The group avatar this week is the photo of Ronald C. White who is the author of A. Lincoln. Please visit this discussion led by Assisting Moderator - Joe.

Here is the link to the A. Lincoln folder with the listing of all of the discussion threads:

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_fol...

Alias Reader wrote: "http://www.ovationtv.com/

If you go to the above link you can put your zip code in and get the channel #.

"

Thank you...it looks like I was right for my area.

http://www.ovationtv.com/

If you go to the above link you can put your zip code in and get the channel #.

NY Times: A.O Scott's Top Movies of 2009


http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/12...

What channel is Ovation TV...is it channel 188 in NYC and that area?

Sounds interesting.

I thought some of you might be interested in this new TV show.

Premiering January 4,

Channel: Ovation TV

The Book Group will air Monday nights at 8:00 PM ET/9:00 PM PT.

The series follows an American expatriate in Glasgow, Scotland who starts a book group in order to meet new friends. She gets much more than she bargained for, however, as a cluster of wildly eccentric characters shows up at her door. Originally aired on Channel 4 in the UK, each episode focuses on a different book, which influences the characters lives in some way (if they bothered to read it at all!).

http://www.ovationtv.com/media/programs/...

Well back to my snow....boy do I have a lot of it...very pretty though.

James wrote: "Yes, that book (Peck's) is outstanding. I like Peck's central thesis that evil is essentially the product of a form of laziness, of people taking the easier path when they know it's not the right t..."

I'm with you about the end of the book. I'd forgotten about his wandering off into devil possession and exorcism.

I think Peck was also saying that evil is the result of people lying to protect their image of themselves, a high form of hypocrisy.

Yes, that book (Peck's) is outstanding. I like Peck's central thesis that evil is essentially the product of a form of laziness, of people taking the easier path when they know it's not the right thing to do; it kind of bookends with his repeated theme that love is work, the action of doing things to improve the lives of people, rather than simply an emotion. He lost me near the end of People of the Lie when he started writing about possession and exorcism, but I think the book is great up to that point. One of the examples of evil he gave still makes me shiver when I think of it.

I almost forgot but cannot skip the chance to recommend a movie that is not historical but is a wonder. It may change the way people think about movies much as "Star Wars" did 35 years ago.

I'm talking about "Avatar" in 3-D. It's as much an experience as a movie. In the middle of my Shingles pain, I sat entranced and captivated for two hours and 45 minutes. The story is simple but the execution is superb.

Do not let this film get by you. Do not pass up the 3-D version to wait for the DVD. You will not be disappointed.

James wrote: "That sounds fascinating, Andrea - just added it to my (already 13-page-long) Amazon wish list. The blurb mentioned the fact that we lie to ourselves as well as to others, and that's surely true; it..."

Another book about lying and families is People of the Lie by M. Scott Peck. It totally blew my mind. IMHO, it's the best book he wrote. It is not only about lying it's also about hypocrisy.

On another topic. Living in Hong Kong I have to travel great distances to see snow. I do miss it sometimes but watching NBC News this morning, I realized I'm much better off without it.

We may be looking at a white Christmas here (Albuquerque, NM) - the Weather Channel is forecasting that another storm system that's about to hit California will come through here Tuesday/Wednesday. We've had a couple of snows so far this year, nothing much but it's stayed cold enough that it hasn't all melted. We're fairly far south, but at about the same altitude as Denver. I remember when I was a teenager in the 70s, we'd get two or three big snows every year of 18 inches or more; that never happens anymore.

Elizabeth S wrote: "It is funny. Just last week I was talking with my friend in Australia. I was complaining about our 0 degree (F) weather. She laughed because she was having 90+ degree weather. Not much sympathy..."

Hi Elizabeth, its a bit like Bentley said, the grass is always greener.... I do like the idea of being snug inside with a good book and a glass of wine watching the snow fall but then it's probably a whole lot different when you have to live with it! We hardly see any snow over here now-a-days. I took my family to Europe a few years back for a White Christmas, warmest winter in 10 years, no white Xmas!

It is funny. Just last week I was talking with my friend in Australia. I was complaining about our 0 degree (F) weather. She laughed because she was having 90+ degree weather. Not much sympathy.

We haven't gotten the blizzard, thankfully, just a little more snow this morning. For all who are getting the blizzard, stay warm and safe.

You see the grass is always greener on the other side (or in this case..it is the other side of the world and snow (lots of it).

