Half-Billion $ Theme Park for Baghdad

[-LiLDaReDeViL5-]

Llewellyn Werner admits he is facing obstacles most amusement park developers never have to deal with – insurgent attacks and looting.

When you are building an amusement park in downtown Baghdad, those risks come with the territory.

Mr Werner, chairman of C3, a Los Angeles-based holding company for private equity firms, is pouring millions of dollars into developing the Baghdad Zoo and Entertainment Experience, a massive American-style amusement park that will feature a skateboard park, rides, a concert theatre and a museum.

It is being designed by the firm that developed Disneyland. “The people need this kind of positive influence. It’s going to have a huge psychological impact,” Mr Werner said.

The 50-acre (20 hectare) swath of land sits adjacent to the Green Zone and encompasses Baghdad’s existing zoo, which was looted, left without power and abandoned after the American-led invasion in 2003. Only 35 of 700 animals survived – some starved, some were stolen and some were killed by Iraqis fearing food shortages.

In the years that followed, the zoo and the surrounding al-Zawra park became an occasional target for insurgent attacks. But in recent months, families have begun to return cautiously for weekend picnics. Renovations have already begun on the zoo, with cages being repainted and new animals arriving, including ostriches, bears and a lion.

Mr Werner, who has been sold a 50-year lease on the site by the Mayor of Baghdad for an undisclosed sum, says that the time is ripe for the amusement park. “I think people will embrace it. They’ll see it as an opportunity for their children regardless if they’re Shia or Sunni. They’ll say their kids deserve a place to play and they’ll leave it alone.”

Ali al-Dabbagh, a spokesman for the Government, is equally optimistic: “There is a shortage of entertainment in the city. Cinemas can’t open. Playgrounds can’t open. The fun park is badly needed for Baghdad. Children don’t have any opportunities to enjoy their childhood.” Mr al-Dabbagh added that entry to the park would be strictly controlled.

The project will cost $500 million (£250 million) and will be managed by Iraqis. Under the terms of the lease, Mr Werner will retain exclusive rights to housing and hotel developments, which he says will be both culturally sensitive and enormously profitable. “I wouldn’t be doing this if I wasn’t making money,” he said. “I also have this wonderful sense that we’re doing the right thing – we’re going to employ thousands of Iraqis. But mostly everything here is for profit.”

Article: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article3802051.ece (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article3802051.ece)

:haha: Oh,c'mon! Admit you laughed when you read “I also have this wonderful sense that we’re doing the right thing – we’re going to employ thousands of Iraqis. But mostly everything here is for profit.”
Yeah,the right thing is making you rich! :mad: :haha:

Like this will last anyway?

[LightGrenades]

I didn't laugh at all. I'm glad that the Iraqis are starting to realize that they are free now, and can do stuff like this.

Plus, employing thousands of Iraqis can potentially deter any younger people from taking the 'extreme' route when they have something to work and live for....

I just don't see what's so funny...

[Coaster Guru]

Well, let's see, an American company, building a high-value in Baghdad, right after Americans invaded. At least it'll go out in a bang.

[Bored Bunny]

Well, it's certainly a step in the right direction.

[CoasterDude5]

I doubt this is going to happen. But if it does, great!

[Westcot]

If this does happen... let's just say that it probably won't be around too long. Sorry for my bad "stereotypical" response, but this is true.

Yeah, this doesn't make sense. It would be like an American company building an amusement park in Germany in WWII. :confused:

[fathorse]

Sadly, that would probably have gone over well. The Germans didn't think we were the great Satan coming to ruin the world with pictures of naked women and booze.

[-LiLDaReDeViL5-]

I didn't laugh at all. I'm glad that the Iraqis are starting to realize that they are free now, and can do stuff like this.
I just don't see what's so funny...
No,it's the Americans who are building this,not the Iraqis.It has disaster written all over it,and I'm not stero-typing,but face it a multi-million $ project built by an American in their country won't last long if it does happen.
And I was laughing at the quote where this guy said he's doing the right thing by hiring Iraqi's but most importantly making money.

[LightGrenades]

Yes, I realize that, but doesn't mean it's a bad thing. The park would/will sit right next to, or inside the Green Zone, the safest place in Baghdad.

I think some are trying to get politics involved in this, when it's a non-issue. Regardless if it were an American company or not, the fact that entrainment venues and other similar ideas/places are springing up is a step in the right direction, where they wouldn't have had the possibility years ago.

