They Made A Funny!

Al Gore Caught Warming Globe To Increase Box Office Profits

Al Gore Caught Warming Globe To Increase Box-Office Profits

Frank Caliendo on Letterman

Many of you may have seen this already, but if you haven't, enjoy! Caliendo's impression of Bush is perfect!

Views on the War

We as civilians have to rely on the media to give us our information. We trust them to give us accurate, unbiased information. We aren't on the ground in Iraq, so we don't personally know what is going on there. Our elected officials also tell us what is going on in Iraq, but it is hard to get good information out of them due to their desire to hang on to power; they tell us what we want to hear, as opposed to the truth.

Depending on how partisan you are, you might think that either we are not hearing enough "good news" coming out of Iraq, or you don't want to hear any good news because you want President Bush to fail in "his" war. This may be an over simplistic view, but it seems like the hard right complain that we don't hear the good news (which the media say they cannot find due to how dangerous it is on the ground) and the hard left give us only the bad and perhaps don't want to find any good coming out of this war. Where does that leave the majority of us in the middle who just want to know what the hell is going on? Because of technology, we have soldiers on the ground, who can update us in real-time on their experiences over there. What I have found though, is that depending on the soldier, some have only positive things to say (you have probably gotten the email forwarded to you, where a soldier emails home to let his family know how he is doing, and that the "media don't tell you the good things that are happening over here") while others post on blogs how miserable they are, and how the Iraqis don't want them there, etc. Whom do we believe?

I ran across this essay posted today on the web by a guy who has done one tour already, and is deploying for another one next April. I also found this blog from a contractor, who is LDS who is back in Iraq for a second time and just loves it over there. He says it has been one of the best experiences of his life. Why the disparity? What causes some people over there to only see the good, and others with such low moral? My brother-in-law has done one tour which lasted a year, and he has to go back for another one next year, which will be 18 months. Obviously, he is not excited. He has a family that he does not want to leave, but of course will since it is his duty to serve. He told me that there is no tangible enemy--there is no one to shoot at! He said bombs just go off every day. All of our men are getting blown up because you can't shoot at a bomb. Moral is very low, and they are all very excited about Rumsfeld retiring. Now, I must note that my brother-in-law is not political at all. He is not a partisan left or right winger, so I trust his explanation on what is going on on the ground. He is a moderate independent who doesn't really care who is in the White House, since no matter who is there is still the commander-in-chief. The bottom line is, I just find it interesting how so many people in the same situation seeing the sames things, actually see them differently. I suspect that partisan politics has something to do with that, but I don't know for sure.

Gingrich and his foul mouth -- and his foul head

Shame on Mr. Gingrich. I was starting to like him and think that he was on his way back to sealing a new contract with America. Like a recovering alcoholic on a lonely Saturday night, I have changed my tune. I have posted multiple times that I like what Keith Olbermann has occassionaly said and this rant is no different. I'm not sure how many things I have to agree with him to actually give him credit, but so far I haven't been able to go that far. Anyways, here is a rant, typical of what Olbermann has become, and I love it.

My favorite quote is the below,

"It is in those groups where you would have found your kindred spirits, Mr. Gingrich.
Those who had no faith in freedom, no faith in this country, and, ultimately, no faith even in the strength of their own ideas, to stand up on their own legs, without having the playing-field tilted entirely to their benefit."

Here is the link ... http://www.crooksandliars.com/2006/11/30/olbermanns-special-comment-on-gingrich-we-fight-for-liberty-by-having-more-liberty-and-not-less/

A Positive Move by Evangelicals

Good article on Mitt winning the Evangelical vote. http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-blogs/ajc/politicalinsider/entries/2006/11/27/mitt_romney_and_whether_a_morm.html

Brace Yourselves Mitt's "Mormonism" Is Getting Personal

Wow...Here we are 2 years before the next presidential election. Mitt Romney hasn't even declared his presidency but yet the "real" attacks against what Mitt is all about are beginning. I have copied an email that maybe some of you have seen. It is patently offensive and I post it only to show the horror of what the opposition is not afraid to do or say about Mitt and his fellow LDS. This is only the beginning, I imagine that the questions will become more difficult, the attacks more personal and the faith of our fathers more questioned. I see this as an opportunity to stand and be heard.

-----Below is the article -----

RunMittRun Progress Report, November 27, 2006

Garments on the Internet:
A Type and Shadow of Things to Come

If any of us had any doubt that someone would stoop so low as to attack Mitt Romney’s candidacy by attacking his religion, events of the last few days should have erased them.

In a matter of days, Andrew Sullivan, a prominent blogger and writer for “Time” magazine, posted a photograph of a man and woman in temple garments, an article highlighting the Mormon Church’s “racist past,” and a link to the ”South Park” episode ridiculing Joseph Smith.

Two things that should give us all pause: 1) Mitt isn’t even a declared candidate yet, and 2) Andrew Sullivan is a conservative who claims to be a fan of Romney on many issues. It’s just that Romney’s religion isn’t one of them.

