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Gore shuns Uribe at Miami conference

Posted on Fri, Apr. 20, 2007

Gore shuns Uribe at Miami conference

By From Staff and Wire Reports

Former Vice President Al Gore told the organizers of an environmental conference that started Friday in Miami that he would only keep his speaking engagement if the conference disinvited Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, according to Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos.
Gore withdrew from the Green Forum, organized by Poder magazine and New America Alliance, on Friday to avoid appearing with Uribe, who is battling new accusations that he aided far-right death squads.

Phone messages left with press representatives for Gore were not immediately returned.

Santos called Gore's demand ``very unjust.''

''As a proud member of President Uribe's cabinet, I deeply disagree with Vice President Gore's decision not to attend this conference. Gore has been misinformed and ill-advised,'' Santos told The Miami Herald.

In the scandal surrounding Uribe, the information was based on ''simple hearsay and innuendo,'' Santos said.

Speaking at the Green Forum Friday, Uribe said, ``I deplore the cancellation of Vice President Al Gore in this meeting.''

Before leaving for Miami, Uribe, the Bush administration's closest South American ally, said at a news conference in Bogotá that Gore's decision was a sign of the damage being done to Colombia by the constant accusations against the president. Uribe said he still planned to attend the Green Forum.

Uribe called the news conference to refute an opposition lawmaker's allegations that while Uribe was governor in a northern state in the mid-1990s, he let paramilitaries use his property for meetings and killings.

Considered terrorist groups by the U.S. government, the paramilitaries are responsible for some of the worst massacres in Colombia's long-running civil conflict. Many of the group's commanders are wanted in the United States on charges of exporting hundreds of tons of cocaine.

Gore's office informed conference organizers that he ''would not attend the event because he could not share the stage with the president of Colombia after the political debates in Colombia against the Uribe Velez family and against the president,'' Uribe said in the hastily called news conference at the presidential palace.

Ditching the normal fare of soap operas and reality shows, all of Colombia's major networks carried the nearly two-hour news conference live.

Editor Isaac Lee of the magazine Poder confirmed to The Associated Press that Gore's decision not to attend was related to the latest accusations against Uribe.

''Al Gore knew he was going to be on the podium with Uribe,'' Lee told The Miami Herald. ``We are very sorry he's not here. Al Gore is not replaceable.

''This is something between Vice President Gore and President Uribe,'' Lee said.

The U.S. Senate froze $55 million worth of U.S. military aid to Colombia earlier this week on allegations that the head of Colombia's armed forces -- who has also worked closely with the United States in its multibillion-dollar anti-narcotics strategy, Plan Colombia -- collaborated with the death squads.

Eight Colombian legislators are already in jail on charges of helping the paramilitaries launch a nationwide offensive that killed thousands.

Uribe was reelected in a landslide last year on promises of continuing a hard line against a five-decade leftist insurgency.

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© 2007 Miami Herald Media Company. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.miamiherald.com/416/story/80945.html

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It's disappointing that Al Gore decided to give the benefit of the doubt to that scumbag former guerrilla (terrorist) Gustavo Petro and not to Presdient Uribe. I liked the guy up until today, now I have lost whatever respect I had for him. I also find his shunning of Uribe disrespectful to the Colombian people because the president represents all of our nation.

SHAME ON YOU MR. GORE!!!!

By Simon on Apr 20, 2007, 12:23 in Politics & the war.

juancegomez says on Apr 20, 2007, 12:37:

There's already a topic about this in P&W Just for the record.

Other than that, I have to say that I reject Simon's characterization of Mr. Petro.

Perhaps most of his accusations are circumstantial, and a few are already inaccurate, but as a whole they do address subjects which need to be cleared up and which remain important. That isn't unpatriotic, IMHO. Rational discussion of the issues should be possible.

Gore's move doesn't exactly impress me, per se it's just a pretended "shock", though it may signal better developments if this actually means that the Democrats are willing to revise Colombia policy, but it's too soon to tell.

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scotty says on Apr 20, 2007, 12:40:

Gore has always been a Clown, Phoney, Hypocrite, Creepy, Snob, Elitists, Has been, President wanna be, Green leader wanna be.
I have much more respect for a man like Uribe than i do for a man like Gore.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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JMCana says on Apr 20, 2007, 12:46:

Just politics as usual Right now the Democrats and Republicans are at a standoff about the new FTA and the releasing of funds to Colombia. Al Gore is a democrat. The whole thing is political, just as what happens between Petro and Uribe is frequently just political. My advise to Uribe is don't take it personally. And really, I don't think he is, but he is playing to political game as well and using the press to his advantage.

