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US Republican congressman visits the Falklands starting Monday

Monday, January 28th 2013 - 04:22 UTC
Full article 64 comments

United States Republican Congressman Thomas Petri will visit the Falkland Islands from Monday 28 January 28 to February 2 accompanied by a group of congressional staff members. Read full article

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  • Marcos Alejandro

    “United States Republican Congressman”

    Republicans? Ah yes that American political party that lost their election big time weeks ago :-)) A loser will visit Malvinas, the title should've said.
    A couple of days ago a Republican governor said:

    ”Bobby Jindal’s Advice To GOP ‘Stop Being The Stupid Party’

    I guess he knew that of them was going to visit the British colony in Malvinas.

    http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/01/bobby-jindals-advice-to-gop-stop-being-the-stupid-party-the-note/

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 05:52 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Boovis

    He's a congressman, meaning he holds that post, meaning he isn't a loser at all, irrelevant of how his party is doing. The republicans are also a majority in the house of representatives, hardly a loser.
    I'm pretty sure that, whoever visits the islands, you'll find some problem with them anyway, your dick really is that small.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 06:34 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Xect

    Oooh Marcus seems upset, looks like the plan is working.

    Although its a shame Marcus doesn't understand politics (as well as many other subjects), poor lad.

    He's a congressman, look it up Marcus!

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 07:34 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    @1 Mark

    You really are hating this international publicity, and, should I say it out loud, FRIENDSHIP!!

    too bad - wrecked your day, I'll bet. :-)

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 07:36 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • inthegutter

    #1 I'm no fan of the Republicans but: “lost their election big time” is a frankly ridiculous statement, though one I would of course expect from you given your deluded opinions over the Falklands.

    2012
    ----------
    Presidential Election: R: 47.2% D: 51.1% (popular vote)
    Senate Elections: R: 45 D: 52 (seats)
    House Elections: R: 234 D: 201 (seats) (R: 53.8% of seats)

    Compare, FVP-PJ in 2011: 115/257 seats (44.7% of seats)

    Moreover this one guy won 71% of the vote in his constituency (c.f. CFK: 45.3% of the popular vote in 2007, 54.1% in 2011).

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 08:44 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    He'd be more ticked off if his local MP went their, Conservative I believe.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 09:11 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • AzaUK

    well Argentina you still get Sean Penn, slightly lesser “prize” but beggers cant be choosers can they lol

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 09:34 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Rufus

    You've got to laugh, Marcos reckons he's a loser because he's a Republican, and they didn't win the last nationwide election.

    He's pretty much permanantly on the sane end of the Republican party, which might explain why he's won the last seventeen elections for the 6th district of Wisconsin.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 10:38 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Pete Bog

    Any visitor to the Falkland Islands will see for themselves that Argentina's government are a bunch of lying barstewards. Every vistor to he Falklands that witnesses the truth is another nail in Argentina's defunct sovereignity claim.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 10:40 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    It does not matter what the Malvanistas say; they have no power on the World stage at all.

    What really matters is that the FIG keep on the side of the big boys / deal makers in politics, something TMBOA seems bound and determined NOT to do.

    I would imagine (if they have told her) that TMBOA is lying in a darkened room, alternately crying and screaming over this.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 11:10 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • jeffski

    And who do the grovelling snivelling Argies get to visit their corrupt lawless country. Then they beg them to speak up for the none existent Malvinas islands return, pathetic bunch of lying weasels the lot of them.

    1. Sean Penn
    2. Morrisey
    3. David Gilmour

    Says it all really, one washed up actor and two dinosaur rock/pop singers who have not got a clue about politics.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 11:11 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GALlamosa

    All visitors are welcome. Perhaps Hector will pay a visit when he gets fired for screwing up in Vietnam, and Arturo when he gets fired for letting the navy sink, and.....oh hell, there's too many of them.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 11:31 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • LEPRecon

    @ Marcos

    You seem to not understand how a democracy works.

    Okay the Republicans lost the Presidential elections, but have made huge gains elsewhere.

    The USA is not like Argentina. Their President is accountable to Congress and to the Senate.

