Alf wrote on Apr 18, 2008 7:08 PM:It seems to me that the letter by Terry MacKenzie shows that there are some people with their priorities in order. I like this quote - "We have terrorism, health care issues, gas prices, food prices, job situations, wildfires, flooding, spousal abuse, drug abuse, child abuse and potential earthquakes to deal with. Get your priorities straight." Thank you Terry MacKenzie! Regards, Alf.

Ron wrote on Apr 18, 2008 7:10 PM:Leave it to a lib to focus on the unimportant. i.e. John Baden's letter today. Perhaps Congressman Darrell Issa said what he said inarticulately. And several newspapers ran his comments missing completely the point of his argument. I don't believe Issa questioned why 9/11 firefighters should be eligible for federal assistance.
What he was questioning was language in the legislation that would qualify these so-called "other victims."
No one I know feels we should be cheap to those who suffered from the events of 9/11, especially the firefighters, the cops, and other emergency services who ran head long into that mess, thus exposing themselves to lifelong illness, and ailments. No one questions that.
But, what the Congress people & the two Senators of New York want is a blank check for ALL New Yorkers for these services. This is a common sense issue. If you were not at ground zero, if you didn't know anyone who died at ground zero, if you were unaffected by the events at ground zero because you lived in Syracuse, New York... you are not qualified for treatment. Period.
Funny how no article, no newspaper, or Dougie Crews ever covers this angle of the story. To literally open the Federal checkbook based on nothing connected to the events at ground zero is absolutely stupid.
But, again.. this is what lib's do. They leave out important pieces of the puzzle.. of the story, precisely to fool you. To shape the "story-line" in such a way, as to paint people has uncaring, mean-spirited, and insensitive.
To the contrary. We do love the men & women who threw aside every vestage of self preservation in order to save those trapped in the WTC. And what WE want is to make sure charlitans would not steal money meant for those brave men & women. To open the Federal checking account for every Tom, Dick, & Harry who watched the events on television, and then get into the welfare line, is simply unacceptable.

Alf wrote on Apr 18, 2008 7:12 PM:I agree with most of the letter by John Baden, at least the part that says to vote OUT the responsibility-ducking, sacrifice-insulting Issa. Regards, Alf.

GFN wrote on Apr 18, 2008 8:37 PM:Issa apologize???? Are you kidding me? Soon to be former Rep. Darrell Issa is a very ambitious man and we know that they NEVER apoligize; it makes them appear weak. No, he will wait this out; hide quietly, and then spend millions of dollars to make sure he gets re-elected. He, like us, knows that it's the amount of money that determines the winner...almost all the time.

GFN wrote on Apr 18, 2008 8:55 PM:Howdy, fellow bloggers: I have a question which came up from a conversation I had with a friend discussing "politics". What is Jimmy Carter's motivation for meeting with Hamas? Why is he doing this? What does he gain? Simple questions...any ideas?

sdraoul wrote on Apr 18, 2008 9:27 PM:Issa is being trashed by those who didn't hear what Issa actually said or what he was responding to. This happened before when an entertainment lawyer in Detroit accused Issa of snuggling up to Yassar Arafat in Palestine. She was wrong, of course, but it was her source that was more interesting than anything. She quoted a newspaper that is sponsored by the Iranian government in Tehran.

In this case, the Baden letter above and Alf's silly notes prove that ignorance is truly invincible.

Have they seen the bill Issa was objecting to? Do they know who sponsored it? What is the wording of the bill? Is everyone in New York eligible for federal dollars, or just the actual men and women who responded to the 9/11 attack?

Hey Alf wrote on Apr 18, 2008 9:59 PM:For once I agree with you. Issa has sat in DC too long and needs to go fix his car alarm somewhere outside of DC. Get rid of this guy. His comments were insulting, rude and insensitive.

About JOHN BADEN - wrote on Apr 18, 2008 10:18 PM:- - Yes, Alf, the letter today by John Baden is outstanding. Baden is a 22 year old student who was just selected as a delegate for Barack Obama from the 49th District to the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August. One of the youngest delegates from California, he was elected at a recent Caucus. He is a very articulate young man who is very concerned about the direction in which our nation is headed.

