Please Tell Me I'm Not a Conservative!

Does it ever shock you when you find yourself agreeing with the "other side?" Now this gets into politics, and I know I said I was taking a hiatus, but--I'm having a political identity crisis!

Yesterday I was eating lunch and reading a local paper that happens to have a conservative bent. Why was I even reading it, you ask? The reason is the paper does a good job of local coverage, but the editorial slant is so obviously conservative that I only pick it up every few weeks out of curiosity.

The editor is talking about the recent ousting of the Honduran president (oh wait, did I just lose you?)--and I actually agreed with him! I'll make this short. From what I understand, Pres. Manual Zelaya wanted to have another term, which was a constitutional no-no. He tried to change that, but both the Honduran Congress and Supreme Court said, "You're outta here!" They've installed a temporary president until elections can be held.

Here's where it gets tricky. In the U.S., this is being labeled a "coup" because the Honduran military raided Zelaya's home and tossed him out of the country, albeit with the backing of the Supreme Court and Congress. Most world leaders have condemned this action. So this conservative local paper was asking, "What gives?"--and I found myself agreeing! Even in the U.S. we can remove a president through a specific process with other branches of government. So, was it the voice of the Honduran people or not?

Of course, nothing's that simple, as I found out when doing more research. Sounds like Zelaya had lots of enemies and they drove him out, using "the democratic process" to further their own ends. *sigh*

Fortunately, I don't think I'm turning conservative. But this is what happens when you stop listening to the news or doing your own research! The local paper obviously hasn't done its homework--it was just spouting rhetoric. Be careful, my friends, and question everything!

To Honduras--Bueno suerte! (good luck)

Please Tell Me I'm Not a Conservative!

Does it ever shock you when you find yourself agreeing with the "other side?" Now this gets into politics, and I know I said I was taking a hiatus, but--I'm having a political identity crisis!

Yesterday I was eating lunch and reading a local paper that happens to have a conservative bent. Why was I even reading it, you ask? The reason is the paper does a good job of local coverage, but the editorial slant is so obviously conservative that I only pick it up every few weeks out of curiosity.

The editor is talking about the recent ousting of the Honduran president (oh wait, did I just lose you?)--and I actually agreed with him! I'll make this short. From what I understand, Pres. Manual Zelaya wanted to have another term, which was a constitutional no-no. He tried to change that, but both the Honduran Congress and Supreme Court said, "You're outta here!" They've installed a temporary president until elections can be held.

Here's where it gets tricky. In the U.S., this is being labeled a "coup" because the Honduran military raided Zelaya's home and tossed him out of the country, albeit with the backing of the Supreme Court and Congress. Most world leaders have condemned this action. So this conservative local paper was asking, "What gives?"--and I found myself agreeing! Even in the U.S. we can remove a president through a specific process with other branches of government. So, was it the voice of the Honduran people or not?

Of course, nothing's that simple, as I found out when doing more research. Sounds like Zelaya had lots of enemies and they drove him out, using "the democratic process" to further their own ends. *sigh*

Fortunately, I don't think I'm turning conservative. But this is what happens when you stop listening to the news or doing your own research! The local paper obviously hasn't done its homework--it was just spouting rhetoric. Be careful, my friends, and question everything!

To Honduras--Bueno suerte! (good luck)

Shopping Carts Used by American Couple to Spy for Cuba

"Pssst. Meet me in the juice aisle. Got some top-secret info for you--and there's a sale on Oceanspray!"

That's seems to have been the preferred method for couple Kendall and Gwendolyn Myers--retired State Department employees--to pass U.S. secrets to Cuban agents. But according to Gwendolyn, they recently stopped using the grocery cart method because of all the cameras now in stores.

But it worked for nearly 30 years! Of course, the State Department is pissed and says the breach of security is "incredibly serious." I suppose--but based on what? We're still here, Cuba's still on the brink of collapse. Yeah, whatever secrets were handed over couldn't have been all that important. I'm just saying...

Still the couple--now in their 70s--may get 30-some years in prison if convicted. And this revelation may halt recent progress on immigration talks between the U.S. and Cuba. And just when we were all starting to get along!

