The peace within is easy to find You just have to close your eyes. Let the days troubles fall far behind An think of the people who love you. Remember your childhood Think of your friends Think of your mother and father

Personally, I am deeply saddened by the events of this past weekend. We need to change the course, tenor, and uncivilized, barbaric tone of argument, debate, and discussion that has dominated this country in the last decade. Speech is action, snd violent speech whether intended to hurt , an actual call to violence, or simply to inspire passion and enthusiastic response to rouse the base needs to be thought out because they have been interpreted as violent calls for violent action. We need to rethink and reflect on what we say and how we say it. All of us on all sides.

Listen up.

I got to know this Viner from her spirited defense of her town's Muslim community in an AP (!) article on the front page. This user stood her ground and defended that community, her town, from all comers. Did not stop there but continued to report from Corvallis OR on a defiantly positive response to intimidation both from this site and those that torched a mosque in that town!

Look her up. To the Newsvine Admin Group, maybe its time you revive the RAV, just to give it some real time credibility.

I have recently come to the conclusion that my life has been based on 2 flawed principles.

I am no different than most people, I can see the mountain top of whatever challenge I wish to take on. However, I begin the accent, and as I come closer to the peak, I notice it is damn crowded up there, and the sea of people ahead of me make the climb impassable without knocking a few back to the bottom. So, I sink my flag on a ridge in sight of the peak and become complacent, or I parachute my ass to the base and go home. This line of perception has kept me in constant stress & anxiety. I have found it easier to accept things I can change and never move towards a more serene and fulfilled life.

The reasonable answer at this stage in my life, that makes sense to me, is to start making my own mountains. As long as I take a more active and creative role is my own future, I will not be drawn into the compliant, sheep to the slaughter, follow the leader garbage.

I have also lived with the sincere belief that most people are in one way or another, simply out to satisfy their own desires. The damage they do and the people they use means little or nothing to them. To a certain extent this belief will likely stay with me in one amount or another. However, although the world is full of jerks, even most jerks have a line they will not cross where it comes to abusing others. As I trust a little more, I may find a way to live in this world without the anger & isolation.

Follow your dreams and march to your own beat. If the climb is too crowded, you have been sucked in. In small measure find a way to connect to another human being, the worst thing that could happen is you identify another jerk.

Maddad

I've tried to live a life that's nobel Each day I do my best Life has tested me so much Sometimes I just wish to rest We have known you'd be here for sometime Last week you came at last Your one more reason to live my life From this day forever more

This weekend, tens of thousands of individuals met in Washington DC to participate in, or observe, the Rally to Restory Sanity. Although the theme offered by it's organizers was a generic appeal for reason in politically contentious times, the messages conveyed by the individuals at the event were as varied and many as the people who carried the signs.

I had the pleasure of being there myself, spurred on by an appreciation for John Stewart and a strong desire to be part of a movement that called for unity in the wake of often over-generalized partisan anxieties begotten of equally over-generalized partisan talking points.

Although the Rally's followers on Facebook were usually diligent to keep their fellow ralliers "fair and balanced" in their postings and perspectives, I had initially feared that the event would be seen (either legitimately, or painted under the media lens) as a mostly liberal meet-up with no true direction or purpose. Fortunately, these fears were quickly assuaged as I boarded the plane that would would take me 3,000 miles to the Rally. Riding along with me were 5 other individuals who were on the same journey. The first was a typical, nearly Marxist graduate student who eagerly recited talking points undoubtedly borrowed from the DNC website (although as a human being I found him extremely pleasant and engaging). Then I spoke with a politically hawkish soccer mom who was attending because she wanted a stable America for her children. The rest of my fellow travelers were shades in-between and would be hard to assign to a specific political camp.

The bus and train journey to the rally following my arrival on the East Coast yielded equally interesting conversations all of them marked by a sense of civility, curiosity, and neighborly courtesy. Although we were packed like sardines, with barely room to breathe, there was less tension then is normally experienced on a typical commute. This was a particular feat considering that several of the conversations taking place between my fellow travelers were focused on "hot button" issues like healthcare, the environment, and the legitimacy vs illegitimacy of Fox News. And believe me when I say that not everyone was in agreement. But nevertheless, on that crowded 40-minute bus ride, more was accomplished in bridging the partisan divide than either party has manged to achieve in several decades.

At the rally, there was a palpable sense of excitement as people mulled in tight formation to catch a glimpse of John Stewart, invoke a impromptu drum circle to legalize pot, or complain about the administration. Many people were lured to the event by the promise of entertainment, guest celebrities, and the desire to have a fun Halloween. But regardless of intent, most people were hard pressed to get through their day without engaging in conversation with other rally-goers. And that's where some others reporting on the event somewhat missed the point...

Regardless of motivation or intent, everyone at the event was opento the opinions of others. John Stewart did the job that he was paid to do- entertain and serve as a nexus around with others could gather. While there were undoubtedly some soft-ball messages about encouraging rational discourse from the speakers, the bulk of the message and the movement, came from the attendees themselves.

I saw real-live, Bible carrying Tea Party organizers having meaningful discussions with with die-hard pro-Pelosi liberals - and finding common ground. I saw veterans and military families extolling peace. I saw signs representing every policy, belief, and a shade of the political spectrum. And that's kind of the point... On October 30- if you were at the rally... whether you were a Democrat or Republican, left or right, toast butter side up or down, people gathered together like neighbors and had a polite conversation.

And that fact is the only thing that has given me hope in a very long time...

You’re not going to like it. It’s all about love and hope and friendship and compassion and understanding and forgiveness. See? I told you so. No one likes those things anymore. I guess they’re boring and out of date.

Nine years ago today, our world, as we knew it, changed.

But truthfully, America was always hated. The only thing that really changed that day is that we were given a wake up call and finally shown just how much we're hated. Before 9/11, we were sitting here in our McMansions, watching our flatscreen TVs, drinking Starbucks and putting spinners on our SUVs and thinking that America was sitting under some kind of giant bubble of invincibility.

Today is a good day for every American to take some time and reflect about what our country is really all about. We spend a great deal of time abusing the very freedoms that we claim to revere. You can't throw a stick anywhere in America without hitting someone with major entitlement issues who's filed a frivolous lawsuit, thinking that they deserve to cash in on some dumb thing that happens to people everywhere every day.

We're grossly wasteful. We eat too much food that we don't need to survive, we buy too much stuff that we don't need, period. We drive four blocks to mail an envelope instead of walking. And then we blame our government when we realize that we have spent beyond our means, or have gotten fired from our jobs because really, we're just phoning it in and spend more time playing Farmville on Facebook than we do working, and our bosses need to have people working for them who actually work. Yes, the state of the economy isn't the people's fault, except for the fact that we voted for the lame-asses that made it possible for the big, rich businesses to take over power of just about every financial institution in this country and a few other countries as well, and also have the right to sway the elections. So now our freedoms belong to some committee in some boardroom, where they're handing out bonuses to the executives from the money they got from the government bailout funds. That came out of our taxes. Oh, and then they raised our interest rates.

We've forgotten how to maintain communities. We're so busy fighting amongst ourselves that our children are being lost in the underfunded educational system; underfunded because we've allowed those funds to be cut, cut, and cut again. We spend more time trying to find ways to stick it to our neighbours instead of helping them, or at the very least become nodding acquaintances, in case someone disappears for too long and might need help.

