July 27, 2008: "One of world's oldest Bibles to be put online"

One of world's oldest Bibles to be put online

BERLIN (AFP) - One of the world's oldest Bibles, the Codex Sinaiticus, which was discovered in Egypt in the 19th century, is to be made available online this week, the Leipzig University library said Monday.

This bible dates back to the fourth (4th) century. The bible was originally found in St Catherine's monastery in the Sinai desert. Despite the bible having pages spread across the globe, it is soon to be put online for public viewing. This great resource is believed to have the most accurate version of the new testament.

I feel that this is great news for any religious people in the world. I do not see why this is one of the top stories of the day though. This doesn't seem to be that big of a deal. Many bibles are online and for viewing. Yes this is a good thing, but I feel there are some more urgent stories to be told.

Sometimes we need to pay more attention to making the bad news into good news instead of just being content with the good news.

Thank you Yahoo News

July 26, 2008: "Videogames getting minds of their own"

Videogames getting minds of their own

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Videogames are getting smarter with virtual enemies improvising during battles, storylines shifting based on moral choices and in-game characters sending players text messages for help.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the whole idea that computers can actually think and have personalities. Now at a basic level this is a pretty cool idea. But when things get too advanced, this idea can start to be a little freaky. It seems that everyday new advanced are made that makes computers faster and smarter. They have begun to resemble human thoughts and motions. I am talking about programs in games, not actual robots. Some new games are rumored to be able to contact the real life player through email and text message.

America is already the second most obese nation in the entire world. (Australia is first, check out my previous article HERE) I have no problem with the advances in the videogame world. But I do think that two things should always exist when it comes to videogames. 1) A clear line between the virtual world and reality 2) The virtual world should never come before needed physical exercise. Now it is up to the player to make sure that number two remains true. But I feel that video game creators should never allow their games to interact with players, unless they are playing the game at the time. If the player wanted to be part of the game at the time, they would be playing the game.

No one wants to receive a text from their boss when they are already headed home from work.

Thank you Glenn Chapman and Yahoo News

July 25, 2008: "Alaskans suffer nation's highest gasoline prices"

Alaskans suffer nation's highest gasoline prices

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Reuters) - Think you're feeling pain at the gas pump? Consider the residents of Lime Village, Alaska, an isolated Denaina Athabascan Indian community where gasoline prices have hit $8.55 a gallon

Gas prices in Alaska are so high because the towns of Alaska are so spread out. Transporting gas to every town and city becomes very expensive. The harder it gets to transport the goods, the higher the gas prices go. As if life in Alaska isn't tough enough as it is, now they have to tackle another challenge, how to survive with minimal gas.

The government of Alaska is trying to help out the situation but I feel that this deserves global attention. I feel that as we take more gas from Alaska, they should be given more money for relief of the prices. The current situation is of course not fair for the people of Alaska. Not everything can be perfect, but we can try to even things out a little bit. Unfortunately the government can only worry about the entire nations gas prices as well as another host of things.

This is the same stealing toys from your friend and then selling them back to him at a garage sale.

Thank you Yereth Rosen and Yahoo News.

July 24, 2008: "Rice wants "serious answer" from Iran"

Rice wants "serious answer" from Iran

ABU DHABI (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Iran on Monday that it faced more sanctions if it defied a two-week deadline to agree to curb its nuclear program.

Iran has been very secretive about their nuclear program for long enough to draw global attention. Everyone wants the straight answers that Iran has been avoiding. All they have said is that their program is for peace reasons only. But everyone fears that they are making a bomb.

Personally, I feel that it is okay for Iran to have the nuclear program they currently have as long as they are willing to allow any other world powers to come in for inspections whenever they want. Iran should not be allowed to be so secretive about what they are doing because there is simply to many lives at stake. If Iran's aim is truly one of peace, then they should have no problem with opening their borders and nuclear plants for others to visit and just check up on them. Iran may not be making a bomb, but they need to prove they are not in order for the rest of the world to sleep at night.

If someone has nothing to hide, they will invite you for dinner without a problem.

