Anyone who calls themselves a Christian, who then persecutes ANY non-Christian (but most especially heinously, one of the Abrahamic faiths) and who thinks that they are either righteous in God's eyes or going to be "saved" when they die is incredibly deluded and totally in error.
Jesus explicitly forbade the disciples from wishing physical harm upon those who rejected his message, stating that he came to save and not to destroy.
You cannot call yourself a Christian on the one hand and then oppress a non-believer, or a believer of another faith, on the other hand.
I should not even have to explain that murder in the name of killing non-Christians is breaking a Commandment AND an unspeakable abomination, but read this article and you will see why I am posting this DIRE WARNING.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090817/scahill
I have suspected this kind of alleged mindset for quite some time, most particularly after reading the abominable "Left Behind" series with their cartoonish evil foolishness and total dog dirt ignorance about the Muslim faith.
I marvel that God has not struck everyone dead already by now, for the horror that so many have allowed this world to become, a dirt ball of evil and hypocrisy.
Showing posts with label Iraq. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iraq. Show all posts
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day thoughts
Memorial Day, a national holiday since 1971, celebrated today, is the day when the USA honors its war dead, and has been observed since the Civil War. (Veterans Day, celebrated in the autumn, honors all living veterans).
I'm fortunate that all of my loved ones were veterans, and not lost in war. My father, stepfather, brother in law, and former uncle in law, all served during World War II (except for bro who was in Vietnam) and returned home safely, though both my father and my stepfather were wounded Purple Heart veterans. But of course many of their buddies did not make it home, and I grieve alongside all who grieve their war dead today.
I'm fortunate that all of my loved ones were veterans, and not lost in war. My father, stepfather, brother in law, and former uncle in law, all served during World War II (except for bro who was in Vietnam) and returned home safely, though both my father and my stepfather were wounded Purple Heart veterans. But of course many of their buddies did not make it home, and I grieve alongside all who grieve their war dead today.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Case study: Lincoln using logic
I have been sharing with readers tips on how to use reasoning and logic to carefully explore even (and I'd say even especially) those things that seem simple and obvious. Read this famous example of how Lincoln described the problem of slavery, and developed principles through which to reason and deduce the available options and implied consequences:
If I saw a venomous snake crawling in the road, any man would say I may seize the nearest stick and kill it. [Slavery in itself.]
But if I found that snake in bed with my children that would be another question. I might hurt the children more than the snake, and it might bite them. [Slavery in the South.]
Much more, if I found it in bed with my neighbor's children, and I had bound myself by a solemn oath not to meddle with his children under any circumstances, it would become me to let that particular mode of getting rid of the gentleman alone. [Slavery in the South as seen from the North.]
But if there was a bed newly made up, to which the children were to be taken, and it was proposed to take a batch of young snakes and put them there with them, I take it no man would say there was any question how I ought to decide. [Slavery in the territories.]
Lincoln was very careful in framing these parallels (delivered to a Connecticut audience early in 1860). He does not speak of Southerners as belonging to different states, but as "neighbors" with whom one has a solemn agreement. Nor does he palliate the evil of slavery-it is a snake no matter where one finds it, and it endangers the Southerners' children. But in denouncing the evil, in trying to contain it, in hoping for new agreements, Lincoln will not divide the "one people" that declared itself united in the Declaration... (Garry Wills, Lincoln at Gettysburg, page 138-9).
Now, notice that being rationale and thoughtful about the layers of consequence of action did not stop Lincoln from taking the fateful and correct step of eradicating slavery. So one should not fear that being honest about the layers of implication and potential consequences of a monumental problem or decision will lead to inaction. Lincoln followed the steps of his logic, thoughtfully escalating, and it was the South who repeatedly refused to use a similar process of accommodation. Thus Lincoln concluded that the South had removed itself from the protection and rights of the Union, and thus was no longer the neighbor with whom he had a solemn oath (the third analogy) and realized that war would be necessary, and there would be the damage (the high price of war) of analogy two, which is to remove the snake of slavery that is already in bed with the children (as Lincoln continued to insist and explain that it was one nation, one set of children, not the "north" and the "south.")
Think about Iraq. When the decision was made to invade and occupy Iraq, you can see reading this excerpt from Lincoln's thought process how inadequate the thought process was regarding Iraq and the implications of various sets of actions. For example, one of my biggest criticisms of the Iraq strategy was the incomprehensible dismantling of the Iraqi army, rather than turning them into the service of the country without Hussein. Lincoln was very diligent and rationale in "enemy identification," which was slavery itself, not the people. The USA spoke the game of liberating the people, but they had obviously assigned "snake" categories to groups of people and institutions without any genuine reasoning and thoughtfulness. Thus to conclude that the army was part of the problem rather than solution, once the head of the snake was cut off, was a dire and stupid error.
Diplomats and other government officials can benefit greatly from the study of Lincoln, as you can see in this example, and use what they read to illuminate a more mature and well informed steps of progress in international relationships and in the necessary conflicts when they do arise.