America is the most powerful country in the world. And we've gotten cocky about it. Today is a good day for each and every single one of us to sit quietly in reflection and remember - great power does come with great responsibility. We need to start acting like real Americans again. Instead of lashing out in blind anger, which only serves to perpetuate the circle of hate and violence, we need to realize that we have the power to stop the circle and get it spinning in the other direction. We have the freedom to make a choice -- we can either continue to be a nation of Americans that are hated and feared, or we can be the harbingers of real change, real peace, real understanding, of tolerance and acceptance, of cooperation and collaboration. We do have the power to make this a better world. Let's not @!$%# it up.

Today is not only a day to remember, but also a day to make sure it never happens again.

As I am writing this, the National Amthem is being sung at the Saints kick off in New Orleans, and yes I am misty eyed. Americans have shed so much blood to protect the "land of the free" and the home of the brave" and, it is so sad that we are engaged one more time in a battle over freedom, the right of an individual(s) to build a building in close proximity to where the land of the free and the home of the brave was attacked by outside forces.

The why of why has this captured so much media attention is:

My opinion is none of this is about politics, religion or anything else other than which corporations are going to get richer. Somehow, in the great land, "nothing is fought over unless it means someone will get rich from it." (A paraphrased quote from the late, great Will Rogers) And this has been happening since our country's inception and it will go on, and on, and on.

All of these events creating so much media attention (too much in my opinion) are without a doubt in my mind a diversion from what our elected representatives and the mega corporations in this country are up to while we focus on other events. Yes they are always up to something and usually nothing that will benefit the "people."

I for one would like to know how this Pastor in Florida came up with this idea and who exactly alerted the media. He is an insignificant player in the grand scheme of things as is his copycat in another state. And there will be more copycats, that is just the way it goes. But we have to learn to pay attention to what our representatives are up to/legislation they support, what the administration is doing and while it is important to be aware of what the fringe elements are up to it should not consume us as it has.

As far as the Mosque in NYC, questions that should have and need to be asked:

-why there, exactly?

-who owns the property, when did he/she purchase it?

-was it always the intent to build a Mosque or interfaith center?

-who is funding this project?,

-why and what is the endgame/goal?

It is of interest, at least to me, that with so many other locations this Imam and his followers could choose to pray in/at, they chose the specific spot so close to Ground Zero. Of further interest is, that now, they have decided to build, what we are now told, is an "Interfaith Center." I must have missed that memo.

Was it not only a Mosque originally? Let me know how the interfaith project has come about. And, what is the alternative if they do not, after it is built, have an interfaith center with rooms for the various faiths to pray? And further, no non-Muslims allowed. They do have that right. So tell me, what if anything is going to happen?

History has also shown us that what the Republicants are doing to the Democants is nothing new. Republicants are in a snit because the middle class is not completely destroyed, the devastation of Katrina brought in its aftermath hope for a new and better New Orleans for its residents. Yes I really believe that the Republicants end game is a two class America, the rich and the rest of us. And to that end Republicants and their various supporters and followers will not be happy until America looks like Haiti after the earthquake earlier this year.

Each political party has and will continue to beat up on each other in an effort to win power, control and hence money! It is also interesting at the least, and hopeful at best that individuals who are usually at each others throats condemning each other to Hell and beyond because of their parties policies, agree on this. Had they done this for the last couple of years, just think how much improved our economy would be, and how many millions of our presently unemployed citizens just might be employed.

As far as the comments that we wanted the book burning stopped out fear of Muslim reprisals, the world over, how about instead, stating that common sense prevailed? I do not like to be threatened. I am guessing that many of you out there in the Newsvine ether world do not take to threats either. But somewhere that concept reared its ugly head. I would like it to stop here and now.

In the interest of peace, harmony, kindness, compassion, and understanding towards all living creatures, let us say and believe that instead of fear, common sense prevailed. I pray that it continues to do so

What say you?

Many of us live entrapped in the past, slave of it, for something that happened or something that did not happen, events that left indelible marks, scars that produced bars with locks, that made escaping impossible and unlikely in self incarceration.

Many others too, live entrapped in the future, always concerned with what it will be, not just to themselves but to the universe altogether, and the jail that holds them is made of dreams and nightmares, thinking on how good it will be or how disastrous, only if acting now means not to enjoy today so that they can enjoy tomorrow, so that they won’t enjoy today because otherwise, they will loose tomorrow, even before the impossibility of know how far tomorrow is and much it will last, at either end, the anxiety to control to the point of assuming ownership of the present in the lives of everyone else, pushes them to drag, to suck; others into their slavery, into their prisons, not living and not letting live.

The beauty of our presence of mind is in our ability of understanding reality, of being able to appreciate the present not ignoring the past, or dismissing the future, but being able to place them in their own perspective.

The past is preterit to the present, is gone, and all is left of it, is our capacity to absorb experience and with it, knowledge and understanding so that we can build on our strength to avoid repeating mistakes or to enjoy more what was lost before.

The future is a consequence of the present and so, it is not a very good idea to dismiss the present on behalf of having our mind set on the future as a main priority on our lives. To blame the future for the past is to ignore the present and to become mere spectators, bystanders, in the journey of our lives, not even extras or supporting characters, but something like the paint on the wall.

Somewhere someone once said; the past is history, the future is mystery, only the present is under our control to deal with, to enjoy.

Our journey through life is much too precious to let it go by unnoticed. If we pay close attention to everything that goes on, on a single day, we will notice a day full of events, and if we reflect upon them positively, we will realize that even the most negative one, can have a positive outcome should we put the mercy of God on them, our attention and participation, not to impose our will but to let ourselves be part of the will of God. This is not a matter of becoming oblivious to the truth but to rather live the truth with intensity and passion.

As humans, we are especial creatures of God, as we are created to His image and likeness, we have dignity, as we have the gift of freedom, we have free will and with it we have responsibility and are accountable for our choices and decisions which is what make our experience and our path through life. Because we are free, we are individuals and thereby as such, we have an individual relationship with God and part of that individuality is our identity. We are social because we love, not like certain species of inferior order which simple gather and follow a strong leader.

Our freedom capacitates us to focus selfishly only on ourselves or to love, to give and to forgive. As for the former, we cannot serve that individual relationship with God; because we have ourselves to worry and to focus on, thereby we end up ignoring everything and anything that goes outside of our little exclusive but fake universe where we are not just the sun, but also everything else.

The later instead, enriches our existence with the gift of being useful to the plan God has on each and every one of us. Love is giving without expecting retribution; it is what connects people together socially and to God. To love we must not ignore ourselves, because we must put ourselves to the mercy of others, loving our neighbour as ourselves after loving God over and above everything and anything. Love is giving and is therefore forgiving because nobody can truly and genuinely love, being full of scars and resentment and hate in their souls. We cannot give when we are so worry about keeping. We need to let go on what impedes us to fully love, God first, and ourselves and our neighbour.

We cannot expect common good and social justice if love is not at the front in the equation as love is the only possible force to provide either. Because love can only proceed from the individual; common good and social justice can only proceed from the individual.