One thing I notice during a snow storm despite the wind is how quiet it is...everything seems to be cushioned.

You are right Aussie Rick...things could always be a lot worse.

Bentley wrote: "Folks not sure how many of you are facing this blizzard...but I surely am. It was not too bad this morning here but it certainly has picked up its pace.

We are expecting 14 + inches...have heard..."

Actually Bentley from my side of the globe I like the idea of sitting in front of a log fire, sipping a nice glass of red wine, feet up, reading a good book with the occasional look outside to watch the snow fall, sounds rather good to me!

Folks not sure how many of you are facing this blizzard...but I surely am. It was not too bad this morning here but it certainly has picked up its pace.

We are expecting 14 + inches...have heard as high as 21 or more but who knows.

It is pretty dangerous out there now so stay in and keep safe and warm and let us hope the electricity does not go out.

Right now in front of the fire sipping a nice glass of wine.

Bentley

Roy F. Baumeister

James, please remember when citing a book to add the book cover and the author's link.

Thanks.

That sounds fascinating, Andrea - just added it to my (already 13-page-long) Amazon wish list. The blurb mentioned the fact that we lie to ourselves as well as to others, and that's surely true; it sounds as if it might tie in with some of the stuff that's been written about harmful behavior, like "Evil: Inside Human Violence and Cruelty" by Baumeister and Beck - they make the point that when people harm others, they minimize the impact of their actions in their own perception and memory, so that the victim and the perpetrator have very different memories of the same event. We tend to edit our memories over time, too, and if we keep telling the same lies for long enough, we often end up believing them ourselves.

Andrea wrote: "I just read a recent book that looks from its title like self-help, but is actually about logic, thinking, instinct and the types of deceptions people use on others and themselves. I plan to have m..."

Andrea, Good idea. I was in my thirties before I learned how to tell the truth. Dysfunctional family, too much religion, high need to be liked and admired.

As my friend and teacher, Will Schutz used to say, "It's easier to tell the truth because then you don't have to remember what you said.

Back in the 80s he wrote the Truth Option A Practical Technology for Human Affairs. Might not be so relevant today but you might want to take a look at it.

I just read a recent book that looks from its title like self-help, but is actually about logic, thinking, instinct and the types of deceptions people use on others and themselves. I plan to have my students read a little of it next semester. The Liar in Your Life The Way to Truthful RelationshipsRobert Feldman

Susanna wrote: "The version of that I learned in school was "There are three forms of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.""

Susanna,

I believe your quote is the correct one. Thanks. I can go forward now quoting Disraeli w/o making a fool of my self.

The version of that I learned in school was "There are three forms of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."

Susanna wrote: "Another good one along those lines is
by Darrell Huff."

As Disraeli said I think "There are liars, damn liars and then there are statisticians."

Susanna wrote: "Another good one along those lines is
by Darrell Huff."

That looks cool too!

Another good one along those lines is
by Darrell Huff.

Alias Reader wrote: "Andrea, A terrific book that I can recommend to you for your students is:

Nonsense: Red Herrings, Straw Men and Sacred Cows: How We Abuse Logic in Our Everyday Language by Robert J. Gula (Paperb..."

Looks interesting, Alias Reader. It is so hard, sometimes, to look at arguments logically. The emotions really can override the logic. I think it'd be fun to read such a book and think it through.

Everyone, this is a very nice request from Anne who is one of our newer members. I am wondering if you would like to help her here with this request. In so doing, please make sure to add both the book cover of the book you are recommending and the a link to the author (photo and or regular link if photo is not available).

Here is Anne's note:

Hello - I'm primarily an English teacher, but history interests me greatly. I teach at a university in the hills of Maryland USA, not very far from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania - so the Civil War intersts me.

However, today I have a request of this group. In the spring semester, I am teaching a new course ( for me)

in our Core Curriculum - it's for second year students, and it's called "MOD CIV" History of Civilization in the West from 1850 - present. This does not include the USA - that's covered in another Core course. Anyway, I have a history text, but I am planning to approach this course through literature.

Can you recommend some fiction and nonfiction set in Britain , Europe, and Russia during that period? I already have compiled a list of 40 books, but would like to hear from all of you.

Thanks! Anne

Anne, you have said that you have already compiled a good list of books...it probably is possible that you might get quite a few overlaps. But look at the British History as well as the Military History area and that should help you for starters.

