Tolerance Has Its Limits

In a previous post I touted tolerance as the key to peace. After the terrorist attacks in Mambai on Wednesday I must conclude that tolerance has its limits. The Mujahideen who claim responsibility for these acts of cowardice do little to promote tolerance and do much to promote hate. Mujahideen (the members of a Muslim guerrilla force) claim divine authority for their activities. That claim is self serving. If these acts of terrorism continue there will be no hope of peace until Islam in no uncertain terms rejects violence as a divine act. The tolerance that Muslim nations have shown for gangsters like the Mujahideen is misplaced and invites suspicion and mistrust.

Better than nothing or grateful for something: the Cleveland Indians, the Cleveland Browns, The United Nations , CD interest rates , today’s shrinking newspapers, economic stimulus packages , " time horizon" for Iraq troop withdrawal, only fifty-nine more days of the Bush administration ! Better than nothing - part of a colon!

Better than nothing or grateful for something: the Cleveland Indians, the Cleveland Browns, The United Nations , CD interest rates , today’s shrinking newspapers, economic stimulus packages , " time horizon" for Iraq troop withdrawal, only fifty-nine more days of the Bush administration ! Better than nothing - part of a colon!

Back like a bad penny

I came across the expression “back like a bad penny” ( in reference to Robert Gates). I had not seen or heard the expression in some time. Did inflation render it obsolete? Probably not since I haven’t seen or heard the expression “back like a bad dollar”. In these troubled economic times every penny helps.

Back like a bad penny

I came across the expression “back like a bad penny” ( in reference to Robert Gates). I had not seen or heard the expression in some time. Did inflation render it obsolete? Probably not since I haven’t seen or heard the expression “back like a bad dollar”. In these troubled economic times every penny helps.

Key To Peace

On the forty-fifth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy it is fitting to recall the commencement address he made at American University on June 10, 1963. Listening to that speech on NPR last night I was taken with how much can be applied to today’s world problems. In particular he pointed out that it is not paramount that we love our neighbors. Tolerating our neighbors would suffice. The suspicion with which we view one another must be replaced with tolerance. Kennedy also took this country to task when he said that the peace that we seek is “not a Pax Americana enforced on the world by American weapons of war”. Both objectives have escaped us over the years. Someone must carry the banner that Kennedy unfurled. Could it be that Barack Obama will be that leader? Let us pray that if he takes up the challenge, and he should, we will not see another November 22, 1963.

( As an aside, in Kennedy’s American University address he mentioned that “everyone knows that the United States would not start a war”. Unfortunately, after Iraq this is a claim we can no longer make.)

The question has been asked as to whether or not Congress should freeze the remaining bailout funds. The answer is yes as long as they use my freezer.

Recession Proof ?

Unemployment rates at record levels, home foreclosures at record levels, individual bankruptcies at record levels, bank failures increasing and once proud corporations on the brink of bankruptcy. Economic turmoil reigns - or does it. Apparently professional sport franchises think they are recession proof. There is hardly any talk of reigning in expenses. Ticket prices are on the rise. Player salaries are figures that no ordinary person can comprehend. How long before the insecurity of fans takes its toll on attendance. How long before cash strapped corporations drastically cut back on sponsorships and advertising. Is there a sports franchise bubble burst on the horizon?

Bail Out Auto Companies?

All the talk about bailing out the Big Three auto companies has left me with mixed feelings. As I recall the crappy vehicles they peddled to me years ago , I say no. As I think about the devastating effect on our economy, I say yes. If the latter, it should be done right. These are not people to be trusted. They are greedy, egotistical and and put their own welfare and that of their stockholders ahead of what is good for the country.

What to do? I think Thomas L. Friedman put it all in perspective in his Op-Ed New York Times article of 11/11/08, "How To Fix A Flat". Friedman advocates no blank checks to the auto companies. Any bailout should be based on tough conditions such as a new management team and board, together with a commitment to a business strategy based on conversion to fuel efficient vehicles on a timely basis. The government must strictly oversee the expenditure of funds.

To do less than Friedman advocates would be a betrayal of taxpayers.

Israel Will Test Obama

In my posting of 7/28/08, "Joined At The Hip" I questioned the apparent deep involvement of Israel in shaping our foreign policy. Today in a Reuters report I read that Israel's Foreign Minister cautions against Obama dialogue with Iran. The print on the newspaper headlines proclaiming Obama's election victory is hardly dry and an Israeli official is already lecturing Obama on foreign policy. During the course of the recent campaign Joe Biden warned “Mark my words. It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy." He knew what he was talking about. What he did not say and what is evident to me is that Israel will play a huge role in testing President - Elect Obama.

Bravo Barack Obama

Any thoughts I have on Barack Obama becoming the 44th President of The United States would only echo what is being said by the pundits. Suffice to say that I'm encouraged for the future of this country. My grandchildren and great grandchildren will live in a changed and greater America if Barack Obama lives up to his potential. Bravo, Barack Obama!

Sharia Law Flawed

Stoning victim 'begged for mercy'. “she was forced into a hole, buried up to her neck then pelted with stones until she died in front of more than 1,000 people.” Sharia law as applied by radical Islamists in Somalia is an abomination. Until Islam cleanses itself of barbaric practices in the name of Allah the religion will be viewed with suspect. It is time for Muslims to bring their religion into the 21st century. All religions have their shortcomings but the radical fringe of Islam has gone beyond shortcomings. A God that condones suicide bombing, beheading and stoning must live in Hades.