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Author Topic:   When You Ride Alone You Ride with Bin Laden: What the Government Should be Telling Us
Phat
Member
Posts: 18262
From: Denver,Colorado USA
Joined: 12-30-2003
Member Rating: 1.1


Message 1 of 20 (235860)
08-23-2005 7:31 AM


Ordinarily, I despise Bill Maher. He is an arrogant liberal who dares to challenge religion, which makes him an idiot in my opinion. Except when he writes great common sense books such as this one.
Titled: When You Ride Alone You Ride with Bin Laden: What the Government Should be Telling Us to Help Fight the War on Terrorism
Here is an excerpt:
Maher writes:
INTRODUCTION: MAKING CONNECTIONS
When the shock of September 11, 2001 wore off and Washington, D.C. went back to what it does best -- pointing fingers and renaming things -- the phrase we heard over and over with regard to our intelligence agencies was "connecting the dots." The FBI and CIA failed to "connect the dots," the strands of information that warned a real war was about to start with a sneak attack.
But plenty of dots aren't being connected by the average citizen, either, and that's what this book is about: how we all can connect what we do on the home front to quicker victory here with fewer of our servicemen overseas.
Traveling the country, I find that people want to do more here at home, but are at a loss as to what. Even when the government issues a Terrorism Advisory, it's maddeningly vague -- "Terrorist alert today! Code Burnt Orange!"
"And what?" I always want to say, "Bring a sweater?"
Of course, there are reasons why the American government no longer helps us make war-related connections, mostly having to do with where those connections might lead us politically. There's a World War II-era government poster that reads "Should brave men die so you can drive?" -- a question we might well ask ourselves today. But don't count on the government to ask it, not in an age where campaign contributions from oil companies are so important to getting elected.
And so we're on our own -- but that's OK. Because if the government won't tell you what time it is, I will. In the pages that follow are the posters I believe the United States government should be making and plastering everywhere, like they did in World War I, World War II and the Cold War. We see in posters from those eras a government unafraid to call upon its citizens to curb travel, save tin, buy bonds, plant a victory garden - whatever it took to make those connections for people, so the average Joe knew what he or she could do to help the war effort.
Of course, this is a very different kind of war, and what we can do to win it is sometimes very different from how other generations pitched in. But the common thread from then to now is the idea that civilian support can be the deciding factor in a war, provided people know what to do. Loving my country as I do, it is my sincerest hope that this book will help.
WHEN SACRIFICE WAS COOL
Perhaps the most threatening of all the connections we're not making these days is the one between terrorism and one of the great loves of the American life, the automobile. Each of us in our own individual high-performance, low-gas-mileage vehicles, exercising our God-given right to drive wherever we want, whenever we want at 0% financing and practically no fuel cost, inadvertently supports terrorism.
When we don't bother to conserve fuel and when we treat gasoline as if it were some limitless entitlement, we fund our enemies, like a wealthy junkie fattening the wallet of his dealer. Maybe not directly -- it's not like you'll find Ayman al-Zawahiri making your change in the Plexiglas booth at the Exxon station. But he may as well be, because you can bet Al Qaeda funds their most ruthless operations with money they get from people who sell their oil to Exxon before Exxon sells it to you.
The countries that have the money to offer large cash awards to the families of suicide bombers, or to send little boys to madrasses, the prep schools of hate, are getting that money from people using lots of oil.
Of course, conserving oil by carpooling may sound like a neat idea and maybe on some level we get it that we'd have more leverage with these terrorist-funding nations if we weren't beholden to them. But actually doing it means we'd have to drive out of our way to pick somebody up and that'll take time and he'll probably wanna talk and I'm not much of a morning person and what if he spills some of his damn mochaccino on my taupe, brushed-leather seats?
And there's the rub. We are hopelessly, romantically, singin'-in-the-rain in love with our cars. Rather than carpool or improve mass transit to ease traffic and commuting time, we'd rather live in the car and make it more like home: state-of-the-art sound systems, cruise control, telephones, bigger built-in receptacles to hold more food. No wonder Al Gore was ridiculed for suggesting we find a way to phase out the internal combustion engine within 25 years. You'd think he asked everyone to turn in their car keys right then and there, taking away our freedom to come and go as we please and trapping us cruelly in our homes with our spouses. But Gore was right when he said it was a matter of national security.
We used to make that connection, because the government endorsed it. An original 1943 wartime poster warned Americans, "When you ride alone, you ride with Hitler!" Oil was regarded as an essential weapon during World War II, and it is certainly no less so today.
I chose "ride alone" as the title of this book because it not only pays homage to a time when sacrifice was cool, but also warns us in a larger sense what happens when we ride alone. We've become a nation of individuals, accustomed to "getting mine" and "looking out for Number One." Even the Army's recruitment ad shows a soldier running alone and tells you you'll be "an army of one."
But we're locked now in a bitter fight for the very way of life that allows us such indulgence, and victory clearly hinges on whether we ignorantly continue to "ride alone" or rise up once again to stand together.
So remember: when you ride alone, you ride with bin Laden. And that's not an easy smell to get out of your car.
Americans today are far more greedy and spoiled than they ever were in the forties. This war is costing the country a lot of money. The best way to secure victory is to fight the evil that is getting wealthy off of the war---the big oil companies and their connections overseas.
Shut down that powerflow, and watch the war end much sooner.
This message has been edited by Phatboy, 08-23-2005 05:35 AM

