The NFL

I have been taking a class on religious studies.  I am enjoying the class, and the people that are in the class.  I have been learning a lot.  The class has made me question a lot of things I thought I knew, and want to learn more about things that I didn't know I supposed to know.  As it is a religious studies class, it is a group of very liberal minded people for the most part.  As far as I can tell, that may come with the territory as most conservative Christians don't question their belief system.  Most like their safe little box.  I can see why.  I have been safe in my little box before, or thought I was safe in my little box.

Every class, at the end after we discuss the reading and what we were supposed to take away from it, we talk about a topic that is in current events, and how our culture, tradition, and religion operate within us, and guide our reactions, and actions to the events.  Last night, we talked about Richard Spencer and his speech in Florida.  (I don't even like to say his name here as this gives him more recognition than he deserves, so I will not say it again.)  That conversation morphed, or transitioned into why the hateful white man in Florida was allowed to call what he did freedom of speech, while the NFL players who were kneeling during the national anthem didn't receive that same respect.  I didn't say most of these things last night.  I didn't feel I was being heard on the few items I did bring up.  I certainly didn't think for a minute that all of my points and thoughts were going to be heard with open and listening ears, and I didn't think it was worth upsetting a number of people I care about, and a number of people I am still trying to get to know, to voice an opinion that would not be taken seriously, and even it it was, would change nothing in the whole grand scheme of things.  I decided that my thoughts and feelings are better published here. 

What do I think about the protest being lead by the players of the NFL?  First, I have to say that this protest is their right.  I also have to agree that it is a peaceful protest, as all protests should be.  I have to acknowledge that it has started a discussion in this country, and made people think.  Sadly however, I do not think people are thinking about and discussing the right things.  I think that the cause the players wanted people to see, and help change is being widely ignored.  Sure, we are all still talking about their protest, but we aren't talking about why they are protesting.  Instead this country is arguing about whether or not the NFL should reprimand the players, and why any people would disrespect a symbol of the very freedom they are exercising.  Veterans who fought for the nation the flag and anthem represent feel insulted because that flag and anthem represents something they risked everything for, and that many died for.  These are the things that are being discussed.

I have heard many ask why they should have to sit still and listen to a lecture on white privilege, when most of those kneeling have more economic privilege than the rest will ever know.  It has been mentioned that this economic privilege will get the players farther than white privilege will get a poor white man.  It is hard to disagree with this argument, but that argument does not nullify the cause that the players wanted the world to see.  This argument does bring to light one of the reasons that this protest is not working to further the cause the players wish the world to see and correct.  Some in class last night called this right-wing co-opting I think.  Is that what this is?  Or is it a group of people who don't like the hypocrisy?  I am sure it is probably a little of column A and a little of column B if I have to be honest, and I try to be.

This brings me to another point I wanted to make.  If you are going to be the face that represents the protest for a cause, you have to make sure that you aren't going to make the whole thing look like an exercise in hypocrisy.  For example, Hillary Clinton, George Bush (either one), John Kerry, Mitt Romney, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Tim McGraw cannot act like they know how it is to be poor to help the plight of the poor.  They can use their political, or social pull to draw attention to it and ask the public to help, and they can lead by example and donate to that cause, but if any one of them stood there and said, I was poor once, and I know how it is, they would be ignored, at the very least.  Why?  Because they are not poor now, aren't likely to be poor again, and frankly, they look like absolute hypocrites as they sit in the lap of luxury saying they were once poor and know how that feels.  No one listens to Al Gore talk about green house gases and global warming as he jets around the nation in his private jet, and the carbon foot print his mansion makes in a month is larger than the one a Ford F150 makes in a year.  People won't listen to Saudi princes talk about women's rights while they oppress the women of their nation, and students won't hear teachers who lecture on values and morality if they are personally bereft of both.  No one wants highly paid athletes suffering from their own form of privilege, to preach about any privilege, white or otherwise.  No one wants to hear how they need to help the plight of minorities from a group of athletes who are standing in a sea of  teammates showing that white is the minority in their occupation/life.  I say all of this just to draw attention to the fact that it is human nature to shut down and ignore what they view as hypocrisy.