SOLON … wrote on Apr 18, 2008 10:34 PM:… The YouTube video of Darrell Issa booing and walking out on the newest Representative, Jackie Speier of CA, is one of the most nationally viewed this week. His video deprecating the NYC firemen was also very widely viewed. Ron should view the video footage a couple of times before he makes critical remarks. There is no mistaking Issa’s tone and meaning. Issa keeps stuffing his big foot in his mouth. I have to agree with the NCT’s editorial Raspberry awarded to ISSA on April 7, headlined “ISSA: The ill-Tempered Comment of the Year award.” The man is hard-hearted and insensitive.

Chris to GFN wrote on Apr 18, 2008 11:39 PM:Well let me try. You see the Palestinians have had a government under Abbas, Fata, that was basically bowing down to Israel and the US. So Israel was taking more land and buldozing houses and in general making life more difficult for the Palestinians and the Abbas government was also very corrupt. So the Palestinians voted in Hamas. Well that didn't sit well with the Israelis or the US so they cut off the money that was owed to the Palestinians and whatever else they could do to make life more misserable for the Palestinians who had the odasity to vote for someone not of Israels and the US's choosing. Whether or not Israel or the US likes it or not Hamas is the represintative of the Palestinians at least in Gaza and should be involved in negotiations with Israel as well as the governmetn of Abbas. So Jimmy Carter recognizes this and in an effort to try to settle something between the Palestinians and Israel he is talking to Hamas as well as he and Israel should. Israel only wants a government that will bow to them for the Palestinians.

SOLON … wrote on Apr 19, 2008 12:20 AM:… Carter & Hamas: What does Jimmy Carter have to gain by meeting with Hamas? Nothing but credibility. Not to talk with Hamas would be comparable to justice officials not talking with a rape victim and ignore her in attempting to achieve truth and justice. The Palestinians have been raped and abused by the Israelis for decades. Israel is psychopathically unable to live with her neighbors. The Jews of Israel were themselves victims to unspeakable abuse by the Nazis, and as is often the case, abuse victims often become the worst psychopathic abusers themselves.

A photo of the criminal psychopathic behavior of Israel was depicted shockingly in a 4-column, front page photo of the NY Times on Thursday, April 17. It tears at the soul of the human spirit. Two Palestinian boys are shown, one lying dead in the middle of the street with his bicycle on top of him. The other young boy struggles to crawl away from his in pain and terror, blood streaming down his face. Israeli soldiers killed six children that day in Gaza. God does not like killing innocent children. Nor does Yahweh.

The question, GFN, is not what Jimmy Carter stands to gain, but what humanity stands to gain from Carter’s humanitarian and brave diplomatic efforts.

John wrote on Apr 19, 2008 12:26 AM:I am surprised by all these people who know what God thinks and likes. I have always been wary of people who speak with God. They are the danger.

In the name of progress wrote on Apr 19, 2008 4:02 AM:Oh, it always seems to go. You don't know what you've got till it's gone. Pave paradise and put up a parking lot. treasure it now and record it so future generations will know what we gave away in the name of progress.

John Baden's Bio wrote on Apr 19, 2008 4:11 AM:Well, that certainly makes him an objective observer, doesn’t it? A 22 year old concerned about the direction our nation is heading? Don’t make me laugh. He’s not old enough to even know where it’s been. When Bush was first elected in 2000 Mr. Baden was still noticing hairs growing in places where they’d never been before. He’s probably spent most of the past eight years playing Grand Theft Auto in between episodes of Pimp My Ride and MTV Cribs while eagerly anticipating the arrival of Halo 3.
This, folks, is the face of the Obama campaign. Youngsters always think their generation is going to change and/or save the world. Mine certainly did. Back in the day, during the Cold War, Vietnam and Watergate things actually were pretty dicey. Young people were aghast at what was going on and took to the streets demanding change. And what happened? Those folks grew up to elect Reagan and GWB.
I sincerely hope Mr. Baden enjoys the balloon and confetti party in Denver. He should be prepared, however, for when he grows up and puts his life experience in an historical context, it might alter his perspective just a wee bit.

Alf wrote on Apr 19, 2008 5:14 AM:Well, "sdraoul" at 9:27PM shows that he won't let little things like video and facts get in the way of his "thinking" and hurling of insults. It's S.O.P. for "sdraoul" to resort to insults when confronted with facts that are in opposition to his views. Yes, both Issa and "sdraoul" are working for, and quite deserving of, a Raspberry for working at "The ill-Tempered Comment of the Year award.". Regards, Alf.