If Lincoln, for all the evil of slavery and all the provocation he was subjected to when trying to reason with the South, can and did retain his view of them, ultimately, still being Americans, still being neighbors, still being children with his children, then we all would do well to do likewise in world affairs and diplomacy.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Capitalism/financial crisis: relevant ancient history
Besides God, there is nothing more important to humanity than good stewardship of the earth. By this I mean the basics, such as the ability of humans to grow food and feed all of the population (without imposing population controls) and for humans to wisely manage the ecosystems so that flora and fauna can continue to grow and flourish, and not meet extinction unless it is genuinely their time.
People must learn to be shepherds of the wild and natural flora and fauna, being activist within the natural order of things. Thus they should not be blind exploiters, nor should they be laissez faire protectionists (where they protect the land but then do not lift a finger to either prune or encourage the species within). It is not a coincidence that God gave humans to understand that the earth is a garden because gardeners tend to their garden; they neither exploit the garden nor do they seal it off to be "all natural."
Why do I mention this? It is important to understand that more of humanity's education, jobs and interest must be redirected away from the false (electronic entertainment for example) and more toward the reality of tending to the earth. That is what genuine "green jobs" should be.
I also mention this as part of my helping people to realign their thinking back to reality, and to find their way back to sanity, and back away from the freak show societal delusions. So I want to explain to you something that used to be well understood, but I'm not sure it is taught in schools anymore.
Why did humans invent writing and number systems so they can count? Not to write down stories. Not to label the great buildings with the names of the kings. Not to develop Egyptian hieroglyphs for memorializing the dead. Humans invented writing and counting for one simple reason: to inventory their food supplies.
The earliest writing is preserved from Sumeria, now known as Iraq, in the form of clay tablets and also"cylinder seals." These are blocks of stones shaped like tubes, so that when one rolls the seal the message is also unrolled. As a former antiquities collector I always wanted to add a Sumerian cylinder seal to my collection, but did not get the opportunity to afford one.
When experts decipher the very earliest of human writing, they do not find sacred scripture or the deeds of mythical or real kings. They find boring crop reports, preserved on many clay tablets. Later tablets, but more often the cylinders, were used to depict scenes, history and divine beliefs.
Remember, then, those crop reports were not boring for people who live and die based on what they can grow in that season. Just ask those in Africa and Asia, and those in drought areas elsewhere today, and you will realize that all of mundane life is ultimately summarized and glorified in the ability of the good earth to provide for humans who are fruitful and who multiply, those who share the blessings of earth with new infants, and not resent, as so many "greens" seem to do, new life and new mouths to feed.
Sometimes it is very helpful to remember that writing, which is used so much for "entertainment" and agenda driven purposes today, and numbers, which have also been given by some people a weird and incorrect supernatural and superstitious importance, would not have been invented at all if people did not realize the most fundamental need, which is to provide the goodness of adequate food for all who need it. The old saying is that "necessity is the mother of invention." Writing and counting were invented because of the need to understand and inventory food supplies. Once writing and counting were invented, it is later that they are used for other purposes.
This, by the way, is one reason that Abraham was so wealthy: it was not gold or silver, but agricultural goods and flocks, so that his family could grow and support with love all who were born within it. Wealth among early humans was measured by counting one's flocks and one's harvest, so one knew that one could support their family and contribute to the clan and tribe's survival.
Sometimes to disinfect the skewing of mindset that has taken place, and what moderns take for granted, it is useful to think back to what used to be taught with some detail in schools, which is the agricultural basis for not only capitalism (which I explained in many previous blog posts) but also writing and counting. Thus people ascribe very strange "purposes" to the written word and to numbers, without understanding that they serve humans, and humans do not serve the written word or numbers.
I hope that you have found this helpful.
If you read articles about cylinder seals, you find that they speak almost exclusively of the more "glamorous" topics, such as deities and history, since that is, of course, what they were later used for and are of the most interest to archaeologists.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cylinder_seals
This is a great introduction to the beginning of agriculture in the area of Sumeria, and also the written tools I describe here in this blog.
http://www.nlcs.k12.in.us/oljrhi/brown/mesopotamia/meso.htm
But the more boring history indicates what I have explained above, which is that it was not the desire to record history that promoted writing and counting (since oral history continued very strongly after writing and counting were invented), but that the actual inventions of writing and counting centered around the essential inventory of food stuffs, both their aquisitions storage and their trade.
People must learn to be shepherds of the wild and natural flora and fauna, being activist within the natural order of things. Thus they should not be blind exploiters, nor should they be laissez faire protectionists (where they protect the land but then do not lift a finger to either prune or encourage the species within). It is not a coincidence that God gave humans to understand that the earth is a garden because gardeners tend to their garden; they neither exploit the garden nor do they seal it off to be "all natural."
