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Topic: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11 (Read 853 times) |
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JohnM
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UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« on: Dec 19th, 2002, 7:06am » |
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Article from the UK Newspaper The Daily Mirror....forwarded without comment.
Subject: Remember!
Just a word of background on the Daily Mirror newspaper which is published in England. It is a notorious left-wing daily and is usually very anti-American. In other words, the Daily Mirror is much like most of the U. S. media.
It's kinda hard to believe that they published this editorial. Wouldn't it be nice, just once, to have the NY Times, CNN, or Peter Jennings express an editorial like Tony Parsons of the Daily Mirror does in what follows:
The author is Tony Parsons. It follows: (see next reply)
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JohnM
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #1 on: Dec 19th, 2002, 7:08am » |
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September 11, 2002 ONE year ago, the world witnessed a unique kind of broadcasting - the mass murder of thousands, live on television. As a lesson in the pitiless cruelty of the human race, September 11 was up there with Pol Pot's mountain of skulls in Cambodia, or the skeletal bodies stacked like garbage in the Nazi concentration camps. An unspeakable act so cruel, so calculated and so utterly merciless that surely the world could agree on one thing - nobody deserves this fate.
Surely there could be consensus: the victims were truly innocent, the perpetrators truly evil. But to the world's eternal shame, 9/11 is increasingly seen as America's comeuppance. Incredibly, anti-Americanism has increased over the last year.
There has always been a simmering resentment to the USA in this country - too loud, too rich, too full of themselves and so much happier than Europeans - but it has become an epidemic.
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JohnM
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #2 on: Dec 19th, 2002, 7:08am » |
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And it seems incredible to me. More than that, it turns my stomach. America is this country's greatest friend and our staunchest ally. We are bonded to the US by culture, language and blood.
A little over half a century ago, around half a million Americans died for our freedoms, as well as their own. Have we forgotten so soon? And exactly a year ago, thousands of ordinary men, women and children - not just Americans, but from dozens of countries - were butchered by a small group of religious fanatics. Are we so quick to betray them?
What touched the heart about those who died in the twin towers and on the planes was that we recognized them. Young fathers and mothers, somebody's son and somebody's daughter, husbands and wives. And children. Some unborn.
And these people brought it on themselves? And their nation is to blame for their meticulously planned slaughter?
These days you don't have to be some dust-encrusted nut job in Kabul or Karachi or Finsbury Park to see America as the Great Satan. The anti-American alliance is made up of self-loathing liberals who blame the Americans for every ill in the Third World, and conservatives suffering from power-envy, bitter that the world's only superpower can do what it likes without having to ask permission.
The truth is that America has behaved with enormous restraint since September 11. Remember, remember.
Remember the gut-wrenching tapes of weeping men phoning their wives to say, "I love you," before they were burned alive. Remember those people leaping to their deaths from the top of burning skyscrapers. Remember the hundreds of firemen buried alive. Remember the smiling face of that beautiful little girl who was on one of the planes with her mum. Remember, remember - and realize that America has never retaliated for 9/11 in anything like the way it could have.
So a few al-Qaeda tourists got locked without a trial in Camp X-ray? Pass the Kleenex.
So some Afghan wedding receptions were shot up after they merrily fired their semiautomatics in a sky full of American planes? A shame, but maybe next time they should stick to confetti.
AMERICA could have turned a large chunk of the world into a parking lot. That it didn't is a sign of strength. American voices are already being raised against attacking Iraq - that's what a democracy is for. How many in the Islamic world will have a minute's silence for the slaughtered innocents of 9/11? How many Islamic leaders will have the guts to say that the mass murder of 9/11 was an abomination?
When the news of 9/11 broke on the West Bank, those freedom-loving Palestinians were dancing in the street. America watched all of that - and didn't push the button. We should thank the stars that America is the most powerful nation in the world. I still find it incredible that 9/11 did not provoke all-out war. Not a "war on terrorism." A real war.
