Chaotic as Usual

I grew up during the Cold War. There were times when I nearly held my breath, waiting to see if the world would erupt into nuclear warfare, ending life as I knew it.

But the U.S.S.R. fell and the Cold War ended. For a few years, I could breathe again. There was no hidden enemy, waiting to incinerate me and my family. The president was not holding his finger on the button.

Then came 9/11. Nothing has been the same since. The tension of those early days are gone. But the fear remains.

Fear comes in many different forms. Of course, there was the fear of another attack. A few hours after the attack, as Muslims were being blamed nationwide, I formed a fear of personal attack against myself, or any other woman wearing a head scarf.

Since the invasion of Iraq, I have most feared my own government. Wiretaps abound. Rights are declining. And the talk of war continues daily. Two wars aren't enough. More are necessary to bring freedom and peace to the world, whether they like it or not.

The news these days is about the newest American casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan, another terrorist attack, another group of swarthy foreign men arrested--along with an occasional American who has given up his identity to join the cause.

Nothing to worry about. It's just life as usual in the U.S.A.

Make some noise!

There are days when I feel like I'm living in a void.

I know the White House is lying, but the news media cheerfully upholds the latest edict.

I know innocent civilians are dying, but all we hear is celebrity gossip.

It makes me feel like crying.

And then there's this blog. I (almost always) faithfully post my comments here, Monday through Thursday. But I don't know if anyone is out there. If so, can you let me know?

We have many ways of communicating, but--and I know I'm not the first to say this--the void continues to grow.

A House Divided. . .Is Easily Conquered

Cheney delivered a strong warning to Pakistan today. They must be tougher on "terrorism."

Musharraf, the Pakistani president and recipient of the rebuke, was understably upset. He is in a difficult position. Having gained his leadership through force, not democracy, he has walked a thin line between trying to please the White House, which has bolstered Musharraf's position of power, while appeasing the Muslim population of his country and avoiding a coup. Frankly, I'm surprised he has managed to stay in power this long.

But the vice-president is threatening to upset this delicate balance. The U.S. insists upon complete allegiance from its allies--especially when it comes to controlling the Muslim masses. Egypt's Mubarak is another American ally. Ask the average Egyptian if he has freedom of speech.

The agenda of American foreign policy is to divide and conquer. Dictate to the dictator who will use force to suppress resistance. Marginalize the Muslims.

But this policy is in danger in Pakistan. And Cheney may discover that he pushed too hard.

Another flashpoint

There are many places where war, or more war, is simply a step--a single mistake--away. One is the Persian Gulf.

Another is Jerusalem. Tomorrow--today--is Friday. Will Israeli troops bar worshipers from Masjid Al-Aqsa? Will the worshipers become angry and become engaged in another battle of rocks vs. bullets? And what is the Israeli government allowing to be done to the structure? Will it all collapse one day? And if it does, will the Muslim world rise up?

Jerusalem has been a holy city for centuries. After the creation of Israel, it was designated as an international city where all three Abrahamic faiths could worship without difficulty. That sounded nice on paper, but it isn't working.

Masjid Al-Aqsa has a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. It is the third of three holy places, the first two being in Makkah and Madinah. Salahuddin liberated Jerusalem from the Crusaders. I've heard many Muslims ask when the next Salahuddin will come. Some give their sons that name. And some sons hope to be the one to free the holy city.

Cooperation would have been nice, if it had worked. It's too late for that now. The conflict will eventually explode. The only question is, When?

Peace has always been elusive, but it is ever more so these days.

Peer pressure

I am usually a non-conformist. I march to the beat of a different drummer. I never had trouble with peer pressure because I always followed my own path.

But even a lifelong non-conformist like me knows when it's time to stop being stubborn and realize your friends may be right.

So, George, take the hint. Your friends are abandoning the coalition. Isn't it time to reassess your resolve?

Forget about religion and politics. What about Social Security?

Muslims don't believe in the separation of "church" and state. The ideal Islamic state would include religion precepts as an integral part of it's operations.

But we don't live in an Islamic state. We live in the United States. This country was founded strictly on the basis of separation, and I don't believe it could function any other way. Yet, people try.

The issue of the day is that Mitt Romney is a Mormon. I lived in Massachusetts for a year while Mitt Romney was governor and, while he did leave behind some major accomplishments, I would not vote for him for president. But it has nothing to do with his religion.

Hillary Clinton is a woman. Do you know how many other countries have had women leaders? Yet, in the U.S., the land of freedom, it's an issue.

Barack Obama is black. South Africa, which had such a bad record of racial apartheid that it was internationally boycotted, has had a black president. But in the U.S., the land where all men are created equal, it's a problem.

And Mitt Romney is a Mormon. So what? John Kennedy was a Catholic and people made an issue of that, but he was probably the best president of the twentieth century--and far superior to what we have in the twenty-first.

It's the economy, stupid. And health care. And the wars. And American foreign policy. And the environment. The list goes on.

Why do Americans allow ourselves to be distracted by non-issues? We need to remember that that's how we ended up with the mess we have today.

It's coming!

Over the weekend, I received two orders for copies of Turbulence. The manuscript is heading for the printer. Two more weeks.

Turbulence is different. Edgier. The narrator isn't Joshua this time, but his oldest brother, Brad. Joshua is easy-going. Brad is intense. Joshua is open and friendly. Brad has many secrets--some of which even he isn't aware.

But I would never forget Joshua. He's still a key character in Turbulence. And he's still the same. In Turbulence, though, the reader sees Joshua, and everyone else, through Brad's eyes.

I won't say anything more. Except that I consider Turbulence to be my best work yet. But I'll let you, my reader, be the judge of that.