Why do I mention this? It is important to understand that more of humanity's education, jobs and interest must be redirected away from the false (electronic entertainment for example) and more toward the reality of tending to the earth. That is what genuine "green jobs" should be.
I also mention this as part of my helping people to realign their thinking back to reality, and to find their way back to sanity, and back away from the freak show societal delusions. So I want to explain to you something that used to be well understood, but I'm not sure it is taught in schools anymore.
Why did humans invent writing and number systems so they can count? Not to write down stories. Not to label the great buildings with the names of the kings. Not to develop Egyptian hieroglyphs for memorializing the dead. Humans invented writing and counting for one simple reason: to inventory their food supplies.
The earliest writing is preserved from Sumeria, now known as Iraq, in the form of clay tablets and also"cylinder seals." These are blocks of stones shaped like tubes, so that when one rolls the seal the message is also unrolled. As a former antiquities collector I always wanted to add a Sumerian cylinder seal to my collection, but did not get the opportunity to afford one.
When experts decipher the very earliest of human writing, they do not find sacred scripture or the deeds of mythical or real kings. They find boring crop reports, preserved on many clay tablets. Later tablets, but more often the cylinders, were used to depict scenes, history and divine beliefs.
Remember, then, those crop reports were not boring for people who live and die based on what they can grow in that season. Just ask those in Africa and Asia, and those in drought areas elsewhere today, and you will realize that all of mundane life is ultimately summarized and glorified in the ability of the good earth to provide for humans who are fruitful and who multiply, those who share the blessings of earth with new infants, and not resent, as so many "greens" seem to do, new life and new mouths to feed.
Sometimes it is very helpful to remember that writing, which is used so much for "entertainment" and agenda driven purposes today, and numbers, which have also been given by some people a weird and incorrect supernatural and superstitious importance, would not have been invented at all if people did not realize the most fundamental need, which is to provide the goodness of adequate food for all who need it. The old saying is that "necessity is the mother of invention." Writing and counting were invented because of the need to understand and inventory food supplies. Once writing and counting were invented, it is later that they are used for other purposes.
This, by the way, is one reason that Abraham was so wealthy: it was not gold or silver, but agricultural goods and flocks, so that his family could grow and support with love all who were born within it. Wealth among early humans was measured by counting one's flocks and one's harvest, so one knew that one could support their family and contribute to the clan and tribe's survival.
Sometimes to disinfect the skewing of mindset that has taken place, and what moderns take for granted, it is useful to think back to what used to be taught with some detail in schools, which is the agricultural basis for not only capitalism (which I explained in many previous blog posts) but also writing and counting. Thus people ascribe very strange "purposes" to the written word and to numbers, without understanding that they serve humans, and humans do not serve the written word or numbers.
I hope that you have found this helpful.
If you read articles about cylinder seals, you find that they speak almost exclusively of the more "glamorous" topics, such as deities and history, since that is, of course, what they were later used for and are of the most interest to archaeologists.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cylinder_seals
This is a great introduction to the beginning of agriculture in the area of Sumeria, and also the written tools I describe here in this blog.
http://www.nlcs.k12.in.us/oljrhi/brown/mesopotamia/meso.htm
But the more boring history indicates what I have explained above, which is that it was not the desire to record history that promoted writing and counting (since oral history continued very strongly after writing and counting were invented), but that the actual inventions of writing and counting centered around the essential inventory of food stuffs, both their aquisitions storage and their trade.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
I appreciate CNN coverage of Baghdad Christians
This is a great story and pictures (especially for people like me without a TV :-)
I appreciate CNN providing real detail about how the Christians and Muslims are both celebrating the Christmas festival in Baghdad, and how things are going regarding security.
Merry Christmas to all Christians in Iraq, and displaced, and also Happy Holidays to the supportive and peace loving Muslims who oppose terrorism.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/21/iraq.christmas/index.html?eref=ib_topstories
I appreciate CNN providing real detail about how the Christians and Muslims are both celebrating the Christmas festival in Baghdad, and how things are going regarding security.
Merry Christmas to all Christians in Iraq, and displaced, and also Happy Holidays to the supportive and peace loving Muslims who oppose terrorism.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/12/21/iraq.christmas/index.html?eref=ib_topstories
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Continued thanks to Syria for Iraqi refuge
I continue to be very grateful that Syria has helped the best that it can the many Christian refugees who had to flee Iraq and who are now in Syria. I also thank the UN for their help and attention, even as I'm disappointed the rest of the world, including the US, has been insensitive to the plight and sadness of Iraqi Christians.
I hope that they find homes where they feel safe, and perhaps many of them will stay in Syria. Just as the wave of immigrants refreshed and built the American economy a hundred years ago, I hope that educational institutions and entrepreneurs will invest in Syria with a mind toward expanding job opportunities for Syrians and the immigrant Iraqis alike.