The fundamentalist dudes are talking about "opening the gates of hell," if America attacks Iraq. Well, America could have opened the gates of hell like you wouldn't believe. The US is the most militarily powerful nation that ever strode the face of the earth. The campaign in Afghanistan may have been less than perfect and the planned war on Iraq may be misconceived.
But don't blame America for not bringing peace and light to these wretched countries. How many democracies are there in the Middle East, or in the Muslim world? You can count them on the fingers of one hand - assuming you haven't had any chopped off for minor shoplifting.
I love America, yet America is hated. I guess that makes me Bush's poodle. But I would rather be a dog in New York City than a Prince in Riyadh. Above all, America is hated because it is what every country wants to be - rich, free, strong, open, optimistic.
Not ground down by the past, or religion, or some caste system.
America is the best friend this country ever had and we should start remembering that.
Or do you really think the USA is the root of all evil? Tell it to the loved ones of the men and women who leaped to their death from the burning towers. Tell it to the nursing mothers whose husbands died on one of the hijacked planes, or were ripped apart in a collapsing skyscraper. And tell it to the hundreds of young widows whose husbands worked for the New York Fire Department. To our shame, George Bush gets a worse press than Saddam Hussein.
Once we were told that Saddam gassed the Kurds, tortured his own people and set up rape-camps in Kuwait. Now we are told he likes Quality Street. Save me the orange centre, oh mighty one!
Remember, remember, September 11. One of the greatest atrocities in human history was committed against America.
No, do more than remember. Never forget.
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BobG
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #3 on: Dec 19th, 2002, 7:34am » |
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Thank you Tony Parsons.
And thank you jmorgan for posting it.
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SteveY
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #4 on: Dec 19th, 2002, 7:56am » |
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Well said Tony Parsons.
Just for the record, I don't know anyone here in the UK who hates Americans.
Steve
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Mark C
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #5 on: Dec 19th, 2002, 5:23pm » |
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;D
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jonny
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #6 on: Dec 19th, 2002, 6:14pm » |
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Thank you, jmorgan!!
............................jonny
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cathy
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #7 on: Dec 19th, 2002, 6:34pm » |
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 Hey Im from the Uk and I love every damn one of you....!!!! 
Cathy......Left winger... ;D
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Linda T
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #8 on: Dec 19th, 2002, 6:52pm » |
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Thanks JP,
From a proud American and native New Yorker.
Linda T 
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Cerberus
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #9 on: Dec 21st, 2002, 1:43pm » |
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One of the best things I've read in quite a while.
Thanks to the writer, poster and all who concur.
Cerebus
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Jarvis
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #10 on: Dec 22nd, 2002, 11:44pm » |
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For those in the world who hate. This is my United States of America. ..a place where all can live and let others live in relative peace. where if ignorance and bigotry is even assumed the people rise up. Where any religion can prosper as long as it doesnt harm others. Where religion is not a reguirement to live. And every religion "tries" to accept the other. Where race has become a largely non issue. We americans have come a very long way in so few years from a checkered past....Yet in "some" countries the battles that have raged for hundreds of years still rage. The class system still prevails. Those with the mighty swords still rule and the people cannot speak.............. The world can be a better place..........and in saying this I think that is why so many hate america because in an appearing cocky way we believe this to be true ..... That may be why we did not level half the world in our anger over 911 because collectively in the end we truly want to harm noone and believe that to live we must accept all others. We are not one voice but the voices of many and each voice does matter and can be heard. This is what makes the USA what it is. A country for all people and a place where any one of us can be what we wish to be. The only requirement is to work at it, to pursue our own dreams and lead our lives as we see fit and to harm no other in the process of attaing our individual goals..... Saying all that, we in turn will defend these most basic of rights against all comers and assist those that need a steady hand. Its sad that some in the world cannot see freedom for what it truly is. FREEDOM. Right or wrong a person may be in the eyes of another here they can be. God I love this country. Now if only I could find a way to bring my 57k in taxes last year back home to our own people. . But we as a whole elected those that gave my money away and so I will just have to make some more or strive to change those that hold our say. Peace to all.................... mj.
