Coming Attractions

I warned I would be spotty this week. We're out of town and I've lost my routine. Anyway, that's my excuse.

And I'm missing out on some dynamic news. Ford disses the Iraq war. Bush snubs Ford's funeral. Forget soap operas. Washington politics has more drama.

And then there's Saddam. Isn't hanging outlawed in the U.S.? Isn't it cruel and unusual? I know, Saddam's not an American--though he did work closely with the U.S. governmeny for several years. And he was a dictator, but Iraq was much more peaceful back in the day. I'm no fan of the guy, but I don't understand the intense hatred for him here in this country. And I become concerned when people anticipate someone's death with glee.

So I missed all that news, and more. But I have something exciting coming to this place.'

Sometime next week I plan to take off on a road trip. I have a rough itinerary, but I hope for (good) surprises--not flat tires or anything like that. I'll be writing from the road. Happy trails!

On the Road

I didn't post yesterday because I completely forgot it was Monday. I don't celebrate Christmas, but the holiday threw everything off just the same.

I'm writing tonight (okay, early this morning) from St. Louis. I'm at my mother's house on my first stop of my road trip. My mother and I plan to do some exploring in warmer climes.

We'll take off next week. I'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, forgive me if my posts are spotty.

Fair and Just

Newly-elected congressman, Keith Ellison, plans to take the oath of office by swearing on the Qur'an, not the Bible. Some have raised an uproar over this. I'm not talking about the general public. I'm talking about the leaders. They're missing some important points.

1. The United States is not a Christian nation. The founding fathers, many of whom were not Christians but Theists, took pains to create a secular state. Therefore, the Bible is not the official holy book of this country. There is no official religion and no official holy book.

2. The voters of Minnesota chose Ellison to represent them and they knew he was a Muslim. We should respect the choice of the voters.

3. The Bible doesn't have a strong intrinsic meaning to Muslims. The Qur'an does. So if someone is being asked to uphold his duties, shouldn't he swear by that which is important to him? No one is asking a Christian congressman to swear on the Qur'an. That would be nonsense. So why should a Muslim congressman swear on the Bible? It's only fair.

I would like to recognize a small victory for justice. Soldiers responsible for the Haritha massacre will be punished.

My only question is, When will we punish the person who started this whole mess in the first place?

What's the point?

Will there be 3000 American dead in Iraq by the end of 2006? Not likely, but it's possible.

Meanwhile, more troops are being sent. Why? To deepen the chaos and increase the number of deaths? I don't see any other reason. Unless it's a misguided attempt to save a war which cannot and should not be saved. But I think it's a little late for that.

I was one of those standing on the street corner in the weeks before the invasion of Iraq. Some honked. Many cursed. When The Decider began the war, in spite of all conventional wisdom, I lost hope. Not entirely. But it seemed pointless to stand outside in the cold and voice your opposition to a war which would begin no matter what you, or anyone else, said because that's what the dictator, er president, has decided.

Americans spoke at the polling places last month. Soon the new Congress will be seated. And if they continue with the same old mistakes, the same old lies, I will know it has all been pointless.

But hope is good. Without it, what is there?

Sanity

Crime rates increase.

Civil war spreads.

Children exploited.

Rage consumes "civilization." It seems to grow hotter every day, every year. A global warming more threatening than the melting of icecaps.

Yet we must remain peaceful and sane. Surrender is not an option.

We search for peace. In creation and the Creator.

We have to have something to get us through the day.

Searching

I'm not sure what to write about tonight. Have any ideas?

The top two stories are the search for the two remaining hikers on Mt. Hood and the Pentagon's agreement that things need to change in Iraq.

One group searching for safety. The other searching for a way to save themselves from the monster they created.

Snow. War. The world is full of danger.

But the snowstorm couldn't have been avoided. The War in Iraq could have. And should have. Second guessing when thousands are dead doesn't cut it.

Chemical Killers

A major news item tonight is that breast cancer rates are continuing to fall. The decline is being attributed to discontinuation of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which usually began when a woman approached menopause. The removal of that one factor is said to be significant.

I always believed that cancer was caused when something unnatural was introduced into the body. I have cancer now and I still believe that. In fact, I've spent months searching for a cause for my leukemia. I've never smoked (except for that one experiment back when I was in college), I've never drunk alcohol (except for communion wine in church before I became a Muslim), and for the last twenty years my diet has been fairly healthy. I knew there had to be a cause. And I've found it.

Benzene is a chemical derived from petroleum. It is present in many things, including perfumes. I have been allergic to perfume, and scents in general, since 1986. I've tried to avoid them, but it has been increasingly difficult. Muslims generally wear scents--often quite heavily--and so I was exposed reguarly when I taught in an Islamic school. I became increasingly sick--new symptoms appearing every couple of years--but I kept trudging on. Finally, in January, I accidentally walked into an aerosol spray of air freshener and w as stopped dead in my tracks.

Benzene doesn't just activate allergic responses in me and others. It can cause leukemia. I'm convinced that's what made me sick. The chemicals actually alter genetic structures. When I Googled benzene earlier today, the first listing was a law firm which helps those who have been exposed. Their site confirmed what I already knew. Benzene causes leukemia. Think about it.

Think about it when you plug in that air freshener. When you pour on the scented shampoo, soap up with jasmine or rose and put on your scented anti-perspirant. When you put on the clothes which were washing in scented detergent and dried with scented dryer sheets. When you spray air fresheners. When you pour on perfume, cologne or aftershave. Think about it.

The rate of leukemia is rising. The kind I have used to be for old people, but the patients are getting younger. And more children are getting leukemia.

Do you wonder when we spend so much time trying to create artificial scents? Of course we don't want to smell bad. But we don't need to overdo it. As the commercial said back in the 60s, "A little dab'll do ya."

Chemicals are killing us. They're in our medicines. In our food. In our water. And in the air we breathe. We need to demand a change before it's too late.

Slow and Steady Wins

"The hurrieder I go, the behinder I get." I saw that on a poster in the 70s and it has become a mantra for me. I recite it when I'm rushing to finish and realize I'm only slowing myself down in the process. So I take a deep breath and perform the tasks at my own steady pace. I'm much faster when I'm slow. And more effective.

I'm not the only one who doesn't like to be rushed. The Decider says he will not be rushed into a decision about Iraq. I know it's already been said, but I wish he had felt that way four years ago.

Rushing to run errands. Rushing to war. Different, yet similar in their inefficiency. When I rush I am more likely to drop something, break something, forget something. When the Decider rushes, he destroys a country and kills thousands.

But there are times when speed is called for. If my child is hurt, slow and steady flies out the window. Our nation is dying. Don't you think somebody had better do something about it. ASAP!

Name-calling

I saw an interesting, and discouraging, video on CNN.com today. It addressed the problem some people have with Barak Obama. Some get Obama confused with Osama. Others point out that his middle name is Hussein, which is the last name of Saddam Hussein. Therefore, because Barak Obama is so similar to Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein he will have trouble getting elected.

What?

When I was four or five I thought all people named Johnson, Smith, Jones, etc., were related. As a Kolocotronis, that was very credible to me because I am related, in some way or another, to all others named Kolocotronis. (Though many of them, I'm sure, would like to disown the member of their family who chose to follow the same religion as those "dirty Moslem Turks." I think that's how my great uncle put it.) However, some Americans seem to believe that all Muslims who share the same names have the same (evil) intentions.

For all of my fellow Americans who still don't know where Iraq is even though they can recite every known fact about Britney Spears and company, I have a few factual reminders:

1. Obama is not Osama.

2. There are thousands, possibly millions of men named Osama--or, alternatively, Osamah or Usama. Do you really believe they are all evil?

3. There are probably millions of men named Hussein, after the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

4. There are over one billion Muslims in the world. If we really wanted to destroy non-Muslims, we would have done it by now. All we want is to live peacefully and be allowed to raise our families and practice our faith.

5. Islam has no more kooks than Christianity does--or any other religious or ethnic group.

6. As Will Rogers said, "Don't believe everything you read in the papers." (Will Rogers was an American humorist of the 1920s, for those of you who don't know much about history.)

Is that it? I think it will do for now.

I believe Barak Obama is a very capable man who would make a fine president. I also believe he will not be elected. And it's not just because of his name--in fact, I think this whole name thing is an intentional diversion. He will probably never be president of the United States because he is black and America is not ready for a black president. I don't know if we ever will be.

* * *

Footnote--Have you noticed that America is far behind countries such as Pakistan, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, which have already had women leaders. And we are far behind South Africa, where a mixed race society elected a black leader. So much for progress.

Power and Responsibility

"The U.S. has given the world an example of a democracy in which everyone, including the most powerful, is subject to legal restraint. Its current moment of world supremacy gives it a priceless opportunity to entrench the same principles at the global level. "

In his farewell address, delivered in my home state of Missouri, Kofi Annan reminded Americans that power and responsibility cannot be separated. In a democratic society, those who have authority cannot forget their obligations to those who placed them in positions of authority. Or, as this nation's founders wrote:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. . ."

It's a theory as old as the Renaissance--older than that actually because it goes back to Prophet Muhammad (S). Leaders are accountable to the people they rule. Those who forget this are often doomed to failure and a rapid fall from power. If you don't believe me, read your history. Pick an empire--Babylonian, Persian, Roman. American, History students enjoy learning about the inept and the corrupt. It's not much fun, though, when you're living through it.