Capitalism is nothing new. The guy is right, he needs to make money. Making money=more employees. More employees=happier populous. Happier populous=more money spent. More money spent=more improvements/better economy. Basic principal.

And WWII and this are completely separate entities. Whereas WWII was fought against an enemy we knew and could identify, we are facing a whole new kind of warfare. No set army, no 'distinguishing' characteristics of said enemy. They are people fueled by hate and nothing to live for, and have nothing to mark them out of normal society.

[pnkfloyd12]

Yes, I realize that, but doesn't mean it's a bad thing. The park would/will sit right next to, or inside the Green Zone, the safest place in Baghdad.


That's kinda like saying you're bleeding profusely but you're on the opposite side of a shark tank from where the shark is, so it's the safest place in the tank. I think 9/11 showed us that there really is no "safest" place anywhere for the general public.

While the idea is great, the fact that an American is building it makes it an instant target. Even if it wasn't an American building it, isn't capitalism one of the things the terrorists hate about us?

[FlyingPenguins]

As much as it's a nice way to show that Iraq can now enjoy some Westerner-style entertainment, the park will probably literally have a "__ days without a suicide bombing" sign outside the park. Far too easy of a target for anti-Americans insurgents.

[TheSkipper]

Well, they will most likely only need numbers up to 3 for the days sign.

I can just see how Warner characters, or Scooby and gang, or Dr. Seuss would go over..... So who would be their "idols"
What would the rides be, coasters named Osama or Saddham?
Joe Camel for a mascot?
Headgear by Omar... No ball caps, beanies, foam hats...just turban's... Fashion for the ladies to buy? Tie dyed Burka's?
Souvenirs? Osama whisker set? Hussein moustaches?
Board games, Jihadopoly, UnSorry?

[Coaster Guru]

I think this is a huge mistake, as I thought of yet another reason from my last post. This will be designed by the firm that helped with Disneyland, so it will probably be similiar. Also, back at 9/11, Disneyland was a target. Something similiar on their turf will only make it easier.

[TheSkipper]

IT would only work if it was built for "prophet"

[imagineer10]

IT would only work if it was built for "prophet"
LOL! Nice one, but yea that would be a big waste, and also they would have such a big bill for the summer for A/C and water and electricity. But also it would be difficult to maintain it because of the war if people were to bomb the place so they would have to have a larger perimiter and alot of security and alot of A/C

[aoshi]

This isn't exactly what I would rate as a top priority over there. :o

[icutoo]

I can't wait to ride "Bombs Away"!!!

[thetrooper]

It seems pretty stupid.
The Americans are an enemy because of the "invasion with intent to occupy" of a muslim country.
Even though the Americans have no intent to occupy because, well, why would you want Iraq? The terrorists will see an American company building a massive attraction in their country as a sign that America is occupying and not on a peacekeeping mission.
They don't care either way but this does make it look like they have a point and will only add fuel to the fire.
That said, it might be fun :up:

[pnkfloyd12]

The new thrill ride will be seeing how many car bombs you can avoid.

[wabigbear]

Stupid.

Most of the city doesn't have a sewage system let alone electricity for more than a couple hours at a time. So who is this actually aimed at? I highly doubt it's the average Iraqi citizen. It's aimed at those with money who are in the Green Zone doing business with the Americans or the Iraqi governement huddled there. I'm sure building an entertainment complex that most people there can't access even if they could afford it is just something else that will make that populace feel all warm and fuzzy instead of again being left out and alienated by those in power.

The Green Zone may be the 'safest place in Bagdhad', but that's NOT the same as being safe, far from it, it get's mortar rounds landing it all the time and people die there...not exactly a place to take the kiddies for a weekend stroll.

Look at places like Dubai where they are building huge entertainment zones and have hired thousands of workers. The truth is that many of those workers aren't locals, they come from other countries, work for low wages and live in hovels. They don't have the money to even afford to use the entertainment facilities they work at and they sure as heck aren't a 'happier populace'.

Or is this some of the same train of thought that claimed we would be met with flowers and cheers as we entered Baghdad years ago? 'Reality' messed up that little fantasy world, just as it most likely will mess up this one. I have no doubt that the money for this little 'venture' will end up coming out of us American taxpayer's pockets, while yet another American 'patriot' get's rich off other's misery over there. And before anyone suggests that the Iraqi's pick up the tab they can contribute towards paying back what Americans have already shelled out money-wise and maybe try actually spending money to help their people instead of competeing with American companies to see who can make the most profit off this.

