Obama And the Ever Increasing Deficit

The AP article headline reads White House, Congress projects record deficits. Honestly, does this surprise anyone?

Both the White House Office of Management and Budget and the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office predicted the budget deficit this year would swell to nearly $1.6 trillion, a record, and far above the then-record 2008 budget deficit of $455 billion.

Most of that increase is from stimulus spending. And, many are still arguing over whether the stimulus is actually accomplishing what it was supposed to do: job creation.

Meanwhile, there is a very important, and very over-looked, point in all of this:

Both see the national debt — the accumulation of annual budget deficits — as nearly doubling over the next day. The total national debt, made up of amounts the government owes to the public, including foreign governments, as well as money it has borrowed from itself, stood Tuesday at a staggering $11.7 trillion.

How many people realize the government has been borrowing from itself? This is one reason why Social Security is nearly broke. But, in the double entry world of accounting that becomes OK. I have money, I loan it to myself at interst, and that creates an asset to counter balance the liability. The problem is, in effective reality, the government is now out the money twice...and still can't pay it back.

And, the fiscal responsibility mud should get slung both ways. As much as the Democrats and the media slung it at Bush and the Republicans, we should expect to see it fly the other way. But, the media is already hiding things in these articles to gloss things over. For example, this article ends by saying:

The Obama administration did tout one number in its budget review: The 2009 deficit is now expected to be $1.58 trillion, $263 billion less than projected by the White House in May. That's largely because the White House removed a $250 billion item that it had inserted as a "place holder" in case banks needed another bailout.

The effect of ending on such a note is to say "Obama did good, so everything is OK." Which basically means the media will gloss over this. And, the American public will be hoodwinked again.

Oh! Haven't you realized? The media and government is playing the same games it did over the Vietnam War protests and 60s economy. Only this time, it's the liberals in control of what's being fed to the public.

(...my how the times they are a-changin...)

Remember Me

I am off for Christmas. My internet will be spotty at best. And, i wanted to take a minute and bring us all to remembrance. It's good to remember.

Any Soldier

Take time this Christmas, and throughout each year, to let a soldier know they are not forgotten. Visit Any Soldier to find out how. Enjoy your holidays. And, remember, freedom is not free, just ask any soldier.

12/07 Morning Report

The good news? Employers added 94,000 jobs in November, and unemployment held steady at 4.7%. The bad news?

The jobs report showed a loss of 33,000 jobs in goods-producing industries during November while 127,000 jobs were created in service-providing businesses. Manufacturing industries continued to shed employees, cutting 11,000 jobs last month on top of the 15,000 that were dropped in October.

. Unfortunately, service sector jobs do not have the salary range of manufacturing jobs. Still, this increase is believed to raise the probability of a rate cut when the Fed meets next week.

More bad news? According to this NY Times article, The subprime bailout announced by the White House may not do as much as people expect.

“The approach announced today is not a silver bullet,” said Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr., who hammered out the agreement. “We face a difficult problem for which there is no perfect solution.”

On top of that non-revelation, one industry analyst believes only about 20% of those facing rate increases in the next 18 months will be helped by it. BUT, analysts agree that a “sweet spot” must be found, and that this is what Bush is trying to find.

(…does the Times, and everyone else, seem to think this can be quick fixed?...it took years to get into this mess…Americans…well people…are so short term focused…)


Meanwhile, Democrats their own tax conundrum.

Trying to find a way out of a sticky tax problem, the Senate on Thursday voted overwhelmingly to prevent the alternative minimum tax from hitting millions of middle-class Americans without replacing the $50 billion that would be lost.

So, the AMT would reduce taxes by $50 million to the middle class and the Dems gave it the ax? The very people who voted them into office yanked the rug out? I understand the need to find a source for the money before cutting the taxes. But, you would think the Democrats would have had solutions for that before now.

(…maybe they were just too busy bashing Republicans and posturing for election…think the media will bash them the way they do Republicans over similar issues?...oh yeah…no media bias…how silly of me…)


Meanwhile, in Iraq, the decline in violence seems to make each new attack that much more spectacular. Now using female suicide bombers, al-Qaeda struck once again at the offices of those who have turned against them. Actions such as this, and wiping out villages for sake of power and control, demonstrate al-Qaeda’s total disregard of people—much like the Taliban was doing in Afghanistan. Frankly, the whole thing reminds me of the history lessons on how organized crime families (i.e. “the Mob”) had to be taken down by the feds after shooting lots of people and blowing up lots of stuff. They haaven’t been eliminated, but their power has been reduced and in some cases broken. Unfortunately, I think the same will be true for al-Qaeda. And, I think the Democrat ”phased withdrawal” has more risks than people want to see.

