SARMAD

Sarmad's command of the written word is becoming very good. At first, it was difficult to read. To be able to express your thoughts concisely in a second language is amazing. Those fluent in a second language must (eventually) think in that language. Sarmad, keep up the great work.

But, not only the above, Sarmad's latest blog was an epistle. He gave us information that we could not have had otherwise. He gave insight into Falluja, where even a peek is more than we can expect. Sarmad has hope, he has expectations, he has belief about humanity. Sarmad allows us to "tip toe" through his brain and heart. It seems like a very good heart, to me.

SIGNING OF CONSTITUTION DELAYED

The signing of Iraq's interim constitution has been delayed (indefinitely) with no explanation (yet) for the delay. Information (at this time) is that it has nothing to do with previous conflicting discussions.

ARISTIDE

Now Aristide claims that he was forced to sign a letter resigning. The news said that he claimed he was kidnapped. The tough approach on this one is that the minute Aristide said he was kidnapped, they should have taken him back. No fanfare, no comments. Just take him back. Countries aren't lining up to shelter him, anyway.

News: Canada, US, France and more, are putting together a peacekeeping force.

OUTSOURCING...RUN AMUCK!

During a hearing today, Rep. Zack Wamp (R, TN) revealed information he had concerning the outsourcing of "bio-shield" to a German company. The company, apparently, has questionable connections.

This reminds me of the outsourcing of crystals to a Swiss company which decided that it didn't wish to give us the crystals because they objected to what we were doing in Iraq. (Well, it ranks close to selling our enemies weapons so they can shoot us--think Ollie North.) This was the cause of the "Buy American" Pentagon Push.

Back to the problem, why would we EVER contract with another country to provide equipment for our NATIONAL SAFETY. More than paranoia, we couldn't afford to be surprised at failure of equipment, or refusal of delivery. It's common sense; but, not all of us have that.

If we do not currently have a company which can produce the product, then we need to have one. First, you outsource the jobs, then you outsource the safety of our lives. Oh, we have a lot of work to do to make US better.

Could we make a law? Outsourcing more than 10% of the jobs results in no sales in the US marketplace. You want to go offshore, then go; but, don't sell any of your products here--not in your major business, nor a subsidiary, nor a shell corporation. Nada, Nyet, nothing!

After this fiasco, I wouldn't be surprised if someone wanted to move the CDC to the northeastern border of Afghanistan ( with Pakistan--home of Bin L.) Next, they'll want to let the prison inmates (cheap labor) make the bullets for the police guns. Please don't tell me that's happening!

WHAT IDIOT HAD A BRAIN BURP? (that was phrased very gently, wasn't it?)

KURDO

The Kurds have had a higher degree of autonomy (freedom) than many others in Iraq. Kurdo mentioned autonomy from 1970. This was autonomy? True, those murdered during Anfel chose to give themselves up for amnesty; but, they are dead and gone. How can you compare that which you have (now) and will have to the "Anfel Autonomy" of the past? You need to sit in a quiet spot, with tea, and think this over more thoroughly. We do not achieve freedom by declaration, but by cooperation.

Cooperation is the metal (fabric) which holds it all together. A group of Kurds can declare their freedom until a stronger group of Turks, or Iranians refutes it by action. The cooperation is not easy and strains brain and emotions. Human greed needs to be tempered with the "give and take" of negotiations--while observing the opposition's human greed. Human greed is want, and need, and desire, sometimes mixed with jealousy and envy. And, it is not all on one side but on each side. There has to be as much open-minded negotiation as possible. Negotiate, re-negotiate, and then do it again.

If you consider Iraq is a building under construction (with several levels existing) and remove more than one-fourth of the foundation, the building is likely to topple. If you consider Iraq as a suspension bridge and you remove one-fourth of the bridge, no one goes anywhere.

Worse than not going anywhere, the Kurds could walk willingly into their own demise. The world can be a nasty place, as you well know. Together much is possible; alone less is possible. A scenario: My brother and I (with our families) have a farm which is attacked by murderers. My brother decides to take his family to the safety of the woods. There are an equal number of adults (murderers and us); but, if we split our forces, we lose (first one family, then another.) Our strength is in cooperation, defending against the murderers together.

The focus is on Iraq. If you become independent, the focus will still be on Iraq, and (likely) much less on you. It could be dangerous. It took more than a decade for you to become truly free. Prior to April (2003) Saddam could have invaded you with all his resources and, by the time anyone came to your aid, there would have been no Kurds. We could not prevent it (alone,) you could not prevent it (alone,) but together we did prevent it.

We need you; Iraq and Iraqis need you; and, you need us. All of us must cooperate, for mutual strength and safety. We don't want to see the another Rwanda. Once is once more than anyone needs or wants.

THE MURDERS CONTINUE

What can anyone say about this horrendous type of act? It is more than sad; and, it is difficult to form the words of understanding, sympathy, and comfort for those directly targeted--the dead, the injured, their families, their friends, their fellow Iraqis.

Oh, "THE HUMANITY!" (said as The Hindenburg burned.) It constricts the heart, and scorches the soul. It inflames to rage; and, as the rage cools, it becomes the clear, cold resolve to irradicate the soulless. Humanity needs the hearts and resolve of everyone unwilling to be silent while their family, friend, and fellow partner in the world is blown into pieces.

"WE WILL NOT GO SILENTLY. . ."

ZEYDUN

I have heard little further information on the incident. There was mention that the soldiers moved away from the scene while the two men were still near the bridge. There was information about soldiers mis-treating detainees at a detention center. No connection was mentioned. The "bones" of it are that we no little more than we knew shortly after the incident.

Thanks for the rare (for this site) comment. (Mike H.)

ezboard (Iraqi Discussions)

I posted this to the board under Riverbend (Baghdad Burning):

Is there a possibility that River might be having a slight attitude change? She may be considering that the "invaders" and "occupiers" might not be as horrific as the "repisstors."

Note: I have discontinued the word "resistor." The phrase "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" does NOT apply. These fighters are not for freedom; they are not for life. They are for death and destruction. The only thing these terrorists resist is permitting others the right to live and be free.

ZEYAD REPORTED

Zeyad (healingIraq.blogspot.com) reported that the body of Zeydun was found 12 days later, approximately 1/2 mile downstream from the bridge area. At his site, he links to an article which describes the alledged events of that night.

There is anger in the postings. Zeyad feels that some commentators would be enraged if the incident had resulted in the death of soldiers by the Fedayeen. That may be true; however, I don't classify the Fedayeen in the same category (as the troops.) The objective of the Fedayeen is to kill to attain power; the objective of the troops is to prevent the disruptions, to calm the waters (if possible) and to avoid killing innocent Iraqis.

Zeyad, in some cases, may be hasty in his conclusions. Neither the cousins, nor the soldiers, should be concluded guilty until the investigtion is completed. Many acknowledged that it is possible the soldiers may have done this. Many acknowledged that the full truth has not been revealed--there are still many unanswered questions. Many are waiting for the CID decision, at the end of the investigation.

