Sunday night with Ika, Andy and Cody in Canggu Bali

QUOTE:
Fair comments all the way through. I think the Bali locals are worrying about their economy. I think while GW Bush charges through the world waving his sabre we can all expect more trouble, whether you live in New York, London , Baghdad, Spain or Bali.

Terrorists don’t hate tourists, or Bali, they just use this place as a way to reciprocate what they see as injustice elsewhere in the world supported by the US, UK and Australia. Expect more of this all over the world as long as we continue on our present path.

Posted by: Nick on October 2, 2005 11:21 PM
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Nick,
that is a very interesting theory you have there. Life in unfair - let’s ask that to anyone who still breathes in this world!
Injustice what?!

GW Bush is just trying to protect his country and US citizens… I think it’s UNJUSTICE that you chastise him the way you did!

I’m not a US citizen but let me tell ya something. At least Americans still have something and someone who will fight for them, for their life and rights.

Indonesian? the government wouldn’t care that much as many Indonesian lost their lifes because of starving, disease, got troubles outside of Indonesia, or bombing victims!
Maybe that’s they way they decrease the number of poor people in Indonesia.
There’s apopular joke amongst Indonesian:
Better off to stay in jail - got free food - than outside where thay have to scraped the bottom of the trash can to eat.
(yes, I’m an Indonesian and Im a concern citizen)

So, please you all who are lucky enough to have a government who cares about you and your life and rights.. stop chastising them! Like you, Nick - you’re a apoiled citizen, take things for granted, no matter you’re a Briton or American!

Hi Nick,

I just read all of your recent stories since the bombings yesterday. My fiance and I are supposed to be coming there on November 2, 2005 for our honeymoon. Needless to say, we were devasted by the news of the bombings and are very concerned about our travels to Bali. We are staying at the Four Seasons in Sayan and Jimbaran Bay, and as much as that seems like a safe place to be for us, I can’t help but worry that the hotels could be targeted, especially since it was mentioned in this last incident. My question to you is “Do you feel that security is tightened and do you feel that it is still safe for us to visit in a month?”
I appreciate any information you can give.

KC

Al-quida wants Indonesia and much of southeast Asia to be part of a Islamic Empire ruled by Sharia Law. They will feel injustice until they get what they have said is there goal. All actions to stop them are deemed injustice. All infidels(non muslims) are targets.

Nick:

The United States and George Bush are not the problem. Terrorism has persisted forever and the fact that you are able to blame George Bush only illustrates that you have truly lost your mind. Easy for you to sit back in your bungalow in Bali and play armchair quarterback on world affairs. This is a problem that persists in Indonesia always has and always will. Whoever the president in the United States is will not dictate whether or not Islamic radicals will die for their cause. Remember 9-11 was planned while Clinton was in office.

Bali was targeted for their participation in pursuing a better life through capitalism and tourism. The harder they work the more opportunity they have to provide for their families. Freedom is what islamic radicals fear so please don’t turn your back on Bali as the best way to counter terrorism is to travel to Bali.

“Freedom is what islamic radicals fear ”

PLEASE enough with the Bush’isms. Let’s move on to the joplin’isms:

“Freedom is just another word for, nothing left to lose”

what just had happened yesterday make one realise how so little time and precious life is with your loved ones.

today i found out that i lost a dear friend. she is one of bali bomb victims. she is a muslim(and i dare say a good one too though i’m not a muslim!). i still don’t know if her husband or her daughter survive to this day.

Beth,
I’m very sorry about the loss of your friend. I hope you find her husband and daughter in better situation soon.

My heart goes out to you and anyone who lost their loved ones.

Terroism has been goin on long before George Bush.

The problem is religion and the belief that forces other than youself have desires and moral interest in our actions.

Bush attacked Iraq basicly because he thinks it was the Christian thing to do.

Terrorits attack because they beleive it is the will of Allah.

People are shallow and stupid and religion (namely “god told me to do it”) is the age old excuse for violence.

We all need transformation !!!!

“Bush attacked Iraq basicly because he thinks it was the Christian thing to do.”

Bush attacked Iraq basicly because he is an idiot led by the noose by his own arrogant warmonger staff.

Don’t you know the term “Christian Politician” is an Oximoron?

Tuyul,
what do you call JI then?!

Maybe you should become an Indonesia president, so you can destroy this country!

Nick,

Indonesia is a beautiful country loaded with natural resources and hard working people. Unfortunately the government is pathetic and corrupt. Indonesia offers freedom of religion, if you’re a Muslim extremist but not a Christian. The mastermind and inspiration for the 2002 Bali attack that killed over 100 people will be released next year. Meanwhile, a French guy caught with some pot is doing 20 to life in a hell hole.

