by Max
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
(In the Name of God the Most Mercifull)
REMEMBRANCE DAY:
IN THE NAME OF ALL THE GOOD PEOPLE IN IRAQ: WE REMEBER YOU AND THE IRAQIS WHO HAVE FALLEN.
YOUR BLOOD HAS NOT BEEN SHED IN VAIN. SOLDIERS OF ENLIGHTENMENT, SOLDIERS FOR THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY.
SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.
WE WEEP.
ALAA
- - - - - - - - - - -
There are some very good and kind Iraqis. This man is one of them.
(In the Name of God the Most Mercifull)
REMEMBRANCE DAY:
IN THE NAME OF ALL THE GOOD PEOPLE IN IRAQ: WE REMEBER YOU AND THE IRAQIS WHO HAVE FALLEN.
YOUR BLOOD HAS NOT BEEN SHED IN VAIN. SOLDIERS OF ENLIGHTENMENT, SOLDIERS FOR THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY.
SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.
WE WEEP.
ALAA
- - - - - - - - - - -
There are some very good and kind Iraqis. This man is one of them.
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Hooey, Hogwash and Malarkey from the Critics of the Iraq War
by Austin Bay
November 11, 2003
In a recent column, I trotted out a quote from an article I wrote in The Weekly Standard's Dec. 9, 2002, issue. Forgive me, it must trot again:
"U.S. and allied forces liberating Iraq will attempt -- more or less simultaneously -- to end combat operations, cork public passions, disarm Iraqi battalions, bury the dead, generate electricity, pump potable water, bring law out of embittering lawlessness, empty jails of political prisoners, pack jails with criminals, turn armed partisans into peaceful citizens, rearm local cops who were once enemy infantry, shoot terrorists, thwart chiselers, carpetbaggers and black marketeers, fix sewers, feed refugees, patch potholes, get trash trucks rolling, and accomplish all this under the lidless gaze of Peter Jennings and Al Jazeera."
Bay
by Austin Bay
November 11, 2003
In a recent column, I trotted out a quote from an article I wrote in The Weekly Standard's Dec. 9, 2002, issue. Forgive me, it must trot again:
"U.S. and allied forces liberating Iraq will attempt -- more or less simultaneously -- to end combat operations, cork public passions, disarm Iraqi battalions, bury the dead, generate electricity, pump potable water, bring law out of embittering lawlessness, empty jails of political prisoners, pack jails with criminals, turn armed partisans into peaceful citizens, rearm local cops who were once enemy infantry, shoot terrorists, thwart chiselers, carpetbaggers and black marketeers, fix sewers, feed refugees, patch potholes, get trash trucks rolling, and accomplish all this under the lidless gaze of Peter Jennings and Al Jazeera."
Bay
Financial Times
Plan for UN to run internet 'will be shelved'
IMAO
“* The U.N. wants to take our internet. The internet is owned by America! Americans created it, and an American invented it (Al Gore), so it is ours. Other countries should feel lucky that we let them use our world wide information network. I say as punishment the term "United Nations" should be forever banned from the internet. So let it be written, so let it be done.”
IMAO
Life never ceases to be a bumpy ride. Far as I know, IMAO is correct. It was called "USENET" (IIRC), Gore and a group in Congress funded and supported it (they might be able to squeeze that into "inventing" it, but it's a tight squeeze.)
Watching it develop has been amazing. A form of it was used decades ago (in the 1960's.) It might have been a WWII creation, or a Cold War one.
Plan for UN to run internet 'will be shelved'
IMAO
“* The U.N. wants to take our internet. The internet is owned by America! Americans created it, and an American invented it (Al Gore), so it is ours. Other countries should feel lucky that we let them use our world wide information network. I say as punishment the term "United Nations" should be forever banned from the internet. So let it be written, so let it be done.”
IMAO
Life never ceases to be a bumpy ride. Far as I know, IMAO is correct. It was called "USENET" (IIRC), Gore and a group in Congress funded and supported it (they might be able to squeeze that into "inventing" it, but it's a tight squeeze.)
