Basically you ignored my entire post and read what you wanted to read, seeing as your anti-war goggles were on (which I do not blame you for). I WAS NOT justifying what the United States did. Read what I wrote again... and if you need to read it again. And try not to gloss over the parts where I said I wish we don't ever have to do it again and that I wish we didn't have to do it the first time, albeit the results of such a disaster afterwards couldn't have been better than they were. Its evident that you did gloss over what I wrote.
The ends DIDN'T justify the means. I think its unfortunate that such extreme measures had to be taken. I don't think that Osama bin Laden's ends justify the means, and I also don't think that he is going to get what he wants either. I also don't fault America for doing what they did - it IN FACT ended the war, and saved countless hundreds of thousands of lives - that is A FACT. Think critically for just one moment please Paul - if we did not drop the bombs and instead invaded Tokyo, how many millions of civilians would have died as a result? Nobody is justifying ANYTHING. Civilians die in war - I hope I don't have to remind you that several thousands of Americans died on 9/11/01 - where is your compassion for them? A universal fact of war that both you and I despise is that civilians ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS end up dying during armed conflict and I think its shameful for the human race. My position (try not to gloss over this part like you did last time... so I'll be explicit) is that I wish that none of it had to be done. I WISH THAT NONE OF IT HAD TO BE DONE. I WISH THAT NONE OF IT HAD TO BE DONE.
OK? OK? OK? OK? OK? That was the moral of the story.. I thought that you would have understood the first time.
As far as my "lack of compassion" you completely lost the point and glossed over the fact that my heart sinks at the thought of so many people dying (read it again). THANKS FOR READING MY FUCKING POST COMPLETELY PAUL! I don't filter what I write, and I expect people to be able to interpret what I write in an intelligent manner. Do not flame me with false pretense because it upsets me when I have to backtrack and point out the parts that people "filtered out" because their political bias overtakes their rational thought. That shit is irritating.
I'm actually on your side on this subject. Jesus fucking christ. In my best Foghorn Leghorn - "I say I say I say I say, Paul... there is no reason for you to be stultified!"
And your mentioning of what I wrote as an "attention getter" - please don't take offense but that is the single most fucking stupidest thing I've read on this site thus far. I don't write shit to get attention Paul. I don't want or need attention from anybody that is reading this right now. I blog for myself and nobody else. I don't care if people like OR hate what I say. If nobody reads it I'm just as happy as if somebody was paying attention. I'm not interested in my "search count" - I have a life and a job and I'm too busy to be concerned with that trivial crap. Trust me - I am aware of the extremist political bias of this particular URL. Extremist hard left is nothing new to me - I used to be that way. I'm unconcerned with it. 90% of my friends are liberal and we get along fine because we are mature adults. It works great once you try it.
Stop being a jerk. I like you, you like me (admit it!). You dislike all aspects of war and I respect and admire that. Lets carry on.
My next post will be from NC, where I can update people on how the rednecks are doing.
Joshua's Journal
My Podcast Link
08/07/2005 07:54 #24528
Paul... Paul... Paul...Category: liberal blinders
08/06/2005 21:41 #24527
Splitting AtomsCategory: reflection
Seeing as its the 60th anniversary of us dropping nukes on Japan I have been thinking a bit about it. At the time the Japanese were hellbent on winning and would have died to the last man if they had to in order to achieve their objective. Thinking about the sheer number of civilians and military that died that day anybody with a heart would feel their heart sink to their feet. On the other hand -
1. We ended WWII doing this
2. Had we invaded Japan even more Japanese and Americans would have died, so therefore the least amount of people died doing it this way
3. People saw the horror of the atom bomb - as a result its never been used since
4. We rebuilt Japan and it became a democracy
The "Mutially Assured Destruction" principle protects us so far, and although I would like to see the eradication of the nuclear bomb... reality dictates that this will never, ever happen. Wars are going to happen - its our nature as human beings. I just hope that nobody ever has to suffer like that again - both the people who die and the people who execute their mission and have to live with the burden for the rest of their lives.