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0805970.htm
I hope that they find homes where they feel safe, and perhaps many of them will stay in Syria. Just as the wave of immigrants refreshed and built the American economy a hundred years ago, I hope that educational institutions and entrepreneurs will invest in Syria with a mind toward expanding job opportunities for Syrians and the immigrant Iraqis alike.
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0805970.htm
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Commend Iran's work against drug smuggling
One reason IRNA is on my regular reading list is that I learn information that does not make the mainstream western press, such as their steady dedication in the war on drugs and drug smuggling. People who know me know that I consider drug production, usage and addiction to be a dire plague that has significantly diminished the accomplishments and nobility of human beings overall. Thus I am always watchful of the great progress of all who genuinely combat this grievous problem and have noticed Iran's steadfastness. Here is an example of news that does not make much of the biased "drive by" mainstream media.
http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-17/0811202934181315.htm
Iran, Afghanistan and the UN Mission in Kabul on Thursday held first tripartite meeting on measures to counter drug trafficking from Afghanistan.
UN Secretary-General Special Representative for Afghanistan Kai Eide, Iran's Ambassador to Kabul Fada-Hossein Maleki and Afghan Minister of Counter Narcotics General Khodaidad attended the meeting.
Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting to IRNA, Maleki underlined the significance of cooperation in fighting narcotics and called for avoiding political approach in dealing with the phenomenon.
Unfortunately, narcotics threaten families in various societies, he said, urging regional and international cooperation to seriously deal with the dilemma.
Given Afghan's complicated situation, countering narcotics has been marginalized, he said, stressing that it should be placed at the center of attention by all countries.
Fighting narcotics is not the duty of Afghanistan alone, rather international community should provide it with necessary equipment to Afghanistan to deal with the problem, Maleki said.
Meanwhile, Afghan minister said that Iran has set up 25 checkpoints on the borders and provided them with necessary equipment to counter drug trafficking.
Stating that Iran has many experience in the field and treatment of the addicts, Khodaidad said that an agreement already signed between the two countries on campaign against illicit drugs is still in force.
Afghanistan is determined to promote cooperation with neighboring countries and NATO to prevent poppy cultivation and drug trafficking, he said.
http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-17/0811202934181315.htm
Iran, Afghanistan and the UN Mission in Kabul on Thursday held first tripartite meeting on measures to counter drug trafficking from Afghanistan.
UN Secretary-General Special Representative for Afghanistan Kai Eide, Iran's Ambassador to Kabul Fada-Hossein Maleki and Afghan Minister of Counter Narcotics General Khodaidad attended the meeting.
Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting to IRNA, Maleki underlined the significance of cooperation in fighting narcotics and called for avoiding political approach in dealing with the phenomenon.
Unfortunately, narcotics threaten families in various societies, he said, urging regional and international cooperation to seriously deal with the dilemma.
Given Afghan's complicated situation, countering narcotics has been marginalized, he said, stressing that it should be placed at the center of attention by all countries.
Fighting narcotics is not the duty of Afghanistan alone, rather international community should provide it with necessary equipment to Afghanistan to deal with the problem, Maleki said.
Meanwhile, Afghan minister said that Iran has set up 25 checkpoints on the borders and provided them with necessary equipment to counter drug trafficking.
Stating that Iran has many experience in the field and treatment of the addicts, Khodaidad said that an agreement already signed between the two countries on campaign against illicit drugs is still in force.
Afghanistan is determined to promote cooperation with neighboring countries and NATO to prevent poppy cultivation and drug trafficking, he said.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Advice for American soldiers
I do not care what the provocation is, if the early reports of what caused these killings pans out, it is not a good idea to curse, spit on and slap the soldier of an ally. I realize that everyone is under stress, but when military discipline breaks down and a soldier insults and assaults another soldier, both holding guns, every loses and pointless violence wins.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/world/middleeast/13iraq.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/world/middleeast/13iraq.html
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Thank you to Qatar cabinet on the same subject
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=248294&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16
Cabinet condemns genocide of Iraqi Christians
Cabinet condemns genocide of Iraqi Christians HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani presided over the weekly Cabinet session held yesterday at the Emiri Diwan.
After the meeting HE the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Nasser bin Mohamed bin Abdul Aziz al-Thani stated the following: At the outset of the meeting the Cabinet expressed Qatar’s condemnation of genocide, terrorising and displacement of Christians in northern Iraq which could undermine security and stability in the country and target its national unity. The Cabinet underlined the need to provide security to all the categories and sects of the Iraqi people and to protect Christians, to ensure their security and safety and to respect their rights and dignity.
The Cabinet called on the Iraqi people to unite in the face of such ugly acts to help maintain the unity of the country and the right of all its sects and categories to live within it in security and peace.
***
A reminder to my blog readers who are Christian that Qatar recently witnessed the consecration of its first Catholic cathedral, and other Christian denominations are building churches on nearby land, generously granted by the Emir for this purpose.
Cabinet condemns genocide of Iraqi Christians
Cabinet condemns genocide of Iraqi Christians HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani presided over the weekly Cabinet session held yesterday at the Emiri Diwan.