Annan also quoted from Harry Truman, which I think detracted from his speech. My fellow Missourian remains the only human being to order the dropping of a nuclear weapon upon a civilian population. Twice. That fact tarnishes any appreciation I have for the man's plain speaking. But the blame has to rest somewhere. Even Harry Truman knew that much.

Bucking the Trend

It's finally becoming popular to oppose the policies of the Bush White House.

It's even popular now to oppose the Iraq War.

I can foresee a time when doubting the official 9/11 story will be popular too.

But why do we have to wait until everyone else accepts a truth just so we can jump on the bandwagon?

Why do we have to learn things the hard way?

And if everyone was a non-conformist, would that be conformity?

"You're right. . ."

Not always, but occasionally my husband realizes I was right when I told him. . .I'm sorry, I can't think of any examples right now. But it happens often enough that sometimes when I know I'm right, before the final decision is made, I kindly remind him of these moments of hindsight.

So we both make mistakes, my husband and me. But our mistakes don't cost lives.

This morning I woke up to the face of President Bush as he spoke with Iraq study group. It took me a while to figure out what was going on.

He's finally admitting he could possibly have been wrong about Iraq. With hundreds of thousands of Iraqis dead, nearly 3000 dead American solders, and a country in shambles.

Hindsight isn't good enough.

Lost Boys

The saddest story I read tonight was about the 12-year old whose mother called police because the boy had opened, and taken, one of the presents under the Christmas tree. Police charged the boy with petty larceny.

Of course what the boy did was wrong. But will giving him a police record at the age of 12 improve his chances for a successful life? Or will it ensure he's in prison by the time he's 18?

The family has many challenges. The mother is 27 and single--her son was obviously born when she was just a teen. With a young mother and no father, how will a child learn?

Twelve-year old boys are particularly difficult. I've raised five of them, and I have one more to go. They are self-centered and short-sighted. Hormones are raging and they don't know what to do with all their energy. They must be carefully nourished, constantly guided, and frequently reassured.

Gone are the days when Ward Cleaver sat down with Beaver and patiently taught him about life. Too often young boys and their stressed-out mothers are left to struggle without support.

What can you do about that?

Drugs kill

Not just the illegal kind. The legal ones also. The ones which are advertised during the national news. They promise a new life, except for side effects which could include a plethora of maladies such as blindness or death.

Over 100,000 Americans die each year from prescription drugs. More are sickened or disabled. The newest culprit is a cholesterol-lowering drug which was meant to prevent the risk of heart attacks. The disheartening news is that this drug, like others, can be a killer.

I'm not sure when Americans began to rely heavily on chemical cures. I only know that those cures, once so promising, are now turning against us. And we must find other options.

I'm seeking natural alternatives for my family. Drinking water. Sleeping eight hours a day. Eating nutritious meals without additives and preservatives. Enjoying fresh air in the summer and opening the curtains to sunlight whenever possible.

I don't believe the human body was meant to consume and absorb chemicals from the food and air. Once we realize that, we will all be healthier.

Bah, humbug!

First, I need to say that I have no problem with anyone celebrating Christmas. That's your personal choice. If you want to celebrate the birth of Jesus (which was actually in the spring) or the winter solstice then go ahead. Put up a nativity scene in your yard and find the biggest tree for your living room. I won't complain.

But I don't like having Christmas shoved down my throat for four or five weeks--not counting Christmas in July and those ambituous entrepreneurs who put out Christmas merchandise on November 1. The TV shows, the commercials, the ads, the traffic. The holiday has come a long way from that humble manger.

I can't even listen to my favorite Oldies station on the radio when I drive. Back to back Christmas songs from the middle of November until the end of December. Have that many Christmas songs been written?

And I have one more beef about Christmas ads for Christmas gifts, many of which will be returned. Have you noticed that "gifts for women" includes perfume and jewelry while the "gifts for men" includes cool things like computers? Just a little peeve of mine.

Go ahead and celebrate if that's your thing. I won't bring any lawsuits. But I will scream when, on December 25, the top news is that it's Christmas. Doesn't everybody know that by now?

A Mad, Insane, Blood-Thirsty Tyrant Speaks

"While Divine providence has placed Iran and the United States geographically far apart, we should be cognizant that human values and our common human spirit, which proclaim the dignity and exalted worth of all human beings, have brought our two great nations of Iran and the United States closer together.

"Both our nations are God-fearing, truth-loving and justice-seeking, and both seek dignity, respect and perfection.

"Both greatly value and readily embrace the promotion of human ideals such as compassion, empathy, respect for the rights of human beings, securing justice and equity, and defending the innocent and the weak against oppressors and bullies.

"We are all inclined towards the good, and towards extending a helping hand to one another, particularly to those in need.

"We all deplore injustice, the trampling of peoples' rights and the intimidation and humiliation of human beings.

"We all detest darkness, deceit, lies and distortion, and seek and admire salvation, enlightenment, sincerity and honesty.

"The pure human essence of the two great nations of Iran and the United States testify to the veracity of these statements.

"Noble Americans,

"Our nation has always extended its hand of friendship to all other nations of the world.
Hundreds of thousands of my Iranian compatriots are living amongst you in friendship and peace, and are contributing positively to your society. Our people have been in contact with you over the past many years and have maintained these contacts despite the unnecessary restrictions of US authorities.

"As mentioned, we have common concerns, face similar challenges, and are pained by the sufferings and afflictions in the world."

Sociologists speak of universal values. Americans must realize that all people of the world value what we value--life, love, family, faith--and act accordingly. Only then can we have true understanding and peace.

I'll close with my favorite paragraph from Mr. Ahmedinejad's latest letter:

"Palestinian mothers, just like Iranian and American mothers, love their children, and are painfully bereaved by the imprisonment, wounding and murder of their children. What mother wouldn't?"

Apple pie and Chevrolet may be American, but mothers love their children no matter what their nationality or ethnicity. Motherhood is an incredible experience shared by billions of women throughout time and place. Unrestricted by language, religion or politics.

Who is the tyrant? The one who promotes values, or the one who commands destruction?

We Need a Plan

One of the major themes of the 2006 elections was that Democrats don't have a plan for getting out of Iraq. I'm no longer a registered Democrat, but I vote that way most of the time, so will my plan count?

First, the American troops must leave. War does not equal peace no matter how long and complicated the equation is. And soldiers should not be expected to enforce peace at the point of a gun. That simply won't work.

In their place, the U.S. and allies--the ones who helped destroy Iraq in the first place--should send honest contractors (not those guys who are stealing U.S. tax dollars) to rebuild Iraq. Roads, bridges, schools, hospitals all need to be repaired. The depleted uranium should be removed, if possible. The people of Iraq need to be allowed to trade freely with the rest of the world.

And what about the insurgents, one might ask. Wouldn't they be shooting those contractors?

Maybe. At first. But I'm sure the number of American dead would be far fewer than the 2900 we're approaching now. And once the people of Iraq see the good intentions of the contractors, they would work to stop the insurgency.

And another thing. The U.S. needs to stop "imposing democracy" and allow the people of Iraq to choose their own leaders. In fact, that needs to happen throughout the Middle East.

Being a control freak ensures a couple of things. First, you will get things done your way, maybe, but everyone will resent you. And you'll lose far more than you'll gain.

It's time for the United States to allow other people to run their own countries. Bring the troops home. Offer humanitarian assistance. Don't dominate. Cooperate.

I don't think that will happen. This country is too engrossed in power and control. But I do think it's what should happen. And if it doesn't, the greatest casualty will be the United States of America. Spending on arms and ignoring well-being. Fostering global hate and neglecting the needs of the citizens.

We should have learned something from Vietnam. In that case, cutting and running made it possible for Bush to have a friendly visit there last week. The success of Vietnam should teach Americans about the benefit of leaving other countries alone.

But it probably won't. And that's a real shame. Because we need a plan for peace.

After hardship comes ease

A grateful heart is a peaceful heart. The one who is ungrateful is spoiled and discontent.

We should be grateful every day, and I am. But instead of instructing my readers on the historical inaccuracies surrounding Thanksgiving, I'll let myself fall into the cultural trap of talking about thanks at this particular time of year.

This has been a very rough year for my family and me. Two of us spent some time in the hospital. Or three, counting my daughter-in-law. And that was the greatest blessing when she gave birth to my little granddaughter.

Every day I am thankful to be alive and productive. Some days are better than others, but all are good.

I thank Allah for everything He has given me.

Wrong Language

Six Muslim leaders were forced off a plane because they were praying in Arabic. How dare they?

For the uninformed, Muslims are required to pray five times every day. And the prayers must be recited in Arabic, no matter what the native language.

When my grandmother was a girl her family spoke almost exclusively in German. Until World War I when speaking German became suspect. She reverted to speaking Englsh and completely lost her German.

Will we learn from history, or will we repeat it? Why is speaking Arabic becoming anathema?

Like Vietnam

The southeast Asian country which was once considered to be a chaotic hotbed of subversive communist activity is now becoming a political and economic success story. Vietnam now stands for more than just a failed war.

More amazingly, The Decider believes the U.S. can take credit for the success of Vietnam. Has he forgotten 1975? I guess he was too drunk back then to pay attention.

Vietnam succeeded after foreign powers left. And that's what has to happen in Iraq. The process may not be pretty, but it will be better than continuing to treat the country as one large battlefield.

I don't think the United States of America would have gotten off the ground, either, if the French--who actually won the Revolutionary War--had stayed and dictated the running of the new country. Even after the French left it took the fledgling country another 11 years to write a workable constitution.

Yes, George, we should cut and run. For the sake of eventual stability in Iraq.

