congrats to the Aussie baseball team for the big upset over Japan. Has the gold medal game been played yet? If not, good luck!

PPS - Miranda, this really was your saddest post.

Yeah. Sadly, the New Socialist Nine from "Coo-bah" beat the lads despite my frantic chanting of "Ozzie, Ozzie, Ozzie! Oi, Oi, Oi!"

Never the less, they took silver which was a far sight better than our boys achieved. Also MIA was our men's soccer squad. But in US soccer, the female is the more deadly of the species!

And how 'bout that Aussie women's hoop team? As lovely as they are talented. Fair dinkum!

Tim: John Kerry shot my dad!

John Kerry: Tim, I am your father.

Tim: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

'PPS - Miranda, this really was your saddest post'.
Is it nasty of me to enjoy seeing Miranda shot down so delightfully?
She's like one of those clay pidgeons that the trap shooters hit 99 times out of 100.
Gold for the U.S. on that one Dave S.

"John Kerry shot my dad, raped my mom, cut off their ears, cut off their heads in a fashion reminiscent of Genghis Khan..."

The last remaining troll just got whipped by the developed world's leading political blog's commentators. Nice.

Y'know, I thought the palm trees at my house looked a little sparse, Tim.

Now I have to check the silverware, too. Damn.

Does everyone else hope that Miranda Divide will continue to entertain us well into Bush's second term, and perhaps, even into Condi's first?

Not really, Quentin. A Bush victory will probably result in Miranda dropping dead from a self-induced brain hemorrhage.

But never fear -- some other clueless twit will step into her place. There's always some out there, an infection that never quite goes away.

John Kerry shot my dad and blew up my sister's rice.

quentin george — One of the signs I bring to the weekly counterprotest reads CHENEY/CONDI 08.

They wax wroth.

Tim, you aren't protesting naked, are you?

I hope Miranda sticks around, she's great value in a perverted, sick kind of way.I wonder how she would post on left wing sites?All sweetness and light advancing the concerns of the disadvantaged,no doubt.If only they knew Miranda like we know Miranda Oh, Oh, Oh, what a........

You know, there's a question about Kerry that I haven't seen raised anywhere, and here's a good a place as any, and better than most.

1) Kerry was in Vietnam (for those of you who didn't know).

2) We all know what went on there. Everyone, but everyone did It.

3) Did Kerry? Did he inhale?

Quentin:
" .. and perhaps, even into Condi's first?"

I am SO looking forward to Condi as our first woman president!! What a class act she is.

Angie, LOL! Shades of Bill Clinton! And fitting as well, since Kerry is waffling on definitions and/or stories.

Tim — Why not get a denim jacket and one'a them big Billy Jack Navajo hats? That way you have an excuse for kicking people...

EVERYBODY CHANT

It’s wonderful to plink here, a pisser’s what it is,
You’re such a cool hip audience we’d like to chant to you the new
Evolving views of Fisk!

I don’t really like to stop the show, but I thought you might like to know,
That Monsieur Heinz is gonna sling some dung, & he wants you each to stretch your tongue,
...[etc.]

I'm starting to be convinced that the Communists for Kerry site is a well-crafted parody.

Everybody wants to go to the party but no one wants to clean up or pay the bill.

Don't worry. The Miranda types will always be around because there ae no lifeguards at their gene pool. A true family affair. Condi won't run in 2008. She hates the limelight. Just watch any of her appearances. While quite well done, it's like pulling teeth for her. You have to love the limelight to be on center stage and she prefers the background. Tis a pity.

Tim,
On the topic of Vietnam and Judicial Watch filing charges against Kerry for his conversations with the North Vietnamese
http://www.sfexaminer.com/article/index.cfm/i/082704op_antrim
could you advise another Aussie if this is true and what is it's importance.

"Diet Coke coming out of your nose really hurts!"

Pete, if you are American then by the established standards you just earned a Purple Heart.

Hi Everyone,
My Daddy John is paying me lots of money to tell everyone he is a really good bloke who has never ever lied.
Please vote for him coz I'm laughing all the way to the bank.
Love Tim Howard

You could carry a sign saying "george bush,dick cheney,rummie,wolfie might have shot my dad if they had have had the guts to actually serve in vietnam"

"You could carry a sign saying "george bush,dick cheney,rummie,wolfie might have shot my dad if they had have had the guts to actually serve in vietnam"

Posted by: markltham at August 29, 2004 at 12:13 AM"

If peace is what you really wanted, wouldn't you be happy they didn't serve (and kill teenage boys and blow up rice stores) in Viet Nam?