Again...just plain stupid.

[The Dave]

The new thrill ride will be seeing how many car bombs you can avoid.
:haha::up:

I wonder what the entertainers will be like. :p

[icutoo]

Faces covered and dresses to passed the ankles...

[Fbh007]

It will exist 1 year,if this project becomes reality!

[Coaster Guru]

I wonder if it's been announced over there through however they communicate.

[TheFreshEffect]

I'm glad that the Iraqis are starting to realize that they are free now, and can do stuff like this.

They're free now, since when..?

[wabigbear]

They're free now, since when..?

Since they opened up that new "Iraqi Center For Interpetive Dance"...next up comes "Shock And Awe - The Musical!" opening at the Cheney Theatre. I'm holding out to hear when they plan to hold the first Iraqi Hemp Fest or their National Cheerleader Championships... Ahhhh, freedom!

[TheFreshEffect]

Of course, how silly of me!

[-LiLDaReDeViL5-]

Car bombs as a drak ride ride? May actually be going on for real.

[wabigbear]

Not that anyone would care, but you can just copy my comment above...I doubt I'll change my opinion between now and next weekend! :p

[Rupeeman]

I think this is a huge mistake, as I thought of yet another reason from my last post. This will be designed by the firm that helped with Disneyland, so it will probably be similiar. Also, back at 9/11, Disneyland was a target. Something similiar on their turf will only make it easier.
They THOUGTH it was a target,if I may correct.;)

But I do wonder...why put a big-budget tourist attraction in a city where nearly everyone is poor,there`s lack of electricity,lots of bombing and MOST of all,no way to get there. (Their airport have been closed the last 20 years)

[Garfield 06]

Why do soooooo many of these comments seem steryotypical to me? Mabey because I try not to be. Sure, I laughed out loud at the Youtube Video "Achmed the Dead Terrorist", but some of these are rather mean. Comon guys, I think this might be useful to the populance, but ONLY if it is done through careful planning and tact. If not, some of your comments up their might become a reality...

G-06

[wabigbear]

I think the only members of the 'populance' that might find this useful will be the foreigners there, as well as the families of the elite, it ain't going to be useful to an Iraqi family where everyone's been unemployed for years, barely have enough to eat, (and even if they did have food there's only six hours of electricity a day to cool the frig). Maybe they can tip-toe through the open sewers on the way to a fun-filled day spending half their annual salary at this park that some caring American built to better their poor lives (and line his pocket).

[LightGrenades]

They're free now, since when..?

Since they opened up that new "Iraqi Center For Interpetive Dance"...next up comes "Shock And Awe - The Musical!" opening at the Cheney Theatre. I'm holding out to hear when they plan to hold the first Iraqi Hemp Fest or their National Cheerleader Championships... Ahhhh, freedom!

So having the right to vote, and having the right to choose who runs their government after years and years of not being able to do so suddenly means that they aren't free?

So basically, with that logic, if someone goes on a killing spree, or decides to attack *insert place/thing/what ever here* that means that all my freedom has gone out the window?

Wagi, I have respected your comments for a long time, but that was just pointless and uncalled for. Just because you have a burning hate for the current American government doesn't mean that nothing good can come from it. You're blinded by your hate of it, and that's disappointing. Regardless of whether or not you may agree with those in power, this is still an improvement, whether small or large, for the country, and it's people.

But then I wouldn't expect you to see it, seeing as you currently live in an area dominated by the likes of Hugo Chavez, spewing anti-American tirades left and right.

I could go back and point out a few annoying points in your posts and how they don't seem to be right, but I digress.

[Westcot]

^ Wait, wasn't that just a joke? I don't think that he was that serious... :confused:

[Coaster Guru]

Why do soooooo many of these comments seem steryotypical to me? Mabey because I try not to be. Sure, I laughed out loud at the Youtube Video "Achmed the Dead Terrorist", but some of these are rather mean. Comon guys, I think this might be useful to the populance, but ONLY if it is done through careful planning and tact. If not, some of your comments up their might become a reality...

