Would Yusuf Islam be allowed in your country?

or under a Democratic US government?

Published on September 23, 2004 By Muggaz In International

Yusuf is Islam was promptly deported from the United States when it was learned he was en route to Washington with his daughter - who was allowed to stay...

the question has come up after a compatriot of mine questioned why I am so eager to support my current government - the Howard led coalition, yet I constanlty barage American policies. My compatriot questions my beleifs because our government is an ally and friend of the United States. I am happy with this arrangement - we can look out for each other, but that doesn't mean we have to agree with each other.

The Howard government has many policies I disagree with, but as a whole, the Liberal party support's my interests, and some of my political ideoligies - they are the closest thing I have to vote for, so I will support them. They are a centralist party, in line with my views, and Australia is still very much a socialist democracy - we enjoy many benefits that other countries don't, and we are not taxed disproportionately to our income, and standard of living.

Of course, I am a successful white male, so some may class me as a fascist pig - I protested several times against the war in Iraq, but my heart tells me, we would have gone under a labor government as well, albeit a bit more skeptically, we have to honour our relationship with the US, and Howard was convinced that this was in Australia's best interests - let's count this as a learning experience - next time he will know better - people make mistakes, that's why they have erasers on pencils.

I can support my government, because I know when I get sick, if I didn't have private health insurance I would still be reasonably well looked after, I can afford the piece of mind of private health care, so I pay for it. I know our govenrment is tolerant of privacies, and certainly multi-culturalism, so I will be happy to vote for them.

I guess the most important thing to me is that I know Yusuf Islam would be allowed into Australia, because we are a great and fair country, a Democracy is measured by it's people, and I think Aussies are alright... That's not to say American's aren't alright... American's are a proud people, but when the world I live in is negatively affected by that pride/arrogance, I write as a citizen of the world.

When it comes to mistakes Australian administrations have made - and there have been plenty, I swallow my pride... because I am so proud of my great country.

Will John Kerry be able to assume that mantle if the American voting public take more pride in America? or swallow some of it?

BAM!!!

Comments (Page 2)

sandy2

on Sep 23, 2004

Bush should be thrown out of our contry for his ties to terrorists.

Grim Xiozan

on Sep 23, 2004

Would Yusal Islam be allowed in your country?

Sorry I don't have a country of my own, I live in a country, but I have little to no say who is allowed in or not, would be nice to play that way, stand at the border here comes some Celebrity they think they are a big shot and such. You tell them NO GO AWAY you are not allowed here, and the have to turn around and with a poopy face crying about the mean old GX who won't let them go home. Though I think Yusif Islam has been in England long enough to be a citizen there.

I could also do that border trick to big corporate heads, oh the good times that could be had, letting Mexicans go behind right into the country, while I stop some big corporate exec, ah that would be nice and funny, hehehe

- GX
"I have no answers to your questions, but I can question your demands." - Motto Inspired by Laibach's WAT

Muggaz

on Sep 23, 2004

This the same Australia that kicks out boatloads of people trying to escape oppression?

We dont kick them out immediately... every country has standard immigration procedures... in this particular instance - it is irrelavant.

If Yusuf Islam was as dangerous as it is suggested by deporting him - why didn't you seize the oppurtunity and bang him in Guantanamo? I am sure there a plenty of nice Orange jumpsuits his size?

BAM!!!

Grim Xiozan

on Sep 23, 2004

Would Yusal Islam be allowed in your country?

I thought of a good one.

He can be allowed in, only if it keeps Johnny Depp out.

Texas Wahine

on Sep 23, 2004

Johnny Depp lives in France

Grim Xiozan

on Sep 23, 2004

Johnny Depp lives in France

He comes to the US for films and awards, so let's keep him out of the US period.

Texas Wahine

on Sep 23, 2004

You didn't like Pirates of the Carribean?

Grim Xiozan

on Sep 23, 2004

You didn't like Pirates of the Carribean?

No I don't like how Hollywood portrays pirates, for one they never seem to use an accurate flag.
The Jolly Roger never existed, it was a flag that no Pirates used.

It should have been rated Argh
For Pirates ye mateys.

- GX

Texas Wahine

on Sep 23, 2004

It should have been rated Argh
For Pirates ye mateys

Ahhh . . . my seven year old's favorite joke!

Grim Xiozan

on Sep 23, 2004

Argh matey this here be what ye seek, the flag of me fav-o-rit pirate cap'n, Cap'n Jack Rackham also known as Calico Jack, argh.

