mousecrazy

The Geneva convention (and I don't have one in my purse, so I'm paraphrasing) applies to uniformed and declared military combatants. It does not and has never applied to "guerilla" or terrorist, un-uniformed combatants. This is not some weird interpretation of the Bush administration. I am open to being educated about a war where the Geneva Conventions were held to apply to insurgents. We are, in reality, in a war with Iran, who is supporting, funding, and supplying the insurgency. I gues it's called a war by proxy. Iraq is just a place this battle is being waged...you are going to have to forget country boundaries and affiliations in this modern conflict...it is all about the ideology; country affiliations are irrelevant in this regard. Does a river know through which country it is flowing? Re: Christian radical terrorists...if one has to reach back to the Crusades, I just don't think one is going to get a lot of traction currently in light of the pressing danger presented by jihadis the world over.

I don't know that Condaleeza is interested, either...I always thought she wanted to own an NFL team. However, she does have the qualifications.

How can I say this clearly? I hardly think that an isolated incident (if verifiable, and maybe it is) is equal in ANY WAY to the type of situation the Iraqi people endured over decades, with millions killed and more tortured. Dare I say that there might be a tad, just a bit, of paranoia toward Christians on your part? I cannot dredge up a long list of terror attacks committed by Christians in the name of Jesus. On the other hand, I and others have produced several long lists of radical Islamic terror attacks. Can you not see the forest for the trees? Paranoia? Alright then, what you are calling for is for Homeland Security to discontinue or reduce screening for terror plots from Muslim radicals (in which case we would have missed that big one in the UK), and start paying greater attention to the Christian radicals? This is the imminent threat you believe requires greater attention and focus? Are you serious? Following this argument further, is there a presidential candidate out there at this point who reflects this point of view? I'm interested in who you might be supporting, but perhaps it is too early for that. I know I do not yet have a favorite.

I do like Lynn Cheney, and while she has business experience, has written some good history books, is eloquent, has been the Chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts, and co-hosted Crossfire...I am not sure she has the qualifications for President. I wasn't sure of Elizabeth Dole, either, but I would take a second look.

Thank you, BJean, for a really interesting exchange. The US is very different from Hussein. I do not believe that any US President, upon election, called all the members of his party in, identified 60 or so traitors, had them leave the room, and then had the remaining members go out and shoot them. I don't think any US President ruled by terror, killing millions of Americans, and causing families to fear that at any minute, one of their family members could be pulled out and tortured or killed...or their daughters or wives raped, tortured or killed. This was the way of life in Iraq under Hussein. There is a documentary on National Geographic Channel that covers this very topic, if you can stand to watch it. I am a wife and mother, too. I don't like war, but if that is what it takes to save people from THIS, then so be it. I just want our military to be allowed to perform the task they are trained to do; not be beat cops (not that there's anything wrong with that; I support the police, but it's a different job). If we need to destroy an enemy to protect ourselves, then let's get to it and quit pretending the job doesn't have to be done. As for home grown terrorists...aren't they Muslim, too? I'm not trying to be sarcastic. For example, there was a failed bomb attempt at an OU football game last fall...unfortunately, the student killed himself. Fortunately, he was unable to gain entrance to the game, and didn't kill anyone else. This would be a homegrown terrorist, but he was Muslim. What type of homegrown terrorists, blowing stuff up, are you referring to, laurend?

More common ground, I think...I agree we should keep an eye on China for sure. I know India is gaining ground, but I have not studied the situation there as far as its relationship with America. I perceive it to be an ally; I do not perceive China to be. Is it really paranoia when Ahmadinejad goes on the "hate America" tour (and even calls it something like that)? You can call it paranoia, but I think of it as pragmatic or realistic. I'd prefer to be paranoid and prepared, than not. I'd rather face the consequences of paranoia than foolish optimism, at least in this area. As others have pointed out, the Islamic hatred for us has been going on for a long time (to bring it back to the topic--long before Bush). That is why I often try to get everyone turned to the problems and away from the Bush-hating. He's a moot point in some ways...we do agree that these problems will exist after he has left office, and existed before he came. We don't agree on lots of other things, I know.

Definitely, there are different situations in different sectors of the economy. Just curious, what type of business are you in? Why do you think your company is sending jobs oversees? Is your company aware of the mistakes that you are having to fix?

