Iranians Celebrate Anniversary of US Embassy Seizure: ‘Death to America’, ‘Death to Isreal’
Iranian demonstrators burn a representation of a U.S. flag and a caricature of President Barack Obama, in an annual state-backed rally in front of the former US Embassy in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012. The rally marks the Nov. 4, 1979, storming of the building by militant students who held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days to protest U.S. failure to hand over the toppled shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to Iran for trial. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naqdi of the powerful Revolutionary Guard, not shown, addressed the rally saying the U.S. must annul the CIA, pull out its warships from the Persian Gulf and dismantle its military bases from 50 countries around the world if it wants to restore ties with Tehran. (Credit: AP)
TEHRAN, Iran (TheBlaze/AP) — As Iranians marked the 33rd anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, a commander of the powerful Revolutionary Guard on Friday offered a pot of gold to anyone who could prove that America is not “the most criminal regime on earth.”
Speaking to a crowd of thousands outside the building that once housed the embassy, Gen. Mohammad Reza Naqdi said 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of gold would be given to anyone who found a regime “more criminal than the United States.”
But, he added, that would be impossible, because the Guard has “already done the research and found Washington is the worst on earth.”
Naqdi’s speech was in keeping with the defiant rhetoric that Iran’s leadership often uses during the annual rallies marking the embassy seizure. He also said Iran would only restore diplomatic ties with the United States if Washington disbands the CIA and removes its bases from the region.
As he spoke, Iranian students outside the former embassy building chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” and burned U.S. and Israeli flags.
The rally marked the Nov. 4, 1979 storming of the embassy by militant Iranian students who held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days to protest America’s refusal to hand over the toppled Iranian shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi back to the country for trial.
Washington severed relations with Tehran after the embassy takeover, and they have not been restored since.
This year’s demonstration in Tehran, which under the Persian calendar fell two days ahead of the anniversary according to the Western calendar, comes as Iran’s relations with the West are at their lowest yet. Concerns are also rising as Israel has threatened to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities if Tehran doesn’t stop uranium enrichment – a process that can be a pathway to nuclear arms.
The West suspects Iran is using its civilian nuclear program as a cover to develop atomic weapons. Tehran has denied the charges, saying its program is peaceful and geared toward generating electricity and producing radioisotopes to treat cancer patients.
Iran has been hard hit by intensified U.S. and European Union economic sanctions meant to curb the suspect nuclear program.
Ordinary Iranians have felt the bite of the sanctions and the Iranian rial has plummeted in value against the dollar, a slide that has accelerated over the past month.
At Friday’s rally, students brandished an effigy of President Barack Obama and distributed pamphlets denouncing America and the sanctions. One banner called Obama a “loyal dog” of Israel, with a caricature showing the U.S. president with a metal chain around his neck linked to an Israeli flag.
The former embassy is now painted with anti-Amercan murals and used as a training site for Guard troops.
Here are some of the sight’s from Friday’s demonstration:
Iranians burn a representation of an Israeli flag during an annual state-backed rally outside the former U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012. The rally marks the Nov. 4, 1979, storming of the building by militant students who held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days to protest U.S. failure to hand over the toppled shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi to Iran for trial. Gen. Mohammad Reza Naqdi of the powerful Revolutionary Guard, not shown, addressed the rally saying the U.S. must annul the CIA, pull out its warships from the Persian Gulf and dismantle its military bases from 50 countries around the world if it wants to restore ties with Tehran. (Credit: AP)
Iranian demonstrators hold anti-US and Israel slogans, a cartoon of US President Barack Obama (L) and a portrait of supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (R) outside the former US embassy in Tehran on November 2, 2012, during a rally to mark the 33rd anniversary of seizure of the US embassy which saw Islamist students hold 52 diplomats hostage for 444 days. This year’s rally came just days before US presidential election in which Republican challenger Mitt Romney has made Iran’s controversial nuclear programme a top foreign policy issue. (Credit: AFP/Getty Images)
An Iranian woman holds an anti-US and Israeli slogan, bearing a crossed portrait of Uncle Sam, outside the former US embassy in Tehran on November 2, 2012, during a rally to mark the 33rd anniversary of seizure of the US embassy which saw Islamist students hold 52 diplomats hostage for 444 days. This year’s rally came just days before US presidential election in which Republican challenger Mitt Romney has made Iran’s controversial nuclear programme a top foreign policy issue. (Credit: AFP/Getty Images)
Iranian women hold an anti-US sign, bearing a cartoon of US President Barack Obama, outside the former US embassy in Tehran on November 2, 2012, during a rally to mark the 33rd anniversary of seizure of the US embassy which saw Islamist students hold 52 US diplomats hostage for 444 days. This year’s rally came just days before US presidential election in which Republican challenger Mitt Romney has made Iran’s controversial nuclear programme a top foreign policy issue. (Credit: AFP/Getty Images)
A Iranian woman holds an anti-US slogan, which reads in Persian, ‘Death to America’ bearing a cartoon of US President Barack Obama, outside the former US embassy in Tehran on November 2, 2012, during a rally to mark the 33rd anniversary of seizure of the US embassy which saw Islamist students hold 52 diplomats hostage for 444 days. This year’s rally came just days before US presidential election in which Republican challenger Mitt Romney has made Iran’s controversial nuclear programme a top foreign policy issue. (Credit: AFP/Getty Images)
Naqdi, who commands the Guard’s paramilitary branch known as the Basij, set his own “conditions” for resumption of diplomatic relations with the U.S. in a speech to the crowd.
