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The Algerian Connection

I agree with the basic tenor of Jacob Mundy's article on Algeria. However, just to get the facts straight, there is no purported link from Bin Ladin to the GIA, but to the GSPS. The irony of that is that the GSPS supported by Bin Ladin "civilized" the rebellion by opposing civilian targets. The GIA is heavy infiltrated and manipulated, but it also has a life of its own (See Forestier's "Confession" or Souadia's "Sale Guerre"). The important thing here is that the Algerian smear campaign against its population's rebellions against it has been bought hook line and sinker by most of the European and American intellegentsia.

Bill Lawrence, via e-mail

Jacob Mundy Responds: Sorry about the confusion. One of the aims of my article, indeed, was to highlight how Western intelligencia, in the form of PBS's Frontline, has bought the Algerian government's official line. The fact that Frontline--not myself--made the connection between the GIA and Bin Laden illustrates your point very well.

Against Evil Excess

I support the people, but not the government. The thought that we cannot think for ourselves is ludicrous. I would like to point out that the cure for government excess is provided for in the declaration of independence. I offer a sample below, feel free to copy and disseminate it.

I hereby fire all federal, state and local employees except the military, firefighters and paramedics.

name signed address SS#

I am sending signed copies to all of the people that claim to represent me.

Jerry Scovel, via e-mail

Small Typo

You have "UW West" rather than "US West" in the 7th paragraph from the end (Qwest, etc. Vol. #2)

John Stewart, via e-mail

Ed Reply: You haven't heard about the merger?

Evil Access

Thanks for Showcasing the Evil Qwest.

You guys warm my cockles with your ability to find stuff that bugs the shit out of me and tell me, and the world why????? It helps me to not feel crazy and alone.

Tks,

katy keenani, via e-mail

Leftwingers Don't Eat Pizza?

You have frequently published articles about the middle east conflict from the Palestinian perspective. How about giving some space to the Israeli perspective. And I don't mean a left wing Israeli who is writing about how bad his/her government is for mistreating the Palestinians. How about an article about what it feels like to know that your next slice of pizza could be your last meal because some Palestinian may decide to blow him/herself up and take you with him/her? Or that your children might not come home on Saturday night because they decided to recklessly spend a night out dancing at a disco and a Palestinian decided that this is a crime punishable by death. I could go on but you get my point.

Well, just an idea, let me know.

Michael Behar, via e-mail