In Muslim countries all non-Muslims are second class citizens. That being said, a Muslim in the U.S. or even Israel has more rights and freedoms than a Muslim in Saudi Arabia. The vast majority of Islam is not oppressed by foreign imperialists. The oppression comes from the corrupt mullahs and ayatollas from within that blame the Israel and the West for everything.

Bali is a natural target for terrorists because it is the center of western hedonism in a country that hates the west. Think about that when you plan your trip!

Indonesia’s problems are deep rooted and having nothing to do with Bush or the U.S. Shame on you Nick for being SO STUPID!!! Blaming anyone but the terrorists is a fool’s argument.

Just because you can get a fresh glass of watermelon juice for 6,000 rp is no reason to visit this place.

Hawaii and other places are more beatiful, much cleaner, and much safer. There are better places to spend your money!

Karly,

The missus and I honeymooned at Four Seasons, Sayan, Pita Maha and Ibah, Ubud. It was so peaceful, we heard the 2002 bombs go off 30 kms away in Kuta and thought it was just thunder. I would avoid the southern beaches and restaurants for now and be especially vigilant at the airport. Not an ideal way to start your honeymoon, but if its people and scenery appeals, you’ll be back again and again.

A mixed bad of comments. I will pull no punches. I like the USA, Indonesia, regualr people. I strong dislike terrorists, GW Bush. I’m not saying they’re the same, just that they have they’re own agendas and really don’t care about people. Bush had hoodwinked the sheep that find it comforting to be hoodwinked. I don’t find it comforting and and can read that guy like a book. He doesn’t care about you or me, or his people, he cares about money and helping his buddies to get their hands on it.

It is so easy for cowardly warmongers like Bush and some bloggers here to justify Iraq war as part of the global war on terror. And to talk about the war as if it was a board game.

Iraq is no Afganistan, mates! There was no Al-Qaeda in Iraq until that dongky-brained Bush invaded it and turned it into a magnet for the Al-Qaeda terrorists. If Iraq war is so important, why don’t Bush and all his cronies lead by example? Why doesn’t he send his two alco daugthers to fight? It is ironic that from all the senators and congressmen who supported this f&cking war, only one has a son in the military? No body in Bush’s senior level staff have a child in the military. It is always easy to send someone else’s sons and daughters to fight a war when there are no risks of loosing your own loved ones.

Ask any mothers, if they would prefer to see their loved ones came home alive from Iraq over the possibility of seeing Sadam rules to eternity. I have two nephews on combat duties in Iraq, and I know my answer: To hell with Iraq; Saddam can take them back to stone age for all I care, and I want my nephews home alive.

It is so easy for cowardly warmongers like Bush and some bloggers here to justify Iraq war as part of the global war on terror. And to talk about the war as if it was a board game.

Iraq is no Afganistan, mates! There was no Al-Qaeda in Iraq until that dongky-brained Bush invaded it and turned it into a magnet for the Al-Qaeda terrorists. If Iraq war is so important, why don’t Bush and all his cronies lead by example? Why doesn’t he send his two alco daugthers to fight? It is ironic that from all the senators and congressmen who supported this f&cking war, only one has a son in the military? No body in Bush’s senior level staff have a child in the military. It is always easy to send someone else’s sons and daughters to fight a war when there are no risks of loosing your own loved ones.

Ask any mothers, if they would prefer to see their loved ones come home alive from Iraq over the possibility of seeing Sadam rules to eternity. I have two nephews on combat duties in Iraq, and I know my answer: To hell with Iraq; Saddam can take them back to stone age for all I care, and I want my nephews home alive.

Every soldier in Iraq signed up to be in the army and serve America as, when and where required… So your comments John are quite ridiculous. You should be more annoyed at your nephews for signing up to the army if you are so pissed at them being in Iraq.

“To hell with Iraq; Saddam can take them back to stone age for all I care, and I want my nephews home alive.” Thank God you aren’t in public service.

Saddam Hussein butchered more than half a million of his fellow countrymen in cold-blooded murder. Half a million. All this political agenda applied by people in their arguments makes me sick in the guts. I wouldn’t have voted for GW either but just because they aren’t American doesn’t mean they aren’t human.

—

Why does terrorism happen?

I have a better answer than ‘America picks on poor people’…

Have a good read of this because you actually might find some insights. Tbe key to this is to put yourself in their shoes. Try not to think like a Westerner for a little while.

When you decide to follow a religion, it is because you believe it is the best possible system for any man to live their lives. After all, if you believe a religion is the greatest in the world, you should believe it will deliver the greatest effects in terms of scientific progress, prosperity etc. Followers of the greatest religion should experience the greatest amounts of peace, happiness, contentedness etc. Right?

Well, if you are a follower of Islam, how would you feel that the decadent West is enjoying the greatest amount of prosperity? These people are godless - godless! - yet are prospering amidst their evil ways.