A Woman's Place

When I was in high school, my favorite t-shirt said, "A woman's place is in the House. . .and the Senate." I was a young woman who was going places--I am woman, watch me roar--and no one could stop me. And I was definitely not going to let myself be tied down by a husband and children. Not me.

Thirty years, a twenty-fifth wedding anniversary, and six children later, my views have changed somewhat. I still refuse to believe I am inferior because of my gender. But I'm practical enough to realize that no one, man or woman, can do it all. When I was twenty-five I chose a family and I'm glad I did.

My views about women have changed too. Before, I applauded every achievement made by any woman. Now I am more discerning. I judge every woman by her character and not just her gender.

And today the amazing actually happened. A woman was chosen as the new Speaker of the House. Third in line to the presidency. Not quite there yet, but getting closer than ever.

I'm not sure how I feel about Nancy Pelosi's rise to power. I admire the way she raised five children and still excelled in her political career--I know that's no small feat. And it does feel satisfying to think about the strides women have made.

But I have often disagreed with Congresswoman Pelosi. Not because she's a Democrat or a woman, but on an individual level. I hope she's the right woman for the job, but I'm not celebrating yet. As with any other politician, I want her to show me that she has the right agenda which will benefit the whole of American society.

I am woman. I have never felt I needed to apologize for that. But I can't expect my gender alone to open doors--just as my gender should not have closed doors on mine and previous generations. I must prove myself. We all must prove ourselves. That is the real test.

It's only a massacre if the wrong people die

I came back to the internet to read disturbing stories about Gaza and Iraq. Civilians murdered. In at least one case an entire family cut down.

But it doesn't matter, does it? The dead children won't grow up to be terrorists. The dead mother won't give birth to more "Islamists." (Whatever that is.) The dead father won't take up arms.

When Americans are killed, it is tragic. The same goes for Israelis and, to lesser degrees, to other Westerners.

But when mothers, fathers, and children are cut down in places like Gaza and Iraq it is necessary. War is hell. Someone's going to get hurt. That will teach them.

How long can a civilized nation accept and embrace such blatant lies?

Show me state of mind

Last Tuesday night I was watching the election results, cautiously hoping for a change in Congress. It happened. Now what?

The voters clearly called for an end to the status quo, starting with Iraq. But is that what the newly elected leaders heard?

Words are flying now about gradual withdrawals and ultimate goals. Words mean little. We will have to see what they do next year.

I have been voting since 1976. At first I experienced the euphoria of casting my ballot to bring about change. That didn't last long. After that I voted because I hoped it would possibly make a difference. I still hope for that.

I must admit I didn't vote last Tuesday, but it wasn't intentional. I can no longer vote in St. Louis--though it's my hometown--and we weren't able to get back to Wisconsin in time. I did encourage my nieces to vote and they both made me proud.

Do our votes matter? I still hope so, though I'm not very hopeful. Will the new elections bring about policy changes or only cosmetic ones? I won't hold my breath.

As we say in St. Louis, "I'm from Missouri. Show me."

The Usual Mayhem

I don't recall any outstanding news stories from today. Let's see. . .

A bomb exploded in Iraq. People died. (Does anyone remember hearing of daily explosions there before the U.S. invasion?)

There were murders. Different names, different cities, different motives. I wonder exactly how homicides today. Do those left behind care that their loved one is just a flash on the news and a statistic?

There were thefts. Money, jewelry, cars, electronics. Theft means more to me now that I've been a victim.

There was fighting and conflict in homes and on streets. Someone has to be the winner.

Right now, I imagine, a drunk driver is weaving down the street. A child is cowering, at the mercy of a cruel parent. A marriage is breaking. How many are crying?

But nothing noteworthy happened today. Just life as usual.

Without the net

I just came back from St. Louis, where I had a very nice visit with my mother.

She doesn't have internet. She's quite computer literate, but doesn't believe in wasting time surfing.

She's right. We had more time for other things without the distraction of instantaneous global communication.

But I've spent much of today catching up with my addiction. Only 390 unread emails to go.

Peace Out!

I'll be out of town next week and I don't know if I'll have internet access. I will definitely be back the following week, insha Allah.

Keep the peace!

Of course!

Only America knows how to conduct democracy, of course. We were the first democratic nation, weren't we? The foundation of democracy. Well, after Greece, of course.

Only America has the right to tell other nations what to do. If not for us, Wisconsin would be full of Germans. Not those of German descent, but actual sauerkraut-eating, leiderhosen-wearing fascist Germans. Who spoke German instead of English--like my grandmother did when she was a girl. I mean. . .Of course we had to fight.

Only America can serve as the moral leader of the world. If you don't count Playboy. And drive-by shootings. And mass consumption of alcohol. And deaths due to drunk driving. We are a Christian nation, of course, and they had better listen to us. Or else.

And don't listen to all those pinko liberals who try to tell you this nation is off course. They should all be taken out and shot.

Are we going to get to work or will we just keep partying?

I remember partisan politics of the past. I came of age, politically, during the Nixon administration. He was very good at it. But the mid-term election of 2006 diminishes even Tricky Dick.

I remember January 1993 when Rush Limbaugh started his "America Held Hostage" countdown. Because Clinton was in the oval office, dire predictions abounded. Unfortunately for the naysayers, the economy thrived and peace was at hand. That's why the Republicans had to produce a blue dress to make Clinton look bad.

I remember October 2000 when major Islamic organizations announced they would support George Bush for president because he had met with them while Gore declined. I was running errands when I first heard that announcement. I screamed at the radio and pounded the steering wheel. And when I went home I ranted about foreign Muslim doctors and engineers who knew nothing about American politics. I was a social studies teacher at the time, and every Muslim parent knew that the worst thing their child could study was the social sciences. There's no money in it. (Though parents have recently discovered that lawyers are paid well, and so we have a new batch of young Muslims pursuing political science and pre-law.)

I remember the Constitution.

America is not about donkeys and elephants and who can raise the most money for his or her campaign. It's about choosing the best person for the job. And we, the people, are the employers who can hire and fire our leaders.

That's something we really need to remember.

Muslims Behaving Badly

I was just wondering what I would write about today when the topic showed up on my doorstep. Literally.

My daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and I were enjoying a quiet evening at home while the "menfolk" went to a friend's house for dinner. (We chose to stay home--it was nice to be quiet.) When the guys finally walked in, after 10, they reported emergency vehicles right outside our home. Oddly, neither my daughter-in-law nor I heard the commotion.

We all watched and some went outside. The event was too new to be on the news, so we tried to get information on our own. Finally my oldest son learned that Muslims--he didn't know how many--had gotten into a fight.

As I write, the emergency vehicles continue to idle outside. A fire truck, two ambulances, and I don't know how many police cars. I expect there will be some arrests. I hope the ambulances aren't pressed into duty.

This is an area near a mosque where many Muslims live so I suspected "we" would somehow be involved. Either a terrorist threat perpetrated by "us" or a hate crime against "us." (After I learned about the Muslim woman in Fremont who was brutally shot down in broad daylight I felt much less safe. That was terrorism.)

I'm glad it's not a hate crime. But I hate when Muslims act stupid. Don't we have enough troubles already?

A Happy Eid

Today was Eid'l Fitr, the holiday marking the end of the fast of Ramadan. I knew it would be great this year because my son and his wife are here with their little daughter. This was her first Eid.

I won't go into details but we had a wonderful day--the kind of family time I often crave. Not everything went according to plan, but it was one of my best Eids ever--and I've had 26 years of them.

In the evening, as things were winding down, I turned on my laptop and read the news. More than forty Iraqis died today. There were other deaths too--solitary cases of grief.

It may sound strange, but even in the midst of joy it's good to remember that this life is fleeting.

Is Iraq like Vietnam?

Let's see. . .

Lies told to receive support for sending troops. Check.

Unrealistic expectations about the attitudes of the indigenous populations. Check.

American use of chemical weapons. Check.

Battle lines drawn between pro and anti-war groups. Check.

Inflated claims about the U.S. ability to win the war. Check.

Rhetoric indicating that a victory would stop the spread of an evil ideology. Check.

Strong parallels there. But there's something I'm missing. What is it?

Oh yes. Corrupt president sending young Americans to die. Check.

And would it be premature to include one last thought?

Ultimate defeat of American policy in the region.

Those who do not learn from history. . .

Islamo-fascists vs. Islamo-phobes

For the second time, a Qur'an was flushed down the toilet at a NYC university. It makes me wonder what those high-prestige Eastern schools are actually teaching their students.

On the other side of the world, ten US troops were killed today in Iraq. Was it Islamo-fascism, or was it defense.

In 1096 Pope Urban II called on Christians to form an army and reclaim the Holy Land from the infidels. They did just that in the First Crusade. Eyewitness reports state that after the Christian army had occupied Jerusalem the blood was up to the knees. And the holy warriors turned Masjid Al Aqsa into a stable.

In the Third Crusade, Salahuddin Ayyubi retook control of Jerusalem. And I think some Christians never forgave him for that.

In the days after 9/11, G. W. referred to a Crusade. And that's what it has become. A strugle for Jerusalem. A struggle for dominance.

Fortunately, calmer heads on both sides of the divide--Christians and Muslims--continue to call for peace. Those are the voices which must prevail.

Not with a bang. . .

Future generations will look back on this day. And they'll wonder how we could have been so blind.

This is the day the president of the United States signed into law a measure which blatantly violates the U.S. Constitution, which he twice swore to preserve, protect and defend. And the majority didn't notice.

