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[Audax]

Per the Al Qaeda, Mujahadin question, this writer, probably a somewhat expert does see a causal relationship.

http://www.middleeasteye.net/essays/america-s-reckless-war-against-evil-703544878

Middle East Eye is a decent website and the project of someone from the Guardian, it's not perfect but they do have a lot of good articles.

[Steve Moss]

No need to get personal Steve.

Your tone reminds me of this very presidential tweet from Mr. Trump:

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/262584296081068033

I'm not getting personal. I specifically declined to opine on the quality of your cognitive functions. If you drew a negative inference from that, that's on you.

I certainly haven't accused someone I don't know of being a racist bigot based on a re-tweet of someone else's bad crime data. That's also on you.

You've defended Trump's position on some aspects of his campaign. Not yet seen anything (might have missed it) commenting on his hilarious mockery of a disabled journalist.

Care to share an insight into how anyone with even an iota of decency would do that, let alone someone who is trying to become the one of the most powerful men in the world? Is that another vote grabber tapping into a previously unknown vein of contempt in the States for another group of citizens not fitting into a view of purity?

Actually, I am familiar with the incident discussed. He did mock the reporter, but mocked the reporter's cowardly "false" (PC motivated) memory as to past media reporting on the issue of Muslim celebrations of the Towers coming down. Some chose to interpret this as ridiculing the disabled, as if they are given as pass on ridicule if they play PC games in an effort to re-write history.

And this issue has fallen off in the American press as, yet again, Trump's memory was proved right about the many news reports of many USA resident Muslims celebrating the Towers coming down.

The Daily Mail has found five police officers who agree with Donald Trump and turns this in to a story designed to appeal to their readership illustrating the point I made above re half truths in the media.

I tend to recall many UK articles over the years about no go zones. Should I dredge them up or do you want to stick with the theory that Trump is off base on this one?

In your eyes nothing. I suspect that you aren't Mexican, black, or Muslim, therefore it doesn't matter to you. However, even Lindsey Graham - someone who is definitely on the political right - called him for being a "race baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot" and that Trump "is not a Republican, he’s a fraud": http://www.wmur.com/politics/graham-stops-short-of-saying-he-would-not-support-trump-as-gop-nominee/36902568

This lot are happy about Trump's non-racist comments though; http://www.politico.com/story/2015/12/donald-trump-white-supremacists-216620

Good luck if you vote for Trump. If you are closer to doing so because of Jim then he will be happy. A vote for Trump is a vote for a Democrat presidency in 2016.

I'm a white, Anglo-Saxon Protestant (WASP) adult male. So yes, fell free to disregard my opinion.

As to Trump losing, I don't predict elections anymore. I will say that he's doing far better than past Republicans with certain minorities, and is gaining a lot of traction even among traditional Democratic voters on various issues (for example, 46% of whom approve of his moratorium on Muslim immigration). There is a reason President Obama and Hilary Clinton have begun to specifically target Trump, and it's not because they perceive him as being a weak candidate.

For myself, I will vote for whomever is the eventual Republican nominee.

Likewise, about Mexico, he just talked about controlling the borders and undoubtedly, some riffraff comes across the border.

All of these problems with Terrorism lately has taken the attention off of other problems such as Mexico basically having a big problem with these Cartels, another good reason to secure the borders actually.

Audax Trump said this:

"They are bringing drugs, and bringing crime, and their rapists, I think he then went on to say how he would build a wall to keep Mexicans out.

And the FBI has documented that upwards of 80% of criminal gang members in the American Southwest (which borders Mexico) are illegal aliens.

There are literally dozens of articles about the gangs partnering with Central American drug cartels, which Mexico is helpless to stop.

It's not just Hispanics, other immigrant groups, such as Somalis, etc., are part of a substantial immigrant gang presence, dependent on location within the USA.

The FBI at one time reported that between 48% of criminal violence, rising to 90% dependent on location, in the USA is gang related.

So all in all, Trump is in the ballpark on this one.

