Well what do you know, the people of Iraq are far more optimistic about their present and future circumstance than we are. Someone needs to get over there and convince them they can't believe their lying eyes.
An ABC News poll in Iraq, conducted with Time magazine and other media partners, includes some remarkable results: Despite the daily violence there, most living conditions are rated positively, seven in 10 Iraqis say their own lives are going well, and nearly two-thirds expect things to improve in the year ahead.
Surprisingly, given the insurgents' attacks on Iraqi civilians, more than six in 10 Iraqis feel very safe in their own neighborhoods, up sharply from just 40 percent in a poll in June 2004. And 61 percent say local security is good — up from 49 percent in the first ABC News poll in Iraq in February 2004.
Nonetheless, nationally, security is seen as the most pressing problem by far; 57 percent identify it as the country's top priority. Economic improvements are helping the public mood.
Average household incomes have soared by 60 percent in the last 20 months (to $263 a month), 70 percent of Iraqis rate their own economic situation positively, and consumer goods are sweeping the country. In early 2004, 6 percent of Iraqi households had cell phones; now it's 62 percent. Ownership of satellite dishes has nearly tripled, and many more families now own air conditioners (58 percent, up from 44 percent), cars, washing machines and kitchen appliances.
There are positive political signs as well. Three-quarters of Iraqis express confidence in the national elections being held this week, 70 percent approve of the new constitution, and 70 percent — including most people in Sunni and Shiite areas alike — want Iraq to remain a unified country.
"Surprising levels of optimism"??? Only the MSM and the left are surprised because they are the only ones believing their own bullsh!t. The majority of us in the know aren't a bit suprised by these numbers having never bought into the erroneous propaganda.
1
By order of George Soros, this website it hereby ordered to cease and desist publication of all signs that the U.S. is winning war in Iraq.
You have been warned.
Posted by: George Soros' biyatch at December 12, 2005 08:55 AM (JQjhA)
2
Another day, another installation of despair and torment for the traitorcrats.
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at December 12, 2005 09:07 AM (0yYS2)
3
One wonders when the MSM is going to start reporting on the other news in Iraq. The news of building schools and water systems, the news of educational opportunites for both sexes, the news of all the good things that the US and its allies have done in Iraq.
Is that to say that casualties and any kind of abuse should not be reported? No, but this is only a small part of the overall scenario, important as it might be. But right now, most of the people in the US have no clue what is really going on in Iraq, and that is a trasvesty.
The media, for the most part, have fouled this story up from Day 1. Were it not for blogs and other alternate media, no one in the US other than military families would know what is going on in Iraq. ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS(the worst, but should be the best since most of its funding comes from the taxpayer) should all be ashamed. They are so enamered with self that they think they should make and interpret the news rather than just report it.
The sheeple, as they call us, are just too damn dumb to be left to the interpretation of raw news. This is a scary thought in itself if the Democrats were ever to get back into power. One wonders what they might do given the opportunity.
Posted by: jesusland joe at December 12, 2005 09:07 AM (rUyw4)
4
It's called providing "context" JJ, and the MSM is devoid of it.
Posted by: traderrob at December 12, 2005 09:12 AM (3al54)
5
The Shows Over Time to Go Home
Poll: Most Iraqis Oppose Troops' Presence
WASHINGTON - Most Iraqis disapprove of the presence of U.S. forces in their country, yet they are optimistic about
Iraq's future and their own personal lives, according to a new poll.
More than two-thirds of those surveyed oppose the presence of troops from the United States and its coalition partners and less than half, 44 percent, say their country is better off now than it was before the war, according to an ABC News poll conducted with Time magazine and other media partners.
There were no WMD, that was lie, no connections to Al-Queda, no connections to 9-11. That leaves us with the final rationale of the Right, that we went in to safe the Iraqis. Well they don't want us there. There are more terrorists cells in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan then there are in Iraq. If America's right-wing want so much to have a presense in Iraq, so let us stop you from packing and catching the next plane out. Oh, don't forget the batteries for Cheney's pacemaker and keep an eye on George he tends to leave when the going gets tough.
Posted by: Abigail Adams at December 12, 2005 09:29 AM (Yoxfd)
6
Abigale,
You can't stand for the President and the US to win in Iraq. But it will be alright, you will live, and perhaps you will learn that persistance is probably the single best predictor of success. No charge for the info, just doing my part in the global war against ignorance(GWAI).
Posted by: jesusland joe at December 12, 2005 09:42 AM (rUyw4)
7
AA...use a calculator, 52% (31%+16%+5%) want coalition forces to remain at least until security is restored, if not longer.
