Osama bin Laden: Where's Osama?

"Whereabouts unknown"



Where's Osama?

Every so often, the question arises of where the al-Qaeda leader has vanished to.

bin Laden's whereabouts were a mystery as far back as 1999.

Osama bin Laden, the Saudi millionaire accused by the United States of plotting bomb attacks on two U.S. embassies in Africa, has left Afghanistan, Afghan sources said Saturday.

People have been asking the "Where's Osama?" question for awhile now. The CIA would like to know.

The question has inspired some take-offs.

There's several versions of the popular "Where's Waldo?" children's game out--on the Internet anyway--featuring the man who murdered almost 3000 people on September 11 2001.



The Iraqi version of "Where's Osama?"



Where's Osama?



Some commentators say that Osama Bin Laden is dead; that he's food for the worms. Others point to the stream of threats and instructions he's issued via videotape.

Every time a new Bin Laden tape appears, the questions start again.

Where's Osama?



Given the political outlook of most Hollywood celebrities, Osama should be a star in a motion picture.

Gaius at Blue Crab Boulevard has an idea
what disguise the terrorist mastermind is using

Many have speculated that Osama is sick and tied to a kidney dialysis machine somewhere in a cave in Pakistan.

That might be true.

Or he might be dead.

Or, he may be alive and in disguise, living in the Middle East.

Although, with a price of $50 million on his head, surely some enterprising youngster would set himself up for life--if they knew where he was.

Even the Protesters wanted to know

At least one guy in the picture above has an idea for tracking bin Laden down in a hurry.

Although these pictures are amusing, the man they portray is not. However, it's said that one of the better ways to deal with stress is through humor.

So be it.

It's been 2372 days since September 11 2001. That's 6 years, 5 months, 29 days, including today.

2372 days since 2998 people from over 80 countries lost their lives.

Most of them were Americans.

Where's Osama?

It would be satisfying to know.

If he's found, his fate will most likely be anything but humorous.

by Mondoreb
images:
* freewebs
* flickr
* johndufresne
* worldvillage
* blogsofwar
* bluecrabboulevard
* democratic underground
Source: bin Laden reportedly leaves Afghanistan, whereabouts unknown


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ICE Disses FBI: Consequences Another 9/11?

A stunning report by the Inspector General reveals a turf war between the FBI and ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement). The dispute has resulted in major terrorism cases being dropped or ignored by ICE agents, so as to avoid working with FBI agents.
Source: The Aviation Nation

When the 9/11 Congressional Report was released in June of 2003 it was revealed that “issues” within the CIA and FBI lead to their failure to heed “repeated warnings that al Qaeda intended to strike inside the United States.”

The report concluded that in the months before the hijacking, the FBI and CIA did not comprehend the gravity and imminent nature of the threat inside the United States and failed to assess all of the available information about the risk of an attack. As a result, the report said, the agencies missed opportunities that would have "greatly enhanced" the chances of disrupting the terror plot.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

A new report released by the Inspector General reveals that agents of yet another government agency, ICE, or Immigration and Customs Enforcement, made the decision to withhold key leads in investigations relating to terrorist activity from the FBI. The excuse, the agents "didn't want to work" with the FBI. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley requested the investigation in response "to reports from retired ICE agent Joe Webber, a 30-year veteran and former head of the Houston field office."

Using a hypothetical example, the report said, if a case involved two leads — one involving illegal drugs and the other involving terrorism — an agent would pursue the drug lead in order to avoid working with the FBI. In such cases, the agent did not always forward the terrorism lead to the joint task force, the report said.
Source: USA Today

What is both alarming and appalling about these findings by the Attorney General is that agents of a government agency, entrusted to serve and protect, are putting personal biases ahead of the welfare of U.S. citizens. Their decision to not share crucial information about possible terrorist activity with the FBI could once again lead to another 9/11 type attack.

ICE should take heed of the lessons learned by the FBI and CIA when their agencies were raked over the coals by the 9/11 Commission. The FBI and CIA suffered the slings and arrows of well-deserved scorn; but it was the people--those whose family members and friends were murdered by the terrorists--that were the ones who suffered the greatest and still continue to suffer. We cannot allow bumbling and/or ill-will between agencies to give those who seek to harm us yet another opportunity to strike. If agents cannot rise above pettiness in their profession, then it's time to weed them out.

We, the citizens of the United States, deserve better.

