Middle East Caution

We must all face the probability that Iran, Iraq, China, or others will develop and hold nuclear weapons in the near future. The materials can be made, stolen or bought. The idea of using nuclear weapons was more remote in years past. But, when President Bush invaded the Middle East and used bombs, targeting "enemies," but also injuring non-enemy civilians, the picture changed. People never forget when a family member is killed. It may be 10 or 30 years, For some the pain is carried for generations. Hatred and anger unites the groups and covered by the cloak of "God's will," the threat will remain for generations.

Middle Eastern Islamic countries do not support the US way of life. In the Middle East, women can be beaten, jailed, and even killed for not being veiled and cloaked. Women can be burned or have acid thrown in their face. Why is it good to have women covered head-to-toe with cloth? Because they look less like humans. They appear to all look alike. It is a way of conveying that the women mean little and need to keep their ideas covered. Some may feel that the women are evil or devilish, so the coverings keep the demons inside and do not allow them to get out to infect others. I saw a family with an older mother, probably age 50's, at the dinner table. The older woman had to wear a lot of garb over her head and cover her mouth. Just navigating the food, without creating a mess, seemed difficult to me. Naturally, the woman said it was good to wear this garb and that she was honored. Did she have a choice? Older women, who are not supported by a male are thrown into the streets to beg. Naturally, with a lot of women, totally covered begging on the streets, they are easy victims for crime and abuse. Women can never go against the male of the household - she can be killed (and I mean stoned) and beaten. Freedom and choice are not welcome in the Middle East. We in America must recognize these differences and continue to protect our American freedoms and way of life.

Libya now wants Sharia law, tents, and for men to have as many as four wives. The killing of Qaddafi was a disgrace. Yes, Qaddafi was a miserable person, and his sons were raised in a similar manner, but I believe in human honor and rights. No human should ever die in that animalistic manner. Many Middle Eastern Muslims believe in mob beatings, and killing those who do not follow Muslim beliefs. Qaddafi's final moments will be a part of American shame. I expect many others are suffering in Libya right now - but we hear no words. We Americans are different and I say "Remember la Difference!!!" Americans are short-sighted. The Middle East looks to the future, the distant future, for their final goals. We must be vigilant and stand firm for American values, ideals, and the American way of life. Women must be especially active in protecting our liberties. We must ensure our money is going towards freedom-loving countries who we will work with as partners for hundreds of years to come.