It fascinates me that those buildings took years to build, and they came down in seconds. I still find it so hard to believe that they're gone. I always, always got such a thrill out of the New York skyline. I remember thinking how elegantly they collapsed, one floor stacking neatly on top of the next. I'm not going into what else I was thinking.

I grew up in the Sixties just outside of Manhattan in north Jersey, and I remember the towers being built, rising above the lower Manhattan skyline.

My moment of hot, red-faced rage was when the second plane hit the South tower and everything changed from "accident" into "atrocity."

All I can remember thinking when the South tower collapsed was, "Oh, God, those bastards are going to get it now..."

I think the number of posts here, so far, back up the "Nothing left to say" statement i've heard alot.

I do not have the time to post as I have over the last few weeks, but I think that it would be a fitting memorial on my part to post the transcript of my Rabbi's speech at Rosh Hashana last year. It is long and emotionally wearing, but worth the time it takes.

"Rosh Hashana 2001 (5762)
  Remember Us For Love
Rabbi Perry Netter

Every year before Rosh Hashanah myfriend and mentor, Rabbi Jack Riemer, calls me with the same joke: "Perry, whatare you talking about this year, presuming the Arabs let you?"

This year, more than ever, it's really not funny.

Language can only hint at the depth of emotions we have been experiencing –individually, collectively – over the events of this past week. And as I have been spending the past week searching for the words to speak this morning,I have found myself staring at the monitor screen.

On Tuesday I came into my office and just sat and stared for about four hours. I, like you, like everyone I know, was struck numb. The videos and the pictures of the attack on the World Trade Center kept playing over and over in my head, and no matter how many times I saw it on TV, no matter how many times I imagined it, it still felt like a bad Bruckheimer movie.

I still play the events of the morning over and over. Waking up to the sight of the north tower on fire. Then the second plane smashing into the south tower, exploding into a spectacular ball of fire as it plowed through the building. People jumping out of the buildings, choosing one horrific death over another. The buildings collapsing.

And then surviving relatives, wandering the streets of lower Manhattan with posters and pictures, posting fliers at the armory, or on lampposts, in a desperate but futile attempt tolocate their missing loved ones. Wandering, circling, asking questions of strangers, not allowing themselves to give up hope. But there was no hope.

The horror of it all is just too great for words. We are a traumatized nation. This was a cataclysmic event in American history that has changed us forever. This is Pearl Harbor. This is the Kennedy assassination. And we are all eyewitnesses. We watched it happen on TV, again, and again, and again, and again. The images will be seared onour memories forever.

We will never be the same. Our self image as a nation changed on Tuesday. Our vocabulary has changed.

If you had asked me three weeks ago who Cantor Fitzgerald was, I would have guessed he was a hazzan in Ireland. Now I know that Cantor Fitzgerald is a Wall Street bond trading company that was headquartered in the World Trade Center. Cantor Fitzgerald lost 700 people in the crash. 700 husbands, wives, parents, children, lovers, friends. Who among us will ever forget the interview with Howard Lutnick, the chairman and chief executive of Cantor Fitzgerald, who through his tears captured the anguish of that day, and showed us a glimpse into the human cost of the terror?

In the week since last Tuesday the initial shock has turned to deep sadness as well as to a deep, abiding anger. We are awash with a mélange of conflicting emotions that are powerful and real and confusing, and, in some cases, crippling.

As I sat in my office on Tuesday, looking at nothing in particular, I was thinking about the thousands of people who went to work in the World TradeCenter that day. How many of them rushed off to work like they did every day: running out the door with one arm in a coat, a piece of toast in their mouths, elbowing their way through the mass of passengers on the subway, fighting for a cab, driving in bumper tobumper traffic through the Holland Tunnel, the same routine as every otherday. All of them, rushing to get totheir offices at the World Trade Center.

I imagine: What were they thinking as they were riding up the elevator to their floors, going to the 20th, or the 30th, or the 80th, or the 110th floor? What was on their minds as they were taking their last elevator ride? Surely they were thinking of the day's tasks that lay ahead of them, the memos that needed to be written, the emails and faxes that needed to be sent, the meetings to plan for. How many were working on their 5–year plans? One thing is for sure: they were all planning something. They were all looking forward to something.

And how many were standing around the coffee machine placing bets on Sunday's football game when the plane hit? How many were rehearsing a conversation they needed to have with a boss, with a child, with a spouse? How many were flirting, trying to arrange a date for Saturday night?

In the blast of an instant, the fury of hell was unleashed, and their world came to an end.

We feel so vulnerable. The killings on Tuesday were completely random. One of the sobering reminders of Tuesday's events is that life is so very fragile. So many lives lost, so many worlds terminated in an instant.

On Tuesday morning, for the victims in the buildings, for a stunned nation, life was reduced to a matter of minutes.

There are thousands of stories to be told about this tragedy. There are the stories of the people who were in the World Trade Center who normally would not have been there, but by somef luke they were; there are stories of people who should have been there but by some fluke weren't.

And there are thousands of stories of near misses. I have two cousins, husband and wife, who both work as navy lawyers. His office is in the Navy compound; she works in the Pentagon. Debra was in her office when the plane struck. She heard the crash; went out into the hallway to find it full of smoke. Thank God, she got out of the building. There were 40 navy personnel among the victims of the crash. She could easily have been one of them. All the what if's" run through my head. What if the plane had veered more to the left? What if she had been down the hall, visiting someone? What if, what if, what if...