    Once Congressman Petri has visited the Falklands and sees for himself the independent, vibrant community, he will no doubt suport their right to self-determination, which of course the Islanders will be expressing in their referendum in March.

    Not only that, he will also talk to his fellow Congressmen about the Islands, and support will spread even further.

    Even if Obama sort of supported Argentina's claim (and there is NO evidence that he EVER has), Congress could effectively block him from declaring overt support, and even get US foreign policy changed to reflect a positive attitude towards the Falkland Islanders.

    You see, the President of the USA isn't allowed to let his own personal beliefs or feelings dictate US policy. He can only do that with the support of Congress and the Senate. In other words what is best for the country comes 1st and personal considerations 2nd.

    Guess what? The more US politicians, who all believe in freedom and democracy, see the truth of the Falklands for themselves, the more they are likely to nudge US foreign policy in favour of support the Falkland Islanders.

    It also won't hurt that the Falklands could become a very important supplier of oil and natural gas to the USA.

    Compare this to CFKs anti-US stance. Boarding a US military aircraft under a pathetic pretense. Always slagging the US off to her best friend Chavez and anyone else who will listen. Her close relationship with Venezula who are already in the USA's bad books.

    You must be a complete muppet if you believe for an instant that the USA would ever support Argentina's erroneous claims. At best they'll just maintain their neutral stance, knowing that the UK will protect the Falkands, and Argentina can't do nothing about it.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 12:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Musky

    @11 jeffski
    It was Roger Walters of Pink Floyd not Dave Gilmour but even Roger recanted in some fashion. Argentina can keep Sean Penn, we've got Madonna. Morrisey, the biggest miserable lemon ever to walk the planet, well come on, the guy is close to suicidal anyway and why not seal the deal with the ass-backwards mentality of the malvinistas.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 12:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • jeffski

    @14 my mistake about Dave Gilmour. You are right about Penn & Morrisey two obscure self appointed tits together.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 12:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Idlehands

    David Gilmour was also beating the drum for a while.

    http://www.neptunepinkfloyd.co.uk/index.php/npf-mag/426-david-gilmour-mojo-interview

    Trouble is for all the named rock stars of the 80s is that it was all about their hatred of Thatcher not really their convictions relating to the Falklands.

    They'd change their minds if they ever actually went there which is why Argentines hate the idea of anyone going there. Has any non Argentine paid the place a visit and come home claiming it's part of Argentina?

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 01:21 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • andy65

    @Marcos Alejandro, The only loser my friend is your soon to be defunct Princess Tippy Toes Hitler Kirchner

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 02:28 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GFace

    Excellent, but be really needs to follow through, address the Foreign Relations committee (this guy isn't on the FR committee either) and otherwise make this visits outcome more than a press release from the FIG. Also as mentioned by others above, this fellow is far more solid in bi-partisan street cred than the last congressman to visit the islands. (Just make sure he takes a clear message back to congress and delivers it! :-)

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 02:41 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Salvador

    Another tax payer funded junket. Petri should focus on his job re: transportation and education. As it is we are not getting our money's worth from this bloated budjet and with its over-bloated taxes. Petri did his contitutents and the American people a disservice. Instead of focusing on on overseas county/empire he should concentrate on the massive problems we have in USA.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 03:38 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GFace

    @19 The last trip taken by a US Congressman (fellow cheesehead Sensenbrenner) I will concede seems to have been a waste and I s'spect it was a vacation more than anything since it has no impact in the congressional record or his own website. This coming one at least 1) the congressman is known for doing far more than talking about the FLOTUS's booty and also has cross-aisle credibility, 2) at least has some informal caucus/workinggroup overlap regarding the FI. I would prefer it if there was a member of the House or Senate FR committees on the trip but the story does not report precisely whose aides are accompanying his (his or someone from FR who cannot go). But if it lays roots for an US delegation to observe the islanders right to exercise the fundamental human right to self-determination (rather than the business of “empires” as maligned by your apologetics for the Dirty War's expansion to the Islands in 82 and ARs continued celebration of the same), then I wish him and those traveling with him a successful trip and a solid follow-up for the events in March.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 04:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Salvador

    @20 Petri should concern himself with the gross human rights/civil rights abuses in the US-that is what he is paid for.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 04:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • GFace

    @21 Spare us the predictable and empty whataboutery before you do something stupid like Tobias did and equate the victims of WW2 fascism with Saddam Hussein.