Posted by: traderrob at December 12, 2005 09:47 AM (3al54)
8
Abigail,
want don't you take the next plane out given it's you who hates this country so much? Seriously, you were supposed to leave when Bush won the election. Wasn't that the deal? But like a bad case of the clap, you remain.
Fifty-six percent of Iraqis say their lives are better now than before the war, compared with 19 percent who say things are worse.
More Iraqis say the United States was right than say it was wrong to lead the invasion, by 48 percent to 39 percent.
Seventy-one percent expect their lives to improve over the next year.
Fifteen percent of Iraqis say the forces should leave the country now; by contrast, 36 percent say they should remain until a new government is in place; 18 percent, until security is restored.
There is relatively little support for a religious theocracy — it's low on the list of preferred forms of government.
more at:
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/world/GoodMorningAmerica/Iraq_anniversary_poll_040314.html
And from your poll:
SHOULD U.S. SET TIMETABLE FOR TROOP WITHDRAWAL?
Yes
58%
No
39%
REMOVING U.S. TROOPS FROM IRAQ: RECIPE FOR DISASTER?
Yes
61%
No
34%
Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at December 12, 2005 09:53 AM (8e/V4)
9
Abigail doesn't want to hear that, guys. She wants to go back a few years when it was easy for her to pretend Iraqis weren't being brutalized by those charged with protecting them - to pretend that Saddam wasn't really all that bad - to believe that CNN was telling the truth about Iraq from their Baghdad office before March 2003.
Posted by: Oyster at December 12, 2005 11:00 AM (YudAC)
10
Uh, screw em,
It seems that the brown skinned people of Iraq appreciate what the white, yellow, brown, and black-skinned people of the United States are doing to try to help them. When are you going to climb on board and be part of the solution rather than part of the problem?
Posted by: jesusland joe at December 12, 2005 11:09 AM (rUyw4)
11
Hey Abigail, add another layer of tinfoil, have some granola in soy milk, light some kumbaya candles, and leave this to the adults.
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at December 12, 2005 11:12 AM (0yYS2)
12
Personally, I can't wait until the mission is complete so we can bring our boys home from that shithole.
Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at December 12, 2005 12:12 PM (8e/V4)
13
From the BBC:
An opinion poll suggests Iraqis are generally optimistic about their lives, in spite of the violence that has plagued Iraq since the US-led invasion.
But the survey, carried out for the BBC and other media, found security fears still dominate most Iraqis' thoughts.
Their priority for the coming year would be the restoration of security and the withdrawal of foreign troops.
A majority of the 1,700 people questioned wanted a united Iraq with a strong central government.
Posted by: Tree-Hugging Commie Liberal at December 12, 2005 12:54 PM (UHKaK)
14
Me too Carlos, but I'd rather they detoured through Syria and Iran first.
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at December 12, 2005 02:06 PM (0yYS2)
15
Tree Hugger,
commie and Liberal are redundant.
Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at December 12, 2005 02:24 PM (8e/V4)
16
Carlos,
The terms are in fact mutually intelligent canceling(MIC).
Posted by: jesusland joe at December 12, 2005 03:12 PM (rUyw4)
17
Jesus Twins:
Just testing to see if anyone still used the word "commie." I knew I'd find you here. Actually I wanted to used the name sandle-wearing, incense burning, anarchist faggot America-hating shit eater, but you can only add so much type in the box provided.
Posted by: Granola-Chewing Peace-Loving Queer at December 12, 2005 03:43 PM (UHKaK)
18
Hmm....interesting, Granola-Chewing Peace-Loving Queer who wants to be sandle-wearing, incense burning, ararchist faggot American-hating shit eater, but what's your point?
Posted by: jesusland joe at December 12, 2005 03:57 PM (rUyw4)
19
Sorry, Jesus, I don't engage ignoramuses (or is it ignoramusi?) in conversation; I'm merely here to taunt.
Posted by: Part of That Scum That Hates Bush at December 12, 2005 04:10 PM (UHKaK)
20
Granola,
faggot would have done just fine.
Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at December 12, 2005 04:10 PM (8e/V4)
21
Scum,
You're doing a poor job of taunting, but I'm sure that thinking up all those original names is straining your resources.
And if you are not engaging in conversation, why are you engaging me in conversation? That question is probably too deep for you, but hey, strain again and a gnat may appear.
Posted by: jesusland joe at December 12, 2005 04:19 PM (rUyw4)
22
I'm not, you gigantic pinhead, you just keep answering. I'm giving you shit, I'm talking down to you. You're an idiot, get it?