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| « Last Edit: Dec 22nd, 2002, 11:51pm by Jarvis » |
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fubar
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #11 on: Dec 23rd, 2002, 12:44am » |
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On the subject of Brits 'hating' America...
I'm no expert on the subject, but I did live in the UK (Sheet St., Windsor, to be exact) for a bit more than a year, and I was often embarrassed to be an American.
I spent the first 3 1/2 months living in the Heathrow Marriott, which happens to be about 20 minutes from Heathrow (more on that later). I used to spend a fair amount of time in the front lounge having a pint and a read, and I'd get to witness plenty of American travelers as the checked in or out. Now, most were OK, but invariably you'd encounter the typical loud American not a very nice person that is under the mistaken impression that just because you're paying $350-$400 a night for a room, you deserve white glove treatment. They just didn't grasp the concept, yet, that things just cost a fuckload more over there.
In general, you rarely saw people from other countries behaving this badly. One fine specimen decided to launch into a tirade over the fact that the 'Heathrow' Marriott was nowhere near Heathrow. I actually got up and apologized on behalf of America to that poor desk clerk (who I had become pretty familiar with).
So, Americans do a lot to advance the stereotype that they are loud, obnoxious, snotty people when they are there.
I did not encounter any overt anti-American sentiments and actually made some very good friends, but the media was a completely different story. They never missed an opportunity to take a stab at American news items (which are already so skewed it's silly). In fact, I found it upsetting a lot of times to watch the news or any shows that discussed American politics. This was from a combination of being embarrassed about our performance in some cases, and pissed off about our own reporting in others.
The news there, overall, seems a lot less filtered and manipulated than they do here. I felt, many times, that the American news media was intentionally ignoring stories of great importance, while making mountains of complete non-events. I felt much more informed over there.
-Fu
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SteveY
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #12 on: Dec 23rd, 2002, 3:28am » |
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FU,
On the subject of loud Americans, were they from New York? OOps, get ready for flaming.
There are also loud Brits, when I was in Naples in Florida, there were 2 drunk Brits at Miami airport, shouting and swearing, embarresed to be there, so it is the same the world over, good and bad in all nationalities.
I don't agree with you on news coverage, I think the American news is far more entertaining, we get fox news over here via satellite, live car chases, robberies and whatever else is going off, and it's more fun than ours. (love that Edie on fox and friends )
Finally, To ALL,
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
PFDAN
Steve
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Charlie
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #13 on: Dec 23rd, 2002, 6:03am » |
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It’s great to read things like this. We know what we are and it’s been something to be proud of. Thanks for posting this.
The thing is, this isn’t as rare as we think. The British press had many similar articles after 9/11/. I read the Times of London and some other tabloids after the attack. British papers were a great place for some very detailed news, and I recommend looking at British news now and then. To be sure, now and then, you'll find some testy stuff, but even that makes interesting reading. You'll also find that the world is a lot bigger than we are led to believe. The detailed international news is a great education. You are correct that European news is much less filtered and much more detailed, even on things that happen here.
Our TV news is usually presented so as not to rock our comfortable little boats. This is the kind of shit we get from networks owned by monster corporations that like contented and quiet consumers.....and no, I do not want some goofball communist-style system, nor am I looking for the good old days. I just hope we can retain what diversity we still have. It's healthy.
 Charlie
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| « Last Edit: Dec 23rd, 2002, 6:09am by Charlie » |
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BobG
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #14 on: Dec 23rd, 2002, 11:38am » |
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SteveY...........the people of New York were humbled a bit after the 9/11 disaster.
Before that it was "Hey dumbass, ya got the time?"
Now they are much more polite. It's "Hey dumbass, ya got the time? Or should I just go fuck myself now."
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Charlie
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #15 on: Dec 23rd, 2002, 2:39pm » |
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Hey Stoopid!