G-06
We aren't being sterotypical, bombs are a concern there, and the Americans get roadside bombed daily. Sure, not everyone's a terrorist, but a couple of them can have a huge impact, might I remind you.
^ Wait, wasn't that just a joke? I don't think that he was that serious... :confused:
I don't even remember him saying they weren't free.

[wabigbear]

So having the right to vote, and having the right to choose who runs their government after years and years of not being able to do so suddenly means that they aren't free?

Go try reading something factual, and not just watching Fox News. The last elections were boycotted by many groups. Large areas of the country are not run by elected officials, but are run as they always have been - by tribal and religious leaders. Even areas under 'government' control have a high incidence of corruption and security forces infiltrated by members of militias. Yes, Iraq held an election. That hardly qualifies as 'freedom'. Having to live under multiple thugs rather than one thug is an improvement? You act like they have the same level of freedom that we do in the West. They are nowhere even close.

So basically, with that logic, if someone goes on a killing spree, or decides to attack *insert place/thing/what ever here* that means that all my freedom has gone out the window?

I'm not sure what that means, and where that comes into the discussion.

Wagi, I have respected your comments for a long time, but that was just pointless and uncalled for. Just because you have a burning hate for the current American government doesn't mean that nothing good can come from it. You're blinded by your hate of it, and that's disappointing. Regardless of whether or not you may agree with those in power, this is still an improvement, whether small or large, for the country, and it's people.

First, don't put words in my mouth. "Burning hate"? Don't you even dare little boy.

I was rising to salute the flag as it went by in parade long before it became 'fashionable', so don't you DARE question my patriotism. That comment has probably managed to tick me off more than anything I've had said to me for YEARS.

How dare you?

YOU don't get to define who is patriotic or not, especially not coming from some under-age punk, so don't you even try it. Dude, you crossed way over the line this time.

I also challenge your contention that Iraqi has seen an improvement like you seen to believe. Check the death toll in Iraqi lately?

But then I wouldn't expect you to see it, seeing as you currently live in an area dominated by the likes of Hugo Chavez, spewing anti-American tirades left and right.

I could go back and point out a few annoying points in your posts and how they don't seem to be right, but I digress.

Ahhh, Hugo Chavez is the president of Venezuela. :confused:

I live in Brazil.

A totally different country, totally different language spoken, totally different culture, totally diffferent political beliefs. Chavez hardly 'dominates' anything other than conservative talk shows in the States.

So what did that comment have to do with me or where I live, or even my view on things? Nothing, other than it being a smart a** comment perhaps? What a very ignorant thing to say. I think that reflects on your arguments over all.

Educate yourself.

[-LiLDaReDeViL5-]

Ugh.I hoped this didn't become a nationality fight.It sorta has.Shame.
I would like to agree with Wagi that Irag has seen ZERO improvement.It's a WARZONE.Americans putting this into the ENEMY'S country is not going to float well with them.And,not to be mean,the only way they know how to retaliate and voice opinions is violence.I'm scared for them.

[wabigbear]

Sorry the thread got highjacked Lildaredevil...

[-LiLDaReDeViL5-]

^Pun or No-Pun intended?
Either way,don't worry,it's o.k.You both were defending your countries.

[LightGrenades]

Go try reading something factual, and not just watching Fox News. The last elections were boycotted by many groups. Large areas of the country are not run by elected officials, but are run as they always have been - by tribal and religious leaders. Even areas under 'government' control have a high incidence of corruption and security forces infiltrated by members of militias. Yes, Iraq held an election. That hardly qualifies as 'freedom'. Having to live under multiple thugs rather than one thug is an improvement? You act like they have the same level of freedom that we do in the West. They are nowhere even close.


Did I say I watched fox news? I don't even watch any news on the TV, I get all my news on the internet, where they do have some kind of degree of freedom, whether you choose to see it or not.

And no kidding, did you find out that all by yourself? No they don't have freedom close to ours, even my 'ignorant' self can see that, but wouldn't having an election be anywhere close to being a step closer? Obviously not, according to you, but hey, at least they got a choice, unlike before where they were forced to comply with Saddam.


First, don't put words in my mouth. "Burning hate"? Don't you even dare little boy.

I was rising to salute the flag as it went by in parade long before it became 'fashionable', so don't you DARE question my patriotism. That comment has probably managed to tick me off more than anything I've had said to me for YEARS.

How dare you?

YOU don't get to define who is patriotic or not, especially not coming from some under-age punk, so don't you even try it. Dude, you crossed way over the line this time.