Watching it develop has been amazing. A form of it was used decades ago (in the 1960's.) It might have been a WWII creation, or a Cold War one.
GETTYSBURG ADDRESS
By Abraham Lincoln, Nov. 19, 1863, Gettysburg, PA., USA
“Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers
brought forth on this continent, a new nation,
conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the
proposition that all men are created equal."
“Now we are engaged in a great civil war,
testing whether that nation or any nation so
conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.
We are met on a great battle-field of that war.
We have come to dedicate a portion of that field
as a final resting place for those who here gave their
lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this."
“But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we
cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground.
The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here,
have consecrated it, far above our poor power to
add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never
forget what they did here. It is for us the living,
rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished
work which they who fought here have thus far
so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here
dedicated to the great task remaining before us—
that from these honored dead we take increased
devotion to that cause for which they gave the
last full measure of devotion—that we here highly
resolve that these dead shall not have died
in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a
new birth of freedom—and that government
of the people, by the people, for the people,
shall not perish from the earth.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Gettysburg Address," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2003
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2003 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. © 1993-2003 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
By Abraham Lincoln, Nov. 19, 1863, Gettysburg, PA., USA
“Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers
brought forth on this continent, a new nation,
conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the
proposition that all men are created equal."
“Now we are engaged in a great civil war,
testing whether that nation or any nation so
conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.
We are met on a great battle-field of that war.
We have come to dedicate a portion of that field
as a final resting place for those who here gave their
lives that that nation might live. It is altogether
fitting and proper that we should do this."
“But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we
cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground.
The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here,
have consecrated it, far above our poor power to
add or detract. The world will little note, nor long
remember what we say here, but it can never
forget what they did here. It is for us the living,
rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished
work which they who fought here have thus far
so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here
dedicated to the great task remaining before us—
that from these honored dead we take increased
devotion to that cause for which they gave the
last full measure of devotion—that we here highly
resolve that these dead shall not have died
in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a
new birth of freedom—and that government
of the people, by the people, for the people,
shall not perish from the earth.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Gettysburg Address," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2003
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2003 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved. © 1993-2003 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Monday, November 10, 2003
Of all the things I did know, I didn't know that you didn't know. Guess we take some things for granted without thinking much about them.
Excerpt from BOOTS ON THE GROUND:
(Kevin wrote)
"On a lighter note, before the regime fell. There was a particular road and river that the regime stated was for regime personal only. If you were an Iraqi caught anywhere near these places, you would be shot and killed. After the regime fell, you could spot Iraqis down by the shore of this river and just staring for a long time. Just because they were never able to before. Also, many Iraqis would drive up and down this road because they never could. We told a few Iraqis about what it was like in America. They were awe struck at what we told them about our government. That you could actually go into the White House and tour around and see where the President actually lives. Not only that, what really made their jaws drop was that you could go to the US Capital or any Capital and talk to the elected officials. They were so amazed by the fact that we had the freedom to do this, even if we had to be checked for weapons. They just couldn't believe stuff like that was possible. At that moment, I really felt proud to be an American and proud to have liberated Iraq."
(by Kevin, from BOOTS ON THE GROUND)
We accept this without thinking much about it. I've been to the White House; it's large, it's white, the furniture is nice. But, I wouldn't want to be President. The Presidential Residence area is small when you consider all the people who are there. There couldn't be much privacy.
I've been to dinner with Richard Nixon. (Someone we know couldn't go to the dinner and asked if we wanted to go.) We went; we sat about 15 feet from Nixon and the Governor of our State; they were just people eating dinner. George Bush, Sr. came to our town and gave a little speech. It was in a small room and we all sat around on lounge chairs. There were probably more Secret Service people than listeners to the speech. Another time, names were chosen from organizations throughout the State and invitations were sent to attend an exhibit at the Governor's Mansion, the Governor and his wife shook hands with everyone, snacks were provided.