When we take it upon ourselves to impose upon others what we might see as common good or social justice, all we accomplish is the confusion of instigating selfishness on everyone, because what we proclaim and predicate is the intrusion in our lives perturbing the purity of our freedom, dismissing our individuality on behalf of individualism, dismantling the purpose of God’s plan into someone else’s plan, a very self focussed mind, an anti-thesis of love. We renounce loving on behalf of being loved.

When we let others think on our behalf, or worst, letting them be the only ones to think, we surrender our ability to realize the present letting them to control our lives by making our souls tools of their dominance, our past and future forcing us to abandon our humanity.

To learn is not to blindly obey but to reflect and apply and then to keep learning. When we let a group of elites take over our lives under the suggestion of being taken care and live without worry and in safety; we delude ourselves onto a fallacious ideal, an illusion, a mirage in a desert that is not going to stop being that, just a desert, a wilderness full of dangers for which we have abdicated our natural ability to deal with.

We must always focus on the present because it is what we can control by virtue of our free will, jealously and protectively. The control we have on the present is what makes our freedom so real and precious.

Jesus warned us of false prophets, wolves hiding under sheepskins.

It is the culture of those false prophets what we see before us today, asking us to live sorry of our past and trying to control our present by presenting before us an apocalyptic and catastrophic future. As if they had any true control on anything.

These false prophets, attack religion, meaning to attack the truth, while embracing the most dangerous of the religions and fundamentalisms, those ones of selfishness, of becoming gods in their own farcical unrealities, insisting on equivalence amongst people’s faiths thereby dismissing the truth as something relative to the circumstances, predicating tolerance while having very little tolerance for anyone daring to step on their course of inhumanity, preaching as their postulates their faith on the environment, evolution and sodomy, which naturally requires of the destruction of the family, marriage and life itself and with it the future.

This is the culture of collectivism; government by the elites, the reign of the devil and his evil and malign resources for the destruction of humanity, a culture of death for every soul. They defend sin by dismissing it, because they are fully aware of the slavery of sin over the souls of people that see only the convenience of their individualism under the false gods of collectivism.

Love our neighbour, including our enemies, but abhor sin.

Jesus lived amongst the worst sinners not to embrace sin but to embrace the sinners and to rescue them from their wrong choices, to liberate them and put them in control of their own lives in their true meaning which is to love God over and above everything and anything.

To start rejecting sin the best time is always the present.

If we can be honest with ourselves and each other for a minute or two, we can honestly say that there are many things going wrong with this country. I think that we can get a set of alphabet flash cards, throw them into the air, catch one and come up with a problem that begins with that letter; no matter what that letter might be.

Everyone has heard about, tried to achieve, reached for, caught and lost, living, "the American dream," but it is not having a home in the suburbs with a white picket fence, two cars, a dog, a nine to five job, and a few kids. The American dream is very hard to describe or to give a list of what it might be. It ultimately means many things and whatever any individual might set his/her dream to be, or can "the American dream" be more of a state of mind than achieving a certain list of material things. It can be a state of mind, having a comfortable place to live, an easy way to get around, a pleasant job you enjoy, helping people in need, having great friends, enjoying the little things and the huge ones as well, allowing yourself to embrace every possibility this life might bring us. I myself have never thought I would own a home, in fact I usually give everything away because I hate having to take care of things, if I don't want to be home for a few days and I simply don't go; I don't want to worry about a pet, the lights, the alarm, etc.

My American dream is very different than everyone else's. My dad's american dream when he can to this country was to have us all together again, but when he had us together before he came to the USA he would stay away. Now his dream, nay, hope is to keep what he has worked hard and many times ask me to work harder along side him. When he decided to buy a house he picked one that he could afford and live for a long time, oh and that it had room for his two kids, three dogs, and my mom's 13 cats. Now he is working even harder to try and keep the house, not because of pride or because he could not be comfortable in another home, or to make sure his two grandchildren have something after he is long gone, but because we have put in a lot of work and satisfaction when we finished the roof, patio, restrooms, gate, patio cover, driveway, shed, porch, brick, etc. It is not about the countless tears, the blood shed, the scrapes, the falls, the near misses, the hammer to the finger, the stepping on the nails, or the burned fingers, but it's about the stories, memories, foot through the roof, hitting the fence with the car, almost falling from the roof cause it was raining and I had flip flops on, grandkids taking their first steps, gatherings, building together, arguments, fights, learned lessons, grandkids helping with the car mechanics, days of heat and cold, power outages and hail storms. He wants to stay there because he wants it still, more than when it was his first day, more than when it was worth two and a half times the original purchase price, more then when he decided that was going to be his new home. He wants it because he has never felt any more comfortable or at peace.

I know he is not the only one that ran into problems and the economy was not the only factor, and that many people have already lost their "American dream," but I just thought I would write about it!

There’s a Holy war going on, the Afghanistan war, and the war amongst us, within each town, city state, country. And there are all of the people fighting against the Government trying to give everyone better opportunities.

People just don’t seem to have any positive thinking or hope anymore. Even before anything happens, everyone expects the worst.

All of the negativity that comes from everyone is just going to make things worse. We are supposed to get better and more united towards one common goal…

What’s happening to the world?

Do we need more killing, more hate, more violence?

Where is the peace everyone keeps talking about?

Where’s the love everyone? Anybody knows??

By the Black Eyed Peas:

What's wrong with the world mama?
People living like ain’t got no mamas
I think the whole worlds addicted to the drama
Only attracted to the things that bring you trauma
Overseas yeah we trying to stop terrorism
But we still got terrorists here living
In the USA the big CIA the Bloodz and the Crips and the KKK
But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate
And if you hating you're bound to get irate
Yeah madness is what you demonstrate
And that's exactly how anger works and operates
You gotta have love just to set it straight
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love y'all

People killing people dying
Children hurting you hear them crying
Can you practice what you preach
Would you turn the other cheek?
Father Father Father help us
Send some guidance from above
Cause people got me got me questioning
Where is the love?

It just ain't the same all ways have changed
New days are strange is the world the insane?
If love and peace so strong
Why are there pieces of love that don't belong
Nations dropping bombs
Chemical gases filling lungs of little ones
With ongoing suffering
As the youth die young
So ask yourself is the loving really strong?
So I can ask myself really what is going wrong
With this world that we living in
People keep on giving in
Makin wrong decisions
Only visions of them livin and
Not respecting each other
Deny thy brother
The wars' going on but the reasons' undercover
The truth is kept secret
Swept under the rug
If you never know truth
Then you never know love
Where's the love y'all?(I don't know)

I feel the weight of the world on my shoulder
As I'm getting older y'all people get colder
Most of us only care about money making
Selfishness got us following the wrong direction
Wrong information always shown by the media
Negative images is the main criteria
Infecting their young minds faster than bacteria
Kids wanna act like what they see in the cinema
Whatever happened to the values of humanity
Whatever happened to the fairness and equality
Instead of spreading love, we're spreading animosity
Lack of understanding, leading us away from unity
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feeling under
That's the reason why sometimes I'm feeling down
It's no wonder why sometimes I'm feeling under
I gotta keep my faith alive, until love is found

People killing people dying
Children hurting you hear them crying
Can you practice what you preach
Would you turn the other cheek?
Father Father Father help us
Send some guidance from above
Cause people got me got me questioning
Where is the love?