(…I wonder when that will actually come back to bite them in the @#$#...)


And finally, but not least important, did you remember—without media help—today was the anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor?



Of the 16 million who served in WWII, only 2.9 million are still alive. There are even fewer who were actually on the island of Oahu that morning. In Ft. Worth, one of the few still alive who were there tells his story.

Where Were You...

Everyone is asking each other these days, "Where were you? Do you remember?" AS if we could ever forget....

I was driving into work. I remember it was the day of the week I usually spent the morning in quiet prayer. I wish I could say I was doing some super spiritual thing--praying protection for the president or whatever. But, honestly, I don't remember praying over anything specific before I left the house. Anyway, I was oblivious to what was going on.

I was actually just getting on the highway when something didn't feel right. I noticed there was very little traffic, considering the time of day (late rush-hour). I normally leave the radio off on the way to work and enjoy the quiet. But, I turned it on then. And, my blood froze.

It actually took a few minutes to figure out what was going on. Then, it was everything I could do not to cry, so I could keept seeing well enough to drive. The only thing I could manage was a strangled cry, "Oh, God! Help them!" I just repeated it over and over. I arrived at work and let myself just cry in the parking lot for a bit. I think the south tower fell as I went inside.

Through out the day I alternated the mantra, "Just carry on," in my head, and with the heart cry, "Oh, God! Help them!" The term "Them" kept taking on a different identity--the families of the lost, or the police and firemen, or the survivors. A lot of the time, though, it was just a blind cry to God.

I remember little of work that day. I know I did my job. I remember my wife called me to see if I had heard the news. I remember going by the sales office at one point. They had a TV hooked up. I saw a live picture of the North tower burning, but still standing. I had a recurring flashback all day about my high school graduation dinner. My parents took the family to the restaurant on the top floor of the Trade Center. And, I remember crying when the second tower fell. In fact, I remember crying several times through out the day. I remember barely being able to talk most of the time. And, I remember calling home just to tell my wife I loved her and ask about the kids.

I remember thinking of friends I had in New Jersey, during high school. I hadn't thought of them much over the years. We lost touch and moved around a lot in the years afterwards. But, back in high school, many of them had parents who worked in the City. I cried wondering if any of those I'd known worked their now. And, whether any of them were gone.

But, that's all I can honestly tell you about that day.

The thing I remember most happened at church that evening. Many there had to talk through the hurt and fear and anguish. I just cried quiet tears. Until an ex-Marine (please don't give me an arguement on there being no such thing here, ok) told of being at work--as an air traffic controller. He described the tears as they pulled out the book on how to ground all the planes in the air. He told of how his son, also a Marine, called as he boarded a ship--unable to tell his dad where he was going. The son simply called to say he loved his dad. I thought of my daughter, who had just entered military service. That ex-Marine and I looked at each other and cried.

That's where I was. Sounds pretty mundane. I know a lot of people had a similar day. I know there were many who experienced much worse. But, I also know no one was untouched by it all. I also realize there is a bigger question. And, it's a question that, personally, I don't have an answer for.

Where am I now? Even as I write this, I'm feeling the same deep ache all over again. And, I'm crying those same anguished tears. Yes, it still hurts with an intesity I can't describe. It hurts partly because there's been no closure to it all. It also hurts because the terrorist's goal was achieved. You see, despite my faith in Christ, I am very much afraid it will happen again.

So, where are you now?

How Are YOU Going To Deal With Fanatics?

(...this is from my email box…you may not like what it says…but it still leaves the question to be answered…)

A man whose family was German aristocracy prior to World War II owned a number of large industries and estates. When asked how many German people were true Nazis, the answer he gave can guide our attitude toward fanaticism.

"Very few people were true Nazis "he said," but many enjoyed the return of German pride, and many more were too busy to care. I was one of those who just thought the Nazis were a bunch of fools. So, the majority just sat back and let it all happen. Then, before we knew it, they owned us, and we had lost control, and the end of the world had come. My family lost everything. I ended up in a concentration camp and the Allies destroyed my factories."