We could easily cut our murder rate in half, if Trump is successful on his bid to eject the "bad" illegals and still benefit via immigration if he's successful in bring the "good" ones back in. Both of which he's said he wants to do.

We pardoned German & Japanese scientists who committed all manner of inhuman experiments on POWs because we wanted access to their research.

We can't cherry pick which war criminals deserve trying and which don't.

Why can't we? It's called prosecutorial discretion. The State decides who to charge, when and with what. The State can also decide not to charge, if it is in the interests of the State (or justice) not to charge.

[Amo]

Why can't we? It's called prosecutorial discretion. The State decides who to charge, when and with what. The State can also decide not to charge, if it is in the interests of the State (or justice) not to charge.

I'm talking morality, not legalities.

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

We pardoned German & Japanese scientists who committed all manner of inhuman experiments on POWs because we wanted access to their research.We can't cherry pick which war criminals deserve trying and which don't.

When Eisenhower asked his advisers why the Russians had managed to launch the a satellite before the USA , he was told -

" The thing is Mr President their Germans are better than our Germans ". Some of those scientists could be construed as War Criminals.

[Steve Moss]

I'm talking morality, not legalities.

I think it perfectly moral to prosecute war criminals. And shelving that morality if it is in the national interest is occasionally prudent.

[Baz]

Frankly Steve debating with you is pointless, as you freely admit, that you would vote for the republican candidate, no matter what they stood for.

Your views on just about anything political and / or scientific appear to be anti-democrat no-matter what evidence is put in front of you.

If you and fellow Americans cannot see that electing Donald Trump would be anything bar an unmitigated disaster for the US, it really would baffle me.

[Mike E]

Steve, he did actually mock the disability of the journalist, not just his supposed argument against Trump.

He clutched his hand inwards much like the man is forced to oweing to his condition. That is downright immature at best and despicable at worst regardless of politics.

[ultrablue]

I'm not getting personal. I specifically declined to opine on the quality of your cognitive functions. If you drew a negative inference from that, that's on you.

I certainly haven't accused someone I don't know of being a racist bigot based on a re-tweet of someone else's bad crime data. That's also on you.

Actually, I am familiar with the incident discussed. He did mock the reporter, but mocked the reporter's cowardly "false" (PC motivated) memory as to past media reporting on the issue of Muslim celebrations of the Towers coming down. Some chose to interpret this as ridiculing the disabled, as if they are given as pass on ridicule if they play PC games in an effort to re-write history.

And this issue has fallen off in the American press as, yet again, Trump's memory was proved right about the many news reports of many USA resident Muslims celebrating

Again Trump unapoligetically shared racist propaganda written by a neo-nazi.

As for the Muslims in NJ celebrating 9/11, Trump claimed he saw 1000s and 1000s on a TV report. The only report anybody has been able to find says there were 8 people on a roof.

The kindest possible interpretation of these two 'errors' would be that Trump is careless with facts and speaks before he thinks. Not qualities anyone wants from their Commander in Chief. Imagine if this guy treats the nuclear launch button like he treats his twitter. Send first, justify later.

[Steve Moss]

Frankly Steve debating with you is pointless, as you freely admit, that you would vote for the republican candidate, no matter what they stood for.

Your views on just about anything political and / or scientific appear to be anti-democrat no-matter what evidence is put in front of you.

If you and fellow Americans cannot see that electing Donald Trump would be anything bar an unmitigated disaster for the US, it really would baffle me.

I really said I'd vote Republican, "no matter what they stand for"? Or did you just make that phrase up?

I said in this election cycle, I will vote for the eventual Republican candidate. There is a known quantity of candidates with known positions on the issues, ranging from Lindsey Graham to Donald Trump. All are better than Clinton and/or Sanders.

In prior elections I have voted Democrat (though it has been many years). In other elections I have voted Libertarian. I have also voted third party (Perot).

The Democrats are currently a waste of time. I won't vote for Sanders (a la la land socialist). I won't vote for Hillary Clinton (a known liar and who's only accomplishment was being married to Bill).