Regardless, this is the reason we need to keep in contact--that Zeyad should struggle to continue the blog. It is not easy for either side and most people feel strongly about some aspect of the happenings in Iraq. For Zeyad, this incident was so very close to home. For others, it is not our purpose (in Iraq) to kill passers-by and innocents. We know it happens, but we do not expect a purposeful incident which does not involve a serious reason for the actions.

There is more to this story and we can hope to get to the truth, eventually. In the meantime, there will be speculations. This is what we do. We examine the information and try to figure out what happened. In doing so, we must consider that any suspicions we have may be wrong and we must be prepared to be wrong. (As Zeyad may, also, have to prepare to be wrong.) This does not mean that he is wrong, but it means he cannot be right at this point, and neither can I be right at this point.

So far, we have a picture of a truck; we have quotes from Marwan; and, we (apparently) have the body of Zeydun, now. Sad, I was hoping that he was taken into custody and would reappear in a few weeks. It was not to be. The death of a young man of nineteen years is something which will sit in the minds of his parents for the rest of their days. . .

SHARIA LAW?

Riverbend reported that IGC voted out "family law", and voted in "Sharia Law."

Zeyad reported similarly.

Iraq at a Glance (iraqataglance.blogspot.com) reported that the law did not pass the 2/3 vote, according to Talabani.

COMMENTS

My comments section disappeared. (not that there were many comments) I thought I would attempt to put another comments section back up.

BAGHDAD MARKET BOMB

http://www.alternet.org/print.html?StoryID=15626

“. . .But immediately after mentioning him, it quotes another Iraqi defector general as saying the disputed rocket that killed 60 people in a Baghdad market came from a Russian missile, meaning it came from the Iraqi side. This information, which could only come from the highest levels of the Iraqi regime,. . .”

(The above information was found within an article about Izzat Ibrahim.)

SAMARRA AGAIN

FOX NEWS is reporting that 4 nephews of Izzat Ibrihim Al-Douri have been taken into custody near Samarra. (Well, there’s Samarra, again.) The Coalition is claiming that Izzy was hidden by the family.

IMPORTING

Arab Times Online
Kuwait is also currently supplying Iraq and US forces there with more than two million liters of petrol a day.

http://www.arabtimesonline.com/arabtimes/breakingnews/view.asp?msgID=4401

Democratic Underground
“That's right - the invasion that was supposed to pay for itself through Iraqi oil revenues has ended with the U.S. importing oil into Iraq.”

http://www.democraticunderground.com/top10/03/p/131.html


I posted the above on Faramin’s (comments) in response to a poster who stated that we were importing oil and billions. (not meaning into Iraq, but into the US) We are importing the oil and the billions INTO Iraq, not out of Iraq.

WMD

I am still preoccupied by WMD. We've found plans, we've discovered covert lab systems, we've discovered old shells. Where is the rest of it? What happened.

There were rumors before the war, reports of convoys to Syria, whispers of nuclear going to Libya, hints of N. Korean technicians in Iraq. We still do not know what is true and what is not.

Remember the rumor about Pakistan sharing its nuclear with others; now, we have Iran. The IAEA did a terrible job; they couldn't have done worse if they had stayed home sipping beer.

It is interesting to find that Libya does having nuclear, but where did they get them? Have they been working on this for decades, too? Now, we have an escaped journalist, who is dying of cancer, telling information about three sites in Syria and the possibility of WMD stockpiled there.

What will we learn next?

PAUL O'NEILL

Paul O'Neill implicated Bush, Jr. in the plan to topple Saddam Hussein. Well Paul, I have to say that this is not a surprise analysis. There are plans for everything and one of the plans could have, should have, and would have been to topple Saddam Hussein (if at all possible.)

Clinton worked on it. Bush did it.

From Instapundit.com:

Reynolds received an email from Baghdad:

The unit says they did have a checkpoint in the area and may have processed them, but prior to any resolution of the situation the occupants of that car and checkpoint itself were turned over to personnel from the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps (ICDC).

We may be making progress. The unit was there; ICDC was there--confirmed by both (the accused and accuser.)

Little else has been confirmed.

BACK TO "THE INCIDENT"

I noticed something strange about the photo of the truck (at Healing Iraq) site. The road appears to be two-lane and paved. The truck is face toward the left and the approaching car (also somewhat facing left) is in the far lane, while a car which just passed in the near lane appears to be going off to the right.

Why? Why is the truck off the road, and facing on-coming traffic?

SAMARRA DRUGS

Is this the same as Samarra Pharmaceuticals?

http://www.usainreview.com/11_26_saddam.htm

Another indicator that Iraq still has chemical weapons was an order for 25 metric tons of a powder called Aerosil from a German chemical company. The powder which can be used to make "dusty" chemical weapons, has particles so small they can penetrate through the fabric of a protective suit or a gap in the seal of a gas mask. According to U.N. records, Iraq's Samarra Drugs ordered the 25 metric tons of Aerosil under the U.N. oil-for-food program and that at least part of that order was delivered last month. Samarra Drugs is one of the companies that worked on Saddam Hussein's chemical and biological weapons programs before the Gulf War of 1991.

Is this a coincidence?

STICK-TO-A-TIVE-NESS

We need to stick to this--to keep on, keepin' on. We need to continue to pound the repisstors.

I have to thank the troops. This is one tough job and you are keeping at it. I'm not sure what will happen with the transition; and have to hope that it goes smoothly. Of course, there will be those who attempt to see that it is bumpy and rough.

To those who can see the "barn door," WELCOME HOME! To those who are on the road to Iraq: have a care, stay safe as possible. To both: WE SALUTE YOU!

ELECTIONS

It is going to take some time to organize elections.

The interim government will have to decide the age requirements. There will have to be a means to determine citizenship. There will have to be a census. There will have to be polling places and poll workers, and poll watchers, and international participation.

Did Saddam care who voted, as long they voted for him 100%? Did he care if someone voted for him twice? I doubt he cared. You vote against him, you aren't likely to have a chance to do that twice.

SISTANI WANTS ELECTIONS. . .NOW!

Sistani wants the elections to be held as soon as possible. The IGC is going to work on the situation. The Kurds want more atonomy; the Sunnis want us out; the repisstors want us dead.

What do I want? I think I want to sing "And I don't like anybody very much!" (Remembering a long ago song.)

WHAT TO THINK?

What do you think, when you're not supposed to form an opinion? In the recent episode on Healing Iraq, there is a little more information, but not enough. There are far more questions, than answers.

Zeyad is requesting that we don't form opinions, yet; however, he has already formed the opinion that Zaydun is dead. His jacket was supposedly found. His body was not found. I'm losing the battle (with myself) and thinking more and more about this whole thing.

(o)Comments

While reading comments on an Iraqi Bloggers site I noticed the numbers were not increasing (count remained the same.)

Then I went to a few other sites and the sections were (0) COMMENTS. Well, what is going on? When I came here, there are NO COMMENTS, not even a place for them. Hmmm, is this a BLOG STOP? Or, is some computer (somewhere) yelling ERROR, ERROR!!

SAUDI TV

Apparently, the Saudis have launched a new TV satellite news channel (in response to western perception of Saudi Arabia.)