Students need to value the messiness of democracy, and understand that by using rational discourse rather than violent speech and insults, we solve our problems rather than suppressing dangerous ideas so they fester and turn into violent actions. as my father often said to tantrum throwing children,"Now, let's just discuss this calmly and rationally."

Yes, Andrea I agree with what you said above. In the days of the founding fathers..for the most part - they tried to rationally present a logical argument.

It wasn't uncommon to attend a 3 hour debate or keep diaries and write essays for publication and long letters.

For some reason, a lot of young people do not have these kinds of patience skills. They watch on television much different social skills and how people handle things in the media world. I doubt there are many (if any) shows that teach good manners and respect.

Then just look at cable news and then they can see people insulting others and yelling and screaming and losing their tempers. So from all of this they learn how to engage in vitriolic rhetoric and we can easily see we have a vastly altered level of civil discourse. You only have to watch the news on cable.

Then again I think back about reading about riots in the streets of Broadway and militia riding their horses down the street to break up fights that went on for days. So probably these kinds of basic instincts have always been with us.

What must be great about teaching is that your student body always remains the same ages year in and year out....so you have a front row seat on society and you probably can visibly see the varied instances in how our culture has changed, stayed the same and maybe improved. Or is visibly challenged.

Andrea, A terrific book that I can recommend to you for your students is:

Nonsense: Red Herrings, Straw Men and Sacred Cows: How We Abuse Logic in Our Everyday Language by Robert J. Gula (Paperback - April 25, 2002)

Nonsense is the best compilation and study of verbal logical fallacies available anywhere. It is a handbook of the myriad ways we go about being illogical--how we deceive others and ourselves, how we think and argue in ways that are disorderly, disorganized, or irrelevant. Nonsense is also a short course in nonmathematical logical thinking, especially important for students of philosophy and economics. A book of remarkable scholarship, Nonsense is unexpectedly relaxed, informal, and accessible.
Paperback: 245 pages

Robert J. Gula

Andrea,

I agree with you totally but I must admit, I sometimes lose my cool at what some people say.

It's great that you are trying to help kids think rationally about issues. If they are like I was as a teenager, I got a lot of exercise jumping to conclusions and was often blind to anything that challenged my assumptions.

I am in the midst of final grading, so am not doing a lot of reading, but will go "great guns" next week. Meanwhile, I am thinking of Bentley and Ed's discussion as I read student portfolios. Read a student paper today that was supposedly an argument against racism but so riddled with racist assumptions I almost knocked the cat off my lap!(reading papers at home obviously). One of my loftier goals as a teacher is to show the students how wonderful logical, civil discourse can be. It is so important for the maintenance of our democracy. Students need to value the messiness of democracy, and understand that by using rational discourse rather than violent speech and insults, we solve our problems rather than suppressing dangerous ideas so they fester and turn into violent actions. as my father often said to tantrum throwing children,"Now, let's just discuss this calmly and rationally." It never ended the tantrum, but he got a kick out of saying it.

Doris Kearns Goodwin is our group avatar for the upcoming week.

ed wrote:
Thanks for the recommendation. I'd like to recommend The Limits of Power The End of American Exceptionalism by Andrew J. Bacevich. That's where I got the Niebuhr quote.

Bacevich is a true conservative who sees the U.S. making classic mistakes. You can read my review at: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/349...

I've now got your recommendation near the top of my TBR list.
-------------------------

You're welcome, Ed & Bentley.

Ed, do wait for the new edition of Fear to come out in Jan. I read the older editon. Even though it was a bit out of date, I think it was written around 2000, his main points were still valid. The new edition should be even better.

I am going to surf on over to Amazon right now and read more about The Limits of Power The End of American Exceptionalism. Thanks !


========================================

Yes Liz...so typical of Churchill and the man within. He probably was right. (lol)..Well you must catch up...just do a few pages every day and you will get there.

Bentley, I am hopelessly behind . . . having gone off to explore 1941 :) and other reading and . . .

Ran into the following and thought of you and your love for Churchill. I didn't know if you had seen Churchill's epitaph before: "I am ready to meet my Maker.Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter." Author unknown. Found at Wikiquotes, http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Epitaphs

Thought you might get a kick out of it.

Well anything is possible...but yes there are.

When you add the links for both authors and books..goodreads populates all of these fields so that links are created throughout your group (all threads). Also, it creates a listing to the right of the message boxes (a list of authors and and a list of books) which have been mentioned anywhere in the thread for easy research. If you click on other topics beside any of these...you will be able to link to any discussion of these books or authors anywhere on the site. It is a great feature and very helpful.