Shopping Carts Used by American Couple to Spy for Cuba

"Pssst. Meet me in the juice aisle. Got some top-secret info for you--and there's a sale on Oceanspray!"

That's seems to have been the preferred method for couple Kendall and Gwendolyn Myers--retired State Department employees--to pass U.S. secrets to Cuban agents. But according to Gwendolyn, they recently stopped using the grocery cart method because of all the cameras now in stores.

But it worked for nearly 30 years! Of course, the State Department is pissed and says the breach of security is "incredibly serious." I suppose--but based on what? We're still here, Cuba's still on the brink of collapse. Yeah, whatever secrets were handed over couldn't have been all that important. I'm just saying...

Still the couple--now in their 70s--may get 30-some years in prison if convicted. And this revelation may halt recent progress on immigration talks between the U.S. and Cuba. And just when we were all starting to get along!

Has Hillary Won or Lost on Cuba?

The small nation of Cuba carries a weight in the politics of this hemisphere that is out of proportion to its size and power. Ironically, by trying to isolate the Communist island, we've given it more influence than it otherwise would have on its own. It's like the pebble in your sandal. So I'm very curious to see how the Obama administration will change things, if at all.

But things ARE changing. The Organization of American States voted to allow Cuba to rejoin after roughly 50 years--and they broke with the U.S. Or did they? Cuba can rejoin with preconditions; the nation must improve on human rights and other issues. Hillary Clinton says this is a good compromise. Her critics, and those of Obama, however, are already calling this a defeat for the new administration, saying Clinton should have bullied the other OAS countries into keeping Cuba out. Most of the OAS members seem fed up with U.S. policy and posturing toward Cuba.

But I wonder if Clinton and Obama let this happen. Cuba obviously needs to improve human rights, and yet we didn't bully our way to keep the country out of OAS. By reversing this 50-year-old ban, we let other OAS members have a say. We're showing that we're willing to have a "new beginning," as Obama has said. We're taking steps toward Cuba, and now we're waiting to see what it will offer in return. Which is all smart and reasonable, I think.

Of course, the U.S. provides about 60% of OAS funding, and some rabid anti-Communist members of Congress are already threatening to pull funding if Cuba rejoins. Which is funny--because Cuba has basically said, "Thanks, but fuck you." Cuba doesn't even WANT to rejoin!

And around and around we go...

Has Hillary Won or Lost on Cuba?

The small nation of Cuba carries a weight in the politics of this hemisphere that is out of proportion to its size and power. Ironically, by trying to isolate the Communist island, we've given it more influence than it otherwise would have on its own. It's like the pebble in your sandal. So I'm very curious to see how the Obama administration will change things, if at all.

But things ARE changing. The Organization of American States voted to allow Cuba to rejoin after roughly 50 years--and they broke with the U.S. Or did they? Cuba can rejoin with preconditions; the nation must improve on human rights and other issues. Hillary Clinton says this is a good compromise. Her critics, and those of Obama, however, are already calling this a defeat for the new administration, saying Clinton should have bullied the other OAS countries into keeping Cuba out. Most of the OAS members seem fed up with U.S. policy and posturing toward Cuba.

But I wonder if Clinton and Obama let this happen. Cuba obviously needs to improve human rights, and yet we didn't bully our way to keep the country out of OAS. By reversing this 50-year-old ban, we let other OAS members have a say. We're showing that we're willing to have a "new beginning," as Obama has said. We're taking steps toward Cuba, and now we're waiting to see what it will offer in return. Which is all smart and reasonable, I think.

Of course, the U.S. provides about 60% of OAS funding, and some rabid anti-Communist members of Congress are already threatening to pull funding if Cuba rejoins. Which is funny--because Cuba has basically said, "Thanks, but fuck you." Cuba doesn't even WANT to rejoin!

And around and around we go...

Obama's "New Beginning" with Cuba Continues as Hillary Leaves for Latin American Visit

Although Sec. of State Hillary Clinton won't visit Cuba, it will certainly come up while she's in the neighborhood visiting El Salvador for the new president's inauguration and a meeting of the Organization of American States in Honduras. Some Latin American nations want to readmit Cuba to the OAS, but until they do things like we want, that probably won't happen. It will be interesting to see how far proponents will push the issue and how much we push back (or don't).