Does this country still have a race problem?  Does racism still exist?  Are blacks profiled and pulled over for "driving while black" in certain neighborhoods?  Yes, and this is not right.  Something does need to be done, but it needs to be done right or it won't succeed and will only further alienate and divide.  That is what we are seeing now in this nation. 

I was asked on two occasions, in two different groups, in two different formats, then how should they protest if this isn't the right way?  I can only answer that I do not know.  This is a group of people who can command and audience any where by having a publicist make a phone call to the press.  This is a group of people who can throw money to the right organizations and groups to get the word out.   This is a group of people that can help educate future generations as they are looked up to and idolized, and education has always been key to progress in anything and everything.  They have far more means at their disposal than most, and the ,ore they have on their side, the more they will be able to accomplish.  Unfortunately, they are alienating so many, and converting so few to their cause, and their message is getting lost too.  Even if I don't have a better answer, it doesn't make sense to continue to do the same thing after it has been proven to be broken, is not productive, and may be doing more harm than good.  You don't keep trying to drive a car that won't run.  You don't keep replacing the car's starter, when it really needs oil, or simply because you do not know what it needs.  You stop and search for the answer.  You start a dialog, and bring the right people together to work as a team to fix what is broken.  

I know I am not remembering all of the things I wanted to say, so if there are questions after reading this, ask them please.  I am open to discussion, and think that dialog would do this nation a lot of good on a number of subjects.  If we could all stop standing on opposite sides of the same street throwing rocks at each other and talk, I think we would be better off.

Judas Asparagus

If you need a laugh today, then this should do it! I usually try and stay away from religious humor, and although religion is resent, the humor is the a child's interpretation of what he or she was taught. This reminded me so much of Captain Dramatic as a young one that I couldn't stop laughing. It also begs the question,
"I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand what we are teaching?"

Through the eyes of a child:

The Children's Bible in a Nutshell

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that.
Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.
Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden.
Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars.
Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.
One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.
Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.

God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments.
These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff.
Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.
After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me.
After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets.
One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.')
During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats.
Jesus also had twelve opossums.
The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him.
Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount.
But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again.
He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

Will It Ever End?

A few days back, my mother-in-law wrote to me regarding an article she had read in the newspaper. She sent the link, and I read it. The article was superb. The title was, "If Muslim doctors are intolerant, let them go" and it was written by Andrew O'Hagan.

The article reminded me, in a way, of all the times my grandfather used to tell me that he walked to and from school uphill, in the snow, both ways, because there are mentions of a time long past. I do have to say, that this article doesn't lead to the eye rolling that my grandfather's story did.

Times have changed, and all of the changes aren't for the better. What is worse, is that in our attempt to make things better, we have inadvertently made things worse. I say this because, the article starts off by speaking of a time when the author was growing up. A time when your "average Joe" didn't look too kindly on those of different races and religions, and were anything but kind and compassionate. It was in those times that people of the Muslim faith (as singled out in the article) wouldn't have dreamed of making waves, but would have instead tried to assimilate as much as possible for them. Today, those of that very same faith do the exact opposite. As we (modern, western civilization) have tried to make all feel welcome, and as we have preached, and many of us practiced, the revered (and rightly so) act of tolerance, we expect that we will get the same treatment, and are finding out, all too quickly, that we are not going to. We have forgotten that not all people think like us, while at the same time recognizing that we are so very different. The author of the article I am speaking of does a far better job of pointing this out of course.

It is an article well worth reading for a glimpse of what I just mentioned alone, but it doesn't stop there. It goes on to show why we (members of modern, western civilization) need to put our foot down. Tolerance is one thing, and being walked on, and abused by having our own beliefs mis-used, and used against us, is another altogether. You may have heard about the Muslim dentist in England, who refused to service female patients without head scarfs, or maybe even of the story in England that this particular article is referring to. Maybe something similar has happened to you here in the States. No matter where, or how, or when it happened, it shouldn't have happened. Where will we draw the line? When will it stop? Will it ever end? Not if people don't put their foot down. Tolerance has a stopping point.