    What matters is that someone in the US Government structure is going. *And* you are afraid of what he will see and report back.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 05:04 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • s1b

    uuuuujajaja all what this idiot will see is a big slum, a poor Malvina Hotel, no community college, no a decent restaurant and 3,000 retards!

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 05:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • agent999

    @23
    hi Sussie

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 06:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    @23

    “uuuuujajaja all what this idiot will see is a big slum, a poor Malvina Hotel, no community college, no a decent restaurant and 3,000 retards!”

    You must be Government of Argentina.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 06:51 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    we realy dont know what you argies are complaining about,
    after all,
    you started all this,
    and have been beaten and humiliated at every turn,
    and you still never learn.

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 07:34 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • reality check

    Not that one again sussie, what's the fascination with hotels?

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 07:44 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    @27

    His place of business assignations

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 07:49 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • lsolde

    Sussie,
    We've got an underground Shopping Mall now.
    Underground Swimming Baths.
    Underground Casino.
    All to service our underground missile system, oops shouldn't have said that!

    Jan 28th, 2013 - 08:07 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Marcos Alejandro

    The visit of this unknown loser Republican reminds me of the visit of Pocklington Mayor’s :-)))))

    http://www.pocklingtonpost.co.uk/community/nostalgia/pocklington-mayor-s-falkland-islands-trip-1-3530365

    Jan 29th, 2013 - 05:23 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • inthegutter

    #30 If this winner of 17 consecutive elections, who during the last election was voted for by 183,271 people (71% of voters), is a loser what does that make you? Truly pathetic Marcos, you clearly have no argument.

    Jan 29th, 2013 - 08:12 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Hepatia

    http://en.mercopress.com/2013/01/28/us-republican-congressman-visits-the-falklands-starting-monday#comment209492: I wonder if the GOP will consider having their next convention in Las Malvinas? After all the “Deep South” is the center of their heartland! :)

    Jan 29th, 2013 - 12:04 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • LEPRecon

    @32 Hepatia

    Aw, poor Malvinista. There are no such places as the Malvinas, however I'm sure that they'd be welcome to visit the Falkland Islands.

    You see, Argentina can no longer hide the truth from the world. The truth that Argentina has NO legal, sovereign or moral claim to the Falkland Islands.

    The more Argentina lies, and your government is lying all the time, so much so that they forget what they've said, and then CONTRADICT themselves; the more the real truth comes out.

    Every visitor to the Islands can see for themselves that Argentina is a LIAR, with colonial ambitions to COLONISE, OPPRESS and MURDER the true and native inhabitants of the Falkland Islands.

    The world sees you for what you are.

    Fortunately the Islanders are well protected, thanks to your President and her inept government. Well done, Crissy, keep sinking those naval vessels. :D

    This visiting Congressman will return to the US and tell his fellow Congressmen about the outrageous lies told by Argentina. These Congressmen will then likely start pushing US foreign policy in favour of getting off the 'fence' and backing the islanders.

    After all, the US is a potential customer for all that gas and oil, and, unlike Argentina, the Falklands are actually organised enough, and not beset by rampant corruption, to get the gas and oil out of the ground.

    How is it in Argentina, by the way? Still having to import fuel because your corrupt government can't get anyone to invest in the Albatross that YPF has become?

    Jan 29th, 2013 - 01:22 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Salvador

    To 22Gface. What is Petri going to see? Everybody that's been there says the islanders are a poverty stricken and demoralized people with a total look of hoplessness?

    Jan 29th, 2013 - 05:13 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    34 Salvador

    Who is the 'everybody'?

    Everybody I know who has been to the Falklands (there are STILL no Malvinas you twats) thinks the people are great and the islands themselves well worth seeing.

    And you are from where?

    Jan 29th, 2013 - 06:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Pete Bog

    @32
    “I wonder if the GOP will consider having their next convention in Las Malvinas?”