After the meeting HE the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Nasser bin Mohamed bin Abdul Aziz al-Thani stated the following: At the outset of the meeting the Cabinet expressed Qatar’s condemnation of genocide, terrorising and displacement of Christians in northern Iraq which could undermine security and stability in the country and target its national unity. The Cabinet underlined the need to provide security to all the categories and sects of the Iraqi people and to protect Christians, to ensure their security and safety and to respect their rights and dignity.
The Cabinet called on the Iraqi people to unite in the face of such ugly acts to help maintain the unity of the country and the right of all its sects and categories to live within it in security and peace.
***
A reminder to my blog readers who are Christian that Qatar recently witnessed the consecration of its first Catholic cathedral, and other Christian denominations are building churches on nearby land, generously granted by the Emir for this purpose.
Iran condemns the persecution of Iraqi Christians
I was so very pleased to see this generous and forceful statement in support of the Iraqi Christians who have suffered so much persecution and displacement. This was a great and sincere gesture by the government of Iran and I do very much appreciate it. I'd like to see the global western "mainstream media" more widely report supportive and peace making gestures such as these instead of endlessly repeating unproductive rhetoric. My thanks to the Iranian embassy in Baghdad and I hope they in return reside there in peace.
http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-22/0810160195142713.htm
Iran Condemns Attacks on Christians in Iraq
Iran's Embassy in Baghdad on Thursday slammed in a statement the recent terrorist attacks on Iraqi Christians in the city of Mosul in northern Iraq.
The statement referred to Mousl's October 14-15 bombings as "measures against humanity." According to reports, at least a dozen people were wounded in a series of bomb explosions on Tuesday and Wednesday in Mosul, 390 km north of Baghdad, and at least two insurgents were killed in clashes with police.
More than 1,000 Christian families have left the city in recent days after the attacks which US forces blame on al-Qaeda.
The statement said that the attacks were "inhuman measures carried out in line with enemies' moves to cause tension, undermine the country's security, damage the political trend and position of the Iraqi democratic government and to destroy national unity." "Enemies of Iraq's political trend and democracy will not be able to harm solidarity between minorities and other tribes and damage the country's national unity," the statement stressed.
Shortly after the terrorist attacks, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has sent a delegation to Mousl consisted of seven ministers of his cabinet including ministers of defense and migration to watch over situation of the fled Christians and prepare necessary grounds for their return.
2327**1394
---> Iran-Iraq-Embassy
http://www2.irna.ir/en/news/view/line-22/0810160195142713.htm
Iran Condemns Attacks on Christians in Iraq
Iran's Embassy in Baghdad on Thursday slammed in a statement the recent terrorist attacks on Iraqi Christians in the city of Mosul in northern Iraq.
The statement referred to Mousl's October 14-15 bombings as "measures against humanity." According to reports, at least a dozen people were wounded in a series of bomb explosions on Tuesday and Wednesday in Mosul, 390 km north of Baghdad, and at least two insurgents were killed in clashes with police.
More than 1,000 Christian families have left the city in recent days after the attacks which US forces blame on al-Qaeda.
The statement said that the attacks were "inhuman measures carried out in line with enemies' moves to cause tension, undermine the country's security, damage the political trend and position of the Iraqi democratic government and to destroy national unity." "Enemies of Iraq's political trend and democracy will not be able to harm solidarity between minorities and other tribes and damage the country's national unity," the statement stressed.
Shortly after the terrorist attacks, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has sent a delegation to Mousl consisted of seven ministers of his cabinet including ministers of defense and migration to watch over situation of the fled Christians and prepare necessary grounds for their return.
2327**1394
---> Iran-Iraq-Embassy
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Condolences to two moms who lost sons in Iraq
After waiting more than a year, hoping they were captive, their bodies were found. It appears they died shortly after being captured in May 2007. I send my condolences and prayers for God's peace and comfort to them. I know how they feel.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2008/07/10/2008-07-10_queens_mothers_hope_gone_as_gi_sons_rema.html
&&&
What I want to mention, which is why I blogged about them, is their continual prayers. Many must wonder, especially those who do not understand prayer, were the prayers pointless, as these moms prayed that their sons were alive while they were in fact already deceased?
The answer is that no prayer to God is wasted or goes unanswered, even if it is not possible to grant what they pray for. The prayers of these mothers are "applied" by God not only to their sons' eternal well being, but also for the others in their unit and friends who are still in harm's way. This is what their boys would have wanted, so I thought I'd take some time to assure their moms that no prayer is ever a waste of time, and they are always heard and applied with mercy and in honor of the prayer intentions.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2008/07/10/2008-07-10_queens_mothers_hope_gone_as_gi_sons_rema.html
&&&
What I want to mention, which is why I blogged about them, is their continual prayers. Many must wonder, especially those who do not understand prayer, were the prayers pointless, as these moms prayed that their sons were alive while they were in fact already deceased?