Sullivan, it turns out, is a fiscal conservative and a social progressive. He accurately points out in his thoughtful article in “The London Times” that Romney is really the only shot “theoconservatives” have of installing a president friendly to their values in 2008. But he then makes clear that most of those theoconservatives are evangelical Christians, who frequently loathe Mormons for the many reasons he has been detailing in his blog the last few days.

Garments on the internet two years before the general election, served up by a supposedly conservative fan of Mitt Romney?
Brace yourselves.

Mitch

P.S. Please forward this email to everyone you know! Please donate financially to our effort to fight the misinformation!

Link to donate: http://runmittrun.org/website/index_contribute.html

Link to website: http://runmittrun.org/

Link to volunteer: http://www.runmittrun.org/volunteer.php

13 Things We Don't Know...

Geesh, from what I understood scientists knew everything about everything. I guess not, here are a mere 13 things that we just don't know or can't explain. Some were way over my head but nevertheless, very interesting. Take a look...

http://space.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg18524911.600

Interesting article from other pundits

I think there are a lot of perspectives here. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15917591/

I like what Carter said, "It’s no wonder we’re in denial on Iraq: the reality is unbelievably painful. But the denial will wear off in ways that could re-shape our politics, favoring more change, newer faces, and a political watershed."

We are in total denial I think right now on what we can reasonably expect in Iraq. With Cheney, Rice and the presidential dog going to the Mid East, I commend them for their efforts but I hope a bit of reality soon kicks in.

Also, 3rd party? Hopefully, I think it's about time.

Darfur

African Children Given 30,000 Unused 'Save Darfur' T-Shirts

SAN FRANCISCO—Citing poor U.S. sales, San Francisco-based Me Tees T-shirts announced Tuesday that nearly 30,000 of their cream-colored,...

Muslim-American Speaks Out

Islamic Society of Nevada director Aslam Abdullah wrote an open letter to Al-Qaida criticizing them. A lot of people have been calling on Muslim leaders to speak out against the terrorists--lets just hope that more Muslim leaders actually in the middle-east start doing this more.

One of my favorite parts of his letter is this excerpt:
"Many among us American Muslims have differences with our administration on domestic and foreign issues, just like many other Americans do. But the plurality of opinions does not mean that we deprive ourselves of the civility that God demands from us. America is our home and will always be our home. Its interests are ours, and its people are ours. When you talk of killing Americans, you first have to kill 6 million or so Muslims who will stand for every American's right to live and enjoy the life as commanded by God."

If we can convince more Muslims of this, especially the very poor ones in the middle east who feel like killing westerners is their only option, then we will be far better off in this "war on terror." Convincing them of this is a lot harder when their houses are being destroyed and their family members are being killed by our bombs. Diplomacy at gunpoint can only take us so far. This is obviously a very complicated issue, and it is not going away any time soon. I am glad I am not the one making all the decisions, and I don't envy our leaders who do, but I want the correct ones to be made. I think education is key, and the more education those people have, the less belligerent they will be. Is it any coincidence that the American Muslims are not blowing themselves up? They are educated, and they have everything they need to sustain life and live comfortably. This is something that the poor Muslims elsewhere in the world do not have, and their ignorance is killing themselves and other innocent people. Killing one fanatical leader only leads to another one taking his place.

This is surely a debate that can and will go on for a long time.

A follow up to my Rush Limbaugh post

A little backing to my Rush Limbaugh party being bad for the Republicans in the last election. It seems like many Democrats agreed with my posting on how Rush Limbaugh was bad for the republican party. It just goes to show that the smallest miscalculation can destory momentum on the field of political elections.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/15965553.htm

A quote from the Nazi Hermann Goring

I stumbled on this quote from the Nazi war criminal Hermann Goring. His observation on power and leadership are eerily familiar. I am not equating anyone in our government to Nazi's, I only am drawing a similarity of philosophy between the things we do to protect ourselves (i.e. Patriot Act) and all out war on civil rights.

Göring spoke about war and extreme nationalism during the Nuremberg trials in an interview with Gustave Gilbert, a Jewish German-speaking intelligence officer and psychologist who was granted free access by the Allies to all the prisoners held in the Nuremberg jail:
"Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. ...Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country."

Wow! I'm humbled and awed.

I just love this photo from the hubble telescope. Everytime I look at it I think of how great the works of God are and how truly insignificant we should be to God but because of his providence and love, we are not. Each particle of light represents a galaxy consisting of billons of stars. This represents an obscenly small fragment of our universe. Incredible.

21st Century War... what are we to do?

In this new era of warfare, it is difficult to define our enemy. They are numerous, but all different in many ways. They all have a common goal however.. to kill western republics. Liberty is their enemy... in all its forms. They are at war with a concept. As long as it exists, their religious dogma can not be forced on all inhabitants of the earth. They don't care what country has it, they want it destroyed. Many on their side call it the "war with the west.." So, they are at war with a direction too... cool.