Over the weekend came more signs of the thawing relations between us and Cuba, with the announcement that we can now resume talks--like adults--over immigration, drugs and other issues important to both sides. Former President Bush suspended these talks in 2003 because he didn't like the looks of those Commies.

Here's hoping for a positive outcome for Hillary's trip.

Obama's "New Beginning" with Cuba Continues as Hillary Leaves for Latin American Visit

Although Sec. of State Hillary Clinton won't visit Cuba, it will certainly come up while she's in the neighborhood visiting El Salvador for the new president's inauguration and a meeting of the Organization of American States in Honduras. Some Latin American nations want to readmit Cuba to the OAS, but until they do things like we want, that probably won't happen. It will be interesting to see how far proponents will push the issue and how much we push back (or don't).

Over the weekend came more signs of the thawing relations between us and Cuba, with the announcement that we can now resume talks--like adults--over immigration, drugs and other issues important to both sides. Former President Bush suspended these talks in 2003 because he didn't like the looks of those Commies.

Here's hoping for a positive outcome for Hillary's trip.

Orbitz Wants to Open Cuba for American Tourists--Plus, Free Coupons!

This is an interesting development, a sure sign that our 50-year ban on travel or trade with Cuba is coming to an end. Internet travel company Orbitz has stepped into the treacherous waters of politics by publicly calling for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba--even setting up a separate web site at www.opencuba.org.

At OpenCuba.org, you can sign a petition supporting an end to the embargo, as well as find out more about the island. And once you sign, they'll send you a free coupon worth $100 to use on Orbitz.com once the ban on travel to Cuba is lifted.

Very interesting. This shows Orbitz has balls, but I'm cynical enough to question its motives. Orbitz stands to make lots of money if this ban is lifted--and why hasn't the company spoken out before? I'd prefer it if companies would speak out because it's the RIGHT thing to do and not just to make money. Silly me.

Hordes of American tourists descending on Cuba could be good or bad, and only time will tell. I also fear that other U.S. companies that once had a pre-embargo presence in Cuba will resurrect their attempts to regain property which was previously seized by the Cuban government.

Here's a more in-depth article on the development.

Orbitz Wants to Open Cuba for American Tourists--Plus, Free Coupons!

This is an interesting development, a sure sign that our 50-year ban on travel or trade with Cuba is coming to an end. Internet travel company Orbitz has stepped into the treacherous waters of politics by publicly calling for an end to the U.S. embargo on Cuba--even setting up a separate web site at www.opencuba.org.

At OpenCuba.org, you can sign a petition supporting an end to the embargo, as well as find out more about the island. And once you sign, they'll send you a free coupon worth $100 to use on Orbitz.com once the ban on travel to Cuba is lifted.

Very interesting. This shows Orbitz has balls, but I'm cynical enough to question its motives. Orbitz stands to make lots of money if this ban is lifted--and why hasn't the company spoken out before? I'd prefer it if companies would speak out because it's the RIGHT thing to do and not just to make money. Silly me.

Hordes of American tourists descending on Cuba could be good or bad, and only time will tell. I also fear that other U.S. companies that once had a pre-embargo presence in Cuba will resurrect their attempts to regain property which was previously seized by the Cuban government.

Here's a more in-depth article on the development.

Paraguay Asks: "Who the Baby Daddy--Times 3!"

I just find this interesting on a number of levels. Paraguay's President Fernando Lugo is apparently quite the ladies man and can't keep his pantalones zipped! He's now being accused of fathering a 3rd illegitimate child. That's right--three. I can't find anything that says Lugo is married but--he was a Roman Catholic priest!

He resigned his priestly duties in 2004 and then turned to politics. With that vow of chastity no longer an issue, I guess Lugo felt he had to make up for lost time! It's kind of sad, really, since his election was a watershed of sorts for Paraguay, being that Lugo was a former priest, a liberal and outside the entrenched power structure of the country.

And we thought Bill Clinton was a horndog! Of course, can someone say, "Contraception!?"

Paraguay Asks: "Who the Baby Daddy--Times 3!"

