Comments on: Recording ‘Shock and Awe’ http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/ Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:00:12 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Steve http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-78433 Steve Fri, 21 Mar 2008 05:32:43 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-78433 I forgot one: Instead of all the bravado of Bush after 9/11, The bombers, jet fighters and paratroopers should have been immediately running 24 hrs non-stop over Afghanistan. That's where the Taliban and Bin Laden were openly creating and directing all terrorist operations. They could have been killed and stopped from retreating into Pakistan. That was the enemy and #1 target in the world. Bush never went after them. Instead Bush just flapped his mouth for weeks. Making idle threats, creating the crazy Iraq WMD story and ignored advice from all over the world. Now the few troops that have any energy left are in Afghanistan trying to keep the Taliban from taking that country back over. More shock and awe. I forgot one:
Instead of all the bravado of Bush after 9/11, The bombers, jet fighters and paratroopers should have been immediately running 24 hrs non-stop over Afghanistan.

That's where the Taliban and Bin Laden were openly creating and directing all terrorist operations.

They could have been killed and stopped from retreating into Pakistan. That was the enemy and #1 target in the world. Bush never went after them.

Instead Bush just flapped his mouth for weeks. Making idle threats, creating the crazy Iraq WMD story and ignored advice from all over the world.

Now the few troops that have any energy left are in Afghanistan trying to keep the Taliban from taking that country back over. More shock and awe.

]]> By: Steve http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-78430 Steve Fri, 21 Mar 2008 05:21:07 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-78430 5 yr Report on Iraq was absolutely OUTSTANDING. Great job to all. I purposely did not use Shock & Awe because I think it highlights how misguided & unprepared Bush & his neo-conservative gang were in the War. Who uses a marketing buzz line when so many American lives are being put at risk and they sleep comfortable at home? They put on a publicity show that the media jumped on with both feet with all the imbedded reporters & cameras during the invasion. They thought it was going to be over by the evening news. The major points that stood out then & now: 1) Bush, Cheney & gang plus most americans know very little if anything about Islam. the middle east, the history, culture and all the little details that you should know before going into a war. 2) They had no respect for the enemy and still don't. 3) They never had any plans for after the invasion and alternatives when situations changed which was highlighted so effective in the programs tonight. The keep wishing for a "silver bullet". 4) They have no clue when it comes to down & dirty urban warfare especially when the enemy is highly motivated & not intimitated by bravado of an ignorant administration. The military has learned a lot on this front now. 5) High priced US military vehicles that the USA likes to brag about can be turned into ashes by simple weapons operated by a teenager. They have blown up ever fancy tank, fighting vehicle, etc . Plus have taken out fancy helicopters too 6) Never studied the failed 10yr Soviet war in Afghanistan - the one we supplied weapons to Osama Bin Laden. The tactics, weapons and fighting techniques honed by the Mujahideen are now used worldwide by extremists. The only Shock & Awe after 5 years are those Americans who believed Bush plus the 4,000 families that lost loved ones & the thousands who will never be the same due to terrible injuries. It has wasted so many lives & nearly a trillion $$ so far Again, great job for showing all the key points in this 5 year tragedy. 5 yr Report on Iraq was absolutely OUTSTANDING.
Great job to all.

I purposely did not use Shock & Awe because I think it highlights how misguided & unprepared Bush & his neo-conservative gang were in the War.

Who uses a marketing buzz line when so many American lives are being put at risk and they sleep comfortable at home?

They put on a publicity show that the media jumped on with both feet with all the imbedded reporters & cameras during the invasion. They thought it was going to be over by the evening news.

The major points that stood out then & now:
1) Bush, Cheney & gang plus most americans know very little if anything about Islam. the middle east, the history, culture and all the little details that you should know before going into a war.

2) They had no respect for the enemy and still don't.

3) They never had any plans for after the invasion and alternatives when situations changed which was highlighted so effective in the programs tonight. The keep wishing for a "silver bullet".

4) They have no clue when it comes to down & dirty urban warfare especially when the enemy is highly motivated & not intimitated by bravado of an ignorant administration. The military has learned a lot on this front now.

