Predictions for the new year seem to be like playing the lottery every week hoping to win... superfluous. Hopes for the new year is realistic.
I will go one step further then hope.
I pray;
1) For Venezuela as President Hugo Chavez brakes back of economy. Article by Bloomberg.
2) Trickle down effects of Bull market in US will continue to fuel wealth building globally.
3) Continued progress in Iraq and even fewer casualties, Iraqi and American.
4) Progress with Israel/Palestine and for Syria to keep their meddling hands out.
5) Bless, President George Bush and his leadership with us in the next year.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
ANWR Drilling
I really need to learn how Heydudewho finds all these interesting articles. Here is a link he found to blogger imnotemeril who wrote an easy to comprehend post showing the relative size of ANWR to the area proposed for drilling.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
American Hatred, Born From Jealousy
During breakfast last week I read the label of Wolfgang Puck’s ‘Chicken and Dumpling Soup’. My interest moved from reading the label to imagining the path Mr Puck took in order get “..where he was, to where he is.”.
“Wolfgang Puck”, is such a distinguishing name. This name, I thought, may have aided in the success he has earned. I began to daydream. How did he rise to the top of American cheffery?
He came from Austria and now is a successful Chef with restaurants, franchises, cooking goods for sale and recipe books.
I think to myself, “What is there not love about this story.” All Austrians and Americans should be proud of Mr. Puck. I think most Americans are proud of him. I believe most Austrians are as well.
It would be no surprise if the average American and Austrian citizen had similar aspirations as Wolfgang Puck. They want what is best for themselves and their families. Those who are successful may have been inspired by successful predecessors. The respect for other’s accomplishment plus the desire to ‘have what they have’ is a motivator no doubt.
The inspiration to do what others have done and be successful, appears to instill respect. Most folks would respect a successful business man for example. A few may let the respect turn into jealousy.
If both Americans and Austrians are similar by nature, wanting what is best for themselves and family is a priority. Many people can be respectful of success, but others may fall victim to destructive thoughts. This jealousy does not stop with just a desire to have the same size house as the successful person. The man who is jealous may be vocal about the jealousy. However the jealousy may not take an obvious form.
Have you heard someone who talks about wealthy families or individuals? They do not always express how they want the same lifestyle. They also may bring up how pompous or stuck-up they must be to drive they sports sedan or live in their big house. This could easily lead into other slanderous comments including making broad judgements of all wealthy people as a group. When at first the person was jealous of the wealthy man. Now, personal attacks are being levied on the person he may not even know.
This destructive thought of jealousy may be fogging the objectiveness of folks from countries who formerly looked to the US with respectful eyes.
The media has painted a European disdain for America. If someone only listened to mass media for their opinion making, their interpretation would be “every country on the planet hates America, even most Americans.” If the media was our only source, the citizens, government, rock stars, and sweet grandmothers of all countries would more likely be moved to burn an American then to support any American cause, just out of spite.
It seems unreasonable to conjecture the virulent hatred toward the US simply boiled over overnight, just because of say… the War in Iraq.
It would be naïve to think everyone agrees with US policy abroad. It is understandable some people within and outside of the country would hate the US for specific decisions. Most I feel can not defend why they hate America. However this is another debate in itself. However I am relieved to believe a small minority truly hate this country. There are pockets of hatred for the US, small pockets, in many places. While a minority of people hate America, they are still getting their own message out. Where is the majority who support America nearly unwavering? “A loud minority speaks louder then a quiet majority.” The masses of supporters are still out there… they are just mute or whispering their opinions at best.
Reasons to hate the US have been and are; Economic, Political, religious, too many freedoms, unilaterialism, highest average income, too many pairs of Nike’s per capita, levis jeans in French retail stores, and now western music in Iran and crackdown on all media. There are even words which have a negative connotation or have been coined to represent America. The last couple examples listed above are purposefully focusing on the productive power of the US and what this means to every other nation.
The millions of people worldwide who reportedly hate America I believe are undoubtedly the minority in number. However they all do not hate America for the same reason(s). There may be 100 reasons to hate America (whether justified or not). If there are 50 million vicious haters of the US, they each picked one or more of the 100 reasons. Some of these folks overlap in their dislikes and hates for the US, however they are by no means one voice.