But, the funniest one was the time my brother was speaking on a local radio station. He laughed and said, "But, I've never been invited to the Governor's Mansion for breakfast!" A few days later, he received a call from the Governor's wife inviting him to breakfast. (I think the Governor's wife had a sense of humor and breakfast sounded like fun--it was just the 3 of them.)
You can go to Washington, make an appointment to meet with your member of Congress, and visit the office. You can send letters and email. It's more difficult now, but possible. Many parents take their children to Washington on educational trips and stop to see their congressperson.
Excerpt from BOOTS ON THE GROUND:
(Kevin wrote)
"On a lighter note, before the regime fell. There was a particular road and river that the regime stated was for regime personal only. If you were an Iraqi caught anywhere near these places, you would be shot and killed. After the regime fell, you could spot Iraqis down by the shore of this river and just staring for a long time. Just because they were never able to before. Also, many Iraqis would drive up and down this road because they never could. We told a few Iraqis about what it was like in America. They were awe struck at what we told them about our government. That you could actually go into the White House and tour around and see where the President actually lives. Not only that, what really made their jaws drop was that you could go to the US Capital or any Capital and talk to the elected officials. They were so amazed by the fact that we had the freedom to do this, even if we had to be checked for weapons. They just couldn't believe stuff like that was possible. At that moment, I really felt proud to be an American and proud to have liberated Iraq."
(by Kevin, from BOOTS ON THE GROUND)
We accept this without thinking much about it. I've been to the White House; it's large, it's white, the furniture is nice. But, I wouldn't want to be President. The Presidential Residence area is small when you consider all the people who are there. There couldn't be much privacy.
I've been to dinner with Richard Nixon. (Someone we know couldn't go to the dinner and asked if we wanted to go.) We went; we sat about 15 feet from Nixon and the Governor of our State; they were just people eating dinner. George Bush, Sr. came to our town and gave a little speech. It was in a small room and we all sat around on lounge chairs. There were probably more Secret Service people than listeners to the speech. Another time, names were chosen from organizations throughout the State and invitations were sent to attend an exhibit at the Governor's Mansion, the Governor and his wife shook hands with everyone, snacks were provided.
But, the funniest one was the time my brother was speaking on a local radio station. He laughed and said, "But, I've never been invited to the Governor's Mansion for breakfast!" A few days later, he received a call from the Governor's wife inviting him to breakfast. (I think the Governor's wife had a sense of humor and breakfast sounded like fun--it was just the 3 of them.)
You can go to Washington, make an appointment to meet with your member of Congress, and visit the office. You can send letters and email. It's more difficult now, but possible. Many parents take their children to Washington on educational trips and stop to see their congressperson.
MORE RAMBLINGS:
Although I watched the McCarthy Hearings, Nikita Kruschev banging his shoe at the UN, and remember the days following the assassination of JFK, I didn't notice Iraq until the bombing of the nuclear plant. Later in the 1980's, there was the rocket--which was an unwelcome surprise. (Once a country fires off a rocket, the world wonders when the nuclear weapons danger arrives on the scene.)
I watched the UN sessions (when possible) concerning Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Facts would come out in the sessions, Tariq Aziz would come to the press microphone afterwards and say something completely opposite. News was all over, and the Iraqi leaders would deny and dispute. At one point, the regime claimed it was the fault of the US (that they invaded Kuwait) because we gave them the "NOD." Years later, Tariq Aziz admitted that this was propaganda, but what good was telling the truth 5 years too late.
We were eating supper. The TV was on in the other room and we heard it. WE WERE AT WAR! (Gasp) CNN was broadcasting from Baghdad. In the green, snowy glow, there were sparkles and flashes. It wasn't green fireworks. . .it was bombs and anti-aircraft. We didn't want our planes hit; we didn't want innocent Iraqis to die. Saddam Hussein was on his own.