Consider the Source wrote on Apr 19, 2008 5:56 AM:Peggy Pressler is offended when she hears people speaking to each other in another language. The mind boggles. No surprise her brother is a Minuteperson.

Cold War Boomer wrote on Apr 19, 2008 7:14 AM:I have to figure John Baden’s biggest concern right now, at the tender age of 22, is where he’s going to find a job in this environment to pay off his student loans. Did he grow up under the constant threat of nuclear annihilation? Did his father have to consider building a fallout shelter in their backyard? Did he have to practice the “duck and cover” and crawl under his desk during school? And he’s worried about the country’s future.
I was perusing the web to learn more about Mr. Baden. I came across an article in The Californian dated Feb. 2nd of this year. There was an event at Cal State San Marcos to support Democratic candidates. One of the students interviewed was quoted as follows: "I've never had this much confidence in a candidate (Obama). I've never been this excited about a candidate, and I've been involved in politics for a long time," said Shereen Nourollahi, a 20-year-old biology major from Escondido.
I have to wonder, what constitutes being “involved in politics for a long time” in a 20 year old’s mind? How many candidates has she been asked to have confidence in and be exited about in her 20 years that she has to compare Obama with? Are we really going to allow children who have no concept of time, responsibility or history to select our next president?

Yokozuna to GFN wrote on Apr 19, 2008 7:49 AM:Re: Carter Post 8:55 PM... Former Pres. Carter is trying to demonstrate he is now as ineffective and naive as he was during his presidency. This morning Google news reports that Hamas car bombs killed 13 at the Gaza Strip border.

GFN wrote on Apr 19, 2008 8:19 AM:Solon has the defining statement concerning Issa: "There is no mistaking Issa's tone and meaning." This is not an accusation; just an unbiased observation!

to Terry MacKenzie wrote on Apr 19, 2008 8:50 AM:God doesn't see one sin as bigger than the other. Stealing a candy bar from the store is just as sinful as Adultery, Homosexuality and everything else. The good news is that Jesus died for all our sins, no matter what you consider big or small.

Anyone who supports Gay marriage has that right, but please also remember that those who oppose Gay marriage has the right to oppose it as well.

We will have to let the voters decide come November.

Either way , Gob bless everyone.

To GFN wrote on Apr 19, 2008 9:08 AM:Actually, the reasons for Jimmy Carter's meeting with Hamas are not a secret. He is addressing Hamas rocket attacks on Israel and prospects for the release of Palestinians held in Israeli jails. There is no way out of engaging with Hamas - it is the elected representative government of the Palestinian people. Carter is working for peace between Palestine and Israel. Hamas is listed as a terrorist organisation by Washington, Tel Aviv and the EU, and has not been invited to participate in US-brokered peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Many Americans, including myself, believe that diplomatic engagement is necessary to solve our world crisis and we support Carter in this mission. Fawaz Gerges, chair of Middle East and International Affairs at Sarah Lawrence College in New York, said Carter had set a precedent. "He has broken the ice. One would hope that not only Israeli leaders but world leaders and the next president of the United States would engage Hamas diplomatically," he said.

A great example wrote on Apr 19, 2008 9:48 AM:Peggy Pressler is a great example of the kind of attitude that makes me ashamed of being an American sometimes. I grew up in a city neighborhood that had immigrants on the block from many nations. The household languages included German, Italian, Mandarin, and Spanish. The children (of my generation) learned English but usually spoke their parents' language in the home. Big deal. Ms Pressler and her heroes, the minutemen, are simply narrowminded and intolerant and quite vicious towards anyone who is not just like them. She should know that many of her neighbors are appalled by her attitudes.

Carter wrote on Apr 19, 2008 10:27 AM:We know how Carter feels about the direction Bush has taken the country. Included in the Bush approach to foreign policy (which just about everyone in the world admits is a disaster) is the notion that "terrorists" are never to be spoken with or negotiated with. Bush thinks it's more important to have an identified "evil enemy", for political reasons, than to consider these people as human, with reasons and self-interests that can be bargained with. No question, Hamas has promoted violence, but in this they are hardly unique. Carter doesn't need the money or the fame, obviously. He isn't running for anything. Maybe, um, he wants to see if he can move them an inch and make them "worthy" of King George's conversation. Maybe he wants to promote peace in the region, knowing from all the evidence, that Bush has no such interest. Just a hunch.