Why do some people insist on trying to stir the big, fat kettle with such a tiny spoon? "Marklthem", you might wish to get your facts first. Bush joined the Texas Air National Guard and trained as a fighter pilot of dangerous F-102s. When he signed up, Bush had every expectation that his unit would be called up for 'Nam. "Bush Guard Service, The True Story" by Gordon Bloyer.

Kerry sought a student deferrment to Paris, was turned down and signed up for the Navy Reserve (the equivalent to National Guard service):

"Kerry joined the Navy Reserve and did not expect to go to Vietnam. When Kerry did go to Vietnam the swift boats were not doing river patrols. They were doing coastal patrols and were not in much danger. That is when he volunteered to join the Swiftee’s. The assignment of those boats was changed after he was accepted for the duty. Surprise, he got action and the rest is disputed history."

The debate over who is smarter and braver is a toss-up at best. I personally think fighter aviation takes more gray matter and is scarier, but that's just me.

Slight correction for c's comment: "When he signed up, Bush had every expectation that his unit would be called up for 'Nam"

IIRC from the massive amounts coverage the story got, that unit was already slated for 'Nam when he volunteered for it, but it was later reassigned.

And for all the chatter about Cheney, few seem to notice that Edwards has no military history either.

c, Ken, you are confusing "markltham" with facts! Please, the poor guy's name is already missing a vowel (and maybe a space), and you expect him to worry about facts?

I mean, you're both right. But, really, give the poor turkey a break, huh?

c, ken summers — And let's not forget that Kerry was a VERY reluctant hero. According to the testimony in Unfit for Command, Kerry constantly protested that he had not volunteered for riverine service, and demanded to be assigned to the less hazardous patrols near the coast. On many occasions, his request was granted because the other commanders simply didn't want him along.

Let's be clear on this. Other good men were put in danger, wounded and perhaps killed because John Forbes Kerry did not have the courage to carry out his duty.

I also found it interesting to read about Kerry's total self-serving attitude in "Unfit For Command". That goes hand-in-hand with his lack of courage to some degree, but his subsequent falsifying of reports demonstrates that attitude clearly.

Kerry was willing to put other people in danger due to his lack of courage, and to support his personal ambitions. And then grab glory for himself. This is hardly the actions of a leader.

Dear Tim,

I hope you stay safe! I miss my home so much (NYC!) Are you going to take your camera? I would like to see how you end up looking! :) For the others, let the lefties talk. I need a good laugh! Did you know some of them block their e-mail?! I know, I shouldn't try to reason with them, but it is fun, you have to admit! Have a good day all.

"Pete, if you are American then by the established standards you just earned a Purple Heart."

Cool! It'll fit with my Bronze Star I got for not throwing up on that charter boat fishing trip. Ohh! The waves were so high!

Can we please clear this up?

Okay, a question for our leftwing - er, progressive friends.

Did the people who served in Vietnam fighting for an immoral, racist imperialist battle and are little more than babykillers and fascists?

Or

Did the people who served in Vietnam heroic individuals who ably fought with their band of brothers and therefore should be recognized for their sacrifice and courage?

Geezus beejus. Get the f'ing story straight.

Why do I think that if Bush served in Vietnam and had admitted he committed war crimes that the yelling and screaming from the International Left would make your ears fall off?

Perhaps my suspicions have no merit? I exaggerrate some?

Perhaps?

Bullshit. I'm spot on, as they say in Australia.

SMG

You are aware about the big protest warrier counter rally arn't you? they're expecting about 250 people for it. myself included :)

Honestly, I think you would do better, Tim, if you went as a Vietnamese peasant giant puppet. Better yet, a John Kerry giant puppet.

Notice how the attempted troll under the name "Tim Howard" went unnoticed?

Better luck next time.

I saw it, Quentin. Off thread and lame to boot.

Well you noticed it Quentin. At least I can report back to daddy that people are noticing me.
Love Tim Howard

Yo, Tim Andrews! Good luck!