We are told again and again by "experts" and "talking heads" that Islam is the religion of peace, and that the vast majority of Muslims just want to live in peace. Although this unqualified assertion may be true, it is entirely irrelevant. It is meaningless fluff, meant to make us feel better, and meant to somehow diminish the specter of fanatics rampaging across the globe in the name of Islam. The fact is that the fanatics rule Islam at this moment in history.

It is the fanatics who march. It is the fanatics who wage any one of 50 shooting wars worldwide. It is the fanatics who systematically slaughter Christian or tribal groups throughout Africa and are gradually taking over the entire continent in an Islamic wave. It is the fanatics who bomb, behead, murder, or honor kill. It is the fanatics who take over mosque after mosque. It is the fanatics who zealously spread the stoning and hanging of rape victims and homosexuals. The hard quantifiable fact is that the "peaceful majority" the "silent majority" is cowed and extraneous.

Communist Russia comprised Russians who just wanted to live in peace, yet the Russian Communists were responsible for the murder of about 20 million people. The peaceful majority were irrelevant. China's huge population, it was peaceful as well, but Chinese Communists managed to kill a staggering 70 million people.

The average Japanese individual prior to World War II was not a warmongering sadist. Yet, Japan murdered and slaughtered its way across South East Asia in an orgy of killing that included the systematic murder of 12 million Chinese civilians; most killed by sword, shovel and bayonet.

And, who can forget Rwanda, which collapsed into butchery. Could it not be said that the majority of Rwandans were "peace loving"?

History lessons are often incredibly simple and blunt, yet for all our powers of reason we often miss the most basic and uncomplicated of points: Peace-loving Muslims have been made irrelevant by their silence.

Peace-loving Muslims will become our enemy if they don't speak up, because like my friend from Germany, they will awake one day and find that the fanatics own them, and the end of their world will have begun.

Peace-loving Germans, Japanese, Chinese, Russians, Rwandans, Serbs Afghans, Iraqis, Palestinians, Somalis, Nigerians, Algerians, and many others have died because the peaceful majority did not speak up until it was too late.

As for us who watch it all unfold; we must pay attention to the only group that counts; the fanatics who threaten our way of life.

Sodier Angels, And Other Stuff

While poking around this morning, I found out something really cool.

Valour-IT actually brought in more than $184,283.07 due to non-team donations! check out the breakdown here Oh…yeah…The real number?

$204,096.07!!!

Thanks to John at Castle Argghhh. He also provided the link for this video:



If that inspires you, check out holiday for Heroes. It's another chance for some of us to help in another way.

Unfortunately, right after that, I found somethings that were not so cool.

With our history of military pullouts, due to Democrats (i.e. Southeast Asia), I’ve had this gnawing worry about Iraq. Then, I visited Chaotic Synoptic Acitvity. I read this post, as well as the follow up, and was further discouraged by what I read. Even so, I recommend them to anyone who needs a history refresher.

And, then, in our local paper, the Ft Worth Star Telegram, I found sad news. Army Sgt William Samuel Jackson, of Michigan, was killed by a roadside bomb near Ramadi on Veterans Day. DoD also reported that Marine Sgt. Bryan Burgess, also from Michigan, had also been killed in a separate action.

At our house, we remember the cry of the warriors:

"Tell them of us and say,
For their tomorrow, we gave our today."
--The Kohima Epitaph--

Sgt. Jackson and Sgt. Burgess, we remember what you have given. And we say thank you for the tomorrows you have given others. May God give back to your families more than they have sacrificed and lost. And, now, we dance In Memoriam.

In The News

Given my recent series of posts on election thoughts and issues, I found some news items today that gave me pause. Maybe they will give you some, too.

I thought this was interesting. It’s some historical perspective on warfare from the Boston Globe. We should remember stuff like this when we ask the question of “if we knew then what we know now, would have…?”

The Times finally apologized for their story on secret intelligence gathering. It seems they are also admitting there was nothing done wrong in the first place, as well. Here’s a good breakdown—including the original article links--from the Captain's Quarters. And, for those still wondering about CNN and their sniper video broadcast, here is a reminder of how CNN works.

The BBC has revealed its ugly biased face for all to see. You should read the whole article for yourself. Personally, I thought this part summed it up pretty well.

In one of a series of discussions, executives were asked to rule on how they would react if the controversial comedian Sacha Baron Cohen ) known for his offensive characters Ali G and Borat - was a guest on the programme Room 101.

On the show, celebrities are invited to throw their pet hates into a dustbin and it was imagined that Baron Cohen chose some kosher food, the Archbishop of Canterbury, a Bible and the Koran.