Posted by: Immoral, Lord-Board Wearin', Bearded Freak at December 12, 2005 04:24 PM (UHKaK)
23
Immoral -take-it -up the -arse -geek go away. Your names are a nightmare for a dyslexic such as myself.
Posted by: Jester at December 12, 2005 04:27 PM (wBDaS)
24
Nope, I don't get it, Freak, because someone as immature as you can't talk down to anyone. Did you get that? Has that gnat appeared yet? Keep trying, Freak!
Posted by: jesusland joe at December 12, 2005 04:34 PM (rUyw4)
25
faggot,
so when exactly does this "taunting" begin? So far you're a real yawner.
Do a Jawa search on "Agent Smith", or "menenzes", they could give you a few tips.
Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at December 12, 2005 04:43 PM (8e/V4)
26
Related Post:
Voting Underway in Iraq: And Thugs Say "Stop" in the Name of Allah
http://ginacobb.typepad.com/gina_cobb/2005/12/_voting_has_beg.html
Voting has begun in the history-making parliamentary elections in Iraq. It is a day for Iraqis to celebrate.
But someone is not happy. According to reports, "Five Islamic militant groups, including al-Qaida in Iraq, issued a joint statement that rejected any reconciliation with Iraq's U.S.-backed government and said Thursday's elections are religiously prohibited."
Why would anyone take religious or political advice from the kind of people who are willing to bomg civilians to keep people from voting?
Read more . . .
http://ginacobb.typepad.com/gina_cobb/2005/12/_voting_has_beg.html
Posted by: Gina Cobb at December 12, 2005 04:47 PM (QrpJF)
27
Were I Democratic Senate Minority Leader Reid, I would compliment President Bush immediately. My statement would go something like this:"We'd like to thank President Bush for his new, realistic tone about the war in Iraq. In his recent speeches, the President has acknowledged that U.S. military strategy has been defective, especially in the Sunni triangle. He has made clear the difficulty we have had in training Iraqi security forces. He has expressed concern about the power that ethnic militias have over those forces. He has expressed dismay about the corruption rampant in the new democratic Iraq. He has admitted that large reconstruction contracts given to U.S. corporations like Halliburton have been a failure. He has repeatedly asserted that there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, that the intelligence that caused him to attack Iraq was wrong. We applaud the President for finally acknowledging those mistakes. Given the Administration's sad record of incompetence in planning and executing this war, we do have concerns about the President's ability to bring it to a successful conclusion. In the meantime, we hope he will continue to be candid about the difficulties we are facing in Iraq."
As for the Two Jesuses, you guys should take two enemas and call each other in the morning.
Posted by: Guy Who Gets Off On Riling Nazis at December 12, 2005 04:50 PM (UHKaK)
28
Hahaha, Nazi boy, you got to get off on something when you have no contact with the opposite sex. Go wipe yourself off boy.
Posted by: jesusland joe at December 12, 2005 04:54 PM (rUyw4)
29
>>>As for the Two Jesuses, you guys should take two enemas and call each other in the morning.
lmao! that was harsh dude! uncalled for.
Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at December 12, 2005 04:54 PM (8e/V4)
30
Take it back, take it back right now, Jesus Joe, or I'll hold my breath till you turn gay.
Posted by: Mighty Liberal-itey at December 12, 2005 05:04 PM (UHKaK)
31
the President has acknowledged that U.S. military strategy has been defective, especially in the Sunni triangle. He has made clear the difficulty we have had in training Iraqi security forces.
If you're prepared to criticize the military response to the Sunni driven Insurgency, perhaps you could enlighten us all to your plan that would have handled it? or are you another John Kerry - "I've got a plan for Iraq" - "no, really I had a plan but I'm not sharing it"
I take it you're another idiot armchair quarterback who's only "original" thoughts come from the party line he reads at DailyKos, prove me wrong.
Posted by: dave at December 12, 2005 05:07 PM (CcXvt)
32
dave,
the Democrat plan is on their "website", just go look it up.
Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at December 12, 2005 05:13 PM (8e/V4)
33
Dave,
He's just a little kid trying to emulate his high school civics teacher who is more than likely one of the moonbats in a public school system such as Seattle. Or perhaps he is a newbe in one of the leftie studies departments in one of our colleges.
He's just regurgitating the crap he hears from his teacher in his civics class. He is more an object of pity than dirision. A pathetic testament to the public school system.
Posted by: jesusland joe at December 12, 2005 05:14 PM (rUyw4)
34
evidently not a scholar of History, due to the fact he would already know how well the counter-insurgency is already in effect, compared to the classic campaigns in Palestine, Malay, Aden etc.
Posted by: dave at December 12, 2005 05:39 PM (CcXvt)
35
Wow, this is a special thread; we're really drawing the moonbats in like moths to a flame! I'm still waiting for the taunting though...