Depends. If youse got yer ass stuck in da tunnel, an' hadda go back ta Jersey or not.
Ya never gedda break. 
Yer right Bob, it's different. Hell of a way to make it so.
Dat's da pitcher bud. 
Charlie
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Roxy
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #16 on: Dec 23rd, 2002, 3:19pm » |
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In regards to the ugly American. We've all seen them, but Americans are one of the few lucky countries in which people are able to speak up and out loud for what they want. FREELY. Speaking your wants and needs loudly in England is fine....you might come across as rude, but what the hell. Speaking them loudly and rudely in another country...a country that is not free...that is a totally different scenario.
I lived in Saudi Arabia for three years...my husband was there for 9 yrs. They do have a really bad love/hate relationship for us. I've watched the mutawa try to arrest the British Ambassador's wife...because her bodyguard made them mad. One western woman rented videos out of her villa...they're just videos...they shaved her head, threw her in prison till her husband got back into the country...they left her child at home alone. The day her husband returned, they escorted them to the airplane...just them, no belongings, and that was that. Some people...not just Americans...forget that they just might be in a country where the words "due process" have never been uttered, (except maybe in the jail cells).
Because my husband at first worked for a Saudi company, when our plane landed...they confiscated our passports. I believe that is the most frightened I have ever been, in a third world country w/no passport, no way to drive, and no one to help, god forbid, if you needed it. You have to be able to get to the embassy to receive help.
Sometimes on a plane flying out...the plane would stop, and here would come to guards...seaching everyone and everything...I have seen people actually try to hide their passports...if they are American....or try to suddenly develop a accent...as long as it wasn't American. But I have also seen my husband's Pakistani and Phillipino employees pick up an American passport, and touch and gaze at it, as if it's the holy grail..........they ALL want one.
They want to be us. And since they can't...they can be manipulated to hate us. It's sad, it's wrong, but it's not going to change. Most of the general population in Saudi (not the wealthy or royal) think that any western woman is a prostitute, this is what they have been led to belive...and since they have never left their country...they don't know any better. They have no books, libraries, newspapers, internet access...nothing which could help them form a more reasonable decision.
I know...I'm ranting. Sorry. But I feel so sorry for the helpless people who do live there...they don't know any better. It's the ones who know better...the one's with their hands on the censorship pens, the newspaper print, the leaders. They control the masses.
R
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I used to have a handle on life....but it broke.
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MOB
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #17 on: Dec 24th, 2002, 6:18am » |
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Got to go with Steve on this one (although I don't really like him at all )
I have never come across any anti-American sentiment in my short life apart from the usual banter in fun.
I always think that people who say they hate other countries, races etc in reality actually hate themselves.
Wishing all my friends a Very Merry Christmas and a Pain Free New Year 
And for those who are not my friends I Wish You A Very Merry Christmas and A Pain Free New Year
Michael (MOB)
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JohnM
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #18 on: Dec 24th, 2002, 10:32am » |
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sorry mob but I've seen plenty of anti US feelings in my long life. Both in the UK and south africa and elsewhere in the world. I Don't agree with it, but shit happens. Thats why I posted the article. Glad you all enjoyed it.
We have a very large muslim community in SA and most love the USA, but we have had our share of problems with them. They blew up our "Planet Hollywood" over new year quite a few years back killing many and maining lots more, and the net effect was to close it down ?(worldwide I think?) Definately anti american
But I also don't think we should just nuke the innocent brainwashed masses who don't know better, even though it is an option. After all the worlds experience with despots, like sadam and hitler, and there have been an awful lot, and all the so called "intelligence agencies" around, we should have come up with a way to take out the bastard leaders surgically by now dont you think?
Have a great PF Xmas all you clusterheads.
Love J
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Bob P
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Re: UK Daily Mirror article on Sept 11
« Reply #19 on: Dec 24th, 2002, 10:47am » |
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All I know is that if Tony Blair ran for Pres. of the US, I'd vote for him. You guys need to hang onto that guy!
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