I also challenge your contention that Iraqi has seen an improvement like you seen to believe. Check the death toll in Iraqi lately?



Awesome, I really ticked you off. But please, please point to where I questioned your patriotism. I never said you were unpatriotic at all. You don't like the current administration, we all can tell, and that's fine, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and I know many people who love the country who don't like the situation either. Your comments over the last couple of months about the current administration have been very motivated and fiery.

I'm glad I ticked you off though, because it was obviously my plan in the first place /sarcasm.

And don't put words in my mouth old man (see what I did there? I can do it too!) I made a general statement about my observations of your attitude towards those who run this country, and nothing more. You took it too far, thinking I was trying to be some smart ass punk, nor did I ever define who gets to be 'patriotic'. Glad to see you're able to see that, instead of trying to one-up a 16 year old here. Really, I am glad to have been 'called out' by someone much older than I.

And yes, I have seen the death toll. But saying that they have the opportunity for improvements in their country, this possibly being a start regardless.

Crossing the line is what I do best!


Ahhh, Hugo Chavez is the president of Venezuela. :confused:

I live in Brazil.

A totally different country, totally different language spoken, totally different culture, totally diffferent political beliefs. Chavez hardly 'dominates' anything other than conservative talk shows in the States.

So what did that comment have to do with me or where I live, or even my view on things? Nothing, other than it being a smart a** comment perhaps? What a very ignorant thing to say. I think that reflects on your arguments over all.

Educate yourself.

No way, I never had put the two together: Hugo Chavez as 'president' of Venezuela? Who knew?

Not that he dominates, but in the general area has seen a very anti-American view over the last couple of years/decades, and the socialist elections, not only in Venezuela and Bolivia have set something in stone. Wouldn't that not reflect on how things are viewed by media and by people such as yourself?

I'm not stupid, I know you got ticked off by my comment, and at this point, I don't care any more, because it has no reflection on me, but your original comment had absolutely nothing to do with the thread at all, and was more directed at trying to insult Cheney and Co. Must feel great doing it behind a computer monitor, huh?

[TheSkipper]

It seems pretty stupid.
The Americans are an enemy because of the "invasion with intent to occupy" of a muslim country.
That said, it might be fun :up:
Yes, we have "invaded with intent to occupy" plain and simple. There is/was/never will be any evidence that the Iraq OR Pakistan governments planned OR supported 9-11. There were supposed WMD's, NOT a one has been found...
Guess who else did this in Europe? Our government used 9-11 as an excuse to severely limit our freedom.. Guess who else did this in Europe... They want to build a wall on our southern border intended to keep illegals out, how long before it's purpose is to keep US in? Guess who else did this in Europe?

Why do soooooo many of these comments seem steryotypical to me? Mabey because I try not to be. Sure, I laughed out loud at the Youtube Video "Achmed the Dead Terrorist", but some of these are rather mean. Comon guys, I think this might be useful to the populance, but ONLY if it is done through careful planning and tact. If not, some of your comments up their might become a reality...

G-06
No, Wabi said it VERY well in his reply right after Thetrooper's...
The reality of the Middle east, especially in Iraq is such that this "facility" will fail, even if it GETS opened at all.

So having the right to vote, and having the right to choose who runs their government after years and years of not being able to do so suddenly means that they aren't free?

So basically, with that logic, if someone goes on a killing spree, or decides to attack *insert place/thing/what ever here* that means that all my freedom has gone out the window?

Wagi, I have respected your comments for a long time, but that was just pointless and uncalled for. Just because you have a burning hate for the current American government doesn't mean that nothing good can come from it. You're blinded by your hate of it, and that's disappointing. Regardless of whether or not you may agree with those in power, this is still an improvement, whether small or large, for the country, and it's people.

But then I wouldn't expect you to see it, seeing as you currently live in an area dominated by the likes of Hugo Chavez, spewing anti-American tirades left and right.

I could go back and point out a few annoying points in your posts and how they don't seem to be right, but I digress.

LTG, I think you missed the whole point of all of this thread.

[Garfield 06]

When I said steryotypical, I did not mean all comments, just a slect few like these...

Car bombs as a drak ride ride? May actually be going on for real.


The new thrill ride will be seeing how many car bombs you can avoid.


I can't wait to ride "Bombs Away"!!!