Issa wrote on Apr 19, 2008 10:30 AM:Sorry, but it seems to me that Issa is just one more cynical, nasty men that people in SD county just love to elect. He joins the ranks of such luminaries as Hunter and the Duke. He knows how to push our xenophobic buttons, he has tons of money to spend on campaigns, and once elected he goes all in for self-indulgence. A real North County kind of "leader", reflecting our attitudes to a tee. Makes you proud, doesn't it?

Reardon wrote on Apr 19, 2008 10:45 AM:GFN: No one knows Carters’ heart, but he has been in the public view for sufficiently long to see, at least partially, what is in his head. My roommate at Annapolis, who served as Carter’s Military Aid, personally told me that Carter was “dumb” but I don’t believe it was “dumb” in the common usage. We had a saying at Annapolis that certain Midshipmen “Passed academics, but failed life” and my belief is that was the context of his remark. (I should ask him.)

I would call it terminal naïveté, driven by a fiercely religious bent. He believes he is doing God’s work to bring people together, and only by talking to the murderously insane can one cleanse their minds and open their hearts – and his standing as a former US president gives him opportunities not available to other do-gooders.

I have previously explained my analysis of personalities based on a “Social Worker” personality, or a “Police/Military” personality. Each has its benefit to society – the problem comes when you have a social worker personality in the police/military, or a police/military personality doing social work.

The presidents’ primary function externally is military, and internally is social work – but the few who combine that breadth of reach are few. Carter was not one of them.

(Colin Powell is one of them.)

joe wrote on Apr 19, 2008 11:37 AM:Any body there???????

Spreading democracy wrote on Apr 19, 2008 11:51 AM:An Iraq vet wrote a comment on the Sheehan talk in which he praises the "mission" of Bush's troops, of bringing democracy to the middle east. He recalls a woman with a purple thumb with tears in her eyes and says this makes it all worth it. Chris' post at 11:39 is one that vet should read. The Palestinians also voted democratically, and many probably had tears in their eyes. But unlike the Iraqis, the Palestinians in Gaza, alas, democratically elected the "wrong" leadership, i.e., the leadership not approved by the US. So they are terrorists, their funds are cut off even if owed to them, and they are held captive, in desperate poverty. So much for the spread of democracy in the middle east. This completely invalidates any "mission" claimed by Bush in Iraq, can't you all see that? But if you want another reason to invalidate the Bush policy, just look at Saudi Arabia, our allies. Democratic? Not in the least. A human rights violater. Brutal to women. Why would we not bring democracy to the region through this government? They are our friend, after all. No invasion would've been needed. This, of course, was never in the offing. Because "democracy in the middle east" is something Bush could not care less about. Dominating the region, that's what it's about. So the entire Iraq enterprise, with all its justifications and purple thumbs, is a scam, a lie. Worthy of impeachment.

SOLON … wrote on Apr 19, 2008 12:46 PM:… Defeat, despair and pessimism are not the character of the OBAMA youth. These are the traits of the old generations who have given up, believing a rebirth of government of the people is not possible. I am 70 years old, but I would rather cast my lot with young John Baden and our future leaders than with the hopelessness of blogger 4:11 AM and his legions of defeatists. How sad is his plight. How hopeless the future of those who would rather curse the darkness that suffocates America rather than light a candle of hope, as does young John Baden. This blogger would rather curse young John Baden, who he does not even know and cling to his defeatism.
The youth of our nation are our only hope! The older generation will not even impeach our war criminals officeholders and domestic enemies, much less uphold our Constitution.

Old enough wrote on Apr 19, 2008 12:55 PM:John Baden is old enough to be on his fourth tour of duty in Iraq as have many of his generation who opted to volunteer for the endless war. His action, unlike the complacency of most, may finally help bring this madness to an end.