By comparison, the Republicans are far better, even the worst of them.

So I'm fully capable of balancing the issues and candidates. I suggest the close minded group thinkers are on the other side of the spectrum, not mine.

Steve, he did actually mock the disability of the journalist, not just his supposed argument against Trump.

He clutched his hand inwards much like the man is forced to oweing to his condition. That is downright immature at best and despicable at worst regardless of politics.

That's your take. Others took it as a cowering gesture, which is what Trump said he meant it as.

The same people who took an adverse inference against Trump on that point, also attacked him about the people celebrating. They were proven wrong, and Trump right, which means I know who's more credible on that point.

Again Trump unapoligetically shared racist propaganda written by a neo-nazi.

As for the Muslims in NJ celebrating 9/11, Trump claimed he saw 1000s and 1000s on a TV report. The only report anybody has been able to find says there were 8 people on a roof.

The kindest possible interpretation of these two 'errors' would be that Trump is careless with facts and speaks before he thinks. Not qualities anyone wants from their Commander in Chief. Imagine if this guy treats the nuclear launch button like he treats his twitter. Send first, justify later.

8 people were arrested. There were far more on the roof.

[ultrablue]

1000s and 1000s? On a single apartment roof? Steve, you may be losing it mate.

Trump was wrong. He didn't see thousands of Muslims celebrating in NJ on the TV. No one did. That was never reported.

The media moved on because there was no more mileage in the story. If a sociopath insists he was right despite a complete lack of evidence, what can you do? Move on and trust that you have reported the facts accurately.

[Mike E]

That's your take. Others took it as a cowering gesture, which is what Trump said he meant it as.

The same people who took an adverse inference against Trump on that point, also attacked him about the people celebrating. They were proven wrong, and Trump right, which means I know who's more credible on that point.

No Steve, it's what he DID. A cowering gesture is palms-out.

I admire your ferocious defense of a multitude of blunders but he's just a pillock imo.

Surely you at least admit he was wrong about there being no American Muslim sporting heroes? Mohammed Ali, Mike Tyson, and Shaquille O'Neal (legit 'best ever' contenders in their fields) immediately spring to mind, as well as there being several other boxing, NBA, NHL and NFL stars.

[Husky]

Anyone who votes for Trump is a moron. All he does is shout offensive comments, declare himself a demi-God and generally acts like a tit. I've not really heard him mention any policies that would 'make America great' other than keeping out the 'brown people'.

At least he's got one more policy than David CaMoron.

[Baz]

I really said I'd vote Republican, "no matter what they stand for"? Or did you just make that phrase up?

I said in this election cycle, I will vote for the eventual Republican candidate. There is a known quantity of candidates with known positions on the issues, ranging from Lindsey Graham to Donald Trump. All are better than Clinton and/or Sanders.

In prior elections I have voted Democrat (though it has been many years). In other elections I have voted Libertarian. I have also voted third party (Perot).

The Democrats are currently a waste of time. I won't vote for Sanders (a la la land socialist). I won't vote for Hillary Clinton (a known liar and who's only accomplishment was being married to Bill).

By comparison, the Republicans are far better, even the worst of them.

So I'm fully capable of balancing the issues and candidates. I suggest the close minded group thinkers are on the other side of the spectrum, not mine.

That's your take. Others took it as a cowering gesture, which is what Trump said he meant it as.

The same people who took an adverse inference against Trump on that point, also attacked him about the people celebrating. They were proven wrong, and Trump right, which means I know who's more credible on that point.

8 people were arrested. There were far more on the roof.

If you where as open-minded as you are trying to make yourself look from your declared voting history, which would indicate a central-ground your other posts dont seem to match, then at this point given you don't know whom the republican or democrat tickets will be how could you say for certain which way you would vote?

Personally I think its a problem for the American people when their vote may be yet another Bush, or another Clinton. Seems personal wealth is becoming a bigger and bigger problem in politics in the US, as it is in many ways in the UK.