Then enter, September 11 which led to US President Bush declaring war on terrorism and eventually war on Iraq to stay ahead of the curve. There was decent from the beginning about the war. The UN Security Council obviously wanted the war to wait. Everyone who hates America suddenly had a new option for hating America.. This time, it was a hate “all together now.” The war in Iraq had become the 101st reason to hate the US. All 50 million then had the 101st reason in common. This united their individual complaints of “the greatest country on God’s green earth” (courtesy Michael Medved) and raised it to a fever pitch as they were able to sound off in unison under one troop flag. This hate for America maybe just a disguise for a hate rooted in jealousy. It is easy to see, if someone is jealous of another, how easy is it to then dislike them for a second reason. Could this dislike eventually could to hate if the jealouy increases. Citizens of other countries may first see the US and be jealous. Then they hear a friend who verbally attacks the US citizenry on a personal note all stemming from the intial jealousy for freedoms, material wealth, etc.... The bandwagon is born.
I re-read my post from July 13, 2005, “Hugh Hewitt Interviews American-Muslim”. It was an interview by talk show host Hugh Hewitt out of LA. An Ethiopian immigrant called in and advised if America stopped pushing their culture on the rest of the world, the terrorism would stop. Mr Hewitt asked the man why he came to America. The man said he is a taxi cab driver. He came for a better life. The debate then changed and Mr Hewitt pointed out the rest of the world may be asking for American culture. American music, blue jeans, Starbucks and democracy are all things citizens of other countries must purchase and demand on their own. America is not forcing it on them.
The American haters call the Iraq War “An illegal war”. These people are also jealous. The American supporters call it the Iraqi Liberation. And they respect American progress. If a crowd of American supporters stand in front of a blind man and no one makes a peep, the crowd may not be heard over the 3 crazies in the front pounding their chests and bongo drums, saying how much they hate this country.
I do not know what Wolfgang Puck thinks of America. He makes many of us proud. We should not be jealous of success, but inspired by it. This stand alone idea could cause the numbers of American haters to decline.
“Wolfgang Puck”, is such a distinguishing name. This name, I thought, may have aided in the success he has earned. I began to daydream. How did he rise to the top of American cheffery?
He came from Austria and now is a successful Chef with restaurants, franchises, cooking goods for sale and recipe books.
I think to myself, “What is there not love about this story.” All Austrians and Americans should be proud of Mr. Puck. I think most Americans are proud of him. I believe most Austrians are as well.
It would be no surprise if the average American and Austrian citizen had similar aspirations as Wolfgang Puck. They want what is best for themselves and their families. Those who are successful may have been inspired by successful predecessors. The respect for other’s accomplishment plus the desire to ‘have what they have’ is a motivator no doubt.
The inspiration to do what others have done and be successful, appears to instill respect. Most folks would respect a successful business man for example. A few may let the respect turn into jealousy.
If both Americans and Austrians are similar by nature, wanting what is best for themselves and family is a priority. Many people can be respectful of success, but others may fall victim to destructive thoughts. This jealousy does not stop with just a desire to have the same size house as the successful person. The man who is jealous may be vocal about the jealousy. However the jealousy may not take an obvious form.
Have you heard someone who talks about wealthy families or individuals? They do not always express how they want the same lifestyle. They also may bring up how pompous or stuck-up they must be to drive they sports sedan or live in their big house. This could easily lead into other slanderous comments including making broad judgements of all wealthy people as a group. When at first the person was jealous of the wealthy man. Now, personal attacks are being levied on the person he may not even know.
This destructive thought of jealousy may be fogging the objectiveness of folks from countries who formerly looked to the US with respectful eyes.
The media has painted a European disdain for America. If someone only listened to mass media for their opinion making, their interpretation would be “every country on the planet hates America, even most Americans.” If the media was our only source, the citizens, government, rock stars, and sweet grandmothers of all countries would more likely be moved to burn an American then to support any American cause, just out of spite.
It seems unreasonable to conjecture the virulent hatred toward the US simply boiled over overnight, just because of say… the War in Iraq.