Thank you Sue Pleming and Yahoo News

July 23, 2008: "California gay marriage ban vote to proceed"

California gay marriage ban vote to proceed

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - California voters will have the chance to vote in November on whether to end gay marriage after the state's top court declined on Wednesday to remove an initiative on the issue from the ballot.

After the courts ruled to allow gay marriages in California because it was decided the California Constitution was being violated when gay couples were not allowed to be married. But now, due to mainly the part of a petition the decision may be overruled with just a majority vote.
Now despite what the argument is, if the courts and the constitution of the area are up against the people, who deserves to win? I would like to believe the courts, after all, as was said in Men In Black, a person is smart, but people are stupid. Now, this may or may not pass. But if it does, big controversy will arise...more than already has...about whether or not this is right. I'm sure in the law it says that this series of events its completely lawful and this is the way it is to be done. But somehow I feel that this vote should not be put on any ballot, simply because its the government versus a mob. And the mob shouldn't win.

Even the greatest civilizations need strong leaders. Leaders who know whats best for the people, even if the people do not know it.

Thank you Adam Tanner and Yahoo News

July 22, 2008: " North Korea's "Hotel of Doom" wakes from its coma"

Hotel of Doom" wakes from its coma

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea's phantom hotel is stirring back to life. Once dubbed by Esquire magazine as "the worst building in the history of mankind," the 105-storey Ryugyong Hotel is back under construction after a 16-year lull in the capital of one of the world's most reclusive and destitute countries.

By now most of you have heard about this creepy building. North Korea has again started to work on this huge hotel. But what is the final cost from here on out, around 2 billion dollars says South Korea.
The main question is, "What is the purpose for this building?". After all North Korea does not welcome tourists and does not need the telecommunications antennas that were installed because cell phones are not allowed in the country. Most say that this building was originally made to show off to other countries. And now that everyone is ragging on the design and failure of the building, North Korea is just being stubborn and to prove the world wrong. But maybe, just maybe North Korea has a master plan to actually open its door to tourists. There may be a change that this is the first of many steps to make the country a more friendly place. A place where tourists can visit and share experiences from.

When that kid you do not really know starts acting strangely around you, you start to distance yourself. But in the end you find out that he was trying to hide that he was planning your surprise birthday party.

Thank you Jon Herskovitz and Yahoo News.

July 21, 2008: "Americans would rather be dead than disabled: poll"

Americans would rather be dead than disabled: poll

NEW YORK (Reuters) - More than half of Americans would rather die than live with a severe disability, according to a survey.

Some of you may be shocked while the others nod their head in agreement. What the title does not show is that only fifty-two (52) percent of people chose death over disability. Now study asked whether they would rather die or be severely injured. It did not ask, is you were severely injured would you commit suicide. I feel if that was the question than the numbers would be down to maybe even one percentile.
I feel that at first many people would say they would rather have death. But then after a year they would change their mind. The article tells of a man who went through the same change. People just do not know what life is like being disabled, so they unfairly judge it. I would rather be disabled, because there is so much more to life than walking and football.

If you are always afraid of being a type of person, you will never know what it is like to be that person.

Thank you Claire Sibonney and Yahoo News

July 20, 2008: "Hezbollah chief welcomes prisoners, Israel mourns"

Hezbollah chief welcomes prisoners, Israel mourns

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, in a rare public appearance, welcomed five Lebanese freed from captivity in Israel on Wednesday after his guerrilla group returned the bodies of two captured Israeli soldiers.

This is just one stage of a very complex operation to return the bodies of many men who were killed over the last hundred years in a series of wars. The reason why this is such a big story is because in this transaction a man named Samir Qantar was released from being prisoner of Israel. He was sentenced to life for multiple murders including the murder of a four (4) year old girl. In return Israel received the bodies of two soldiers of its soldiers.
This story is tragic and very controversial. Israel was put in a tough spot because they need the bodies of the two soldiers so that they can be buried in their home country. But the cost of a murderer is a high cost. Although somethings must be done. The family of the people who Qantar has killed probably are infuriated by this transaction. There is no easy answer to this problem but I agree with Israel's decision. Everyone must do their best to try and move on from this series of tragedies. It may not be right to release this man but it may have been a price worth paying. My prayers are with Israel.