When my mother-in-law sent me this article, and wrote to me, she probably didn't know that I would write about it. I couldn't turn a bind eye to it, and it was something that even prompted her to write a "letter to the editor" which she shared with me. In closing, I will leave you with her words, as she hits the nail right on the head.

"THREE CHEERS FOR ANDREW O'HAGAN

How heartily I agree with Andrew O'Hagan in his article today "If doctors are intolerant, get rid of them". It sorely needed saying, and repeating as often as necessary until the message sinks in.

It simply boils down to "If you don't like the way we do things over here, go and live somewhere else and leave us in peace."

We can surely cope without such ignorance and intolerance."

No truer words have been spoken, and she is far nicer about it than I would have been. Nothing I really, truly, want to say would be suitable for the newspaper on this matter, and lucky for all of you, my poor husband gets the brunt of my hours long tantrums that are laced with language that could make a sailor blush.

The Future Of Iraq

I was reading an article at Operation Iraqi Freedom, which is the official site of the Multi-National Force in Iraq. This article caught my attention, and I couldn't let it go by with out a mention. The article is titled, Diversity is strength for new Iraqi Army, and you can read the full text here.

What caught my attention, was that the article opens with this:

The strength of any democracy is the equal representation of various cultural interests; thus, the power of a military force can be measured by diversity as well. American culture takes pride in boasting equal opportunity in public service roles.

Iraqi culture mirrors this attitude, and the warriors of the Iraqi Army’s 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division – currently conducting a force integration with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines – are a simple, flawless example of strength in diversity.

The reason this caught my attention was that I have heard all of the same reports that the rest of you have. The Sunnis and fighting the Shiite. I even had the same fears that most of you have. They just can't get along, so this is never going to work. What is surprising to me, is that there are some that have made it work, and many that are willing to try. This is a step in the right direction.

How can this happen? How did this change begin to come about? The same reason Americans are able to do the same thing. We may be from different backgrounds and religions, but we have one thing in common, and that is being American. The Iraqi's are learning that they can be Sunni and Shiite and still be Iraqi. They are learning that they have common goals in the grand scheme of things. Did you think that the Iraqis wouldn't notice that our military is made up of men and women from every walk of life, from all different religions, for all different heritages and still manage to get along? It seems that a number of them have noticed, and started taking notes.

Now, none of this is to say that the current secretarian violence is going to go away over night, as racial hatred didn't abate here over night either. This is going in the right direction though. And guess how some are accomplishing this? The same way Americans do in the work place or in social situations. What two topics do people swear they don't talk about most often? Politics and religion right? Those are the two they will start a debate or a fight any day of the week. Here is a quote from the article that I liked a great deal.

Speaking from an office at Combat Outpost Golden in Al Anbar Province here, Iraqi Army Col. Ali Jassimi, 1st battalion commanding officer, explained the cultural representation within his unit.

“My staff is Sunni, Shiite, and Kurdish. We have officers from many different areas of Iraq; Mosul, Baghdad, Ramadi – and we’re all here working together,” he said. “There are many people around the world who would think this would be a problem. We are a perfect example that it is not.”

Jassimi, a native of southern Iraq, said there is a preconceived notion in some global media circles that various sectarian issues create problems within the new Iraqi Army. To combat this, he said, he avoids prejudice by ignoring religious preference altogether.

“When I get a new officer, I do not ask him if he is Shiite or Sunni. I don’t care,” he said.

The article is amazing in my opinion. It gives me hope. The article goes on that state that during field operations, if any one needed help, the all helped. The question of religious faction, or tribe never came into it. If they went into an Sunni or Shiite mosque they all prayed despite whether they were Sunni or Shiite. I am proud to say that our guys are leading by example, and the I am proud of any Iraqi who learns these important life lessons.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Woody Hesser, Military Transition Team commander, said within the MTT, the ethos of “one team, one fight” is clearly evident during joint operations. Hesser and his team have shadowed 1st Battalion since January, and he says with each patrol a shared interest in Iraqi security is obvious.