Besides, Uribe is ahead because by being at the forum he can have his voice heard. Gore's opinions and comments will not be noted, because he is not there.

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scotty says on Apr 20, 2007, 13:03:

back stabbers the Dems are doing everything in their power to undermine our friends. They are trying to cut the funds for our troops in Iraq and now they are trying to hurt our friends in Colombia. Gore snobing Uribe. Get used to it this is the wave of the future.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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Man Tequila says on Apr 20, 2007, 13:11:

I see this as politics as usual as well. It's the Democrats trying to give the illusion that their policies and practices are/will be substantially different from those of the Republicans. Coke and Pepsi taste a little different too, but cola is cola.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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JMCana says on Apr 20, 2007, 13:27:

Despite the politics involved, Juancegomez brought up an excellent point though when saying that there are issues in there that are important and need to be discussed and cleared up. (I hope I understood and paraphrased correctly JG)

If we can get understanding and consensus with a win/win situation then much more can be accomplished. Perhaps the Dems are trying to force discussion and looking at things a whole different way to try and bring such about, especially in Colombia. After all, before FARC and the paras started going at each other it was political groups killing each other. IMO the North American people would prefer to have all of Colombians, including the over 50% current poor, as their friends instead of just a politically elite few. They would prefer to give money for social programs instead of fighting drugs. But I cannot read the minds of either the Dems or the Republicans, just wish for the best to happen for everyone.

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Simon says on Apr 20, 2007, 13:33:

"Petro for Presidentwe need "Petro for President
we need somebody good in there after we finish sinking Uribe in a vat of boiling oil. I would prefer canola oil."

Why stop there? While you're at it, why don't you just propose Satan himself for President?

And what is this "We need"? You're not Colombian and I'm sure the overwhelming majority of decent Colombians reject your crazy views!

"DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon

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juancegomez says on Apr 20, 2007, 13:39:

JMCana I believe you did. I also support the other points you have raised, though I can't read minds either.

Simon: Please...Petro isn't Satan and neither is Uribe. There's no need to demonize either individual.

You don't believe he should be president, and others believe he should. Nothing wrong with that.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Apr 20, 2007, 13:56:

Who are you ranting at? Rubito, you're going all GIB on us. Snap out of it.

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scotty says on Apr 20, 2007, 14:00:

Rubito Look weather you like Uribe or not he is the president of Colombia and Gore should have at least given him the respect a president deserves. When Uribe appears somewhere he reprisents all the people of Colombia, so when Gore snubbed him he snubbed all of Colombia.
We all know why Gore snubbed Uribe, two reasons.

1. To once again put Gores face on the news, trying to boost himself, he wants to be president, he knows he has nothing to offer so he is just trying to get himself in the news as much as possible, its political.
2. Gore is left wing, his supporters are left wing. Uribe is right wing, Gore is attacking a right wing pandering to his left wing Hollywood buddies and big money supporters. again its political.

Gore is not an honorable man, he is not standing up for something good, Gore is out to help himself and his liberal buddies. The man has no class at all.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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miamimike says on Apr 20, 2007, 14:06:

Some here have a short Memory On Al Gore and His Help way back when at the Onset of Plan Colombia so here is a refresher. BTW, as a Veteran of the same time era as Al gore, I appreciate the fact he went and served in Vietnam. Unlike many of his contemporaries of the period who took the easy way out, including his Boss Bill Clinton, GW Bush, Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, Jeb Bush. Gore proudly served when someone of his means and Father's Political Connections could EASILY have evaded military service,,,

Exerpt from below link "Asked about Gore's policy towards Colombia, from 1999-2000, Ginsberg said the vice
president "has been a champion of Plan Colombia. We recognize the
importance of working cooperatively with our friends in Latin America
to ensure that the objectives of Plan Colombia are accomplished
without causing undue concern among our allies in the region."

U.S. assistance to Plan Colombia "is a perfect illustration of how Al
Gore has worked hard to fashion a bipartisan consensus with the major
leadership in the Congress on a matter of great concern to us among
our friends in the hemisphere," Ginsberg said."

http://www.fas.org/news/usa/2000/usa-001027a.htm

BTW-Iraq was never "OUR" friend no more then any other country is only as long as the Foreign Aid keeps flowing as it does in Colombia! Once the $$ from Plan Colombia should ever stop, what do you think Colombia will think of us then? Don't be Naive! We are so called "friends" for "Interes" as they say in Col, Iraq or any other country for that matter. Ulterior motives lurk behind the scenes,,,

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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Simon says on Apr 20, 2007, 14:17:

"When Uribe appears somewhere he represents all the people of Colombia, so when Gore snubbed him he snubbed all of Colombia."

