March 11, 2003
AMERICA'S COUNTERATTACK CONTINUES (via Axis of Weasels):
Portugal: U.S. 'best way' to have security (UPI, 3/10/2003)
Portugal is siding with the United States on Iraq because Washington was "Portugal's best way to ensure national security," a Portuguese Cabinet minister said Monday.Foreign Minister Antonio Martins da Cruz told state radio that if Portugal were attacked, "it would be unlikely France and Germany would come to our rescue."
He said: "Let us suppose Portugal, proper or its archipelagos, faced a threat, who would come to our rescue? The European Commission, France, Germany?
"I think it would be NATO who would come to our rescue, in other words, it would be the U.S., no one else would defend us....
"How curious is this: in Bosnia, when we were called to send soldiers urgently to that region, the U.S. had C-17 and C-130 planes, and France leased ferry boats, which during the summer are employed in tourist services to Corsica.
"Is this how we are supposed to project our forces in Europe? Are they planning to defend us with ferry boats?"
You tell 'em, Antonio. Posted by Paul Jaminet at March 11, 2003 8:24 AM
OK, so in which category are they: the bribed, the coerced, the bought or the extorted? You know, may be soon they will have to color code Atlases that way to help the dummy in the White House keep track.
Posted by: MG at March 11, 2003 8:44 AMWhich category?
The intelligently responsible (or is that two categories).
The anonymity of "MG's" post is illuminating. Strong opinions, but fear of taking credit for them.
Nations throughout the world are now focussing on which countries will really come to their aid in times of distress.
The EU's past performance is a pretty good indicator of future performance. That must be scary for any EU afficionado who is pushing the EU security umbrella.
Have you got one of those color-coded atlases, or just a Little Red Book?
Posted by: george at March 11, 2003 9:01 AMHey guys, lay-off. I may be anonymous, but a casual look into my "posting record" should suggest sacrcasm.
For the record: My disdain is with the nitwit (Kerry) who first used the phrase, and the press who continues to allow the patrionazing of both GWB and anyone who may happen to agree with him (including even countries that would otherwise be profiled as part of mandatory Multi-cultrural Awareness Week). But is good to see someone is watching.
MG - It's always risky to attempt humor. If it's any consolation, I laughed.
Posted by: pj at March 11, 2003 10:05 AMI detected it as sarcasm.
But you cannot be too trustful about readers. After a couple of spoof stories got taken for reality (one led to dozens of drivers circling a non-existent address looking for a non-existent restaurant), my editor once decreed that all future sarcasm be distinguished by a "cut-in" labeling it "Jes' Joshin'."