I totally agree that the persons responsible for any act of terrorism should be held accountable, even if it results in their deaths. However, can we effectively get those people without taking more innocent lives?
The face of war is ugly. America's war face is by far the ugliest. We get so focused on the end result that we forget to tread with care. We trample over other nation's religions and beliefs in pursuit of justice. We rush into situations blindly, believing that our way is the right way. We shouldn't do that this time.
The Middle East has been in one kind of conflict or another for hundreds of years. Their very existence is built on the rubble left from previous wars and political/religious uprisings. It's treacherous ground. Tread with care.
First thing I read this morning was an article about how agriterrorism/bioterrorism is a real threat and Iowans should take it seriously since we're the heart of the agriculture world. Excuse me while I scream. How is anyone supposed to recover/mend/heal when the media just keeps on screaming "Watch out for this! Watch out for that!"?? I used to go to bed and send off a quick thanks to God for the good things. Now I lay awake holding the cross on my necklace and pray that we'll all live to see another day.
I hate pissin' contests and that's what this is. It's a pissin' contest on the largest scale. Eric sums it up better than I could by saying "I love being an American. I can't think of a better place to be. But let's face it... we're also the most naive, nosy, closed-minded, arrogant fucks walking on this planet." I agree with that sentiment.
The part that grabs me and won't let go is that we aren't willing to negotiate. To negotiate means both sides sit down and talk. Give a little - take a little. The attitude of our government seems to be that we don't have to talk, because we're right and you're wrong and we're about to kick yer ass.
I've seen this played out on the small scale too many times. The dance floor clears as the situation escalates. Posturing and threatening are met with more of the same until someone throws the first punch. Fists fly and blood is shed until either someone wins or it's broken up by someone with a level head.
This isn't just a bar brawl though. Citizens in every country are helplessly watching as the scene is set for the biggest brawl in history. A lot more innocent people are going to die. That's just wrong.
I've been needing a distraction from the horrible events of late. This morning, distraction finally arrived in the form of a very wet, very cold puppy cowering under my car. Todd found it and he didn't haul it off before I got up - a good sign that we were gonna keep it.
I always listen to Patti. If a bad experience is a possibility, you can bet that she's experienced it and can supply prevention education. Patti's lesson of the day: uncrated puppies eat curtains. Duly noted. Puppy is in 55 gallon Rubbermaid tote until a more suitable crate can be obtained.
Next problem: puppy names. I've received some opinions but Todd and I can't agree on anything. I'm open to more suggestions. A couple of things worth noting: a) We believe this puppy is half Rottweiller and half Bassett Hound. b) It's very low profile and long... like a stretch limo. c) It quite literally plows through the grass with it's nose to the ground and has enormous feet. d) It's a he.
In times like these, the kindness of people amazes and humbles me. I have gotten several emails from around the world expressing condolences and prayers for myself and my country. I've read countless tales of human kindness on every level and now I have one of my own to add.
I've been wrestling this in my mind for days. Who to donate to? There are so many charities to choose from and so little money to spread around. I've also been thinking about the emotional victims. All of us are emotional victims but I mean those who have to live and work in the Manhattan area; those who have lost loved ones that weren't immediate family. What charity will take care of them?
Today I decided I would do my part to help them. I ordered a small token of friendship for a friend who's seen and experienced more pain than I can imagine. The online shop I ordered from was a company I'd never heard of and that always makes me a little wary. They had a comments section in the ordering process. I stated that this was a gift for a friend who had lost a dear friend in the attack and could they please make sure that this order was handled quickly - any problems please call me right away. Working in/around ecommerce, I am too familiar with orders being set aside, etc. and I simply didn't want this to happen. This is too important.
So I wrote the note, submitted the order and immediately received the automated confirmation emails. A few minutes later, I received another email stating they had read my comments and in the spirit of helping someone heal, they would absorb the costs of my second day air shipping. Isn't that something?? See, the world is still full of good people. All is not lost. We just got sucker punched by the bad guys but there's still hundreds of good ones to help heal our wounds.
After she gets the package, I'll post the link so you can see for yourself what a great company they are and maybe find a little something for yourself or one of your friends.