Thank you Scotty for your support!!

"DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon

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Miguel_Clavo says on Apr 20, 2007, 14:34:

I guess ThermoNuclear Meltdowns are becoming contagious on PBH "Simon, I'm more Colombian than Uribe
not that that's much of an accomplishment."

please dont tell me you are another wannabee latino gringo, R!! you will have ruined the image i had of you!

"For that matter it looks like I'm more Colombian than you are. When are YOU planning to permanently move to Colombia? When was the last time YOU put your money down on Colombian real estate?"

How in any way, shape, or form are you to be considered Colombian? Intentions dont count, either, because if they did, then anyone of us could be an iraqi on monday, a chinese person on tuesday, a ugandan person, on wednesday.....etc.....kind of like if ones intentions determines a persons nationality, then we could be just like the soup of the day at restaurants...and buying real estate in a country doesnt make you a Colombian, either..where did you ever get that idea? i for one would like very much if you did make the move, and soon, because all i have been reading for the last year or so is how you almost moved, are planning to move, intend to move...etc, like that is equivalent to actually having made the move.....

"You can let that one give you nightmares for ever, little one! I'm going to do more to benefit Colombia than you could in 100 lifetimes."

How do you plan on benefitting Colombia, might i ask?

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo =)..aka, DragonSlayer...Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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Simon says on Apr 20, 2007, 14:54:

"How do you plan on benefitting Colombia, might i ask?"

Miguel,

Rubito said before that when he moves, he's gonna start benefitting Colombia by leading a movement to remove our mentioning of Jesus from our national anthem. I shudder to think about what wacky idea he's gonna come up with next.

"DON'T FOK WITH COLOMBIA!!"-----Simon

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Miguel_Clavo says on Apr 20, 2007, 15:01:

I didnt realize there was a "whose thangy is bigger" contest in the other thread, complete with insults and threats, but...i was just curious about some of the comments made by Rubito in the particular post of his....it just seems kind of out of the ordinary for him to claim such nonsense....

Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo =)..aka, DragonSlayer...Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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chester says on Apr 20, 2007, 15:11:

gore is jealous gore is a fat, little gay blade married to free willy.

what a sissy loser.

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miamimike says on Apr 20, 2007, 15:36:

Yes but like I mentioned, when it was his time to serve,,, he(Gore) didn't take the "SISSY" way out ; instead he went and served, UNLIKE OTHERS in the Current Political Circle whose whereabouts in the Vietnam Era were hard to determine,,,LOL

Where was Dick Cheney during Vietnam I ask?

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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Monpirri says on Apr 20, 2007, 16:00:

Who are you trying to fool Rubito? I recent all the negative stuffs you have said about God, Colombia, Colombian musical instruments, Simon Bolivar, the National anthem and how you put down Colombian indigenous people and women in your comments here and in your other mansion co.blog.
Dude you are getting carry away because you are hanging where there is too much ignorance consequently you behavior and comments reflects such actions.
You are not a Colombian citizen because you are going to Colombia! There are a lot of people who are going to Colombian nowadays many to visit Colombia for the wrong reasons.

The life spam of a taste bud is ten days

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juancegomez says on Apr 20, 2007, 16:03:

miamimike Just like I posted in the other thread...

I can't pretend to know what Uribe himself would do in such circumstances...

But actually, with a few notable (though different) exceptions, even before Plan Colombia the U.S. and Colombia have had mostly friendly relations at a the government level for quite some time. I wouldn't say that relationship depends exclusively on Plan Colombia, even if that's one of its most recent manifestations.

Or, if you want to use other terms, U.S. interests in Colombia aren't limited to Plan Colombia. They didn't begin and most likely won't end with it.

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chester says on Apr 20, 2007, 16:45:

Gore hid behind a camera gore went, i'll give him that.

but let us not pretend he was walking point.

he had a job taking pictures as a non combatant.

and, his tour was cut short at 5 months to attend divinity school.

and his old lady is as fat a pig as he is.

sure, compared to dick and shrub, he looks like a warrior.

in fact, he has led a sheltered and privalidged life growing up in washington, dc as the son of a us senator.

let us see where mccains boy ends up, he has enlisted also.

gore is a fat biatch.

oh, he also invented the internet.....hahahaha...what a dhead.

he could not get laid in a brothel with a fistful of hundred dollar bills

and i'm a democrat

sure, gore is not stupid.

and he raises a lot of important issues.

but what a sissy...guess he help cannot help it.

poor little rich, fat boy.