1. We ended WWII doing this
2. Had we invaded Japan even more Japanese and Americans would have died, so therefore the least amount of people died doing it this way
3. People saw the horror of the atom bomb - as a result its never been used since
4. We rebuilt Japan and it became a democracy
The "Mutially Assured Destruction" principle protects us so far, and although I would like to see the eradication of the nuclear bomb... reality dictates that this will never, ever happen. Wars are going to happen - its our nature as human beings. I just hope that nobody ever has to suffer like that again - both the people who die and the people who execute their mission and have to live with the burden for the rest of their lives.
08/04/2005 14:45 #24524
Glass Is Replaced!$75 out of my progressively (a chill runs down my spine when I use that word) lighter wallet got me this. The picture doesn't even do it justice.
Its frickin' beautiful. Clear w/orange swirls, and a color-changing male end. Its blown specificly so that you will not drink da dirty water if its a little full... and I admit I've been known to do that on occasion :(
Its frickin' beautiful. Clear w/orange swirls, and a color-changing male end. Its blown specificly so that you will not drink da dirty water if its a little full... and I admit I've been known to do that on occasion :(
08/05/2005 14:23 #24526
Better - and Dr. Chlorine, and LadiesCategory: relief
(e:drchlorine) is a man's man. The one thing about ladies (well actually this applies to the gay contingent too, feelings are feelings you know!) that I've learned is that being upset over losing one is pretty much one of the stupidest things you can do. Naturally you might be shocked or hurt... or both. But the numbers are just too mind-bogglingly in your favor to find someone far, far better. The best way to go about it is to act professionally when the news breaks - say to him/her "Ok, if that is what you want that is what I want." Give a short, polite hug, then walk out the door. No crying, no jaws on the floor. Your now former partner will think to him/herself - "What the hell, I just spent a week feeling sick to my stomach over this, and he is just going to walk out the door and say NOTHING?! RAWWWWRRR!!!!!" You are the one that supposedly got fucked over, yet SHE/HE is the one that is upset. YOU WIN because A) You just got released back to being single, which means now you get to upgrade from your previous model, and B) your scheming and plotting ex is the one with the knot twisted in their belly over this bullshit.
I'm FINALLY starting to feel better... I've been sick all week with this weird and violently painful ear/nose/throat thing. I swear this is true but its going to sound cliche - chicken noodle did the trick! Time to go get my usual - mucho grande iced coffee. Or maybe an iced redeye (ooh la la).
Besides that I have to go to the garage and get an oil change and another tire. I love going to the repair shop - the smell of rubber and oil reminds me of my grandfathers garage, which of course reminds me of my grandfather... who I miss very much. Grandma is still kickin' though - she is one of the funniest people I know. She is curious about where I go and what I do so I thought of something cool to give to her - a laminated map of the United States (and printouts of the countries I visit) and a bunch of gold stars. I put the stars on all the airports I've gone through, and when I go through a new one I call her when I land and tell her to stick a star there. Sometimes I grab the hotel stationery and write to her.
I love my grandma!
I'm FINALLY starting to feel better... I've been sick all week with this weird and violently painful ear/nose/throat thing. I swear this is true but its going to sound cliche - chicken noodle did the trick! Time to go get my usual - mucho grande iced coffee. Or maybe an iced redeye (ooh la la).
Besides that I have to go to the garage and get an oil change and another tire. I love going to the repair shop - the smell of rubber and oil reminds me of my grandfathers garage, which of course reminds me of my grandfather... who I miss very much. Grandma is still kickin' though - she is one of the funniest people I know. She is curious about where I go and what I do so I thought of something cool to give to her - a laminated map of the United States (and printouts of the countries I visit) and a bunch of gold stars. I put the stars on all the airports I've gone through, and when I go through a new one I call her when I land and tell her to stick a star there. Sometimes I grab the hotel stationery and write to her.