The new channel will featured the FIRST WOMAN NEWSCASTER.

thedissidentfrogman.com STRIKES AGAIN!

http://www.thedissidentfrogman.com/bureau/000113.html

How did I miss this great information? It compiles the data on the arms sales of each country (to IRAQ) for decades. "Warmongers" are in blue; "No War" in red. Each UNSC member is clearly marked. Look at those contributions! USA = 1% of the Total. Guess who win the awards for the top arms sales to Iraq?

On the dissident frogman, he compares 2 opinions from the BBC article on the dilemma of Saddam Hussein. Give him to the Iraqis? Take him to The Hague?

Answer No. 1! Give him to the Iraqis. The Hague is still too busy to deal with Saddam. The Hague will be busy for years. Iraq has precedence.

The atrocities forced upon Iraqi people by Saddam require the judgement of Saddam. . .by Iraqis.

CONSPIRACY THEORIES AND RUMORS

One Iraqi blogger reported that they feed their babies on conspiracy theory milk from the time they are six months old. We are not far behind. It seems a human trait to draw conclusions from the information available. When we don't know all the material, we play "fill in the blanks", too. It becomes an amazing feat to be able to determine the facts, once the speculation soars.

INCIDENT IN IRAQ-2

There has been no further information concerning the incident. The silence is creating a vacuum, which people will fill if they have time to think about it. Well, this happens frequently. We hear a report, and sometimes, we hear nothing more.

INTERESTING FIND

The media is reporting that Danish troops have discovered shells filled with liquid. The troops have (apparently) backed off for the British weapons experts to inspect the liquid filled shells. The area is Basra.

MARSH ARABS (IRAQ)

“The study also uncovered some of the horrors of the Marsh Arabs’ experiences under the former regime. 72% of the tribes had been displaced, 92% of them forcibly by Saddam’s troops. The study found that the villages had suffered weekly attacks and that 25% had been forcibly uprooted more than 10 times in the last twelve years.”

http://bamdiary.blogspot.com/ (AMAR site)

REAL ESTATE AND MORTGAGES

One Iraqi blogger was discussing his building a house and the difficulty obtaining money. Apparently, he has been building the house in stages--as he acquired the funding.

While we talk about rebuilding Iraq, the building of Iraq may be astonishing. There are many architects within and without the country. There will be a race to design new structures, hopefully in character with the existing structures in historic areas.

Iraq has huge possibilities for commerce, industry, and tourism. Can you picture it? I can.

WORLDWIDE GRAPEVINE

It's a circular pattern--"what goes around, comes around," "History Repeats itself" (circular.) So, the question is, have we progressed only to return to the past?

Communication in "olden" times was word-of-mouth. Friends, relatives, strangers, came to town and spread the word. Then, media entered the picture. Newspapers, radio, television replaced the human interchange of information. Now, where are we? We are communicating by word-of-mouth, again.

Are we going forward, or backward? Or, have we come full-circle?

INCIDENT IN IRAQ

There has been an incident in Iraq. We don't have all the information, yet; but, speculations are abundant.

Last night, I was reading an Iranian blogger's comment section when I came across a post urging readers to go to "Healing Iraq" (Zeyad's blog.) After reading the initial blog, I was puzzled. In the account put forth, there are not many facts. The information is confused, due to the circumstances; and, much does not make sense.

At this point, three things stand out. One, innocent until proven guilty--each position should be viewed from an unbiased attitude. Two, more facts must be obtained. Three, a thorough investigation is necessary because this is very important.

Although many thoughts run through my mind, it seems the wisest action would be the inaction of reserving an opinion on this until there is more information.

COMMUNICATION IN A NEW WORLD

Struggling with translations reminds me (again) how small the world is, and how advanced it is. We can only guess what the next advancements will be.

READING FROM RIO

This is a quiet little blog--not much company. And then. . .Celine from Rio de Janiero pops in to comment! The Web just continues to amaze me!!!

Celine's remarks are in the comments section after the Jan. 6, post "A Family in Baghdad Blog." First, since the language was not Spanish, I had to remember which was the prodominent language in Rio. Ah ha, looks like Portuguese. Now, where could I find a translator (of course, free) on the Net?

When I entered Celine's comment, the translation was:

"Each one of in ' ja ' had moments where Nao obtained to see the light
in the end of tunnel. E with Certainty a time more left fortified with Esperanca in the life. Thus, if dificeis days Retornarem, we must affirm in the same ones:
"Of this time nao sera different; everything ha to give certain!”"

It happened this way because the tranfer to Word doesn't work (from the comments section). . .and when you retype the Portuguese, you can't type the appropriate letters without Portuguese characters on the keyboard.

Celine,

Era um desafio para encontrar um tradutor, porque eu não leioescreva o português (mas o familiar do am com espanhol.)

A tradução de seu comentário era: (above)

É difícil para aqueles que saem do túnel para ver claramente e
determinar em que sentido devem ir. Nós podemos apreciar os hardships que estiveram completamente, Eu esperarei que os iraqis possam estar fortes, carrinho junto, e caminhada para um futuro bom.

Obrigado para a escrita, Celine.

Max
------------------------------------------------
I'm a little better with English:

Celine,

It was a challenge to find a translator, as I do not read/write Portuguese (but am familiar with Spanish.)

The translation of your comment was: (above)

It is difficult for those coming out of the tunnel to see clearly and determine in which direction they should go. We can appreciate the hardships they have been through, but hope the Iraqis will be able to stand strong, stand together, and walk toward a good future.

Thank you for writing, Celine.

Max

A FAMILY IN BAGHDAD BLOG (afamilyinbaghdad.blogspot.com)


This feeling is not brought about by Saddam’s fall, but I was aware that the all of past governments handled the “Kurdish Issue/File” aggressively. And because I am not Kurdish and did not live amongst them, this issue does not import nor concern me. Just as an American civilian is living their life now, as they hear and see what their government is doing to other populations, sorry! Did I cross the red line?!



*Handling the Kurdish agressively* is a mild way to put it. Performing genocide on the Kurds is a more accurate way to describe the situation. When you fear, at the sounds of the bombing, there are not troops purposely trying to annihilate you and all like you. For the Kurds, they knew the killers were coming to irradicate (erase) them, and their communities. As angry as you are at the Americans, the Kurds will be doing well if they can temper their hatred to anger and begin to cooperate with their own people (for the PUK, women's issue) and other peoples.

It is important and it does concern you and every other Iraqi. During the last few decades there were many who did not prosper--many were murdered and many starved. There was terrible suffering. That it was not you, or your people, does matter. Because you were able to manage does not make the suffering less for others during those years. You are suffering now. Does this mean it does not concern others? Would this mean others should not be attentive to the needs of all the people of the country?

As an American, while living my life, I am watching and hoping that the people of Iraq will be able to pull together (and, pull all of this together. ) We can only do so much before it is your turn. Those who are learning to work toward Iraqi rule of Iraq are in a much better position than those who are bombing the efforts of a New Iraq. The American government is attempting to lead Iraq into a new time; Saddam Hussein (and regime) has done more to ruin Iraq than most dictators, with the exception (possibly) of Hitler and Stalin. It will take extensive work for Iraqis to bring the country to a place where it can thrive.