Posted by: Improbulus Maximus at December 12, 2005 06:01 PM (0yYS2)
36
Maximus,
Go over to Captain's Quarters and read the post about Cary Tennis, a writer for Salon, who is advocating a revolution if the current regime is not removed from office. They might have to go into the streets. You see, hope is alive, you still might get your chance.
Posted by: jesusland joe at December 12, 2005 07:37 PM (rUyw4)
37
Check this out from something called "Channel 10 News" in some place called "San Diego" (sounds like a Pinko front organization to me.)
http://www.10news.com/news/5504608/detail.html
"There's controversy over how the military is transporting the bodies of service members killed overseas, 10News reported.
A local family said fallen soldiers and Marines deserve better and that one would think our war heroes are being transported with dignity, care and respect. It said one would think upon arrival in their hometowns they are greeted with honor. But unfortunately, the family said that is just not the case.
Dead heroes are supposed to come home with their coffins draped with the American flag -- greeted by a color guard.
But in reality, many are arriving as freight on commercial airliners -- stuffed in the belly of a plane with suitcases and other cargo.
John Holley and his wife, Stacey, were stunned when they found out the body of their only child, Matthew John Holley, who died in Iraq last month, would be arriving at Lindbergh Field as freight.
Matthew was a medic with the 101st Airborne unit and died on Nov. 15.
"When someone dies in combat, they need to give them due respect they deserve for (the) sacrifice they made," said John Holley.
John and Stacey Holley, who were both in the Army, made some calls, and with the help of U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, Matthew was greeted with honor and respect.
"Our familiarity with military protocol and things of that sort allowed us to kind of put our foot down -- we're not sure other parents have that same knowledge," said Stacey Holley.
The Holleys now want to make sure every fallen hero gets the proper welcome.
The bodies of dead service members arrive at Dover Air Force Base.
From that point, they are sent to their families on commercial airliners.
Reporters from 10News called the Defense Department for an explanation. A representative said she did not know why this is happening."
How do you like these people anyway? I mean, the gall; you give their kid the chance to become a hero and all they can do is bitch about the fact his body was sent home stuffed in a cardboard box. I tell you, some people have no sense of gratitude.
Posted by: Holy Crusader, Part Deaux at December 12, 2005 08:35 PM (oxMjD)
38
How would you suggest the body be sent home, Mr. Crusader? My wife's cousin was killed in Iraq and his body was sent to Texas on a commercial jet. That was the quickest way. They met the airplane at the airport with a hearst that transported the body to the funeral home. The casket was not a cardboard box, so you are lying about that part. Again, what is your suggestion? I see nothing evil in this.
Posted by: jesusland joe at December 12, 2005 09:02 PM (rUyw4)
39
I'm sure the fallen heroes of WW1 and WW2 would have thought to have their bodies sent home at all would be a luxury.
Many lie on foreign soil...some in countries like Burma (Myanmar) where there is no hope of even visiting their graves. Yet these troops will always be heroes to me. War is tough. Death is final, and how a body is returned home is probably the last thought on many a soldier's mind.
What is to be achieved by criticising the return of a body?.. other than to attempt to lower morale.
Posted by: Jester at December 12, 2005 09:16 PM (wBDaS)
40
I suggest not the quickest way, but the most honorable way: drape the aluminum transfer case with an American flag and have it accomponied by members of an honor guard from the flight's orgination, to Ramstein AFB in Germany, to Dover AFB, to the funeral home where interment will take place. The honor guard of at least two members of the military — one from the veteran parents branch if applicable — stays with the remains throughout the funeral--even as it is transported by commercial jet once in the US, OR greets the jet upon arrival at the home airport. The flag does not leave the casket until folded for presentation at the funeral. THIS is the way it has been carried out since Korea, and THIS is the way it should remain. Those, sir, are my suggestions.
Posted by: Holy Crusader, Part Deaux at December 12, 2005 09:33 PM (oxMjD)
41
Jester; the return of the body is for the sake of the family members more than it is for the fallen soldier. Yes, they are heroes no matter where they lie; but to return the body and THEN treat it as freight, with no honor guard to accompany the remains is utterly indefensible.
Posted by: Holy Crusader, Part Deaux at December 12, 2005 09:38 PM (oxMjD)
42
I would have to agree with Mr. Crusader on this one. Our soldiers aren't dying in such great numbers that we couldn't make some additional accomodations for the sake of the family.
Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at December 12, 2005 10:08 PM (8e/V4)
43
Point taken, especially when you consider the numbers are lower in the Iraq conflict compared to the major conflicts of last century. I personally would give them all a heroes return. I just wonder if the majority of bodies have been returned in such a way though.