Why can't we define the enemy the same way? If Liberty is their enemy, why can't ours be a concept as well? Are we not at war with Fascism? In all its forms? Ultimately, they only way for us to be truly free is to stomp out authoritarian governments. We spread our way of life through liberty and allowing people to make their own choices. The Islamic Fundamental groups believe the opposite. They believe they must force their beliefs on others. So, they must kill the movement of Liberty.

Aren't we then in a catch 22? If the only solution to upholding Liberty is to destroy Fascism, and the only way to do that is to kill people and overthrow Fascist governments... would we not be doing exactly what they want to do to us? Are we then better simply because when we are done killing, we leave the people with Liberty and the ability to create a republic? Maybe we are?

Are we willing to go this far? Are we willing to just destroy Fascism? Period? If not, we will always be living in fear, playing defense and getting irritated with men like George Bush and Donald Rumsfeld because the world hasn't given them the political backing to go all the way. To use ALL our might to kill the enemy and everyone around them and never look back. Our men and women in uniform will continue to die and it will NEVER end. This is the question of our time everyone... so.... Let's open the floor here... what are we to do???

Republicans Furious at GWB

Great article from the hill. http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/110906/rumsfeld2.html

While I think Pres. Bush has handled this war like a coyote handles a rooster, I think he was right in not accepting the resignation of Rumsfeld just a couple of weeks before the election. This would have looked like an attempt to make the war more political than it already is.

Had the Pres. been truly interested in helping the republicans keep their majority and show the American people that he truly cared about how the war was being run he would have accepted the resignation of Rumsfeld the first time he tried. This looks like a ploy to save face in his final years.

What a complete mess of a president Bush has been. I'm selling " I voted for Bush...and I'm sorry " bumperstickers for $10 anyone want one?

Will a Mormon Save the Constitution?

I ran across this article by chance on the WSJ website. It talks about the prophecy Joesph Smith made regarding the "Constitution hanging by a thread." Many of us LDS folks my be inclined to vote for a Mormon candidate because of our belief in the possibility that there will be a Mormon who "saves the Constitution." This prophecy has also apparently inspired many LDS people to run for office. Mike Otterson pointed out that the prophecy is not official canon--something I was not aware of, and many other LDS people may not have known. He says, "There may be some members of the church who think that in supporting a Mormon candidate and seeing the possibility of a Mormon president, there may be some sort of scriptural validation." But Mr. Otterson explains, "It begins to take on almost a zealous tone that I find a little worrisome."

Read this article now! It is very, very interesting.

Nasty Ads Keeping Good People Out of Politics?

There is a piece on the Opinion Page of WSJ.com talking about all the money spent on negative ads this year. I know I speak for everyone when I say I am glad those ads, the phone calls, and the junk mail is over. I literally got 2-3 pieces of mail and 1-2 calls every day for the last several weeks from Bill Clinton, anti cloning, and other interest groups.

The author suggests that one of the effects of all the negativity is this: "The reaction to the onslaught is aversion; qualified, capable people avoid politics and the political process at all costs, thus diminishing the talent pool. The subtextual message of political advertising is: You'd be crazy to get involved. It's bad and it's only going to get worse." It would seem that this is true--just look at who is in Washington. Its no wonder to me, why so many Americans are now calling themselves Independents. We now have two Independent Senators. The two parties are, to quote the article, "spending the hundreds of millions of dollars they raise microtargeting supposedly single-issue voters and bombarding them with negative messages about the opposite party's alleged disdain for those concerns. Put more simply, they send you junk mail you don't open, and leave robo-calls on your answering machine that you immediately erase."

We need reform. Some have suggested banning commercials all together by the candidates, but that simply lets the hundreds of interest groups spend the money and air the commercials. The bottom line, to me anyway, is that most Americans fall somewhere in the middle on the political spectrum, and all the people on the fringes spending the most money are ruining politics for everyone. We are getting more polarized and divided, in a time when we desperately need to be united.

Media Bias Illustrated

I hear the term media bias thrown out there everyday primarliy from the talking heads on the right side of the aisle. Here is an example of blatant bias found in the leftie enclave, the New York Times. Read it here. It is regarding the John Kerry joke gone bad. Here is what he said:

"..you study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well.."
"..if you don't, you get stuck in Iraq.."

You won't see this quote anywhere in the article, written the day after said comment. In fact, it states on more than one occasion that Bush attacks Kerry for his comments. So Kerry is painted as the victim of a "vast right wing conspiracy."

Very interesting....

Romney, Bush Ticket

Interesting article about Mitt and Bush younger. I think we need to start thinking of the bumper stickers. http://news.bostonherald.com/politics/view.bg?articleid=164837

Any suggestions?

Rush, Friend or Foe?