A little tid bit of info about me fav-o-rite cap'n:

John Rackham ('Calico Jack')
July 1718 to November 1720. English. Ships: William. Nicknamed 'Calico Jack' because he wore clothing made of calico (a white cloth imported from Calcutta, India), John Rackham was typical of many pirates whose sloops preyed on coastal shipping. Little is known of his origins, but by 1718 he had somehow made his way to New Providence Island. He served with Charles Vane, fleeing the Island when Vane escaped from Governor Rogers. By the spring of 1719 he was elected as quartermaster, and became Vane's deputy. Soon after a quarrel broke out among the crew, and Rackham replaced Vane as the Captain. Vane was put ashore and Rackham continued Vane's cruise in two sloops.
According to some accounts the vessels were both lost when a Jamaican based patrol sloop captured them while most of the crew were ashore. Rackham returned to New Providence, and in May 1719 he was granted a pardon by Governor Rogers as a part of Rogers' general pirate amnesty. It was there he met Anne Bonney, wife of James Bonney, and they became lovers. Law-abiding life ashore proved unpalatable, and in August 1719, with other former pirates, Rackham and Bonney stole a sloop named William, and returned to piracy. His crew included the female pirates Anne Bonney and Mary Reade. Based in Bahamian waters, he cruised between Bermuda and Hispaniola, capturing several ships and a number of profitable cargoes. He then sailed around Cuba attacking local craft before reaching the north coast of Jamaica. There his luck ran out. While at anchor off the western tip of the island, he was surprised by a sloop belonging to the Governor. Most of Rackham's nine male crew were drunk, but according to testimonies the women roused the men into action. The William cut her anchor cable and fled, but was overhauled by the Jamaican sloop during the night. The ships exchanged fire, and then Captain Barnet led a boarding party onto the deck of the pirate vessel. Bonney and Reade were the only members of the crew who offered any kind of resistance. Rackham himself was apparently too drunk to defend himself. The women were overcome, and the pirates were taken to Port Royal to stand trial. He was tried on November 27th and hanged the next day.

Grim Xiozan

on Sep 23, 2004

Another one that everybody and his brother seems to be knowin' is good ole' Cap'n Edward Teach, or as we call'em Blackbeard