Nearly everyone at the summit, including the show's actual producer and the BBC's head of drama, Alan Yentob, agreed they could all be thrown into the bin, except the Koran for fear of offending Muslims.

It’s pretty obvious that fear runs the media. It would be nice if they would stand against the violence and false peace of Islam the way they stand against Christianity.

And, that same fear has resulted in some serious problems for France. Everyone made apologies for the violent riots of Muslims last year. Well, the problem is they enver stopped. And, now, the true Peace Of Islam is revealing it’s face in France to the tune of 112 cars a day being burned.

The figures are stark. An average of 112 cars a day have been torched across France so far this year and there have been 15 attacks a day on police and emergency services. Nearly 3,000 police officers have been injured in clashes this year. Officers have been badly injured in four ambushes in the Paris outskirts since September. Some police talk of open war with youths who are bent on more than vandalism.

“The thing that has changed over the past month is that they now want to kill us,” said Bruno Beschizza, the leader of Synergie, a union to which 40 per cent of officers belong. Action Police, a hardline union, said: “We are in a civil war, orchestrated by radical Islamists.”

Car-burning has become so routine on the estates that it has been eclipsed in news coverage by the violence against police. Sebastian Roche, a sociologist who has published a book on the riots, said that torching a vehicle had become a standard amusement. “There is an apprenticeship of destruction. Kids learn where the petrol tank is, how to make a petrol bomb,” he told The Times.

Meanwhile, a former Clinton appointee to the Pentagon…and a current Democratic staffer…seems to have deliberately violated the rules of secret documents. It seems an aide to Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif), Larry Hanauer, is being portrayed as both a victim and a villain by the Dems. Although, it is interesting to note that:

An aide to Harman said Hanauer remained on the committee payroll, working outside the main committee offices on unclassified matters.

A pretty good breakdown can be found at The American Thinker. Rep. Harman, it seems, is rather furious that her aide’s name was given in the press. Does she (…or the rest of the Dems, for that matter...) get that upset about Republicans and their staffers who get the same treatment?

Just some thoughts...

Oh, How We Have Been Had!

I read a series of posts on the Yugoslavian Civil War of the 90's, and just wanted to get sick. I have to admit, that I bought the media coverage through all of this time frame. I believed it was the Bosnians (i.e. Muslims) who were being mis-treated through the whole thing and needed help and assistance. So, to the Serbian (i.e. non-Muslims) people, I offer my apologies. I should have done my homework, and held the political leadership of my country accountable to the truth.

Uncle Mac has an in depth history of the troubles in the Balkans during the mid-1990's (i.e. the Clinton Administration). So far, it is an eight-part series. The evidence of the suppression and outright fabrication of evidence against the Serbs is overwhelming. The level of involvement by the US is sickening. Worse, our support of Muslim groups through the end of the 90's just kept expanding. It's all in the series. But, here is a short list of factoids:

FACTS:
1. The Serbs were persecuted during WWII by the Muslims, who supported the Germans.
2. The Croatian (i.e. Muslim) initiated the invasion of Serbia (1995), and got UN/US help to do it based on fabricated evidence. Our ambassadors actually knew about and approved the plans!
3. At least two of the public massacres during the Yugoslavian civil war, attributed to Serbians, have been determined to have been staged against Serbs (i.e. the only victims of the “attacks”) by Muslims.
4. The Clinton administration approved the shipments of arms and monies from Iran to Muslim for the purpose of solidifying Muslim rule in those areas taken in the conflict.
5. The UN and the US refused to intervene in areas (including the “safe havens”) where Muslims were known to be carrying out military operations and expanding their rule and authority.
6. The CIA and other intelligence groups continued to funnel arms to the Muslims (even the known, declared Muslim terrorist group KLA) at least up to the year 2000.

To those on the political left of America who may read Uncle Mac’s series, I have a question and a challenge: How many lives have been lost due to the lies of the Clinton era, concerning the Balkans? If we hold Bush and the Republicans accountable for Iran, and we should, do we hold Clinton and the Democrats accountable for the Balkans?

SFC Paul R. Smith--Someone You Should Know About

KUDOS to MSNBC for putting out a series on the heroes in our military in 60 second vingettes. The first one, about SFC Paul Ray Smith, recipient of the Medal Of Honor, has been cross loaded to YouTube. Check it out.

There are a lot of amazing details about the engagement that cost SFC Smith his life that are not included in the above video. You can read the full citation of the action, and the after action report, and the President's speech, HERE. Also on this site are links to read every citation for an awarded Congressional Medal of Honor. Very much worth reading.