You know I'm not sure if Rush does more good or bad for the conservative cause. For every smart thing he does he does something stupid. If there is one person who epitomizes the racist, ego-centric, socially careless, money hungry and down right jerk republican it is freak'in Rush Limbaugh. He has become a one man democratic smear commerical. They don't even have to pay for it anymore, it comes free on his show.

His remarks about Michael J. Fox are excruciatingly painful to bear. I mean this is Alex P. Keaton we are talking about! Have some decency man! http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15408508/

Rush, do us all a favor and just shut your pie hole long enough so that your brain can process that what you are about to say is insensitive and harmful. How arrogant is he that he thinks that he can say whatever he wants and repent for it later. For all his antics and shameful self- engrandisment he is also petty and belligerent. In an election year where his party is looking from the outside in he says something to add to the already bitter pill that the American people are feeling for republicans. And you call yourself a friend to the cause? With friends like these, who needs the democrats.

Fantasy Congress

Fantasy football has a monopoly on fantasy this time of year.  Welcome, Fantasy Congress, where people play politics!  I ran across this website where you draft a team of congress people, and you score points based on the amount of legislation they push through congress. Check it out here.

This is a very interesting idea; maybe we should form a league. 

Blogged with Flock

Romney, evangelicals and a site worth supporting

Mitt Romney if nothing else is creating quite a stir in the ranks of the GOP. Can the Grand Ol' Party survive the storm that is a brewin? Here is what I mean.

The internal fight between the various wings of the "Christian Right" has started. In a recent interview with the Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, MO Jerry Falwell said, "If he's pro-life, pro-family, I don't think he'll have any problem getting the support of evangelical Christians," Falwell's Moral Majority organization may not have a problem in supporting Mr. Romney but others outside of his group may. James Dobson, the influential evangelical founder of Focus on the Family, stated recently on the Laura Ingraham shown, "I don't believe that conservative Christians in large numbers will vote for a Mormon but that remains to be seen, I guess," I say, why would Christians would fail to support Mr. Romney? Mr. Dobson stated that the governor's stands on social issues are similar to those of many religious conservatives. Dobson says,
"He's a nice guy. He's a very attractive man. He's got a beautiful wife and a lot of his principles and values are consistent with ours," The opposition mounting on both sides is thickening and deeper questions are starting to be asked. There are good signs however that Mitt can get support from the evangelical base. A site that is comforting and worth supporting is, http://www.evangelicalsformitt.com/ . A group of evangelical supporters of Mitt Romney who think despite his particular "sect", he is the best candidate. This is a great pro site. The question is when will the anti sites start coming?

I can feel the tension already! I would dare say that the greatest battle in the GOP this up coming presidential election won't be between the "Moderate" republicans and the "Conservative" elephants who jockey over how much torture is too much tortue, but instead between the factions of the Christian Right.

Oh my gosh, if I could be a fly on the wall while those folks meet!

Make no mistake however, what question that will be decided. The magical question that the religious right will debate is, who's worse, a Mormon president or Hillary Clinton? The answer should be very interesting.

Olberman on a roll

Usually the most vocal, beligerent and honest folks are those on their way out. Could Olberman be on the verge on joining the ranks of Phil Donohue and Michael Savage as the latest members of the MSNBC staff to get the ax?

No matter, I love what he has been saying lately. It is most likely an abberation of agreement but in any case I think he is right. And as our beloved prophet GBH has said, "We invite all those of faith to bring their truths..." I think what right is right no matter who says it, and for the love of Thors hammer, he is right.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15321167/page/2/

These guys are ruining it all for everyone!

Geesh, every time I think they are being marginalized they go and do something tragic. The Christian Right, specifically Evangelicals since they're the only ones going to heaven, now "Broaden their moral agenda". Not only do we have to hear about their endless yapping on male on male unions, Abortion and monkey's to man we now have to hear them telling us that to be saved we have to eat more tofu and drive a 2hp Honda Insight. Where will their pious regard for the human soul stop? http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15322221/

Is the Mormon machine ramping up? (edit -- Church response posted)

Interesting article in the Boston Globe... http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2006/10/19/romney_camp_consulted_with_mormon_leaders/

Could the Mormon cogs finally start turning in support of a political candidate? Could the standing policy of neutrality finally be shelved in favor of the church's other long standing policy of political activism? Probablly not, but I don't doubt that the ex-facto Church machine will be in full force to help elect Mitt Romney. As well as it bloody well should be! For a church that claims the Constitution of this great country as revelation it is about time we stood up to defend the darn thing.

I'm sure that the Church will not suffer this to story to get its feet but I know somewhere in the back of the minds of our leaders they are privately pushing Romney 08 and will quitely do their part to put the greatest service army into force to elect one of their own and in my opinion, the best candidate.

