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Friday, December 23, 2011
Traveling safely
A Christian Science perspective.
Last spring a friend was moving from Wisconsin to Arizona, and I agreed to help her drive. It was a road trip to remember as we motored west in a big moving truck with her car on a trailer behind. We had little experience driving such a rig, so our motto became ?Always forward!?
Skip to next paragraphWhether I?m driving cross-country, traveling in a foreign country, or staying at home, I find great strength, inspiration, and forward mental direction in my study of the Christian Science Bible Lesson. One morning during the trip, I studied this passage from Psalms: ?[H]e shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways? (91:11).
The idea of God?s angels having ?charge? over me was an arresting idea and one that applied to our trip. Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, described angels in this way: ?Angels are not etherealized human beings, evolving animal qualities in their wings; but they are celestial visitants, flying on spiritual, not material, pinions. Angels are pure thoughts from God ?? (?Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,? p. 298). I felt myself agreeing: Of course God?s angels of comfort and insight are with me wherever I go.
This nugget of inspiration was needed as my friend and I were on the road. As we drove along, the radio reported that tornadoes had been leveling many cities and towns along our route.
Later that afternoon, when we stopped at a gas station to fill the tank, the tornado sirens went off and folks from all over the area swarmed to the station. We jostled into the walk-in cooler, the securest structure on site. As we huddled, the storm grew louder.
At first my thoughts recalled a radio report of a similar situation a few days before. I was actually thinking, Could this be the end for us?
But then I remembered the scriptural promise from that morning ? God?s angels had ?charge? over me, over the situation, and over everything. This brought a mental peace despite the outside storm.?
In the Bible, the burning bush was a symbol to Moses of inner peace; it was on fire but ?not consumed." This clarity of thought helped Moses respond to God?s call to lead the Israelites out of slavery.
These days we don?t come across many burning bushes, but it?s easy to be consumed by news reports, other people?s opinions, and our own fears. Praying or listening to ?angel messages? brings God into the equation or, better yet, dissolves fear by knowing that no one is outside God?s perpetual care. Looking to God in times of need is not foolish but totally reliable because it puts God in the driver?s seat.
As I recalled the words from Psalms, I felt I had a spiritual anchor. I looked around the walk-in cooler. I was grateful for the man who gave me a blanket to stay warm, the woman who was sharing weather updates that she received by text message, people?s humor, and unconditional love. I could see other people acting with their best selves, showing goodness and unselfishness to complete strangers.
After 40 minutes, the storm passed, and we were all able to return to our cars. You can imagine we were relieved to find the moving truck, my friend?s car, and her belongings all in place, without any damage.
That experience has revitalized my concept of God. At times, I?d thought that loving God was a stagnant or abstract thing. Now I can see that trust in God brings safety, clarity, hope, and endurance in perilous moments.
As you journey home this winter holiday, be open to feeling the divine presence of God?s angels advocating for you and guiding you in tangible ways.
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Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/UIT0mHCLYjg/Traveling-safely
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Thursday, December 22, 2011
Was the Iraqi War Worth the Cost? (ContributorNetwork)
COMMENTARY | President Barack Obama has declared the Iraqi War over. He has gone to Fort Bragg to salute and thank the troops for their service. American troops have "turned out the lights" and closed the door. This country's over eight-year involvement is finished. Now the questions begin; was the war worth it and what have we accomplished? Such a question involves examining the rationale for the war, the cost in lives and money and the ultimate result.
RATIONALE
The Bush Administration justified the war based upon Saddam Hussein having weapons of mass destruction, or WMDs, that were a threat to the world. The only way to prevent him from using WMDs was to invade Iraqi and overthrow his government. Sadaam did not help his cause by refusing international inspections. Of course it turned out there were no WMDs; at least, none were found. Sadaam was overthrown and his dictatorship was replaced with a democratic government. In the end the rationale became the certainty of no WMDs and the overthrow of a dictator.
COSTS
The estimated cost in money prior to the beginning of the war was 50 to 60 billion dollars; the true costs exceeded one trillion dollars, of which every penny was borrowed and added to the federal deficit. The real cost, however, cannot be measured in dollars. Approximately 4,500 Americans gave their lives and over 32,000 were wounded. The costs of treating and caring for the wounded will be paid for decades to come. The loss to society of those soldiers cannot be underestimated. When the final cost is tallied in 30 or 40 years by adding in veteran benefits and interest paid on the debt three trillion dollars is not out of the realm of possibility.
BENEFITS
The benefits of the war were threefold: elimination of the threat of WMDs, the removal of a dictator and the installation of a democratic government. The first benefit gave the world peace of mind. The second freed the Iraqi people. The third gave the Iraqis the best form of government yet devised. As a side benefit it also planted the idea in the minds of other people enslaved by a dictator that liberation is a real option.
