When opportunity knocks, what should you do?

It baffles me how the cynical, the mistrusting, though their life experiences might give them good reason to be doubtful, when their "enemies" (which tend to be many, real or imagined), offer to comprimise, even change their ways, those cynical people too often don't try to civily push for more change from them, more help for one issue or another, but try to attack these so - called enemies.

Does the probability of success override the existence of a chance to succeed, even if slim?

Just what good is expressed disbelief and the belittlement that might accompany it, if opportunities for change might be few?

That some people earn mistrust is true, but it misses the point entirely. If there's good to be done, those who can most effect it, must be persuaded, not assailed; at least not only assailed.

PalTalk Tragedy

I'm terrible with words and affection, but I do sincerely hope SrDude is doing alright. Please visit here and express in there, as well as in the other places the post links to, some words of support.

Thank you.

Does it matter if Ahmadinejad is one of "them"?

The Iran Hostage Crisis of '79-81 has been the subject of some dispute, even leading to an investigation by the State Department, with no unananimous conclusion as to whether or not Ahmadinejad was one of the hostage takers, or at least present with the hostages, but, other than giving the surviving hostages some sense of justice, hopefully, should Ahmadinejad be guilty of the accusations of some of them, what purpose does it serve to give a forum to the hostages of that time? I dare say it's to make targetting Iran for selected attacks or full scale war more palatable.

If there's a case to be made for that, I would hope the claims of undermining our present mission in Iraq, even though the war there is unpopular, would be considered a much stronger case to that end, and that further demonization of a world leader would not be necessary. The world is complex, and, while Ahmadinejad might not be a saint, if we go into Iran with simplistic notions of Good vs. Evil, who knows what the long term consequences will be, and just how far we'll go to slay this marketed devil Ahmadinejad?

I actually say and ask stuff like this

Do you like bands like AFI, MCR, etc? If so, why do you hate Jesus?

Jesus cries at your bad taste. Stop dissing on Jesus! Even militant
atheists are ashamed of you.

Ended Rattler Membership

I will comment there when the mood strikes me, but I didn't fit in as a team member.

War is not a game for vengeance and pride

Once again, the tiresome argument that it's somehow our obligation to finish what our soldiers fought hard in no matter the cost, is being bandied about. This time by some group called Freedom Watch. They play to emotion, putting out the sympathetic image of wounded veterans, reminding us of their sacrifices, and then telling us wars should be continued for the reasons typically given by some on the right; they also appear to be blaming Iraq for 9/11. It's the usual bull. I agree with providing medical care to these soldiers, and I am thankful for their bravery, but we shouldn't fight wars in the name of their sacrifices, that's foolish and deadly.

Political Views: 4 for 4

Perpetually incomplete general list. I will give me leanings only, not explanations, degrees of belief, or solutions.

Pro list:

Guns

Large US military

Tough environmental regulations

Choice on abortion

Anti list:

Death penalty

Iraq war

Sabre rattling Iran

Zionism

PS. To the super morons, being in favor of a large US military doesn't mean I am in favor of imperialism, etc.

Suppose Iran really is a threat, even an imminent one

Then Bush's severe lack of credibility, thanks in no small part to his smug incompetence, has put the world at risk.

I really don't know if Iran is a threat, but I do know that fouling up in Iraq doesn't prove Iran isn't, but it does beg the question, what fools would gladly trust him to deal with Iran?

Anti American people or their government?

Normally, I am tolerant of negative views about my country. I don't like that they exist (I believe most people have some nationalist sentiment toward their home nation, wanting it to be favorably perceived), but, knowing arrogance is an enemy of truth, I don't wish to engage in defenses of my nations where I might exaggerate its good deeds, and downplay its bad. I do, though, wonder if the negative views are fair in the relevant contexts to the given issues they come from. My way of dealing with it is usually self deprecating sarcasm.

What actually bothers me more than the negativity, which is prevailing, but more depressing than irritating, is what I consider two be the major offenses to intellectual honestly, and thus respectful criticism.

First, The United States is a constitutional republic: A government of public representatives, all of whom are constrained by constitutions, state and federal, as they are and may be amended. Although not loyal to the literal definition of the term, it is what many people have come to accept as a form of "democracy."

Understanding that, the distinction between the people of America and their government, so as to give some absolution to the former, is peculiar, but often not strongly believed anyway, apparently, by those trying to seperate the two. Either American indifference, apathy, laziness, etc., is very much responsible for their government's actions, or they are pawns who can do nothing.

The second offense is an insincere compliment: While sincerity isn't always easy to ascertain, sweet words which apply broadly, and have little or nothing to do with the history, including any positive actions by America's government, do not come across as complimentary of America, but to friendly people in general.

Saying you "love America's mountain ranges," after making myriad condemnations of the nation, even praising its people's character, is not equitable.

If the intent is to not come across as anti American people, talking well of what they've done as a nation, not just their hospitality and thier nation's geological make up, goes a long way. Otherwise, it would show more respect to not bother.