“We’re here fighting a war, and when we go on patrol, it’s one fight. There have never been any sectarian issues,” Hesser said. “Really, it’s almost like another Marine unit taking over, but it’s not about Marines and Iraqis, it’s about good guys versus bad guys.”

That, my friends, is the truth when looking at any country and its citizens.

On closing, I leave you with this, one last quote from the article that speaks volumes and attests to the ability to be different and co-exist, all at the same time.

“I’m from the north and I’m a Sunni,” began Iraqi Army Maj. Istabraq Ashawani. “That man over there,” he gestured, “is a Shiite. That man over there is Kurdish … everyone in this battalion is a family. We eat together, sleep together and pray together. Anything you hear on the news about us being different is not true,” he exclaimed. “Ask any Juundi or officer … we’re all the same.”

How It Should Be!

My mother-in-law sent me an email that really struck a cord with me. The email outlined a lot of things that I have already been thinking, but never bothered to write about because there really wasn't any "delicate" way to word what I have to say. It wasn't a topic that I could delve into without a great deal of emotion. I have decided however, that I better start writing, and screw the idea of being "delicate". Anyone who knows me, knows I have never been "delicate" a day in my life anyway...

Have you heard about how a member of the Australian government has voiced his thoughts on how Muslims of that country, who wish to live under Sharia Law, should be handled? If not, you need to. You can read an article about it here.

The article states that The Federal Treasurer of Australia, Peter Costello, believes that there is no room in Australia for Sharia Law, as it is a secular State much like our own, and that those wanting to live under Sharia Law need to leave Australia and pursue this lifestyle elsewhere. As immigrants to Australia, they need to adjust to an Australian way of life. Australia doesn't need to adjust to theirs.

To all of you who read this blog, all I can say is, IT IS THAT SIMPLE! This shouldn't be up for discussion in Australia, The United Kingdom, or in the United States, or any other country that governs with a secular body. This is our home, it is what we made it to be, and from what I gather, the MAJORITY of us would like, very much, to keep it free of Sharia Law. If Sharia Law is something that this particular group of people want, they shouldn't come to the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia looking for it, to have it, or to create it. They should go to a place that already lives and governs by it.

By it's very nature, Sharia Law is not secular, as our government is.Sharia Law doesn't believe in a separation of church and State. Also, Sharia Law is not conducive to the freedoms we enjoy, of which we all pride ourselves in having. It is also not a bedfellow to the religious tolerance the United States was founded on. It is completely against tolerance of anything different, or contrary to the religious teachings of this one religion, and more probably one mere sect of this one religion. (After all, there are a number of Muslims who have lived here peacefully, and without incident in the past.)

Some may argue that my above statements weren't too tolerant toward to Muslim religion, but I would disagree. The Muslim religion isn't where I have a problem. I have a problem when my religious freedoms, or any of my other freedoms, are taken away from me, and that is exactly what would occur if Sharia Law was one I would have to live under. Hear me when I say this, Your freedoms stop where mine begin! In other words, you can have all the freedom you want, as long as you aren't infringing on my rights and freedoms. The minute you start to get in the way of my freedoms of religion, and/or speech, and my right to pursue happiness as see fit, we are going to have a problem.

This concept doesn't just apply to Muslims wishing to live under Sharia Law. This applies to any immigrant. If you come to this country, do not expect us to bend to your ways. You can keep you culture, share your culture, do the same with your language, and pray to whatever god you like or no god at all, but don't expect the rest of us to do this too.

There also needs to be an attempt to acclimate to our society if you wish to survive. Learn the language, and realize, to survive here you may have to make some life changes. For example, if you can't eat pork due to your religious practices, then you need to pack a lunch for your kids, and start reading labels at the store, not petition the school board to ban pork. Not only that, but if you work in a grocery store, and can't handle alcohol, tobacco, pork, or something eles that store may sell, maybe you to rethink your occupational choice. This goes for you taxi cab drivers too.

