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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: maceng2 who wrote (48873)10/2/2002 6:18:04 AM
From: LindyBill  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 281500
 
That's OK, Pearly. The adoption of the proposals in Bush's UN speech today will solve all of your problems!

UNITED NATIONS, In an address before the U.N. General Assembly Monday, President Bush called upon the international community to support his "U.S. Does Whatever It Wants" plan, which would permit the U.S. to take any action it wishes anywhere in the world at any time.

"As a shining beacon of freedom and democracy, America has inspired the world," said Bush in his 25-minute address. "With its military might, it has kept the peace and bravely defended the unalienable [sic] rights of millions around the globe. In this spirit, I call upon the world's nations to support my proposal to give America unrestricted carte blanche to remove whatever leaders, plunder whatever resources, and impose whatever policies it deems necessary or expedient."

According to top Bush Administration officials, if the measure is passed by the U.N., and possibly if it is not, the U.S. would immediately launch invasions of Iraq, North Korea, and Cuba; establish oil-drilling operations in Siberia; install nuclear-missile silos in Mongolia along the Chinese border; make English the official language of the planet; detain thousands of Middle Eastern nationals currently in the U.S. on temporary visas; begin each day with a moment of worldwide prayer; and prohibit Japan and Germany from manufacturing automobiles.

In addition, no demonstration against U.S. actions by any foreign nation or individual would be permitted. Any such protestation would be deemed a high crime subject to a U.N. tribunal, with those found guilty flown to Texas for execution by lethal injection.

"After the unspeakable events of last Sept. 11, the U.S. was deeply touched by the outpouring of support and condolences from our neighbors and allies the world over," Bush said. "This kindness played a vital role in our national healing process, but, more importantly, it cemented our long-standing self-image as the country, with all other nations lumped together into a vague, foreign Other Place. I call upon you now to join us in our vision of America as the only country whose wishes matter."

Bush then turned to the pressing issue of Iraq.

"Despite repeated American efforts to change the situation, Saddam Hussein defiantly continues his longtime policy of being the president of Iraq," Bush said. "The time has come for this man to step down, because we want him to."

In addition to enabling the U.S. to address foreign crises, Bush said his plan will help solve many of the nation's domestic problems.

"While there exist many grave threats to America abroad, we suffer still more problems, from unemployment to a lack of quality, affordable housing, right here at home," Bush said. "After this resolution is passed, we will begin a 10-year project to clean out our nation's landfills and toxic-waste sites, transport the materials to Central American jungles, and build low-cost housing on the newly cleared land. This would solve the housing shortage, create thousands of construction jobs, and improve our nation's environment, all in one fell swoop."

As much of a boon as it would be to America, Bush stressed that his plan will also benefit the rest of the world, giving foreigners greater access than ever to American goods and entertainment.

"From the Beijing businessman who treats his family to dinner at KFC to the New Delhi textile worker who unwinds after a hard day's work by watching Friends, the world community has embraced our many wonderful cultural and commercial exports," Bush said. "As part of my plan, the U.S. will be allowed to export its products tariff-free, while other countries' goods will be subject to heavy taxes. This will help ensure that people the world over will continue to enjoy our computers, DVDs, and soft drinks, free of the clutter of competing non-American goods on their store shelves."

Bush concluded his speech by calling upon the U.N. to fly an extra-large U.S. flag outside its headquarters, high above the other member nations' flags.

"From the Monroe Doctrine to our ignoring of the Kyoto Treaty, America has always boldly defied the powers that be. Ever since its founding, this great nation has courageously asserted its will, bravely tuning out the objections of the other nations of the world," Bush said at the speech's conclusion. "I urge you today, do not let that legacy die. Allow us to continue our long-standing tradition of getting our way."

Global reaction to Bush's plan has been mixed, with 56 percent of Americans in support and 100 percent of non-Americans strongly opposed.
theonion.com



To: maceng2 who wrote (48873)10/2/2002 6:27:36 AM
From: D. Long  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 281500
 
Personally I think Tony Blair is a competent politician. It's his supporters I don't like. The towne "lets stop the foxhunting, and control everyones behaviour" mob. I know the lunitic fringe lefties too. They would vote for Tony B on anything because the spectre of the Tories returning to power is still a deep fear in their psyche. I think the city financial boys control him more then anybody. Thats not his fault though.

He's a very competent politician. Much better than Clinton, IMO. I'd vote for Blair, not too surprising since he's a stealth Tory. That's what the article I referred to was about. Tony's a middle road guy, coopts the Tories and makes both moderate Labour and the Tories happy because he keeps the socialists under the lid. Labour has to love him because he's crushed the conservatives. He's in a rare position for a politician - right where everyone is comfortable with him! :)

When it comes to health and education I just would like to see minimum corruption. Government bonds and private cos bidding for business looks like the simple and best route. I do know USA health plans are much cheaper then what we pay for the National health. The service in the USA was first class too. Same for dentists.

That's funny to hear on this side of the drink. Some people are still beating the war drum about socialized medicine, and how the British NHS is the best in the world and we need to do it like that. They don't read British newspapers online, obviously, because the NHS is constantly getting ragged on for cost and inefficiency. Health care is expensive as hell in the States, IMO, but from what I understand of the alternatives, its a lesser evil and you get good care.

I really just don't understand the fox hunting issue, PB. Isn't there better things to worry about than some folks that want to go chasing a fox with dogs? Seems pretty silly to me, but I grew up in gun country. Don't understand the fear of guns and hunting at all. To think that someone could be surrounded by police with automatic weapons for carrying a gun safely, legally, and harmlessly, is beyond my powers of comprehension. :/

Derek