Replies to this message:
 Message 2 by Lights, posted 07-05-2006 10:34 AM Phat has not replied
 Message 3 by Faith, posted 07-05-2006 10:50 AM Phat has not replied
 Message 4 by kjsimons, posted 07-05-2006 10:55 AM Phat has not replied
 Message 5 by RickJB, posted 07-05-2006 10:55 AM Phat has not replied
 Message 6 by nator, posted 07-05-2006 10:59 AM Phat has not replied
 Message 7 by jar, posted 07-05-2006 11:34 AM Phat has not replied

  
Lights
Inactive Member


Message 2 of 20 (328917)
07-05-2006 10:34 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Phat
08-23-2005 7:31 AM


Gotta say I agree with you and Mr Mahler. This is not really a war over terrorism...or at least not completely terrorism. It is also a war over oil and who controls it.
Common sense alone (something in very short supply on all levels these days) says that we need to be less vulnerable and beholden to these characters in oil-producing countries. But, Geez, that means I might have to make SACRIFICES!!! Yeah, no kidding! We need to be exploring alternatives to the combustion engines and investing more in mass transit. But are we? Not so near as I can tell. Nope we'd rather have our homes on wheels (which is what most personal transportation is evolving into) than to help cut our dependence on foreign oil.
Sometimes I wonder if we don't deserve some of this stuff that happens...not really since no one deserves to die in the way the 9/11 victims died, but I think we are asking for it unfortunately)
Edited by Lights, : No reason given.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Phat, posted 08-23-2005 7:31 AM Phat has not replied

  
Faith 
Suspended Member (Idle past 1445 days)
Posts: 35298
From: Nevada, USA
Joined: 10-06-2001


Message 3 of 20 (328923)
07-05-2006 10:50 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Phat
08-23-2005 7:31 AM


Fine with me to cut back on oil use. We'll all be a lot healthier if we get the smog out of the air and take up bicycling when possible, and carpooling is a good idea too. I do a lot of that lately anyway since I can't afford the gas.
But from what I've heard automobile consumption is very far from the biggest part of this country's oil use. I'm not sure what all the others are, but that's what I've heard.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Phat, posted 08-23-2005 7:31 AM Phat has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 11 by deerbreh, posted 07-05-2006 11:44 AM Faith has replied

  
kjsimons
Member
Posts: 821
From: Orlando,FL
Joined: 06-17-2003
Member Rating: 6.7


Message 4 of 20 (328924)
07-05-2006 10:55 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Phat
08-23-2005 7:31 AM


He is an arrogant liberal who dares to challenge religion, which makes him an idiot in my opinion.
I just couldn't let this pass. You think people that "dare to challenge religion" are idiots? In my humble opinion this is a sign of high intelligence. Just for grins, would it matter what religion he was challenging or did he piss you off because he picked on yours?

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Phat, posted 08-23-2005 7:31 AM Phat has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 8 by deerbreh, posted 07-05-2006 11:36 AM kjsimons has replied

  
RickJB
Member (Idle past 4991 days)
Posts: 917
From: London, UK
Joined: 04-14-2006


Message 5 of 20 (328925)
07-05-2006 10:55 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Phat
08-23-2005 7:31 AM


phat writes:
He is an arrogant liberal who dares to challenge religion, which makes him an idiot in my opinion.
This probably makes the bulk of EVC idiots in that case....