Find a place to get away. A place where phones don't ring. Where the TV isn't on, no internet! Find a place where you don't hear traffic, were all man made noise is far away. Take time to see.... a flower blooming, a birds color, a lizard scurry buy.

The Pashtun dominated region of Pakistan and Afghanistan is once again in the grip of unprecedented violence and bloodshed.

In a stunning development that has shocked the world, and many former Nobel Laureates, the voting members of the Nobel Physics Committee are in unanimous agreement that U.S. President Barack Hussein Obama, will retroactively share the Nobel Prize in Physics. This unprecedented decision comes on the heals of the announcement by the Nobel Committee of his Peace Prize win for his impressive list of accomplishments:

"For his unswerving dedication to speaking about global warming, for speaking about the Iranian nuclear threat, for speaking about the North Korean nuclear threat, for speaking about nuclear disarmament, for speaking about peace in the Middle East, for speaking about bringing peace to Iraq an Afghanistan, for speaking about closing the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, and for his undaunted promotion of TID, teleprompter induced diplomacy."

The Physics Committee was split deciding whether the Prize should cite the President's use of digital technology employing charge coupled devices, or his promise to use fluorescent light bulb technology in the event they shed their hideous appearance.

Asked for his reaction, Nobel Laureate Albert V. Gore remarked:

"Well, this really cheapens the award now, doesn't it?"

First Lady Michelle Obama will be awarded the newly created Honorary Nobel Prize for the promotion of Locally Grown Farm Produce. This prestigious new award is expected to encourage urban dwellers the world over to purchase produce grown within a twenty mile radius of anywhere at all.

Nobel Peace Laureate Yasser Arafat remains unavailable for comment.

There are a lot of people today with ideas about "mighta, shoulda, coulda or woulda" things we may have done after 9-11…only if we would've had a different President other than Bush.

Diplomacy has no place in Afghanistan because we are not there to keep the peace or to negotiate terms of endearments.

I don't care...if you are Democrat, Republican, Independent, Libertarian, conservative,liberal,moderate, black, white, Latino, Asian, or a mixed bag of whatever. I never have and I never will. Myself, I am white, female, gay, a liberal independent, and so what? Does that make me better or worse than someone who is of mixed heritage, male/female, heterosexual, a conservative independent, or does it make you less for thinking it matters?

I don't care about the past. Yes, we need to remember the lessons learned and the consequences of decisions made but for the rest of it ...just let it go. It is over.

I don't care what religion you are. Every one has a right to their own belief or non-belief. Are Catholics better parents than Jews? Are Baptists more "christian" than Methodists? Does being a Buddhist make you a worse American? too many wars have started because of religion. Who out there thinks that is a good thing? Or believes that their God would want one?

I don't care if you are young or old. Wisdom does not always come with age and our children could teach us a few things if we listened. Children are open, honest, non-judgemental, accepting, still believe in dreams, fair play and Santa Claus. That is until some grown-up teaches them otherwise. On the other hand young people do not have the exclusive rights to new ideas, education, optimism, open-mindedness, or courage.

So I don't care about any of these or the many more ridiculous, small-minded things that people find to use as excuses to hate, distrust and malign each other. America has enemies but it's citizens should not be one of them.

What I do care about is that my granddaughter grows up in an America that does not teach hate and bigotry by it's actions, that gives equal pay and opportunity no matter the job, that allows even the poorest to receive a good education, that gives her the right to decide what is best for her and her body, where common sense, respect and independent thinking are seen as good qualities rather than weaknesses. An America that works toward the common good instead of a select few. Where kindness and compassion is to be found more than selfishness and greed. A place where no one has the right to tell you who to love or marry. Somewhere that having a debate means civil and intelligent discussion. A land where the laws apply to everyone equally. An America that makes it's decisions based on facts and what is best for the largest portion of the population. Where money can not buy votes, policy decisions, get out of jail free cards or better health insurance. Where the color of ones skin , sexual preference, religion or lack of it, income, place of residence, or degree of education is not an excuse to ridicule, fear, kill, or hurt someone. Where courtesy and decency towards your fellow man is commonplace once again. .

Looking at the events happening today many would say that she does not stand a chance of ever living somewhere like that. And depending on which side you are on why that is or who is to blame. Well I think she just might at least a hope of it. The reason I believe that is because of the ones we do not hear the loudest from. Not the screamers or the obstructionists. Not the slanted views of scared, angry people. Not the politics as usual crowd.
But instead those that go about the business of making things better. Sometimes they are public faces and sometimes they are not. Sometimes they succeed and sometimes they fail. But they try, they listen, they work hard and they use every means possible to make life better for all. In small ways and in large. And despite what is happening today or actually maybe because of it a new generation will rise. A generation that says ...we care about our planet, it's people and we have learned from your mistakes and will NOT repeat them.

If this does not happen in the next generation or two and America as well as the rest of the world keeps on the course we are on ,then humanity might survive but at what cost?

"Under the sublime law of progress, the present outgrows the past. The great heart of humanity is heaving with the hope of a brighter day. All the higher instincts of our nature prophesy its approach; and the best intellects of the race are struggling to turn that prophecy into fullfilment." Horace Mann

I first heard of him at Twitter, where he responded to one of my posts. I agreed with him that Newsvine was a nice site and that I probably would not be doing much at Digg. I started my column at Newsvine and uploaded my first article.

Last weekend, the United Nations held a public hearing in Gaza where Palestinians had the chance to report their personal accounts of the 2009 Gaza War. In the next round of testimonies, it will be Israeli witnesses giving their personal accounts.

Just over a week ago, on July 2nd, Amnesty International released a report titled "Operation 'Cast Lead': 22 Days of Death and Destruction" which accuses both Israel & Hamas of War Crimes. The report also details the results of the Israeli Offensive which led to the death of 1,400 Palestinians, of which 900 were civilians and 300 of these being Children. In contrast, the Israelis incurred a total of 13 fatalities - a ratio of 107 to 1.

This was, without a shadow of a doubt, an atrocious showing of strength by the Israeli forces. The overt use of force was justified by the Israeli Government as a retaliation to the ongoing and long term firing of Qassam Rockets, which have been mostly directed at the Israeli city of Sderot.

The escalation of hatred between the two sides in recent years is evident. This sentiment has been clearly reflected in the voting booths, where Palestinians have chosen to elect Hamas, and the Israelis electeding yet another Right Winged Government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the 'Likud' Party.

It's difficult to understand/explain the intricacies of Israeli Politics and their 12 Party System. With that said, what occurred in the February 2009 Elections in Israel is a rarity, even within the context of Israeli political complexities. The victorious party ('Kadima') did not retain power - How often does this occur in Democratic Societies?

The 'Likud', led by Benjamin Netanyahu, received less votes than the 'Kadima' party (28 vs. 27 seats). Netanyahu then argued, in order to assume leadership, that the 'Right Wing' in Israel (Likud + Yisrael Beiteinu + Shas) had received a majority of seats from the Israeli constituents, which therefore legitimized his claim to be Israel's Prime Minister.

In my opinion Netanyahu's argument is futile, mainly because the definition of Left & Right Parties in Israeli Politics (specifically in terms of the Palestinian Issue) is ambiguous - particularly now. It's important to understand that 'Kadima' (founded in 2006), was created by like-minded ex 'Likud' and 'Labor' Party members. The idea was to create a unified centralist consensus in the country that would finally be able to move the peace process forward.