I love my grandma!
joshua - 08/05/05 14:23
Ha - Matt I sense your sarcasm (I think). I admit that its not for everybody, but it works great for me. I used to do the "nice guy" routine and after getting burned once too many times I had to switch it up. Nothing but fabulous results since!
Ha - Matt I sense your sarcasm (I think). I admit that its not for everybody, but it works great for me. I used to do the "nice guy" routine and after getting burned once too many times I had to switch it up. Nothing but fabulous results since!
boxerboi - 08/05/05 12:47
Wow. what good advice. Matt
Wow. what good advice. Matt
08/04/2005 15:50 #24525
A Special DedicationCategory: rant
I'm going to refrain from doing this too much, since I absolutely love the community spirit of this blogsite and after meeting the fellas and ladies at the party I respect them 100%. Unfortunately (e:robin) is trying to start an insult pissing match with a merciless Grand Fucking Master insult slinger. You might think you are mean-spirited (e:robin) but I guaranfuckingtee you that you can't hold a candle to me when I'm inspired and provoked.
Firstly, leave DrC out of this. He vaguely mentioned (rather skillfully I might add) her penchant for being a drama queen in a blog several months ago, and I doubt he could give two shits about "your girl" right about now. However, any free-thinking person that read Soyeon's journal could come to that conclusion on their own months ago without DrC's help. I'm not criticizing her... for me being a drama queen isn't a bad personality trait.
The truth of the matter is that most girls don't like hearing THE FUCKING TRUTH about their friends or themselves, EVER. Its rare to find a girl capable of fending for themselves in a mature manner when criticism comes their way. To be honest though, I think I met a couple such ladies at the party and I know that normal ladies do exist out there! (e:robin) only proved that universal fact and at the same time uncovered her own thin as rice paper skin and severe maturity issues. Who cares if Soyeon is a drama queen? Its not a mortal sin. I have female friends that are drama queens, so what? Jay talked to Soyeon via IMs, met her in person and liked her. She's a nice girl apparently.
It is a mortal sin, however, to mention that when her best friend reads it apparently. Guess what? If you don't like what I said about her (e:robin), go fucking die somewhere. I could care less about what you think about what I said. Typically this wouldn't even be worth a retort on my part. Hell, I know for a fact that you wouldn't have the fucking spine to say anything derogatory to me toe-to-toe. The difference between you and I is that everything you are reading right now would be told to your face without any hesitation.
(e:robin) I don't care if you don't like me, or if you think I'm an asshole, or if you think I'm wrong, or that you don't like Republicans. You don't know a god damn thing about me - how dare you act like a child. I'll give you a little insight - I do human rights work in countries your leisure travelling ass wouldn't DARE step into. I know for a fact that I've improved working conditions for people in both close and faraway places, and you better believe I feel good about it. I'm not one of those guys that sends money to CCF to feel good about himself - I have my feet in the dirt in the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. I've seen things in those places that have made me cry, laugh, be shocked, be angry... and thankfully we get the authority to make things right for people who deserve basic treatment. I love what I do, I'm proud of it, I believe in it strongly and I hope I can do this job forever. HOLY FUCKING SHIT, YOU MEAN A REPUBLICAN HAS A BIG HEART AND IS LIKE THIS AS A PERSON? Hear that? That is your preconceived notion of me shattering into a million pieces. You have no basis for acting like you have to me, except to show everybody how much of a brat you are.
Your inane ramblings mean fuck all to me... although I'm amused that you would take a picture of your pussy, crop the photo and superimpose it on your cat. Thats not art, its fucking disturbing. Jackson Pollock was disturbing too, but his art is hung in galleries all over the world and I happen to like his work... so he gets a pass.