It would be naïve to think everyone agrees with US policy abroad. It is understandable some people within and outside of the country would hate the US for specific decisions. Most I feel can not defend why they hate America. However this is another debate in itself. However I am relieved to believe a small minority truly hate this country. There are pockets of hatred for the US, small pockets, in many places. While a minority of people hate America, they are still getting their own message out. Where is the majority who support America nearly unwavering? “A loud minority speaks louder then a quiet majority.” The masses of supporters are still out there… they are just mute or whispering their opinions at best.
Reasons to hate the US have been and are; Economic, Political, religious, too many freedoms, unilaterialism, highest average income, too many pairs of Nike’s per capita, levis jeans in French retail stores, and now western music in Iran and crackdown on all media. There are even words which have a negative connotation or have been coined to represent America. The last couple examples listed above are purposefully focusing on the productive power of the US and what this means to every other nation.
The millions of people worldwide who reportedly hate America I believe are undoubtedly the minority in number. However they all do not hate America for the same reason(s). There may be 100 reasons to hate America (whether justified or not). If there are 50 million vicious haters of the US, they each picked one or more of the 100 reasons. Some of these folks overlap in their dislikes and hates for the US, however they are by no means one voice.
Then enter, September 11 which led to US President Bush declaring war on terrorism and eventually war on Iraq to stay ahead of the curve. There was decent from the beginning about the war. The UN Security Council obviously wanted the war to wait. Everyone who hates America suddenly had a new option for hating America.. This time, it was a hate “all together now.” The war in Iraq had become the 101st reason to hate the US. All 50 million then had the 101st reason in common. This united their individual complaints of “the greatest country on God’s green earth” (courtesy Michael Medved) and raised it to a fever pitch as they were able to sound off in unison under one troop flag. This hate for America maybe just a disguise for a hate rooted in jealousy. It is easy to see, if someone is jealous of another, how easy is it to then dislike them for a second reason. Could this dislike eventually could to hate if the jealouy increases. Citizens of other countries may first see the US and be jealous. Then they hear a friend who verbally attacks the US citizenry on a personal note all stemming from the intial jealousy for freedoms, material wealth, etc.... The bandwagon is born.
I re-read my post from July 13, 2005, “Hugh Hewitt Interviews American-Muslim”. It was an interview by talk show host Hugh Hewitt out of LA. An Ethiopian immigrant called in and advised if America stopped pushing their culture on the rest of the world, the terrorism would stop. Mr Hewitt asked the man why he came to America. The man said he is a taxi cab driver. He came for a better life. The debate then changed and Mr Hewitt pointed out the rest of the world may be asking for American culture. American music, blue jeans, Starbucks and democracy are all things citizens of other countries must purchase and demand on their own. America is not forcing it on them.
The American haters call the Iraq War “An illegal war”. These people are also jealous. The American supporters call it the Iraqi Liberation. And they respect American progress. If a crowd of American supporters stand in front of a blind man and no one makes a peep, the crowd may not be heard over the 3 crazies in the front pounding their chests and bongo drums, saying how much they hate this country.
I do not know what Wolfgang Puck thinks of America. He makes many of us proud. We should not be jealous of success, but inspired by it. This stand alone idea could cause the numbers of American haters to decline.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Rumsfeld Interviewed by Bill O'Reilly
Interview with Sec of Def Donald Rumsfeld by Bill Oreilly;
1) Bill; How are we safer now this election has taken place?
Sec; The violent extremists have said what they intend to do, bring down modern democracies, attack west, and determined to alter our way of life.. terrorism changes behavior.... our victory is maintaining our way of life.
We want to fight the terrorists in Iraq, not in US.
2) Bill; How was Saddam a threat with no WMD
Sec; Had used WMD on own citizens, shooting at our planes, giving $25,000 to suicide bombers.
3) Bill; Iraqi's would not wage a gorilla war after Saddam was dethroned; Was the Sec of Def wrong...
Sec; Did not anticipate the level of violence.
4) Bill ; VP Cheney said, Insurgencies in it's last throws?
Sec; Spurt of energy when particularly violent... I think the reality of these terrorists is they will not sign a cease fire... these may last 4,5,6 or 8 years. Those extremists are attacking a legitamite government elected by their own people.
5) Bill; Press is 75% against Bush, Jack Murtha becoming icon for antiwar movement... won't come on Factor because he can not defend his statements. He has old the world Sec is incompentent.
