I hope everyone here's rooting for the Iraqi soccer team now.

[fizzana]

Earlier I noticed some ambivalence on DU about their exploits. After telling Bush to shove it, I've gained even more respect for them.

Next up is Australia in the quarter finals. From what I've seen they have a better than even chance of making it to the semi-finals.

[rockymountaindem]

1. They told Bush to shove it?

Is that right? That's cool.

As a side note, there was an Iraqi guy in my dorm last year. He was forced to flee because he is a Catholic and his family was persecuted by Saddam. Know what he said about Bush?

"I like George Bush because he helps Iraq and fucks up America."

And Bush says Iraqis should like America now...

[Rowdyboy]

2. Wish I had the link, but YEAH

they asked Bush not to use their names in his advertisements or in speeches as an exeample of his policy in Iraq. One said, "If I weren't playing soccer here, I'd be in the resistence in Najaf".

[AbbeyRoad]

4. Here's a link from General Discussion

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2239634

[Chovexani]

3. I've been rooting for them from the beginning

I saw a report on them a few months ago on HBO's Real Sports and was brought to tears. No human being should go through what they've gone through, and yet they are still here--and now they're getting to live their dreams.

Honestly I don't understand why people have felt the need to crap on them just because Bush has taken advantage of them, they went through some horrific things and deserve nothing but our compassion. I don't get people sometimes.

[fizzana]

5. I agree: it's the story of the Olympics so far IMO

n/t

[PVnRT]

7. The Iraqi boxer as well

He's one at least his first fight so far - I hope he does well.

[PVnRT]

6. So have I

I hope they medal. No, it won't do anything tangible to the people of Iraq, but it will give them something to be happy about, and that's always something.

Chovexani, you have to realize that around here, people will shit on anything that has the remotest connection to Bush without actually thinking about it.