It is easy to dismiss those fighting the Lebanese Army as terrorist. For the refugees living in the camps, these are not terrorists, but fighters with an agenda. So maximus, what do you know (truly) about the complex situation in the Middle East? (other than just repeating what's being said by right wing talking heads)

Just a few of the right-wing talking-heads that I was parroting:

“Fateh Al-Islam, a relatively new group inspired by al-Qaida, is challenging the Lebanese army in Tripoli.” NPR

“For a second day Monday, refugees were caught in crossfire as the Lebanese military surrounding the Nahr el-Bared camp sought to crush a militant group with al-Qaida ties that was holed up inside.” MSNBC

“Fighters from the al-Qaida-inspired Fatah Islam militant group, estimated in the hundreds, have barricaded themselves in the camp, saying they will fight off any Lebanese attack.” ZEINA KARAM, AP

“TRIPOLI, Lebanon (AP) — A senior Islamic militant leader vowed Wednesday that fighters holed up in a Palestinian refugee camp besieged by Lebanese troops will never surrender or leave and will fight to the death if attacked. The militant, who goes by the name Abu Hureira and identified himself as Fatah Islam's deputy leader, spoke to The Associated Press while sitting on the floor at the end of a dimly lit building basement off a main street deep inside the Nahr el-Bared camp.” USA TODAY

For those living in the camps, these are indeed the terrorists. I suppose that you would refer to them as freedom fighters.

Maximus

Are you aware that the 'refugees' support the Lebanese Army and have given them information and support in the 'cleansing' of the Syrian backed (and al-qaeda associated) Fatah al-Islam members that have infiltraited the camp and intimidated and threatened and harmed the 'refugees' and attacked the Lebanese Army?

By the way, how do you feel about the Kennedy Immigration reform bill?

The New Kids

Democrats on Terrorism

You seem to be on the right track here...just did additional research and it seems that Fatah al-Islam is in fact a renegade group, a remnant of the factions involved in the Lebanese Civil war.

On the proposed immigration bill, I believe it is a compromise, something must be done to bring people out of the shadows. I myself employ quite a few immigrants that showed me work papers that are probably fake but I don't have the detective skills to judge legitimacy. One thing I will say: they work like hell and have never let me down in my business. I have learned to appreciate their willingness to work hard, all the most having been where they are now. Evarybody needs to get real with this issue, immigration is a trend fueled by accelerated globalization, the movement of goods, information and resources with little regards to national borders. It's not going to stop no matter how loud Tancredo, Lou Dobbs, O'Reilly and the likes whine.

Thanks for your reply. I too have found the work ethic of the Hispanic population of 'illegals' admirable.

My biggest concern with any proposal is with the fairness of allowing those already here illegally to move ahead of others. I would not support that. I know some very hard working Asians and Middle Easterners from Pakistan (who also work very hard and even own small businesses) who have been slowly moving through the process of citizenship for several years now.

Also, unfortunately, MS 13 and the like are also here illegally (for the most part) and are ruining the reputation of those that are here to work hard and get ahead. Digame lo que usted piensa a mi amigo nuevo.

The New Kids

Democrats on Terrorism

See "Indocumentado" = Abusive Illegal Alien's comments to me here, and Hack's and Enigma's responses also.

Illegato Indocumentado's admission:

"What difference doest it make? [In response to the question, "Legal or illegal residents?"] I am undocumented (which is different than illegal, as no human being is illegal) and have a big nice house in PTC."

This seems to contradict this snobbish (with a little Baptist-bashing thrown in) post by Indoc:

I am a US citizen.
I am also a citizen of a few additional countries (the EU) and a country in Latin America.
Just trying to bring a little broader perspective to these silly little-village discussions. It's like the Baptists believing they will be the only ones in Heaven....

Will you translate, "Digame lo que usted piensa a mi amigo nuevo" for those of us who do not have the ESL distinction?

Digame lo que usted piensa a mi amigo nuevo - I can handle that translation for you Denise. In English it means (roughly): You think forever love my new friend??? Don;t ask me I am just trying to interpret this mess. Maybe Mixer was "eating the worm" when he wrote it Ha!

Mixer, my real friend, you may want to look back at your 'new friend’s' previous posts if you would like to see why he came out claiming Mixer was spewing 'Right-Wing' talking points. His retraction is as close to admitting he is wrong (as usual) as you will find. I actually think it's just yet another account of 'basmati's'.

Thanks Enigma, I asked "what say you my new friend"? I use it as a figure os speech.

I was hoping he would see the error of accusing Maximus of being biased in his previous statement and was asking for his view on the Kennedy/Bush amnesty bill.

The New Kids
Democrats on Terrorism