There is conflicting information about Iraqis. We hear that you are a diverse people who will not be able to overcome dislike (or hatred) for one another. We hear you are educated and have the ability to understand and work complex problems. We see tribal control; we see religious control; we see many political parties. This is very complex--a huge exercise in juggling.

AL-TABOOL MOSQUE

In the recent raid on the Mosque, can we be sure that the soldiers did not step on the holy book? No, we cannot. Can we be sure that something was going on in the Mosque. . . yes, we can.

When weapons are found in a Mosque, it means someone is up to something. And, it means that some religious leader is aware of it. The Christians who worshipped in the church in Pakistan were bombed. They were civilians. No one was killed in this incident, but a Mosque was violated. This will not be a frequent event if the Mosques don't store weapons and give terrorists sanctuary. In short, you can't run out of the Mosque, shoot, bomb, run back in the Mosque and expect safety. Those who wish to protect against this will need to keep the terrorists out of the Mosques.

To those who rant against the troops for not removing their shoes: the troops will remove their shoes if they are visiting. If they must attack and remove weapons and terrorists, they will NOT remove their shoes. If you respect your religion and wish the troops to respect the Mosques, why not keep the terrorists out of the Mosques? When the Mosques are the base for attacks, the Mosques will be involved in the attacks. We need to apologize for the disrepect, others need to apologize for harboring killers.

IF YOU DON'T XXXX, THE TERRORISTS ARE GOING TO WIN!

"When Hell freezes over!" "Not in this lifetime."

The terrorists may hit us again; probably will hurt us again. They will NOT win! Once they proved to us that it was a life-death struggle for all of us, they lost. THEY HAVE PROVEN THAT MUCH.

Those who care more about hate will sacrifice generations to the fire of that hate. The leaders of hate will never throw themselves on the fire. Sooner or later, the terrorists may realize that they will run out of minions. In the meantime, we will be doing our best to assist the leaders into the fire. This may save some of the minions, who are really just the children of parents throughout the world. The children become persuaded to join, they die, the parents suffer the loss.

After all, we don't want to take over the world. . .they do. It's not going to happen their way. The huge neon sign is flashing. . .do or die, and we are going to do. You have given us notice; we paid attention. You may eventually realize you made a big mistake.

AN IRANIAN BLOGGER

http://humanfirstthenproudiranian.blogspot.com/

Jannati attacks US aid motives
Speaking at Friday prayers, Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, who heads the powerful Council of Guardians, said the Americans were trying to exploit the disaster to seek relations with Iran. Read it here .

This is the stupidest thing that Jannati could have said while US aid is in Iran. I am absolutely not too crazy about the US leaders and current Bush administration, but while the victims are in urgent need for help and while world aid which partly consists of the aid from the US is pouring into Iran for the victims, only an stupid leader who doesn't care about the welfare of the people can make such comments.

Faramin @ 8:44 PM (January 2, 2004)

It's difficult to read bloggers who rant against the U.S. Sometimes, that is because I agree (and don't like what was done); other times, it is because I vigorously disagree and try not to be offended.

The long list (rant) of Faramin's earlier blog seemed to be unfair. And then, Faramin wrote the above comments. This proves to me that (although I may not like much of the rant) there is a thinking individual at the writing end of the blog. There is someone who is weighing the events and the decisions made.

The new blogging era may bring all kinds of ideas into the exchange. This new era may have significant impact on the world. We may not agree, but we may be able to have more understanding of the problems than we have had. . .ever. Certainly, we will have ore understanding of the different views in the world.

EARTHQUAKE IN IRAN

It's a sad world when we cannot put aside our differences in today's world, in order to have people help people. The politics of an earthquake come before the victims of an earthquake. It is pitiful.

I do not doubt that the Israelis were willing to help in the search and rescue efforts, or that they would be willing to send aid to the survivors of the quake. But, Iran was willing to accept help from all. . .except the Israelis. Does this refute the old saying that "beggars can't be choosers?"

People *should* help other people, especially during earthquakes. It is offensive to refuse help and it is a missed opportunity to change the world situation for the better. I can understand it; but, I don't have to like it.

After posting a cartoon, the links section disappeared. I really liked that cartoon. It was 3 panels concerning the Iraqi demonstrations against terrorism--based on the three monkeys, "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

There was very little media coverage of that demonstration. I have to question WHY? Was it good news not fit to print? Was it the preoccupation with the coming election? Since the media does not wish to assist either party, they have (seemingly) decided not to promote good news. The reason could be that it would influence the election on the Republican side. What about the American side? How is this fair and balanced throughout the media when all media is promoting the horror news, how many died, which buildings have been attacked? How can that be balanced?

LIGHTER SIDE

Saddam Hussein, "the Mother of All Battles. . ."

Saddam Hussein, "the Mother of All Battles Continues."

And now, we have Saddam Hussein in "the Mother of All MUGSHOTS."

HOW THE MIGHTY HAVE FALLEN

In a rat hole, in a mud hut, Saddam Hussein was hiding. Had he run from hole to hole over the past few months?

He looked dazed, scruffy, dirty, and the amazing part was:

SADDAM HUSSEIN LOOKED LIKE A HOMELESS MAN. . .AND HE WAS!!!

SADDAM HUSSEIN SYSTEMATICALLY DESTROYED HIS HOME and NOW, HE WILL BE LIVING IN A BOX.

WELL SADDAM, NOW WHAT. ..

It has been hours since the capture of Saddam. What is he doing? What is he saying? HA! He's not as tired as he is going to be. Hope they play the "BARNEY" song loud and clear for the old man.

Saddam...BE VERY AFRAID! You could be released on the biggest street corner in Baghdad (after an appropriate announcement.)

News is commenting that Saddam was captured after interviews with his family and "friends."

I'll be anxious to hear the Iraqi Bloggers. There are busy yelling and cheering. It might be a while before we hear what they are thinking, on this amazing day.

IRAQIS LEARNING NEW THINGS

Dr. Assam Alwash was in an auto when he heard Bremer statement "We Got Him." Alwash was elated. He was teaching his driver to do "HIGH FIVES!!"

Alwash said, "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!"

Well, it was information from an Iraqi which caught Saddam.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

WHAT DO WE KNOW?

Well, now we know that Saddam Hussein was not killed in the first bombing. We know that he wasn't killed in the restaurant bombing. We know that he was hiding in a mud hut, on a farm, across the river from his palaces. He was found approximately 15kms southeast of Tikrit.

Now, we will find out how good the interrogators are. Current speculations is that Saddam will not want to be turned over to the Iraqis for a public hanging by his feet, in an Iraqi square. There was a suggestion that he be placed in a bulletproof glass container and trucked through Baghdad.

It's a big day. Much happiness for the Iraqi people, who are cheering and shouting in the streets.

A GOOD DAY!!

This is a good day for the Iraqi people. There is cheering in the street. For the families of the dead, and missing, and tortured, this may be a much needed relief.