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Phat, posted 08-23-2005 7:31 AM Phat has not replied

  
nator
Member (Idle past 2170 days)
Posts: 12961
From: Ann Arbor
Joined: 12-09-2001


Message 6 of 20 (328927)
07-05-2006 10:59 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Phat
08-23-2005 7:31 AM


quote:
He is an arrogant liberal who dares to challenge religion, which makes him an idiot in my opinion.
Well, you must think me an idiot as well then, Phat.
He may be wrong sometimes, and I disagree with him on occasion myself, but he is hardly an idiot.
quote:
Americans today are far more greedy and spoiled than they ever were in the forties. This war is costing the country a lot of money. The best way to secure victory is to fight the evil that is getting wealthy off of the war---the big oil companies and their connections overseas.
What are you Phat; some kind of arrogant liberal who dares to challenge government/corporate policy?

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Phat, posted 08-23-2005 7:31 AM Phat has not replied

  
jar
Member (Idle past 394 days)
Posts: 34026
From: Texas!!
Joined: 04-20-2004


Message 7 of 20 (328933)
07-05-2006 11:34 AM
Reply to: Message 1 by Phat
08-23-2005 7:31 AM


Say What?
Ordinarily, I despise Bill Maher. He is an arrogant liberal who dares to challenge religion, which makes him an idiot in my opinion.
Challenging religion makes one an idiot? You believe that Jesus was an idiot! Now I understand.

Aslan is not a Tame Lion

This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Phat, posted 08-23-2005 7:31 AM Phat has not replied

  
deerbreh
Member (Idle past 2893 days)
Posts: 882
Joined: 06-22-2005


Message 8 of 20 (328934)
07-05-2006 11:36 AM
Reply to: Message 4 by kjsimons
07-05-2006 10:55 AM


I just couldn't let this pass. You think people that "dare to challenge religion" are idiots? In my humble opinion this is a sign of high intelligence.
Challenging religion is just another form of questioning authority, which is everyone's DUTY, is it not?
But this shows what happens when a provocative statement is included as an "aside" in an OP. Takes the thread right off topic. The moderator should have caught this and asked Phat to remove it imo.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 4 by kjsimons, posted 07-05-2006 10:55 AM kjsimons has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 9 by kjsimons, posted 07-05-2006 11:43 AM deerbreh has not replied
 Message 10 by AdminJar, posted 07-05-2006 11:44 AM deerbreh has not replied

  
kjsimons
Member
Posts: 821
From: Orlando,FL
Joined: 06-17-2003
Member Rating: 6.7


Message 9 of 20 (328937)
07-05-2006 11:43 AM
Reply to: Message 8 by deerbreh
07-05-2006 11:36 AM


I agree on both points! The thing that pissed me off most about my Catholic upbringing was the phrase "Who are you to question God?" and other varients of it. Well I'm me and I question everything!
It does appear that Phat's smear of Mahr has derailed the thread just a bit.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 8 by deerbreh, posted 07-05-2006 11:36 AM deerbreh has not replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 12 by Phat, posted 07-05-2006 11:51 AM kjsimons has not replied

  
AdminJar
Inactive Member


Message 10 of 20 (328939)
07-05-2006 11:44 AM
Reply to: Message 8 by deerbreh
07-05-2006 11:36 AM


Just for your info
Book Nook, like In the News, Links and Information and the Coffeehouse are places where someone can start a thread without it going through PNT. Those threads do not get vetted for content or format.