5) High priced US military vehicles that the USA likes to brag about can be turned into ashes by simple weapons operated by a teenager.
They have blown up ever fancy tank, fighting vehicle, etc . Plus have taken out fancy helicopters too

6) Never studied the failed 10yr Soviet war in Afghanistan – the one we supplied weapons to Osama Bin Laden. The tactics, weapons and fighting techniques honed by the Mujahideen are now used worldwide by extremists.

The only Shock & Awe after 5 years are those Americans who believed Bush plus the 4,000 families that lost loved ones & the thousands who will never be the same due to terrible injuries.

It has wasted so many lives & nearly a trillion $$ so far

Again, great job for showing all the key points in this 5 year tragedy.

]]> By: Lisa http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-78412 Lisa Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:54:05 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-78412 Nic, Thank you for all of your reports from Iraq. You put things in perspective. I have a son that is over there and every day I wake up and pray for his safety. I think that this war is going to continue for a long time and honestly doubt that there is a way to "win." I think Iraq's want to be ruled by secular law and democracy is not in their realm of thought. I am very proud of America's children who have stepped up and have gone over to Iraq to fight this war. I am very proud of my son. Thanks again. Nic,
Thank you for all of your reports from Iraq. You put things in perspective. I have a son that is over there and every day I wake up and pray for his safety. I think that this war is going to continue for a long time and honestly doubt that there is a way to "win." I think Iraq's want to be ruled by secular law and democracy is not in their realm of thought.
I am very proud of America's children who have stepped up and have gone over to Iraq to fight this war. I am very proud of my son.
Thanks again.

]]> By: RSHUNTER http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-78405 RSHUNTER Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:39:10 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-78405 I just sat through the first couple of segments of your absolutely disgusting hit piece on the Iraq war. What a one sided, left wing, anti-war rant, couched in thoughtful tones. If I wanted to watch biased garbage, I would go to the Daily Kos or Huffington Post. I expect a lot better from CNN. I just sat through the first couple of segments of your absolutely disgusting hit piece on the Iraq war. What a one sided, left wing, anti-war rant, couched in thoughtful tones. If I wanted to watch biased garbage, I would go to the Daily Kos or Huffington Post. I expect a lot better from CNN.

]]> By: richardinho http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-78403 richardinho Fri, 21 Mar 2008 03:33:37 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-78403 Excellent, excellent. A superb, well edited, segment highlighting the crucial events in the recent past. How important to do this now, and how evident iit is that memories are so, so short. Excellent, excellent. A superb, well edited, segment highlighting the crucial events in the recent past. How important to do this now, and how evident iit is that memories are so, so short.

]]> By: Sharon http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-77558 Sharon Fri, 21 Mar 2008 02:23:48 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-77558 What a shame that Shock & Awe turned into Bomb & Fizzle. What a shame that Shock & Awe turned into Bomb & Fizzle.

]]> By: Hamdu http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-77155 Hamdu Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:55:47 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-77155 CNN and the Media = The real war profiteers CNN and the Media = The real war profiteers

]]> By: Lorenzo Tindal http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-77102 Lorenzo Tindal Thu, 20 Mar 2008 23:06:09 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-77102 The term of Shock And Awe now has a new meaning to most Americans. It now means losing my home, four dollar gasoline per gallon, higher prices at the supermarket, losing their jobs, college tuition cost, the economy , Hillary Clinton trying to steal the nomination from Obama and President Bush not knowing that gas is almost four dollars a gallon in america and John MCCain not knowing exactly who the enemy is in Iraq. And bailing out Bear Sterns and leaving homeowners and tax payers holding the bag. The term of Shock And Awe now has a new meaning to most Americans. It now means losing my home, four dollar gasoline per gallon, higher prices at the supermarket, losing their jobs, college tuition cost, the economy , Hillary Clinton trying to steal the nomination from Obama and President Bush not knowing that gas is almost four dollars a gallon in america and John MCCain not knowing exactly who the enemy is in Iraq. And bailing out Bear Sterns and leaving homeowners and tax payers holding the bag.