SOLON … wrote on Apr 19, 2008 1:14 PM:… Cold War Boomer (7:14 AM) went through tough times. I was there, also, through WW II, rationing, blackouts; the Korean War, Vietnam War, Cold War, assassinations of leaders, impeachment, and all of that. It was a dark time for our nation. It was a dark time for our Wintersoldiers fighting under General George Washington. It was a dark time fighting in the trenches of our worst and most devastating time, the Civil War, when we lost over half a million men. This nation has always been under the dark cloud of bad times. But the optimism of our youth always brings the re-birth of HOPE. Hope is eternal and keeps us reaching for the more perfect union. But know this, Cold War Boomer, I do not share your scorn for youth. The most creative and history changing ideas and movements have been given civilization by our young minds, from Einstein to Mozart to Jesus. Do not deprecate. Listen and learn. Give guidance, but do not squash youthful enthusiasm and creativity.

Iconoclast wrote on Apr 19, 2008 1:15 PM:Lord knows I am no fan of Darrell Issa’s, but I have to stand with him on this one. Personally, I didn’t read the bill at issue because it frustrates me to read about another “urgent spending need” being proposed by a fiscally irresponsible Congress that is perpetually over budget and apparently unconcerned about a $9 trillion debt.
As for “relief” for the 9/11 responders and their dependents, I will pledge my $1.00 private donation, here and now. In my tax bracket, I am sure that amount is significantly more than the tax bite I would feel, should the spending bill in question be passed.
Judging by the sentiment expressed on this blog, I expect a vast majority of Americans would equal or exceed my $1.00 donation, if solicited by a trustworthy private organization. If I am correct, it would not take long to create a $200 million trust fund for the heroes of 9/11.
In my opinion, those in Congress whose knee-jerk reaction to every “need” is to spent from the public treasury, rather than use their considerable influence to organize private solutions, are a bigger problem that Darrell Issa.

Alf wrote on Apr 19, 2008 1:43 PM:Well, "Cold War Boomer" at 7:14AM, would that it could be that the accumulation of years directly corresponded to increasing wisdom, but people like GWB, Cheney and McCain prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that such is not the case. I, too, remember fall-out shelters and did my share of "duck and cover", only to learn later in life that both were useless except to have a few more days to live and get one's behind roasted. The people who want to "stay the course" in Iraq and possibly invade Iran display the antithesis of wisdom, for they perceive progress where there is none and want to keep doing something that is, by many OFFICIAL accounts (other than the pro-GWB crowd), NOT working. One definition of INSANITY is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. It is not the frequency or intensity of flare-ups of violence in Iraq that bothers me, it is the consistency of them which does, and it is that consistency that proves that we have made NO REAL, SIGNIFICANT progress. Regards, Alf.

Ms M wrote on Apr 19, 2008 1:55 PM:Cold War Boomer
[-] wrote on Apr 19, 2008 7:14 AM: How can you say that young people can't be aware of what is going on in this country and the direction it is going. Obviously they have some smarts, they recognize a candidate that believes WE can make that change. It is sad that we can send our youth to fight our battles but we have no respect for their opinion. Or mabe if they supported a candidate of your choice they would then be considered young adults with insight and intelligence.

That's hot! wrote on Apr 19, 2008 2:41 PM:Young people latch on to whatever's the hot, new thing. Without regard for reality or consequence. They backed Howard Dean the last time around. If an IPod would've been running they would have backed it.

TO:Chris to GFN @ 11:39PM wrote on Apr 19, 2008 4:46 PM:Chris, It is Irrevelant if you, Me or anyone agree or disagree with God's call, However, Go back to Genesis in the Bible, The very land that the PLO is claiming, Is the only "Real Estate" God has ever deeded out to anyone, And it was to Abraham and his descendants(Israel) forever. I think forever would include today! "And in the last Days God will gather them from around the earth and bring them back to there OWN LAND." The beautiful thing about fact is that it does not wait on us to become a believer, It's still fact.

Alf wrote on Apr 19, 2008 5:15 PM:My question to "Iconoclast" at 1:15PM is this - How many MINUTES of funding for this INSANITY in Iraq would equal $200 million dollars? For example and for the sake of argument, if the current funding for the Iraq quagmire is $200 Billion per year, $200 Million is 1/1000th of funding for one year. One year is, based on a 365 day year, 525,600 minutes. So 525.6 minutes (8.76 hours, a little over 1/3rd of ONLY ONE DAY) of Iraq funding would fill that 9/11 fund. Now do you see the scope of this situation? You have a point that every dollar must come from somewhere, but we are hemorrhaging
$200 million dollars every 8.76 (ish)hours in Iraq (a place not even remotely connected with 9/11), for crying out loud!!! Regards, Alf.