[Steve Moss]

1000s and 1000s? On a single apartment roof? Steve, you may be losing it mate.

Trump was wrong. He didn't see thousands of Muslims celebrating in NJ on the TV. No one did. That was never reported.

The media moved on because there was no more mileage in the story. If a sociopath insists he was right despite a complete lack of evidence, what can you do? Move on and trust that you have reported the facts accurately.

How about swarms? http://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2015/12/02/trump-100-vindicated-cbs-reports-swarms-on-roofs-celebrating-911/

And many New Jerseyians, who were actually there, disagree with you. http://www.bizpacreview.com/2015/11/23/live-jersey-trump-right-muslims-celebrate-911-nj-saw-277082

And the Washington Post also referenced "rooftops" and "tailgate parties" immediately after the attacks. Note the use of the plural. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2001/09/18/northern-new-jersey-draws-probers-eyes/40f82ea4-e015-4d6e-a87e-93aa433fafdc/?postshare=7281448290025183&tid=ss_fb

Considering the percentage of American Muslims who approve of terrorism, none of that is surprising. It certainly explains the public perception.

No Steve, it's what he DID. A cowering gesture is palms-out.

I admire your ferocious defense of a multitude of blunders but he's just a pillock imo.

Surely you at least admit he was wrong about there being no American Muslim sporting heroes? Mohammed Ali, Mike Tyson, and Shaquille O'Neal (legit 'best ever' contenders in their fields) immediately spring to mind, as well as there being several other boxing, NBA, NHL and NFL stars.

We disagree. You live with whatever version you think exists.

As to sport heroes, it depends. Mike Tyson is no hero. Period. End of story. If anything, he's a villain. Other than being a champion, Mohammed Ali is no hero (he was a draft dodger), though he was a tremendous boxer who didn't do a lot to damage to society. And his Muslim practice is not especially constant, as he's shifted from the Nation of Islam, to Sunni, to Suffi over the course of his life.

As to Shaquille O'Neal, I might concede the point. Though not heroic in the vein of Ted Williams or Pat Tillman (who were both true heroes), Shaq has been a tremendously positive influence among young people. As to his exact religion, the point is more nebulous- "However, O'Neal has said, "I'm Muslim, I'm Jewish, I'm Buddhist, I'm everybody 'cause I'm a people person." http://www.pr.com/article/1191

As an aside, by uttering those words Shaq committed a crime punishable by death under Sharia law.

[speeeeeeedie]

Personally I think its a problem for the American people when their vote may be yet another Bush, or another Clinton. Seems personal wealth is becoming a bigger and bigger problem in politics in the US, as it is in many ways in the UK.

The US Supreme Court ruled on a case a few years ago that pretty much allows unlimited money spent on elections. King makers on both sides now hold sway over the politicians. Look up the Koch brothers and Sheldon Adelson. They spend outlandish amounts of money on candidates who support their views. They are right wingers but are more prominent than the same on the left.

The funny thing about Hillary Clinton is that in any other line of work she'd be well in. Her CV covers everything; White House experience, congress experience, foreign policy experience but that's all irrelevant.

I'm done talking about Trump. He's rapidly approaching Sarah Palinesque status with me.

[ultrablue]

I'll take your lead Speedie. Enough Trump talk from me for a while after this post.

Just a last point to Steve. Some people, you included, are bending over backwards to find any kind of angle possible to defend Trump after every exaggeration, every oversimplification, and every outright lie.

Ask yourself, would you do the same for any other politician? Really?

[Steve Moss]

If you where as open-minded as you are trying to make yourself look from your declared voting history, which would indicate a central-ground your other posts dont seem to match, then at this point given you don't know whom the republican or democrat tickets will be how could you say for certain which way you would vote?

Personally I think its a problem for the American people when their vote may be yet another Bush, or another Clinton. Seems personal wealth is becoming a bigger and bigger problem in politics in the US, as it is in many ways in the UK.

The "ticket" is irrelevant. In American politics, the vice-president is a virtual non-entity.

I'll take your lead Speedie. Enough Trump talk from me for a while after this post.