Sec; Tim Russert repeated Jack Murtha
Bill: You have to bat it down, you must say he does not know what he is talking about.
Sec; If I spent all my time, stating everything that is wrong... Others in congress are saying
6) Bill; Why is press coverage hostile to Iraq war
Sec; Franklin Roosevelt was vilified, Lincoln, truman pounded over Korean war... this is tough business.. this is what happens in war...if we stopped everytime some criticized our country, this would be a much different country
7) Bill; Is Dean using Iraq for political reasons?
Sec; I don't know what is in Dean's head....We can't lose the battles in Iraq, only in Washington...
Bill; Dean says we can't win this war...
Sec; That's utter nonsense
8) Bill; This time next year, Iraqi's can fight own battle
Sec; Every day they are taking more responsibility... the rib cage is more important.. how long does it take us to develop our commanding officers... then they have to connect the army to the police and the police to the intelligence... We will start drawing down from 160k to 137k after elections... from there it will be need based... 214k Iraq security forces to date.
9) Bill; Coerce interrogation, no one can use coercion
Sec; The military will not be effected... no implications or changes
Sec comments; The American people have donated billions of dollars for relief efforts in pakistan, here at home for Katrina and for the Tsunami victims. This is a great country!
Sec;
1) Bill; How are we safer now this election has taken place?
Sec; The violent extremists have said what they intend to do, bring down modern democracies, attack west, and determined to alter our way of life.. terrorism changes behavior.... our victory is maintaining our way of life.
We want to fight the terrorists in Iraq, not in US.
2) Bill; How was Saddam a threat with no WMD
Sec; Had used WMD on own citizens, shooting at our planes, giving $25,000 to suicide bombers.
3) Bill; Iraqi's would not wage a gorilla war after Saddam was dethroned; Was the Sec of Def wrong...
Sec; Did not anticipate the level of violence.
4) Bill ; VP Cheney said, Insurgencies in it's last throws?
Sec; Spurt of energy when particularly violent... I think the reality of these terrorists is they will not sign a cease fire... these may last 4,5,6 or 8 years. Those extremists are attacking a legitamite government elected by their own people.
5) Bill; Press is 75% against Bush, Jack Murtha becoming icon for antiwar movement... won't come on Factor because he can not defend his statements. He has old the world Sec is incompentent.
Sec; Tim Russert repeated Jack Murtha
Bill: You have to bat it down, you must say he does not know what he is talking about.
Sec; If I spent all my time, stating everything that is wrong... Others in congress are saying
6) Bill; Why is press coverage hostile to Iraq war
Sec; Franklin Roosevelt was vilified, Lincoln, truman pounded over Korean war... this is tough business.. this is what happens in war...if we stopped everytime some criticized our country, this would be a much different country
7) Bill; Is Dean using Iraq for political reasons?
Sec; I don't know what is in Dean's head....We can't lose the battles in Iraq, only in Washington...
Bill; Dean says we can't win this war...
Sec; That's utter nonsense
8) Bill; This time next year, Iraqi's can fight own battle
Sec; Every day they are taking more responsibility... the rib cage is more important.. how long does it take us to develop our commanding officers... then they have to connect the army to the police and the police to the intelligence... We will start drawing down from 160k to 137k after elections... from there it will be need based... 214k Iraq security forces to date.
9) Bill; Coerce interrogation, no one can use coercion
Sec; The military will not be effected... no implications or changes
Sec comments; The American people have donated billions of dollars for relief efforts in pakistan, here at home for Katrina and for the Tsunami victims. This is a great country!
Sec;
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Iraqi Elections for Permanent Parliament
We are approaching another point in Iraqi history which may receive it's own chapter in my children's history book. Iraqi's will go to the polls again to elect a permanent parliament. This will happen Thursday.
Only Al Queda will not benefit from this election. I wonder what the front pages of major newspapers will show on Friday? If there is even one soldier or Iraqi killed, it will be sewn into the article as a major part of the days happenings.
Only Al Queda will not benefit from this election. I wonder what the front pages of major newspapers will show on Friday? If there is even one soldier or Iraqi killed, it will be sewn into the article as a major part of the days happenings.
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