Everyone, let's restrict the heavy debate over Kornkid to the post he opened in Off Topic. This is a thread of peace pledges.
I'd like to thank people like Phuzzz and Monkey for proving firsthand, whether they set out to do it or not, that not all Americans are as warmongery as Bush and co. The same can be said for Sobtanian, for Iraq. It makes a difference to know that countries involved in war are full of people like us, with names, faces, friends, family, emotions, hopes, dreams... not just some other number to chalk up under "collateral damage". Sobtanian, you in particular have my sympathy -- it must really be burning you up to see this happen, particularily since the country you're in now is also involved in the torching of Iraq... I hope we can get through this with as few people losing their tomorrows as possible, and I truly hope that your family isn't harmed either.
I'd also like to thank Mr.Curlynose. Even if I don't agree with your positions one bit, I will defend your right to say them. You kept your perspective controlled and communicated it without being blinded by nationalism or rage, and for that, I thank you.
Solution 9, Monkey and Flea also provide us with well-written speeches that until now have been more or less restricted to one or two people about the forum (and always about videogames -- I know, since I'm one of them). It's definitely interesting, and when this topic dies down I'm going to save the pages. Flea's response makes a nice counter to Kornkid's, too -- I was looking around hoping to hear from an intelligent Palestinian just to shut him up, and you've done that and more. Thanks.
As for my thoughts on the war: I oppose it, as I oppose all violence. My title to the contrary, I am a pacifist at heart. Given how it's on now, and thus inevitable, I'd be slightly less opposed to it if Blair were leading it since he's not blinded by rage and propaganda, and besides, he's smarter than Bush and the US Congress -- I think the Bush comparison is obvious, and I need only say two words to make everyone see what I meant by "congress" - "Freedom Fries". (What next? Freedom poodles? The return of the Statue of Liberty to France with a C.O.D.? Digitally editing Pepe le Pew out of old Warner Bros. cartoons?) I still would oppose it, but I'd fear it getting out of hand less.
More than this I'd better wait to say. I can tell you that I'm impressed with pretty much everyone here, and that I can only hope that this war ends soon. Being an agnostic athiest kinda makes it difficult for me to pray, but may whatever God you believe in show mercy on those souls who have to live firsthand through the devastation that is nigh. (I'm just waiting for Bush to acknowledge that maybe there's a god that some Americans believe in besides the Judao-Christian one... so I'll take the first steps. God bless Iraq. Allah bless America. Take the first steps toward putting aside the differences that caused this war, so that we may follow in step.)
-Tempest out.-
[edit]By the way, those other suggestions after "freedom fries" came from our university student's union newspaper's weekly Top Ten list which is usually full of sarcasm. This one was "Top Ten Ways the US can really stick it to the French". Don't take it seriously, we use the Top Ten as a joke, much like I use the Burlap Sack -- speaking of which, in you go, Bush administration and Saddam!