Grow up and get over the fact that you and your friend are imperfect. That is what grown men and women do. When you reach that point (and Buffalo once again) feel free to shake me down for a drink - I'm willing to forgive you and apologize for writing what I just wrote. Until then -
x0x0
josh
Firstly, leave DrC out of this. He vaguely mentioned (rather skillfully I might add) her penchant for being a drama queen in a blog several months ago, and I doubt he could give two shits about "your girl" right about now. However, any free-thinking person that read Soyeon's journal could come to that conclusion on their own months ago without DrC's help. I'm not criticizing her... for me being a drama queen isn't a bad personality trait.
The truth of the matter is that most girls don't like hearing THE FUCKING TRUTH about their friends or themselves, EVER. Its rare to find a girl capable of fending for themselves in a mature manner when criticism comes their way. To be honest though, I think I met a couple such ladies at the party and I know that normal ladies do exist out there! (e:robin) only proved that universal fact and at the same time uncovered her own thin as rice paper skin and severe maturity issues. Who cares if Soyeon is a drama queen? Its not a mortal sin. I have female friends that are drama queens, so what? Jay talked to Soyeon via IMs, met her in person and liked her. She's a nice girl apparently.
It is a mortal sin, however, to mention that when her best friend reads it apparently. Guess what? If you don't like what I said about her (e:robin), go fucking die somewhere. I could care less about what you think about what I said. Typically this wouldn't even be worth a retort on my part. Hell, I know for a fact that you wouldn't have the fucking spine to say anything derogatory to me toe-to-toe. The difference between you and I is that everything you are reading right now would be told to your face without any hesitation.
(e:robin) I don't care if you don't like me, or if you think I'm an asshole, or if you think I'm wrong, or that you don't like Republicans. You don't know a god damn thing about me - how dare you act like a child. I'll give you a little insight - I do human rights work in countries your leisure travelling ass wouldn't DARE step into. I know for a fact that I've improved working conditions for people in both close and faraway places, and you better believe I feel good about it. I'm not one of those guys that sends money to CCF to feel good about himself - I have my feet in the dirt in the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. I've seen things in those places that have made me cry, laugh, be shocked, be angry... and thankfully we get the authority to make things right for people who deserve basic treatment. I love what I do, I'm proud of it, I believe in it strongly and I hope I can do this job forever. HOLY FUCKING SHIT, YOU MEAN A REPUBLICAN HAS A BIG HEART AND IS LIKE THIS AS A PERSON? Hear that? That is your preconceived notion of me shattering into a million pieces. You have no basis for acting like you have to me, except to show everybody how much of a brat you are.
Your inane ramblings mean fuck all to me... although I'm amused that you would take a picture of your pussy, crop the photo and superimpose it on your cat. Thats not art, its fucking disturbing. Jackson Pollock was disturbing too, but his art is hung in galleries all over the world and I happen to like his work... so he gets a pass.
Grow up and get over the fact that you and your friend are imperfect. That is what grown men and women do. When you reach that point (and Buffalo once again) feel free to shake me down for a drink - I'm willing to forgive you and apologize for writing what I just wrote. Until then -
x0x0
josh
jason - 08/04/05 15:50
Lol. I give that one an A-
Lol. I give that one an A-
Actually you misquoted me, which is why I insisted you re-read what I wrote. I didn't write "But" - I wrote "On the other hand." Generally that means you are weighing the benefits of one thing against the ends that it took to get the benefits. I clearly stated that I didn't think the benefits justified the deaths of people. You put words in my mouth and then interpreted it for your own means. I expect an apology for that, but I doubt I'll get it. After all its more important to be right than to be honest I suppose? P.S. I never thought you were unintelligent or immature.
Are you saying that a majority of those who post here AREN'T inclined to lean far left of center? I know thats false. I don't particularly care either, because they are cool as far as I'm concerned. You see, I don't take politics personally... unlike someone I know!
P.S. you not knowing what I'm talking about when I say "extremist hard left is new to me" - when I was in college I was actually very hardcore liberal. Once I graduated and left the academic establishment it was alot easier to assimilate what was going on and interpret it for myself. What you have now is a moderate in the mold of Rudolph Giuliani. Imagine how you would react if a true Conservative were posting here instead of me!
