This past week, Q-line asked: Does the news of al-Zarqawi’s death alter your percedption of the war in Iraq? Here are your responses: ✆ “It certainly does not. This war was a fiasco from its inception — a waste of lives, money, and resources. I feel sorry for those who have been duped under the guise of patriotism, but that is what it has been. It needs to end now, whatever happens. Stop wasting American lives, money, and resources.” ✆ “So they killed one terrorist thug in Iraq — big deal, they still got quite a few more, especially the one in Washington D.C. named George W. Bush. He’s too stupid to realize that Saddam Hussein had nothing to do with 9/11. He said well, we’re invading Iraq but it’s not for the oil. Well, considering oil prices he was telling the truth about that. It’s only to satisfy Bush’s ego because his daddy didn’t finish the job that he’s trying to finish, and he’s making a bigger mess of it than his daddy ever could. The war in Iraq is a losing proposition, but Bush is too stubborn to realize that. He doesn’t give a rat’s patoot about the thousands of people he’s killing on all sides. None of this killing would have been happening if it hadn’t been for his “mission accomplished” invasion of Iraq, which should never have happened, just like the Bush presidency should never have happened.” ✆ “This whole Iraqi war thing has only benefited arms manufacturers, and those who work for arms manufacturers, and those who benefit from the trickle-down of cash. It is interesting to note that al-Zarqawi was a Jordanian, and the main pile of manure, bin Laden, who is an Arab and who took credit for 9/11, is still parading around the mountainsides with his big balancing pole, deciding how to torment the United States more by stating that he still has a torpedo up his sleeve for the U.S.A. One might wonder what the Iraqis have to do with this war’s silliness that is costing the lives of our precious young men. I will rejoice when bin Laden is brought to justice.” ✆ “Al-Zarqawi’s death just reaffirms that no terrorist can hide from the United States military. Opium warlords in Afghanistan must now adhere to their poppy-growing quota, or face a similar fate. So-called freedom fighters planning on disrupting the massive multi-billion dollar oil and gas developments throughout southern Russia, Iraq, Iran, and Turkey will have to think twice. They will be bought off with high-paying jobs in the oil pipelines. Funny how religious certainty can be influenced by a steady paycheck. With a base in Iraq, American power can project force to any one of those countries. The United States military can reach out and touch anyone throughout the entire Middle East. Death from above, just like God.” ✆ “Does the news of Al-Zarqawi’s death alter your perception of the war in Iraq? How? No, it doesn’t alter my perception, because the U.S. war with Al Qaeda is different from the U.S. war with Iraq. Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda were not in partnership, so when the U.S.A. attacked Iraq, it was us against the Iraqis. Al Qaeda came to Iraq because they were enemies of the United States, just as when Afghanistans were fighting the Soviets, the U.S. supported the Afghanistans. So let’s make that clear — there’s no connection between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda.” ✆ “Is this a trick question, or just simply as ludicrous as it sounds? We captured Saddam, the president, Bush declared the war over years ago, and this Al-Zarqawi guy has already been replaced and threatening even worse actions. I don’t get it.” ✆ “Hi, I’m calling from Iraq, and now that Al-Zarqawi is dead we’re so happy, now we’re gonna get all these roses and throw them at your feet. We’re so happy that you’ve liberated us. Thank you, thank you, everything is over. Victory is declared. Thank you, mission accomplished. Thank you, Americans.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 17, 2006. Read the original PDF.