Sgt Dub to Ahmadinejad

Sgt Dub is an American hero, although he never would say this himself.

This is a first for me. I’m posting twice today. Since Sgt Dub says some things better than I was able, I am going to post his comments on Ahmadinejad for yesterday’s article as a post in and of itself. I hope you don’t mind, Sgt.

Then, I’m going to post the article I wrote for today’s post, on Hugo Chavez, who I call The Clown, based on a comment from one of my readers.

Visit Sgt Dub’s blog, at SGTDUB, for a first-hand experience of a soldier serving in Afghanistan, a great guy with a level head, communicating with the world from one of the hotspots on the globe. We remain appreciative of what you do, Sgt.

Here is the first post, Sgt. Dub responding to Ahmadinejad’s letters:

Rock, I read his letter to Noble Americans on Sunday, and immediately felt compelled to respond, of course. This may get long but I will cut it down to just the parts I responded to.

Ahmadinejad:

Our nation has always extended its hand of friendship to all other nations of the world.

Dub:

Taking a hostage by the elbow and escorting him is not considered a hand of friendship in this country.

Ahmadinejad:

Hundreds of thousands of my Iranian compatriots are living amongst you in friendship and peace, and are contributing positively to your society. Our people have been in contact with you over the past many years and have maintained these contacts despite the unnecessary restrictions of US authorities.

Dub:

Yes, there are many Iranian people who fled the oppressive and destructive nature of Iran in hopes of finding a better place to live and we welcomed them to our country.

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Ahmadinejad:

In Iraq, about one hundred and fifty thousand American soldiers, separated from their families and loved ones, are operating under the command of the current US administration. A substantial number of them have been killed or wounded and their presence in Iraq has tarnished the image of the American people and government.

Dub:

I consider a "substantial number" an exaggeration on your part.

Ahmadinejad:

You have heard that the US administration is kidnapping its presumed opponents from across the globe and arbitrarily holding them without trial or any international supervision in horrendous prisons that it has established in various parts of the world. God knows who these detainees actually are, and what terrible fate awaits them.
You have certainly heard the sad stories of the Guantanamo and Abu-Ghraib prisons. The US administration attempts to justify them through its proclaimed "war on terror." But every one knows that such behavior, in fact, offends global public opinion, exacerbates resentment and thereby spreads terrorism, and tarnishes the US image and its credibility among nations.

Dub:

First, kidnapping is described as the illegal abduction against one's will, and describes the tactics you might be familiar with, and the tactics used by the factions your country has sent into Iraq to push the so called civil war. The insurgents that have been captured by us have been taken during battle or by intelligence gathered, each being a target and not just an opportunity. The possibility that some may be innocent is possible but the kidnappings in Iraq by factions under the control of Iran and other groups are of civilians who are innocent. The detainees suffer far less than those taken by the factions at large in Iraq, who are doomed to certain torture and execution.

Ahmadinejad:

The US administration does not accept accountability before any organization, institution or council. The US administration has undermined the credibility of international organizations, particularly the United Nations and its Security Council. But, I do not intend to address all the challenges and calamities in this message.

Dub:

You bring up undermining the credibility of international organizations, particularly the United Nations and its Security Council? In this country we say, “Isn’t that the kettle calling the pot black?” The war in Iraq had the backing of the United Nations and continues to see international support. Only when cowards attack innocent civilians in other countries do we see some countries falter and pull back. It seems you think intimidation works on everyone; well, it only works on the frail.

Ahmadinejad:

Undoubtedly, the American people are not satisfied with this behavior and they showed their discontent in the recent elections. I hope that in the wake of the mid-term elections, the administration of President Bush will have heard and will heed the message of the American people.

Dub:

America has continually changed the seat of power since the onset of elections in this country. That is the freedom of self-rule. The fear that you show of President Bush just shows how little you understand the American political system. That power here has the ability to change every four years and we have done it without bloodshed and kidnapping; can you say that?

Ahmadinejad:

We all condemn terrorism, because its victims are the innocent.

Dub:

Then condemn the dogs of war that you support, Hamas and Hezbollah.

Ahmadinejad:

It is possible to govern based on an approach that is distinctly different from one of coercion, force and injustice.

Dub:

Does November 4, 1979 ring a bell?
I could obviously go on further, but I should stop here. thanks for letting me rant.