Which IMO is fucking immature and absurd. I don't care if you disagree with me or not, but don't pretend like if people with dissenting opinions around here speak up that they are going to be let off, because you just proved exactly what I'm talking about.
There is no political rhetoric off of my journal because I know god damn well if I actually decide to say something people like you are going to do what you just did. I'd rather not talk politics and be myself, like you saw at your party.
On your phone that is... I think.
Answer your IMs. :(
joshua, seriously, if you read through the last 3 months of posts, there is almost no politics rhetoric off of your journal. Who are these left wing extremists that you are referring to?
Vulgarity - guilty as charged. However Hillary Clinton is more vulgar than I am, if you've ever read her transcripts during the time her husband was President. And this is the woman that many liberals want as Pres! Seriously - Hillary makes ME blush, and thats hard to do.
I'm not a democrat either. I don't know why you keep bringing democrats up. I wrote this before your time on the site, but I think you will see I am definately not a party lines kind of guy :::link:::
Mature adults know how to deal appropriately with opinions that differ from yours - your first response was an illustration in precisely what I'm talking about - the inability to deal with people that think differently than you do politically.
Well... Paul... are you suggesting that at this particular site that all political views are welcome? Lets be honest, thats not true. Its also not true that most of the people here are politically unaware... and you know that. Its interesting that you mention childish personal attacks... which one of us started in on that? Hmm? :)
159 IQ last I took the test! You glossed over my compassion for the dead and my desire for such extreme measures to not have to have been taken/need to be taken again... actually not once but twice now that I've read your comment, lol. What you think of as justifications are NOT justifications. President Truman (a Democrat, by the way) didn't consider what they did a justification and he is the one that made the call. Why, you might ask? It was a matter of survival. 21st c. liberal political thought is incompatible with WWII-era political thought. Also at last count I actually addressed no less than 3 of the points you made... I assure you that I didn't gloss over what you wrote - in fact its precisely the opposite.
Joshua, you really believe in this is a left wing extremist site? haha I have no idea what you are talking about when you say, "Extremist hard left is nothing new to me - I used to be that way. "
You sound pretty paranoid because seriously most people on this site barely have a notion of politics, let along an extremist stance in any direction.
"I'm unconcerned with it. 90% of my friends are liberal and we get along fine because we are mature adults. It works great once you try it."
Are you suggesting I am not a mature adult, because my opinion differs from yours about the justifcations for atomic weapons use? I think if you read both arguments, my posts are far less childish in terms of personal attacks and vulgarity. My only weakness for immature antics was suggesting that you did this for attention and I only said that because I couldn't believe on such a day of remembrance, that anyone would pull out the same tiresome rationale for mass death that we have already heard our whole lives.
Joshua, please don't play these childish, "I thought that you would have understood the first time.", "Read what I wrote again... and if you need to read it again.", bull shit games. There wasn't even enough argument to gloss over and I am sure that my reading comprehension skills/overall intelligence rivals, if not exceeds your own. What part are you even suggesting I glossed over? If you mean about your "wish" for nuclear weapons eradication, it reads like an afterthought. How can you assert, " I WAS NOT justifying what the United States did." Let's revisit your original post. You start out by saying, "Thinking about the sheer number of civilians and military that died that day anybody with a heart would feel their heart sink to their feet." Up to here I agree with you. Then you add " On the other hand -." followed by four points concerning the use of atomic bomb. Those four points are called justifications! Did you not notice that part? It the part with the numbers before each line that read like the same exact four justifcations we learned in 9th grade global studies. Then in your response you say ,"it IN FACT ended the war, and saved countless hundreds of thousands of lives - that is A FACT." This is also known as a justication. The point of my post, which you did not address much at all other than to attack my reading skills, is that none of it is ok and that none of it had to be done. I will grant you the honor of not having to read that screamed in caplocks.