Good point SMG,
Kerry likes to say he defended his country. The reality is he attacked another country that was in no way threatening the USA.
Kerry is a pussy for not sticking to his guns (reverse pun) re vietnam, and turning the war into some nobel crusade.
Having said that, Kerry is an infinitely better candidate than the current simpleton sitting in the oval office. At least he has some idea why the USA is the most despised country in the world.

Kerry does give good reason to despise the US.

Like we are going to respect the opinions of some fool that uses "jimbo" as a nickname.

Golly, jimbo, you think Kerry is a pussy, but you hold him above Bush (AKA "simpleton") because "At least he [Kerry] has some idea why the USA is the most despised country in the world."

Consider: If Kerry is a pussy for "...not sticking to his guns..." on Vietnam, what do you think his stand will be in other foreign relationships? And you call Bush a simpleton!

Andrea is right. You are a fool.

Apparently Jimbo is a little ignorant of history. I think he thinks the US was sitting at home one day and said, "Hey, let's attack Vietnam?"

No mention of Soviet and Chinese backing of the North, no mention of the French attempt at recolonisation inflaming the situation, no mention of atrocities committed by the Northern forces when they conquered Saigon.

*Sigh*

Kerry does give good reason to despise the US.

LOL

Yes, aaron does perfect one-liners.

Please do not confuse "YoJimbo" with Jimbo! Please.

Hey Quinten,
Wasn't the Gulf of Tonkin incident a whole lot of fun, not to mention bombing cambodia, the killing fields, the human rights abuses, and installing the nasty little Ngo Dinh Diem. A nobel cause, yeah right.
And we get to see it all again in Iraq.
PS Who going to make fun of YoJimbo's pen name.

Well jimbo in answer to your question probably no one certainly not me as I like anyone who admires Akira Kurosawa.

I note that you are remarkably silent on the abuses of the North Vietnamese regime and are blaming the US for the atrocities committed by the Khemer Rouge. I am sorry but in my opinion you are a moral midget and a fool.

Well, I give up. "jimbo" is obviously beyond help.

Ah well...Stalingrad, Catalaniun Fields, Samarkand, Little Bighorn...

What's with that? Nothing, I just wanted to show I can toss out random massacres from history.

To just another bloody lawyer,
I don't blame the US entirely for the killing fields but certainly do acknowledge that US bombing of cambodia, not only killed hundreds of thousands, but also created an environment that Pol Pot could exploit.
Also the US did fuck all to stop or prosecute his crimes.
Yes there was (and still is) atrocities comitted by the Nth Vietnamese but these were minor compared to US and Diems crimes.
You may not have noticed it but things got a lot better for Vietnam after the US left. Same goes for Iraq.
you must have gone to one of the private law schools because you seem to stupid to get into law on merit.
No doubt you'll endorse the Libs higher education policies

Hey Quinten,
You give up becasue you just won't admit the Vietnam war was one big fuck up from the gulf of tonkin to the embassy airlift.
Nobel cause my arse.

jimbo to Just Another Bloody Lawyer:

"... things got a lot better for Vietnam after the US left. Same goes for Iraq."

"... you must have gone to one of the private law schools because you seem to stupid to get into law on merit."

And without saying another word as to why jimbo is a "moral midget and a fool", JABL rests his case.

"... things got a lot better for Vietnam after the US left..."

Jimbo must have missed the millions of refugees fleeing across the Pacific in leaky boats.

Whole suburbs of Australia are populated with refugees from communist Vietnam's golden age.

Hey, dumbo: is it dark and smelly where you are? If so, then I suggest you reach up, grasp one ear firmly, and tug until you've pulled your head out of your ass.

Oops! I meant jimbo.

(And no, YoJimbo, I'd never mistake you for him.)

Amazing. jimbo is rambling on about how much better Kerry is than Bush. He gets rebutted.

Suddenly, Vietnam is America's fault! Things were better after we wuthdrew. Talk about misdirection by changing the subject. He must not have been able to respond intelligently, and thus went on the attack in a different direction.

Care to defend your original statement, jimbo? Here it is, verbatim:

Good point SMG,
Kerry likes to say he defended his country. The reality is he attacked another country that was in no way threatening the USA.
Kerry is a pussy for not sticking to his guns (reverse pun) re vietnam, and turning the war into some nobel crusade.
Having said that, Kerry is an infinitely better candidate than the current simpleton sitting in the oval office. At least he has some idea why the USA is the most despised country in the world.