When I was young, we had some corruption in the goverment. But no U.S. president has so flagrantly broken the letter and the spirit of the law. And he will not be held accountable. If he is challenged, he can always point to the newest "Al-Qaeda" tape and claim he is only making us safer.

Our children and grandchildren will wonder. What will we tell them?

Ramadan Attacks

I haven't watched the news lately, but the last time I did I heard that Ramadan was a time when Muslims were more likely to commit violent acts. That's interesting.

Okay, if someone says he is bombing something for the sake of Allah--well, first, he needs to go back to Islam 101 because he obviously missed something. Besides that, we would assume he is a Muslim fundamentalist (as opposed to Christian fundamentalists, some of whom cheer the Administration in its quest to "kill them all and let God sort them out"). A Muslim fundamentalist would, by definition, follow the fundamental beliefs and practices of Islam, including fasting all day every day during Ramadan from dawn to sunset.

So, you have a Muslim fundamentalist who wakes up in the early morning to eat and drink, then prays and reads Qur'an. He probably has a job to go to, so he does that. And in the evening he breaks his fast with water and dates, then prays, then eats a large meal. An hour or so later our Muslim fundamentalist will go to the mosque to stand for the night prayers--all 20 rakah. This takes at least an hour, and quite possibly longer. Then, because he is a fundamentalist, he will read Qur'an and possibly pray some more before going to sleep.

My question is, where do the Muslim fundamentalists find the time and energy to blow things up?

Hazardous to Your Health

I barely watch the news these days. I do check out the latest headlines online, but I rarely read a story in depth. My doctor told me to cut down on stress levels.

Do I need to know that half a million Iraqis have been killed since the invasion? Do numbers really matter anymore, or is it the principle of taking over another country based on the flimsiest of excuses?

Do I need to know about the most recent murder of civilians in Gaza or the harsh conditions there? What can I do about it? Most Islamic charities have been shut down by the government.

Do I even need to know about the latest school threat or home invasion? We live in an increasingly violent society. I don't need a talking head to tell me that.

I try to relax. And I pray. I wish I could do more.

Mysteries and Anxieties

When I heard about the plane which crashed into a New York apartment building, my first thought was my son. I hadn't seen him in a long time. He, his wife, and their daughter--whom I had never seen--were on their way for a month-long visit. The idea of military jets being sent out to shoot down any plane which fell under suspicion increased my anxiety. Thankfully, they landed safely a few hours ago and I'm feeling great--if a little sleepy.
, and
Why did the plane fly into the building? Will we know? I wonder how many secrets are contained in this one incident, and how many of them will be revealed.

I found one particular phrase in the initial CNN report to be somewhat troubling. According to White House sources, the report said, the crash was not due to terrorism. This came within only a few hours of the crash. How could the White House know?

I have flown only once in the last 14 years. I probably will fly again--it's hard to avoid--but I don't imagine I'll enjoy it. The pressure of take-off and the speed of the descent are enough to make me anxious. Add to that the possibility of an overzealous air marshal or a fighter jet with the wrong information. In some ways, they scare me more than the shadowy threat of terrorism. And of course there are the usual culprits--human error, severe weather, and mechanical failure. Dark thought which make me reluctant to fly the not-so-friendly skies.

My son and his family are here, and I am a very happy mother and grandmother tonight. But I wish they didn't have to fly.

Senseless Violence and Just Plain Nonsense

Another young lad at another school tried to commit an act of violence in Missouri the other day. Fortunately, someone was able to wrestle the gun away from him.

Three bodies were found in a house in Milwaukee today. No further information is available at this time.

Another report is coming out of Palestine of the brutal murder of a young wife who was trying to explain that her husband couldn't respond to the Israeli soldiers because he is deaf. Apparently they didn't want to hear any excuses. They shot her in cold blood.

A journalist was laid to rest. It's assumed she was assassinated by those who didn't want her to exercise her freedoms and open secrets to the world.

And four American troops died in Iraq today.

All murder and tyranny is terror. It doesn't matter who is committing it. All human life is valuable.

Meanwhile, the Republicans in Congress continued working to cover their lies and scandals. And was George Bush out campaigning again? He sure is a good Republican fundraiser isn't he? Too bad it's not the job he's being paid to perform.

Oh, and according to the latest celebrity gossip. . .

Not A Political Symbol

When I converted to Islam, I actually knew very little about my new faith. I had read the Qur'an, cover to cover, and spoken with some Muslims--all men. I was shocked when, a week after my conversion, I traveled to a somewhat larger town and met a gentle Muslim woman from Sudan who told me I would need to cover my head. It's in the Qur'an, but I guess I didn't pay close enough attention.

Six months passed before I was able to commit to wearing the headscarf. I was prompted after being cursed at by a narrow-minded person (also known as Rednecks) in our small town who said (remember this was 1980) he'd like to "take one of those Iranians and drag him through the street behind my pickup." When another girl and I challenged him, he called us filthy names. And I swore no one would ever talk to me that way again. On went the scarf.

I cover because I feel more dignified doing so. I can be judged by the contents of my mind rather than my physical appearance. I also cover because, now that I'm married, it's a special feeling to know that even my hair will not be seen by any men except my husband, sons, and nephews. And I cover because it is commanded by Allah in the Qur'an.

Wearing a scarf is not a political statement--at least not for any women I've met. It's a deeply personal commitment of faith.

Today Morocco joined other Arab countries in discouraging the scarf. I don't know how they can read the Qur'an, profess to be Muslims, and take such an action. They said they want to discourage extremism. If it is extremist to believe in the Qur'an as the revealed word of Allah, and strive to follow it, then I guess that's what I am. No apologies.

Will it really change anything?

The Republicans are shaken after this latest pedophile scandal. Shaken, but not backing down.

I caught a snippet of Hastert's press conference. He came off, to me at least, as unrepentant and worried not so much about the pedophilia itself--after all, he already knew--but about the political repercussions.

I remember in 1964 when Nelson Rockefeller was stymied in his presidential dreams because he had been divorced. In 1964, divorce alone was enough to ruin a politician.

But we're living in the Reagan/Bush era when a scandal only counts if it's committed by someone other than a Republican. Reagan was the Teflon president. G. W. Bush has him beat by a mile.

Democrats and independents are punished. Republicans can do pretty much whatever they want. That's the unhappy reality of living in 21st century America. I hope it will change, but I won't hold my breath. I'll vote in November, but I don't know if my vote will count.

I don't go to church, but I am interested in knowing if any preachers--you know, the ones who swore by the current Bush--will continue to stand by him and his party. Maybe pedophilia isn't a sin if a Republican commits it.

I didn't pay much attention to the news today but I know that. . .

. . .the Republican party is trying to cover its tracks in the wake of the latest scandal. Wouldn't it be nice if our leaders actually admitted when they are wrong?

. . .people are still dying in Iraq and Afghanistan--soldiers and civilians. It's not a clash of civilizations. It's a simple case of citizens defending their land against invaders.

. . .the situation grows worse each day in Gaza. Israeli troops have destroyed homes and crops and prevented many from earning an livelihood.

. . .the news is a ridiculous presentation of infotainment which I can barely stand to watch.

. . .and in Pennsylvania, a grandfather forgave a gunman. I believe in peace, but I don't think I could be that generous.

Violence and Muslims

Have you ever had an argument with a friend or family member? The other person becomes extremely tense. When you remind him or her to calm down, the reply is "I am calm!"

Muslims are peaceful. We keep telling everyone how peaceful we are. And if they don't believe it we will throw rocks through their windows and burn them in effigy.

Islam is a peaceful religion. Really. But the Muslim world needs to learn a thing or two about anger management. No matter what anyone says about Islam, we don't need to react with violence and rage. Everyone has the right to an opinion. And we will all find out who was right, and who was wrong, on the Day of Judgement.

So the next time someone criticizes Islam, use a gentle word of correction and then go about your business. We can't teach about the peace of Islam by threatening to kill--or actually killing, in the case of that nun. Who is more righteous? The man who kills an innocent women, or the one who refrains from violence?

I have been a Muslim for 26 years but I am not a violent person. Except, maybe, when my kids have been making noise for three weeks straight and I can't take it anymore. But that's not Islam either. That's my anger speaking, not my faith.

Islam is peaceful. Islam is peaceful. Islam is peaceful. I pray for the day when Muslims will be peaceful too.

American Crisis

According to the Decider, we Americans should be very afraid of shadowy foreigners (or converted Americans) who threaten our very existence.

But our enemies are not in Iraq, Iran, or North Korea. Our enemies are in Washington D.C. And last week they voted on legislation to take away our rights.

The Decider tells us he's fighting to spread freedom and democracy. He says this while he takes away freedom and democracy from his own people.

This country is under attack. Not from without, but from within.

I'll close with a statement I'm sure many are making these days. In the world of bloggers and truth-tellers, I am very low on the totem pole. But if I ever disappear, you know why. And I will never commit suicide.

How many people have to die before we call it terror?

How many school shootings have there been in the last week? Three, I think. It could have been more.

And the assailants were not just loners dressed in black who sought revenge after a lifetime of bullying. Two of the attacks involved grown men who intruded into the schools and singled out girls as their victims.

Imagine if something like this happened in a Muslim country? It would be portrayed as a reflection of the myth that Islam supports the degradation of women.

But all the school shootings, drive-by shootings, domestic murder-suicides, and so on, are not labeled terrorism because there is no common thread. Except that every one of the gunmen has been an American. Usually male. Usually white. And because white male Americans control the media, we're not going to hear about white male American terrorists.