Saddam Hussein should be tried by a court of Iraqis. The people need to hear all the stories, and the victims need to speak.

One "talking head" is saying that US intelligence will be asking about the WMD. He isn't going to tell that! He's going to promote Saddam is a good guy and never did anything wrong. This needs to be a televised trial--throughout Iraq, throughout the U.S., and throughout the world. Will it be?

SADDAM HUSSEIN CAPTURED!

All U.S. media are reporting the captured of Saddam Hussein by Task Force 21!

The announcement came early this morning that Saddam Hussein was captured by Task Force 21. Hussein was captured without resistance in a spider hole in a mud hut.

Hussein was being given the standard health check and his hair was being inspected for lice.

More news to follow.

THE TIME IN IRAQ IS 6:10

DEMONSTRATIONS IN IRAQ

Demonstrations have been called for today in Iraq...COUNTRY WIDE!

I can only wish and hope for the best for all the people involved in the demonstration. BE SAFE.....BE LOUD......be careful!

NEW INFORMATION WMD

While watching the Hutton Inquiry, some clues stood out. It led to a Lt. Col. of the Iraq Air Defense, who was the source for the 45min controversy. The same controversy which resulted in the death of Dr. David Kelly. Hmmm.

Finally, the Lt. Col. was interview and said that the weapons could be ready in less than 45min, more like a half hour.

Information and speculation are causing concern that the secret weapon was smaller in size than we thought. That chemical or biological material could be fired from RPGs, and that instructions were to use chemical masks for protection. Also, that anyone who talked about it would be hanged.

TO THE CURRENT “PEACENIKS”

In your quest for peace at any cost, a peace of growing cancer, you have ignored the disease and focus on speaking against doses of vaccine which might cure. This isn't a nice little game; it isn't diplomacy. The disease is deadly and has spread over a wide distance.

If you could have come up with a better idea, I wish you would have mentioned it 12 years ago, 8, or even 5 years ago.

Where was a viable plan, other than let's wait a few more years or decades.

TO THE PROPAGANDISTS

First, you manufacture the evidence then you build on the "evidence" until you are in a frenzy. You act as judge, jury, and "wannabe" executioner. And then, you spread the manure as far and wide as you can. You SELL IT. I say this because you advertise it, you promote it, and it is costly to others. It cost US, it cost the Iraqis.

As an example, while blaming the US for almost every wrong everywhere, you would see to it that thousands of Iraqis would continue to be maimed, shredded, murdered, kidnapped, and oppressed. You stand in the way trying to divert attention from helping where help is needed. And, it would salve your conscience that you did it to execute the US. While ignoring the plight of the Iraqis, you are busy trying to sentence the US to death.

If you have political motivations, you might think what you are doing. We don’t want a party which does this. Many don’t like a movement which does this. There are some good, ordinary, average Americans who smile at the thought that one fine day you will leave the US to promote your special brand of hate…then we’ll pull your passports.

The propaganda is sent and felt world-wide. The hatred promoted is global, and not recent. It has been fostered, and it is growing. The weapon is the truth. If the truth is not worth the struggle and is no longer important, we have all lost too much.

IF YOU SUPPORT THE REGIME

Over the last 15-20 years Saddam & regime have been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis. It wasn't just war which claimed those people. Some were shredded, some were tortured, and the latest rumor is that Saddam killed thousands of mothers and fathers, then didn't know what to do with the orphans...so, he killed them. Even if that one isn't true, there are many other verified accounts. There are 250 mass grave sites, which the Iraqi people would like to investigate as soon as possible (some hidden under a highway.)

And, on top of that, if it turns out that Saddam taught AQ at Salam Pak Training Camp, or that Saddam's regime gave the Anthrax data to AQ, or taught them how to make RICIN, or any of the other *evil* deeds of which he is capable, you are condoning it.

Saddam Hussein is very close to a definition of *evil*. He earned his place among the despicable. Saddam Hussein is and has been a problem of the world.

Saddam Hussein had most of the choices, made most of the decisions. Tell the Iraqis that the UN was willing to continue the sanctions, they were willing to let the killing go on. You like to blame the sanction deaths on the US; while ignoring any responsibility of Saddam to feed his people? If he could get arms, he could get medicine. If he had no money, he couldn't have built the palaces. If he had no funds, he couldn't have acquired and collected and stored tons and tons of weapons.

One account says that if we explode 5 tons batches, it will take us 5 years to get rid of all the arms Saddam had. And those items were truly dual use: he could use them against us, or use them against his own people. Quite an investment of the Iraqi wealth!

DEMONSTRATIONS

They are beginning to demonstrate. First, it was in the hundreds; next, it may be in the thousands. The media doesn't seem to be covering it...why?

Is this more of the media trying to be even-handed, trying not to sway an election (almost a year away?)

There have been at least 3 Demonstrations. Has anyone heard about this?

The Iraqis are demonstrating AGAINST TERRORISTS!

PROPAGANDA (Prop-a-gan-da) (from an almuajaha.com dispute)

1. Information or ideas methodically spread to promote or injure a case, group, nation.

2. The deliberate spreading of such information or ideas.

3. The doctrines or principles propagated (spread) by an organization or movement.

GRENADA—an island within missal-attack distance of the US. You might be able to understand why the US would get a bit excited about missals offshore—especially after the Cuban Missal crisis. A base was being built in Grenada. Goju said he was there, explained the situation. Jan is spreading information which was not verified, not even indicated at the time or later. Goju disputed the information. Jan continues to bring it up.

Jan said,“Grenada is the ONLY example I gave which actually has no civilian casualty figures amongst the many other figures I gave of US killing thousands of people. So Max has to desparately cling on to it to try to discredit me by this one example.”

The only desperation is Max clinging to the truth. There is no verification of thousand(s) that Jan claimed. Excuse him if you wish, decide for yourself.


PANAMA—the area connecting North America and South America. We built a canal connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. It took years of labor, men died. Blood, sweat, and money were invested. But, the land didn’t really belong to the US, and there was an agreement to return the land. Check the Net, the information is there.

The US routed out Noriega and his associates. One journalist suspects 8,000 deaths. Jan promotes the deaths…by the thousand(s) and it isn’t verified. The Panamanians do not claim this—just Jan and one journalist. It looks like PROPAGANDA, smells like PROPAGANDA; but you decide. Check sites on the Net, read history. Verify one way or the other before you accept propaganda.

SOMALIA—the UN wanted the US to participate. The US was not happy, but agreed to perform road clearing and facilitating humanitarian efforts. A War Lord was, apparently, stealing the supplies. The US went in to capture him and that is when soldiers were killed—one of them was dragged through the town. Some reports mention skinning. It resulted in the movie “Black Hawk Down.”

Most history of the (US President) Clinton Years reflects an effort to stay out of trouble unless pressed into it. When Saddam stopped cooperating with the UN on WMD, Clinton did bomb; when Al Qaeda acted, Clinton bombed in Afghanistan (an empty camp, apparently.) When the UN was in serious trouble in Rwanda, Clinton said he didn’t know at the time. It seemed the policy of the time was minimal involvement; but you check and you decide.