    As Las Malvinas doesn't exist, probably not.

    Jan 29th, 2013 - 11:32 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • lsolde

    @34 Salvador,
    You make me laugh. poverty-stricken indeed!
    l suppose you think that we are longing for Argentina to “liberate” us also!! lol, many, many lols.
    Our only problem is YOU.
    But that is easily handled.

    Jan 30th, 2013 - 10:32 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • DanyBerger

    Everyone has the right to have holidays wherever he/she wants and if they are free much better.

    Jan 30th, 2013 - 11:07 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    @38 Dunny-Burger

    And how can you take a holiday, you are broke, you must be as you are a paid troll. How much per post, 2 pesos?

    And even if you did have some money you could not go abroad because your despotic government, that you admire so much, would not let you have the dollars.

    So, basically you are fucked.

    Jan 30th, 2013 - 12:17 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • lsolde

    @39 ChrisR,
    Or “muffed” as briton stated! (snigger & giggle).

    Jan 30th, 2013 - 12:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Hepatia

    http://en.mercopress.com/2013/01/28/us-republican-congressman-visits-the-falklands-starting-monday#comment210226: But, according to the US government, it does exist.

    Jan 30th, 2013 - 12:59 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Liberty12

    Lets see-massacres of hundreds and thousands of innocent people in Ireland, Afghanistan, India, Africa. Killing thousands of innocent Chinese in order to sell them opium. Brits commit massive genocide in Australia, a lesson for Hitler-why should anyone support Britain with its massive record of human rights violations.

    Jan 30th, 2013 - 03:25 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Hepatia

    http://en.mercopress.com/2013/01/28/us-republican-congressman-visits-the-falklands-starting-monday#comment210372: Of course Hitler did have a lot of admiration for the British Empire. And during the 1930s the Japanese reasoned that if the British (and French etc) could have an empire why could not they.

    The PRC is in the process of extracting a revenge for the Opium Wars on the British right now. This will continue for the next 10 to 15 years. This is why the British are running around South America desperately trying to drum up trade.

    Jan 30th, 2013 - 05:14 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redpoll

    Lets see: Massacres of hundreds of thousands .. in Ireland
    Well really the potato blight was a dastardly plot dreamed up by them Argies, an early attempt at biological warfare against Britain
    So look you I can troll really big lies too
    Top that one Mr Liberty Bodice size 12 if you can!

    Jan 30th, 2013 - 06:37 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    42 Liberty12
    Lets see-massacres of hundreds and thousands of innocent people in Ireland, Afghanistan, India, and Africa. Killing thousands of innocent Chinese

    Very clever, intelligent , over rated , argie history,
    Only one thing we can say about this [alleged allegations]
    [ PROVE IT]
    .

    Jan 30th, 2013 - 07:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    how very childish,
    better 3,ooo than 40 million.

    so soddy offy, and growy uppy.

    Jan 30th, 2013 - 08:05 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    we dont talk to the dead .either.

    Jan 31st, 2013 - 07:48 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • lsolde

    @47 svt,
    So you think that we're all idiots, do you?
    Why?
    Because you cannot conquer & enslave us, is it?
    Because we do not agree to give you OUR land?
    And you are so impotent that you cannot do anything about it, except offer insults.
    As briton says, how childish, and he's right.
    You behave like little children who throw tantrums when you can't get your own way.
    You can call us what you like, we just don't care about your silly country at all.
    And as for your ridiculous statement about slums on the Falklands!
    Ha ha ha. Argentina has some of the worst slums on the planet, while we have none!
    ldiota

    Jan 31st, 2013 - 09:42 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • briton

    agreed.

    Jan 31st, 2013 - 10:00 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    @Isolde

    svt is just another “Sussie” persona.

    In other words, a nothing.

    Don't respond, he is mentally-ill.

    Feb 01st, 2013 - 07:23 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • lsolde

    @51 Troy,
    Yes, l think you're right.

    Feb 01st, 2013 - 09:20 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • golfcronie

    To all interested Argentinians, just two questions
    1) Why do you want sovereignty over the FALKLANDS ?
    2) If you did get sovereignty, what would you do with it ?