But we are living in terror.

What should we call it?

I don't understand. . .

Peace protesters are arrested.

War mongerers are allowed to continue on their path of death and destruction.

Isn't killing always wrong? Or is it okay if you're rich and powerful?

The White Man's Burden

I'm white and I heard this phrase often while I was growing up. Not from my parents, who were fairly progressive for their times. Especially my mother. I did hear it from other distant relatives though. And I picked up adult conversations here and there. I was first born, and a good eavesdropper.

It wasn't so much said as implied, actually. White people are civilized, accomplished, and ambituous. But the others? Well, just look at them. Three babies by the time they turn sixteen. Living on welfare. You get the idea. We had some very staunch Republicans in our family. And if you read my book, Rebounding, you'll come across Sam Adams. He is loosely based on an uncle by marriage--though my uncle was much kinder to the people in his family. In fact, he treated his wife very well. It was just, well, "them," that he wasn't comfortable with.

When I went to college I inherited the burden. I met a man from Thailand who practiced Islam and, because he was such a good person, I set out to save his soul from eternal damnation by teaching the word of God as I knew it then. But he showed me the Qur'an and taught me the word of God instead.

White people are stronger, better in character, smarter. We owe it to the world to save them from themselves. This message has not diminished over the 50 years of my life. In fact, I think it has become much stronger.

My kids don't buy it though. They're half Asian. Even those with lighter skin color don't consider themselves to be white. There are times when I have to remind them that stereotyping white people is also racist.

I don't know who created the concept, but I wish someone would put an end to it. It would free the lighter skinned people, like me, from the arrogance of thinking we could save the world. And maybe then we would all be able to talk it out.

Newsflash: Osama Bin Laden May Be Dead!

Not if you read the blogs. I keep telling people this. What I've read on the internet is often up to two or three years ahead of the mainstream media.

Would a dead Osama Bin Laden help the Republicans win the elections in November? Or have the American people become smarter in the last year or two?

And, of course, Moslem terrorists are still a threat--with or without Bin Laden. But wasn't the capture of Bin Laden the reason for the invasion of Afghanistan? Or was it to bring back the opium trade?

Will Rogers said it. Don't always believe what you read in the papers. Or hear on the evening news.

I wonder how soon before the elections Bin Laden will be confirmed dead. And how long will these gas prices continue to decline? And what will happen if the Republicans lose control of the Congress?

Stay tuned. It's sure to be an interesting autumn.

Have Pity!

I remember, when I was growing up, hearing about the poor people who lived in Russia. They didn't have the freedom to speak, write, worship or even travel. Everyone hated the evil Soviet empire, but we felt sorry for the people who were forced to endure unspeakable tyranny.

In this last week, two world leaders have stood before the United Nations General Assembly and expressed their sympathy for people who live under the rule of a tyrant. A devil even, one speaker said. Both expressed their sympathy for the poor people of the United States of America.

I remember when this nation was a true world leader. Exporting goods, promoting education, and sending envoys to various parts of the world, calling for peace. It was Camelot, and for one brief shining moment everything seemed right with this country. Well, except for that problem of racial segregation. In fact, this country has never existed without some form of racism or xenophobia.

But otherwise things were pretty good. Industry was strong and this country was respected thrughout the world. Well, except for Vietnam. Striving to conquer the lands of others has always been another weak point.

And families were intact. Mother took care of the children while Father went out to earn a living. The youth of America were strong, determined, anf ambitious. Well, except for those who got into sex, drugs and rock 'n roll.

Okay, maybe there were a few problems even then. But people didn't pity us or hate us. At least we had a little self-respect.

When I watched the Decider up at the U.N. podium, I tried to picture JFK instead. Can you imagine? We once had a president who spoke the English language language and delivered orations, not sound bites.

We are pitiful. But it's not entirely our fault. I want a recount. And leave the Supreme Court out of it this time.

*****

In related news, the Mexican equivalent of Al Gore is forming his own parallel government. I guess the Mexicans have more bravado than we do.

A more objective newscast

I was pleasantly surprised by the coverage on NBC of Mahmoud Ahmedinajib, the president of Iran. He was interviewed and given the chance to express himself--which he did most eloquently.

On tonight's newscast the anchor (I've forgotten who it is--they change so frequently these days) read emails disagreeing with the decision to cover the Iranian president in depth and allow him to express his views. But it was noted that a democratic society should allow the airing of different viewpoints. What a refreshing statement for network news.

And on Katie's newscast, Bob Schieffer came on to discuss the folly of Iraq. I could scarcely believe my ears. The mistake has become so obvious that even the mainstream media can no longer ignore it.

Oh, and I enjoyed reading about the comments made by Hugo Chavez at the U.N. I find it interesting, and hopeful, that world leaders--including those whom the U.S. government names as enemies--support and feel pity for the American people while despising our leadership. I don't like anyone to pity me, ever, but it is nice to be understood by the world community even if we are not understood in D.C.

And a Muslim general is temporarily the head of Thailand. Now that's really interesting.

These last five years I've pined for the days of Cronkite and Huntley/Brinkley. Maybe there is hope. Maybe the U.S. can have a free media once again.

"Mai Bin Rai"

The last time Thailand had a military coup, I was living in a remote area not far from Bangkok. When I went into the city I was shocked at the sight of soldiers in the street. That feeling of discomfort disappeared for many years--until the passage of the Patriot Act.

But this isn't about the loss of American freedom. This is about Thailand. That coup of the early '90s began when the prime minister, Chatichai, boarded a plane for an anticipated meeting up north. The plane never took off. Instead, Chatichai was informed of the coup. His response? "Mai bin rai." Which means, basically, "No problem."

In spite of the military presence and the black-out of the news I was impressed with the Thai style of overthrowing governments. It was only this evening that I learned of a violent confrontation during that coup. In Thailand, such things were not talked about.

I have the feeling this coup is different. The prime minister, who is widely disliked, is in New York. The head of the army is a Muslim. And I was surprised when viewing footage of Thailand's king. The last time I saw him on TV--back in 1992--he still looked very good. Now he looks like an old man. I don't know how much longer he will live. And his death will send shockwaves throughout the country.

Thailand is different too. More westernized. Not as easy-going as it once was.

I'm watching the news closely. It will be interesting to see what develops. In spite of some potential problems, though, I don't expect much violence. It's not the Thai way.

Invasion of Privacy

I woke up this morning and said my morning prayer. Then I went to my desk to browse the Internet--my morning routine. But my desk was empty. My laptop was missing.

After further investigation, I found my cell phone, charger, and some money missing also. I was shaken, of course, and asked my son to call the police because I didn't feel I could do it.

The officer spent about three hours at our house. He did the initial investigation while his partner inspected the outside. They found a window screen which had been removed. He questioned family members, trying to put the burglary into a time frame. Then he called on a police photographer and waited with us.

While we waited, we talked. Some of the conversation was political, in an intellectual way. I mentioned that by far the greatest amount of terrorism against Americans is perpetrated daily through murders and other felonies. He agreed, noting that murder rates in the U.S. have far surpassed more sensational figures such as the number of soldiers who have died in Iraq.

I've shared my story with my mother and some friends today. All noted the sense of violation following a break-in. That's probably one reason why I'm still awake. Whoever broke into our house last night already took my most valuable material possessions--I'm a writer and I miss my laptop greatly. Now I just worry about my family.

I wish the war on terror would address the problems we have in our own country--and sometimes in our own homes.

Not yet!

In yesterday's blog I said the White House had persuaded Republicans to go along with plans for draconian legislation, but it seems I was misinformed. There is still hope. And today Colin Powell--he of the ninety-minute detailed presentation on why the U.S. should invade Iraq, later recanted--criticized the White House stance.

I'm very happy to be wrong.

We the people of the United States. . .

The U.S. Constitution has been ill for quite some time. Under constant attack from those who say they are protecting us, it simply cannot bear the strain. I'm afraid the condition may be terminal.

In a grand move of partisan politics, the White House persuaded recalcitrant Republicans to join in the effort to increase laws invading the privacy of the American people. And more. Some of the proposed laws will break down our cherished separation of powers. The president, who twice pledged to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution, is behind this move. And Republicans are being told to fall in line. Democrats, who are outnumbered and outgunned, don't have very much say in the process.

Let me get this straight. U.S. troops are needed to establish freedom and democracy in other lands. But the American people are not deemed to be deserving.

Overload

I didn't pay much attention to the news today. It's always the same old thing. First, a story about the terrorist act du jour. Then a commentary by one of the talking heads. Followed by a violent weather story. Sometimes a piece about health--usually obesity. Top it all off with something about a celebrity.

I remember when news broadcasts were only 15 minutes long. The anchor sat at the desk and read the news. No fluff. And we learned more in 15 minutes then than we do in 30 minutes now.

Of course, they also need time for propaganda. The new Katic Couric CBS broadcast takes the prize in that category. I want the news, not a commentary by Rush Limbaugh on the dangers of Islam or an interview in which the Decider sputters his way through the questions. (It's great that a woman is a news anchor. But I know they could have found someone better qualified.)

Will Rogers said, "Don't always believe what you read in the papers." I sure would like to hear his comments about the current state of the media.

Confessions of a Pinko Liberal Islamo-Fascist

I surrender. You got me.

I believe in peace, so I must be a liberal. And only a pinko Communist would care about feeding the poor and actually suggest sharing the wealth. Or at least not hogging it all.