For those interested in supporting Romney, I have included a link to his PAC. Donate once, donate often. In my humble but correct opinion, Romney is the greatest candidate for those "movement" conservatives and I believe the great equalizer of the Christian Right.

http://www.thecommonwealthpac.com/

(edited with response from the LDS church, published 10/20/2006)
http://www.deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,650200241,00.html

--- Salt Lake Tribune Chimes in as well ---
http://www.sltrib.com/ci_4521108

Swami Buchanan

He wrote a great article, see link

http://www.theamericancause.org/

Rush's Rant ( Edited with Scarborough link )

--- Below is an article by Joe Scarborough for reference ---

Ok, I have to respond to Rush. Look at the monologue : http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_101806/content/landmark_rush_monologue.guest.html

I understand what Rush is saying and what he is trying to do but it is still poop. The republicans of this administration and congress have been utter failures, traitors of the faith and at best wolves lying in wait to deceive. Wake up Rush! Just as Buchanan and Scarborough stated, "movement" conservatives are lost in the Republican party. People who voted for true conservative principles are once again realizing that republicans don't stand for their values. These "movement" conservatives are people of principle and characters of consciousness. They are not party hogs and they certainly don't care what whether they lose an election if it means they have to give up their principles. This idea of leadership and values at any cost is what Reagan and Gingrich were all about. That is what we loved about them and why we long for the return of their principles.

What Rush doesn't seem to understand is that a people so moved and idealistic do not give up easily, and that no amount of fear of the "other" side can so move them to quit themselves. What most conservatives are saying is that we don't care who wins, the two groups are the same. Republicans dressed as conservatives should get as much respect as men dressed in women's clothing.

The conservative movement within the republican party is no more. They are ex-conservatives, they are conservatives that have passed on, conservatives that have gave up the ghost, they are picking up daisies. As good members of society we should respectfully bury them and hope they were believers and can be made whole again. The way we restore ourselves is by once again making a contract with the country to restoring American values and vote our conservative, moral and down right kick butt conscious.

--- See Joe's Article ---
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2006/0610.scarborough.html

Wavering Faith?

Alright, alright! Call me what you will but I have lost confidence in our so called "plan" to win the war in Iraq. Forgive me for no longer bleeding red, white and blue but I can no longer believe that our President and his administration have a control over Iraq. The war is not getting better, after years of being entangled in Iraq we are no closer to winning.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15314207/

I am willing to concede under heavy sedation that we are not worse off but I sure as heck know that it is not getting better. And for that matter, look at the world. Nukes in North Korea, evil in Iran and a world that the U.S. no longer has respect. Heck, I even agreed with Keith Olberman of MSNBC, Keith Olberman! I can hardly look at myself in the mirror. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9g8fzNSOrY

This is how I see it. In a post Sept. 11th world our country needs to have strength of character, clear direction, unity or purpose and someone we can look to for leadership. We don't have any of these. What is to become of us?

Muslim Arabs and the Rest of the World

As news continues to come in about the violence occurring in the middle east between Arabs and Jews, and our military and insurgents in Iraq, Kim Jong Ill and North Korea; I can't help but think the world will be ending soon. I am always looking for insight into this problem; I want to understand it more, so it makes sense to me to look to Arab journalists, or just your average Mohammed on the street to help make sense of everything. I found in interesting blog entry here. The author gives his thoughts "Regarding the deafening Arab silence in condemning Israel."
I also read a very interesting interview of a man named Pierre Rehov, a French filmmaker who has filmed six documentaries on the intifada by going undercover in the Palestinian areas. Pierre's upcoming film, "Suicide Killers," is based on interviews that he conducted with the families of suicide bombers and would-be bombers in an attempt to find out why they do it.
The following are parts I found very interesting(which ends up being nearly the entire transcript):

Q - Why is this film especially important?

A - People don't understand the devastating culture behind this unbelievable phenomenon. My film is not politically correct because it addresses the
real problem, showing the real face of Islam. It points the finger against a
culture of hatred in which the uneducated are brainwashed to a level where their
only solution in life becomes to kill themselves and kill others in the name
of a God whose word, as transmitted by other men, has become their only
certitude.

Q - What insights did you gain from making this film? What do you know
that other experts do not know?

A - I came to the conclusion that we are facing a neurosis at the level
of an entire civilization. Most neuroses have in common a dramatic event,
generally linked to an unacceptable sexual behavior. In this case, we are talking
of kids living all their lives in pure frustration, with no opportunity to
experience sex, love, tenderness or even understanding from the opposite
sex. The separation between men and women in Islam is absolute. So is contempt
toward women, who are totally dominated by men. This leads to a situation of
pure anxiety, in which normal behavior is not possible. It is no coincidence
that suicide killers are mostly young men dominated subconsciously by an
overwhelming libido that they not only cannot satisfy but are afraid of, as if it is
the work of the devil. Since Islam describes heaven as a place where
everything on Earth will finally be allowed, and promises 72 virgins to those
frustrated kids, killing others and killing themselves to reach this redemption
becomes their only solution.

Q - What was it like to interview would-be suicide bombers, their
families and survivors of suicide bombings?