NORTH KOREA—Our soldiers died in Korea. South Korea is free; North Korea is in trouble. When Bush made the “Axis of Evil” speech, he said Iraq, Iran, and North Korea. Well, almost immediately, Il began threatening. It seems he has nuclear weapons. How did this happen when the UN was inspecting? North Korea captured Japanese citizens and won’t return them; North Korea threatens to send missals to the western coast of the US; North Korea made an agreement (for funds,) accepted our money and produced nuclear, anyway.

Information seems to tie Saddam to North Korea, in a supposed agreement for longer range missals. Ten MILLION of Iraq’s money was spent for the opportunity to thwart the UN sanctions again? Where there is one connection, there may be more.

MASS GRAVES IN IRAQ: The contention that these mass graves contain casualties of war does not explain the women and children, or the people with their hands tied behind their backs, or the many (in the same grave) with bullet holes in their heads.

The Iraqi people will decide this one. The Iraqi people know which family members disappeared. The Iraqi people know some of the heinous decisions made by Saddam. Live Iraqis can testify to the torture. Living Iraqis felt the oppression and gradually the information and the facts will all come out.

This morning, the news was stating that Tribunals are being set up. Iraqis will judge Iraqis. The Coalition will be advisors; but, the Iraqi Court, and the Iraqi people will be the ones to decide the fate of those who go on trial. This will be a huge blow to the resistors. The process may be an enormous dose of JUSTICE.

FLU VACCINE HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTED

Apparently, all the flu vaccine is gone, has been distributed. There are doses at various clinics, doctors' offices, etc.; but, there will be no more of this vaccine produced. It takes so long to produce it that the flu season would (likely) be over by the time more of the vaccine is produced.

This isn't good news.

CHRISTMAS CHANGED?

Christmas may have gradually changed over the decades (centuries.) I know Jewish folks who have a decorated tree, and some Santa gifts, as well as the traditional celebrations. I wonder if there are any Muslims who celebrate the Holiday with trees and gifts.

Over the years, some people have lost the real meaning of Christmas. I realized this when I heard of a friend who brought out a cake on Christmas day (with candles burning.) Everybody said, "Who's Birthday is it?"

Whatever your religion, or belief, I like Christmas time. It is a time of wonder, and time of some good will, a time of some generosity. I love the lights, the trees, and especially Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is quiet, sometimes with snow falling, Christmas music playing, and packages under the tree. Few know what all the packages contain. It is a time when you can wish for anything--for yourself, or for others and all is possible.

This Christmas, maybe PEACE is in one of the packages. No? Well, maybe peace cannot be packaged, but if you believe all is possible then it is not beyond thinking. Peace should not be the "Impossible Dream."

TRUE DEMOCRACY?

Seems to me, that would be decisions strictly by vote. Could the states with the largest population vote Rhode Island into Connecticut? Maybe?

If popular vote determines actions, any minority might be in serious trouble.

To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin:

True Democracy is 2 wolves and a lamb deciding on the luncheon menu.
Liberty is an armed lamb disputing the decision.

HOW CAN THE LEFT GET MORE LEFT?

Aren't the Democrats and the leftists seeing how very far they are traveling to the left? Between the "way left" and the "way right." who the heck is representing the silent majority?

We should start a LOBBY for the average Americans. We need working, talented folks to LOBBY FOR US, the folks of the US. OH, that's right, we are supposedly represented already.

Some days, it is very difficult to see it!

IRAQI OIL MONEY AND TAXES

There was an explanation concerning oil money and taxes which seemed to make sense. The reasoning seems to be that if you give the Iraqi people (each) a share of the oil money, then the government attempt to take back some of it in taxes, the Iraqi people will be very careful where the money goes.

I'm not sure that is sound reasoning. I pay tax money which is turned over to organizations studying the fertility rate of the isbang flea. My theory is that it doesn't really go to the flea; the money goes to the people. Well, that's not a terrible thing, but it would be better if the money found its way to a worthy cause, as well as a person.

IRAQI BLOGGERS

The thoughts and ideas expressed by the Iraqi bloggers are so very interesting. Hearing of their experiences can be both wonderful and fearsome. Some Iraqi posters are angry; some are violent.

After reading an article about "It's Already Over!" I decided that I only partially agree. There are elements in Iraq which will attempt to prolong the fight, forever--if possible. These elements will upgrade the horror as much as they can. We may hate ourselves for what we have to do. Certainly, there will be more who will hate us.

I have to have some faith in the Iraqi people that they will be able to overcome some of the terror and fight for a new, prosperous Iraq, in which they (ALL) finally are about to share.

NO TIME TO WRITE

I have been reading so many interesting articles and blogs that there has been little time to write. It is becoming a little easier to express thoughts, but there is still the big cringe that somebody would read what was written. Makes it much more difficult to blog freely.

ALMUAJAHA.COM and the PROPAGANDA WAR

The fight continues on almuajaha.com, an IMC netsite organized by a few Iraqis in Baghdad. Everyday, I put on my pith (or is it piss) helmet and march to the site to see what is new. Everyday, there is more propaganda and anti-American rhetoric. Everyday, there is a new challenge. There are days when it is fun.

If there are reasonable Americans, with some knowledge of facts and history, the help would be welcome. So far, it seems I'm holding my own, but you never know. This is one lone American involved in the P-War of the World. We need facts and we need truth; we need to correct wrongs and defend liberty. We need to work at being better, while fighting the verbal battles of those who would attribute some of the nastiest acts to us. We need to struggle against the people who do not want us to succeed in Iraq because of personal hatred, or political motives, or national disputes.

We need to explain what we are doing--not once or twice, but over and over. Information is the armour, it's a battle of right and wrong in a world of distorted information. And so, it's lonely putting on that piss helmut and getting into the teflon raincoat (to deflect the crap), but this American thinks it needs to be done. We aren't always wrong, we aren't always bad. Sometimes, we are right and good.

PROPAGANDA WAR

For decades, there has been a concerted effort to promote anti-American feelings throughout the world. When there is fair criticism with substantial documentation, we may need to correct some of our actions. But, when the writers of the criticism have incorrect facts, exercise biased, distorted connections, issue hate-fulled statements...it is important that we speak up.

To those who hate America, no statement is too vile and no twisting of the facts is restricted. The promoted hatred may be part of the WOT, or part of the Saddam propaganda machine. . .or, it could be that there are those who will hate us because they learned it, they like it, they just don't like anything we do.

I've often said that we are not perfect. We may not be the best type of government which will exist in the future. There may be better ways to govern the people. I do not see a better way at this time. Maybe the Iraqi People will show us a new form of Democracy, a better way to do this. But, right here, right now, we are doing the best we can with what we have, while trying to improve.

POSSIBLE CANCER CURE

The news is reporting a possible cure for cancer. Early reports indicate that it is possible to use the victim's own system to fight the disease. It appears this might have something to do with interferon, but the reports are too sketchy to specular further.

We can hope a cure has been found; if not, we can hope it will be soon.

IZZAT STILL AT LARGE

According to the latest news, rumors of Izzy's capture are premature. The troops have captured many, but there are still quite a few to apprehend.