So in the final analysis was the Iraqi War worth it? As a retired military officer I know the incredible quality of American troops and their great sacrifice. Americans should have nothing but pride and gratitude for the service in Iraq. The troops believed in the mission and feel they made a difference in the world. The lasting legacy of the war may be the series of events known as the Arab Spring. Freedom is never cheap; its cost has always been high and will remain so. If the final review and analysis of the Iraqi War is its effect on Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Syria and other countries, then the war was worthwhile. There is no price tag on freedom.
David Nakamura "At Fort Bragg, Obama Hails End of Iraqi War" http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/12/14/3595669/at-fort-bragg-obama-hails-end.html
Drew Brooks "Fort Bragg Soldiers Attend Ceremony Marking End of Iraq War" http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2011/12/15/1144091?sac=Local
CNNWorld "Report: No WMD Stockpiles in Iraq http://articles.cnn.com/2004-10-06/world/iraq.wmd.report_1_nuclear-weapons-charles-duelfer-iraq-s-wmd?_s=PM:WORLD
David M. Herszenhorn "Estimates of Iraq War Were Not Close to Ballpark" http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/19/washington/19cost.html
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Sunday, December 18, 2011
Iraq War: Last US Troops Leave Country
KHABARI CROSSING, Kuwait ? The last U.S. soldiers rolled out of Iraq across the border to neighboring Kuwait at daybreak Sunday, whooping, fist bumping and hugging each other in a burst of joy and relief. Their exit marked the end of a bitterly divisive war that raged for nearly nine years and left Iraq shattered, with troubling questions lingering over whether the Arab nation will remain a steadfast U.S. ally.
The mission cost nearly 4,500 American and well more than 100,000 Iraqi lives and $800 billion from the U.S. Treasury. The question of whether it was worth it all is yet unanswered.
Capt. Mark Askew, a 28-year-old from Tampa, Florida who was among the last soldiers to leave, said the answer to that question will depend on what type of country and government Iraq ends up with years from now, whether they are democratic, respect human rights and are considered an American ally.
"It depends on what Iraq does after we leave," he said, speaking ahead of the exit. "I don't expect them to turn into South Korea or Japan overnight."
The war that began in a blaze of aerial bombardment meant to shock and awe the dictator Saddam Hussein and his loyalists ended quietly and with minimal fanfare.
U.S. officials acknowledged the cost in blood and dollars was high, but tried to paint a picture of victory ? for both the troops and the Iraqi people now freed of a dictator and on a path to democracy. But gnawing questions remain: Will Iraqis be able to forge their new government amid the still stubborn sectarian clashes. And will Iraq be able to defend itself and remain independent in a region fraught with turmoil and still steeped in insurgent threats.
Many Iraqis, however, are nervous and uncertain about the future. Their relief at the end of Saddam, who was hanged on the last day of 2006, was tempered by a long and vicious war that was launched to find nonexistent weapons of mass destruction and nearly plunged the nation into full-scale sectarian civil war.
Some criticized the Americans for leaving behind a destroyed country with thousands of widows and orphans, a people deeply divided along sectarian lines and without rebuilding the devastated infrastructure.
Some Iraqis celebrated the exit of what they called American occupiers, neither invited nor welcome in a proud country.
Others said that while grateful for U.S. help ousting Saddam, the war went on too long. A majority of Americans would agree, according to opinion polls.
The low-key exit stood in sharp contrast to the high octane start of the war, which began before dawn on March 20, 2003, with an airstrike in southern Baghdad where Saddam was believed to be hiding. U.S. and allied ground forces then stormed across the featureless Kuwaiti desert, accompanied by reporters, photographers and television crews embedded with the troops.
The final few thousand U.S. troops left Iraq in orderly caravans and tightly scheduled flights. They left at night in hopes it would be more secure and got out in time for at least some of the troops to join families at home for the Christmas holidays.
The last convoy of MRAPs, heavily armored personnel carriers, arrived in Kuwait around 7:30 a.m. local time (0430GMT) Sunday. Soldiers standing just inside the crossing on the Kuwaiti side of the border waved and snapped photos as the final trucks crossed over.
Spc. Brittany Hampton, 21, was among the last soldiers to leave. "Awesome. It is awesome. I am very proud of it," she said.
The final troops completed the massive logistical challenge of shuttering hundreds of bases and combat outposts, and methodically moving more than 50,000 U.S. troops and their equipment out of Iraq over the last year ? while still conducting training, security assistance and counterterrorism battles.
As of Thursday, there were two U.S. bases and less than 4,000 U.S. troops in Iraq ? a dramatic drop from the roughly 500 military installations and as many as 170,000 troops during the surge ordered by President George W. Bush in 2007, when violence and raging sectarianism gripped the country. All U.S. troops were slated to be out of Iraq by the end of the year, but officials are likely to meet that goal a bit before then.