I just find this interesting on a number of levels. Paraguay's President Fernando Lugo is apparently quite the ladies man and can't keep his pantalones zipped! He's now being accused of fathering a 3rd illegitimate child. That's right--three. I can't find anything that says Lugo is married but--he was a Roman Catholic priest!

He resigned his priestly duties in 2004 and then turned to politics. With that vow of chastity no longer an issue, I guess Lugo felt he had to make up for lost time! It's kind of sad, really, since his election was a watershed of sorts for Paraguay, being that Lugo was a former priest, a liberal and outside the entrenched power structure of the country.

And we thought Bill Clinton was a horndog! Of course, can someone say, "Contraception!?"

Latin American Leaders and Obama Chillaxin' in Trinidad

Everything's more laid back in the Caribbean, mon! Which is probably a good thing. Would love to be there right now myself.

Obama really impressed Latin American leaders at the recent Summit of the Americas, held in the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. What caught my eye in particular was the title of a book that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (who once called George W. Bush "the devil"--ha!) gave to Obama. Titled "The Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent" by Eduardo Galeano, it was on my required reading list for a course I took for my master's degree!

Who knows if Obama will actually read it, but I would like to know what he thinks. Personally, I didn't care for it. Yes, I did learn a lot, but I thought the author was way too skewed toward an extreme socialist/communist viewpoint. It was difficult to figure out what was true and what was his opinion. Really no different than reading something from a more capitalist approach.

• But Chavez certainly seemed to have a crush on Obama, and they kept shaking hands. Easy fellas! Chavez said he was even going to restore Venezuela's ambassador to the U.S. ("my people will call your people!"). Aw, that's nice.

• Evo Morales of Bolivia wasn't having any of the love-in, however. Sounds like he needs to consult with those shamans who "endorsed" Obama during the election.

• Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega was polite but, apparently, still bitter over what former U.S. prez Ronald Reagan did to him.

• And Raul Castro is obviously feelin' the love from Obama, as the two have made tentative baby steps toward normalizing U.S./Cuban relations.
  

How can anyone stay angry in Trinidad, a place that obviously knows how to party!?

Latin American Leaders and Obama Chillaxin' in Trinidad

Everything's more laid back in the Caribbean, mon! Which is probably a good thing. Would love to be there right now myself.

Obama really impressed Latin American leaders at the recent Summit of the Americas, held in the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. What caught my eye in particular was the title of a book that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (who once called George W. Bush "the devil"--ha!) gave to Obama. Titled "The Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent" by Eduardo Galeano, it was on my required reading list for a course I took for my master's degree!

Who knows if Obama will actually read it, but I would like to know what he thinks. Personally, I didn't care for it. Yes, I did learn a lot, but I thought the author was way too skewed toward an extreme socialist/communist viewpoint. It was difficult to figure out what was true and what was his opinion. Really no different than reading something from a more capitalist approach.

• But Chavez certainly seemed to have a crush on Obama, and they kept shaking hands. Easy fellas! Chavez said he was even going to restore Venezuela's ambassador to the U.S. ("my people will call your people!"). Aw, that's nice.

• Evo Morales of Bolivia wasn't having any of the love-in, however. Sounds like he needs to consult with those shamans who "endorsed" Obama during the election.

• Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega was polite but, apparently, still bitter over what former U.S. prez Ronald Reagan did to him.

• And Raul Castro is obviously feelin' the love from Obama, as the two have made tentative baby steps toward normalizing U.S./Cuban relations.
  

How can anyone stay angry in Trinidad, a place that obviously knows how to party!?

Would You Tattoo Yourself with '666?'

Apparently, followers of Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda are. Ironically, they're excited about his claim to be the AntiChrist, and are following his example by tattooing "666" on their bodies. I can appreciate that they're reclaiming, if you will, such a disparaged number; when I growing up, Christians I knew took great pains to avoid any association with this "mark of the Beast." But it's all rather silly, don't you think?

Jose thinks he's Jesus or the AntiChrist or both! He does say that sin and the devil don't exist--so I agree with him on that. He also says that his followers must give him Rolex watches, and that's where I'm puzzled. Why do some people fall prey to these characters? If you want to tattoo "666" on your arm and give some religious person all your money, I suppose you have that right. But why are people so gullible? Why do they look to others to provide "salvation" or affirmation?