THANKSGIVING SODA???

Someone was playing "mad scientist."

Now there is turkey and gravy soda. The soda may sell in Seattle only.
It sounds like something the desperate concocted for Thanksgiving leftovers-- similar to turkey cupcakes!

THE DISSIDENT FROGMAN (SAYS)


" State Terror Capitalists • Capitalistes Terroristes d'Etat
Maybe you thought you were a bit harsh and unfair with the French lately. Maybe you thought that, after all, it was more than time to forget about the squabble and "fall in love again."

Think again:
« ...France was not just Baathist Iraq's largest contributor of funds; French banks have financed other odious regimes. They are the No. 1 lenders to Iran and Cuba and past and present U.S. foes such as Somalia, Sudan and Vietnam. »
By Mike Gonzales in the WSJ, and not knowingly understated by Stephen Pollard (don't miss the comments, there are some interesting points by Stephen's readers)

The French idiots will be happy at the simple idea that their government, its state and private owned banks are lending millions of dollars to America's foes.

The last square of decent and thoughtful French will feel nauseous at the idea that their hard earned money is distributed to the worse dictatorships on the face of this Earth, including to those that devoted themselves to our own downfall, in order to oppose the greatest democracy.

One could call that treachery of our alleged values a "suicide by proxy", but the suicide being involuntary (at least for the aforementioned last square) I would rather name it a premeditated murder of the French nation and its people by the French ruling and financial elite.

Among the last square, those with a particularly tough stomach will also have the time to notice, with a disillusioned smile, before they rush to the toilet, that the loan looks furiously like a gift.

Unless one seriously believes that Cuba or North Korea is a solvent patron.

Consequently, the ultimate thought before throwing up is that this ever harder to earn money will keep flowing to support more murdering states, as far as they're declared enemies of the West.

I promise a hell of a party the day I'll finally get rid of my French passport and nationality. Should be fun. Be there.

In the meantime, I hope there are enough people in the camp of freedom to understand that in this war, the most significant part of France chose the opposite side. "

The Dissident Frogman

IZZAT'S FAMILY ARRESTED!

RANT:
This would frustrate some Americans. It won't sit well when they find out. HA, go to it. In fact, make arrangements with Jordan to bring Saddam's daughters back. At the very least, Izzat Ibrahim's family is supporting his terrorism. They also benefited from the rape of Iraq.

I wouldn't usually cheer this method of warfare, but for the Bin Ladens and the Husseins, there are no rules. They have none and will beat us to death with our own rules and their creativity.

Does this mean we will reduce ourselves to their level? That may be; but, when we win we will return to abiding by our rules. If they win, nothing will be too despicable. "Fight fire with fire!" but be very careful we don't get burned. (make note to get burn ointment ready)

Furthermore, I would start rumors about a soldier, unnamed, who tortured the daughter. Take video verifying that nothing happened, for future use. I'd even set up an encampment to draw the terrorists into a trap. ("build it, they will come") Thousands of Iraqis fear for their families. Apply a little of the "anti-freedom fighters'" own medicine to the Izzats of this war!

They may not worry about their families in American custody; but, they might fear what their fellow "mad dogs" will do. This should shake up the scum.

I can hear the screams now. No, No! We don't do this. Liberals throughout the world will shout and curse...Oh, they do that already.

I'm not saying to hurt them...just make them disappear. Let Izzat worry; let them wonder about their own families. In fact, keep them at one of the plush hotels in downtown Baghdad.

Oh, too dangerous you say? Awwww. Then don't bomb the hotels.

The Terrorists around the world are changing the rules, working hard to be creative. We were following the rules and the Terrorists use it against us.

Spread rumors that Saddam has been dead for 2 years. Make the other side prove it's not true. It's time for some CREATIVE WARFARE. . .it's our turn to shake up the enemy.

END OF RANT

I would consider muttering "sorry" for the rant, but not for a little while. I'm still enjoying the thoughts of confused Terrorists worrying.

LETTER FROM GOTHAM

Diana

Welcome back, Diana….or is it, Max you idiot? I mean: reading Diana’s Blog was an almost daily event. And then, it seems someone found her (discovered her identity) and told her. (that’s not nice!) I can only sympathize; might even empathize someday. Diana closed up the blog.

I knew she came back, but I didn’t have time to check and then I forgot to check. Today, I was reading the more current posts and hit one that was incredibly good. She hit the point—squarely. It was concise, it had impact. Oh, she’s been good before; she will be good, again. This was spectacular! Thanks for your blogging and especially for one particular post, Diana.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE WAR ON TERROR?

On a scale of one to 10? Billions, exponentially.

Not only money, it could mean hundreds of thousands of lives, changes we would never want. In short, it's important!

SPELL CHECK--THE 16TH WONDER OF THE WORLD

I can check my spelling. I don't always, and sometimes I should have. I love it. It can improve your image, you can look like you don't come from a swamp (somewhere) that didn't have any education available. It's fun, and it's educational. I found out I had been spelling "hypocrite" without the "e."

When did this happened? How could this happen? Well, once you drop the "e" and it looks fine, you're lost. Forever after, it's hypocrit. Now, I am educated, 'cause I spell it "HYPOCRITE." Dum....but, true.

HOW DO YOU FIGHT THREATS, FEAR, AND PROPAGANDA?

The following was posted on the Net:

J-"The fredom fighters are gathering in Iraq to liberate Iraq and then we will get to you."

Yes, I know. You come to get us, the Gunships come to get you, you come to get us, the bombs come to get you.

J-"They were not killing their own but innocents will be killed in the process of cleaning our country and Palestine and teh middle east from you white/jews sewer."

"They were not killing their own. . ."?
When will the accident kill or wound your own? What are you going to do if while you're trying to kill us, your friends accidentally kill your family. "They" don't care; "they" don't seem to try to be careful. Yours are the innocents, too. If you think that could never happen, it could. At least you mention the innocents, notice that there are some innocents.

The process of cleaning is probably an accurate description. You'll clean; we'll clean. It will be very messy while we're cleaning.

J-"The collierbators are not innocent but they are traitors including those who work with the red cross."

Okay, your view of it; but, bunches of collaborators helped Saddam. That makes them traitors. Saddam killed for the previous regime, killed to get power, killed to keep power, killed for revenge, killed on a whim. He killed Iraqis by the hundreds, by the thousands...by the hundred thousands. And now...you're going to kill more Iraqis FOR IRAQ. Do you think the souls of the hundred thousands will celebrate you? Do you think the living families of those would cheer you?

J-"See the effects of the bombing, all foreigners are gone. Starting with the fucking un,redcross,spanish,dutch ..etc. soon wee will be free from your filth.

One accident and you're gone, too. Those careful friends of yours will be twice as careful because it's you or your family. Won't they?

I don't know how you fight the propaganda, methodically maybe. I do know that you fight it and you do the best you can. We haven't fought it for years, and it's late to fight it now after so much ground has been lost. But, if we don't fight it, we lose.