Another example, if your religion doesn't allow you to recite the pledge of allegiance, then teach your kids to respect the fact that the rest of us will do so, and that they need to show respect while we stand, put our right hands over our hearts and recite the words. After all, you would want us to show your children respect by not making them do so.

Don't think that you can never learn English, and have the rest of the country cater to your needs. I will tolerate a reasonable learning curve, and be the first to encourage you to hang on to your language and teach your children, but don't walk into my place of employment and ask me for a job application in Spanish and then proceed to look at me like I have three eyes when I haven't the first clue what you are saying. I wouldn't got to Mexico, Spain, Iran, Germany, France or any other country to LIVE, and expect them to learn English for me.

You chose to be here, and if you don't like the way we are, or can't adapt well enough to survive, then you can always return from whence you came. Am I drawing the proverbial line in the sand? You bet I am. If you know what is good for you, don't cross it. As long as you stay on your side, I will stay on mine.

A Must Read

I often read Michael J. Totten's blog. I find his articles very insightful, and you will notice that on the right of this page there is a standing link to his blog listed under "My Daily Reads". When I started reading his blog he was currently in Lebanon. He offered amazing glimpses of what life there must be like for the "locals". As of late, he is in Iraq doing some consulting work, but still offering valuable insight into the life of the "locals". His blog that I read today was one that left me stunned in a sense. We here about all of the usual goings on in Iraq, but to be honest, I have heard very little about Iraqi Kurdistan. I was oblivious to the fact that there was a little place inside Iraq that was so different from the rest of what I envisioned as being Iraq and Iraqi. Ok, maybe most of you know more about this than I do, and I am completely naive in this department, but I wanted to share this post of Mr. Totten's with you all just in case I wasn't alone.

Here is just a snip-it from the article. An example of one of the many things that he covered in this article.

“As a military person, I am disturbed by what is going on in America now,” he said and jabbed his finger in the air. “They want to withdraw their troops.” He banged his fist on his desk. “We want the Americans to stay. Why are people thinking like this?”

“America is divided,” I said. “We argue amongst ourselves about this.”

“Some of the politicians in Congress believe it will get them elected,” Patrick said, “if they say they’re going to withdraw from Iraq. But many of them know that the resolution that just passed…President Bush will kill it dead.”

“Yes,” General Karam said. “President Bush insisted.”

“The resolution is vetoed on arrival,” Patrick said.

“I want you, as a reporter, as a journalist,” the general said to me, “to get our Kurdish voice to the American people so they know about Kurdish suffering in Iraq. We don’t want the American army to leave this area. The terrorists are excited about what is going on in the Congress.”

“They are playing to cable television in the U.S.” Patrick said.

“That’s why we want you to pass this on to the American people,” said the general.

“Of course,” I said. “It is my job.”

The general angrily answered his phone, yelled into it, and hung up.

You can read the entire article here.

A Movie Quote

The following is a quote from the movie, "A Few Good Men". Although the character in the movie who was saying this, was considered evil because he was using these words to defend an obvious wrong that had occurred, I can't help but quote these words now. I quote these words only in regard to what I am seeing occur amongst Americans who oppose the war.

"Son, we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Whose gonna do it? You? I have a greater responsibility than you could possibly fathom. You weep, and you curse. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know. Those deaths, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to."

I am not one to say they can not protest, but I am one who will use my blog to counter protest. Mainly because there has not been an anti-war protest near here that has drawn any numbers what-so-ever, and therefore no reason for me to say this in person to any of the anti-war protesters.

I do not agree with the reasons that the anti-war protesters state for opposing the war, and even if I did, I would have to point out to them how ironic it was to use a freedom won for them by means of war, to protest against the troops and their mission of securing freedom. I would also have to point out that even if our troops are in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting for freedom and against terrorism, they are still protecting American freedoms by doing so. I say this because lack of freedom and democracy in other nations has proven to be a direct threat to our freedom and democracy. Islamofacists are trying so hard to institute Sharia law around the world and conducting terror campaigns to do so. That affects us directly in the form of terror attacks, which in turn has the potential to limit our freedoms as our government attempts to try and protect us. Some would argue that some of our freedoms and rights have already been limited.