Thank you Sgt Dub. We are all grateful for your contributions to the world by serving in Afghanistan, by your blog, and by your regular comments on my blog, which I believe is also making a small contribution to the world, with truth. Thanks again, Sgt., and God bless.

Rock

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The Clown

Continuing the Discussion on

Chavez, the clown.

I want to thank Discoriggall for commenting on yesterday’s post, Dear Mr. Ahmadinejad below. (By the way, Discoriggal, I like your site, even though you’re on the wrong side of things politically.) Discoriggal gave a very reasoned defense of The Clown, to which I responded. I am so incensed by The Clown, however, that I decided to make him the topic of today’s post. This will be the second time I honor Mr. Chavez with a post, who is the hero of those great Americans, Cindy Sheehan, Jimmy Carter, and Noam Chomsky; and that great humanitarian, Fidel Castro. For my readers, see Thank You Charlie Reingold, where I applaud Mr. Reingold, a diehard Democrat, for denouncing Mr. Chavez for calling President Bush “the devil.”

Mr. Discoriggal, no offense, I just can’t stand demagogues, or clowns who are supposed to act like statesmen.



I’m going to include some of my responses to your comment in this post, and expand from there a bit.

Thug and Demagogue

A recent poll found that 57% of Venezuelans felt intimidated to vote for Chavez. The man is a thug. He actually participated in a coup earlier in his career, and he is not above using the power of his government to hurt people. Yes, Venezuela is a “democracy,” but not quite free and not quite honest. If Bush was running goon squads the left would be all over him, but they accept Chavez?

Chavez is a demagogue. Any popularity he does legitimately have is earned by demonizing America and President Bush. I am against all demagoguery. If you have to demonize a person or country in order to win an election, then you are using a dark force to rule. I don’t see how a person like this can be your hero. All he does is encourage hatred in the world. Chavez’ tactics are much like the tactics of the Democratic Party at this time in history with their class warfare. The so-called party of peace continually fosters hatred against Republicans by calling them the party of the rich.

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Other Thugs and Demagogues

Chavez’ heroes are Fidel Castro and other dictators who have abused human rights and deprived their people of essential freedoms. Yes, socialists and communists. Chavez is a modern-day populist who wages his own class warfare, the old communist ploy of promising everything to the lower classes while destroying the middle class. The middle class in Venezuela is disappearing and feeling threatened. The lower class is happy with Chavez for the moment, and his upper class cronies and thieves are thrilled. This is the story of Cuba all over again. Are you, my worthy Dems, like Robert Redford and Danny Glover, a fan of the way Cuba does things? Yes, they have free health care and free education, but the level of that health care and education are inferior, plus, the overall economy is a mess. How far they have sunk since the corrupt capitalistic era. And, they have no freedom—just lockstep agreement with their “Papa,” dictator for life.

How Popular Those Dictators Are!

Kim Jung Il is popular in North Korea; Ahmadinejad is popular in Iran; and Chavez is “popular” in Venezuela. This is what happens when the leaders control their own press and intimidate any opposition. The people get brainwashed. North Koreans don’t know any better. Iranians shut up if they know what’s good for them. Venezuelans think Chavez will give them everything they need, free. It’s all based on lies and intimidation.

Sarge Charlie commented on yesterday’s post,

I would like to point out to Mr. Discoriggall that the tyrant in Baghdad was elected with 95% plus of the vote, our friend in Cuba was reelected with near 100% of the vote, Chavez only got about 60%. Could it be that his thugs are not as good as the others?

My view exactly. Communists and dictators have held “elections” for years, “proving” with 100% of the vote (as Saddam had) that everybody “loves” them. Plus, Jimmy Carter “validated” Chavez’ election—you can’t get much more honorable than that, right?

The Presidency and Gravitas

I think that once you assume the elevated position of president of your country, you cast aside juvenile behavior. If you got elected by acting like a clown, like Chavez did, you discard this in favor of assuming some gravitas, fitting the persona of a world leader. Politics is a tough game. Bush is bashed every day of his life, and he has to turn the other cheek time after time. The only people Bush ever “demonized” have been the Axis of Evil and terrorists, people who kill innocent human beings and foster terror in the world. You don’t go around calling leaders of the world “devils,” and expect to be taken seriously.

Demagogue Alert

Again, this is Chavez the demagogue. This whole blog is dedicated to one thing—the exposure of demagoguery in every form. Demagogues do not tell the truth. They lie and use those lies to become popular. The world does not need people like Chavez as leaders.