We should remember, and honor, our heroes. As Abraham Lincoln once said,

"The world will little note what we say and do here,
but it will never forget what they did here."
Gettysburg Address, 1863

Let us not be among those who forget.

The Wonder of Nietzshe?

Personally, I find Nietzsche disturbing. I found a quote that sums up what disturbs me about him. Nietzsche did some really focused study and application of the Greek philosphers and mythology. Speaking of the Dionysian spirit (which he felt was the most desirable thing), he says, "It is an ecstatic affirmation of the totality of life...which blesses and endorses even the ghastliest, the most questionable elements of life...the awareness that creation and destruction are inseperable."

Interesting...since his views are so prominent in our educational views and social underpinnings. While, I agree that, to an extent, creation and destruction are linked together, I'm also supposed to believe that it's good to experience everything you can--no matter how repulsive it may be to others? Hhhhmmm...And we wonder why people live such selfish lives? He got this from Greek philosophy?

Wow! What an incentive to go study the Greeks!...Or...Nietzsche, for that matter!

Islam...Or Not Islam? Part 2

For those who wondered about my post last week Islam...Or Not Islam? and it's spread among the disenfranchised and angry culture groups of America. Well, here is a news report from September 9 from Hot Air of the set-up and spread of Hezbollah in Venezula. Yep. You heard right. There are major operations of a terrorist organization in South America. And they are fund raising via the internet, too. Check out the news report.

I still hope I am wrong about the spread of Islam and loss of the freedoms we enjoy and wish for others. But, I have my doubts about maintaining those freedoms...given our reluctance to fight for it or stand up for it.

Where Were You

Everyone is asking each other these days, "Where were you? Do you remember?" AS if we could ever forget....

I was driving into work. I remember it was the day of the week I usually spent the morning in quiet prayer. I wish I could say I was doing some super spiritual thing--praying protection for the president or whatever. But, honestly, I don't remember praying over anything specific before I left the house. Anyway, I was oblivious to what was going on.

I was actually just getting on the highway when something didn't feel right. I noticed there was very little traffic, considering the time of day (late rush-hour). I normally leave the radio off on the way to work and enjoy the quiet. But, I turned it on then. And, my blood froze.

It actually took a few minutes to figure out what was going on. Then, it was everything I could do not to cry, so I could keept seeing well enough to drive. The only thing I could manage was a strangled cry, "Oh, God! Help them!" I just repeated it over and over. I arrived at work and let myself just cry in the parking lot for a bit. I think the south tower fell as I went inside.

Through out the day I alternated the mantra, "Just carry on," in my head, and with the heart cry, "Oh, God! Help them!" The term "Them" kept taking on a different identity--the families of the lost, or the police and firemen, or the survivors. A lot of the time, though, it was just a blind cry to God.

I remember little of work that day. I know I did my job. I remember my wife called me to see if I had heard the news. I remember going by the sales office at one point. They had a TV hooked up. I saw a live picture of the North tower burning, but still standing. I had a recurring flashback all day about my high school graduation dinner. My parents took the family to the restaurant on the top floor of the Trade Center. And, I remember crying when the second tower fell. In fact, I remember crying several times through out the day. I remember barely being able to talk most of the time. And, I remember calling home just to tell my wife I loved her and ask about the kids.

I remember thinking of friends I had in New Jersey, during high school. I hadn't thought of them much over the years. We lost touch and moved around a lot in the years afterwards. But, back in high school, many of them had parents who worked in the City. I cried wondering if any of those I'd known worked their now. And, whether any of them were gone.

But, that's all I can honestly tell you about that day.

The thing I remember most happened at church that evening. Many there had to talk through the hurt and fear and anguish. I just cried quiet tears. Until an ex-Marine (please don't give me an arguement on there being no such thing here, ok) told of being at work--as an air traffic controller. He described the tears as they pulled out the book on how to ground all the planes in the air. He told of how his son, also a Marine, called as he boarded a ship--unable to tell his dad where he was going. The son simply called to say he loved his dad. I thought of my daughter, who had just entered military service. That ex-Marine and I looked at each other and cried.

That's where I was. Sounds pretty mundane. I know a lot of people had a similar day. I know there were many who experienced much worse. But, I also know no one was untouched by it all. I also realize there is a bigger question. And, it's a question that, personally, I don't have an answer for.

