Dusty W.'s Comments
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Jun 19, 2009 | rating: 5.5 | comments: 6
Dusty W. Jun 19, 2009, 11:49pm EDT

I'm a little worried about the NCIS:LA idea.  It doesn't seem as gritty by any means.

It is strange seeing places on tv and being like, "I"ve been there..."  I grew up in a movie boom-town so I know how that goes.

(Bridges of Madison County is crap btw)
Jun 19, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 14
Dusty W. Jun 19, 2009, 11:42pm EDT

It seems like this event might actually be a planned thing.  There's nowhere for the revolutionaries to go with it, they will either keep rioting and be mowed down in the streets or go home defeated.  Both scenarios would be victories for the ruling elite.  It might just be an effort to let a little steam off the pot until they can figure out what to do next.  Personally, I feel that the events in Iran and North Korea both were projected when Obama was elected.  It's all part of feeling out your opponent, they just do it differently in dictatorial regimes...  Iran seems to be trying to provoke Obama into decrying their repression so they can label opposition as pro-US/anti-Iran troublemakers.

All things considered, the "revolution" is being maintained by the government there.  They have absolutely no fear of it turning into anything major.  The opposition lacks support in the military and the middle class so they really have nothing to go on.  It will peter out and life will go back to normal in Tehran.
Jun 16, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 20
Dusty W. Jun 16, 2009, 9:25pm EDT

Interesting idea about making the Iranians own their problem.  I'm not sure if that is entirely what Obama is up to, but it makes sense as an argument.  Non-intervention minimalizes their ability to blame the US for all of their problems.

I would just like to point out to Joshua that the election was scheduled long before Obama came into office.  Also, discontent like we have seen in Iran seethes below the surface for a long time before it overflows.  So, it would be wise not to credit Obama's diplomacy for the reactions in Tehran.

One more thing, I think the spell checker option is in the right click.  Still, I don't discount spelling on Gather, especially on posts, because sometimes the message is more important than the grammar.
Jun 16, 2009 | comments: 32
Dusty W. Jun 16, 2009, 9:18pm EDT

I don't think it would be a revolution worth fighting for the Iranian people.  If it somehow managed to take down the Ayatollah, maybe it would lead to something better in the long run.  Someone had compared the two top contenders in Iran to Bush and Gore, whereas a better example would be between Bush and Cheney, or Clinton and Gore.  Their ideologies are so similar that a revolution to bring one or the other to power would not be worth fighting.
Apr 3, 2009 | comments: 4
Dusty W. May 6, 2009, 11:32pm EDT
A lot of Arab states are backing off on the right of return, which would be a crucial step in forming a two-state resolution. So, if Obama takes advantage of his strength and popularity to pressure Israel (what little is needed at this point) there is great possibility. Still, hopes not too high.
May 4, 2009 | comments: 11
Dusty W. May 4, 2009, 10:39pm EDT
The majority of Latin American countries tend to lean more toward isolationism, but Iran can waste its energy if it feels like it.
May 4, 2009 | comments: 8
Dusty W. May 4, 2009, 10:35pm EDT
Taliban with nukes? Something you think we would be more concerned about.
Apr 28, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 3
Dusty W. Apr 28, 2009, 9:02pm EDT
I was wondering if anyone would catch the Islamic thing. I left it out because Turkey is still in the running to be the first, but the EU is keeping them dangling. Albania is more "European" than either Turkey or Ukraine, so it stands a good chance.
Apr 23, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 21
Dusty W. Apr 23, 2009, 9:42pm EDT
Argh, now there's going to be MORE Jersey?
Apr 20, 2009 | comments: 8
Dusty W. Apr 20, 2009, 10:02pm EDT
I still think the stats on ethanol's effect on deforestation and pollution might not be the best correlation. There are probably numerous factors involved with an increase in both which may or may not be more integral to the change. Statisticians are good at what they do, and really good ones would not generalize like so many "scientists" have with ethanol. As far as deforestation and the increase in regions throughout the world of food production, this probably correlates more closely with the severe disasters that struck throughout the world.

Still, being in Iowa and seeing some of this crap firsthand, I have to say that ethanol is not the way to go. When more crops are being used to produce fuel, the price goes up which drives up prices in grocery stores which makes it harder for small farmers to buy the bread they instigated. Wind power is nice. Solar seems to be the best overall (despite whiny little idiots who complain about not being able to use their laptops for 24 hrs a day).

Neat articles Charles, always enjoy your posts.
Apr 19, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 22
Dusty W. Apr 19, 2009, 10:46pm EDT
Pakistan is definitely dangerous due to its relatively unstable government. All some of the regions need is a face on their factions. Aziz might fit that bill.
Apr 19, 2009 | comments: 4
Dusty W. Apr 19, 2009, 12:22pm EDT
I've always struggle with evocative prose, which is probably why I ended up studying history. Bare-bones facts are about all I can lay down. It's interesting to see this situation from the perspective of someone who CAN capture emotions.
Apr 19, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 1
Dusty W. Apr 19, 2009, 12:15pm EDT
I think Chelsea's got a pretty strong chance. But going up against Man U is always a bit daunting.
Apr 19, 2009 | rating: 8.8 | comments: 22
Dusty W. Apr 19, 2009, 11:58am EDT
Wait a minute... I can get taller by standing by tall people??

hehe
Apr 19, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 70
Dusty W. Apr 19, 2009, 11:47am EDT
Disagree with close alliance, but it would be nice to eliminate vitriolic diplomacy.

Also, there is a distinct difference in how Latin countries handle their socialist views. Some are anti-America socialists, others just realize that its the best way to run their country based on their social and cultural makeup. For some countries in Latin America, socialism works. They generally don't want to push their beliefs on the US, and without the fear of Soviet-influence, we shouldn't push our beliefs on them.
Apr 18, 2009 | rating: 9.9 | comments: 49
Dusty W. Apr 19, 2009, 10:50am EDT
I don't really care for Maher most of the time, but occasionally he is good for a chuckle. And yes, I tend to lean more left than right on most issues.

Really great review. Excellent writing and I'm with you on the Maher not being the same as Rush. The key difference being, level-headed lefties aren't ashamed of Maher. Level-headed righties are ashamed of Rush.
Apr 18, 2009 | rating: 9.7 | comments: 52
Dusty W. Apr 19, 2009, 9:30am EDT
cranberry juice
Apr 18, 2009 | rating: 10 | comments: 6
Dusty W. Apr 18, 2009, 10:33pm EDT
Ah, better title "Stupid is as stoopid do"
Apr 16, 2009 | rating: 8 | comments: 4
Dusty W. Apr 17, 2009, 7:37am EDT
Thanks Illusion. The main point was to just vent a little about the news. The bit about Israel is a long shot, but I appreciate the comment.

Thanks also to you Nichole.
Apr 16, 2009 | comments: 7
Dusty W. Apr 16, 2009, 10:57pm EDT
Armed thugs is right.

They are definitely not helpless criminals. These people steal. They live lives that no one in their country could dream of. They don't do it through hard-work and an attempt to better their country and their fellow man, so they are thugs.

The hungry kids live further south.
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Dusty W.
Des Moines, IA

And that's why I don't like cricket.
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