BUSH SPEECH IN LONDON

Some of the thoughts were expressed well and there were many good statements. Bush needs lessons. No official is perfect; but Blair is a more dynamic speaker and would have infused the audience with spirit. He may be better at making speech because he speaks frequently during those question and answer sessions with Parliament.

The real problem with George Bush's speech may be that he doesn't seem to like to do it. If a person likes doing something, generally the results are better. (Just a thought)

Did you ever notice when George Bush speaks about Iraq, or the deaths of people, there is a subtle difference in his voice. Well, it appears that way to me. Almost as though it's emotion under control. And, sometimes when he has a particular issue, he does well while speaking on his particular passion. I'm just looking at it; turning it over in my mind; and, wondering if he is uncomfortable with public speaking until he gets to the part he REALLY is passionate about.

PROTECTED RIGHTS, OR MORE THAN EQUAL RIGHTS?

I'm thinking about this.

OKAY TO BE GAY? OR, AWAY GAY? OR, NAY TO GAY?

I have wrestled with the issue of Gay Rights throughout decades. Each new issue caused me to examine where I stood. Conclusions were more simple when I was younger. Issues seemed more clear-cut.

(Words are important in this issue, but I don't think I can drag out the right words to describe how I feel. I don't discuss the issues often, but have thought about them. I've gotten far enough in the thinking to feel that some are settled, for me. Gay rights is deceptive. In Oct., approx. 60% did not agree with Gay Marriage. So, apparently, many are close to my view on this part of the Gay issue. I would not want Gay for myself, my children, or society; and I wouldn't want the direction of my country to be a preference for Gay.)

Are you gay at the moment of birth? No. I don't believe it. Hasn't been proven. It doesn't seem genetic--like brown hair. Studies in the future might tell us more.

Is it chemical or environmental? It seems environmental, but could be chemical as well, or possibly hormonal.

Should a Gay Individual be protected from Hate? Yes.

Are group rights protected, or is it individual rights within a group? I lean toward Individual Rights protected within a group. Don't know, yet.

I've gotten this far, but it is not a huge accomplishment.

It's not approval or disapproval; it is more disagree. I disagree with the lifestyle; I don't like what Gay represents; don't want to be a Gay Country; I agree it's okay to be Gay, but not Hooray, you're Gay.

This might be a situation of "Lemons into Lemonade". Gay hasn't seemed to be a cheered condition, or way to be, many Gays might wish not to be Gay. In the United States, being Gay was dangerous until around the 1980's(?); dangerous was not my view of how it should be.

In the "Lemons into Lemonade" (Gay) Campaign, it's okay to be Gay was transformed into Hey I'm Gay, and then Hooray I'm Gay, and promoted to "In Your Face All Day". Well, it was in my face all day, today. It was irritating today. It was more pressure to agree with something when you just don't agree. Maybe I'm just tired on the constant pushing and worried about where this will lead, how it will continue on. In agreeing with it's okay to be Gay, I don't want to be push into it's not okay not to be Gay.

GAY MARRIAGE IN MASSACHUSETTS

I am anti-gay marriage and for TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE.

Enough said about that, too.

THE BIASED PRESS IS WOUNDING AMERICA!

I knew that the Press was biased, but not why. Guess their view makes some sense, but it's wrong. In an effort not to show biased or sway the 2005 election, the Press is puposely not promoting the good things in Iraq.

Good things are facts, too. I know, you'd much rather cover a bloody murder, etc. Be reasonable, if you continuous do not report all the facts (as best you can) you are swaying the election in the Democrats favor while wounding America. Don't we have enough troubles without your contribution?

Democrats and Press....Wake up! This is your country, too. In serving a political interest by damaging the US, doesn't it become more difficult, if you get into office. In other words, you are making your own trouble. And, you are participating in the anti-American activities going on in most nations.

Let me make it really simple Democrats...I won't promise to vote for you; but, if you continue to do this I WILL PROMISE TO VOTE AGAINST YOU! I do not want a President, Congressman, Senator, who thinks party first, then America. Stop it!

To the Press, it's a similar story. I get to vote for you, or against you, by either buying or not buying products. VOTE WITH THE POCKETBOOK is a very good idea.

SP IS IN LONDON!

Salam Pax is in London. He's thinking of creative ways to get attention.

Maybe he, Tom and I can have a "Pokey Party." No, we don't expect to be jailbirds.

Zeyad had a rant today. Who can blame him, the situation is beyond difficult.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME....Well, that's enough of that!

BLOGGING AND POSTING

For weeks, I have been commenting at almuajaha.com. It's supposedly a little Baghdad Newspaper, seems to be on IMC (Net) and distributed locally, but who really knows. It's been my war effort (or contribution) to attempt to fight some of the EXTREMELY bad press about the US.

I freely say that I am not rabidly political, didn't vote for Bush, but have developed the opinion maybe it was better Gore didn't get elected. This means I really wasted my vote if even I agree that maybe I should have voted for Bush. As a confirmed crossvoter, I try to vote for the best person.

The press, in their wisdom of being unbiased, is swinging the election in favor of the Democrats; but, more importantly, *support for America needs a boost.* If the Democrats are "dumping" on the country, and the press is "dumping" on the country, the foreign is "double-dumping", and Al Qaeda-Saddam-anti-American and half the rest of the world are dumping . . .it's no wonder we feel in the "dumper" half the time.

If our press doesn't see fit to support America during war, we are in big trouble. There theory is that if they tell the good, it looks like they are biased in favor of Bush. When will they be a little biased for America. In the PR War, America is an extremely hampered underdog.

We need to fight for the Iraqis, and fight for the US at the same time. How?

(Holdfast, thought I would post my comment here, too)

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE NEW IRAQI BLOGGERS!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

TO PEACE, not cancerous quiet.

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.

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.

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!

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*)

ISRAEL AND PALESTINE

I seldom discuss the conflict. It's horrendous. It hard to deal with it and difficult to ignore. How could you ever solve a conflict when not all want to solve the conflict. It is 55 years, or more than 55 years. It's been decades and it's been almost constant.

They will never be able to solve it without help. I just can't see it. It would be good if we could stay out of it. The world crowd yells, "STAY OUT." And, the world crowd yells, "DO SOMETHING!" Are the shouting multitudes the same people, shouting one way on Monday, and differently on Tuesday. Maybe not, but it sounds that way.

We tried to stay out, and now we are in. We have been in and out of this situation for more than a half century. Here is a situation where you wonder if there will ever be peace. Here is a situation where only quiet may be achieved. I'm not convinced that anyone will be able to achieve quiet. A TINDERBOX.

WATER. . .WATER, EVERYWHERE!

In the spring, it rained. During the summer, it rained. And then, there was Isabel.

For weeks, you could watch the hurricane develop. It danced through the South Atlantic. The storm gained strength as it proceeded.

There was damage, but not many lives lost compared to other storms. And, there was water. Saturated ground throughout the northeast, couldn't take more water. Trenches filled and ran into ditches, ditches into creeks, creeks poured into rivers. One community is said to have had 20 inches of rainfall. It's just too much water.

I know. There you are with not enough water. Here we are with too much water. I can't think of a way to get it to you. (Mother Nature must not be in a good mood.)