By LBG
Hat Tip - Awa Puhi




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Rudy Giuliani Stalked By 9/11 Crackpots

Rudy Guiliani makes a campaign stop and was confronted by the Troof. Saturday.

“A group of 9/11 conspiracy theorists heckled Republican presidential front-runner Rudy Giuliani as supporters booed and chanted "Rudy" at a campaign stop in Loveland, Colorado Saturday.

Jason Charles, a member of wearechangecolorado.org, accused the former New York City mayor of having prior knowledge of the attack on the World Trade Center and covering up evidence that would have shown a conspiracy.

"He covered up criminal evidence that was on the scene," he said.”
-- The Denver Post

At today’s quick stopover in Loveland, Colorado, Rudy Giuliani had yet another run-in with a small group of conspiracy theorists, or “Troofers.” Giuliani said that the Troofers were “protesting all over the place” and referring to the 9/11 accusations, “It is very sad; it’s not true.”

Giuliani was also asked about his involvement with former New York City Police Commish Benard Kerik and Giuliani’s recommendation of Kerik to head the Department of Homeland Security.

“I made a mistake,” Giuliani said. "I apologized for the mistake, I should have vetted him more carefully. I have done many things; that doesn't mean I made all the right decisions," he said. "Do I do everything right? No. Do I learn from my mistakes? Yes."

As to the Troofers accusations that Giuliani “covered up criminal evidence that was on the scene.” The conspiracy theories as to what “really” occurred range across a broad spectrum of crackpot assertions from Rosie O’Donnell’s claim that “fire does not melt steel” to the accusation that the Bush government and/or Rudy Giuliani were behind 9/11.

by Little Baby Ginn




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Rudy Giuliani Vs. Ron Paul on 9/11:The Entire Exchange

Rudy Giuliani vs. Ron Paul on 9/11. [video 4:34]

If you put up a Ron Paul video, you hear both sides, you read both sides--there seems to be no middle ground on Dr. Paul. No comments or emails are ever received which say "Oh, I don't know how I feel about Ron Paul".

I hear people swear by Ron Paul; I hear others swear at him.

So, putting up any video invites attacks, even though most posters are passionate, yet perfectly civil. We thought this video would be a good illustration of the "No Middle Ground About Ron Paul" Theory. It's the famous exchange between Paul and Rudy Giuliani at the South Carolina debate earlier this year. It's the entire exchange: most anti-Paul videos cut away at Giuliani's applause. The pro-Paul videos we've seen only show Ron Paul's answer to Rudy.

At 4:34, this is the entire back-and-forth between the two men. Your position on the issues will naturally affect who you think came out on top here.

You be the judge.

by Mondoreb



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Ron Paul Video: American Foreign Policy, Rudy Giuliani, U.S. Military, Iran's Nukes

Ron Paul's Foreign Policy: In the Nutshell, In his Own Words

The Four-Minute Ron Paul: Love Him or Hate Him

If you have heard others arguing about Republican candidate, Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX), you will likely hear two different extremes.

"Ron Paul is a the real deal American!"

"Ron Paul is a kook!"

Paul, a Republican with strong libertarian leanings is most controversial on issues of U.S. foreign policy. Most especially his stand on the War in Iraq. Dr. Paul--he is a medical doctor--wants to end U.S. involvement immediately and return American troops home. This stand has earned him supporters from both Left and Right.

It has also earned him condemnation, mostly from the center and right. There seems to be no middle ground.

On other issues, he has a less controversial image.

This video is a chance to hear the candidate in his own words, answering questions about U.S. foreign policy on a variety of topics. It's short (3:45) and sweet. It is Ron Paul's foreign policy views in the nutshell.

It is also Ron Paul in his own words. All killer, no filler. Other than the questions, no media interference or bias, either.

It covers 9/11, Iran, Rudy Giuliani, the Middle East and the U.S. military. You will either love this or hate it. But it is unedited and Paul in his own words.

You be the judge.

by Mondoreb



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Motorcyclists Terrify Motorists: Like a Bad Movie

A couple St. Louis-area motorists were the victims of a bizarre group of bikers who can only be said were auditioning for a part in the next big B-movie.

A throng of motorcyclists terrified two motorists in separate incidents over the weekend and has local police officers at a loss as to what to do about it.

The two episodes involved motorcyclists who were doing stunts as they surrounded vehicles in St. Louis and St. Louis County. Both motorists said that they were almost forced to stop on the roadway because the riders on Japanese-model motorcycles started throwing things at or kicking their vehicles.