]]> By: Cookie South Dakota http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-76682 Cookie South Dakota Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:09:35 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-76682 I remember that day and felt fear and dread for our great country. My husband and I were one of the few that thought at the time this is wrong and we shouldn't be in Iraq. Now look at us 5 years later. I wish with all my heart my fear and dread of that day did not come true. America is now is a recession and spending billions of dollars a week in Iraq. We have lost 4000 men and woman. I do hope this war ends and our wonderful loyal troops can come home soon. But for your work on that night we would not have seen the start of this awful war, and for that I thank you. We Americans need to see more of the wars effect on Iraqs people and what it is doing to our troops. We need to see the coffins come home and make the war real to all Americans. This is just another Veitnam and it will end the same way. God Bless America and get us of of Iraq! I remember that day and felt fear and dread for our great country. My husband and I were one of the few that thought at the time this is wrong and we shouldn't be in Iraq. Now look at us 5 years later. I wish with all my heart my fear and dread of that day did not come true. America is now is a recession and spending billions of dollars a week in Iraq. We have lost 4000 men and woman. I do hope this war ends and our wonderful loyal troops can come home soon. But for your work on that night we would not have seen the start of this awful war, and for that I thank you. We Americans need to see more of the wars effect on Iraqs people and what it is doing to our troops. We need to see the coffins come home and make the war real to all Americans. This is just another Veitnam and it will end the same way. God Bless America and get us of of Iraq!

]]> By: Abu Salam http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-76679 Abu Salam Thu, 20 Mar 2008 19:06:03 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-76679 The problem with people like "Jr" is that they only believe the news that suit their previously tailored beliefs. They don't understand why reporters don't report on the "progress in Iraq", because they're convinced that some progress is being made. Regardless of whether there is some progress. Hey, big guy Jr, who rejoiced while "sitting on his couch" when he "watched on TV" 17 of my (innocent) relatives die from US bombs, why don't you join me and what's left of my family down here in Baghdad, and see for your own smart self how good a life we're having. Maybe then will you understand (although this seems unlikely) that living in Iraq sucks now more than ever. Independently of your political biased views. The problem with people like "Jr" is that they only believe the news that suit their previously tailored beliefs. They don't understand why reporters don't report on the "progress in Iraq", because they're convinced that some progress is being made. Regardless of whether there is some progress.

Hey, big guy Jr, who rejoiced while "sitting on his couch" when he "watched on TV" 17 of my (innocent) relatives die from US bombs, why don't you join me and what's left of my family down here in Baghdad, and see for your own smart self how good a life we're having. Maybe then will you understand (although this seems unlikely) that living in Iraq sucks now more than ever. Independently of your political biased views.

]]> By: Nick Herald http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-76670 Nick Herald Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:46:51 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-76670 One million Iraqis dead, 4,000 US troops dead, trillions of taxpayer dollars spent and all we can talk about is "should we stay or should we go?" We need to review recent history and ask ourselves how/why we invaded Iraq in the first place. Why Iraq?...WMD?...Hardly. There are plenty of other countries with WMD that do not like the US. So why Iraq? Oil. The biggest untapped "elephant field" in the world is there. Since oil is a national security commodity, worldwide demand is increasing, and the world is running out, it is common sense that we need to be proactive about securing our future supply. Saddam was not about to start trading with us. Our oil companies needed some security if they were going to sign on in Iraq. Sending 100,000 troops to back this agenda makes far more sense than nonexistent WMD. How Iraq? It is not an easy task to get the peaceful people of a democracy to invade another country. The masses have to be enraged or fearful about someone or something. Iraq happened shortly after the post 9/11 fear of "terrorists." Do you really think we could have had the consensus to invade Iraq without the fear/rage to "stop the terrorists" that ensued after 9/11? Do you really think we would devote so many resources to one country if we did not PLAN on getting "compensated" by some resources in return? Business does not work that way and the US government and our oil companies are the two of the biggest, most powerful businesses in the world. At the five-year "anniversary" of the Iraq war, the debate should not be about whether we stay or go without honestly addressing the two fundamental questions from a rationale and unbiased perspective: what was our unspoken INTEREST in invading Iraq in the first place and how did we reach that decision? One million Iraqis dead, 4,000 US troops dead, trillions of taxpayer dollars spent and all we can talk about is "should we stay or should we go?" We need to review recent history and ask ourselves how/why we invaded Iraq in the first place.