The total U.S. departure is a bit earlier than initially planned, and military leaders worry that it is a bit premature for the still maturing Iraqi security forces, who face continuing struggles to develop the logistics, air operations, surveillance and intelligence-sharing capabilities they will need in what has long been a difficult region.
Despite President Barack Obama's earlier contention that all American troops would be home for Christmas, at least 4,000 forces will remain in Kuwait for some months. The troops will be able to help finalize the move out of Iraq, but could also be used as a quick reaction force if needed.
Obama stopped short of calling the U.S. effort in Iraq a victory in an interview taped Thursday with ABC News' Barbara Walters.
"I would describe our troops as having succeeded in the mission of giving to the Iraqis their country in a way that gives them a chance for a successful future," Obama said.
The Iraq Body Count website says more than 100,000 Iraqis have been killed since the U.S. invasion. The vast majority were civilians.
The U.S. plans to keep a robust diplomatic presence in Iraq, foster a deep and lasting relationship with the nation and maintain a strong military force in the region.
U.S. officials were unable to reach an agreement with the Iraqis on legal issues and troop immunity that would have allowed a small training and counterterrorism force to remain. U.S. defense officials said they expect there will be no movement on that issue until sometime next year.
Obama met in Washington with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki last week, vowing to remain committed to Iraq as the two countries struggle to define their new relationship. Ending the war was an early goal of the Obama administration, and Thursday's ceremony will allow the president to fulfill a crucial campaign promise during a politically opportune time. The 2012 presidential race is roiling and Republicans are in a ferocious battle to determine who will face off against Obama in the election.
Related on HuffPost:
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Growth sectors lead Wall Street higher (Reuters)
NEW YORK (Reuters) ? Stocks rose on Friday with growth-related shares leading the way as investors focused on a brighter U.S. economic outlook.
A stronger euro and retreating euro zone bond yields also helped investor confidence. Benchmark Italian bond yields held below 7 percent, and Spanish yields also fell. Still, worries persisted over possible sovereign credit downgrades to the euro zone members.
"It is becoming increasingly apparent the (U.S.) economic recovery is becoming self-sustaining," said Jeffrey Saut, chief investment strategist at Raymond James Financial in St. Petersburg, Florida.
"I think we're going to see reallocation (into growth sectors) when it becomes apparent the U.S. is not dipping into another recession."
The materials sector (.GSPM) was among the top S&P performers, up 1.7 percent. The energy group (.GSPE) was up 1.2 percent as U.S. oil futures added 0.5 percent.
Copper prices added 2.1 percent. Gold rallied about 2 percent but was still on course for a weekly loss.
The Dow Jones industrial average (.DJI) put on 86.28 points, or 0.73 percent, at 11,955.09. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (.SPX) was up 13.78 points, or 1.13 percent, at 1,229.53. The Nasdaq Composite Index (.IXIC) jumped 41.46 points, or 1.63 percent, at 2,582.47.
Online game maker Zynga Inc (ZNGA.O) was expected to rise in its Nasdaq debut after pricing its initial public offering at $10 per share, the top end of its range. Shares are expected to begin trading around 11 a.m. EST <1600 GMT>.
U.S. consumer prices were flat in November as Americans paid less for cars and gasoline, while the 12-month inflation reading fell for the second straight month, which could give the Federal Reserve more room to help a still-weak economy.
Jim Paulsen, chief investment officer at Wells Capital Management in Minneapolis, said subdued inflation will be a long-term positive as consumers benefit from contained prices.
"That's one of the reasons you're seeing better consumer (confidence) of late," he said.
Research In Motion Ltd (RIM.TO)(RIMM.O) posted a sharp drop in profit on Thursday, offered a dismal outlook for BlackBerry shipments during the holidays and delayed an overhaul of its smartphones. The U.S.-traded stock dropped 11 percent to $13.47.
Shares of Adobe Systems Inc (ADBE.O) jumped 7.3 percent to $28.37 after results from the maker of Photoshop and Acrobat software beat Wall Street projections.
Data this week suggested a strengthening U.S. economic recovery, giving further support to equities.
Jobless claims fell to a 3-1/2-year low last week and factory activity in parts of the U.S. Northeast picked up in December, data showed Thursday.
(Reporting by Rodrigo Campos; editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)
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Jailed Hezbollah commander turned over to Iraqis (AP)
WASHINGTON ? The last American prisoner in Iraq, a Hezbollah commander linked to the kidnapping deaths of four U.S. soldiers, was turned over to the Iraqi government Friday, the White House said.