Youthful wisdom wrote on Apr 19, 2008 5:19 PM:When I was in my 20's I worked to promote civil rights and later to oppose the vietnam war. In both cases I had it right. Now, it's heartening to see young people among those who oppose Bush's policies. They have it right. We old timers should stay awake and learn some morality and truth-telling from them. If anyone follows fads in politics, I'd say it was the many voters who bought all the slogans that are spewed by Bushies and the right wing media. Those are the folks that need to grow up, IMHO.

Poor Reardon wrote on Apr 19, 2008 5:49 PM:Reardon wants so much to tell us about his Annapolis days that now his roommate's opinion (his roommate at Annapolis!) is somehow objective and special. Yawn. Anyhow, Carter certainly seems to be motivated by his faith, which amazingly is larger than patriotism. Did you know that Jesus did not have the USA in mind when he preached? Really! So, yes, he's trying to do some good. Don't worry, gang, the usual yahoos will be all over him and guarantee that he fails. He'll be called a traitor. The powers that be want Hamas to remain a terrorist organization too much. A military-industrial complex MUST have enemies to justify itself. Carter will be brushed aside like a gnat. Like Pilate brushed Christ aside. An old story.

sdraoul wrote on Apr 19, 2008 6:49 PM:Facts, Alf speaks of facts and a video. A video of what, Alf? What exactly is the bill Issa spoke against? What is its content? Who pays for it? Who is eligible for its "benefits?" You have no facts, Alf, jus another Loosertarian vent.

As for a vulnerable 22-year-old, come on boys, those guys who are going or have gone to Iraq once, twice or four times, they go because they volunteered to serve.

Save your complaints for the Barack Obama's of the world who have not served, nor even ever thought of serving and who do not admire those who do.

Cry babies of the world, youthful wisdom, whine, please, we need more.

"Youthful wisdom," on Vietnam ask the hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese that are now our neighbors because you were so "right," plus the two million Cambodians who were slaughetred by the people you supported.

3D wrote on Apr 19, 2008 7:04 PM:How convenient! As "To Chris" points out at 4:46 p.m., myths and legends invented by Hebrews declare that the only piece of "real estate" deeded by god was to Abraham and his descendants (Israel) forever.
And who might those descendants be? Israel! Again, how utterly convenient.
But it is just a little TOO cute.
Do not forget that the FIRST BORN son of Abraham (I guess that would make him his descendant) was Ishmael, through Sarai's handmaiden Hagar. But when Abraham later had a son through Sarai, Isaac, he declared Isaac to be the rightful heir (according to the Hebrew legend, of course), and Ishmael was driven out (see Genesis chapters 16,17 and 25) and became the father of the Arabs, who are also the descendants of Abraham.
Of course, wouldn't you know it, the Islamic Koran has the same story (the Bible does agree Ishmael was the first born), but since Hagar was a surrogate for Sarai according to law, they declare him to be the rightful sole heir under the law of primgeniture, and all of these descendants of Abraham have been fighting over that birthright ever since.
By the way, after the Hebrews voluntarily left the land to take advantage of Joseph's bounteous harvests in Egypt, where they later became enslaved, and then several hundred years later decuded (under Moses) to return to Palestine, don't forget that this same god conveniently commanded them to murder, rape and pillage (see Numbers chapter 31) to take back the land they had abandoned for several hundred years.
Even using the Hebrews' own scriptures, there is much basis to dispute their claim to the land.

To Poor Reardon @5:49PM wrote on Apr 19, 2008 7:28 PM:You could not be more misinformed, Jesus preached under the inspriation of the Holy Spirit (Father[God],Son[Creator of the universe in spirit, and Jesus after he took on flesh to become our replacement/sacrifice for sin], and The Holy Spirit)"Three but one", Like Ice, water, and vaper, all H2O. The same Holy Spirit that inspired Jesus is not bound to Past,Present or future, So The USA was most likley in his thoughts when he preached, And so were you my friend.