Posted by: Jester at December 12, 2005 10:28 PM (wBDaS)
44
I sure as hell hope not.
Posted by: Holy Crusader, Part Deaux at December 12, 2005 10:35 PM (oxMjD)
45
Actually, JC hit upon it; the total number dying each month, though probably significant to the individual families, is relatively small in total number, I believe a mere couple of thousand people. It should be easy, even convenient, for the military to spare a contingent to return with the remains. Just my opinion of course.
Posted by: Lucas at December 12, 2005 10:50 PM (oxMjD)
46
Not that the moonbats really care. It's just political hay for them, and they'd find something else to carp on if Rummy fixed this. But I won't deny they're right this one time.
Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at December 12, 2005 11:07 PM (8e/V4)
47
Jesusland conceding a point to the moonbats? Say it ain't so! What's next, Limbaugh shacking up with Hillary?!!??!?
Posted by: Artemus Gordon at December 12, 2005 11:20 PM (oxMjD)
48
Jesusland Joe
One of my duties here in the rear has been Honor Guard - and I am familiar with the procedures for return. I have absolutely no clue what this argument is about. We take care of our own with priority of arrangements given to the family.
I suspect this is just another little BS line being put out there for its own purposes and ends.
Posted by: hondo at December 12, 2005 11:46 PM (3aakz)
49
hondo,
you're probably right. I've caught Liberals lying too many times to count. They really do lie, often, without any compunction whatsoever. It's all for "the cause" you see, so there's no ethical dilemna for them.
Posted by: Jesusland Carlos at December 13, 2005 12:03 AM (8e/V4)
50
"...you give their kid the chance to become a hero and all they can do is bitch about the fact his body was sent home stuffed in a cardboard box." [emphasis mine]
You know, if you wanted to pick a fight this is exactly how it's done. This is a shitty tactic to employ if you think you're going to get some kind of reasonable dialog. And what if someone didn't come along and say they agreed you may have a point? Keep slinging mud? Get more shrill? Start the ad hominem attacks? It's not enough that there may be an issue which needs to be resolved - you had to make it seem even worse with the "cardboard box" bullshit. The issue should stand on it's own merits or facts without adding that kind of crap.
God you people piss me off.
Posted by: Oyster at December 13, 2005 06:14 AM (YudAC)
51
Agent Smith says all your Iraqi base belong to us.
Posted by: Agent Smith at December 13, 2005 06:26 AM (HfTeY)
52
Abigail: You are full of shit. Now turn over in the bed and let your muslim lover bugger you again.
Posted by: greyrooster at December 13, 2005 06:34 AM (qihSJ)
53
At this point as far as I can tell the story is a hoax planted with channel 10 San Diego by an "un-named" family(?) member. You can get the Channel 10 story on the net ... then follow-up and get additional information about the soldier & parents from Post Falls Idaho (their home).
You will quickly figure out how they got the information to put this together by comparing the hometown sources and the SanDiego story - and how it was embellished and changed.
This story is new - at the moment its starting to work its way along the leftist blogs and boards.
Posted by: hondo at December 13, 2005 08:23 AM (3aakz)
54
Seen the interview with the "parents" - something doesn't jive. As I said - I am the Honor Guard - I know the procedures! There is a lot of shit missing from this story.
Posted by: hondo at December 13, 2005 08:39 AM (3aakz)
55
This is wierd and bad news if true. Say, Hondo...I forget, what are those military honor guards that do the funerals called again? I know theres' something specific besides "honor guard." There is actually a name, I've heard it before and can't recall it.
Posted by: Mark at December 13, 2005 09:55 AM (UHKaK)
56
I was skeptical of this story from the start. It was the way the commenter framed his last paragraph that made me suspicious. It was not an attempt to gain support but an attempt to inflame passions.
Posted by: jesusland joe at December 13, 2005 10:15 AM (rUyw4)
57
No idea - never used or heard any other term - if your interested you can consult FM 3-21.5 DRILL AND CEREMONIES
CHAPTER 14. FUNERALS
This will cover all types of military funerals and any associated arrangements.
Posted by: hondo at December 13, 2005 10:19 AM (3aakz)
58
In two years all we will hear is Bush is the greatest president of all time. He showed courage, common sense and turned the middle east around. He is responsible for saving many lifes in the future. The only people left that cheer for the terrorists are the liberal American cowards.
God damn traitors. Yea, Greg, rectus, I'm talking about you.
Posted by: greyrooster at December 16, 2005 05:02 AM (kkjRj)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