The answer is that no prayer to God is wasted or goes unanswered, even if it is not possible to grant what they pray for. The prayers of these mothers are "applied" by God not only to their sons' eternal well being, but also for the others in their unit and friends who are still in harm's way. This is what their boys would have wanted, so I thought I'd take some time to assure their moms that no prayer is ever a waste of time, and they are always heard and applied with mercy and in honor of the prayer intentions.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
UAE writes off Iraq's $7 Billion owed to them
I am enormously impressed with this brotherly and very generous, indeed huge, decision. May God bless you with great mercy and generosity in return.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=24§ion=0&article=111593&d=7&m=7&y=2008
snip
ABU DHABI: The UAE yesterday waived all of nearly $7 billion Iraq owed the emirates and appointed an ambassador to Baghdad.
The announcements were made by UAE President Sheikh Khalifa ibn Zayed Al-Nahyan during a reception he held for visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki at Al-Buteen Palace in Abu Dhabi.
State news agency WAM said the principal debt owed by Iraq to the UAE totaled $4 billion loaned at different times. Sources told Arab News that with interest accruing on the principal over time the total debt amounted to just under $7 billion.
Maliki, in office since May 2006, thanked the UAE for the debt cancellation, telling a meeting with local businessmen in Abu Dhabi that it was a “swift and courageous” decision.
WAM quoted Sheikh Khalifa as saying he hoped canceling the debt would lighten the “economic burden” facing Iraqis, whom he urged to unite behind Maliki’s government.
Iraq has been appealing for relief of at least $67 billion in foreign debt — owed mostly to Arab countries which have been reluctant to forgive Iraq’s belligerence during Saddam Hussein’s regime.
http://www.arabnews.com/?page=24§ion=0&article=111593&d=7&m=7&y=2008
snip
ABU DHABI: The UAE yesterday waived all of nearly $7 billion Iraq owed the emirates and appointed an ambassador to Baghdad.
The announcements were made by UAE President Sheikh Khalifa ibn Zayed Al-Nahyan during a reception he held for visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki at Al-Buteen Palace in Abu Dhabi.
State news agency WAM said the principal debt owed by Iraq to the UAE totaled $4 billion loaned at different times. Sources told Arab News that with interest accruing on the principal over time the total debt amounted to just under $7 billion.
Maliki, in office since May 2006, thanked the UAE for the debt cancellation, telling a meeting with local businessmen in Abu Dhabi that it was a “swift and courageous” decision.
WAM quoted Sheikh Khalifa as saying he hoped canceling the debt would lighten the “economic burden” facing Iraqis, whom he urged to unite behind Maliki’s government.
Iraq has been appealing for relief of at least $67 billion in foreign debt — owed mostly to Arab countries which have been reluctant to forgive Iraq’s belligerence during Saddam Hussein’s regime.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Article about a wartime chaplain
This is a very emotional look at one of the dedicated and brave men of God who minister on the battlefield. Highly recommended.
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cherokee/stories/2008/06/21/georgians_in_iraq.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cherokee/stories/2008/06/21/georgians_in_iraq.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab
An excellent article: California's 500 war deaths
I was just so impressed with the journalistic integrity of this article reporting on the 500th war death experienced by California state. With such a painful and divisive topic, the journalist wrote a wonderful article that "is what it is," with fairness and respectful sensitivity.
LA Times has some fine and very relevant reporters.
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-hemet21-2008jun21,0,5782180.story
LA Times has some fine and very relevant reporters.
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-hemet21-2008jun21,0,5782180.story
Monday, May 19, 2008
Soldiers must not defame the Qur'an
Not only is it wrong to deface or defame the Qur'an for general moral holy book reasons, but it is also anti-Christian to deface or defame the Qur'an.
American soldiers and others must understand that the Qur'an is full of the names of Jesus and Mary. When that idiot soldier or soldiers shot the Qur'an in Iraq they were at the same time shooting the names of Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, who are revered and mentioned frequently throughout the Islamic holy book.
\facepalm/
American soldiers and others must understand that the Qur'an is full of the names of Jesus and Mary. When that idiot soldier or soldiers shot the Qur'an in Iraq they were at the same time shooting the names of Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, who are revered and mentioned frequently throughout the Islamic holy book.
\facepalm/
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
More about the ruining of Iraq
http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKKAM75135720080422?rpc=401&
snip
Iraqi children desperate to learn in ruined schools
By Wisam Mohammed and Salim Ureibi
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Even after clashes erupted in the Sadr City slum in Baghdad, Thamir Saadoun still tried to go to school, hoping it would be open. When he got there the guard told him to go home. That was more than two weeks ago.
"I miss my friends. I haven't seen them for weeks, I want to play with them," said Saadoun, 12.
"I am fed up from sitting at home. I want to return to school to study and to be a doctor, to treat wounded people in the future if attacks happen."
The education system in Iraq, once the envy of the Middle East, is now in tatters.