Just a last point to Steve. Some people, you included, are bending over backwards to find any kind of angle possible to defend Trump after every exaggeration, every oversimplification, and every outright lie.

Ask yourself, would you do the same for any other politician? Really?

Your opinion that I'm bending over backward "to find any kind of angle possible to defend Trump", is just that. Your opinion. And a mistaken one at that.

He did not make fun of the disabled reporter's disability; he mocked him for the media's change in reporting. Any one who watches the video (as opposed to a still frame photo) and listens to his remarks, can come to that conclusion. Those who are desperate to find something nefarious, will. And that says more about them then it does Trump.

It's interesting that this started as an attack on Trump for being an alleged racist. Now it's his alleged improper attack on a disabled reporter. Throw the mud until it sticks seems to be the order of the day. Here's a novel idea- debate his policies. That's exactly what the Democrats and establishment Republicans are trying to avoid. I suspect they fear they'd lose that debate.

As to who I will vote for among the Republicans, I haven't decided. I think I've narrowed it down to four, Cruz, Carson, Fiorina and, of course, Trump. I don't have to decide until March. But with the exception of Jeb, I suspect I would defend all of the Republican candidates from personal attacks, as opposed to substantive critiques, equally "ferociously". Beat them on the issues if you can, and good luck with that.

But my view is not the only one. Here's an article that believes Trump is the ultimate protest vote (using saltier language) and that he'll only get stronger until an even bigger protest vote can be found. http://crankytrex.blogspot.com/2015/08/trump-is-@#/?-you-candidate.html#more

And the fact that Clinton, President Obama and, now, Saudi Princes are attacking him, makes him even more attractive to the protest vote crowd. http://www.cnbc.com/2015/12/11/saudi-prince-slams-trump-as-disgrace-to-america.html I mean, really, do people think being attacked by Saudi royalty would hurt an American politician in the slightest? When it hits the news, Trump will further rise in the polls.

Case in point, despite the Muslim immigration and disabled reporter accusations, Trump has now crossed 40% in Georgia. http://theconservativetreehouse.com/2015/12/11/breaking-georgia-poll-donald-trump-builds-dominant-lead-43-and-climbing/

[Beta Ray Bill]

The debate has not changed. Be it racism or mockery of the disabled (which he definitely did) they are illustrations of the many abhorrent elements of the man. He is trying to tap into fear and loathing with some of his comments. He acts with contempt to those who do not fit with his world view, both in words and deeds. There is no compassion or humanity on display.

What group will be next to have seeds planted against them? Homosexuals with their ungodly acts perhaps?

Maybe the Indians who just drink the profit of the white man's gambling at their casinos?

How about the Blacks who just make trouble for the police in the major cities?

All rich veins of material for pockets of paranoia in the American spirit and vote winners all.

[ABBEY]

Just seen choudry released on bail and that wannabe Isis scumbag from Blackburn only got four years . Both @#/?s should be shot or hung .

[Pedro]

They're still trying war criminals from WW 2 in Germany . Should they stop ?

And on the flip side they also employed x amount of nazi scientists, chemists and physicists to design their own future war technology, weapons of mass destruction and Saturn V rockets for a space programme.

Regardless of race, colour or religion, I hate everything about war and mass violence. Passionately. Unfortunately it is a part of life that is out of my control.

[Steve Moss]

The debate has not changed. Be it racism or mockery of the disabled (which he definitely did) they are illustrations of the many abhorrent elements of the man.

In your opinion. In my opinion, you're "definitely" wrong.

[yoda]

We pardoned German & Japanese scientists who committed all manner of inhuman experiments on POWs because we wanted access to their research.

We can't cherry pick which war criminals deserve trying and which don't.

What was the question again ?

[Beta Ray Bill]

In your opinion. In my opinion, you're "definitely" wrong.

In fact. Not opinion.

[yoda]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-35083150

pot calling the kettle black

[Husky]

One things for sure - those on the side of the Saudis are always going to be in the wrong. The UK included.