The U.S., he said, must abolish the CIA, pull out its warships from the Persian Gulf and dismantle its military bases in 50 countries around the world if it wants to restore ties with Tehran.
Iran blames the CIA for helping topple the country’s elected government in the 1950s and it blames the United States for openly supporting the late shah against the Islamic revolution that led to the collapse of the dynasty. Iranians also condemn Washington for arming and supporting former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war.
“They (the U.S.) must prove they’ve grown into sensible human beings and stop supporting the usurper Zionist regime,” said Naqdi, expanding on his list of conditions.
A statement released by the organizers of the event said the U.S. will remain Iran’s “No. 1 enemy and the Great Satan,” a term commonly used by Tehran to vilify Washington.
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Comments (73)
barber2
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 9:49pmWomen hidden in black bags. Flags being burned. Cells phones taking images . Insulting, cartoon images of a US president. Guy Fawkes masks ( did you all see that international / anarchy / OWS Lefty symbol in the first photo—a side view shot ?? ) . What is wrong with this ? EVERYTHING. ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING. NOBAMA 2012
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Thomas
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 9:13pmIran exist because of our graciousness and without it these little barking dogs would have been annihilated along time ago.
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Thomas
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 9:16pmAny country run by blacks or arabs will always be 3rd would countries and if we were to give them completely the United States it wouldn’t be long til we would be using the bath room in ditches and drinking out of the same. There is a reason why drugs and alcohol are just epidemics in the black community.
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bekhiet
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 9:44pmA general in Tehran stated that, “the U.S. must annul the CIA, pull out its warships from the Persian Gulf and dismantle its military bases from 50 countries around the world if it wants to restore ties with Tehran”. I think Obama was actually trying to do just this.
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bekhiet
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 9:41pmThose people actually believe what that government has to say? Perhaps Obama and Hillary can make another commercial apologizing to them for getting them upset.
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ginjit.dw
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 9:16pmI think we should have more clandestine negotiations with these peace loving people. Yeah that’s the ticket…All those sanctions are really hurting them. They don’t even know what sanctions are….When you have nothing you have nothing to lose. Yeah the mullah in chief and his sanction partners the wonderful Russians and equal trade partners the Chinese really are hurting these loving people.
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soybomb315_II
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 9:23pmthe people of Iran actually have (had) a decent standard of living compared to other arab countries and enjoy many western products. The people of Iran are generally less fanatical than other arab countries because of their persian history. Sanctions are a disaster for them because much of their economy was dependent on exporting crude oil. Have you seen the articles about inflation of Iran? That is all the information you need to know that economic sanctions are killing their economy.
The only question is….Will that make them hate us or like us more?
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WarMunger_Al
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 10:50amSanctions alway hurt the common people more than the governments. They are more inhumane than war. Over 1 million Iraqis died as a result of our sanctions against them. Do you think Saddam went without?
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txgrrl
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 7:58pmThe person who sells American flags for burning purposes must be making a lot of money over there. No doubt they’re made in China and sold directly to Iran. haha.
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Kinnison
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 8:53pmHey Iranians…keep celebrating. Many of us here in America have long memories and have not forgotten that you violated international law, stormed our embassy in Tehran, and took our diplomats and the Marine Guard Detachment prisoner for 444 days. Part of it was our fault, as our pitifully indecisive president of the time, Jimmy Carter, had the Ambassador “stand down” the Marines and surrender to the “students” who stormed the grounds rather than defend the Embassy. But we have not forgotten, Iran, be sure of that. Sooner than later U.S. forces will be in or over your country and then be afraid, be very afraid, because our current president, who makes Carter look like “The Terminator”, will soon be gone, and when he is replaced by our new president, your pathetic little 3rd World country will go up in smoke if you so much as twitch. Watch out for the Marines in particular, because the Marine Corps has a very, very long memory. “No better friend, no worse enemy.”