Not another bit of supper was eaten. All eyes were glued to the green screen. You could hear the fear in the voices of the CNN journalists. Remembering back to that time is to remember numerous pots of coffee, eyes glazed from watching the screen, and now I can think of 9/11 and "Shock and Awe" and realize the similarity. Devastation is not a cartoon.
The memories of those days are not pleasant. They are more like memories of a huge highway accident--where you don't want to see it but you can't look away.
Although I watched the McCarthy Hearings, Nikita Kruschev banging his shoe at the UN, and remember the days following the assassination of JFK, I didn't notice Iraq until the bombing of the nuclear plant. Later in the 1980's, there was the rocket--which was an unwelcome surprise. (Once a country fires off a rocket, the world wonders when the nuclear weapons danger arrives on the scene.)
I watched the UN sessions (when possible) concerning Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Facts would come out in the sessions, Tariq Aziz would come to the press microphone afterwards and say something completely opposite. News was all over, and the Iraqi leaders would deny and dispute. At one point, the regime claimed it was the fault of the US (that they invaded Kuwait) because we gave them the "NOD." Years later, Tariq Aziz admitted that this was propaganda, but what good was telling the truth 5 years too late.
We were eating supper. The TV was on in the other room and we heard it. WE WERE AT WAR! (Gasp) CNN was broadcasting from Baghdad. In the green, snowy glow, there were sparkles and flashes. It wasn't green fireworks. . .it was bombs and anti-aircraft. We didn't want our planes hit; we didn't want innocent Iraqis to die. Saddam Hussein was on his own.
Not another bit of supper was eaten. All eyes were glued to the green screen. You could hear the fear in the voices of the CNN journalists. Remembering back to that time is to remember numerous pots of coffee, eyes glazed from watching the screen, and now I can think of 9/11 and "Shock and Awe" and realize the similarity. Devastation is not a cartoon.
The memories of those days are not pleasant. They are more like memories of a huge highway accident--where you don't want to see it but you can't look away.
LATE NIGHT RAMBLINGS:
Well, it's almost 5:30 in the morning. I could be doing some computer work, but here I am again...blogging. After I finished reading an article at
Al Muajaha
I wanted to let the people know about it at
Healing Iraq
This will teach me not to get up in the middle of the night and read Iraqi articles. I just let somebody know that I'm here. After being quite comfortable writing my little blog, I just blabbed and now I may not be able to write without thinking that someone is tip-toeing around my brain and inspecting all the corners.
I've been blogging since May, with the vague thought that maybe sometime an Iraqi might find one good thing here to hang onto--one word of encouragement, one bit of hope, in a world that sometimes seems to slap you down instead of trying to boost you up. But, no one could read it if no one knew it was there. So, I was winging it. . . . .if it happened, it happened.
That was until Zeyad wrote his blog. I admire the courage that it takes for you (Zeyad) and those you have helped to blog. How could I be such a "chicken" about my thoughts in the face of all the courage and determination you show. Your light is a beacon for others to follow. Your words can give hope to some and inspiration to others. So, I jumped in.
Well, it's almost 5:30 in the morning. I could be doing some computer work, but here I am again...blogging. After I finished reading an article at
Al Muajaha
I wanted to let the people know about it at
Healing Iraq
This will teach me not to get up in the middle of the night and read Iraqi articles. I just let somebody know that I'm here. After being quite comfortable writing my little blog, I just blabbed and now I may not be able to write without thinking that someone is tip-toeing around my brain and inspecting all the corners.
I've been blogging since May, with the vague thought that maybe sometime an Iraqi might find one good thing here to hang onto--one word of encouragement, one bit of hope, in a world that sometimes seems to slap you down instead of trying to boost you up. But, no one could read it if no one knew it was there. So, I was winging it. . . . .if it happened, it happened.
That was until Zeyad wrote his blog. I admire the courage that it takes for you (Zeyad) and those you have helped to blog. How could I be such a "chicken" about my thoughts in the face of all the courage and determination you show. Your light is a beacon for others to follow. Your words can give hope to some and inspiration to others. So, I jumped in.