There you go! Perfectly steryotypical. I did NOT say that what happens over there daily doesn't happen. But considering that hundreds of mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, and others die in such events every month, I'd hope that they were treated with just a little more respect. Not much, just a little more.

BTW, I bet a 5 that the Wagi vs. Light Grenades debate will end in tears. (Insert Marvin the Paranoid Android Sigh Here...)

G-06

[wabigbear]

Did I say I watched fox news? I don't even watch any news on the TV, I get all my news on the internet, where they do have some kind of degree of freedom, whether you choose to see it or not.

I choose to see what?

The internet also has sites dedicated to constructing hats made out of aluminium foil to ward off government mind control efforts.

They are free to post such claptrap, but that doesn't mean it has any connection to reality or actual facts...

And no kidding, did you find out that all by yourself? No they don't have freedom close to ours, even my 'ignorant' self can see that, but wouldn't having an election be anywhere close to being a step closer? Obviously not, according to you, but hey, at least they got a choice, unlike before where they were forced to comply with Saddam.

Ignoring the childish little dig, I'd say that somehow going from "Vote for Saddam or die" and "Vote for Sadr or die" doesn't seem like much improvement, now does it? And certainly not the 'freedom' you claim it is.

An example is Zimbabwe...they were 'free' to vote for who they wished in the current Presidential election, now I hope you aren't trying to make the arguement that they therefor have some sort of 'freedom' and everything is bright and sunshiney over there...or would you?

Awesome, I really ticked you off.

Well, that is your main purpose for posting here isn't it? Ticking someone off? You are quite good at it.

But please, please point to where I questioned your patriotism. I never said you were unpatriotic at all. You don't like the current administration, we all can tell, and that's fine, everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and I know many people who love the country who don't like the situation either. Your comments over the last couple of months about the current administration have been very motivated and fiery.

"Burning hate".

That's something I think only terrorists have towards us, or the government. The current administration is inept at best, and has crossed the line legally on many things, but I most certainly don't have 'burning hate' towards them. Implying that I do implies that I am also dis-loyal or unpatriotic to my country. I take that seriously. Perhaps you are too young to understand, but that's a subject I'd suggest you tread lightly around with any adults.

I'm glad I ticked you off though, because it was obviously my plan in the first place /sarcasm.

No, your 'plan' is to prove to the world that you really do matter, even if you have to be utterly obnoxious to do it.

Dude, you ain't the first 16 year old with an attitude problem I've come accross....

And don't put words in my mouth old man (see what I did there? I can do it too!) I made a general statement about my observations of your attitude towards those who run this country, and nothing more. You took it too far, thinking I was trying to be some smart ass punk, nor did I ever define who gets to be 'patriotic'. Glad to see you're able to see that, instead of trying to one-up a 16 year old here. Really, I am glad to have been 'called out' by someone much older than I.

Actually, the idea that you are a 'smart ass punk' is EXACTLY what I'm thinking, and I'm not alone in that. You make 'general' statements only for the purpose of pushing buttons and showing off. As I said, I've seen it before, and by many who were better than you at it. But after your hormones get settled down and your brain functions stabilize, I have no doubt you'll actually then turn into a likeable person in a few years.

And yes, I have seen the death toll. But saying that they have the opportunity for improvements in their country, this possibly being a start regardless.

Fair enough, but would you not agree that building an amusement park is probably far down the list of improvements they actually need? Water, sewer, power, garbage removal, all are lacking there. THAT is what many comments posted questioning this idea are coming from. It's not about whether they have opprotunities, but whether the choice is wise or even makes sense.

Crossing the line is what I do best!

Your parents must be so proud, I'm sure...

Trust me...the day will come when they and other people will tell stories.

Your embarrassment and discomfort from those stories will be a small payback for the grief you caused them. You won't believe that now, but in a few years you'll find out it's true.

No way, I never had put the two together: Hugo Chavez as 'president' of Venezuela? Who knew?

Smart mouth again...

Not that he dominates, but in the general area has seen a very anti-American view over the last couple of years/decades, and the socialist elections, not only in Venezuela and Bolivia have set something in stone. Wouldn't that not reflect on how things are viewed by media and by people such as yourself?