The first incident happened about 2:45 p.m. Sunday, when a man was driving his Chrysler LHS on northbound Interstate 270 as it approached Interstate 70 in Maryland Heights.

According to a 911 tape released by police, the motorist pleaded for police to help him: "There's 50 of them (motorcyclists) and they're trying to take over the highway. … This guy just threw something at my car. You gotta get some cops out here. The whole highway is jammed." The sound of motorcycle engines whined in the background


As the man was talking, a 911 call came in from a motorist driving south on Interstate 270: "Is somebody coming? They're kicking this guy's car."

The woman caller gave the same location: Interstate 270 north at Interstate 70.

About five minutes after the first call, the dispatcher sent police.

By the time police arrived, the group of cyclists were gone from Maryland Heights' jurisdiction and were driving east on Interstate 70, toward the city.

The dispatcher called the man back: "I don't know if anyone can pull over 50 bikes. That's the issue!"

Maryland Heights Police Capt. Bill Carson said the motorist did not file a complaint or stop and talk with an officer. The lack of a report left police with few follow-up options, he said.

Motorists can take heart in the police dispatcher's lament: you can't pull over 50 bikes. Next time you're thinking of getting somewhere in a hurry and speeding:

Get 49 of your closest friends and go for it.

--From the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Notes by Little Baby Ginn & Mondoreb



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Doris Lessing & September 11: Not Politically Correct At All

by Mondoreb

Nobel prize-winning author Doris Lessing was her non-PC self in her recent quotes. Praised for her "scepticism, fire and visionary power", it was all on display in a recent interview. From the Telegraph:

Doris Lessing, the Nobel Prize-winning British author, has called the attacks on New York on Sept 11, 2001, "not that terrible", compared to the campaign of terror waged by the IRA in the UK.


"September 11 was terrible, but if one goes back over the history of the IRA, what happened to the Americans wasn't that terrible,” she told Spanish newspaper El Pais.

Lessing explained and added a bit of history. She also included a little bit of an observation about Americans that's sure to rankle.

"Some Americans will think I'm crazy. Many people died, two prominent buildings fell, but it was neither as terrible nor as extraordinary as they think. They're a very naive people, or they pretend to be," she said of the Americans.

"Do you know what people forget? That the IRA attacked with bombs against our Government.”

Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the Sept 11 attacks of 2001. More than 3,500 died and thousands more were injured in more than 30 years of violence in Northern Ireland.

The loss of life was concentrated into one horrific incident in the United States. The loss of life in Great Britain was no less horrific, though spread out over a much longer period. Those who quarrel about the details are missing the big picture: Doris Lessing thought both occurrences were horrible. She just wasn't politically correct about in stating it. That's a right you gain when you've lived 88 years on this rock.

Let he who is without sin, cast the first bomb.

Also from DBKP:
Doris Lessing: 9/11 Attacks Not So Bad, Doris Not So PC



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Doris Lessing:"9/11 Attacks Not Bad" : Nobel Winner Speaks Her Non-PC Mind

[photo:chrissaunders]
by Little Baby Ginn & Mondoreb

Doris Lessing, Nobel Literature Prize winner is a candid speaker. Usually it's Al Gore, then it was James Watson, now it's Doris Lessing. What is it about winning a Nobel Prize that almost forces the winner into inserting his/her foot into their mouth? It's a question some aspiring future winner in the Medicine or Physics categories might consider taking up.
From the AP:

Nobel laureate Doris Lessing said the Sept. 11 attacks in the United States were "not that terrible" when compared to attacks by the IRA in Britain.

"September 11 was terrible, but if one goes back over the history of the IRA, what happened to the Americans wasn't that terrible," the Nobel Literature Prize winner told the leading Spanish daily El Pais.

"Some Americans will think I'm crazy. Many people died, two prominent buildings fell, but it was neither as terrible nor as extraordinary as they think. They're a very naive people, or they pretend to be," she said in an interview published Sunday.

At least Doris Lessing is a colorful speaker. She had plenty to say and said it. And she was an equal opportunity basher, offending both Left and Right. On the subject of Iran:

I hate Iran, I hate the Iranian government, it's a cruel and evil government," she was quoted as saying.

"Look what happened to its president in New York, they called him evil and cruel in Colombia University. Marvelous! They should have said more to him! Nobody criticizes him, because of oil."