Jose's Growing in Grace church is worldwide and growing, but Honduras is taking up the welcome mat. Seems Jose has all sorts of financial and legal troubles here in the States, including a messy divorce, and Honduras is saying "Stay out!" Sorta dims the sparkle on all that religious glitter, don't it?

Just been pondering lately all the spiritual and religious stuff out there, including my own interest in pagan stuff, shamanism and druid revival movements. My take is, look, as long as you're not hurting anyone or being taken advantage of, believe what you want. But please, if I ever decide to get a "666" tattoo--someone please stage an intervention!

Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda

Would You Tattoo Yourself with '666?'

Apparently, followers of Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda are. Ironically, they're excited about his claim to be the AntiChrist, and are following his example by tattooing "666" on their bodies. I can appreciate that they're reclaiming, if you will, such a disparaged number; when I growing up, Christians I knew took great pains to avoid any association with this "mark of the Beast." But it's all rather silly, don't you think?

Jose thinks he's Jesus or the AntiChrist or both! He does say that sin and the devil don't exist--so I agree with him on that. He also says that his followers must give him Rolex watches, and that's where I'm puzzled. Why do some people fall prey to these characters? If you want to tattoo "666" on your arm and give some religious person all your money, I suppose you have that right. But why are people so gullible? Why do they look to others to provide "salvation" or affirmation?

Jose's Growing in Grace church is worldwide and growing, but Honduras is taking up the welcome mat. Seems Jose has all sorts of financial and legal troubles here in the States, including a messy divorce, and Honduras is saying "Stay out!" Sorta dims the sparkle on all that religious glitter, don't it?

Just been pondering lately all the spiritual and religious stuff out there, including my own interest in pagan stuff, shamanism and druid revival movements. My take is, look, as long as you're not hurting anyone or being taken advantage of, believe what you want. But please, if I ever decide to get a "666" tattoo--someone please stage an intervention!

Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda

Guatemala's Prez Strikes New Course with Apology to Cuba

Thought this was interesting, given the 1954 U.S.-led overthrow of the democratically elected government in Guatemala and the subsequent failure of our invasion in 1961 of Cuba.

The newly elected president of Guatemala, Alvaro Colom, has apologized to Fidel Castro and Cuba for allowing Guatemalan land to be used as CIA training bases for participants in the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion. He says his decision is a gesture of "friendship and brotherhood" between the 2 countries. Colom also criticized the continuing U.S. embargo of Cuba.

It's good to see Guatemala stand up against the U.S., given our past meddling there. Due to Communist panic at the time, the CIA led a coup in 1954 that toppled the government of Jacobo Arbenz Guzman. Instead of bringing peace to the country, it unleashed decades of dictatorial rule and death. But hey, there weren't no Commies, so it's ok!

With his election, Colom is the first leftist president in Guatemala in more than 50 years. Interestingly, he's also an honorary Mayan priest, an honor bestowed on him as thanks for his past work assisting the beleaguered ethnic Mayan majority.

And if you want to read a depressing chapter in American foreign policy and corporate recklessness, brush up on the history of United Fruit/Chiquita in Guatemala. Who knew eating a banana was such a moral quagmire?

Guatemala's Prez Strikes New Course with Apology to Cuba

Thought this was interesting, given the 1954 U.S.-led overthrow of the democratically elected government in Guatemala and the subsequent failure of our invasion in 1961 of Cuba.

The newly elected president of Guatemala, Alvaro Colom, has apologized to Fidel Castro and Cuba for allowing Guatemalan land to be used as CIA training bases for participants in the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion. He says his decision is a gesture of "friendship and brotherhood" between the 2 countries. Colom also criticized the continuing U.S. embargo of Cuba.

It's good to see Guatemala stand up against the U.S., given our past meddling there. Due to Communist panic at the time, the CIA led a coup in 1954 that toppled the government of Jacobo Arbenz Guzman. Instead of bringing peace to the country, it unleashed decades of dictatorial rule and death. But hey, there weren't no Commies, so it's ok!

With his election, Colom is the first leftist president in Guatemala in more than 50 years. Interestingly, he's also an honorary Mayan priest, an honor bestowed on him as thanks for his past work assisting the beleaguered ethnic Mayan majority.