I like Lynn Cheney, but I don't think she has any interest in a political race.

I'm not especially happy when I call customer support and deal with heavy accents that are hard to understand, but otherwise, outsourcing has not had much of a personal impact. The US economy is doing very well overall...what economic recovery are you concerned about? Interest rates are low, the stock market is doing well (indication of a robust economy)... If a company decides to outsource jobs to other companies, there are reasons for that...the question to ask is WHY? What conditions here make it a profitable decision to do that? I also understand that some companies that were outsourcing have discontinued that practice, because they did not consider the "hidden costs" of doing business out of the country (bribery/graft). Yes, the pay scale was lower, but the pay-offs cost quite a bit.

Good luck to both of you! I guess I'm an "oldie"...I've been banded 17 months, today! You can read my signature to see my progress...I am very, very happy with where I am today! The best advice I have is that you need to be patient...it's hard, but so important! Take it nice and easy, and you will be successful. After so many years with a weird relationship with food...I understand that...it will be easy to hit a plateau, and think, "Well, that's it. See, I'm a big failure." It's NOT TRUE! Most people do not lose steadily; there are weeks, sometimes months, where weight stays basically the same. Don't fall into that trap! Stick with it, live a "normal" life...and re-learn your relationship with food. See yourself as a beginner with food, and you are given a fresh start! Good luck to you...you will do fine! Come here often with questions, and ask away! Hugs, Cindy

Seriously, and I know you will not like this, but not really. Peace talks and accords and agreements have been tried; all have failed. Israel has made land concessions, and still there are wars. Now, Iran has big intentions, and due to Iran and Syria, the problems in Iraq continue to build and Israel fears being "wiped from the face of the Earth." What can we possibly do to change the belief system of people who raise their kids to kill us? Their tv's are filled with images of the Statue of Liberty superimposed with Satan and fire. It's their version of MTV. I know it feels good to say we need to find a political solution...but I have no idea what that means. I know what killing the enemy means. Sorry it's so blunt, and so unpopular here, but that is my honest answer to your question.

Hi ladies! I took DD to school, then went right to the store to grocery shop (no left behind bags! I made sure!) Made the post office run for the Ebay shipping, and back home. Whew! (I'm just kidding...it's a breeze compared to my old life!) Beanie, stay warm up there in NJ1 Are you gonna see Eileen? Darcy, keep after it, and that scale WILL move! If I don't worry about it, it seems like it moves faster...the more I worry about it, the more it sticks. I guess it is like that watched pot my mom always told me about...glad you got your hair color done...I need to to get a haircut now. Then I can do a new avatar! Mandy, how are you doing? Thinking of you! Your friend's family is on the prayer list at First United Methodist Church of Denton. Mary, you are so busy, girl! I'm so glad you are getting to post more now, instead of just read! Take care. Eileen...just saying hi, in case you actually get to read during the day! Betty, hope your day is a good one...at least there is some sunshine for you today. Kat...the snow fun sounded great! I am hoping your knee and everything else is okay from that fall. That ice is tricky! I can just see your g-baby throwing a fit because she didn't want to go in...I bet she takes a good nap! You too, okay? Okay, off to do something that needs to be done...enough of this fun stuff! Hugs to all, Cindy

That is hysterical! We should all save this picture. Never know when it will come in handy!

I used the oxymoron on purpose. There is no perfection in politics. As for the UN, no...the fact that other (third world) countries don't kowtow to the US is NOT what makes it corrupt. The entire structure lends itself to corruption. It is the gold-standard of bureaucracy that exists to guarantee it's continued existence. Each member country has one vote, so naturally little tiny countries (who contribute practically nothing to its HUGE operating budget) can band together to block vote against the interest of the US. This is not good for America, who supplies, in contrast, a large percentage of the UN's operational funds. These bureaucrats spend the day doing mostly nothing, making much more than than comparable jobs in the real world (where they are expected to contriubte to a bottom line), have immunity from simple laws (like traffic tickets) and a pretty wonderful benefit plan. What makes it corrupt are scams such as the most recent Oil for Food program...and others like it. It is a mistake to place America's foreign policy and security interests in the hands of people whose stated public goals are to destroy us. Does this honestly make sense to you? Please, make your case for the effectiveness of the UN and why we should have faith in their ability to solve any issue, at all. Has anything been solved there in the past ten years? Five years? Passing resolutions does not count if there is no enforcement (we have to have some criteria).