Make no mistake, 'Security' is the most significant issue in Israeli Politics at the moment. Three years under the 'Kadima' leadership, Two Wars during their tenure, and they are suddenly considered "Too Soft" to handle Israeli Security. The main problem that 'Kadima' had, which eventually cost them their leadership role, was an issue of discontentment. It was caused by their supposed losses and mismanagement of the recent Gaza Offensive & 2006 Lebanon War.

In any case, 'Kadima' are not as "Right Wing" as 'Likud' and not as "Left Wing" as the 'Labor' party. The fact that 'Kadima' were responsible for Two Offensive Wars is a clear indication that they aren't "Soft" at all. This leads me to the conclusion that there is no Left Wing Party in Israel, at least not of any significance - Definitely not on the issue of Security.

The fact of the matter is that at present, the Israeli Population can be divided into three Political categories: Hardline Right Wing, "Light" Right Winger, and The Overwhelming Minority.

And the bitter debate continues - Terrorism on one side, Oppression on the other.

Many people would argue that "Two wrongs don't make a Right", which indeed makes a lot of sense in this case, but maybe one side is less wrong than the other. The question therefore is one of legitimacy - Who is Less Wrong?
It's perhaps much easier to answer this question.

The Palestinian people (millions of them), are living in what can only be described as a collection of refugee camps. To ignore the conditions in which they are living and then blame them for being radical/violent towards Israel is absurd. Even Ehud Barak recognizes this aspect of social conditioning:

"If I were a Palestinian at the right age, I would have joined one of the terrorist organizations at a certain stage."

Ehud Barak, from an Interview by Gideon Levi, March 1998
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Ehud_Barak

Considering the intimate knowledge that Mr. Barak has with the details of the conflict, the Israelis reasoning that the recent Gaza Offensive was due to 'rockets being fired at Sderot on a daily basis' is unsatisfactory.

Unfortunately, the Israeli people don't see it this way. Most Israelis are unwilling to accept any responsibility, which leads them to believe (for whatever reasons) that the Palestinian people are "bringing it on to themselves" and that "it's all their fault" while completely removing themselves and their history from the equation.

And the violence continues - Terrorism on one side, Oppression on the other.

If the Israeli Government is in fact oppressing the Palestinians (for nearly two generations), and the people that they are abusing are uprising against them, the Palestinian rebellion doesn't make it legitimate to tighten the stranglehold. It should make the Israelis look inward, in search of ways to mitigate and improve the conditions that the Palestinian people are living in. Unless the playing field changes, this vicious cycle will never come to an end.

Former President George W. Bush has regained my respect after quite a few years without it. How, you ask, did he regain my respect? He reasserted himself as the titular leader of a Republican Party in a death spiral and set a tone that is not poisonous or destructive towards the current administration.

In the midst of Dick Cheney making the rounds essentially saying that the Obama administration is opening the country up to catastrophic terrorist attacks, Bush took a different tack. "I'm not going to spend my time criticizing him. There are plenty of critics in the arena," Bush said. "He deserves my silence." For the first time in a while, I agree wholeheartedly with Bush. Instead of acting like a backseat driver as Dick Cheney is doing, Bush is instead focusing on his retirement from political life and declining to cause further rancor by attacking the Obama administration from the sidelines. I actually feel compelled to say that I am proud of the maturity that Bush is showing and that it has redeemed him to a certain degree in my eyes despite the mistakes (and there were many) that I believe he made while he was in office.

Newsvine's parent company, MSNBC, reported the following: "Bush said he wants Obama to succeed and said it's important that he has that support. Talk-show host Rush Limbaugh has said he hoped Obama would fail. "I love my country a lot more than I love politics," Bush said. "I think it is essential that he be helped in office." Bush has stepped into the leadership vacuum that pervades the Republican Party at the top. It remains to be seen whether the party's former official leader can calm the party and stop its destructive self-perpetuating war of words with the current administration or not. It can at least be said that Republicans who want Obama to succeed for the good of America now at least have a banner to rally to when heretofore they were looking at a single stance authored by Rush Limbaugh and reinforced by RNC Chairman Michael Steele and former Vice President Dick Cheney: hope for total failure of Obama for political gain.

I think that Bush has taken a major step to rehabilitating his legacy which has to this point been viewed in extremely stark partisan terms. Offering his hand in peace to Obama casts him as the uniter and not the divider that he campaigned as eight long years ago. The effect that his words have on his party will likely be decisive in how much this gesture alters how the American people view George W. Bush and his legacy. As for me, I feel that he acted as a patriot today by emphasizing country over party and by trying to encourage his supporters to bridge the rifts they have with Obama and not exacerbate them. For that, George W. Bush garners my praise today.

I created a new group today: The Peace Vine.
Everyone if free to join, it is a public group.
All posts should reflect the groups mission. All others will be deleted.
You are free to post any day at any time.
Enjoy all!

Well, I have been on the Vine for a couple of months now. I've made some nice vine friends and I am pretty sure some out there dislike me or the way I think. But just so you know, I don't care =]

While I have attention here,
I want to move to remove fear.
For without fear, it can be clear
We can start to persevere.

In the dawn of our new day,
We move the clouds, remove the gray.
Then of course they'll come to day,
We all want to live this way.

As time goes, and we move on,
We come to all revere the dawn.
We stand, we fight, no longer pawns
And of course we'll right our wrongs.

I want to say, it is for you
That this peace I do pursue.
In my mind I know it's true
That this peace is overdue.

______________________________
Take Love Back

Peace is kind
It is time
To rewind
Hate and crime

Be a friend
'Till the end
Heal and mend
Love to send

Seize the day
Come to say
It's the day
Hate? Say nay

Once you know
Control the show
Love will grow
Above. Below.

'Cause of you
It is true
We renew
No more blue

Time has come
Hate undone
Back to fun
Everyone

Kiss the sky
Dream to fly
Don't ask why
Join the ride

"A man can no more diminish GOD's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell."
C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

Since the beginning of humanity, people have sought understanding of the universe around them. To explain the things that we could not understand, we assign it to some great unknown entity. Everything from the simple creation of crystals from a solution to the mysteries of life, has been explained by some unknown force of will.

Initially, as anyone familiar with algebra would know, it is important to assign a value to the unknown. It is necessary to be able to understand what is known versus what is unknown. For Example, look at the following expressions:

2*x=6, y*3=6, 2*3=z

All of these expressions are the same equation, the variable signifies the the very thing that we are trying to solve for.

In 2*X=6, we divide 6/2=3, so x=3
In Y*3=6, we divide 6/3=2, so y=2
In 2*3=z, we multiply 2*3, so z=6

The final outcome gives you a complete mathematical expression, 2*3=6. In this, we can also see that the solution would be false if we said the value of X was 2. The value of the unknown becomes replaced with the value of what is known. It is testable, it can be proven. I like to think that in these basic concepts, that all mysteries of the universe can be better understood if not solved.

But in day to day life, we cannot seem to apply such logic in matters of faith, politics, or even humanity. I believe that the reason for this is humanity wishes to make more of itself than it really needs to. Humanity suffers from self important delusions. We tend to put ourselves above other life, above other nations, and above our neighbors.