These aren't the only reasons I support our troops and their mission. They are the biggest arguments that I can base on relative fact however. My other reason is one I have mentioned before. These troops are our family members, and our country men. We hold the same basic values to heart. They are like the rest of us. They are compassionate, intelligent, and above all Americans, and I refuse to believe that a group of wonderful American men and women would do anything but good over all.

Some people say that I am a dreamer when I say that you can't put that many Americans in one place and not have good come of it. Maybe I am a dreamer, but it will be a dream that I will fight to see come true. I urge all of you to remember the quote listed above. No matter how anti-war you are and how unlikely you are to admit it, you are all glad we have a strong military and men and women who are proud and willing to serve. Think about where you would be without them, and where we could all be if we left Iraq and Afghanistan now. It is not a pretty picture.

WORLD WIDE SHARIA LAW **shiver** And that would be just for starters. We need to be very careful what we wish for, and caution all others to do the same.

Will Iraqis Ever Live in Peace?

Many, many years ago (I was in high school) I was watching one of those silly awards shows on TV, and Whoopi Goldberg was hosting. This in and of itself is not an amazing thing, but I still remember clearly something she said. It has always stuck with me. During one of her many monologues that night, she said something to the effect that she was tired of black American's running around wearing silly hats and calling themselves African-Americans. She said, "I have been to Africa, and I am American".

The reason I brought this up is because people are now focused so much on multi-culturalism, that they have forgotten the bigger picture. At the end of the day, we are all American. When America first began we strived to be able to make our differences become something that bound us together, by being able to recognize that being different isn't a bad thing. It offers us a chance to learn about other ways of life, and other traditions, other foods, other languages. For the most part, this still holds true. Most of us have become able to accept that we are all different and the fact that we can all live together is the glue that makes this nation and it's people special. In a lot of instances I feel that tolerance and acceptance is what makes an American.

If you stop and think about it, tolerance and acceptance doesn't come naturally in the human make up. If you have ever raised children you know this. Children must be taught that someone who looks different or speaks different isn't necessarily a bad person or someone you should fear or pick on. School age children are often cruel to those who are different, and isn't until adults teach them that this isn't wrong that the cruelty stops. On occasion it doesn't stop, but most children are open to being taught this important lesson.

Many of you know that being American doesn't mean that you can't hang on to tradition and heritage, and pass that on to our children. In fact, it would be very bad thing to loose these things, and a lot of American's know this. Hanging on to tradition and culture only becomes a problem when those traditions and cultures are being impressed upon those who already have their own against their will or if it causes harm to those in your family (things like Sharia law would be a problem here as some aspects of it are very abusive).

Americans have started to develop some traditions that are distinctly ours. Those traditions, ideas, and schools of thought, are what have separated us from the rest of the world. As Americans we need to be just as proud of that as we are of being of German, Jewish, or Native American descent (those of course are just a few examples).

I have some English in my heritage (among other things), and I have been to England. I came home from England knowing that I am most certainly not English even though the two cultures are so very similar. I couldn't even begin to try and explain why I felt that way. It wasn't because I didn't have a good time or the people weren't nice. Something made me realize who I had become, and that it wasn't a bad thing to be. Just different from the rest of the world, and even from societies very similar to my own.

I hope that in time that the Iraqis will grasp this concept as well. That may be a bit much to hope for right now, but when they do they will be able to share, and learn, and most importantly live in peace. Until then....

Did You Know That Jerry Is Jewish And That Tom Is An Anti-Semite? Me Either...

Ok, so this has subtitles, so you are going to have to read, but as you read along with this video. Please try not to fall out of your chair.