A - It was a fascinating and a terrifying experience. You are dealing
with seemingly normal people with very nice manners who have their own logic,
which to a certain extent can make sense since they are so convinced that what
they say is true. It is like dealing with pure craziness, like interviewing
people in an asylum, since what they say, is for them, the absolute truth. I
hear a mother saying "Thank God, my son is dead." Her son had became a shaheed,
a martyr, which for her was a greater source of pride than if he had
became an engineer, a doctor or a winner of the Nobel Prize.

This system of values works completely backwards since their
interpretation of Islam worships death much more than life. You are facing people whose only dream, only achievement goal is to fulfill what they believe to be their
destiny, namely to be a Shaheed or the family of a shaheed. They don't see the innocent being killed, they only see the impure that they have to destroy.

Q - Is there a suicide bomber personality profile? Describe the
psychopathology.

A - Generally kids between 15 and 25 bearing a lot of complexes,
generally inferiority complexes. They must have been fed with religion. They
usually have a lack of developed personality. Usually they are impressionable
idealists. In the western world they would easily have become drug addicts, but not
criminals. Interestingly, they are not criminals since they don't see
good and evil the same way that we do. If they had been raised in an Occidental
culture, they would have hated violence. But they constantly battle against their own death anxiety. The only solution to this deep-seated pathology is to be
willing to die and be rewarded in the afterlife in Paradise.

Q - Are suicide bombers principally motivated by religious conviction?

A - Yes, it is their only conviction. They don't act to gain a territory
or to find freedom or even dignity. They only follow Allah, the supreme
judge, and what He tells them to do.

Q - Do all Muslims interpret jihad and martyrdom in the same way?

A - All Muslim believers believe that, ultimately, Islam will prevail on
earth. They believe this is the only true religion and there is no room,
in their mind, for interpretation. The main difference between moderate Muslims
and extremists is that moderate Muslims don't think they will see the
absolute victory of Islam during their lifetime, therefore they respect other beliefs. The extremists believe that the fulfillment of the Prophecy of Islam and
ruling the entire world as described in the Koran, is for today. Each victory of
Bin Laden convinces 20 million moderate Muslims to become extremists.

Q - Describe the culture that manufactures suicide bombers.

A - Oppression, lack of freedom, brain washing, organized poverty,
placing God in charge of daily life, total separation between men and women,
forbidding sex, giving women no power whatsoever, and placing men in charge of
family honor, which is mainly connected to their women's behavior.

Q - What socio-economic forces support the perpetuation of suicide
bombings?

A - Muslim charity is usually a cover for supporting terrorist
organizations. But one has also to look at countries like Pakistan,
Saudi Arabia and Iran, which are also supporting the same organizations
through different networks. The ironic thing in the case of Palestinian suicide bombers is that most of the money comes through financial support from the Occidental world, donated to a culture that utterly hates and rejects the West (mainly symbolized by Israel).

Q - Is there a financial support network for the families of the suicide
bombers? If so, who is paying them and how does that affect the decision?

A - There used to be a financial incentive in the days of Saddam Hussein
($25,000 per family) and Yasser Arafat (smaller amounts), but these days
are gone. It is a mistake to believe that these families would sacrifice their
children for money. Although, the children themselves who are very
attached to their families, might find in this financial support another reason
to become suicide bombers. It is like buying a life insurance policy and
then committing suicide.

Q - Why are so many suicide bombers young men?

A - As discussed above, libido is paramount. Also ego, because this is a
sure way to become a hero. The shaheeds are the cowboys or the firemen of
Islam. Shaheed is a positively reinforced value in this culture. And what kid
has never dreamed of becoming a cowboy or a fireman?

Q - How can we put an end to the madness of suicide bombings and terrorism in
general?

A - Stop being politically correct and stop believing that this culture
is a victim of ours. Radical Islamism today is nothing but a new form of
Nazism. Nobody was trying to justify or excuse Hitler in the 1930s. We had to
defeat him in order to make peace one day with the German people.

Q - Are these men traveling outside their native areas in large numbers?
Based on your research, would you predict that we are beginning to see a
new wave of suicide bombings outside the Middle East?

A - Every successful terror attack is considered a victory by the
radical Islamists. Everywhere Islam expands there is regional conflict. Right
now, there are thousands of candidates for martyrdom lining up in training camps in
Bosnia, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Inside Europe, hundreds of illegal mosques
are preparing the next step of brain washing to lost young men who
cannot find a satisfying identity in the Occidental world. Israel is much more
prepared for this than the rest of the world will ever be. Yes, there will be
more suicide killings in Europe and the U.S. Sadly, this is only the
beginning.