We strive to be more, but more what? More loving, more financially secure, stronger, better than those around us. When we apply this to religion, the outcome is very grave. No longer do we see that we are all trying to solve the same equation. We start to fight about whose equation is superior. We start to fight about whose solution for the variable of life is supreme, at the cost of truth.

Truth can speak for itself. Truth has not evidence to the contrary. Once a truth is known, like 2*2=4, it is irrefutable. The truth of the Universe, the fact that it exists cannot be disputed. It seems the zealous hearts of men wish to exercise an indomitable need to own the exclusivity of truth. To corrupt it, and to manipulate others with it.

I would like to introduce back into society the definitions of the words that we use, but rarely understand.

Fact is a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred.

Truth is not only a fact that has been verified, but also has an unconditional agreement with doctrine, with absolutely no contradiction that could be disputed in regard to translation or evidence.

Belief is an impression: a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

Faith is loyalty or allegiance to a cause or a person

Doctrine is a code of beliefs or "a body of teachings" or "instructions", taught principles or positions, as the body of teachings in a branch of knowledge or belief system.

Dogma is the established belief or doctrine held by a religion, ideology or any kind of organization, thought to be authoritative and not to be disputed, doubted or diverged from.

Everywhere I look, I see people claiming to have faith in a truth. Truth does not need belief. Truth does not need faith. Truth can defend itself, truth can be proven. There is no need for man to fight wars, kill his fellow man over the context of truth. Truth is self sustaining.

In the three major Abrahamic religions, Muslim, Christian, and Jewish, we have examples of three groups that believe in the same exact higher power. In all three religions, they have worship the same GOD in their own fashion. Jews and Muslims greatly stress the oneness and unity of GOD. The affirmation of the oneness of GOD by Christians is sometimes misunderstood, because Christians believe that the one GOD is triune. This is not a denial of monotheism but an affirmation of the complexity of the GOD's divinity.

All three there is the belief that GOD is the origin and source of all that exists. GOD cares about the entire creation and desires the well-being of all. GOD is just and has provided basic rules for our guidance so that we may all be righteous, according to GOD's intention. GOD is also merciful, by means of GOD's grace we are given strength to be more like what we should be.

All three religions believe that human beings are the highest creatures here on earth. We are the children of Adam. GOD created us full of mystery, which means potential for continuous growth, both as a species and as individuals. We are capable of both good and evil. When we grow in goodness, righteousness, and love we become more like what GOD had intended humanity to be in the onset of creation. When we abuse our freedom and do harm to other people, ourselves, and the environment it means that we are going against GOD's plan for us. Each person is capable, with GOD's help, to turn away from evil, repent, and do good. It is in GOD's forgiveness, mercy, and strength do we have the chance to transform back towards the goal of GOD's ideal for our lives.

No matter how difficult the past and present may be, the three religions are hopeful about the future. Evil and suffering will not ultimately prevail. GOD and man has provided a condition for which the three religions have different names, but agree on the ultimate goal. This future will bring about GOD's unchallenged rule; unconditional happiness and purpose for all who live with GOD.

The three Abrahamic religions believe that GOD and human beings communicate with each other. By revelation GOD communicates to people, among which the most important are revelation through prophets. These revelations are recorded in the Scriptures of each religion. While the Holy Scriptures of the three religions are not the very same, nevertheless the younger two religions acknowledge GOD's truth as found in the previous religions, and encourage respect to their Holy Books. While each of the three religions does not merely focus on one set of writings, the key Scripture of Judaism is the Torah, the key Scripture of Christianity is the Bible, which consists of the Old Testament (TANAKH ) and the New Testament, and the key Scripture of Islam is the Holy Quran.

The duty of people is to read or listen to GOD's Holy Writings and to respond with prayer, praise, and with an appropriate acceptance of GOD's commandments in life-style.

GOD left us guidelines for our behavior. GOD provided us with sound basic rules to live by as well as an intelligent mind to learn how and when to apply those rules to our everyday life. Let us look at the concept of murder for an example. All three religions abhor the arbitrary murdering of innocent people.

Murder is the unlawful killing of a human person with malicious premeditation, as defined in Common Law countries. Murder is generally distinguished from other forms of homicide by the elements of malice aforethought, the lack of lawful oversight, and the concept of religious, social, or moral "good" as justification

In the Quran:

Surah al-Ma'ida ayah 32 says:

"Because of that We have ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land – it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saves a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind."

The Quran commands Muslims to defend themselves. If an enemy attacks, then Muslims are to fight against the attackers until they stop their aggression. All of the verses that speak about fighting/war in the Quran are in this context. There are some specific verses that are very often taken out of context, either by those trying to corrupt the faith of the believers, or by misguided Muslims themselves who wish to justify their aggressiveness.

For example, one verse taken out of context reads:

"slay them wherever you catch them" Quran 2:191

But who is this referring to? Who are "they" that this verse discusses? In the correct context the passage reads:

"Fight in the cause of GOD those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for GOD loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever ye catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter; but fight them not at the Sacred Mosque, unless they (first) fight you there; but if they fight you, slay them. Such is the reward of those who suppress faith. But if they cease, GOD is Often forgiving, Most Merciful. And fight them on until there is no more tumult or oppression, and there prevails justice and faith in GOD; but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression" Quran 2:190-193.

It is clear from the context that these verses are discussing a defense, when a Muslim community is attacked without reason. In these circumstances, permission is given to fight back, to turn out from where themselves were turned out, regardless if it is in their home, property, or Holy Place. Muslims are then instructed not to go past certain limits, and to cease fighting as soon as the attacker gives up. In these circumstances, Muslim are only to fight directly against those who are attacking them, not innocent bystanders or non-combatants.

This brings into question for many about how are Muslims suppose to look at the other faiths. From the Quranic point of view, the Jews are descendants of Prophet Abraham, through his son Isaac and grandson Jacob. They were chosen by GOD for a mission:

"And We chose them afore time above the nations, knowingly, "Quran 44:32

"Remember Moses said to his people: "O my people! Call in remembrance the favor of Allah unto you, when He produced prophets among you, made you kings, and gave you what He had not given to any other among the peoples. " Quran 5:20

"Children of Israel! call to mind the (special) favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all other (for My Message)." Quran 2:47

"O Children of Israel! call to mind the special favor which I bestowed upon you, and that I preferred you to all others (for My Message)." Quran 2:122

He exalted them over other nations of the earth and granted them his favor.
The Quran also says that good people are assured of their reward with GOD:

" Not all of them are alike: Of the People of the Book are a portion that stand (For the right): They rehearse the Signs of Allah all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration." Quran 3: 113-115

"Of the people of Moses there is a section who guide and do justice in the light of truth." Quran 7:159

"We broke them up into sections on this earth. There are among them some that are the righteous, and some that are the opposite. We have tried them with both prosperity and adversity: In order that they might turn (to us).
After them succeeded an (evil) generation: They inherited the Book, but they chose (for themselves) the vanities of this world, saying (for excuse): "(Everything) will be forgiven us." (Even so), if similar vanities came their way, they would (again) seize them. Was not the covenant of the Book taken from them, that they would not ascribe to Allah anything but the truth? and they study what is in the Book. But best for the righteous is the home in the Hereafter. Will ye not understand?