When bargaining most people will use scales, to make sure both sides get the fair amount. But human lives cannot be placed on a scale.

Thank you Alistair Lyon and Yahoo News.

July 19, 2008: "World Court: U.S. must delay Mexican death sentences"

World Court: U.S. must delay Mexican death sentences

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - The World Court ordered the United States on Wednesday to do all it could to halt the imminent executions of five Mexicans until the court makes a final judgment in a dispute over suspects' rights.

Five Mexicans who have been given a fair trial have been sentenced to death in the state of Texas. But the major question at hand now is that was there a lack of consular assistance for the five Mexicans, and would the lack of consular assistance have changed the outcome of the trial. There are very few who believe that this would have changed anything. Plus, this was never brought up during sentencing or trial, so it is too late to bring it up.
But, never the less the World Court says they want the deaths, scheduled for later this year, to be delayed. But why, if it is too late anyways then what is the point. The point it five lives are at stake. This should be taken into the most particular review that there is. Texas has had the most execution of any state. What I feel the best thing to do is ask the men who are sentenced whether they would like for this to be taken into more review, if not, then ignore the matter. Or at least do not let it extend their lives more.

No matter what the case, life must be respected to the utmost degree.

Thank you Alexandra Hudson and Yahoo News.

July 18, 2008: "U.S. air strike kills 47 civilians: official"

U.S. air strike kills 47 civilians: official

JALALABAD, Afghanistan (Reuters) - A U.S. coalition force air strike on Sunday killed 47 civilians, including 39 women and children, in the eastern province of Nangarhar, an Afghan official said on Friday.

Now it is still unclear if those who were killed were civilians or not. But the main issue is that the people of Afghanistan believe that they were. The majority of the people being women and children. As if the barrier between the people of Afghanistan and the U.S. military could not be big enough as it is. Now this comes along. Also, many similar incidents have occurred over the last six months.
A major help when fighting on foreign soil is the support of the native people that live there. With stories like this arising, there will continue to be less and less support for the troops over there. Obviously these incidents are very complicated but mistakes like this cannot be made. It is as simple as that. If nearly fifty people are being killed because of our air strikes then we may be better off with just leaving. America has no room for error as the troops are already not trusted by the innocent and non-innocent people back East.

Winning this war is a nearly impossible task. Doing this without innocent casualties is even harder. But once you enter yourself in a problem, you cannot run away from it.

Thank you Mohammad Rafiq and Yahoo News.

July 17, 2008: Study shows value of food diary in losing weight

Study shows value of food diary in losing weight

I would like to start off this entry by saying that America is now number two (2) on the most obese countries list, Australia has taken over the crown as the chubbiest country. Now America's recent decline is not believed to be because Americans have lost weight, but because Australians have put more on. So this article comes along and gives new hope. Even though there are dozens of studies that show a food diary not to work, this one study that says it does, gets all the attention. Everyone wants to know the good news. Now I am not against food diaries, but using one along will not help you loose the weight.
Everyone is simply different. And because we are different, different things work for us. If you take two similar people who have about the same weight, lifestyle, and spend the same amount of time exercising a week, and have them use the food diary system. One may loose weight while the other fails to do so. Simply because we are all different. If someone likes the food diary and uses it frequently and it helps them loose weight then great for them. But that doesn't mean we need a diary to loose weight. I feel the secret to loosing weight is finding the exercise regiment you enjoy. For me this is swimming.

Some people swear Advil is the best pain reliever while others stand by another brand. The same treatment does not work for every patient.

Thank you Will Dunham and Yahoo News.

July 16, 2008: "Beijing takes dog off the menu for Olympics"

Beijing takes dog off the menu for Olympics

BEIJING (Reuters) - Beijing has asked hotels and restaurants in the city to take dog meat off the menu for the duration of next month's Olympics and September's Paralympics.

Now I have never ordered dog meat and never plan to. But I still think this is a smart decision from the Chinese. South Korea took a similar move in 1988 Olympics. During the Olympics the clash of cultures can often bring up controversy and even violence. Avoiding problems is the best way to solve them.
Hopefully this years Olympics will be a true Olympics with healthy competition and culture fights. I feel that China, and anyone who host the Olympics should try to make the city as generic as it possibly can, as to not offend anyone. Of course there are limits to this. If China said they were not going to be serving any meat, then I would strongly disagree. This is a cautious and smart decision.