Why Iraq?...WMD?...Hardly. There are plenty of other countries with WMD that do not like the US. So why Iraq? Oil. The biggest untapped "elephant field" in the world is there. Since oil is a national security commodity, worldwide demand is increasing, and the world is running out, it is common sense that we need to be proactive about securing our future supply. Saddam was not about to start trading with us. Our oil companies needed some security if they were going to sign on in Iraq. Sending 100,000 troops to back this agenda makes far more sense than nonexistent WMD.

How Iraq? It is not an easy task to get the peaceful people of a democracy to invade another country. The masses have to be enraged or fearful about someone or something. Iraq happened shortly after the post 9/11 fear of "terrorists." Do you really think we could have had the consensus to invade Iraq without the fear/rage to "stop the terrorists" that ensued after 9/11? Do you really think we would devote so many resources to one country if we did not PLAN on getting "compensated" by some resources in return? Business does not work that way and the US government and our oil companies are the two of the biggest, most powerful businesses in the world.

At the five-year "anniversary" of the Iraq war, the debate should not be about whether we stay or go without honestly addressing the two fundamental questions from a rationale and unbiased perspective: what was our unspoken INTEREST in invading Iraq in the first place and how did we reach that decision?

]]> By: frmdetroit http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-76666 frmdetroit Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:34:16 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-76666 I was just starting my first year of college at the time, and to be honest, i was more concerned about the death of r&b star Aaliyah, than this war. I thought it was pathetic how this 'shock and awe' campaign was being telivised. From the safe confines of my dorm room, all I saw was what looked like fireworks. I bet no one could imagine the innocent families and children who were caught in this mess. I look back at that time as being the beginning of this disgrace of this nation. I have been even more dissapointed to find out that just like Hitler used fear to get Germans to commit horrible crimes, we're doing the same thing today. I was just starting my first year of college at the time, and to be honest, i was more concerned about the death of r&b star Aaliyah, than this war. I thought it was pathetic how this 'shock and awe' campaign was being telivised. From the safe confines of my dorm room, all I saw was what looked like fireworks. I bet no one could imagine the innocent families and children who were caught in this mess. I look back at that time as being the beginning of this disgrace of this nation. I have been even more dissapointed to find out that just like Hitler used fear to get Germans to commit horrible crimes, we're doing the same thing today.

]]> By: Polar Bear http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-76648 Polar Bear Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:54:23 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-76648 I will never forget that day after the bombs hit Baghdad and the sight of an innocent child laying on a side street with part of her face severed and a huge hole on the side of her little tummy. I will never forget that day after the bombs hit Baghdad and the sight of an innocent child laying on a side street with part of her face severed and a huge hole on the side of her little tummy.

]]> By: Christopher Meisner http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-76642 Christopher Meisner Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:44:22 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-76642 Shock and Awe Shock...sure the American taxpayer and future generations who will be paying for the trillion dollar quagmire Iraq has become. Awed....that America missed the boat,the target. 9/11 was radical Islam from Afghanistani training camps,Pakistani inaction and Saud indifference. 160,000 troops for the liberation of Iraq? More like 500,000. Should have finished the job in Kabul.Should have lit up the southern plains of Afghanistan with a couple 5 megaton warheads. Remember - "An attack on one member is an attack on all" - NATO. Shock and Awe

Shock...sure the American taxpayer and future generations who will be paying for the trillion dollar quagmire Iraq has become.

Awed....that America missed the boat,the target.

9/11 was radical Islam from Afghanistani training camps,Pakistani inaction and Saud indifference.

160,000 troops for the liberation of Iraq? More like 500,000.

Should have finished the job in Kabul.Should have lit up the southern plains of Afghanistan with a couple 5 megaton warheads.

Remember – "An attack on one member is an attack on all" – NATO.

]]> By: Hrold Massengale http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-76639 Hrold Massengale Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:39:25 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-76639 I woulod like to say that I thank that you are very brave being there to report the news to the people of America.And alos that as long as you are away from your family and friend that I will say a prayer for you every night intil the day that you come back HOME TO AMERICA!!!!!!!! I woulod like to say that I thank that you are very brave being there to report the news to the people of America.And alos that as long as you are away from your family and friend that I will say a prayer for you every night intil the day that you come back HOME TO AMERICA!!!!!!!!