Comments on moderation procedures (or wish to respond to admin messages)? - Go to:
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    New Members: to get an understanding of what makes great posts, check out:
  • "Post of the Month" Forum
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    See also Forum Guidelines, [thread=-19,-112], and [thread=-17,-45]


  • This message is a reply to:
     Message 8 by deerbreh, posted 07-05-2006 11:36 AM deerbreh has not replied

      
    deerbreh
    Member (Idle past 2893 days)
    Posts: 882
    Joined: 06-22-2005


    Message 11 of 20 (328940)
    07-05-2006 11:44 AM
    Reply to: Message 3 by Faith
    07-05-2006 10:50 AM


    But from what I've heard automobile consumption is very far from the biggest part of this country's oil use. I'm not sure what all the others are, but that's what I've heard.
    Saving energy is saving energy. It is not particularly useful for individuals to argue about percent of the total their particular form of energy consumption makes up. If I drive a car that gets 60 miles to the gallon I still save energy every time I ride my bike or walk instead. Not to mention doing wonders for my overall health. The point is for as many individuals as possible to do "energy audits" of their lifestyles and save energy where they can. It all adds up.

    This message is a reply to:
     Message 3 by Faith, posted 07-05-2006 10:50 AM Faith has replied

    Replies to this message:
     Message 13 by kjsimons, posted 07-05-2006 11:53 AM deerbreh has not replied
     Message 15 by Faith, posted 07-05-2006 11:59 AM deerbreh has replied

      
    Phat
    Member
    Posts: 18262
    From: Denver,Colorado USA
    Joined: 12-30-2003
    Member Rating: 1.1


    Message 12 of 20 (328941)
    07-05-2006 11:51 AM
    Reply to: Message 9 by kjsimons
    07-05-2006 11:43 AM


    Once Upon a time in a forum far, far away...
    I started this thread a year ago! I WAS a bit miffed at Mahrer because he had a standup bit where he ridiculed beliefs---which I took personally.

    This message is a reply to:
     Message 9 by kjsimons, posted 07-05-2006 11:43 AM kjsimons has not replied

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    kjsimons
    Member
    Posts: 821
    From: Orlando,FL
    Joined: 06-17-2003
    Member Rating: 6.7


    Message 13 of 20 (328942)
    07-05-2006 11:53 AM
    Reply to: Message 11 by deerbreh
    07-05-2006 11:44 AM


    There is a movement to try and reduce your ecological "footprint". This not only involves using less energy (ie carpooling, biking, adjusting thermostat settings, ...) but to reduce consumption in general. Like do you really need that 3000sqft house or will a 1500sqft do? Living in smaller dwelling means you have less room to fill up, heat, cool, clean, etc and thus can greatly reduce the energy used by you to create, furnish, and maintain.

    This message is a reply to:
     Message 11 by deerbreh, posted 07-05-2006 11:44 AM deerbreh has not replied

      
    deerbreh
    Member (Idle past 2893 days)
    Posts: 882
    Joined: 06-22-2005


    Message 14 of 20 (328943)
    07-05-2006 11:57 AM
    Reply to: Message 12 by Phat
    07-05-2006 11:51 AM


    Re: Once Upon a time in a forum far, far away...
    I started this thread a year ago! I WAS a bit miffed at Mahrer because he had a standup bit where he ridiculed beliefs---which I took personally.
    Just goes to show - be careful what you post, because EvC Forum has a looooong memory. Mahrer is TRYING to upset people. That is his thing.

    This message is a reply to:
     Message 12 by Phat, posted 07-05-2006 11:51 AM Phat has not replied

      
    Faith 
    Suspended Member (Idle past 1445 days)
    Posts: 35298
    From: Nevada, USA
    Joined: 10-06-2001


    Message 15 of 20 (328945)
    07-05-2006 11:59 AM
    Reply to: Message 11 by deerbreh
    07-05-2006 11:44 AM


    True that saving energy is saving energy, but it seems to me that if automobile use is only, say, 5-10% of the total oil consumption in this country, the citizen's sacrifice of cars kind of loses its compelling value. What if the bulk of oil is used in industry, or in heating, and what if the bulk of the heating isn't in individual residences either? What if the amount of oil it takes to transport food and other goods around the country is appreciably greater than the consumption by private autos?
    I think some more context is needed here.
    Right now the compelling reason to carpool is the cost of gas, and the compelling reason to ride a bike is what it always is -- better for you. Not sure about this conservation reason.
    Edited by Faith, : No reason given.

    This message is a reply to:
     Message 11 by deerbreh, posted 07-05-2006 11:44 AM deerbreh has replied

    Replies to this message:
     Message 16 by deerbreh, posted 07-05-2006 12:39 PM Faith has not replied
     Message 17 by Dan Carroll, posted 07-05-2006 1:12 PM Faith has replied

      
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