When your vegetarian friend comes over, you do not serve him meat, but that doesn't mean you cannot snack sausage, as long as you are discreet.

Thank you Liu Zhen and Yahoo News.

July 15, 2008: "World must brace for oil beyond $150"

World must brace for oil beyond $150

Every single person is affected by gas prices in America. That is the sad reality. Most people believe that there is nothing that the average person can do about high gas prices. And for the most part they are right. But this article tells how as gas prices rise, people start to use it less and less simply because they cannot afford it. Eventually is we can basically boycott gas enough, the prices will be forced to go down. The writer of this article seems to believe this will eventually happen naturally.
On the other hand, what if we planned it? What if as a nation we didn't buy any gas, at all. Most of us have heard of the don't buy gas for a day plan. But what if we did it for a week? Drive your cars until they run out of fuel and then resort to public transportation. Heck by carpooling we may not even run out of gas. Far fetched, I know. But I wish I knew what would happen.
Now the article is more realistic, people have started using less gas and as time goes on the use of gas will drop to the bear minimum that America can take. But will this lower prices? There will always be a need for transportation and that is why gas prices will never drop because of low demand. Simply, we need to get to work everyday.

The reality is we need to make gas the past. The only way to escape this is to turn to some form of alternate energy. Hybrid cars are very starts of this. The world's fastest growing market is the alternative energy market.

Thank you Alastair Sharp and Yahoo News

July 14, 2008: "Bush urges Congress to open new areas to oil drilling"

Bush urges Congress to open new areas to oil drilling

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush urged Congress on Friday to act before its August break to open new areas for oil exploration in the United States to help ease record high oil prices

Offshore drilling. On paper seems to be a great idea. Lets see, less dependence on foreign oil, lower gas prices, and it helps the economy. Now thats some good stuff. Apparently the Democrats are against lifting offshore drilling regulations because they say there is still 68 million acres available for drilling that has not been used. But what I want to know is whether or not President Bush getting his wish to drill offshore going to actually help us American citizens as we battle against high gas prices. The answer is yes, but not for a long time. It will take about ten years to reap the benefits of this potential move.
Thinking realistically, ten years from now the world will be a whole new place. Ten years of technology and we probably will not be driving cars anymore. Or at least not cars powered by only gasoline. I say leave they offshore drilling alone. If ten year from now we are still running on gasoline, then we have bigger problems to worry about.

We simply cannot use gas forever. No matter how much it costs.

Thank you David Gregorio and Yahoo News

July 13, 2008: "Bodies of missing U.S. soldiers identified in Iraq"

Bodies of missing U.S. soldiers identified in Iraq

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military has identified the remains of two soldiers who were kidnapped in Iraq in May 2007 after their patrol came under attack south of Baghdad, the Pentagon said on Friday.

Fourteen months ago these men were taken captive. Wow. And all the families of these two soldiers knew was that they were "missing-captured." To the military's credit they did launch a massive search for these two men. This is just another tragic story that has been taken out of Iraq. Now every single one of our men and women in the military is trained in many forms of fighting and is tough enough to fight through anything. The thought that a group of people could hold our finest hostage for over a year almost scares me. I would have expected them to have escaped or been killed trying much sooner than a time period of 14 months.
We may never know how those soldiers endured that long time, but I feel that they should not have been captured in the first place. The article says that they were ambushed on a patrol. First of all there should be no daily patrols or any patrols that consistently go out during the same time at the day. When show your enemy your normal schedule, they tend to use it to attack you where you are weak. I feel the patrol should have had more men and if it was a regular patrol, should have been changed frequently.

A man who gets up and does the same thing everyday is a fool. The man who does everything erratically and has no sense of pattern is also a fool. Balance is the key.

Thank you David Morgan and Yahoo News.

July 12, 2008: "As planet swelters, are algae unlikely saviour?"

As planet swelters, are algae unlikely saviour?