    Feb 01st, 2013 - 11:34 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Liberty12

    Isolde: I never saw slums in Argentina or the Southern regions of Lat Am. Massive slums do exist in U.K., those brownstone being an unsightly blight on the country. London reeks of mold and mildew. The USA is rehabilitating its slums. You guys can't get your act together. UK just raised poll tax so they can exploit their poor even more.

    Feb 01st, 2013 - 03:15 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    @53liberty12

    “Isolde: I never saw slums in Argentina or the Southern regions of Lat Am. ”

    “Liberty” (Sussie?), you are a liar:

    http://en.mercopress.com/2010/04/06/buenos-aires-city-surrounded-by-two-million-argentines-living-in-shanty-towns

    Feb 01st, 2013 - 04:19 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redpoll

    @54 Leave Liberty Bodice alone. Shes almost as good an entertainment as Tinderbox and Alice in Wonderland on these threads

    Feb 01st, 2013 - 09:45 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • DanyBerger

    @Chris Ram bom

    As I’m learning Welsh (from Patagonia of course) allow me to tell you what I think in this distinct language.

    Sosun verdareumdum Pelotudumdum Importanutusmudum.

    I have to admit that was quite difficult to write this piece of Gaelic art. but I did try my best.

    I can also write it in good English too you know?

    Iu ar a truli importan Pelothudous.

    Du iu nou gua ‘a ai min?

    Feb 02nd, 2013 - 03:15 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • lsolde

    Dany, you are a real linkswichser.

    Feb 02nd, 2013 - 10:44 am - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    56 DunnyBurger

    Keep at it.

    I doubt if any real speaker of modern Welsh would know WTF you are on about, but it keeps you happy.

    Still no answer on AR making jets (and their engines) yet then?

    Feb 02nd, 2013 - 03:18 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Troy Tempest

    @58 Chris
    ”Still no answer on AR making jets (and their engines) yet then?“

    Chris, does he mean the Pampas ”attack-capable trainers“, ”developed“ in partnership with Dassault/Dornier and first produced in very limited numbers in 1978?
    The same Pampas that was upgraded later and produced with Loch-Martin, using their avionics and engines??
    Does he mean those” 100% made in Argentina” jets that 'must not exceed' speed is Mach .96 ????

    Feb 02nd, 2013 - 07:16 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    59 Troy Tempest

    That is what I suspect, but cannot get him to give a sensible answer.

    I just LOVE the Malvanistas who talk about buying Chinese fighters, thinking that they also make the engines.

    China has spent USD 570 Bn so far and FAILED and has to buy ALL their aircraft engines from the Russians.

    There are very few countries with the capabilty of designing and making full size jet engines.

    Perhaps Dunny-Burger was thinking of this:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBuRX7nBwwM

    Please note Dunny, that this link IS on topic.

    LOL's

    Feb 03rd, 2013 - 05:54 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • Liberty12

    Whoopee. Brits finally get right to change banks!! Hope is something you can now have!!! P.S. Your performance in Falklands was pitiful. Old U.S. Skyhawks from junkyards worth $50, 000 sinking your destroyers worth $350 million. How pitiful!! rumor is that your stealth ship can be seen from miles away on radar. Oops!

    Feb 04th, 2013 - 03:39 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • redpoll

    Eff off Liberty bodice. Nobody doubts the valour and courage of the young Argentine pilots in thier attacks on the British fleet. Ask Admiral West who lost his ship. Your cheap comments denigrate not just the young Argentines but all the combatants who died in the conflict

    Feb 04th, 2013 - 06:30 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • ChrisR

    61 Liberty12

    Rumour has it that Malvanistas have a brain: but we all know the truth.

    Ha, ha to the power googol.

    Feb 04th, 2013 - 06:57 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
  • row82

    Please support this page - Falklands Forever British - dedicated to Falkland Islands current affairs, keeping the islands free and poking fun at the lunacy of the Argentine government and their various claims and winding up their Internet trolls - https://www.facebook.com/truthfk

    Feb 06th, 2013 - 02:46 pm - Link - Report abuse 0

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