And if you want to read a depressing chapter in American foreign policy and corporate recklessness, brush up on the history of United Fruit/Chiquita in Guatemala. Who knew eating a banana was such a moral quagmire?

What You May Have Missed About the Obama Inauguration

Amid all the hubbub, here are 2 things I wanted to highlight:

Those Peruvian shamans were once again sending their energy our way on Tuesday! I love these guys. This time, however, they gathered fellow shamans from Mexico, Brazil and Bolivia to participate in an ancient Andean ritual to protect Obama, give him strength and help him usher in peace worldwide. According to the report, the shamans danced, shook rattles, blew smoke and tossed flower petals and coca leaves at a photo of Obama (I'm sure the conservatives just LOVE the coca leaf ingredient). Thanks guys--we appreciate the support!

Did you love Obama's speech? It was great, but I had one problem with it. About halfway through he said:

"...We will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents ..."

I really have a problem with the "We will not apologize for our way of life." Or maybe I'm just confused. On one hand, Obama delivered a rousing rebuke to America's enemies, which rallied the crowd. I admit it even got me a little worked up. But it's such a vague phrase, that everyone can ascribe to it whatever they want. But what did Obama mean, "our way of life?"

Was he talking about a free press, free elections, equality and opportunity? Well, that's certainly worth defending. Or did he mean our tendency to guzzle gas, bully our way with other economies and the planet, and generally pressure everyone to be just like us? Well, that I do feel we should apologize for. Because it's that way of life that frequently has caused us to sacrifice our higher ideals in favor of the almighty dollar. And that's why we're the No. 1 target of terrorists today.

Maybe it isn't anything to worry about. But Obama and his speech writers carefully crafted each and every word of that speech. The cynic in me says he put that in there to appease the conservatives, those who fear Obama will somehow surrender American prestige and power.

I dunno, but to me, a way of life isn't necessarily good or bad. Yet we Americans frequently tell others they must change their way of life and that ours is better. So--how dare we say we'll never apologize? Isn't that just arrogance? How can you negotiate and lead to a better tomorrow when the only way you see is your own?

Maybe I'm just being picky but it gives me pause.

What You May Have Missed About the Obama Inauguration

Amid all the hubbub, here are 2 things I wanted to highlight:

Those Peruvian shamans were once again sending their energy our way on Tuesday! I love these guys. This time, however, they gathered fellow shamans from Mexico, Brazil and Bolivia to participate in an ancient Andean ritual to protect Obama, give him strength and help him usher in peace worldwide. According to the report, the shamans danced, shook rattles, blew smoke and tossed flower petals and coca leaves at a photo of Obama (I'm sure the conservatives just LOVE the coca leaf ingredient). Thanks guys--we appreciate the support!

Did you love Obama's speech? It was great, but I had one problem with it. About halfway through he said:

"...We will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents ..."

I really have a problem with the "We will not apologize for our way of life." Or maybe I'm just confused. On one hand, Obama delivered a rousing rebuke to America's enemies, which rallied the crowd. I admit it even got me a little worked up. But it's such a vague phrase, that everyone can ascribe to it whatever they want. But what did Obama mean, "our way of life?"

Was he talking about a free press, free elections, equality and opportunity? Well, that's certainly worth defending. Or did he mean our tendency to guzzle gas, bully our way with other economies and the planet, and generally pressure everyone to be just like us? Well, that I do feel we should apologize for. Because it's that way of life that frequently has caused us to sacrifice our higher ideals in favor of the almighty dollar. And that's why we're the No. 1 target of terrorists today.

Maybe it isn't anything to worry about. But Obama and his speech writers carefully crafted each and every word of that speech. The cynic in me says he put that in there to appease the conservatives, those who fear Obama will somehow surrender American prestige and power.

I dunno, but to me, a way of life isn't necessarily good or bad. Yet we Americans frequently tell others they must change their way of life and that ours is better. So--how dare we say we'll never apologize? Isn't that just arrogance? How can you negotiate and lead to a better tomorrow when the only way you see is your own?

Maybe I'm just being picky but it gives me pause.