And I must be an Islamo-Fascist too. I mean, I wear a scarf, pray five times a day facing Mecca, and obey my husband. Gasp! And I consider myself to be a member of the worldwide "organization" we call the Muslim Ummah. I look forward to the time when Muslims will again be ruled by a caliph, and I believe in unity among Muslims. Does that qualify me yet?

If not, tell me what I need to do. I wanted to get onto Nixon's enemy list, but I was too young. I think my phone is being bugged, but I'm not sure. How far do I need to go to get some attention around here?

Oh, I know. I practice jihad. When I pray on time, wear my scarf even though it's uncomfortable, or keep myself from yelling at the kids even though they are driving me crazy. All of that is jihad. I'm struggling to do what is right. I don't always succeed--getting up on time for the morning prayer has been a losing battle this summer--but I try. Does that count?

And I even wrote a book about military jihad. All about how it's really uncool to kill civilians, poison wells, or destroy trees. It says so in the Qur'an and hadith.

The truth is, though, that there are so many of us out there who support peace, oppose poverty and corporate greed, and want to clean up the environment. Many of us struggle on a daily basis. And a very large number of us are outraged at what passes for rule of law these days.

So in spite of my efforts I'm afraid I'll just be another face in the crowd.

"Student with dynamite on plane released"???

I'm back. This has been quite a summer, but the kids are in school now and I think everything will slow down a little.

There has been so much going on that I have a hard time knowing where to start. But I think I'll go with the double standards.

After 9/11, hundreds of Muslim men were arrested. Some were deported the following spring. Others were quietly released. The last was just released this month.

Of all the terrorism arrests, only a handful have stood up in court. Time after time, Muslims are publicly arrested, amidst a flurry of terrorist scares, and quietly released. In a recent case, the most incriminating evidence against the men was that they conversed in Arabic while on an airplane.

In all the excitement, there have been other arrests--such as the young man from Connecticutt who brought dynamite on board a plane. Not nail clippers or hair gel. Dynamite.

But it wasn't terrorism. He's not a Muslim. I assume his parents are rich. It was all just a simple misunderstanding. He bought the dynamite while traveling in Bolivia and brought it home as a souvenir. No big deal.

So the next time Ahmad or Ali is caught carrying explosives into the U.S., he can claim they are souvenirs. I'm sure Homeland Security will believe him.

Overwhelmed

As I read the headlines during my morning surfing, I imagine all the things I will write about in my blog later in the day. There is a great deal of material, especially these days.

But. . .we're moving to a different house in two weeks, we have an exchange student coming to live with us in less than a week, I'm trying to get my kids ready for the new school year, I have a few writing assignments, I'm getting ready for the ISNA Convention, and so on and so on. Not to mention a general sense of helplessness over the travesty in the Middle East.

So I don't think I will get a decent blog written this week. Maybe not until we get into our new house.

I love the month of August--many good things have happened to me, including being born--but I can't wait until September. We'll be settled (well, more or less) into the new house, my kids will be back in school and I'll have regained some control over my life.

But I don't have much hope for the Middle East.

Is there a conflict of values?

The British philosopher, John Locke, stated there are three basic rights to which all are entitled: life, liberty, and property.

In the Declaration of Independence, the three basic rights expressed were: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Centuries before either John Locke or Thomas Jefferson, Muhammad listed three rights which must not be violated: life, property, and honor.

Tell me where the conflict of values is.

All--the British, the American, and the Muslim--value life. Life should never be regarded recklessly. The taking of life may be required in rare circumstances, such as self-defense, but the right to life must always be considered.

On the other rights there is some slight variation. Muhammad didn't mention libery or pursuit of happiness. John Locke or Thomas Jefferson didn't mention honor. But could these differences be called a conflict?

The Islamic approach to society emphasizes the community over the individual. This would explain why honor, a communal value, is rated over pursuit of happiness. But is this a conflict? Or is it simply a different perspective?

These are the basic rights from the British, American, and Islamic points of view. There is much more commonality than difference. So why did Mr. Blair talk about a global clash of values?

Too busy

I really want to talk about values. I believe the supposed conflicr over values lies at the center of the current controversies.

But I was very tired last night, after a busy day, and I needed to sleep.

The same thing is happening tonight.

Tune in tomorrow. I promise I'll write early enough. Before I fall asleep.

A Battle of Values

Today Tony Blair said, "Whatever the outward manifestation at any one time -- in Lebanon, in Gaza, in Iraq, and add to that in Afghanistan, in Kashmir, in a host of other nations, including now some in Africa -- this everywhere is a global fight about global values.

"It's about modernization within Islam and out of it. It's about whether our value system can be shown to be sufficiently robust, true, principled and appealing that it beats theirs."

According to Blair, the Muslims the West is fighting base their actions "on a presumed sense of grievance that can motivate people to divide against each other. Our answer has to be a set of values strong enough to unite people with each other.

"And this is not just about security or military tactics -- it is about hearts and minds."

Hearts and minds. Where have we heard that before?

If I could address Mr. Blair, I would tell him about my own experience. Growing up in a typical American family. Attending church and Sunday School every week. Enrolling in a seminary with the intention of becoming a minister. Becoming disillusioned with the church, for a variety of reasons. Studying Islam, along with several other religions. Converting to Islam after a hot and sleepless night of prayer and meditation. Learning to submit to my Creator.

Along with thousands of other converts who grew up with Western values, I could clarify the difference to Mr. Blair. I think he would be surprised, if he was actually willing to listen.

Tomorrow I'll talk about the values--the ones I grew up with, and the ones I follow now as a Muslim. The similarities and the differences.

Tony Blair and his friends make many assumptions about Muslims and Islam. But they have no experience. All they do is talk.

How much longer do we have?

Afghanistan, Iraq, and Lebanon are already out of time. Their houses have been reduced to rubble and their societies are in shambles. Once great civilizations are no more.

How much longer for the rest of us? What will be next? Syria? An errant missile or two has already crossed the border, and daily we hear about the grave threat posed by this country. A nation full of evil-doers who spend their time devising diabolical plots to annihilate the West. Right?

What about Iran? How much longer until Persia comes under fire? Will the former empire be destroyed by regular warfare, or should nukes be used?

I have read about a list which includes Sudan. Why not? They have oil. That should be reason enough.

And after they've gone after the Syrians, the Iranians, and the Sudanese, how much longer will the rest of us have? Is this the war to end it all?

Pray. Pray often and pray hard.

Not what I would call democratic

Israel has decided to prevent the presence of a U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon. And Isreal has decided to block any U.N. investigation into the attack which killed U.N. observers. Isreal decides and the world follows.

But the U.N. created Israel. Is this a case of Dr. Frankenstein's monster?

A New Middle East

Wasn't that what Condi said? A new Middle East. Made in whose image?

I love history. I especially enjoy learning about the days when we didn't need passports and border guards. My grandparents were from Greece but my grandfather looked quite oriental. A Chinese or Mongolian traveler must have made a stop in Greece centuries ago. At one time it was possible for ethnic groups to intermingle easily, without talk about visas and immigrant problems.

At one time, too, it was possible for a nation to establish it's own boundaries. Of course, another nation could come along and challenge those boundaries--this happened often--but then the conflict was generally restricted to those two nations. And war was fought one-on-one. No impersonal killing through bombs and landmines.

I am sick of all this international meddling. Each nation's sovereignty must be respected. Or if not, there must be a fair fight. Not a super power ganging up on a much smaller country--one which has been starved into weakness, in the case of Iraq--and not a super power which is in the process of pressuring other countries to join in--as in the case of Lebanon.

Muslims fight. But Islam teaches a fair fight. No civilian deaths. No unnecessary destruction of property. No killing by fire, chemicals, biological weapons, etc. Which is why the propaganda of Muslims waging a war with nuclear and other unconventional weapons is ridiculous. No practicing Muslim would do such a thing. I can't vouch for those who are Muslim in name only.

We must respect "self-determination." Each civilization has the right to choose it's own government. If Palestinians elect Hamas and Lebanon chooses members of Hezbullah, that's democracy. Trying to overthrow a democratically elected government is tyranny.

Where do I begin?

U.N. workers killed in southern Lebanon. Israel announces intentions to establish a presence in Lebanon. Hundreds of civilians dead and one-third of them are children. Israel continues to claim their rights and, when all else fails, brings up the Holocaust. The Decider expresses his unwavering support for Israel. The war may spread throughout the region. The U.S. government intends to remake the Middle East--without any democratically elected Islamic governments, I suppose.

We have to speak out and fight for what is right. But how? Where do we begin?

No place to hide

Back in the day, when I was in grade school, my sisters and I walked home from school. It was over a mile, but our mother didn't have to worry. She told us never to accept candy or rides from strangers, and that was all the warning we needed.

I won't let my thirteen year old son walk home from school by himself, in spite of his constant pleadings and never-ending arguments that he's old enough and tell enough. He probably is. But I know how vulnerable kids are these days. I suppose when he's fourteen I'll have to give in. Or maybe I'll wait until he's taller than me--at the rate he's going, that won't take long.

No one is safe. It doesn't matter where you live. I made a hobby of studying the crime rates in different cities. Some are a little higher than others, but none I've found is really low. Here in Milwaukee people have killed their 'friends' over trivial arguments. Murder is easy, I guess.

I have my own theories for why this is so. I think it started with the legalization of abortion. Since then life has not had the same meaning. An embryo can be conceived and later tossed aside. We don't think about responsibility. It's all about convenience.