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barber2
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 9:56pmKIN: Thanks for reminding us of those previous Carter “Stand downs.” Didn’t end well. Just like these Obama years …. NOBAMA 2012
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barber2
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 8:41pmReminds me of what life was like under another HUGE failure of a Democrat president, Jimmy Carter. Islamic terrorism, America being scape-goated, long gas lines, a terrible economy….Only difference was that Carter was a peanut farming capitalist . Not a school record-hiding, Marxist mentored, class dividing, Marxist whose wife announced that his election was the FIRST time she had ever been proud of America . NOBAMA 2012 NO DEMOCRATS 2012
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DEFCON4
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 8:35pmThese young protesters, have never been “informed” of Tuesday, January 20, 1981.
The day President Reagan took the “helm” and our hostages were released.
Without firing a shot, these Islamic barbarians “folded like chairs”!!!
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barber2
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 8:44pmSpeaking of ” chairs”….I am reminded of Eastwood’s use of that empty chair to symbolize Obama…. NOBAMA 2012
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DEFCON4
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 8:55pm@Barber2 Clint’s performance was very amusing.
And I also find “peanut-farming capitalist” a Hooot !
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The_Jerk
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 8:24pmGiven America’s involvement in Iran, for the sake of Israel, over the past 6 decades, it’s little wonder why they are chanting and celebrating.
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barber2
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 9:27pmJerk: The Arab hate goes WAY back before 6 decades . They sided with Germany in WWII and you know what those Nazis thought of the Jews ( hint: way before the state of Israel existed ). Think you need to do more research ! Way back. Try WWI also…..
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Exrepublisheep
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:59pmMohammad Reza Naqdi and Trump. Not a chance of really paying.
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Eastinfection
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:37pmSome of those Obama caricatures are rather well done..
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The-Monk
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:41pmHi East,
One would think Obama could hear what they’re saying with those EARS !!!
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KangarooJack
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:51pmI thought so too. Like sidewalk artists …
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TSUNAMI_22
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 9:53pmYou guys want to see some ears? Here: http://netrightdaily.com/2012/11/the-case-for-a-second-term/
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mike551
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:36pmQuote…” a commander of the powerful Revolutionary Guard on Friday.” Are they like the powerful Iraqi army that BUSH1 decimated in a matter of hours? Same old bullsh#t spouted by the left to frighten us into appeasing the muslims. Better run muslims the Israelis are coming….and they’re not happy. IMPEACH THE MUSLIM OBAMA NOW!!! GET US OUT OF THE UN!!!
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momrules
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:27pmDemands, threats, hate, violence……..but their nuclear capability is only for peaceful means.
Thank God Israel has strong leadership that Iran is afraid of. I sure wish America had a leader just like Netanyahu, one that would tell the Iranian ayetollahs and military to put up or shut up.
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TSUNAMI_22
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 9:56pmIf I was Iran, I’d be concerned about Wednesday morning in the USA.
Know what I mean? ;)
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KickinBack
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:22pm“Death to America. Death to Israel.” Since that’s all I ever hear coming out of that region, I’m beginning to believe that’s the extent of their language.
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2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:31pmI’m sure they also know other phrases. For example when an Iranian woman goes into a dress shop, there is a very good chance she says, “I’ll take the black one.”
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Eastinfection
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:47pm2 Minutes…
Hey! that’s the same thing African Americans say when they vote!
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KangarooJack
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:53pmI’m laughing so darn hard right now!!! “Milk out the nose”….lol
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2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:56pmEAST: Right on brother.
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2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:20pmMultiple Choice:
Their entire culture is based upon divisiveness and hatred.
A. Iranians
B. Liberals
C. All of the above
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soybomb315_II
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:55pmD. Check Mirror
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2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 8:02pmSOYBURGER: I’m hurt. I thought we were friends.
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soybomb315_II
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 8:58pmits cool – we’re tight like Mitt Romney and Billy Graham
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2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 11:34pmOr like Gary Johnson and Snoop Dog (or Willy Nelson, take your pick.)
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Tri-ox
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:17pmI love the fake outrage against obama. Iranian muslims, like all muslims, know full well that obama is their greatest ally – he shares their goal of destroying America and he will continue to stand with them, as long as he lives. Unfortunately for obama, and his muslim cabal, America is not going to allow him to complete his mission – at least not from OUR White House and with OUR tax dollars.