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Miguel says on Apr 20, 2007, 16:46:

Como se dice elmodefoque "Let's talk about hookers!"

Kudos to juancegomez, who maintains his cool and prevents threads like this from being totally Fox News-ed out.

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miamimike says on Apr 20, 2007, 19:04:

Juance Gomez I'll agree with you that its not all about Plan Colombia. I believe its about that Black Gold we call Oil! Same reason we are in Iraq and intent on setting up Permenent military Bases. Bet your Booty we aren't there for that freedom BS! If that was the case we could have done that in 1991 with Bush One. in Desert Storm! Oil, Oil, Oil,,,

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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miamimike says on Apr 20, 2007, 19:16:

Sissy or whatever you refer to him as, Bottom line he served when he didn't have to. You know as well as I do back in that time he could have easily got out of Military service but he chose to go to a place not high on anyone's Vacation List! He has as much credability on the Military service issue as Tom Ridge who served in Vietnam as well as Lindsey Grahm, Ex Sen. Bob Kerry(medal of Honor Winner)ect. He was only a Photographer you say,,,and they don't go into dangerous places to get those Photos?? Tell that to another Photographer named Bob Woodward of ABC who was almost killed by that IED that hit the Tank he was riding in with his Photo Man. Pretty Dangerous IMO. I am only saying that plenty on the other side scooted out of service also like Bush/Cheney/Rove/Limbaugh ect. I vote Indy and vote both sides Dem and Rep but I also like to see both sides wanked on equally.Even voted most recently for Charlie Crist, our new Republican Governor of Florida so I'm not tied to any one party. I could say a lot about the wives and Children and Physical Condition of those in Office now but I refrain as I consider that a low blow and not pertinent to the discussion.

Avatar Legend: Bush "If any of you Reporters are wondering, it was a Size 10"

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goin_south says on Apr 20, 2007, 23:24:

Some people can't even read their own writing... (((((Simon, I'm more Colombian than Uribe...not that that's much of an accomplishment.

For that matter it looks like I'm more Colombian than you are. When are YOU planning to permanently move to Colombia? When was the last time YOU put your money down on Colombian real estate?

You can let that one give you nightmares for ever, little one! I'm going to do more to benefit Colombia than you could in 100 lifetimes.....signed: rubito ))))

___________________________________

I THINK ... he's getting colombian/canadian mixed.
Since when does that make you ANY PART colombian?

Simon, scotty.... don't worry too much; he keeps saying all these threads about WHEN I GO TO COLOMBIA and YOU WONDER WHY I AM MOVING TO COLOMBIA... and, now ... he is going to SAVE COLOMBIA...

I think he lives in a Crack House in NYC.

Imagine...

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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goin_south says on Apr 20, 2007, 23:25:

Has he looked, actually looked.... at his birth certificate lately? ya think?

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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billyb says on Apr 20, 2007, 23:29:

Maybe the Messiah is coming... or DG is reincarnated...

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goin_south says on Apr 20, 2007, 23:36:

"RUBITO....COMING TO COLOMBIA" Well, billy, it's about like the 'second coming'.....

Everyone wants to know: WHEN?

(So, he can get TF out of Los Estados Unidos Miserables)

Imagine...

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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goin_south says on Apr 21, 2007, 00:16:

I really doubt Alvaro gives a care... about what al gordito thinks.

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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scotty says on Apr 21, 2007, 03:15:

well rubito all i can say...there goes the neighborhood.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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goin_south says on Apr 21, 2007, 14:04:

"I'm going to do more to benefit Colombia than you could in 100 lifetimes."

Rubio, that is a lil more than HYPERBOLIC.
and, now...I'm happy to know not 1, but 2! people from PBsH who were born speaking perfect espanol... you guys crackameup.

Do you ever re-read ANY of your HYPERBOLIC DIATRIBE?

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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manu1999 says on Apr 21, 2007, 17:12:

Classless move by Goresy I'm just a bloke from the Thames, but I'll put my 2 cents in here.

