Jim (jazzmanjim) wrote, @ 2004-04-01 23:15:00

Chicago Rules in Iraq
It's been in the news the last two days. Four civilian contractors were murdered and their bodies desecrated by a mob in Fallujah, Iraq. And then a convoy was attacked near the same city and three soldiers were killed.

This has got to stop. We've been awfuly worried here in the US about being sensitive and gentle and understanding, but it's obvious ot me and it ought ot be obvious even to the most objective observer that this isn't working in and around Fallujah. We've known since nearly our first day in Iraq that the city was going to be a nest of vipers, yet we seem to be treating it like every other city.

I think it's time to introduce the residents of that city to "Chicago Rules".

You remember Chicago Rules from "The Untouchables". Elliott Ness asks Malone about getting Capone and Malone asks him how serious he is and what it'll take to bring him down. Here's a choice quote.

"Malone:You said you wanted to get Capone. Do you really wanna get him? You see what I'm saying is, what are you prepared to do?
Eliot Ness: Anything and everything in my power.
Malone: And THEN what are you prepared to do? If you open the can on these worms you must be prepared to go all the way because they're not gonna give up the fight until one of you is dead.
Eliot Ness: How do you do it then?
Malone: You wanna know how you do it? Here's how, they pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue! That's the Chicago way, and that's how you get Capone! Now do you want to do that? Are you ready to do that?
Eliot Ness: I have sworn to capture this man with all legal powers at my disposal and I will do so.
Malone: Well the Lord hates a coward. Do you know what a blood oath is Mr. Ness?
Eliot Ness: Yes.
Malone: Good, cause you just took one."

Not only is that the Chicago way, it ought to be the United States way in Fallujah.

There needs to be hard payback against the savages who did this and it needs to happen right now.