Pretty sobering stuff. This interview both answers questions, and begs more. Regarding his comments about the suicide bombers' libidos--He is saying that because they are not getting laid, they are killing themselves. That may be overly simplistic on my part, but I don't see any young Mormon men going out and killing people because they haven't gotten any. I realize though, that there is much more to it than just being horny. The filmmaker talks about "organized poverty" aiding the leaders' ability to "brainwash" these young men. I think that is a very good point, just look at all the young Muslim men in western Europe and in America; they are enjoying more economic prosperity (more so to the ones in America) and are not as a result volunteering their lives for a cause.

Anyway, just my two cents on probably the biggest issue facing all of us in the world right now: what to do about radical Islam.

Capitalism and Democracy

I came across an interesting article about the necessity of capitalism in a society to ensure freedom and peace.  Click here to read it.  It was written by a local Kansas City man, Carl J. Schramm, who is president and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kaufman foundation.  I am a pro free-market kind of guy, but I also don't want to rely on capitalism and coporations too much.  I would advocate a sort of responsible capitalism, whatever that might mean.  I suppose it means that the market is free up to a point where no one gets hurt or trampled on by big corporations; and I also suppose that would mean that it would limit how big and powerful, or influential corporations could get.  I don't know, what say all ya'll?

Myths of Iraq

Nothing better to break the blogging silence than a piece on Iraq.
Given the anniversary of "shock and awe," this op-ed gives an insiders view of Iraq as it stands now and allows us a chance to reexamine the issue. Iraq has become a tired story trying many Americans patience. Bleak depictionsn night after night, with seemingly no end in sight. I used to look forward to Sunday mornings with the Fox News roundtable followed by Little Russ, until the subject matter turns to Iraq, then I tune it out. This piece addresses that issue by stating that its the medias fault for inaccurate reporting. That may or may not be true. Most likely it is somewhere in the middle, as with any story we read these days. This anniversary is the perfect time to examine what progress and failures have been made, reexamine our own personal stance on such a devisive issue, and look forward to 'sucess' in the Middle East.


http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2006/03/myths_of_iraq.html

Evangelical Bias, The Great Threat of Modern Conservatism

This article below illustrates only a certain aspect of why I believe the evangelical right is destroying the Republican Party and moreover, it is why I believe they are destroying the conservative movement. It is their narrow zeal that keeps us from signficant progression. It is not about equality, it is not about morals or prosperity but about their "christian kingdom". A single idea based on a narrow world view of christianity, and all those that oppose that idea. This narrowly defined world view of nothing or all why I fear the evangelical movement to my very core.

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2006/02/19/is_america_ready_for_a_mormon_president/

Romney, One Step Closer

Hey guys, I will be starting a State of Kansas Elect Mitt organization. Go to Americansformitt.com and join (if you are so inclined) the new national group to elect Mitt. Here is a recent article from Mitt's last trip to South Carolina.

By Dan HooverSTAFF WRITERdchoover@greenvillenews.comStepping up his soundings as a potential 2008presidential candidate, Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romneytold Greenville Republicans on Saturday that thefederal government, without naming President Bush, isspending too much money and has "underappreciated" theterror threat's scope."Look at the numbers," he said of Washington'sspending habits, and warned that by 2020, entitlementswill consume 70 percent of the budget. "That wouldmean defense would get 15 percent. How can you be thesuperpower of the planet and only have 15 percent ofyour budget go into national defense?"Romney told more than 300 Republicans attending abreakfast before the county party's convention thatthe threat to America is bigger than many believe andis aimed at bringing down the nation, not just bombinga shopping mall.At the most critical period in U.S. history, whenAmerica and the world are under attack by "globaljihadists," not just a small group of terrorists,Romney said some leaders have "underappreciated andunderestimated" the threat's magnitude.Romney said America's foes' "global view is that theywere given a huge part of the planet for their people,and it's their job to go back and recapture all thatportion. One nation keeps all that from happening,from combining all those nations under one element:the United States."But Romney went on to express appreciation for Bushfor "being willing to declare war on terror."In recent weeks, Romney has emerged as a terror warhawk who supports increased monitoring of foreignstudents and shifting from programs geared to reactingto attack to those aimed at preventing them.He made no direct reference to the presidentialsweepstakes, but turning to South Carolina Gov. MarkSanford, said, "You're lucky to have this man as yourgovernor, and he'd make a good president, too."Sanford has sought to end speculation he's interestedin a White House bid of his own.Romney was followed by South Carolina Sen. LindseyGraham of Seneca who weighed in on spending by theGOP's congressional majority, saying, "We've forgottenwhat it's like to be a Republican when it comes tospending money. I want the president to start vetoingsome bills. Veto some," he added for emphasis.For Romney, the appearance was sandwiched between aFriday night dinner in Spartanburg and another speechThursday to the Lexington GOP convention, all part ofthe run-up to South Carolina's first-in-the-Southpresidential primary in two years.

Good Quote

"The government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." - Ronald Reagan

What is Al Gore Thinking??