Afraid it will be too depressing??? They are right...it will be...but still worth going. Although I am basing my remarks on the book only and know nothing about the film itself.

Bentley wrote: "Ed, Don't forget the author's link. "

You mean there are readers out there who don't know Cormac McCarthy? (LOL) Truth is, I only started reading his stuff about five years ago.

IMHO, The Road is as much poetry as prose. I cried as I read it partially out of empathy for the Father and partially because of the picture McCarthy draws of the post apocalyptic world.

Roger Ebert gives the movie 3.5 stars, he gives 4 stars about 2 or 3 times a year.

A friend of mine in the U.S. wrote me that he can't find anyone who will go to the film with him because they are afraid it is too depressing. I can't wait for it to get to Hong Kong.

Alias Reader wrote: "As to your discussion, you might be interested this book. I read an earlier edition, but see a new updated version will be out in Jan. 2010.

The Culture of Fear Why Americans Are Afraid of the Wrong Things by Barry Glassner

The Culture of Fear: Why Americans Are Afraid of the Wrong Things: Crime, Drugs, Minorities, Teen Moms, Killer Kids, Mutant Microbes, Plane Crashes, Road Rage, & So Much More (Paperback)"

Thanks for the recommendation. I'd like to recommend The Limits of Power The End of American Exceptionalism by Andrew J. Bacevich. That's where I got the Niebuhr quote.

Bacevich is a true conservative who sees the U.S. making classic mistakes. You can read my review at: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/349...

I've now got your recommendation near the top of my TBR list.

Alias Reader wrote: "Bentley and Ed, I am enjoying your conversation. It is such a pleasure to find a board with civil and intelligent discourse.

As to your discussion, you might be interested this book. I read an..."

Alias Reader..thank you for your kind words..one of the hallmarks of the group is our insistence that everyone always be civil and respectful to each other no matter how widely their opinions may differ.

Glassner's book seems to be quite relevant to our times and to this discussion. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.

Bentley

Ed,

You mentioned by .

PS: Don't forget the author's link.

And I had to take a deep breath because that book shook me up when I read it and thinking back about it started to give me the same old feelings. Very, very scary and yet so powerful. I actually felt physical unrest after I finished that book for days.

Let us hope and pray that that book is nobody's future.

Everything you have said about China and India is absolutely the case. The only aspect regarding China where I potentially differ in my opinion relates to the sheer number of people; who can complete what has to be done (in any circumstance) no mater how adverse; with great, great speed.

There are so many people that the sheer number alone must mean something. And they are an extremely bright people. Where I think they fall short is in terms of creativity or problem solving; they do not appear to be as spontaneous if they have to change course when they acquire new and possibly conflicting data.

They seem to be rather inflexible and slow moving in modifying their positions. If these traits in any way impact their strategic vision, they actually could be the ones who hold themselves back and limit their success.

But one thing they do not run away from is hard work. They are persistent and they are industrious.

Alias Reader wrote: "
A People's History of the United States 1492 to Present

I thought some might be interested in a special on the History channel. The excerpts I saw looked very interesting. (Howa..."

Thank you for the heads up.

Bentley and Ed, I am enjoying your conversation. It is such a pleasure to find a board with civil and intelligent discourse.

As to your discussion, you might be interested this book. I read an earlier edition, but see a new updated version will be out in Jan. 2010.

Barry Glassner

The Culture of Fear: Why Americans Are Afraid of the Wrong Things: Crime, Drugs, Minorities, Teen Moms, Killer Kids, Mutant Microbes, Plane Crashes, Road Rage, & So Much More (Paperback)

Product Description- amazon
In the age of 9/11, the Iraq War, financial collapse, and Amber Alerts, our society is defined by fear. So it’s not surprising that three out of four Americans say they feel more fearful today then they did twenty years ago. But are we living in exceptionally dangerous times? In The Culture of Fear, sociologist Barry Glassner demonstrates that it is our perception of danger that has increased, not the actual level of risk. Glassner exposes the people and organizations that manipulate our perceptions and profit from our fears, including advocacy groups that raise money by exaggerating the prevalence of particular diseases and politicians who win elections by heightening concerns about crime, drug use, and terrorism. In this new edition of a classic book—more relevant now than when it was first published—Glassner exposes the price we pay for social panic.

