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O'Reilly longs for Saddam

Posted by Jennifer Fox at 2:00 PM on June 21, 2006.


Bill O'Reilly suggests that the new Iraq government should take a page or two out of Saddam's book.

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O'Reilly's transformation from garden-variety right-winger to unwitting satirist is nearly complete. Were Iraq not in shambles, our Constitution in crisis, and soldiers still in harm's way, his latest screed would actually be hilarious.

A recent Talking Points Memo included condemnations of the ACLU, the BBC, Air America and two American ministers for 'helping' the enemy. O'Reilly was particularly peeved at the ministers for speaking out against torture. (How dare they?) These allegations, coupled with his policy suggestions, are sure to make us A Light Unto Nations:

"At this point the new Iraqi Government should declare martial law in areas controlled by insurgents. That means, anyone can be arrested, and shoot on sight curfews."
"Saddam was able to control Iraq, as you know, and defeat insurgencies against him. The new Iraqi government can do the same, but it needs to get much tougher."
You heard it from O'Reilly first, folks. All we need to do is get the new Iraq government to mimic some of Saddam Hussein's tips for running the country, and everything will get better. Pure genius. Also, encouraging the Iraq government to impose 'shoot on sight' curfews will do wonders for how the rest of the world perceives the U.S. They love us already, right?




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Jennnifer Fox is an AlterNet intern.


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Order vs. Disorder, all things being equal
Posted by: lamar on Jun 21, 2006 2:37 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Even Bill O'Reilly can see the logic: There's torture an complete civil disorder now, and before there was torture and order. Which is better?

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Consistency
Posted by: Artkansas on Jun 21, 2006 7:11 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
We supported Hussein's government during the worst of his abuses. Why shouldn't we support a similar government after we take it over? We have given the Iraqi people elections, but rigging elections is old hat for the Bushites.

What could be more logical? No flip-flopping for George.

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That dude is crazy!
Posted by: bjerko on Jun 21, 2006 7:28 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Not funny Mr. O'Reilley. Not funny at all.

Imagine the United States were being occupied, and then ask if you would recommend the same course of action for forces occupying our country.

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Army Analyst's Comments
Posted by: S2_369 on Jun 21, 2006 7:55 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out...then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out...next they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out...I feel there is very little now between me and my safety from the very gluttonous and murderous intentions of my own government, of whom itself is quite insecure because they see where their own wastefulness and rampaging has gotten the world..."

A very disturbing display by elements of the media who seek to hinder our efforts in Operation Iraqi Freedom substantially by suggesting such a scenario, as Mr. O'Reilly has done here.

And, while small elements of the Joint Services operating in Iraq have demonstrated their own capacity for atrocities, a common factor in conflicts worldwide throughout the history of mankind, the fact that fellow American troops are committing them, despite the JS policy to limit this suffering by any means appropriate, is a symptom of the very unique nature of this conflict. And with select media being transmitted into the country, with individuals like Mr. O'Reilly getting a chunk of this limited airtime, will have a negative impact on the already stressed psyches of the uniformed individuals, not to mention the private contractors that operate in the theater, i.e. Blackwater and all the other Tacoma and Silverado-driving mercenaries, as well as portray to the world who is watching the same news we watch a very negative image, serving to hinder the efforts of those elements of the Armed Forces who are genuinely attempting to complete the mission and give Iraq its own solidarity.

Regardless of this, however, political factors will likely make these efforts a moot point, as there are a few 'distinguished gentlemen', and even women, for that matter, that seek to line their pockets and provide for themselves as much real property and assets as possible, as the actual value of global currencies begins to lose value as we begin to slip into an economy where commodities, including the very paper that is turned into money, outweighs its supposed monetary value.

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All Iraqis are savages...
Posted by: Buckaroo on Jun 22, 2006 5:52 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
At least that's what the Bill O'Reilly's of the world would have us believe, that somehow Iraqi = terrorist -- that somehow all Iraqis are "the enemy." Frankly, and I know this is making a massive assumption, but I fear that when many, many Americans think of Iraqis, they imagine dark, shadowy figures with IED's tucked under their "turbans." ) Similarly, commentators from O'Reilly to the NYTimes OpEd page consistently refer to the "Iraq War." This is not a war against Iraq, it's an occupation. The war is over and for what it's worth, we won.

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Marvin
Posted by: Marvin R on Jun 22, 2006 8:51 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Promoting killing while ignoring killing. That is standard operating procedure taken by Bush and his defenders.

Our media is generally silent about the killing of innocent people in Iraq and other places around the world. 500# bombs, artillery and guided missles ONLY kill terrorists. The military ONLY kill terrorists. Now we see a little of the truth being revealed, Yet the O Reillys and Coulters continue to promote killing.

Our faith institutions are strangely silent also. Their silence is condoning.

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