Where am I now? Even as I write this, I'm feeling the same deep ache all over again. And, I'm crying those same anguished tears. Yes, it still hurts with an intesity I can't describe. It hurts partly because there's been no closure to it all. It also hurts because the terrorist's goal was achieved. You see, despite my faith in Christ, I am very much afraid it will happen again.

So, where are you now?

Islam...Or Not Islam?

There was a report recently that Canada had begun looking at setting up a SHARIA court. The two FOX journalists were released, after converting to Islam. And, Islam has been the fastest growing religion in America for several years now. Those are some very interesting, and scary facts.

I did some studying of Islam over the last several years. I've attended a few lectures and seminars--religious and non-religious. Here are a couple of facts I remember from those days. Now, please, bear in mind these facts are from the fundamentalist viewpoint, or level. And, let's emphasize, and define, the fundamentalist part. "Fundamental" simply means the basic elements of something, the building blocks if you will--check the dictionary. Here are some facts I discovered during my studies that leave me suspect of almost any claims by Islamic extremists, and even some Islamic government leaders:

First, there are seven levels of hell in Islamic theology. Interestingly, the lowest level is reserved for those who have recanted their faith in Islam--not Jews or Christians. Christians actually rate a higher level than Jews, too. Other Muslims are bound, religiously, to kill those who recant their faith. There may even be legal prohibitions for not doing so--or helping to do so. Makes me wonder what will happen to those two journalists who "converted", should they decide not to be Mulsim. (I seriously doubt the at gunpoint part of conversion really matters in the eyes of their Islamic kidnappers.)

Second, according to their religious tenants, Muslims are bound to struggle to regain any lands that have once been under Muslim control. Those lands, in terms of their religious viewpoint, are and always will be Muslim lands subject to Muslim laws. Makes me wonder what will eventually happen in the Balkans, which were to a great extent under Muslim rule during the days of the Ottoman Empire.

(On a side note, did you know that according to the Koran if I, as a non-Muslim, give a quote from the text I am supposed to be subject to a death sentence?)

Third, under the rules of Islam, no one but Muslims have any real rights. It is legal, and may even be required, to lie, cheat, steal, or even kill a non-Muslim. Testimony or evidence presented by a non-Muslim against a Muslim is not necessarily admissable in a Muslim court , just because they are non-Mulsim. Now, the degree this holds true will vary depending on how fundamental or progressive the viewpoint is in that nation or culture. And, I know this particular facet of Islam has been debated, denied, and/or down played a lot. But, if you go back through history, that is exactly how Islam has been applied in every culture or nation it has held power. Personally, I will take historical fact over theological supposition.

Now, here is my opinion about the future of Islam and America. This opinion is based partially on my studies. It is based partially on my experiences with Islam or the testimonies of the experiences of others. And, ultimately, part of it is just my impressions of where things seem to be going. So, taking all that into consideration, here is my opinion--which I truely hope is wrong--and the reasons for it.

In its essence, Islam is a religion of anger and judgement. More specifically, it is a religion that justifies and makes holy the expression of anger. There is no forgiveness in its theology. There is only retribution and punishment. The only hope offered is to die for the cause. Islam justfies hatred and bitterness. And, it declares that violence and anger are righteous. Islam, in short, makes anger and violence holy.

Unfortunately, America is a very angry nation. We are so polarized that the "reds" and "blues" won't talk or listen to each other. The middle ground of compromise is, for all intents a purposes, gone. Worse, the generation of youth soon to take the reigns of leadership, have had all their expectations and hopes shattered. The "family" is just a word for most of us since we never see each other. This only increases the isolation or rejection that many feel. The "American dream" doesn't exist for many people anymore. It is believed, probably correctly, that social security will not be there for them. The government at all levels is proving it cannot be there to take care of security issues and needs. The job market is drying up, and the economy is turning back.

I believe Islam is growing so fast, especially among dis-enfranchised Americans, because it feeds on, and fuels, this widespread hopelessness and anger. It gives people a religious basis for their anger, and the expression of it. And, I think the American people, particular those of non-Mulim religions, are going to be surprised to see how much power and authority (political, religious, and social) the followers of Islam will have in this country. And, I think that surprise is coming very soon. I think Europeans are just now waking up to this reality.

Go ahead. Pick it apart. Call it all Christian, hate-based rhetoric if you want to. I've stated what I learned. And, I've stated what I think. Take it for what it is. Only time will reveal who is right or wrong. And, like I said, personally I hope I'm wrong.