Kryptonite for Democrats

I’ve always said that truth to a Democrat is like kryptonite to Superman. Facts only get in the way of their theories. (Caveat, I am not speaking of Classical Liberals like JFK or Truman, but liberals of today, like John Kerry and Howard Dean). Dems are always asking me to “prove” my points, instead of my just ranting. Whenever I oblige them, they denigrate my proofs. Ah, well, the way of the world. So, I usually don’t set out to “prove” anything to Democrats. I just state my views, back them up with what I have, and let it go at that. We all are allowed our opinions. My only goal with this blog is to get a reasonable opinion, grounded in truth, out there in the ether, to counter the lies of the liberal left and other liars or dissemblers.

Still, I’ll try to oblige my critics with as much “proof” as I can muster for my opinions. Just to let you know that I am not alone in my condemnation of Hugo Chavez, please peruse the following references at your leisure; and there are plenty more of these if you take the time to find them:

Venezuela: Court Orders Trial of Civil Society Leaders: Human Rights Watch, Washington, July 8, 2005)

In ordering the trial of four civil society leaders on dubious charges of treason, a Venezuelan court has assented to government persecution of political opponents, Human Rights Watch said today.

Venezuela: Rights Lawyer Faces Judicial Persecution (Human Rights Watch, 5-4-2005): Criminal Investigation Launched to Intimidate Critic of Government’s Rights Record (Washington, April 5, 2005)

The Venezuelan government should immediately halt criminal proceedings opened against one of Latin America’s most prominent human rights lawyers, Human Rights Watch said today.

Venezuela: Curbs on Free Expression Tightened (Human Rights Watch, 24-3-2005): (Santiago, March 24, 2005)

Amendments to Venezuela’s Criminal Code that entered into force last week may stifle press criticism of government authorities and restrict the public’s ability to monitor government actions, Human Rights Watch said today.

“By broadening laws that punish disrespect for government authorities, the Venezuelan government has flouted international human rights principles that protect free expression,” said Jose Miguel Vivanco, America’s director at Human Rights Watch. “While countries across Latin America are moving to repeal such laws, Venezuela has enacted further restrictions on the press that will shield officials from public scrutiny.”

Venezuela: Chavez Allies Pack Supreme Court (Human Rights Watch, 14-12-2004): (Washington D.C., December 14, 2004)

The Venezuelan Congress dealt a severe blow to judicial independence by packing the country’s Supreme Court with 12 new justices, Human Rights Watch said today. A majority of the ruling coalition, dominated by President Hugo Chavez’ party, named the justices late yesterday, filling seats created by a law passed in May that expanded the court’s size by more than half.

“Five years ago, President Chavez’ supporters helped to enshrine the principle of judicial independence in a new democratic constitution. Now, by packing the country’s highest court, they are betraying that principle and degrading Venezuelan democracy.” Jose Miguel Vivanco, executive director of the Americas Division at Human Rights Watch.

Venezuela: Media Law Undercuts Freedom of Expression (Human Rights Watch, 24-11-2004): (Washington, November 24, 2004)

A draft law to increase state control of television and radio broadcasting in Venezuela threatens to undermine the media’s freedom of expression, Human Rights Watch said today. Venezuela’s National Assembly, which has been voting article by article on the law, known as the Law of Social Responsibility in Radio and Television, is expected to approve it today.

“This legislation severely threatens press freedom in Venezuela,” said Jose Miguel Vivanco, America’s director at Human Rights Watch. “Its vaguely worded restrictions and heavy penalties are a recipe for self-censorship by the press and arbitrariness by government authorities.”

Independent Groups Denounce Human Rights Abuses in Cuba, Venezuela - US Department of State: Rights of Cuban journalists, Venezuelan activists violated, organizations say. By Eric GreenWashington File Staff Writer Washington.

An international press freedom advocacy group has denounced the mistreatment of jailed journalists in Cuba, while another global organization promoting human rights says civil society leaders in Venezuela are being put on trial on “dubious charges of treason.” The independent, nonpartisan press freedom group, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), said in a July 11 statement that it is greatly concerned about the deteriorating health of several imprisoned Cuban journalists who have been jailed for more than two years.

For more stuff on the Clown, Google this: Hugo Chavez human rights abuses; or just go to the Human Rights Watch website, at Human Rights Watch.

Rock

(*Wikipedia is always my source unless indicated.)

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