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.