A People's History of the United States 1492 to Present

I thought some might be interested in a special on the History channel. The excerpts I saw looked very interesting. (Howard Zinn is on Bill Moyers' show this weekend )


It premiers Sunday December 13th at 8pm on The History Channel

The People Speak


Democracy is not a spectator sport. Using dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries and speeches of everyday Americans, THE PEOPLE SPEAK gives voice to those who spoke up for social change throughout U.S. history, forging a nation from the bottom up with their insistence on equality and justice. Narrated by Howard Zinn and based on his best-selling books, A People's History of the United States and Voices of a People's History of the United States, THE PEOPLE SPEAK illustrates the relevance of these passionate historical moments to our society today and reminds us never to take liberty for granted.

http://www.history.com/content/people-sp...

Bentley wrote: "What countries do you think are on the rise...everybody says China, India?????"

Having lived in Asia (Hong Kong) for 17 years and spent a great deal of time on the Mainland, I have a great deal of skepticism about the economic power of China. Their current form of government is untenable in the long run. The amount of corruption is much greater than any official statistics show. I've heard estimates of as high as 20% of their GNP. I think it's high but not that high. The rich/poor gap is highly unlikely to disappear and without a strong middle class, China will never achieve the economic power some people predict.

What China does have is a race of people who are incredibly hard working and when given the opportunity can create miracles. Look around Asia or the U.S. and you will see that the Chinese can compete and win against anybody. The Chinese also value education very highly and are motivated to excel academically. Their family values are unassailable, partially because they honor their ancestors almost like deities. But I don't think that's enough.

India also values education and family but it has an underclass that is so immense and so poor with no chance to change their status, that the sheer weight of the needs of the have-nots will drag everything else down. India also must import almost all of its materials and without natural resources, they are incredibly vulnerable. They also have a serious corruption problem.

Both China and India cannot progress without exporting to the U.S. and Europe. This makes both of them vulnerable. When the economic crisis hit the U.S., unemployment in just Southern China increased by 20,000,000 persons in a few months. A huge drag on the whole system. Many of these unemployed people go back to their home villages where they cannot help but sow discontent.

What I think might happen is that the economies of all countries are so inter-dependent that we may be facing an updated version of the so-called dark Ages after the break-up of the Roman Empire.

Factor in Muslim fanatacism and access to WMDs and Cormac McCarthy's vision in The Road is not as far-fetched as it seems.

I worry about the world my granddaughter may inherit and hope my worst fears are never realized.

Jacques Barzun agrees with you...there are many who have said that the US is in decline at varying times in its history.

I hope it can adjust its sail.

Don't be too sad...when the constitution was ratified...one of the reasons was because of national security..so not a lot has changed.

What countries do you think are on the rise...everybody says China, India?????

Bentley

Bentley wrote: "Franklin may be right...but Americans value security right up there at the top of the list."

The fact that you are correct in your assertion, saddens me greatly.

We are becoming a country in which people are only concerned about their entitlements and their comfort and safety.

I welcomed the economic upset, hoping it would wake people up. It hasn't and the government's efforts to fix things has only made our dependency greater.

I honestly think that the U.S. is in decline and that decline will last for a long, long time.

As Reinhold Niebuhr said: "To the end of history, social orders will probably destroy themselves in an effort to prove they are indestructible".

Ed,

Your first sentence made me laugh...then I thought that is not the right emotion.

Unfortunately, the next tragic event probably will be just like you said...unexpected...they usually are.

I really do not have the ability right now to assess your stats...but mostly everybody I know considers manufacturing to be on its last legs in this country. The shoe industry for one is finished and many others.

Small businesses are very important; but I think we better regenerate our manufacturing capabilities because we never know what is on the horizon; we never know what we might have to retool for and how quickly. The small businesses are good of course, but we need to bring back manufacturing and if our corporations want any corporate welfare or tax breaks...the jobs just have to be here.

When I call American Express or need technical support, I want to talk to somebody here stateside. That is my preference for many, many reasons.

I agree about campaign finance...right now the corporations are beginning to run America...our politicians have to get out of their pockets.

OK...did I say conservative...I don't think so..but I would say that a large portion of them now are on the far right (not that there is anything wrong with that if you are so inclined). They are however more than shrill..you only have to experience one time any of those cable talk shows where they are all yelling at each other in agreement.

Elitist...hmmm...I do think they believe that they are better than other people including our president. Authoritarian...I don't know..maybe.

