“The real problem is not that we are different, nor that we disagree and have conflict. It's that most of us automatically view conflict as something negative rather than as a tool God can use to help us better understand ourselves and one another.

--Robert Ricciardelli”

Sunday, January 28, 2007

In Gaza, Fatah and Hamas gunmen are at it again. I thought this bit of information was chillingly familiar:

Hamas spokesman Ayman Taha accused Fatah loyalists of storming a mosque near the security headquarters Friday and executing a senior Hamas activist inside while he was reading the Quran, the Muslim holy book. On Saturday, blood stains were still visible on the mosque's carpet and the bathroom tiles. Fatah denied it had stormed the mosque, but said Hamas gunmen had used the building as a base for attacking the security service compound.
.(…nice to know they use it against each other…not just the Israelis and Americans…)

Even for the BBC, this was a pretty accurate summary of life under Hamas for the Palestinians. The article makes it pretty plain that Hamas is the more militant of the two factions, and will do almost anything to remain in power. However, the undertones of blame for US instigated sanctions and Israeli military actions make it plain the BBC is sympathetic towards the Arabs.
(…I would really like to see the MSM get a grip on realities beyond their political spectrum…)

Here in the States, thousands protested against the war on both coasts. Sadly, the prevailing cry is for immediate pullout. I do not believe that is a viable option for political and military reasons. The media, however, continues to fuel the fire of protest—with no regard for what it does to the anti-government and insurgent forces in Iraq, and other places in the world. The message becomes painfully clear to the world that America does not have the stomach to finish what it starts if there is a problem doing it. Snoop had a really good breakdown on the whole protest deal.
(…I’m with him…where are the protesters the rest of the time…it’s all about political convenience…)

The MSM is sort of discovering that Iran is a problem in Iraq. Despite months of warnings from the military, the MSM has ignored the threat of Iranian influence and weapons moving into Iraq. Now, as if by magic, Iran is a problem.
(…but, it’s still all because Bush is singling out Iranians…)

Meanwhile, in the process of bashing Bush policies, Sir Hillary accepted responsibility for her role in going to Iraq. Past that, no big surprise, there wasn’t much but election commentary between her and Obama. Hillary would like us to think her husband will have only a partial role—of some sort—in her presidency.
(…God, I hope not…he’s been enough trouble…of course, if he turns out to be like Kerry, it might be fun…but he’s too much of a used car salesman to do that…)

Sadly, the Ft. Worth Star Telegram reported the following sad news:
A soldier from New York based at Fort Hood has died in Iraq, the Department of Defense announced Saturday. Pfc. Nathan P. Fairlie, 21, of Candor, N.Y., died Friday in Baqubah when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Fairlie was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood.
We at our house remember your cry—the cry of all warriors:
"Tell them of us and say,
For their tomorrow, we gave our today."
--The Kohima Epitaph--
We remember what you have given. And we say thank you for the tomorrows you have given others. May God give back to your family more than they have sacrificed and lost.

And, now, we dance In Memoriam.