Sunday, November 09, 2003
A NEWS RUMOR:
There is a rumor that 121 is coming to a middle-eastern location near you. You've heard of Doctors Without Borders. Well, this may be a new twist, "Justice Without Borders!" If you are tired of the terrorists having the upper hand, this might appeal to you. 121 on the move!
I have to check it out and make sure that it isn't harmful to discuss. Sounds like a good thing to me, but, I'll check on it first.
There is a rumor that 121 is coming to a middle-eastern location near you. You've heard of Doctors Without Borders. Well, this may be a new twist, "Justice Without Borders!" If you are tired of the terrorists having the upper hand, this might appeal to you. 121 on the move!
I have to check it out and make sure that it isn't harmful to discuss. Sounds like a good thing to me, but, I'll check on it first.
HAVE A CARE!
One of the soldiers on Toy Delivery reported that staff, at the delivery locations, were so excited about the toys that everyone wanted some. It has been reported that some turn up on the black market.
The toys are for the little ones, the youngsters, who need so much. Many are orphaned, some are hospitalized. Life is hard enough, but especially hard for these kids.
How could someone take the toys and put them on the market? Each toy could bring a touch of happiness to some child with cancer, or someone with no family to love them.
Taking these toys just to sell them is somewhere beneath disgust.
One of the soldiers on Toy Delivery reported that staff, at the delivery locations, were so excited about the toys that everyone wanted some. It has been reported that some turn up on the black market.
The toys are for the little ones, the youngsters, who need so much. Many are orphaned, some are hospitalized. Life is hard enough, but especially hard for these kids.
How could someone take the toys and put them on the market? Each toy could bring a touch of happiness to some child with cancer, or someone with no family to love them.
Taking these toys just to sell them is somewhere beneath disgust.
Riverbend:
I've been reading your posts from the second or third day. I appreciate your efforts to explain events and tell us your feelings. Sometimes, it is very difficult to read your opinions, because we differ so much. As always, I will defend another's right to speak, and to express opinions. I will also restate (the usual) that I defend my rights to speak, also.
From your prospective, you have lost much more than you gained. There are others who never had anything because of the regime, and still others who died because of it. If given the choice (loss of some of the benefits so that others less fortunate could merely survive with life, liberty, food, water and shelter. . . or, you retain the previous benefits and they die) which would you choose?
It isn't easy. It is extremely difficult. Good people will die. Nasty people will die, also. It will take courage, and love of fellowman, to get us all through this. Hopelessness is the worst disease a person can suffer; and, Saddam's regime inflicted hopelessness on thousands and thousands of your fellow people.
As I read your future blogs, I will hope life is not as difficult--that it gets better day by day. In the meantime, some of the Iraqi people who never thought they would have opportunities will begin to see a difference. As this happens, I hope your will be able to see improvement, too.
I've been reading your posts from the second or third day. I appreciate your efforts to explain events and tell us your feelings. Sometimes, it is very difficult to read your opinions, because we differ so much. As always, I will defend another's right to speak, and to express opinions. I will also restate (the usual) that I defend my rights to speak, also.
From your prospective, you have lost much more than you gained. There are others who never had anything because of the regime, and still others who died because of it. If given the choice (loss of some of the benefits so that others less fortunate could merely survive with life, liberty, food, water and shelter. . . or, you retain the previous benefits and they die) which would you choose?
It isn't easy. It is extremely difficult. Good people will die. Nasty people will die, also. It will take courage, and love of fellowman, to get us all through this. Hopelessness is the worst disease a person can suffer; and, Saddam's regime inflicted hopelessness on thousands and thousands of your fellow people.
As I read your future blogs, I will hope life is not as difficult--that it gets better day by day. In the meantime, some of the Iraqi people who never thought they would have opportunities will begin to see a difference. As this happens, I hope your will be able to see improvement, too.