Violence, a collapse of school infrastructure and the mass displacement of both pupils and teachers have turned many of Iraq's schools into fetid overcrowded ruins, jeopardising the futures of millions of children like Saadoun.
At the end of the 1980s, after pouring oil money into schools, Iraq had virtually eliminated illiteracy.
But after two decades of economic sanctions and war, one third of Iraqi adults now cannot read, Education Minister Khodhair al-Khozaei told Reuters.
snip
Iraqi children desperate to learn in ruined schools
By Wisam Mohammed and Salim Ureibi
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Even after clashes erupted in the Sadr City slum in Baghdad, Thamir Saadoun still tried to go to school, hoping it would be open. When he got there the guard told him to go home. That was more than two weeks ago.
"I miss my friends. I haven't seen them for weeks, I want to play with them," said Saadoun, 12.
"I am fed up from sitting at home. I want to return to school to study and to be a doctor, to treat wounded people in the future if attacks happen."
The education system in Iraq, once the envy of the Middle East, is now in tatters.
Violence, a collapse of school infrastructure and the mass displacement of both pupils and teachers have turned many of Iraq's schools into fetid overcrowded ruins, jeopardising the futures of millions of children like Saadoun.
At the end of the 1980s, after pouring oil money into schools, Iraq had virtually eliminated illiteracy.
But after two decades of economic sanctions and war, one third of Iraqi adults now cannot read, Education Minister Khodhair al-Khozaei told Reuters.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
20 years since gas attack in Iraq killed villagers
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/F6B0D713-9330-4466-82ED-7D208EE86E95.htm
snip
Iraqi Kurds remember the deaths of 5,000 villagers killed 20 years ago in chemical attacks in Halabja blamed on Saddam Hussein's forces during the Iran-Iraq war.
Kurdish villagers dressed in black to mark the anniversary of March 16, 1988.
Ceremonies were also held in Baghdad, the capital, and the main Kurdish city of Arbil.
Victims' families also used Sunday's anniversary to renew their demands for compensation and to demand that those behind the killings be hanged.
Suad Hassan, 50, a Halabja resident, said: "My three brothers and parents died in the attacks. I am the only survivor from my family."
"We want compensation and we also demand that Ali Hassan al-Majid be executed in Halabja."
Majid was sentenced to death by an Iraqi court last year, charged with genocide and found guilty of overseeing the killing of 180,000 Kurds in the 1988 Anfal campaign. Legal arguments have delayed his execution.
Some Kurds, who still see a higher cancer rate and other health problems 20 years later, are also demanding that the companies which supplied the Iraqi government with chemical weapons be sued.
Ahmed Abdallah, 75, a villager, said: "My nine children died in the attacks. I had six daughters and three sons. We want the company which supplied the gas to be prosecuted."
snip
Ali al-Dabbagh, an Iraqi government spokesman, said Iraq had plans to seek compensation from companies and countries which supplied chemicals.
"We are also approaching the United Nations to declare March 16 as an international day against chemical arms," al-Dabbagh said in a statement.
***
I was outraged when this happened, and wondered why everyone in the western sphere was so silent about Saddam's evils then.
I fully support the proposal to declare March 16 as an International Day Against Chemical Arms. It's something that both liberal and conservative hypocrites should be able to support, one would think.
snip
Iraqi Kurds remember the deaths of 5,000 villagers killed 20 years ago in chemical attacks in Halabja blamed on Saddam Hussein's forces during the Iran-Iraq war.
Kurdish villagers dressed in black to mark the anniversary of March 16, 1988.
Ceremonies were also held in Baghdad, the capital, and the main Kurdish city of Arbil.
Victims' families also used Sunday's anniversary to renew their demands for compensation and to demand that those behind the killings be hanged.
Suad Hassan, 50, a Halabja resident, said: "My three brothers and parents died in the attacks. I am the only survivor from my family."
"We want compensation and we also demand that Ali Hassan al-Majid be executed in Halabja."
Majid was sentenced to death by an Iraqi court last year, charged with genocide and found guilty of overseeing the killing of 180,000 Kurds in the 1988 Anfal campaign. Legal arguments have delayed his execution.
Some Kurds, who still see a higher cancer rate and other health problems 20 years later, are also demanding that the companies which supplied the Iraqi government with chemical weapons be sued.
Ahmed Abdallah, 75, a villager, said: "My nine children died in the attacks. I had six daughters and three sons. We want the company which supplied the gas to be prosecuted."
snip
Ali al-Dabbagh, an Iraqi government spokesman, said Iraq had plans to seek compensation from companies and countries which supplied chemicals.
"We are also approaching the United Nations to declare March 16 as an international day against chemical arms," al-Dabbagh said in a statement.
***
I was outraged when this happened, and wondered why everyone in the western sphere was so silent about Saddam's evils then.
I fully support the proposal to declare March 16 as an International Day Against Chemical Arms. It's something that both liberal and conservative hypocrites should be able to support, one would think.
