Monday, July 31, 2006

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.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

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?

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

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.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

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?

Monday, July 24, 2006

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.

Friday, July 21, 2006

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.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

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.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

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?

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

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.

Monday, July 17, 2006

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.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

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?

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

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?

Monday, July 10, 2006

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.

Friday, July 07, 2006

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.

Thursday, July 06, 2006

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.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

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?

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

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.

Monday, July 03, 2006

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.