Shouldn’t it follow that, as they aren’t followers of Allah, they shouldn’t be enjoying the blessings of Allah?

So which is incorrect? Islam, or the West? The West, of course. The West shall eventually be humbled by the followers of Islam (the Ummah). So whether GWB or WJC is President makes very little difference. (Al-Qaida has a very long memory - their primary attributed reason for the Madrid attacks went back hundreds of years ago, when the Muslim rulers were kicked out of Spain.)

Much of the Islamic world through Northern Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan and Bangladesh feels this way. (If you don’t believe me, go over there, read their newspapers and come home and tell me you still don’t believe me.)

So the Great Satan and Little Satan (USA and Israel) need to be overthrown. Now.

Now, there aren’t too many Muslims that are willing to act on that - terrorist groups aren’t all that big. The terrorist groups acknowledge they don’t have the size and manpower to ovethrow the Two Satans. However, they do have the size and manpower to

A) Create terror and division. (Basically, we can’t beat you right now, but we’re gonna make your lives unpleasant all the same.)

B) To use these attacks as a call to arms for the Ummah.

and their much lesser motivation

C) Discourage the presence of foreign troops on Islamic holy sites (inc. Iraq and Saudi Arabia.)

These are the three repeating themes throughout all their videos, messages to the media etc. They have actually TOLD us these are their motivations countless number of times, but because of our political thinking we can’t help but try to blame something or someone - America, GW, who knows?

Hope this makes sense.

Mat.

In response to:

Posted by: Mike on October 3, 2005 05:52 PM

Having visited both the Hawaiian island of Oahu and Bali, I can without hesitation say that there is simply no comparison between the two. Sure, a fresh glass of watermelon juice for 6,000 rupiah may not be a valid reason for choosing to holiday in Bali…but the happiness felt and the friendly smiles seen on the faces of the Balinese people who bring you that glass of fresh, ice cold watermelon juice as you sit back, relaxing and taking in the beautiful and usually tranquil surrounds of golden sands and crystal clear water…now this is a valid reason.
Bali is more than just a holiday destination - it’s an impression left long after the holiday has ended, and one that remains with you always.
Hawaii, simply, leaves you with little more than a tan - and you get that visitng Bali anyway!
My family and I received confirmation of our next Bali trip only 3 days before the latest bombings and not for one minute have we considered cancelling!
We will not let terrorists dictate where and when we spend our holidays, and will continue to visit Bali as often as possible.

“Saddam Hussein butchered more than half a million of his fellow countrymen in cold-blooded murder. Half a million.”

That is really sad, but john has a point too. We did not put Saddam in place, so we are not obligated to bring him down. Also, his nephews did not sign up to protect iraqis from Saddam Hussein. They signed up to fight for Americans. Did you see any americans being butchered by Saddam? Let me know.

This world is full of tyrants like Saddam. Are we going after everyone of them too? Where is it going to end? Syria, Iran, North Korean and China? Well, his nephews might as well join the United Nation Army. And with so many bad guys out there they will be fighting until they are either dead or old.

Have you ever lost someone you loved in a war?You have no rights to waste the lives of our servicemen and women. They sign up to protect you not to be abused and sent to a needless war. John is right to ask why all these politicians including GW do not volunteer their sons and daughters to fight this war. We all know the answer. The politicians do not believe it any more than john does.

Bush is an arsehole but consider this:

one million Muslims died in the Iraq-Iran war. But Mulims in the west didn’t stage a single protest. Saddam Hussein killed tens of thousands of his only people (Muslims) - Marsh Arabs, Kurds - and there were no protests.

Turkey has slaughtered tens of thousands of Mulsim kurds. Muslims don’t care.

But Bush invades Iraq and the muslims start to find their voice.

It’s got nothing to do with how many people are being killed; the Muslims just hate the fact that the Kafir US have invaded and occupied a Muslim country. Period.

I think the resopnce to terror needs to be multi-purpose. Dialogue, economic, political, and military. Bush and Isreal have done a wonderful job at alienating all moderate Muslims. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sick of this Muslim fundamental crap as much as anyone, but the people who have the power to do something are acting like the prairie sherrif. Things are different in Asia, get used to it. If an Indonedian is robbing my house and I tell my neighbors, they may very well beat him to death. It is not however, proper for me to beat him to death.

Bush charges in like General Custer without a clue what the rest of the Muslim world think. He’s paying the price now and we are all cannon for his adventure in Iraq. He should get Arab consensus on things, get his ducks in a row before commiting us all to be clay pigeons.

” They sign up to protect you not to be abused and sent to a needless war.”

The only Americans who have died in the past 100 years defending America’s home soil did so at Pearl Harbour, 7 Dec, 1941. I think if a soldier signs up to the US military and expects not to get sent to fight in another country, he is quite naive.