No...does it reflect in how things are viewed by the media and people such as yourself in the States? Where do you dig up the claim that the 'area' has seen a very anti-American view? Certainly some people or groups do, but they don't speak for everyone here, jeez, there's 190 million people just in Brazil. I can assure you they are not all anti-American. I think a great number of them would listen to you and shake their heads because you seem to fit the sterotype of the gringo who thinks everyone south of the border has brown skin, wears a big floppy hat, has a burro and takes long naps every day. Brazilians don't even speak spanish, so it's not like they listen to Chavez and his cronies day after day to form their opinions.

Both Chavez and Morales rely on the poor, dis-enfranchaised populations for power. Those people support them because even when they don't agree with the words they say they still manage to steer something their way that improves their lives, be it food, electricity, jobs or money. That's more than what they got form some who perhaps supported US policies closer.

I'd also point out that what you call 'anti-americanism' is also up for debate even by those more privledged who don't view the USA as 'best bud's'. Many countries here had to live under military dictatorships that were supported by the US government. Many also bridle at the notion in the USA that whatever Washington wants, Washington gets, that this is the backyard of the States and American policy needs to be followed. Their disagreements with current US government policy is NOT anti-americanism.

I'm not stupid, I know you got ticked off by my comment, and at this point, I don't care any more, because it has no reflection on me,

I don't think you are stupid either, far from it. I think you are a very intelligent but very typical 16 year old who thinks he knows everything and is out to make sure everyone knows that even if he has to be obnoxious as hell along the way.

Trust me, you aren't the first one I've come across.

Funny, they always seem to feel omnipresent enough that they claim their actions don't reflect on them. It's only later after they grow out off this that they realize exactly how obnoxious they actually were...and how it really did reflect on them. Luckily most people remember their own youth and are pretty forgiving...

but your original comment had absolutely nothing to do with the thread at all, and was more directed at trying to insult Cheney and Co.

What comment are you refering to? The one I made about Interpetive dance? Please! Go back and actually re-read the entire thread instead of looking just for stuff you can disagree with. In light of all the actual important things the Iraqi's need compared to a stupid amusement park, my sarcastic comment was totally in line with the thread and previous comments made by others. If I got a dig in at Cheney, so be it. It was in keeping with the fantasy put forth by some that American troops would be greeted with flowers and cheers, that this whole operation would be over in months, or that somehow eeverything in Iraq is better just because Saddam is dead and that Iraqi's are somehow 'free'. All fantasy so far.

Must feel great doing it behind a computer monitor, huh?

I have no problems stating my opinions in suitable venues. I've had no problems stating my opionions to my elected representatives since I am old enough to vote...

I'm not sure what you are implying there from behind your computer monitor...

[-LiLDaReDeViL5-]

When I said steryotypical, I did not mean all comments, just a slect few like these...
There you go! Perfectly steryotypical. I did NOT say that what happens over there daily doesn't happen. But considering that hundreds of mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, aunts, uncles, and others die in such events every month, I'd hope that they were treated with just a little more respect. Not much, just a little more.

G-06
I agree.This needs more respect.That's why it shouldn't be built.It is potentially going to cause more violoence.Not sterotyping,but let's face reality for a second: Violence is the only way they know how to voice opinion or retaliate.I bet if they've heard the news over there,most aren't happy an American is building something of this size in their country.

[Westcot]

Yes, please stop the arguing! If no one can get along, then maybe a Mod should close this thread... no wait, there's even a Mod arguing on this thread! :eek:

[Garfield 06]

I feel a five about to be doubled...

Refer to my earlier comment.

G-06, who is out of the depressive funk he had yesterday!

[TheSkipper]

Yes, please stop the arguing! If no one can get along, then maybe a Mod should close this thread... no wait, there's even a Mod arguing on this thread! :eek:

A mod arguing? Where I posted a sarcastic view of the possible park environment and responded to the little trolling/flame war licking at the corners.

[tycooner55]

And LtG scoffed at me when I called him rude and arguementative.

.....whatever

Out of all the places in the WORLD to build a new amusement park, who in their right mind would want to invest millions in Baghdad. I question the sanity of this decision.

[Coaster Guru]

^Cheap Labor.

[Garfield 06]

^^To put it in military terms: Operation P.R.O.F.I.T.

Or, as Skipper said, Prophet!

G-06

[The Dave]

Anyone know the name of the park? :up:

[TheSkipper]

Hussein's Happy FunLand

[thetrooper]

It'll probably be <removed> :o

[The Dave]

^ The name of the park? I think it will be Finnegan's Park...

Don't ask... because I don't have an answer...