U.S. officials have long feared that such a transfer would lead to Ali Mussa Daqduq's release from prison. But his case became enmeshed in both international diplomacy and the Washington political debate over how best to prosecute suspected terrorists.
Under President George W. Bush, prosecutors had planned to someday charge Daqduq in a U.S. criminal court. But those plans were scrapped after Obama took office and lawmakers began restricting the president's ability to bring terrorist suspects into the United States for trial.
Many Republicans had wanted Daqduq prosecuted before a military tribunal at the Guantanamo Bay base in Cuba. The Obama administration had hoped a compromise would be to prosecute Daqduq in a first-of-its-kind military commission on U.S. soil.
But the Iraqi government would not let the United States take Daqduq out of the country for trial, White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said.
"We have sought and received assurances that he will be tried for his crimes," Vietor said Friday.
It was not immediately clear what charges he could face. The U.S. has said he was part of a brazen raid in which four American soldiers were abducted and killed in the Iraqi holy city of Karbala in 2007.
Iraq has had a shoddy record on detainee security. Last year, just a week after the U.S. turned more than 1,000 detainees at its Camp Cropper prison over to Iraqi control, four al-Qaida-linked detainees escaped. An investigation showed that the detainees had inside help.
That had lawmakers worried that Daqduq would return to Hezbollah soon after his transfer. Shortly before the White House announcement, Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., was gathering signatures on a letter to Obama.
"Daqduq's Iranian paymasters would like nothing more than to see him transferred to Iraqi custody where they could effectively pressure for his escape or release," Kirk wrote. "We truly hope you will not let that happen."
With the war over and Iraq a sovereign country, the United States is now bound by its diplomatic agreements with Baghdad. Shuttling Daqduq out of the country without the approval of the Iraqi government would have risked damaging U.S.-Iraqi relations.
Vietor said a trial at Guantanamo Bay was never an option, either for the Iraqis or for the administration.
"The policy of this administration, because we believe it's in our national security interest, is to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, not add to the population," he said.
Two Iraqi officials, speaking under condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case, said Daqduq was in the custody of Iraqi judiciary authorities in Baghdad. Daqduq will stand before an Iraq investigative judge, one official said. Investigative judges decide whether there is enough evidence for a trial and recommend specific charges, somewhat like a grand jury does in the U.S. system.
___
Associated Press writers Donna Cassata in Washington and Qassim Abdul Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report.
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Saturday, December 17, 2011
Speaker: Will keep pipeline language in tax bill (AP)
WASHINGTON ? House Republicans will stick to their insistence that a bill extending a payroll tax cut and jobless benefits include language speeding work on a controversial oil pipeline, Speaker John Boehner said Friday.
The remarks by Boehner added a contentious backdrop to negotiations over a compromise payroll tax cut measure. With President Barack Obama and many congressional Democrats opposed to accelerating work on the proposed Keystone XL pipeline, which would run for 1,700 miles from western Canada to Texas, that conflict has been one of the major hurdles to a bipartisan deal on the payroll tax package.
Meanwhile, the House began debating a $1 trillion spending bill that would avert a partial federal shutdown beginning Saturday. That measure, which would finance dozens of federal agencies through next September, would replace a stopgap spending bill that expires at midnight Friday and is sure to pass.
Negotiations on the payroll tax cut legislation between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., were continuing Friday. Leaders are hoping that Congress will finish that bill and others and end its work for the year in the next few days.
Reid said Friday that bargainers were making good progress in those talks, a sentiment echoed by McConnell.
"The majority leader and I are making significant progress on reaching agreement on a package that will have bipartisan support, I hope," McConnell said. "I think we're going to get to that place."
With those talks under way, House leaders planned to send their members home after finishing their work Friday, with plans to return when the Senate produces a payroll tax cut measure for the House to vote on.
But Boehner, R-Ohio, struck a combative tone following a closed-door meeting Friday morning of House Republicans.
"I guarantee that the Keystone pipeline will be in there when it goes back to the United States Senate," Boehner said.
This year's 4.2 percent payroll tax rate will jump back to its normal 6.2 percent on Jan. 1 unless action is taken by Congress. Few lawmakers want to be blamed for a tax increase that would affect 160 million people.
Extended benefits for long-term jobless people will also expire Jan. 1 without congressional action.
That same day, a 27 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements to doctors would take effect unless lawmakers act, a reduction that could convince some doctors to stop treating Medicare patients.
Even without the Keystone dispute, bargainers had still not reached agreement on how to extend a payroll tax cut through 2012, with major disputes remaining over how to finance the package.
Because of their ongoing disagreements, Senate leaders have prepared a shorter, two-month extension of the payroll tax cut and jobless benefits to give themselves more time to reach an agreement.
The two-month payroll tax cut bill would also delay the Medicare cuts for two months.
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