“We all know the answer.”

Yes, we do know the answer. It is not legal to volunteer your kids for the military. You have to sign up to the military for yourself…

“We are not obligated to bring him down.”

Hey Tom, 6 million Jews died because of beliefs such as yours.

And in saying that you actually admit that it was fair enough that we did bring him down. We just weren’t obligated to.

“All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Now, there’s a quote that rings true in my ears.

Nick, in case you don’t read the news, let me tell you what exaclty what price George W. is currently paying for Iraq

a) Saudi Arabia has allowed council elections and has also granted new civil rights to women

b) Iran has (albeit imperfectly) held more elections and granted more civil rights.

c) Palestine has seen the free election of a moderate leader

d) Lybia has sacrificed their WMD program.

e) The intifada of the Palestinian people has now stopped.

f) Israel has granted more concessions to Palestine than ever and seems more dedicated to the peace process than ever.

g) Egypt has seen the rise of several pro-democracy movements which forced Mubarak to hold his first election ever. It was a sham election, we know, but things are definitely getting better in Egypt

h) Persectution of religious minorities in Egypt has dropped significantly.

i) Persecution of religious and racial minorities in Iraq has stopped.

j) North Korea looks like they are stopping the runaway nuclear train. Finally.

k) Lebanon has thrown out their pro-Syrian puppet government.

l) Afghanistan has held free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections

m) The UN is finally starting to deal with its widespread corruption.

n) Even including insurgents, the amount of people dying in Iraq per day through violent actions/executions is less than half of what it was

o) The malnutrition rate of Iraqi children is less than half of what it was.

p) The nation of Iraq held free and fair parliamentary elections. (And even despite the threat of death had a higher turnout than the last US Presidential election.)

q) Pakistan has taken tentative steps to returning to democracy.

So thats approx 17 points just off the top of my head. And I’m sure theres more.

Hardly a disaster.

Mat.

“Kafir US have invaded and occupied a Muslim country. Period.”

yeh I’d agree with that

Al-Qaida was initially formed cos they were pissed about US troops in Saudi Arabia.

Mat.

I must say that Nick’s comments are absolutely foolish, and maybe typical of westerners who think that they are so much smarter than us.

This is not new. Nick and others fail to realize that Islam is an imperialist religion from Arabia, which is entirely foreign to Indonesia, but has become the predominant religion and culture purely by force. The Mahapajit Javanese did not convert voluntarily. Bali has been under attack from Islam, seeking conversion of its hindu “infidels” for hundreds of years, so to blame this on George Bush, Iraq, Israel, Afghanistan, etc., is pure ignorance of history. It is also George Bush’s fault that the Arabist JI blows up Christian churches in Sulawesi and Moluccas? What nonsense!
It is time for the Balinese to protect their culture and way of life from Arab imperialism, and for others to appreciate our need and right to do so.

I agree with Nick. Bush should just stay away from Middle East and get busy with his problems in States. Do not waste our tax money and the soldier’s life on his personal ambitions.

My heart goes out to the victims and their grieving relatives and friends, and also to beautiful people of Bali who have suffered through no faults of their own.

I believe it is now high time for Bali to demand a special autonomy status from Indonesia, just like Aceh is now enjoying. Bali can still be a part of indonesia, but it should be allowed to run its own affairs, economy, religion and culture, police, local law, and be allowed to keep all tourism income in Bali.

Good post Tony.

I’m sick of people bagging Israel when most of the Middle East would take utmost pleasure seeing every one of them killed or kicked out.

I’d like to see someone else run a country in that situation.

And I think from memory Israel has 6 million citizens, 1 million of them being Arabs.

Mat.

mat and tony,

you two are like lap dogs to the isrealis much like the indonesian muslims to the arabs. hee..hee..hee..hee… A good arse kisser….he..hee..heee…

The funy thing is that the israelis don’t need your supports, they are fine by themselves without your arse kissing acts. hehehee…

Shalom.

it’s corby case who blow bomb in Bali last Saturday. it may corby’s family or drug mafia behind corby. why that wicked girl so precious ?
can they find another girl to smugling drug ? or just sell drug to Thailand..it’s free there…or just take those damn drug for urself. Australia is so big market for drug.

dinda,

your narrow ninded assumptions are shallow to say the least.

We (australians) are NOT pointing the finger at the balinese people.
But you are suggesting that australia is responsible……

Yeah mate…..your really going to get us coming back with comments like that.

Use your brain next time and think about what your sayin.

dinda,

how old are you?

some bizarre posting there…

mat.

“some bizarre posting there…”

Yeah..there are all yours, mate!! :->

Just wondering: where did you learn your english?

Malaysia? Taiwan? or Singapore? Okay lah…. :->