This is a video taken of an Iranian University Professor. He is teaching Iranians, and they are taking notes!! He doesn't even get the basic facts correct, and I am not referring to his opinion of Tom and Jerry and their possible religious and racial views. I am referring to the fact that he stated that Tom and Jerry were created by the Jewish Walt Disney Company. First of all, Tom and Jerry was created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbara (yes, Hanna and Barbara of the Hanna-Barbara fame, you know, Jetsons, Scooby Doo, Flintstones, etc.) out of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Studios. Not by Walt Disney or Walt Disney Studios, and I think we are all aware that Walt Disney is an American Company.

As you saw, it didn't stop there.

He kicks the poor cat's ass, yet this cruelty does not make you despise the mouse.

Of course not, it is a cartoon! That is all it is. It was a couple of guys drawing pictures to make a little money while keeping kids out of their parent's hair for a few hours on a Saturday morning. Next he will be saying that the Flintstones are an American attack against Sharia Law because Wilma an Betty don't wear Hijab's and don't walk six paces behind their husbands at all times. That and we all know who actually makes the rules in the Flinstone's household.

Now that I know what kind of crap is being taught in Iran, it is no wonder world peace can not be attained.

Islam in the United Kingdom

Below you will find three videos that are parts of a Channel 4 Documentary from the United Kingdom called Dispatches. This particular documentary is on the Islamic Mosques in the United Kingdom. I was appalled at what I heard and saw. I would like to hope that this is not the norm for Muslims and the Islamic faith, and even it is isn't, it may be something we should all worry about anyway. It seems that these sects in the Muslim faith are trying to grow their numbers, and have probably been succeeding.

When you thought it couldn't get any worse...there is more.

It doesn't stop there either. Continue with the next video.

Can anyone else point out the gigantic flaws in the thought process of many of those doing the preaching? A few things came to my mind in the process of watching these videos. One, if you aren't happy with the form of government you live under, you could always move to a place you would be happy. Two, if you don't like democracy I could name at least three other places in this world that don't have it, and you could make a new life for yourself there. Three, I do not understand why people mock the form of government, and way life that enables them to be able to preach such garbage without fear of political or civil reprimand. Fourth, on their view of women...never mind, I am not even going to touch that one.

There were so many other thought processes I spotted that were so far out in left field. I think I have an easier time swallowing the stories told by people wearing tin foil hats to protect themselves from brain probes from outer space. Too bad this is a great deal more real.

I am just going to close by saying that your rights end, where mine begin.

Merry Christmas!!!

If you are atheist, say "Happy Holidays". If you are Jewish "Happy Hanukkah" will be your choice of warm wishes. If you celebrate Kwanzaa then you will have yet something different to say. I am sure the list can go on.

What bothers me, is that so many become so angry if you say one of these phrases and they don't believe in that faith. It bothers me even more when retail establishment owners have to over look their beliefs to appease the masses.

I am Christian. I say Merry Christmas. If I said Happy Hanukkah then it wouldn't mean nearly as much coming from my lips, as I probably don't know all of the nuances taught in the Jewish religion about this particular religious holiday. If I say Happy Holiday's it feels too generic. It doesn't carry the warm currents that Merry Christmas does for me, and the feelings I wish to share.

The reason I am saying all of this is to make my next statement more understandable (I hope).

If someone who celebrated Hanukkah wished me a Happy Hanukkah, I would answer them with a "Thank you. Merry Christmas!" I would be thanking them for wishing me their warmest feelings during this season, and I would be extending my own. Not correcting them, or telling them that I am not Jewish, or trying to force my beliefs on them. I would truly be touched that they would take what is important to them and wish to share that with me. I wouldn't want them to say Merry Christmas to me, as it would be a relatively empty phrase as they aren't followers of the same faith I am. They would only be saying it, to be polite, and not because they meant it. If I went into a Jewish market and saw a Merry Christmas sign, I would be taken aback as they would only say that to appeal to others instead of sharing what they believe and all of the emotion and caring available in their own faith and it's traditions.

We should be who we are, and not be afraid to show what we believe. We should not be offended by what is different, but take things as they are meant. If you don't believe in the story behind the Christmas holiday, and I say Merry Christmas to you, please understand that I am not trying to convert you, only share the feelings that the holiday brings me. It is the feeling behind the words, not the words that are important.