It's been worse, these last few years, because we are "a country at war." The Decider proudly announces he is the war president--as if invading other countries is a badge of honor. Toys are made to promote a militaristic mindset. Not to mention the cartoons.

Civilians are being killed daily in Lebanon and Iraq. And if you listen to some people in high places, such as John Bolten, our ambassador to the U.N., the civilian deaths aren't important. They're just the means to an end. Kill them all and let God sort it out, right?

There are no more safe places. Killing is in fashion.

In A Rush to Death

I just read a New York Times article stating that the U.S. is rushing a new weapons order to Israel to help them in their onslaught against the evil members of Hezbullah. Doesn't it make you feel good inside knowing that your tax dollars are being used to help the Israeli army kill people in Lebanon? (The majority of the dead are civilians, including many children. )

Remember, they're rushing the order. This is urgent. More guns. More bombs. More death.

I've noticed that the majority of people who romanticize war are those who have not fought it. Talk with veterans. Even those who are proud of their overseas service will, when pressed, clam up about their actual combat experience. My father was a soldier--a young man when he was sent to Korea. He looked back on his time in the military with fondness, but he never said much about what he did or what he saw during the war.

Again, I was challenged a few days ago because I called for justice against oppression. Sometimes fighting is necessary. When a nation is invaded, the citizens of that nation must take up arms to defend themselves. A right enumerated in the U.S. Constitution.

So why wouldn't we expect the people of Afghanistan, Iraq, and Lebanon to have similar feelings? The right to bear arms. The right to self-defense. The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In a way which suits their own culture.

I've heard it said that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. So after Vietnam, why does anyone think that the U.S. can invade--or support the invasion--of a sovereign nation and expect the people to roll over and obey?

Hurry up with those weapons. More dead or orphaned Palestinian and Lebanese children within the week.

We are living in the age of insanity.

Something a little different tonight

American troops still occupy Iraq. And Afghanistan. Israel continues to bombard Lebanon. The propaganda war becomes more volatile every day. In general, the world is a mess.

But even the toughest newshound can't keep it up 24/7. Many Americans are already burnt out. I'm not, but I'm ready for a break. There's only so much we can absorb, especially when we are helpless to change anything.

I had a refreshing experience last week when I went to see a naturopathic doctor. I've heard all the warnings, and struggled with them, but I've also been turned off by traditional medicine. I can't blame most of the doctors. But they can't take the time to listen to their patients for 90 minutes. My naturopathic doctor did, and I feel it has made a world of difference.

I'm still facing a lot more time and effort to get my health back on track. But for the first time in twenty years I feel that I'm heading in the right direction. And that's a great position to be in.

So the world is going to hell in a hand basket, but not all is lost. If you want to concentrate on the negative, it's easy to find. But there are also many positives. You just need to be open to the possibilities.

And I continue to pray for all of the innocent people who have been caught up in the wars.

Evacuations and "Innocent Human Life"

Although I consider myself to be a liberal on many issues, I am strongly against abortion. I have six children and I knew they were real and living long before they finally emerged.

My pro-life stand is apparently different than that of the G.O.P., however. Today when The Decider vetoed the bill on stem cell research, he indicated that he wanted to protect "innocent human life." You could have fooled me.

Is it pro-life to preemptively strike Afghanistan and Iraq? Is it pro-life to support the Israeli attack against Lebanon? Is it pro-life to run detention camps where the prisoners have been held without trials and are routinely tortured?

Stem cell research would involve the use of unwanted embryos, formed by laboratory conception (otherwise known as in vitro fertilization). These embryos are very young and not well developed. According to Islamic teachings, they do not yet have souls--which are granted at 120 days after conception. They are potential life.

The children being killed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and now Lebanon are not potential life. They are living. But while The Decider appears to staunchly defend the right of potential life, he does not show nearly the same concern for the living.

And this is the case not only in the Middle East. What about the children who live below the poverty level because their parents earn minimum wage while the parents' bosses--The Decider's friends--take home millions or billions? What about the children of New Orleans who were abandoned by the U.S. government? What about the children who are forced to study for standardized tests to make their schools look good but may not actually be learning anything beyond filling in the correct oval with a number 2 lead pencil? Where is the concern for "innocent human life"?

As I watched the evacuations of American citizens on the news today, another thought came to me. If the Israeli aggression is justified, why do Americans need to be rescued from it? And why are the foreigners spared while the Lebanese are condemned?

Why don't people get it?

Last week a reader challenged me on the title of my blog. The implication was, how could I talk about peace when I was demanding justice?

I don't know how these can be mutually exclusive. Peace and justice complement each other.

Of course, it depends on your definition of justice. If your enemy is acquitted, do you consider that just? If you are caught in the act and punished, is that justice or vengeance?

We must have objectivity. Islam calls for this. We should not favor our family, not even our own children. Those who are just receive a great reward.

Most Muslims are not just. Nepotism runs rampant in Islamic countries and organizations. It's not what you know, it's who you know. Rules are made to be bent and often broken. But Muslims don't necessarily represent Islam. Many don't.

Regardless of ethnicity, nationality, religion and pizza topping preference, we must work for justice. Rules which apply equally to all. No favoritism. No special interests.

Possible? Probably not. But if each of us works towards it, the world will be much more peaceful.

It's not that hard. We all just need to start thinking outside of ourselves. Believe it or not, the world does not revolve around us.

How many cheeks?

Muhammad said we should give someone seventy excuses and be tolerant and forgiving. Jesus said we should turn the other cheek. But is there a limit?

For more than sixty years, Palestine has been occupied. When the initial occupation occured. many families lost their homes. Throughout the occupation, oppression and humiliation have been used to keep the people of Palestine down.

Sometimes they fought back. I didn't agree with all of their tactics. For instance, I cannot reconcile the practice of suicide bombing with the teachings of Islam. But I have understood the anger, frustration, and hopelessness.

Up until the time of the occupation, the Palestinians had done nothing against the Jews. Germany was responsible for the Holocaust, not Palestinie. Why has Palestine been punished?

"How many times can a people exist before they're allowed to be free?"

"How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn't see?"

How often do people have to forgive? When is it time to stop turning the other cheek?

The current crisis didn't start with the capture of Israeli soldiers. It began with the theft of a land and continued with the constant humiliation of a proud people.

I know Israel wants to end the resistance. But sixty years of repression have not worked. Maybe it's time to consider a new approach.

Terrorist attacks

Firing on civilians. Attacking the airport of another nation. Holding women and children hostage. These are definitely acts of terrorism.

But these acts are not terrorism. They were not committed by the only terrorists in the world, the Muslims. They were commited by the poor, oppressed people of Israel. They were only trying to defend themselves against those blood-thirsty Palestinians. And remember everything they've been through.

I mean, women and children deserve to be held as prisoners. The women may be hiding bombs in their scarves. And the children will definitely grow up to be suicide bombers. Better torture all the strength out of them before it's too late.

And that airport thing? The terrorists may have used that airport to attack the poor people of Israel. Don't take any chances.

And as far as killing civilians is concerned, you're forgetting that they're just pretending to be civilians. Every Palestinian is a terrorist. There are no innocent people.

And the scariest part of this whole trauma is that millions of people actually buy all the lies I just wrote. If they ever stop believing, just remind them of the Holocaust. Six million Jews died, right? They have the right to be coddled and given special status because they have suffered.

They have suffered. And now they must make the Arabs--who had no part in the Holocaust--suffer. It's only fair. Right?

Who is brave enough?

Tanks are moving into Gaza. Bombs are falling. Palestinians are dying. Not terrorists. Civilians.

Who is brave enough to call this unlawful aggression? Who is brave enough to recognize that this is terrorism?

Oxymorons (and the morons who use them)

If I could go back in time seven or eight years and write a novel about the so-called leadership of this country, my book would be either a best seller (for originality) or a complete bust (way too unrealistic).

There have been many missteps and words mispoken during the last six years. Two oxymorons by the moron in chief and his minions sum up, for me, all that is wrong and very strange about public life today here in the U.S.

Impose democracy. Would you tell me, please, how democracy can be imposed? Democracy, by definition, implies free will. It is not just a catch word to make people feel warm and fuzzy inside. Democracy is vibrant concept first discussed by Greek philosophers. And it most certainly cannot be imposed.

Cowboy diplomacy. Tell me, also, how diplomacy can be conducted by a cowboy? By their very nature, cowboys are rough and not prone to being diplomatic. In the old days, they were called upon to drive the cattle up to Abilene and Kansas City so the rich people of New York could eat steak. It was a long, difficult journey. A man had to be rugged to be successful. Not diplomatic.
Diplomacy means understanding the nuances of relationships. (With humans, not cattle.) Diplomacy is often subtle, and has a soft touch. I suppose a cowboy could be diplomatic--though most weren't--but pairing these words and expecting to mold them into a foreign policy is folly.

On top of the moronic concepts which guide our nation, we have blatant injustice. Injustice is always wrong. It is perhaps even more horrifying when those who perpetrate it do so with such impunity.

When dealing with countries which have Muslim majorities, the gloves come off and the Connecticutt cowboy goes into action. No negotiation. Kill them all and let God sort it out. But a small East Asian country deserves talks. Let's sit down and work this out. I suppose there aren't many Muslims in North Korea.

When dealing with the country created through the Balfour Declaration, solidified by the U.N., we don't talk about atrocities. Whatever they do is in self-defense. Theese people suffered in the Holocaust. We must all do whatever we can to make up for the trauma.