As to those who hold fast by the Book and establish regular prayer,- never shall We suffer the reward of the righteous to perish. " Quran 7: 168–170,

Muslims believe that among the people of Moses, there are those who guide and do justice in the light of truth. Among them, there are some who are righteous and some who are the opposite. The verses also state that the Creator has tried them with both prosperity and adversity in order that they might turn back to Him. As to those who hold fast by the Book and establish regular prayer, the verses clarify that they never shall suffer.

It is very clear that Muslims have no authority to oppose Jewish people or Christians, as such. In fact, Muslims must give special respect to them as People of the Book. Originally, the prophets whom they consider as theirs are equally revered by Muslims.

This brings up a term that some people in western culture may have heard, but not understand:

The People Of The Book are is the term used in the Quran to refer to the Jews and Christians. It is also sometimes translated as "People of the Scripture" . It also refers to anyone who receives genuine revelation from GOD.

Both Jews and Arabs are the Children of Abraham. Jews descended from his son Isaac and Arabs from the son Ishmael. Jews and Arabs are brothers, though the racism that has crept into the perception of some Jews and Muslims would deny this brotherhood. To Moses, GOD Almighty revealed the divine scripture known as the Torah as He revealed to Jesus, the divine scripture which is his Gospel.

From the Islamic point of view, the Quran completes a progressive revelation of divine guidance to man, GOD revealed the Quran to the Prophet, Muhammad (May peace be upon him). All these prophets were the prophets of GOD and the religion they taught was basically the same religion from GOD.

It is important to recognize that Islam means "Peaceful Submission To GOD" and the word Muslim means "On Who Is In Submission TO God." These are not the names of some unGODly false religion, but a title for those who wish to be worshipful to the creator of the world.
The Islamic teachings on this can be summed up in the following verses:

"It may be that GOD will grant love (and friendship) between you and those whom ye (now) hold as enemies. For GOD has power (over all things), and GOD is Often Forgiving, Most Merciful.
GOD does not forbid you, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for GOD loves those who are just." Quran 60:7-8

In the New Testament Jesus says:

"Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the Prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till Heaven and Earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled" Matthew 5:17-18

In other words, until the Eternity begins, not even the smallest punctuation mark changes in the Law! What Law? I bring this question up because all to often, I have seen my Christians justify the things they do by not only saying that Jesus has caused the old law to pass away, but also relying on the forgiveness by Jesus's death to continue in their sin. I say to you this, to be a Christian means we are supposed to strive daily to be "LIKE" Jesus. Jesus is the example to try and live by, not an end to be used as an excuse to sin not only in the flesh, but also within our hearts, as well.

In Matthew 5:21 Jesus says:

"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou Shalt Not Kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the Judgment".

I have found problems amongst the various translations of the Bible. The Greek word translated 'Kill' here is "Phoneuo", which means: To be a Murderer, to Murder - 'Phoneuo' a form of 'Phoneus' which means: A Murderer; Always a Criminal or at least intentional homicide.

The Greek word translated 'Judgment' here is "Krisis", which means: (When referring to the Divine Law) Damnation, Condemnation; Justice – Tribunal.

Taking this into Matthew 5:21 actually reads:

"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou Shalt Not Murder; and whosoever shall Murder shall be in danger of Eternal Damnation".

In other words, no Murderer can have eternal life abiding in him; and it might even mean Jesus Christ can not change this fact. If you look at the strict literal translation, he states so himself. Why is Murder so serious a crime? You not only Murder that person, but any Children the person might have had, thus destroying a whole lineage; not just that person.

In 1John 3:15:

" πᾶς ὁ μισέω ὁ ἀδελφός αὐτός ἀνθρωποκτόνος εἰμί καί εἴδω ὅτι πᾶς ἀνθρωποκτόνος οὐ ἔχω ζωή αἰώνιος ἐν ἑαυτοῦ μένω " Greek New Testament Tischendorf 8th Edition

"Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him"

This word translated from the Greek word "miseo" so 'Hateth' actually means: to detest (especially to persecute).

Thus, 1John 3:15 actually reads:

"Whosoever detest their brother (to the point of persecution), is a murderer: and ye know that no Murderer hath eternal life abiding in him".

The definition of brother is a male person who is a fellow member (of a fraternity or religion or other group). In this passage, it uses the Greek word "αδελφον" or "adephos", meaning a brother near or remote.

This, I believe, calls into question as to the nature of the relationship. We are all brothers, from a human perspective. In fact, I would even say that all who believe in the singular concept of who GOD in the Abrahamic sense can be considered brothers, as well. Despite doctrinal differences, we can still find a type of brotherhood, if we only strive to see it. Instead of looking for the reason for discord, maybe we should strive for the harmony all should have who believe in the one, true GOD.

In the Torah

In Exodus 20:13,

"You shall not murder."

We have the Fifth Commandment, Christians translated this to "Thou Shalt Not Kill". Take a good look at that word "Kill". In the Hebrew Manuscript the word is "Ratsach" which means: Murder; to Murder, a Murderer; to dash to pieces. Exodus 20:13 Actually reads "Thou Shalt Not MURDER".

In Exodus 21:12

"He that smiteth a man so that he die, shall be surely put to death".

Here, the Hebrew word translated 'Smiteth' is "Nakah", which means: Murder, To Slay, to make slaughter. Exodus 21:12 Actually reads "He that Murders a man so that he die, shall be surely put to death".

"But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbor to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die". Exodus 21:14

The Hebrew word translated 'Slay' here is "Harag", which means: To Smite with Deadly Intent; To Murder. The Hebrew word translated 'Guile' here is "Ormah", which means: Trickery, Craftiness; Deceitful Strategy. Exodus 21:14 Actually "But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbor to Murder him with a Deceitful Strategy; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die".

There are many more similarities. All three religions closely link religion and morality. Religion is to be manifested by showing concern for the well-being and dignity of others, in a life of service to others, and in personal and social ethical behavior.

GOD wants us to tell the truth and not to take from others what rightfully belongs to them. We are to respect the dignity of every person and help especially those who are not capable of helping themselves, such as widows, orphans, and the poor. All three religions foster modesty, moderation, and honest work. All three religions believe in Golden Rule:

In Islam:

On the authority of Anas bin Malik, the servant of the messenger of Allah, that the prophet said :

"None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself."

related by Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim

In Christianity:

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12

"Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31

In Judaism:

"Thou shalt not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD." Leviticus 19:18

"What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man. This is the law: all the rest is commentary." Talmud, Shabbat 31a.

"Do that to no man which thou hatest: drink not wine to make thee drunken: neither let drunkenness go with thee in thy journey." The Book of Tobit 4:15

Our religions share common ancestry, a belief in divinely given written scriptures, and such practices, as regular prayer and charity; valuing pilgrimage and sharing many common holy places. GOD promises that behavior will receive its proper rewards and punishments in the future, on earth and in an afterlife. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam appears to be naturally suited to co-existence and mutual reinforcement. At times, for example in Spain, during much of the period from about 750 to about 1250, all three faiths coexisted and gladly learned from one another.

There seems to be two factors can explain the hostility that characterize the relationship amongst these religions.

First all three have been proselytizing religions. Judaism abandoned this practice early in the Christian era. Each has had some feeling that it has come the closest to the essential truths of God and the world, and that the others have somehow failed to recognize this.