Yes, that was the end of manufacturing (Reagan)...and of course Bush..well I do not have the time to discuss everything I didn't like about the last eight years! It is easier for me to discuss what I liked...absolutely nothing. For some reason, I did like Laura Bush.

No, I do not agree in fanning...but I do not want to relax and lose sight of the fact that there are people out there who are evil..who are a very real threat...this is sad and horrible; but true. It is most unfortunate that they are trying to recruit Americans like the five just recently arrested in Pakistan.

Yes, FDR said that and then he signed in 1942, Executive Order 9066 authorizing the mass incarceration of over 110,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. So much for practicing what you are preaching.

Franklin may be right...but Americans value security right up there at the top of the list.

Bentley

Bentley wrote: "It really is a shame that so much that we had taken for granted for so long was transformed by 9/11; everything changed from 9/12 onward and I do not think it will get any better. Doesn't that sound uplifting?"

Well, Andy, I wish I felt safer because of the long lines and surveillance by poorly trained robotic TSA personnel. I don't.

The next tragic event will be altogether different than any previous events. Who would have predicted what happened on 9/11. Like Generals who are always fighting the last war, bureaucrats usually can only react, not predict. So whatever happens will be unexpected. (That is not to say anything about the incompetence and waste of the present system.)

In regard to jobs going overseas, according to research I did 18 or 19 years ago for a Toy Company. Every manufacturing job that creates a product that is exported to the U.S. creates 1.2 jobs in the U.S. Think logistics, wholesale, retail, etc.

On an absolute scale there is more manufacturing going on in the U.S. than there was in 1960. The difference is that it is mostly being done in small amounts by companies with 200 or less non-union employees. A lot of it is value-added manufacturing wherein a product is finished in the U.S. New Balance shoes provides a good example of this kind of manufacturing. Also the U.S is basically manufacturing more efficiently so it doesn't need as many workers.

That is why it is so important to support small businesses. They will be the engines of the recovery and the creator of jobs.

The focus on large companies by the politicians is, IMHO, a product of the need to raise funds to get re-elected. Small businesses don't have any spare cash to contribute to the politicos. Big businesses do. They also have lobbyists and executives who have the time to schmooze the politicians. Until we limit what can be spent on electioneering, this problem will persist.

I would dispute the assertion by Republicans that they are conservative. They aren't. They are authoritarian and elitist.

A true conservative works to save the best of what is, not pass freedom restricting, privacy invading laws, start wars, impede entrepreneurs and add to the National debt as has happened in the last 8 years. The Bush Administration added more to the National debt than the previous record holder, the Ronald Reagan administration. Whoops, another so-called conservative Republican.

Yes, Bentley, vigilance is necessary but not fanning the flames of supposed threats from outside.

As FDR said in 1933. "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

And Benjamin Franklin, "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

Ed, in terms of your post on the No Ordinary Time thread...I thought we were having an excellent conversation but the topic was taking us further afield so I am posting my response here.

Response from NOT:

Ed,

I see where you are going with the point you are making. But both fear and the terrorists can be our enemies.

Being afraid is always an enemy of the human spirit. Of course, we all know that the terrorists are their own worst enemy; but given 9/11 we saw first hand that they can be deadly and our enemy at the same time.

We cannot afford to become complacent and/or turn a blind eye to their actions or their plans. They do not care about their own life; why would they care about yours or mine for that matter.

So unfortunately we have to be vigilant and so does everyone else. I know that I want to be safe on the plane that I am on; and I hope for everyone else's safety as well; so I put up with the long and arduous security lines at airports.

It really is a shame that so much that we had taken for granted for so long was transformed by 9/11; everything changed from 9/12 onward and I do not think it will get any better. Doesn't that sound uplifting?

I am also convinced that the Republicans would be anti anything that helped the average American and did not help out corporate America (which by the way has syphoned off a huge number of American jobs to various countries overseas). Those jobs are not coming back ever; so I wonder where all of these new jobs are going to come from.

So the fact that the Republicans are against health care, social security, welfare, even child healthcare does not surprise me in the least.

Where did the moderate Republican party go? Gee, I remember when I was one of them.

And yes I do agree...It appears that they have become the party of no.

I cannot imagine in ten years time how many more draconian laws we might have to overlay and superimpose the ones which we already have here in the land of the free. I really wish they would just vote to enforce the ones they already have. That would make things so much easier.

Well nothing is perfect. I think the above post is beginning to sound like Andy Rooney (smile)