Displaced Iraqi families have NOTHING
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=6483
And then read this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7299914.stm
***
That d*** conflict. What an unbelievable shame and mess. How could people have been so stupid and irresponsible 5 years ago???
And then read this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7299914.stm
***
That d*** conflict. What an unbelievable shame and mess. How could people have been so stupid and irresponsible 5 years ago???
Saturday, March 1, 2008
First ever visit by Iran president to Iraq
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23429996/
snip
BAGHDAD - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived Sunday in Baghdad for the first-ever visit by an Iranian president to Iraq, waving as he stepped off his plane to be greeted by representatives of a nation that was once Iran’s bitter enemy.
snip
Iran and Iraq are both led by Shiite Muslims. The two countries were hostile to each other during Saddam’s regime and fought a long and destructive war during most of the 1980s. But Ahmadinejad sought to reassure Iraqis ahead of the trip that Iran is not fueling violence in Iraq.
“Iran has no need to intervene in Iraq. It is friendly to all groups in Iraq. Isn’t it ridiculous that those who have deployed 160,000 troops in Iraq accuse us of intervening there?” the Iranian state-run news agency, IRNA, quoted Ahmadinejad as saying.
***
I'm all for the visit.
snip
BAGHDAD - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived Sunday in Baghdad for the first-ever visit by an Iranian president to Iraq, waving as he stepped off his plane to be greeted by representatives of a nation that was once Iran’s bitter enemy.
snip
Iran and Iraq are both led by Shiite Muslims. The two countries were hostile to each other during Saddam’s regime and fought a long and destructive war during most of the 1980s. But Ahmadinejad sought to reassure Iraqis ahead of the trip that Iran is not fueling violence in Iraq.
“Iran has no need to intervene in Iraq. It is friendly to all groups in Iraq. Isn’t it ridiculous that those who have deployed 160,000 troops in Iraq accuse us of intervening there?” the Iranian state-run news agency, IRNA, quoted Ahmadinejad as saying.
***
I'm all for the visit.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Again I urge Iraqi Christians to save themselves
snip
Pope Benedict XVI lamented the suffering of Christians in Iraq, and their steady exodus from that country, during a June 21 conversation with an Iraqi Orthodox leader.
The Pope remarked that Christians are "suffering both materially and spiritually" in the Middle East, the birthplace of the faith. "Particularly in Iraq," he said, "Christian families and communities are feeling increasing pressure from insecurity, aggression and a sense of abandonment. Many of them see no other possibility than to leave the country and to seek a new future abroad."
snip
Meanwhile, the Pontiff said, the immediate struggles of all Christians in Iraq "are a source of great concern to me, and I wish to express my solidarity with the pastors and the faithful of the Christian communities who remain there, often at the price of heroic sacrifices."
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=51947
I share the Pope's concern for Eastern Christians, as I've posted on this blog before. But they should get out as soon as possible, and I urge them to go to Syria if they are in a dangerous area, rather than wait for permission for a Western country. It is not as though the brave Eastern Christians are taking a stand for their religion, but rather, they are being used as unconscionable cannon fodder as all sides slaughter each other, and the Christians are the only ones to be non violent and turn the other cheek. That is not a sacrifice that God would want them to make; the safety of their families and their clergy must come first. I urge those who have contacts in Iraq to stress that they should get out as soon as possible and to see if they can go to Syria quickly. As sad as it is I am more optimistic than our Holy Father that they can carry their faith with them and be supported in places that they do not expect.
Pope Benedict XVI lamented the suffering of Christians in Iraq, and their steady exodus from that country, during a June 21 conversation with an Iraqi Orthodox leader.
The Pope remarked that Christians are "suffering both materially and spiritually" in the Middle East, the birthplace of the faith. "Particularly in Iraq," he said, "Christian families and communities are feeling increasing pressure from insecurity, aggression and a sense of abandonment. Many of them see no other possibility than to leave the country and to seek a new future abroad."
snip
Meanwhile, the Pontiff said, the immediate struggles of all Christians in Iraq "are a source of great concern to me, and I wish to express my solidarity with the pastors and the faithful of the Christian communities who remain there, often at the price of heroic sacrifices."
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=51947
I share the Pope's concern for Eastern Christians, as I've posted on this blog before. But they should get out as soon as possible, and I urge them to go to Syria if they are in a dangerous area, rather than wait for permission for a Western country. It is not as though the brave Eastern Christians are taking a stand for their religion, but rather, they are being used as unconscionable cannon fodder as all sides slaughter each other, and the Christians are the only ones to be non violent and turn the other cheek. That is not a sacrifice that God would want them to make; the safety of their families and their clergy must come first. I urge those who have contacts in Iraq to stress that they should get out as soon as possible and to see if they can go to Syria quickly. As sad as it is I am more optimistic than our Holy Father that they can carry their faith with them and be supported in places that they do not expect.
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