Both Christianity and Islam accuse Judaism of stubbornly refusing to accept later revelations that modify and update its original truths.

Both Judaism and Islam accuse Christianity of a kind of idolatry in claiming that God begat a son who as actually a form of God and who walked the earth in human form.

Both Judaism and Christianity argue that God did not give a special, final revelation to Muhammad.

In each case these religions have looked at one another and said that, despite elements of deep commonality, there exist also fundamental heresies. Indeed within each of these religions, splits have turned one group against another amidst cries of heresy and calls to armed opposition. Truth was to be maintained, asserted, and defended through the force of arms.

Secondly, as each religion developed, it sought the support of government. It often sought to be the government. Truth was to be reinforced by power. Basic competition over spiritual and philosophical truths spilled over into competition also for tax money, office, land, and public acceptance of specific ritual and architectural symbols, and suppression of opposition.

When they could, these religions marched through the world armed. These governments and religion are intimately bound up with one another. The religion of the leader of the country was expected to be accepted as the religion of his subjects, or at least to be given preferred treatment over others. More importantly, the virtuous guidelines that their religion asks of the common practitioner do not seem to really apply to those that are in power. We have multiple examples of religious or governmental leadership on all sides committing atrocious acts, in the name of GOD. It seems though that these acts are more suited to satiate their sense of pride, their need to expand their borders, increase their affluence, or fill their coffers with more wealth.

We are to submit ourselves to the will of GOD. I believe it is time for the practitioners of all 3 faiths to start realizing that the conflicts, wars, and killing are not really caused by the belief in the one true GOD, but is a result of vaporous dogma and political motivations.

You, who are a Jew, put aside you prejudice, yours is a religion of History.
Islam-Christianity=Judaism

You, who are Christian, put aside your bigotry, yours is a religion of Faith.
Islam-Judaism = Christianity

You, who are Muslim, put aside you narrow-mindedness, yours is a religion of Knowledge. Judaism+Christianity=Islam

And maybe, just maybe:
Judaism+Christianity+Islam=A Better Understanding Of The Nature Of Humanity And Of GOD.

Is the worship of Jesus really important as worship to GOD the father? In the TANAKH there is 144 names for GOD. In Christianity, we recognize those 144 names, and include another 52 others that reflect on GOD, the father, Jesus, and his divinity, and the Holy Spirit. In Islam, there is 99 names for GOD.

These expressions of identity are for the same creator. As Christians, there are problems with Muslims, who honestly strive to recognize the same creator that is worshiped also?

Muslims choose not to recognize the divinity of Jesus, but they do pray to GOD the creator, just as Judaism does. Is it not for GOD to judge if their efforts and prayers are acceptable to his ear? Could it be though, not praying to Jesus, and Jesus being the physical expression of GOD, that they are failing only to recognize a single facet of the wholeness that is him? Can the same also be said of the Jews as well? Since believing that Jesus is GOD, and they pray to GOD, what exactly is it that we say they do not recognize? One of GOD's many names? One of GOD's voices? Or is it just our personal doctrine about GOD that they are not agreeing with us about?

Most importantly, as a Christian, one must remember who Jesus said will judge men. He even said it was not his place to proceed in judging men, judging us, for our iniquity. He expressly says that is reserved for the Father exclusively:

" As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." John 12:47-50

These religions already agree that there is only on true GOD, he is the one who judges us. We should strive to follow that path that all of our holy books outline. You do not need to accept the contradictions, beware the insertion of dogma that is told to be fact, and be mindful of the similarities. Then we may see a great miracle occur.

"We all believe in one GOD... We are meeting here today to say that religions should be a means to iron out differences and not to lead to disputes," Saudi King Abdullah

I can hardly believe my eyes when I read some of the stuff being written here on Newsvine, I just read talk of Revolution, with no shame; like this person thinks one can write in a vacuum here.

The Peace Train I'm talking about is one we must build, if we want to ride it to peace in america and the world.

There are moments in our existence when we must come to terms with, and accept, a most pitiful trait or behavior. This would be one of those moments--for myself, at least. I am guilty of racial profiling. There I said it.

Sometimes I anger myself because I can read something a hundred times and still not be able to really feel that I understand what I have read. I finally realized that the harder I try to grasp a concept, the more elusive it becomes.

The blood of the dead stained the street while the ashes of burnt books dusted the rubble of what was once a lively maze of bookshops and cafes where war-weary writers, publishers, teachers and intellectuals once gathered.

Muhaibs, a lecturer at the Baghdad Fine Arts Academy, leapt atop a burnt out car and recited: "What has happened to the poems and the poetry, all covered in blood and lying with the scattered souls and the bodies beneath the rubble?"

Renowned poet Abdul Zahra Zaki took over, mounting the wreckage of what was once the popular Al-Shabanda cafe to recite a poem entitled "Words, words, words."

Zaki described the wasteland before him, mourned the desolation wrought by the bombers, and concluded, "There is nothing here, there is nothing but burning words."

Recently there have been a lot of folks going around to different articles and seeds and blasting the authors/posters not because of their writing but because of their placement of an article or seed and or tags. On a few of these occasions I have actually felt quite ill after participating in some of these "conversations" . In real life I am a nice person. It would seem however, that I have allowed some of the rampant negativity seeping through the vines to get into my head as well as my heart. On several occasions it appears that I have reacted poorly to some comments and I would like to apologize to everyone for my behavior. I am sorry.

How about some peace around here. Some live and let live, if you will. Fundamentally we are all assets to Newsvine in one capacity or another. We should at least respect each other for that. Making a mockery of a fellow Newsviner is just not necessary. When I first came here and I screwed up on something I was really glad that someone tactful found the faux pas and called me on it privately and politely via the "contact this author" option we have all been given. This is directly connected to the e-mail address you have provided to Newsvine. It doesn't feel very nice to be berated in public in real life and after being here I now know it is just as bad virtually. I suggest that if we see something that is so outrageous on Newsvine that we feel we have to insult and point fingers at the author or the seeder, it would be appropriate to contact the person personally and inquire about your concern. If we can do this politely that is even better. I am not saying that we shouldn't have debates and discussions about the articles and posts, I just think we can all get more accomplished if we spend less time arguing about content and tags. I believe in sarcasm with all my heart and I think banter is healthy. I don't however think we should belittle each other and throw expletives around that hurt feelings. Be nice...

Kindness is the oil that reduces the friction of life...

One more thing before I leave you with these thoughts. The administration at Newsvine is in no way accountable to us. We should be grateful that they are as generous and open minded as they are. Since I have been here there is new stuff coming out all the time. When I needed help they helped me. I am grateful. The fact that they listen to us and help us along shows that they are grateful for us too. It would be very easy for them to ignore our requests and questions and just go about their business since they already know they have a really good thing here. I think instead of asking Newsvine to do our dirty work , so to speak, we should take some responsibility and either suck it up or figure it out, tactfully. Thanks for reading, I hope you all have a wonderful and peaceful day.

**Oh and if you find this in a place it probably doesn't belong, good, I did that on purpose to be sure that if I have offended someone near you they will get my apology. If you feel you must report me or remove my post from a group, fine, only I ask for you to leave it until Monday, please and thank you.