OSLO (AFP) - As the world mulls over the conundrum of how to satisfy a seemingly endless appetite for energy and still slash greenhouse gas emissions, researchers have stumbled upon an unexpected hero: algae.

Is this the hot new breakthrough for scientists or just another type of false hope? Basically the algae will be used to remove carbon from the atmosphere. BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE, the algae can also be used to produce energy. AND IF YOU CALL NOW, okay, enough with that, but the third purpose is to use the "leftovers" as a type of fertilizer. So what is stopping us from doing this, it seems perfect right? Helping the environment while helping ourselves is what American's crave. The main problem is that its three uses have worked on the laboratory level. There are some big issues to be dealt with before the algae can be used in a commercial market. One of the main problems is trying to make it cost-effective.
But, the big question is, "Could this be the next big thing?". Simply the answer is yes. As long as there is a way to make the algae cost-efficient, there is nothing holding it back. It helps three causes and has no downside. Even if the algae is burned after it absorbs CO2, the CO2 does not return to the atmosphere. This will greatly reduce greenhouse emissions from industrial sites. The aspect that makes this really appealing is that most companies and consumers will not have to change or adjust in any way, but the same time will be helping the environment. This seems to be the perfect solution, but how long will it take to get this algae out of the laboratory?

This is better than going to the grocery store for potatoes, and finding out that one dollar from your purchase goes to fighting AIDS. Makes you feel good but you still don't have to do anything.

Thank you Pierre-Henry Deshayes and Yahoo News.

July 11, 2008: "Denmark world's happiest country, survey finds"

Denmark world's happiest country, survey finds

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Denmark, with its democracy, social equality and peaceful atmosphere, is the happiest country in the world, researchers said on Monday.

So there you have it, the happiest place on earth. Not surprisingly its not America. According to the article happiness seems to root from democracy and being able choose what to do with your life. That seems simple enough for me to believe. The interesting part of this article for me came when the issue of money came up. Denmark is not close to being the richest country, but is still the happiest.
I have read plenty of articles how money can make you happy. The most eye catching where those which said only spending money on others can make someone happy. This also makes complete sense. So are the people of Denmark not the richest because they spent it on others. Doubtful cause they would have probably spent it on other countrymen so the money would have stayed in the country. If the citizens of the richest country took all their money and gave it to the people around them, shouldn't that make them the happiest country?

So if i give my possessions away with the intent of making myself happy, is that generosity or selfishness?

Thank you Maggie Fox and Yahoo News.

July 10, 2008: G8 set for showdown with poorer states over climate

G8 set for showdown with poorer states over climate

TOYAKO, Japan (Reuters) - Big emerging economies will come under pressure on Wednesday to respond in kind to an initiative by rich countries to work towards a target of at least halving their global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

What interested me most about this article was not the actions of the G8, the world's eight (8) richest nations, but the actions of the G5, five (5) of the world's fastest growing countries. The G5 is demanding more emissions cuts and wants closer deadlines. They also are concerned about the growing prices of fuel and food prices which they blame on the demand from the G8 nations. Meanwhile the G8 nations are pointing out that some of the G5 countries have the most emissions.
There is obviously a problem here. There appears to be two countering forces working against each other. The G8 not only need to work with the G5 but should consider joining into one mass group. (...G13?) But then this group will add other groups and soon there will be a new United Nations. What really needs to happen is both parties need to deal with both issues of prices and climate soon. This meeting has already been scheduled. But the G5 is right, deadlines set for 2050 are not soon enough.

We only have one world. One world. We're in this together and we're hurting. Just like you must treat your body well because you only have one. You must treat the world well because there is only one. One shot to get it right. Cooperation is needed.

Thank you Yoko Kubota and Oleg Shchedrov and Yahoo News

July 9, 2008: Iraq insists on U.S. withdrawal timetable

Iraq insists on U.S. withdrawal timetable

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq will not accept any security agreement with the United States unless it includes dates for the withdrawal of foreign forces, the government's national security adviser said on Tuesday.

