[Penumbra]

I suppose this belongs in fantasy more than anyplace else because I've been dreaming about it. I don't suppose many of you know the game of baseball, but last night the New York Yankees overcame overwhelming odds to defeat the Arizona Diamondbacks in thrilling style. Mayor Giuliani was there. The night before, George W. Bush bravely walked to the pitcher's mound in front of thousands of people and threw out the first pitch, in spite of a huge alert that the terrorist were planning another attack. New York needed these fantasies to become real and I wanted to share them with you. Sometimes actions inspire people more than books can.

[Rob B]

I'm probably about the biggest Yankee fan here, but I've gotta move this to General Discussion.

[mundanemies]

As a newbie Mets-fan I see this Yankees-frenzy a bit overwhelming http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/biggrin.gif
But nevertheless, great feats in sports are always something that I feel very strongly. Like this World series. I'm galled by the notion taht this is supposedly the World Championships http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/frown.gif but at the same time I'm moved by the game itself.
Mets had a great ending for the season, tho they didn't manage to make it thru to the play-offs. Now It looks like a real humdinger is about to be played in NYC as well as in AZ.

Sport. Funny thing, but I have never managed to absorb myself into literature, be the book as fantastic as I've ever read or into movie magic as much, as I have been immersed myself into a game. Whether I've been playing football or watching ice-hockey.

The World Championship-finals in ice-hockey in 1995 and 1995... The emotions, the feeling, the tension... Nothing comes close. Not even sex. (ups, well... maybe sex)

Here goes: GO YANKEES!

[Rob B]

I've been a Yanks fan my whole life (25+ years). these last two games were unbelievable.

[James Barclay]

Even from this side of the pond, it's been uplifting to see New York really getting back on its feet. The World Series (interesting term) has come along at the perfect time.

And great though George Bush's actions are in getting down to the pitcher's mound, I think a lot of people over here would like to see him out in the field where it really counts, trying to maintain support for the war on terror and working towards a peaceful solution. By which I mean the Middle East. Like Tony Blair has.

[Penumbra]

NOM,

England was not directly attacked, even though many British died at WTC. Bush needs to heal America first and he is attempting to do that. Hundreds of thousands are unemployed. Industry is stifled. The people are upset with the anthrax threats and there are 7 million potential terrorists in our land for us to investigate.

No! I personally don't like Bush and despised his father, but I have to give the fellow his due. We've got ambassadors and other high profile folk to do what Blair is doing, though I grant you he is an outstanding statesman. I believe they are coordinating their activities and keep each other informed. Bush visit the Middle East? Heck, we've got Colon Polyp for that, or whatever his name is.

[James Barclay]

But he's not out there is he, Colin Powell. Nor Rumsfeld.

7 million terrorists? How did you work that out?

I'm aware we weren't directly attacked but we have been a target for terrorists for more decades than I care to mention. Point is, this is supposed to be a global war on terrorism and an attempt to find a lasting peace in the middle east. Right now, only Blair is out there doing anything diplomatic while the rest of the world becomes increasingly unhappy with the bombing of Afghanistan.

Healing the US is terribly important and the anthrax threats are profoundly worrying but the quickest way to a solution is to take away the thing that the US public fears. ie the threat of extremist attack. Throwing baseballs isn't going to do it. Neither is endless bombing. Bush is an incredibly important figure in this game and he isn't visible enough to the rest of the world.

And rising unemployment and a global economic slowdown were happening well before Sept 11th. We're all victims of that, not just the US.

[Rob B]

Tony Blair is the man. He says what needs to be said:
{paraphrasing} It would be a risk/danger to strike back at the terrorists, it would be a greater risk/danger not to do so

[Shehzad]

Can we for GOD's sake keep a thread apolitical!!!

BTW Penumbra, who exactly ARE those 7 million potential terrorists?

[James Barclay]

Don't think anyone's against the validity of striking back at the terrorists. The problem is creating a humanitarian disaster and killing innocents while you do it.

Using terms like 'unavoidable collateral damage' dehumanises what is going on. And that is, totally helpless and innocent people dying. This is what has to be addressed or we'll be creating more terrorists than we catch.