Colombia has improved a lot over the past few years and people I have spoken to in Colombia love their president, is it just a coincidence the country is getting better while he's in charge? No! He doesn't deserve to have rumours flung in his face by someone like Gore more willing to believe rumours like that, bloody ell, it's like the mirror or the sun, I certainly hope a politician isn't reduced to reading shite like that!!!

At least he's environmentally conscious, but a big idiot in many respects. I'd rather meet the president of Colombia than the failed prat president of the US haha.

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manu1999 says on Apr 21, 2007, 17:15:

and i defend anyone who lives away from Colombia those blokes would be mad to stay there earlier, poor buggers, the shite they've had to endure. I don't blame them for moving away and would certainly not hold it against them. Now it's safe to return, but easier said than done innit?

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goin_south says on Apr 21, 2007, 19:15:

u make alot of sense, manu1999 .

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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billyb says on Apr 21, 2007, 20:39:

The thing is, people move away or stay... for their own particular reasons and don't really need strangers' approval, or for that matter give a shit if they do disapprove.

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goin_south says on Apr 21, 2007, 20:47:

Up until very recently....??? Well, even... just this week, I know some folk who have EVERY REASON TO WANT TO MOVE AWAY FROM their beloved (yet, in many ways...FUCKED! COLOMBIA or South America)

You know anyone, billy?

Imagine...

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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billyb says on Apr 21, 2007, 20:49:

One or two.... come to mind ;) I think the key phrase might be "or SA"

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goin_south says on Apr 21, 2007, 20:49:

I ain't saying it can't be or couldn't be peaceful and enjoyable, living there. Only saying, as billyb said, certain people have their own particular reasons for WANTING BADLY TO GET THE FOQ OUT.

(jus like some of us - you, me? - want or would like to get the Foq out of los estados unidos.)

Isn't the grass always greener.... (in Ecuador? jajaajaa!)

Imagine...

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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manu1999 says on Apr 22, 2007, 00:10:

thanks mate, el happy it's not every day that i hear that! usually i'm nought but a dithering fool, but i guess aren't we all

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scotty says on Apr 22, 2007, 00:27:

sissy man yea you are right chester gore is a sissy man. have you ever seen him run, just like a little girl. David Letterman had some video of gore running with his kids on a lawn one day, gore ran just like a little girl. David letterman said something funny , i dont recal the exact words but it was something like " did anyone notice that our vice president runs like a girl".

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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Miguel_Clavo says on Apr 22, 2007, 00:32:

No way! He is a girly-man?? (arnolds words) Just my opinion...

Miguel_Clavo =)..aka, DragonSlayer...Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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scotty says on Apr 22, 2007, 00:41:

MM miamimike i dont understand what you are trying to say? just because gore was in the service doesnt mean a damn thing, so what! some of this countries best leaders never served in the military. we have had and have right now many people serving in washington that have never been in the servce.
Clinton, both of them never served, infact your buddy Bill ran off to england and hid from military service in the 60's yet you guys voted him into office twice...would you like to explain that one for us?
pelosi never served, nor did fat ass drunkin kennedy, the list goes on. kerry served but was a phoney applying for purple hearts when all he had was a scratch so he could come home to mommy.
serving your country is a good thing i personally think everyone should have to serve their nation, however, just because someone serves doesnt make them better than anyone else.

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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Miguel says on Apr 22, 2007, 01:00:

JAJA Clinton "ran off" to England because he was a fucking Rhodes scholar.

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goin_south says on Apr 22, 2007, 03:02:

Gore? a pres candidate? (that is....clowning) Yer sayin, he thinks he could surpass Billary for the nomination? there is one other dem in the mix for the nomination, isn't there?

Colombia; It's no Disneyland.
It's.... THE MAD HATTER!

Why Not Colombia?..........Stay Tuned, for more.... utterly worthless, self-indulgent gobbets of nonsense.

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juancegomez says on Apr 23, 2007, 11:13:

miamimike Oil is important, and a key factor, but I wouldn't say that it's all about oil here.

Colombia isn't even in the same neighborhood as Iraq as far as its oil supply goes, yet even Iraq can be argued to be an operation with multiple goals.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Apr 23, 2007, 13:57:

I'm with Juance I don't think oil hardly plays into the equation. It's the old cold war bugaboo about "commies" and the subsequent bugaboo about "the drug war" that keep the US paying attention.

I actually think the US is right to be concerned about letting Colombia disintegrate into total mayhem for both humanitarian and hemispheric security reasons, but I think a lot of people in Washington just don't GET IT that their drug policy hurts Colombia much more than it helps.

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