Nobody criticizes Ahmadinejad? The British media must be more controlled than we're led to believe. On the subject of Tony Blair:

"I always hated Tony Blair, from the beginning," El Pais quoted Lessing as saying. "Many of us hated Tony Blair, I think he has been a disaster for Britain and we have suffered him for many years. I said it when he was elected: This man is a little showman who is going to cause us problems and he did."

And she didn't leave out President Bush:

"As for Bush, he's a world calamity," added Lessing. "Everyone is tired of this man. Either he is stupid or he is very clever, although you have to remember he is a member of a social class which has profited from wars."

All in all, it was a breath-taking interview for the Nobel Literature prize winner.

And despite all the condemnation she's sure to gather, maybe some plaudits should go out in these times of Political Correctness for someone who isn't afraid to speak their mind. Whether you agree with her or not.



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911 Victim Finally Laid To Rest: Funeral Was Friday

[photo:Syracuse.com]
by Mondoreb & Little Baby Ginn

Six years after the events of September 11, a victim is finally laid to rest. From Syracuse.com:

Laura Lee Morabito was laid to rest Friday, six years after she died in a plane that struck one of the World Trade Center towers in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

"It's somewhat surreal being in front of you after 6 years of my sister's death," said Craig Defazio of Clarks Summit, Pa., during a funeral service at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Skaneateles.

The funeral was scheduled after Morabito's wedding ring and her remains, identified through DNA testing Sept. 12, was returned to her family. Two memorial services had been held in 2001. This time, the family said, they could have the relief of burying her in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Fleming where a headstone awaits.

"In another sense, I could feel a whole lot of emotion being resurrected again," Defazio said.

Laura Lee Morabito, 34, was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston, Mass., that was hijacked by terrorists and crashed into the Twin Towers in New York Sept. 11. She was a national sales manager for Qantas Airways and is believed to have been seated in first class, next to two of the hijackers.

Another family hopefully finds a little closure, six years after.



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PC Queen Dowd Snarks Rudy for Pro-American Behavior During War And the Sun Rises in the East

Dowd: Are the snakes causing the snarks?
[image:Little Baby Ginn]
by Mondoreb & Little Baby Ginn

You'd think Maureen Dowd would change her M.O. occasionally and give long-suffering readers of her New York Times snarkfest a break. The latest Dowd sneer-o-rama focused on David Horowitz and Rudy Giuliani. What did the two gentlemen do to merit the condescension that is a tiny slice of the Dowdrums?

Why, they pointed out that Islamofascists threatened to kill Americans, have killed Americans and have rained destruction on Dowd's New York City. So who's Maureen Dowd worried about?

The Arabs, of course. But let her tell it:

The Freedom Center’s terrorism awareness program is urging college students to stage sit-ins outside the offices of women’s studies departments to protest “the silence of feminists over the oppression of women in Islam” and to distribute pamphlets on Islamo-Fascism. Their titles include “The Islamic Mein Kampf,” “Why Israel is the Victim” and “Jimmy Carter’s War Against the Jews.”

One wonders, "Where are the feminists?" Where is their outrage over the oppression of the Muslim women? Evidently Muslim women do not count in Dowd's Feminist World. How is it that she refuses to acknowledge the work of Ahmadinejad and Iran’s attempts to write revisionist history of the Holocaust; the Mullah’s talk of driving the
“Zionists” from the face of the earth; or, Jimmy Carter’s Habitat For Inhumanity adopting the extremely dysfunctional Hamas terrorists in the name of solving the Middle East “Peace” Crisis?

The snark soon turns to Rudy:

But Rudy seems out of the Republican mainstream on even giving lip-service to Palestinian aspirations. He has no patience for buttering up the Arabs, or the Republican men’s club attitude represented by Saudi-loving Bush senior and James Baker that has always favored a more “even-handed” policy in the Middle East.

Rudy couldn't possibly have views formed from what happened on September 11: it's all a political calculation as Dowd reports it. And so on and on and on.

Rudy was 'rude' and this constitutes 'roughing up'. What kind of scornful bon mot does Dowd use for the 9/11 hijackers? The ones that put Horowitz and Giuliani in her sights.

One wishes Maureen Dowd to once write a column that would show contempt for that tight little circle she frequents, instead of those calling attention to America's enemies. Just once. But then, if that were to happen, Maureen Dowd might be on the receiving end of elite snark. And that would set the snakes in anyone's head to writhing.

For perhaps a more forgiving view of Dowd, check out the Dowd Report.
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