So more dumbasses there are, the more likely they are to survive. That's blows a hole in evolution, doesn't it.

One too many Hollywood movies have made it over to Liberia.

I couldn't help but sense a little touch of racism in that link. Especially the comments with the pictures. On the few pics that I looked at, I could think of some explanations as to why those individuals might be in the postures that they were in. War is hell, and sometimes soldiers don't get to put themselves in pretty poses whilst they are shooting, especially untrained, irregular soldiers involved in guerilla warfare like those depicted. The more I think about it, the more apalled I am by the whole post/link.

Most of the photos are the gunmen 'posing' for the camera. But you're right, we must show sensitivity to armed gunmen.

JimB,

I didn't see any soldiers in those pictures -- that's kind of the point. All posed shots by people who would never engage in a real fight unless they out numbered the other side by many times. Most often kidnapping and killing unarmed innocents.

Yes, let's feel sorry for them.

Both sides in Liberia are doing horrible things, but I wouldn't want any of these guys backing me up in a fight.

I guess I was turned off by Jay Tea's explanation and then the "gangsta" captions. It just smacked me of a touch of racism. And, don't get me wrong, we shouldn't show "sympathy" for armed gunmen. But, there are numerous other examples of this sort of "posing" throughout the world, not just in this place in Africa. Why the need for the gangsta language and the implication that it's the dumb black brothers who are too stupid to handle their weapons who are the reason they keep fighting in Africa?

Oops, I meant "sensitivity", not "sympathy".

mesablue,
Point taken. I'm probably just too hypersensitive for some reason today.

JimB, I was about to post a comment on why you shouldn't be offended and then I saw your last comment. Funny how walking away from the computer for a few minutes to stop laughing makes you miss a comment.

Seriously, I do you're a little hypersensitive. Being a Marine, I would have honestly made far worse captions. Nothing racialy charged, but common sense would tell you that the front sight tip and rear sight apature should be used for something. . .

Liberia was launched in 1820 as a model American democratic republic founded by freed slaves and American government officials, but never took root because of hostility of the local poplation which has resulted in anarchy and civil war in a troubled region. a rather 'black orphan' for those who wish to freedom on the march, in the globe.

Those are the funniest photos I have seen in some time.

On the one hand, that was hysterical.

On the other hand, I'm all for "spray and pray" and hesitate to suggest any improvements that might catch on around the world. Like aiming.

On the third hand (or foot or whatever) that was incredibly painful. The induced guilt for laughing was something I could have done without, thank you very much.

(*sigh* my poor children... always getting lectures about where hot brass is likely to land... as if this is something they need to know.)

...maybe they hold their guns that way because that's actually a spear throwing stance! Oh, my side hurts! So funny. So, I'll see you at the cross lighting ceremony?

Make sure to wash your hood and robe. We have a standard to uphold, you slob.

re: thosecrazy...

Looks like we have a Maryland Demonrat here who thinks that those are pictures of black Republicans....

Yeah, none of those guys knows how to handle a weapon, so I guess that gives us carte blanche to make as many rascist comments as we want. Because after all, they're "Most often kidnapping and killing unarmed innocents." I'm just curious what information is included with those pictures that makes it possible to issue such a blanket statement about them. But I guess it's OK to make rascist coments as long as the subject of the comments is an unsympathetic figure.

Some of those guys look ridiculous, so go ahead and make fun of them. But they're AFRICANS, for Christ's sake. I sincerely doubt any of them say "fo'shizzle," and if you can't see the raciscm in those photo captions, then you're kidding yourself. And I don't see what saying that has to do with "feeling sorry for them."

Saying "fo shizzle" or whatever is not racist. It's a reference to gangsta culture because ganstas can't fire a gun properly. That's the connection. Ever see a picture of a "gangsta firing"? The gun is held sideways. It's a stupid but cool way to fire a gun.

The people posting made the connection between gansta firing and how the people pictured were holding their guns and/or acting.

I'm pretty sure that is not how Tookie held his weapon while shooting people.

"The people posting made the connection between gansta firing and how the people pictured were holding their guns and/or acting."

Right. So if it was a bunch of Chechens, the caption would have beenm "fo'shizzle." Please.

Yeah, well those stupid africans have no idea what it's like being white and male. We don't get any special treatments anymore, you know. And it's worse if you're rich! Those black guys are lucky. Not a care in the world beyond the incessant threat of death.

Help, I'm being oppressed! Where's my support group?

Maybe you are using a different definition of "racism" than I am.

Main Entry: rac·ism
Pronunciation: 'rA-"si-z&m also -"shi-
Function: noun
1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
(Courtesy of Webster's)

Nobody said the fact that the people in the pictures are black (or African or whatever) is the reason they can't seem to shoot properly.

If anything, you are talking about a stereotype.

Main Entry: stereotype
Function: noun
Etymology: French stéréotype, from stéré- stere- + type
1 : a plate cast from a printing surface
2 : something conforming to a fixed or general pattern; especially : a standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment
(also courtesy of Webster's)

Of course, the stereotype is based upon the evidence presented, i.e. the pictures.

Saying that Africans in general (based upon the presented evidence) can't shoot properly is only as racist as saying that white people can't dance.

Hardly anyone fighting over there has the slightest clue how to handle a weapon.

They didn't show the 10-year-olds who are kidnapped, trained and turned into killers.

But har-de-har, Jay. Nice one. You so funny. Yuk yuk yuk.

First Liberian Civil War, 1989-96: 150,000 dead.

Obviously, no-one over there knows how to dodge a bullet. Or they just get in the way of bullets shot all over the place by showboaters. Yuk yuk yuk.

What's with all the "sensitivity" to gangsta culture? Just because your teenagers are dumb enough to think it's cool... "Gangstas" are criminals and should be either locked up or die by the life they have chosen...

I don't think it's any more racist to call black criminals "niggas" than acknowleging stupid white people as "white trash" (or whatever derogatory term you prefer). Here in these comments we see the result of political correctness run amok.

And to think that some of those who are so offended here are the same ones talking about collateral damage by OUR troops. How many people got their asses shot off by these guys, just for minding their own business? No, the pictures and captions were hilarious. There's nothing wrong with calling a spade a spade (pun intended).

Before you get all worked up, I have lots of black friends. They are responsible adults, not criminals.

Mr. Crickmore makes an excellent point that Liberia was founded by freed slaves; the name "Liberia" was taken from "liberty" and the capital, Monrovia, was named for Pres. James Monroe.

I find the fact the country has hardly had a moments peace tragic.

Ten year-olds on khat can't put the punkin' on spot.

And, they never live long enough to see how isometrics can increase shoulder strength.

You realize you just linked to a white supremacist forum, right?