So even the Iraqis want us out? According to the article the Iraqi government well not accept further deals with the US unless a time table is set for US troop width drawl. The Bush Administration states that if a time table is set than "enemy" forces will lie low till the US forces leave and come out with a surge of attacks. This brings up the valid point if Iraq is able to defend and protect itself from...well itself. So often I see in this article that everything depends on the condition on the ground. How true this is.
This seems simple enough as it is. As conditions increase we take troops away. As they worsen we poor more troops in. We would all like for the troops to come home and for everything to be okay. But the reality is that not everything is okay right now. So the troops do need to stay until that sense of peace can be restored. From what I have heard about the current condition of Iraq, there is no way they could survive without US occupation. But, there are probably areas that do not need as much protection, and those troops should be sent home. Simple as high school algebra. Unless of course, your actually there.

When your friend is hurting, you try to support him. But, of course without getting to up-close and personal, right now we may be a little too close.

Thank you Ahmed Rasheed and Mohammed Abbas and Yahoo News.

July 8, 2008: "California firefighters brace for new heat wave"

California firefighters brace for new heat wave

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Weary California firefighters braced on Sunday for another heat wave in the next few days as they battled to bring two major blazes threatening towns along the central coast under control.

Clearly enough, fires are raging over the state of California. The skies turned gray and ash is raining from the cloud as snow does in a blizzard. The air is unsafe to breathe and children are not allowed outside. Wild animals roam the streets because their homes have been caught in the blaze. Families load up into cars fleeing for their lives. Home Depot has run out of gas masked because so many people are stalking up. This, in the state who's resources are stretched enough as it is. California is in debt and once again California needs help.
I have not read specifically, but I assume that other states are lending firemen in order to help fight the flames. There are over three hundred separate fires burning as I type this. Over 50 homes have been lost and one firefighter has fallen. What can be done? Well let me start off by telling the one thing that bothers me. The areas of California not directly affected by the fire are living their normal lives. On weekends everyone sees a movie or goes to the park. Meanwhile people are fighting with their lives to save people they don't even know. At least the people of California, affected or not, need to volunteer anywhere they can in order to stop the fires, help the victims, or aid the firefighters. The firefighters eat, sleep, and follow orders. I have seen what firefighters go through in times like these, California, all of California, needs to help out in this time of chaos. Because that is what this is, a state of chaos.

When you break an arm, the other three limbs in your body work harder in order to give the arm more time to heal. We must lend our extra arm to help those in need while they fight and recover.

Thank you Jill Serjeant and Yahoo News.

July 7, 2008: "Atlantic storm Bertha may soon turn to hurricane"

Atlantic storm Bertha may soon turn to hurricane

MIAMI (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Bertha, moving briskly across open ocean waters, may strengthen into the first hurricane of the 2008 Atlantic storm season sometime during the next 48 hours, U.S. weather forecasters said on Sunday.

Within hours of publication, this article has become the number one news story on Yahoo News. It is apparent how America has been affected by the previous hurricane seasons. Areas like New Orleans still need years to recover yet here we have another potential hurricane. There is obviously nothing we can do to stop the hurricanes and storms, but this storm Bertha is raging a warning to America. The message is simple, prepare. There is simply no excuse this time. This storm may never become a hurricane and may never hit land, but another one will one day.
There will be ample warning of a hurricane if one is to come. The people in this region must, MUST, prepare. This starts now. No undoubtedly, after seeing what hurricane's are capable of, they will. We need the government to probably alert citizens of the hurricane and also provide substantial aid BEFORE the hurricane hits land.

Today we built cars to avoid accidents instead of survive them. We must make our nation hurricane-proof and leave hurricane-recovery as a thing of the past.

Thank you Micheal Conner and Yahoo News

July 6, 2008: "Colombia foils bomb plot after rescue"

Colombia foils bomb plot after rescue

BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia found explosives set to be used in bombs across the capital in reprisal for this week's rescue of leftist rebels' highest-profile hostages, including Ingrid Betancourt, military officials said on Saturday.