This conversation has become intimate, Jimbo. It seems unwise to fire a cannon in such close quarters; there is no target. And though your canon is weak, you make a loud noise. You will accomplish nothing but make us all deaf. I fear you have already deafened yourself. You certainly have not defended yourself.

Jimbo, the devastation during the war was nothing compared to what occured after we left. You are sick.

Jimbo, not that you're actually worth rebutting, but...

bombing cambodia: Why was Cambodia bombed? Because the North Vietnamese had already violated Cambodian neutrality by establishing bases there

the killing fields - Oh GAWD. Tell me Jimbo - did you support Pol Pot prior to them, like all your little commie friends? Did you deny they occurred until it was proven, then attempt to blame it on the US? I'm sure you did, just like Chomsky. Oh, BTW, the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia to throw out Pol Pot was UNILATERAL AGGRESSION WITHOUT UN AUTHORIZATION. Just thought I'd mention that.

installing the nasty little Ngo Dinh Diem - to replace an even worse regime. Wars make strange bedfellows (we supported Stalin). We supported many brutal anti-communist regimes. Funny thing though...when the Soviet Union collapsed, those little dictatorships began dropping like flies because they were no longer needed to fight Communist expansion.

things got a lot better for Vietnam after the US left - Really? A few hundred thousand boat people would disagree

And millions of others can't.

I can't seem to find a source now. I saw it about a year ago, but now my google search is clutter with Kerry crap. I thought it was from wikipedia, but if it was it has changed.

Any one familiar with how to use this source: http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/reference/vietnam/thayer.htm?

Here's something: http://www.iraqbodycount.net/

Doh! Wrong post.

Aaron, it looks like the Center for Military History (http://www.army.mil/cmh/Default.htm) maintains these as original references. Their "How To" page doesn't come up right now. But I would guess that you have to request copies. You'll have to ask them as to how.

That sounds like too much work for me right now. I have something else I want to do (but probably won't) and I have to get up early for work.

I found this though:
http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/warstat3.htm

Vietnam, post-war Communist regime (1975 et seq.): 430 000
Jacqueline Desbarats and Karl Jackson ("Vietnam 1975-1982: The Cruel Peace", in The Washington Quarterly, Fall 1985) estimated that there had been around 65,000 executions. This number is repeated in the Sept. 1985 Dept. of State Bulletin article on Vietnam.
Orange County Register (29 April 2001): 1 million sent to camps and 165,000 died.
Northwest Asian Weekly (5 July 1996): 150,000-175,000 camp prisoners unaccounted for.
Estimates for the number of Boat People who died:
Elizabeth Becker (When the War Was Over, 1986) cites the UN High Commissioner on Refugees: 250,000 boat people died at sea; 929,600 reached asylum
The 20 July 1986 San Diego Union-Tribune cites the UN Refugee Commission: 200,000 to 250,000 boat people had died at sea since 1975.
The 3 Aug. 1979 Washington Post cites the Australian immigration minister's estimate that 200,000 refugees had died at sea since 1975.
Also: "Some estimates have said that around half of those who set out do not survive."
The 1991 Information Please Almanac cites unspecified "US Officials" that 100,000 boat people died fleeing Vietnam.
Encarta estimates that 0.5M fled, and 10-15% died, for a death toll of 50-75,000.
Nayan Chanda, Brother Enemy (1986): ¼M Chinese refugees in two years, 30,000 to 40,000 of whom died at sea. (These numbers also repeated by Marilyn Young, The Vietnam Wars: 1945-1990 (1991))
Rummel
Vietnamese democide: 1,040,000 (1975-87)
Executions: 100,000
Camp Deaths: 95,000
Forced Labor: 48,000
Democides in Cambodia: 460,000
Democides in Laos: 87,000
Boat People: 500,000 deaths (50% not blamed on the Vietnamese govt.)
ANALYSIS: I'd say the most likely total would be 430,000. That's 65,000 executions + 165,000 camp deaths + 200,000 boat people. It's unlikely that VN alone caused 460+87T democides in Cambodia + Laos since estimates of the total deaths in these conflicts only run to a half million or so.

Nice research, Aaron!

jimbo? Any comment?

Thanks guys. I appreciate the additional work

Yep, making fun of the Olympic performance of the country that topped overall Olympic performance with 102 medals.

Miranda, only you could take something nobody really cares about, and then draw the wrong conclusions from it anyway.