I think this one goes without saying. To make outrageous unsubstantiated claims against your country, in "enemy territory" during a time of war, is this a smart move Al? Not only is it completely stupid, and dangerous, its treasonous. What is this guy thinking? It's one thing to disagree with the administration, or even dissent, but this is over the line.
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2006/Feb-17-Fri-2006/news/5930845.html

Religious Tolerance?

This guy makes a compelling argument about the Danish cartoon controversy and the consequent fallout among followers of, as he calls it, a religion of peace. Freedom of expression taken too far, maybe. Overreaction, most definitely. How would we react if The Prophet was depicted in like manner? I can tell you for certain there would not be riots, burning, destruction and death in the Salt Lake Valley. Quite the opposite. Aside from a PR statement denouncing any such depiction, from a religion of peace, 'turn the other cheek' would be the end result if such slander should befall the Saints.
Thoughts?
http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_3497863

Walter E Williams on "Rights"

This is one of the great classics of Mr Walter Williams. It think this needs to be preached from the rooftops because it is the very core of the social debate.. "now"... read on.

http://www.townhall.com/opinion/column/walterwilliams/2006/02/08/185444.html

State of the GREEN Union

Energy independence, Alternative energy sources, and Dick Cheney's resignation? All part of the State of the Union, according to Thomas Friedman. This commentary brings up some great points about U.S. dependence on a commodity that is indirectly, and in some cases, directly, funding global terrorism, and how to best change the direction of our nation to become more self-sufficient and green? In this case, being green is not a leftist crazy ideology, but a long-term pragmatic view of a cleaner, self-sufficient, secure nation.

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635180292,00.html

Hot In the Hot Tub!

Wow, it looks earth hit record temperatures in 2005! Is it Global Warming? A Heat Wave? Liberal Conspiracy?

The real question...How in the double heck do these folks know that this is hottest the earth has ever been? They state that this is the hottest the earth has been since they started taking the temperature of the earth in the late 1800's. I'm sorry but weren't these folks crapping in outhouses in the 1800's? Running water? Electricity? Micro-Evolution? Weren't the hustlers, women of the night, and the 8 year old kid who cut his toe on the plow share dying of infection because they didn't know that little micro-organinisms were destroying them from the inside?

And we are supposed to believe that they could take the core temperature of the earth?

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsarticle.aspx?type=scienceNews&storyid=2006-01-24T230108Z_01_N24226172_RTRUKOC_0_US-ENVIRONMENT-WARMING.xml&rpc=22

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

We watched the classic film "Mr Smith Goes to Washington" in one of my classes today. I had heard a lot about this film and had always wanted to see it, and today I got my chance.

This film was incredible, and I will tell you why. It is a timeless film, especially during this time when we are learning about corrupt senators associated with Abramoff, and defense contractors, etc. This film is as valid today as it was back in 1939 when it was made. It makes one realize that that perfect, honest idealogue that goes into the black hole known as Washington D.C., becomes corrupt and falls into the money trap. There is a great scene in the film where Jimmy Stewart's character is listening to a veteran senator explain why it is he did what he did. He explains that there has to be compromise in bills brought before the senate, and how things work on the senate floor. It was very telling, and depressing. This is sort of an expose on how things really work in Washington.

Anyway, if you all havent seen it, then put it in your Netflix queue, or go to your local video store and rent it, you wont be sorry.

Reaganomics Revisited

"It is no coincidence that our present troubles parallel and are proportionate to the intervention and intrusion in our lives that result from unnecessary and excessive growth of government." -Ronald Reagan

Twenty-five years ago today, Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as the 40th President of the United States. The following piece takes a look at what Reagan accomplished in his tenure, and how his views on government and economics changed the mindset and practice of many Republicans. The opening statement was from his inaugural address. Sounds like something that could be said today, doesn't it?

http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110007843

Are Public Schools Cheating Children....and Parents?

Here is yet another post that hits the core of many of our previous arguments, The role of government. In this case, What is the role of government when it comes to education? John Stossel brings up some good points in the following commentaries about competition, privatization, the contrast between education in Europe and the United States, and even uses a local example, the Kansas City, MO school district, to prove his point. I have an inkling that CitizenSaint wants to delve more deeply into this topic, so I will just post these two articles and watch the sparks fly. Enjoy...

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/Commentary/com-1_18_06_JS.html

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/Commentary/com-1_11_06_JS.html

Glenn Beck

A mormon pundit is getting his own show on CNN.

Corruption at the Federal Level

Whay say ye armchair pundits, over the Abramoff scandal?

He has been linked to DeLay, Bob Ney, and others. We have been talking in this blog about the corruption that money and power bring to politics; this is just one example that illustrates our arguments. Stories like this make me wonder how our elected officials will ever regain the public trust. Its no wonder no one shows up to vote every four years, we don't trust the people we would elect. Is this why the "constitution will be hanging by a thread," thus the elders of the church come to save the government? Is this one of many reasons why the church will come to the rescue? Will we see more and more LDS men and women in elected positions over the coming years; I think those are the only candidates we could surely trust.