Alrighty, then...I added a log place for my miles on the bottom of my signature! I am excited about it! Yea, us! Cass, congrats on your lost inches! It is SOOOOO exciting, right? There will be times where the scale won't budge, but your body is adjusting and changing...remember that! Mary, your sis was your little angel today...that is too cool! We went to church, and heard the new pastor...I think we're really going to be happy with him! Then, I got my cookie order done...OMG cookie he**! Now, I'm going to organize my coupons...DD loves to cut them out. Gotta go for now...everyone have a great day!

In regard to "democratically elected leaders", I am sure the savvy readers of this thread are aware that not all elections are held in the same manner as are ours, as imperfect and flawed as ours may be in places...we are still not voting in terror that the wrong vote will result in the deaths of our family. I do believe that situation exists in some of the "other" democratic countries on the planet. Perhaps one problem is in the expectation of perfection...perhaps people want the pure-white-driven-snow in the motivations of politicians...I fear that these people are doomed to perpetual dissatisfaction and despair. I continue to maintain that Bush-hatred is sapping the energy out of otherwise good-intentioned people, and is doing nothing to provide positive ideas, direction or solutions to the critical issues that face the United States. Another thing: The UN is a corrupt organization, and due to its corruption, is functionally useless in addressing issues such as nuclear proliferation and global security. This has nothing whatsoever to do with the current US president, and will not be solved when a new US president is elected. Forget about them. Now, how do we deal with these issues? Please define "meddle". Is it meddling when we are requested (oh, yes...I believe the term is often DEMANDED) to step in and force a resolution to a situation....? Is it meddling when it is unpopular to those on the left, but reasonable when it involves environmental issues or global warming? I get confused....I know, you guys are not surprised. Poor mouse.

Looking forward to Thursday, Feb 1...Jason's Deli...Loop 288...6:30-8:30!!! North Texas bandster meeting! Bumping.... (I edited to clarify date...Feb 1 is the correct date!)

Amen, Jack. What I was looking for was suggestions for resolving the terrorism threats. We agree that we do not support or defend terrorism (unlike Carter, apparently). Now, we can't count on the UN to do anything. We can talk to our enemies, okay. What is it we talk about? Please, stop raising your children to think that the US and Christians are Satan's spawn? Stop calling for the destruction of Israel and portraying all Jews as apes? Stop telling your children that strapping bombs to their bodies and blowing themselves up is better than living? How do you negotiate with this ideology? As Jack also pointed out...where are the examples of radical Christians blowing up and hijacking cruise ships and airplanes, and attacking foreign embassies? We cannot hope to deal with a problem if we continue to see it through the soft-focus lens of political correctness. This is the point I am trying to get at least some of you to consider. I know it sounds good to say we should use diplomacy, but I am wondering...how? I've brought this up before, but when chaos is the aim (such as in messianic Islam) then why would we delude ourselves into thinking they want peace? Not everyone wants peace; they certainly don't. This won't be very popular around these parts, but the National Park Service may not exist 250 years from now. That kind of depends on if there is a USA, doesn't it?

Hey everyone! Oooh, sorry Betty...how frustrating! What a yucky day to be out running double errands! I just hate it when all your bags aren't in your basket; that's happened to me before, too. Patty, looks like things continue to look hopeful...your day sounds so wonderful! Kat...you scared the pee out of me, but I am glad Rick is okay! Hope your exercise building went okay! Darcy, we can add our miles to our signature...is that what you want us to do...I'm kinda thinking if we post it as a separte thread, we'll get extras, and then there's no telling what could happen! (You know how shy we are!) I started wearing a pedometer today, so I can really keep track of my miles. You are having a good influence on me! We went to a used book store for the Girl Scout meeting today...it sure beats the all day hike we originally planned! Later this evening, I have to add up all the girls' cookie orders...and figure out how many to order for our booth sales...sound like fun? haha It's raining and raining...it's cold but not freezing, thank goodness. Mandy, glad you are doing okay. I know it hurts, but hopefully, in the end, it will be all better! Sherry, hope the acid reflux is all better...and you enjoyed all your shopping! See you girlies later, Cindy

Something I would like clarification on: What exactly is the anti-Bush position on terrorism? Do you approve of it? Do you deny its existance? When Bush is out of office will it automatically decrease in intensity? Will they love us more then? I posted a summarization of Jack's more detailed list earlier, and it keeps returning (Groundhog Day) to Iraq, as though there is some sort of compartmentalization of these things, and they are not connected. I see them as part of one big thing. I suppose there is a difference of opinion here, between the anti-Bush folk and people like me. What I have a problem with is that none of this is going to change, we will have a new President, and we are still going to live in the United States (well, some of us) and our enemies will still want our destruction. Then what? Could the other side explain the plan?