]]> By: Greg http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-76638 Greg Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:36:52 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-76638 I felt kinda sick to my stomach when the invasion began, because I knew the inevitable consequences of invading the heart of the Arab world. I felt kinda sick to my stomach when the invasion began, because I knew the inevitable consequences of invading the heart of the Arab world.

]]> By: Kathleen http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-76633 Kathleen Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:31:20 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-76633 Thank you, Nic. You are a true professional. Thank you, Nic. You are a true professional.

]]> By: Nelson Evans http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-76632 Nelson Evans Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:30:11 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-76632 Thousands dead on both sides, a country in turmoil with millions displaced yet here we are glorifying a time in history that we should be ashamed of. Now that we Americans have put up with our all knowing and intelligent leader for almost eight years I suspect the same electorate will vote for Iraqi John and traitor Lieberman. Their continuation of 100 more years of war is a thing to look forward to. Meanwhile the world despises us and our aggressive behavior with a tanking economy never ends. We all should be proud to call ourselves Americans. We have rather degenerated into an elitist corrupt driven nation benefiting the 5 percent. Thousands dead on both sides, a country in turmoil with millions displaced yet here we are glorifying a time in history that we should be ashamed of. Now that we Americans have put up with our all knowing and intelligent leader for almost eight years I suspect the same electorate will vote for Iraqi John and traitor Lieberman. Their continuation of 100 more years of war is a thing to look forward to.
Meanwhile the world despises us and our aggressive behavior with a tanking economy never ends. We all should be proud to call ourselves Americans. We have rather degenerated into an elitist corrupt driven nation benefiting the 5 percent.

]]> By: Maggie C http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-76621 Maggie C Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:14:35 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-76621 Nic, Thank you for your "up close and personal." It still seems strange to me to say that I watched the beginnings of both wars on TV, and saw the end of the first one. I was a CNN fan even then but I had no connection to any of the reporters except the three you mention. Actually I only remember Peter and Bernie. The first time it was more of a celebration, a warning that ended rather quickly. Sometimes I think this one never will. You, Michael and Arwa are so good at what you do. Not that others aren't, it just seems that you.ve been there the longest. Remember the election? Scary! I thought for sure you were going to get your head blown off with that zinger that came so close! Hang in there, stay safe. Maggie Nic,

Thank you for your "up close and personal." It still seems strange to me to say that I watched the beginnings of both wars on TV, and saw the end of the first one.

I was a CNN fan even then but I had no connection to any of the reporters except the three you mention. Actually I only remember Peter and Bernie.

The first time it was more of a celebration, a warning that ended rather quickly. Sometimes I think this one never will. You, Michael and Arwa are so good at what you do. Not that others aren't, it just seems that you.ve been there the longest.

Remember the election? Scary! I thought for sure you were going to get your head blown off with that zinger that came so close! Hang in there, stay safe.

Maggie

]]> By: Judy Stage Brooklyn MI http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/20/recording-%e2%80%98shock-and-awe%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-76620 Judy Stage Brooklyn MI Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:05:24 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=427#comment-76620 You know Nic, Without you courageous journalist, we would sure be in the dark about most things. I was born before World War 2 and I still remember sitting by a radio during the air raid warnings listening for news of the war. We were told to turn all lights off when we heard the sirens and we did. I doubt that we were in any danger, living in Michigan, but we sure felt that we were. These drills seemed so real to a young kid. I am such a wimp I could not do the job of a journalist in todays world. God Bless every one of you and may God and your beloved angels keep you safe. You know Nic, Without you courageous journalist, we would sure be in the dark about most things.
I was born before World War 2 and I still remember sitting by a radio during the air raid warnings listening for news of the war. We were told to turn all lights off when we heard the sirens and we did. I doubt that we were in any danger, living in Michigan, but we sure felt that we were. These drills seemed so real to a young kid.
I am such a wimp I could not do the job of a journalist in todays world.
God Bless every one of you and may God and your beloved angels keep you safe.

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