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KangarooJack
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:17pmRemember that show “Kids say the Darndest Things”?
Do you suppose the 1st Full Sentence that little Iranainan kids learn is ‘Death to America’?
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Dushman Kush
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:12pmOur Leader is all that stands between the destruction of the Persians by Mitt Romney, Israel, and Riyadh’s Royal Family.
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tifosa
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:06pmPlease direct me to the article about Israel’s largest newspaper endorsing President Obama…
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GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:28pmHaaretz, the known leftish newspaper?…If you were so stupid to expect something different….is like being surprised because the NYT endorsed Barry…..
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tifosa
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:48pmoops, wasn’t in to respond, was reading the article about what I could do with the extra hour this weekend. :)
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GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 8:05pmWait, take it easy…you will have plenty of time the next four years, starting the next Wednesday!
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barber2
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 10:05pmGBTV: Where has Tinker-bell been ?? Haven’t seen her fairy dust for ages.
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louise
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 6:57pmIt is ISRAEL not Isreal
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E.Z. Las Vegas
Posted on November 3, 2012 at 3:23amActually, Israel IS REAL, not fake as the Mullahs all claim, But it’s Al Quds when it comes to Obama’s foreign policy, and ALL BADS when it comes to the rest of us.
(Al Quds is the Islamic name for Jerusalem, for those current residents of Searchlight, Nevada who have never heard of it before.)
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pissantno.10
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 6:57pmthere just so cute in there halloween costumes. and if obama finds out you have that much gold you are in a heap a trouble but we wished you would invite him to your party
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The-Monk
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 6:54pmGood thing they have no plans for nukes…..
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GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:21pmMonk,
You know, you asked some days ago about thoughts on the Benghazi betrayal. Iβve been thinking all these days: What if Black Carter wanted to do have some sort of thing the like of the one that happened to White Carter, but this time with an Ambassador kidnapped by βfriendlyβ forces just for the show, making him look like the hero after the release and before the election? Everything just manufactured to casually make look Black Carter successful exactly where the other moron failed so big…correcting the biggest stain on the DNCβs history and releasing The Manufactured October Surprise!!
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The-Monk
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:39pmHi GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas,
Exactly my thoughts except it would be a “hostage” trade…. Stevens for the Blind Sheik.
Without us knowing about the “trade” until after the elections.
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The-Monk
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:43pmCorrection;
Without us knowing about the Blind Sheik part until after the elections.
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Individualism
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 8:04pmso don’t worry about them than.
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watashbuddyfriend
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 6:52pmThe Iranians are like unto the Blue State voters for Obama, apparently blind unto themselves!
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TSUNAMI_22
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 6:52pmYeah, they’re most definitely respecting us because they are so afraid.
Alahu Ackbar, Obama.
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The-Monk
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 6:52pmInteresting that the women have their celebration and the men have a separate one.
Looks like they’re not allowed to party together…. Boo Hoo.
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pissantno.10
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:08pmwell the men dont like to bathe that much so figure it out
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The-Monk
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:15pmHi TSUNAMI_22,
OK, my ribs hurt now….. : )
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TSUNAMI_22
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:26pmMonk,
I see that management couldn’t take it (being true and all).
Hey Glenn, whatever happened to “speak boldly”? I guess I missed the small print where it says, [but be politically correct or we erase your post].
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2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:39pmI have noticed a lot of my posts not posting or being removed recently. Apparently, it is inappropriate to reference Bill Clinton, Chris Matthews, a Martian and Monika Lewinska all in one post. Thanks Blaze.
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The-Monk
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:45pmHi TSUNAMI_22,
I see that. Very strange. Nothing was wrong with your post. (To me at least)
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momrules
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 7:49pmTsunami………I read your post before it was taken down and Perturbedchurchlady just had one removed too. Neither one was offensive as far as I was concerned. In fact I was going to reply and agree with PCL but before I got the chance her reply was gone. What’s up Blaze?
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TSUNAMI_22
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 9:32pm@ momrules
I appreciate you saying that. It means a lot to me. Thank you.
I admit I’m coarse at times, but I refuse to sugar-coat the obvious truth. I think America has had enough of the politically correct nonsense. The ONLY way to get America to change is to CHANGE.
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progressiveslayer
Posted on November 2, 2012 at 6:51pmTalk talk talk that’s all we get from these lunatics,get to crackin big talker. Cowards are the same all over the world,all bark and no bite.
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