Zainab:
If I could tell you anything, I would say to try again. You sounded so very angry that it seems you inspired anger in others. Yes, it is understandable and you have reason to be angry; but, it came through so well that (I believe) other posters engaged finger without engaging brains and just reacted.
We (finally) heard that the young girl is okay. That is good. Many were concerned about her and didn't know what to do. I hope her life is better, now that she is removed and (hopefully) in a safe place. And, we heard that you worked for her safety. Each kindness is a treasure, whether you are the giver or the receiver.
I hope you will try blogging again; but, if not, best wishes for each day to be better.
If I could tell you anything, I would say to try again. You sounded so very angry that it seems you inspired anger in others. Yes, it is understandable and you have reason to be angry; but, it came through so well that (I believe) other posters engaged finger without engaging brains and just reacted.
We (finally) heard that the young girl is okay. That is good. Many were concerned about her and didn't know what to do. I hope her life is better, now that she is removed and (hopefully) in a safe place. And, we heard that you worked for her safety. Each kindness is a treasure, whether you are the giver or the receiver.
I hope you will try blogging again; but, if not, best wishes for each day to be better.
Zeyad:
Although I would encourage you to say less about anything which could identify you, the posts (you composed) are terrific, wonderful, and so very welcome. I've appreciated the other posters, but you are the first who has expressed some of my thoughts, answered some of my quiet questions, and just made the long wait (to hear you folks) so worthwhile.
Alaa:
And then you came onboard! Like yesterday's soccer match w/NKorea, I am yelling myself hoarse, cheering, hooting, and smiling until my jaw hurts.
AYS:
And now you have joined the chorus! Unbelievably WONDERFUL!
Each and every post makes a difference. Let us hear your voices! Tell us the TRUTH, the whole TRUTH, and nothing but the TRUTH about what is happening to you, and your friends, and your co-workers. We want to hear you.
AND, we want to WISH YOU WELL!
Although I would encourage you to say less about anything which could identify you, the posts (you composed) are terrific, wonderful, and so very welcome. I've appreciated the other posters, but you are the first who has expressed some of my thoughts, answered some of my quiet questions, and just made the long wait (to hear you folks) so worthwhile.
Alaa:
And then you came onboard! Like yesterday's soccer match w/NKorea, I am yelling myself hoarse, cheering, hooting, and smiling until my jaw hurts.
AYS:
And now you have joined the chorus! Unbelievably WONDERFUL!
Each and every post makes a difference. Let us hear your voices! Tell us the TRUTH, the whole TRUTH, and nothing but the TRUTH about what is happening to you, and your friends, and your co-workers. We want to hear you.
AND, we want to WISH YOU WELL!
NEW INSPIRATION
It's AMAZING! The new Iraqi Blogging Bunch is underway. Just Incredible, and exciting! I didn't realize that I'd been waiting for this until 2002. I wondered what the Iraqi people were thinking but there was no way to know, except second-hand from Iraqi nationals who hadn't been there for years. Everyone was hearing information second-hand.
Now, Zeyad, and Alaa, and AYA have come forward! Their efforts are wonderful. I can hardly find the words to say how much their courage, and their efforts could mean to the Iraqi people--let alone to me and many others in the world. I don't expect to like each word but I will anxiously await each post and each new poster who ventures forward.
The blogging Dentists have to be the only Dentists in the world that I would like to visit! 8*)
It's AMAZING! The new Iraqi Blogging Bunch is underway. Just Incredible, and exciting! I didn't realize that I'd been waiting for this until 2002. I wondered what the Iraqi people were thinking but there was no way to know, except second-hand from Iraqi nationals who hadn't been there for years. Everyone was hearing information second-hand.
Now, Zeyad, and Alaa, and AYA have come forward! Their efforts are wonderful. I can hardly find the words to say how much their courage, and their efforts could mean to the Iraqi people--let alone to me and many others in the world. I don't expect to like each word but I will anxiously await each post and each new poster who ventures forward.
The blogging Dentists have to be the only Dentists in the world that I would like to visit! 8*)
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