Wow! I just popped on here to check in, never expecting that you would beat me on here, Mandy! I'm very, very, glad to hear that all went smoothly, that you have lunch coming, that you have your meds, and you are able to post! All GREAT news! Now, you go rest, missy! Patty, that's it. One foot in front of the other, take care of business. We are all grateful to Sherry for helping out. Mary, glad you have good news on Cristian's dr. appt...I know how much we worry about our kids...so relax a little this weekend. Maybe you guys can cut out those hearts for my Christmas, er, Valentine's tree??? Just kiddin'! Darcy, thanks for the encouragement, and I'll turn in my miles (of all kinds) at the end of the month. I bet we'll travel far in '07! I know I've missed some personals...I'll catch up with them later... Hugs to all! Cindy

Dianne, so much of what you are going through is like what we went through with my mom, but just for a different reason. The medication does make a difference in her personality; you can count on that. It is so hard to remember that, though, when you or DH are tired and worried, and you are trying so hard to be caring and do the right thing. You end up getting your feelings hurts, or you get downright angry. It's normal, very normal, and it won't do any good to beat yourself up over it. She does not know what she is saying/doing. Keep praying. Mandy, (((HUGS))). Good luck tomorrow. I will say extra prayers for you. Okay...Darcy...I did 30 minutes of good decent exercise today...so, that's 1.5 miles to add to our journey...I will start wearing a pedometer, and 2000 steps equals a mile, so I'll start keeping track of that, too. Thanks for clearing up the non-challenge thing...remember the ice cream/sweets fizzle? This feels better! Betty, I bet you a frozen little popsicle...I know you don't like this cold weather! And we might get some more frozen stuff tomorrow? And Monday? Where's this global warming people keep talking about...? I watch American Idol!!!!! I agree...Simon Cowell tells it like it is. I do not think the truth is rude. I tell you what I wonder about....don't these poor untalented people have parents....or friends? I mean, shouldn't someone tell them that a career in singing, well, "not so much"? I sure would want my mom and dad, or my good friend, to tie me to a tree before letting me make a complete *ss of myself. Seriously. Like Beanie said, "What is WRONG with people?" (great book title...LOL!) Mary, I know I'm a complete holiday separation failure...but it's comforting to know there are others like me out in the world! (As I sit looking at my Christmas tree...I haven't searched the 'net for little hearts to decorate....yet). LOL! Jules...are you going to the Jason's Deli thingie? Did you tell me that already? How's the gym? Eileen...tomorrow's Friday! Have a good day, and hope Saturday will come real soon and you'll have time to chat! Anne...tick-tock..boy, it's getting close to work time! I sure hope you can get LBT! I always could, even at MY job! Yeah, thanks for the sympathetic understanding of the patheticness of the district administration...and you were right that the principal was just NOT wanting to have me around for another day...maybe he also knew how stupid it was, too. I mean, who couldn't see that, really? It's all going to work out okay, as most things tend to do. Kat, Sherry, Chrispy, Patty, Pat...hope everyone is staying nice, dry, and warm!

Skyblue, I don't understand your "really". Do you mean you agree that most Americans don't hold race as a deciding factor? Or, was that a sarcastic "realllllly" and you do think most Americans are racist? I picked this part, because you put in bold. Did you mean something else?

No problem, Wheetsin. This is a subject that is interesting to me, and one that many people in America are unaware of, I think. Sometimes Americans look toward Europe as being "ahead" of us, and if they do, they might want to look there now, and be forewarned. Thank you, RC, for posting a very provocative topic.

Yea! I found the thread...I have this on my calendar, and plan to attend...if something interferes, I will let you know. Glad to see some interest, and looking forward to meeting everyone! Cindy