To: 3D wrote on Apr 19, 2008 7:46 PM:God gave you a free will to see the Bible as a Myth or legend if that's what you wish. It's not my job to persuade you of anything, That's up to the Holy Spirit. It is however my obligation as well as pleasure to pray for you, and I well.

3D wrote on Apr 19, 2008 7:57 PM:To the person responding to me at 7:46 p.m.:
Thank you for your concern and thank you for praying for me.
All my Moslem friends are also doing the same thing.
All of you believe your holy book to be the one that is not a myth, but none of you can give me a reason why it isn't or answer serious, honest question that I raise from your own words.
Again, thank you for your sincere kind thoughts and prayers.

Reardon wrote on Apr 19, 2008 9:00 PM:To Poor: My roommate had special insight -- he served as Carter's Military Aide, and was the only Military Aide in history to request a transfer from the job. Carter is the Democrat's problem; and to the Republicans he is the gift that keeps on giving.

Reardon wrote on Apr 19, 2008 9:08 PM:The world does not recognize the Bible as a legal document, so the deed of “God” for land to the Jews is immaterial. Admittedly, the methodology of establishing Israel is suspect – sort of eminent domain by the UN – at the least it was extra-legal, but ALL land everywhere was almost always taken historically from SOMEONE.

At some point, people have to adjust. Almost every “border” has been contested, frequently and emotionally (as we see on our own border), but at some point people have to recognize reality. (Particularly when it is a weak nation feels itself “put upon” by a more powerful nation.)

I get the feeling that the Palestinians do not want a separate nation, where they will always be compared to neighboring Israel in economics, in military power, in academics – all of which will forever be “no contest.”

Palestinians would rather forever be thought of as victims, than losers. Many generations of Palestinians will pay a terrible emotional, educational, economic and physical price.

Iconoclast wrote on Apr 19, 2008 9:37 PM:You're right, Alf. A "nickel" here, a "dime" there . . . pretty soon we are talking about real money.

To: Reardon @9:08PM wrote on Apr 19, 2008 11:30 PM:Do you think for one second that it matters to God if the world does not recognize the bible.It changes nothing. God is not honoring his promise to the Jews because they deserve it, With this generation, Far from it, He is honoring it because of His WORD,(Period). and You say, "I get the feeling that the Palestinains do not want a seperate nation," How true, They want nothing more than to see every Jew tossed in to the sea, and have the name of Israel be rememberd no more. Don't be fooled, It's all or nothing for the PLO. They are about as interested in a two nation solutaion as my dog is wishing she were a Cat. That's why there will never be lasting(Man made)peace between the two.

Spiritual wrote on Apr 20, 2008 4:15 AM:Can't we all just get along? The word 'myth' is often misinterpreted. It has become synonymous with a falsehood. It is actually an inspirational story handed down through the ages. It allows us to meld science and religion. It has meaning for those of us who are able to think outside of the box. Old souls understand - newer souls just need more time.

Vista Granny wrote on Apr 20, 2008 7:55 AM:Being an old person, I remember hearing that Israel was established primarily by the British and us because the Jews had been driven out of most European countries, and Europe didn't want them back and they were afraid to go back. Personally, I've known good Jews and bad Jews, but regardless of the goodness or badness, they seem to stick together, are usually pretty frugal, and if they're lucky, usually do well in life.

3D wrote on Apr 20, 2008 8:48 AM:The person responding to Reardon at 9:08 p.m. demonstrates the same problems for fundamentalist Christians that is evident in fundamentalist Islamist. Both claim their holy books to be the divine and inerrant word of God, though there is no external objective evidence to back it up (and, in contrast, plenty of absolute direct evidence to the contrary in the form of explicit contradictions and internal inconsistencies, specific failed prophecies, and simple factual errors).
And both claim that their ancient legends and superstitions are sufficient evidence to justify imposing their will and their morality on others and, in the present case, as a justification for unconscionable land grabs.
As I noted earlier, the claim that God gave the land of Palestine to the Hebrews is specious, since the Hebrews' own text says to the descendants of Abraham, which would include the Arabs (through Ishmael).
But that's the nice thing about unsupported dogma. Just say it, proclaim it true, and then you can justify all the wars, murders, rapes and bloody invasions you want.