Edward Teach ('Blackbeard')
September 1717 to November 1718. English. Ships: Queen Anne's Revenge, Revenge. AKA.: Blackbeard, Thatch, Edmund Drummond. Blackbeard, as Teach is most widely known as, is the classic example of what most envision as a pirate. Defoe wrote about Teach, exaggerating his character into an irrational creature who performed the most heinous acts against mankind. These acts had him shooting crewmen every now and then to remind the crew who was boss, locking himself and his first mate in a hold with fiery brimstone while Teach ranted like the possessed, having more than 14 wives, twisting saltpeter wicks into his beard and lighting them before battle giving himself an aura of demonic possession, and in general painting a picture of him as being superhuman and totally corrupt. Latter authors have embellished upon Defoe's creation to the point where "Blackbeard" is synonymous with the devil incarnate. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Edward Teach was born in Bristol, England. He served the crown on Jamaican ships raiding the French and Spanish ships during the War of Spanish Succession (1702- 1713 ). He enlisted with Benjamin Hornigold in 1716 at New Providence Island. On one excursion, Teach was given command of a captured sloop. Hornigold and Teach plundered several ships off the American coast and in the Caribbean in 1717. Toward the end of the year, they seized a large well built ship that had been trading between Africa and Martinique. After dividing their plunder, Hornigold and Teach went their own ways. Teach keeping the prize and renaming her "Queen Anne's Revenge". Teach armed her with 40 cannon. Teach captured and burned a large British merchantman near Saint Vincent. According to Defoe, he also fought off the warship "Scarborough". The log of the aforementioned ship has no mention of any encounter with pirates. Teach took several sloops off Crab Island and Saint Kitts with a crew of 300.
Teach was very charismatic, a natural born leader. His crew was highly disciplined and Teach was shown the utmost respect as were his officers. He was a skilled navigator, literate, and physically impressive.
January 1718, Teach arrived at Bath, North Carolina. Teach was given a pardon by Governor Charles Eden after he swore an oath to give up piracy. At Bath Teach found a new window of opportunity. He sold pirate loot, finding that the locals would pay a higher price for the goods than the fences he was accustomed to using. Teach sailed for the Bay of Honduras in March, 1718. He met Stede Bonnet along the way. Teach took Bonnet's ship the "Revenge" and made Bonnet his guest against Bonnet's will. A member of Teach's crew by the name of Richards was given command of Bonnet's ship. Not long after Bonnet's impressment, Teach captured the sloop "Adventure" putting Israel Hands in charge of the "Adventure". Captain David Herriot had been in charge of the "Adventure" and decided to join Teach's crew after losing his ship. Teach would soon add another sloop, the name not known. This brought Teach's fleet to 4 sloops. With his fleet he looted several ships in the Bay of Honduras. Teach then struck north where he would take several more prizes.
Teach blockaded Charleston, South Carolina and plundered around 9 ships in May, 1718. One of the prizes carried several high-ranking citizens of Charleston as well as £ 1,500 in coinage. Teach informed the governor that ransom was demanded for the prisoners. He demanded a medicine chest and certain drugs (Venereal disease was a common affliction among pirates) worth less than £ 400. Teach's demands were met and all prisoners released unharmed.
Teach next made his way to North Carolina going by way of the Topsail Inlet ( Beaufort Inlet ). Teach ran his ships "Adventure" and "Queen Anne's Revenge" aground striking a sandbar. It is speculated that Teach ran his ships aground to avoid splitting their booty. Some of the crew were upset at Teach's tactics and voiced their opinion. The riotous men were marooned on the sandbar. Teach gave the ship "Revenge" back to Bonnet. Teach took about 40 men and the loot and made off in the fourth unnamed sloop.
Teach arrived at Bath where he was welcomed as an important member of the community. Teach received a second pardon from Governor Eden. The sloop which he had stolen from British merchants was certified to Teach by the Vice-Admiralty court. At Bath, Teach purchased a house across from the governor's house and anchored his ship at Ocracoke Island. Teach married the 16 year old daughter of a wealthy plantation owner. At the celebration Teach was wined and dined by the local gentry. Teach would show his appreciation by lavishly entertaining them in return. Teach would stay at Bath for several months.
Teach went to Philadelphia where a warrant was issued for his arrest. He left Philadelphia, sailing for Bermuda where he seized 2 French ships. One of the ships was loaded with coca and sugar, the other ship empty. Teach released the French crew giving them the empty ship. Teach took his prize to Bath, arriving there in September. At Bath, Governor Eden and Tobias Knight, the colony's chief justice declared the French ship a derelict. Teach was allowed to keep the cargo after burning the ship. For their fee, Governor Eden received 60 barrels of sugar, Tobias Knight received 20. In October 1718, Teach was visited at Ocracoke by Charles Vane. The two enjoyed a drunken feast.
The governor of Virginia, Alexander Spotswood had become wary of the pirates settled to his south. During the trial of William Howard (Teach's former quartermaster), Howard testified to Teach's crimes. Governor Spotswood coveting Teach's supposed riches seized the opportunity to dispatch 2 sloops to attack Ocracoke. He further sent forces overland to attack in tandem with the two sloops commanded by Robert Maynard.
December 2, 1718, Maynard arrived at Ocracoke with about 60 men. They attacked Teach's force of about 20 the following morning. Maynard's force tried to board Teach's vessel as they had no cannon. According to Defoe, Teach raised a glass and toasted Maynard with the oath:
"Damnation seize my soul if I give you quarters, or take any from you."
Maynard trying to close ran both his ships aground on a sandbar. Teach fired a broadside, disabling one of Maynard's sloops and killing about 20 of Maynard's men. Maynard tried to close after hiding his men below deck. Teach's men threw grenades when Maynard's ship closed, but they were ineffective as only Maynard's pilot and helmsman were on deck. Teach grappled and boarded with about 12 others. Maynard's force swarmed on deck and commenced to fight hand to hand. Teach and Maynard met in personal combat. Teach was shot by Maynard but the ball had no visible effect. Maynard's cutlass stopping a powerful blow from Teach snapped at the hilt. When Teach moved in to finish Maynard a British seaman attacked him from behind wounding Teach in the throat and neck. Teach continued to swing his cutlass as blood was spurting from his neck. Teach was encircled by Maynard's men. Teach received five pistol shots and 20 severe sword wounds before finally succumbing. Maynard decapited Teach displaying his head on the prow of his ship. Spotswood's dreams of riches was unfulfilled as only about £ 2,238 of booty was collected from Teach's haven.
Many have sought in vain for supposed buried treasure only to find nothing. It is doubtful that Blackbeard ever had any treasure to bury as he never took a prize of much value and that which he took was more than likely spent on his lavish lifestyle.

Dis info and the one above can be had at Davy Jones's locker at this web address link that below this line, argh
Link

messybuu

on Sep 23, 2004

Should people with ties to terrorist organizations be allowed in the United States? If so, should we blame Bush if they are involved in an act of terror?

Muggaz

on Sep 24, 2004

Should people with ties to terrorist organizations be allowed in the United States? If so, should we blame Bush if they are involved in an act of terror?

As others have said mate - I guess it comes down to your definition of terrorist... in my definitions, anyone with any ties to the Israeli Likud party is a terrorist, but thats just me

As a side note... Ninja's are way better than Pirates.

BAM!!!

Grim Xiozan

on Sep 24, 2004

As a side note... Ninja's are way better than Pirates.

No, Pirate Ninjas are even better.

Open Fire!!

Phoenixboi

on Sep 24, 2004

This the same Australia that kicks out boatloads of people trying to escape oppression

Exactly Dragnol.. the same country that had the "children overboard" before the last election which caused a huge scandal and swayed the election results..which now surprise surprise is been proven to be false and Howard knew about it before he opened his filthy mouth and bragged about it. Its the same country who has a government which refuses to say a simple "sorry" to the indigenous community so real reconciliation can take place. It's the same country who has as its leader a man who said "never ever" to GST yet brought it into place apon election. ... I could go on but it might be seen as hijacking.

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