When dealing with a people who have lived peacefully in the same region for over 2000 years, we must be harsh. They must submit. They do not have the right to fight back. They are lucky we let them stay at all in the land which belongs to the people of the Holocaust. They should be grateful.

Moronic attitudes and double standards abound. This is the foreign policy our grandchildren will read about in history books.

And if these attitudes continue, I predict our great-grandchildren will be learning about the late, great United States of America.

Support the Conquest

Fight the good fight. Might makes right. Defeat the evildoers.

Fresh-faced boys volunteer to sacrifice life and limbs for the cause.

Raise the flag high. Three cheers for the red, white and blue.

Wrinkled leaders decide to spend more on weapons and war.

We're on a mission. The greatest people in the greatest land.

Orphaned children wait for their fathers to come home.

What would you do?

Outsiders come to your village and force you to leave you home. If you resist, you know you will be imprisoned or killed. The outsiders take over your home and land and state you will never be allowed to return. What will you do?

A foreign army comes to your town. They randomly enter houses. They always carry guns. How safe do you feel?

Your leader says you must surrender your freedoms for the sake of security. He paints a portrait of evildoers, dark and swarthy, with foreign accents, who are waiting to kill you and eat your children. In order to protect you, the government may ask you to put up with certain inconveniences and intrusions on your privacy. Do you comply?

Sometimes it helps to look at situations from another point of view.

The assault continues

It began with the murder of Palestinian families enjoying a day at the beach.

If you are an Israeli, you would say it began with the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier. If, indeed, soldiers can be kidnapped.

For more than a week Israeli tanks have assaulted Gaza. Deaths and injuries of civilians in exchange for the freedom of one soldier.

Back in the 1980s I heard Ariel Sharon state, roughly, that one Israeli life was worth one hundred (or was it one thousand?) Palestinians. This is the rationale.

I pray for the safety of my Muslim brothers and sisters in Gaza.

And I wonder. Where are the Muslim leaders? Why are they silent?

The land of the free and the home of the brave

What is the 4th of July? Beyond the barbecue, watermelon, and fireworks, I mean.

How many people are aware what the date signifies? Not the beginning or the end of the American revolution. What was it? Quick.

Are you still stumped? Probably not, because you're one of my readers and more enlightened than the general populace. But I'm sure many Americans are. So let's refresh.

"When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one group to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another and to assume among the Powers of the earth the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to separation.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to efect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes: and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them to absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security."

The Declaration of Independence goes on to enumerate the intolerable actions of King George III. I won't go into them here. You should have learned some, at least, in school. Basically it came down to restriction of freedom and loss of representative government.

John Adams encouraged Americans to celebrate this day with fireworks, and we have not disappointed him. But I don't think he intended for us to forget the significance of the day.

It's not about barbecues. It's about fighting for our rights.

I Don't Want to be Right

My recently-released novel, Rebounding, begins in the year 2015. I concentrated primarily on the future developments in my characters' lives, but also dabbled with a few predictions.

One of my predictions was American troops at war in Syria. This threat has been tossed around for the last two or three years, with occasional references to Syria's alleged support of terrorism. I based my prediction on this rhetoric.

I am also conserned about an overall trend against Islamic civilization. Baghdad was one of the early sites where both arts and sciences flourished under Islamic rule during the Middle Ages. Damascus was another. The destruction of Damascus as well as Baghdad would be a blow to the historically-based identity of Muslims.

Recent events seem to confirm my suspicion. While Israeli tanks have been pounding the citizens of Gaza, Israeli planes have been flying over Syria. Allegations are again being raised of the presence of "al-Qaida" in Syria. ("Al-Qaida" is another topic for another day. Just remember Emmanuel Goldstein.)

The world political situation is very unstable, thanks primarily to the heavy-handed approach of the current White House resider. The U.S. is losing, both morally and factually, in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Meanwhile, the White House continues to hurl threats at both Iran and North Korea. Iran is allied with both Russia and China. And Israel is attacking the elected Palestinian government while blaming Syria for the current crisis. (Has everyone forgotten the dead families on the beach?) I hope we make it through the month of July without a major conflagration.

I want to be wrong. There will be no U.S. military action against Syria. Damascus will not suffer the way Baghdad has. The White House will realize the importance of negotiation and diplomacy. But I'm very concerned.

* * *

I've watched the Mexican presidential election with interest. The results are so close they've pledged to recount every single vote. If the U.S. Supreme Court had allowed a thorough recount to take place in November 2000, we wouldn't have the current mess. I'm a little jealous of Mexico. I hope the best man wins.

Hypocrisy

War is being fought, so they say, to establish freedom and democracy throughout the world.

But today Israel imprisoned members of the democratically-elected Palestinian government.

I'll happily vote for the next politioan who's willing to cut through all the crap and follow his conscience rather than his lobbyist.

Jihad does not mean war

Yesterday I said, "when Muslims fight, we fight by the rules." Unfortunately, that's not entirely true. There are plenty of examples where Muslims, misguided by emotions and misunderstanding, who don't follow the rules.

What I should have said is that when Muslims properly conduct jihad we fight by the rules. The rules of jihad were established in the Qur'an as well as in the practice of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These rules dictate that fighting, when necessary, should be conducted with dignity. These rules include no killing of civilians. No unnecessary damage to property. No killing by fire. Proper treatment of prisoners of war. Honoring treaties.

War is not something to be celebrated or promoted. Sometimes it is necessary--the only way to fight oppression. But usually it is not. Most wars have been fought for wealth and power. Jihad is conducted to promote the rights of women and men.

Jihad means struggle, not war. The Arabic word for war is "harb." And the greatest jihad is to struggle against our own negative desires.

Jihad can be fought with the will, the tongue, and the pen. Jihad is not war.

What is war good for, anyway?

Bombing bridges is against the principles of jihad

A major offensive is being conducted against the people of Gaza. A very offensive move.

The rationale behind the attacks is the "kidnapping" of an Israeli soldier. I always thought the term was "prisoner of war." But political language continues to evolve to meet the needs of the dominant.

A few days ago I posted a commentary about the difference between a soldier and a civilian. I stand behind that statement. A soldier is a professional. A civilian is simply trying to live. The seizing of an "enemy combatant" does not warrant an all-out attack upon civilians. There are unsubstantiated reports that an Israeli civilian has also been seized. I'm waiting for further developments.

Muslims practice jihad. The internal jihad of struggling to live our lives in obedience to Allah in spite of the daily stresses of life. And the military jihad of struggling against oppression.

I've studied jihad. I've written about jihad. And I can tell you that jihad does not allow the deliberate destruction of the infrastructure. The bombing of bridges, roads, and schools is not allowed in Islam. If anyone who says he's a Muslim is conducting these sorts of attacks, he is lying.

But Israel is proudly destroying the markers of infrastructure for a people who are already oppressed. One soldier taken as prisoner warrants bombing the livelihood out of an entire people. How can that be?

People say Muslims believe in war, fighting, and killing. But when Muslims fight, we fight by the rules. On the bombing of bridges, the imprisonment of women and children, and the overall destruction of infrastructure, I call foul.

When will the oppressed be heard?

Why is peace so hard?

When I was in high school I talked about peace and people said I was naive.

When I was in college I joined the World Peace group and people said it would never happen.

Now I'm feeling old. The mother of grown sons. A grandmother. Would it be too much to have peace in my granddaughter's world?

Peace is cheaper and easier than war. Why hasn't it caught on yet?

Big Brother and His Thought Police

The Miami Seven are being portrayed as Al-Qaida wannabes. Allegedly, they admired terrorist acts and wanted to form their own army so they could perpetrate terrorist acts of their own.

They didn't have weapons. They didn't have any solid plans. All they had, allegedly, was a vague desire to go down in history with a memorable attack on the Sears Tower and one or two other buildings of note.

In Orwell's world of tyranny, it was a crime to have a thought against the government. Not an act. Simply a thought.

We have been moving toward the bleak world of 1984 since Ronald Reagan came into the White House. When Americans can be arrested for simply wanting to overthrow the existing government, without any weapons or actual plans for doing so, I think it is safe to say we are just about there.

Maybe I should point out that I don't condone attacking the Sears Tower, or any other building. I think conflicts should be resolved peacefully, not by blowing things up. But I also don't condone arresting someone based solely on what he or she thinks.

I have a few other observations on the event. One, some of those interviewed stated the young men were cleaning up the neighborhood. Two, all of the arrested are black. Three, how could they have actually built an army with seven guys?

I predict this case will be thrown out within a year. Like nearly every other terrorist accusation made.

Getting back to normal (normalcy is not a word, no matter how often the guy in the White House uses it)

Our household is finally settling down. My son is adjusting to his temporary disability. My husband and I are catching up on our sleep. We can relax a little now.

Now that the crisis is over, I can return to my other musings.

Today I was thinking about that person who says he's the leader of our country. It is now widely acknowledged that he did not win the 2000 election and that if the recount had been allowed to be carried out, Al Gore would be in the White House. The fact that this discretion has been allowed to continue is both frustrating and just plain wrong.

There is talk of impeachment. I know of a few websites which make this effort a major focus. But why should impeachment be an issue if the guy never won the election in the first place?

We the people of the United States own the White House. If we the people elected Al Gore to be our president--and he was prevented from taking his rightful place by a small corrupt group of old men--then we the people have the right to evict him.

I propose we give him thirty days. We could include a small stipend to help him with moving expenses, just to be nice. Maybe enough for a good-sized U-Haul.

Telll him to evacuate the premises by the end of August. Then we can let the real president take his rightful place.