Coming off the rescue of the 15 captives that were rescued after several years of captivity. According to the article nearly a ton, as in 2000 pounds, was recovered from a farm outside of Bogota. The article is unclear of whether or not the rescue is related to the recover of the explosives. But the page does tell of how the explosives were suspected to be used within the next few days in a series of attacks over the capitol.
I do not mean to take anything away from how great of a victory this is for the Columbian military and it's people, but I am scared for the people of Columbia. If these explosives, 2000 pounds of them, were to be used in the capitol this week, then thousands of people could have lost their lives. Luckily the military spoiled the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia, FARC, just in time. But if I was living in Columbia, I would not feel any safer after reading this article.

This is the same as would you rather see a cheater sitting next to you be dragged out of the hotel or not. On one hand having him dragged out makes you feel safer the casino is doing their job. On the other hand that man has been sitting next to you for hours and you have lost three hundred dollars. Instead, the downside here is countless lives instead of money you were prepared to loose anyways.

Thank you Saul Hudson and Yahoo News.

July 5, 2008: "Obama wades into controversy with Iraq comments"

Obama wades into controversy with Iraq comments

FARGO, North Dakota (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama waded into controversy on Thursday over his plans to withdraw U.S. combat troops from Iraq, first saying he might "refine" his views but later declaring his stance had remained unchanged for more than a year.

Everyone needs to read this article to fully understand what I am talking about. In this article Obama continuously states that he is firmly against the war and will start to pull troops out of Iraq as soon as possible. But, he continues to say that this will be done in a safe manner and everything will depend on the situation on the ground.
But wait a minute there. This sure seems to me like he is just trying to win the votes of America by saying no to the war, while mean time he is slipping in comments about how when the time comes it will depend the ground conditions. Now if the ground conditions today were suitable for US forces to leave, then they would get the heck out of there. Obama is just putting emphasis on how he wants to end the war while in the mean time slipping in the reality that he probably won't be able to deliver on plan.

Obama is trying to take advantage of the politics involved in this war to gain votes. This seems greedy. And if you did read the article you will see how he faltered in this plan. Is Obama the right man for presidency? He seems weak and stubborn in this circumstance.

Thank you John Whitesides and Yahoo News.

July 4, 2008: "Freed US hostages, families reuniting in Texas"

Freed US hostages, families reuniting in Texas

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Back on U.S. soil, three American hostages rescued from Colombia rebels are now in the process of reintegrating into a society they've been absent from for more than five years.

For once we see an article of hope. These three American hostages were among 13 other, including who is known for being the world's most famous hostage Ingrid Betancourt. After five and a half years of captivity the three American hostages were finally rescued from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Even though this is great news for America, this story saddens me. I did not know anything about these three men until their recent rescue. Why is this? Now of course the military must keep their doing private, but as the people we deserve to know.
Here is how I believe that we could have helped these 15 hostages. First of all, the military must have told some civilians. The families are least must have known and there was probably news stories printed at least in the towns of these men. Now, once we were notified, if we all expressed enough interest in the story, which we should because these are three of our very own, then soon press releases would be scheduled with military leaders. Naturally, the most attention the story get the more the military would force to resolve the issue. I believe we could have made a bigger difference in these 15 lives.

What if we did make a difference? Luckily these men and women survived five and a half years, what if they didn't? Would we still hear their story? Spread the story before its a tragedy.

Thank you ELIZABETH WHITE and Yahoo News.

July 3, 2008: "Marines to stay longer in southern Afganistan"

Marines to stay longer in southern Afghanistan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Some 2,200 U.S. Marines battling insurgents in southern Afghanistan have had their tour of duty extended by 30 days, U.S. officials said on Thursday.

Amongst all of the tragic news that comes out of Iraq, this article adds insult to injury. Think of how long thirty days is. For you and I this may not be a long time. But for these 2,200 soldiers and their families, this months a a lifetime longer, this month is 30 more tears, 30 more nights sleeping alone, thirty more night of desperate prayers.
Currently there are around 145,000 troops in Iraq alone. That last statement speaks volumes. As a nation we are at war. And more importantly I any nation, no matter what the circumstance, must support their country especially in times of war. Many people have given our president a hard time about this war. The government does need to here the people's opinion. But, the most important thing now is to support our troops.

I have never seen a bumper sticker that said "Support Our War." But I have seen many bumper stickers saying, "Support Our Troops." The troops are what really matter.

Thank you Andrew Gray and Yahoo News.