There are thousands of stories, and the stories are heartbreaking. The stories that move me the most are those of the phone calls – from the planes, from the buildings – from people who knew they might die, from people who had the chance for a final goodbye. The following stories have been taken from various news sources.

Stuart Meltzer, aged 32, called his wife from the 105th floor of the first building shortly after it was hit. He said to her: "Honey, something terrible is happening. I don't think I am going to make it. I love you. Take care of the children."

Kenneth Van Auken was a bond broker for Cantor Fitzgerald. He managed to call his wife, Lorie. This was his final communication to her: "Ilove you. I'm in the World Trade Center. And the building was hit by something. I don't know if I'm going toget out. But I love you very much. I hope I'll see you later. Bye."

Mark Bingham called his mother from United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked as it traveled from Newark to San Francisco. He said, "Hi Mom, this is Mark Bingham." She said her son told her: "We've been taken over. There are three men that say they have a bomb. I love you, I love you, I love you."

Brian Sweeney, 38, of Barnstable, a passenger on Flight 175 that crashed into the World Trade Center's South Tower, left a message for his wife,Julie, on their answering machine shortly before 9 a.m. "Hey Jules, it's Brian, I'm on a plane and it's hijacked and itdoesn't look good. I just wanted to let you know that I love you and I hope to see you again. If I don't, please have fun in life and live your life the best you can. Know that I love you and no matter what, I'll see you again."

Moments before United Flight 93 went down, businessman Thomas Burnettof San Ramon, Calif., called his wife, telling her he feared the flight was doomed but he and two other passengers planned to take action. Burnett's wife,Deena, shared that Burnett said: "I know we're all going to die; there's three of us who are going to do something about it. Then, Burnett told his wife, "I love you, honey," and the call ended.

Veronique Bowers, 28, called her mother from the World Trade Center. "She called me when the building was on fire," Bowers said. "She called me and said: 'Mommy, the building is on fire, there's smoke coming through the walls. I can'tbreathe.' "The last thing she said was, 'I love you, Mommy, goodbye.' "

Lyzbeth Glick told Jane Pauley of NBC news of her last conversation with her husband, Jeremy, from United flight 93: "We said, 'I love you' a thousand times, over and over and over again, and it just brought so much peace to us.... He said, "I love Emmy," who's our daughter, and to take care of her. And then he said... "Whatever decisions you make in your life, I need you to be happy, and I will respect any decisions that you make."

And then there is the story I heard of a frum bond trader, whose name I do not know, who called his wife. He said to her, "I love you, tell the kids I love them, and I want you to get remarried." His last thought for his wife was that she should not be an agunah, an abandoned wife, which would happen in the event they couldn't find his body. So he gave her permission to remarry. And then he jumped from the building.

The stories are heartbreaking. But they all have one thing in common. In the last moments of their lives, everyone who was able to, contacted those closestto them – spouses, parents, children, friends – and told them they loved them. In that final instant, when all of life was reduced to a single moment, what remained the highest value inl ife, was love.

And as heartbreaking as these stories are, even more heartbreaking are the calls that weren't made, of the thousands of victims who didn't get to a phone, who weren't able to say goodbye, who weren't able to have even an instant of closure. They were robbed of that opportunity, because the strike was random, unexpected, devastating.

I can't help but wonder what their last conversation was like as they rushed off to work. I can't help but wonder if they had known that it was going to be the last contact, the last words, the last act, would they have parted that way?

Did they leave in anger? Did they tell those who were important to them that they loved them? Did they speak and act in ways that areloving?

My guess is, when they said goodbye that morning, they behaved as if they had all the time in the world before them. My guess is they didn't say everything they had wanted to say, because that is the way we all live.

Rabban Yohanan ben Zaccai was a great teacher in the first century of the common era. Rabban Yohanan taught his students: Do teshuvah one day before the end of your life. His students then asked him the obvious question: How do you know when is the last day of your life? The question is better than the answer. The question gives voice to the truth that we have all just lived: that life is fleeting, that life is fragile, that life could end at any moment. For some of us, we will be taken completely by surprise when we face that final moment. Yohanan benZaccai's answer was simple, and as obvious as it is profound. He said: Do teshuvah every day. In other words, live each day as if it isyour last, because, as we were reminded on Tuesday, it could be.

And so I ask, on this RoshHashanah, as the national trauma sinks in, as our country grieves, and as the nation begins to rebuild, will we learn the lesson that the victims of this horrible event have taught us? Will we live differently because of the way they died?

Does everyone you love most in the world know how much you love them? When was the last time you told them? When will you tell them?

Does everyone you love most in the world know the feeling of your hug? When was the last time you embraced them? When will you hug them?

Will we live differently now because of the way they died?

For if we do, then the senseless deaths of so many people will have some meaning. If we become more loving, more giving, more emotionally open as a result of this, then their deaths will not be completely in vain.

Because the only way to respond toevil is with greater love.

During this season there is anadded prayer to our High Holiday liturgy: Zochreinu l'hayyim, melekh hafetzb'hayyim. Remember us for life, o King, who delights in life. How powerful those words arethis year, more than ever. Zochreinu l'hayyim, melekh hafetz b'hayyim. Remember us, o God, for a life oflove. "

Shana tovah"
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I also missed the peaceful religion watch, so I'll re-post the prayer for protection, as well as a special prayer for Rosh Hashana....
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WARNING: SARCASM RAMPANT
"I'm afraid that I'm going to have to respond in a vile, and nasty manner to these statements with the prayer of the *evil* J-E-W-S, because, we shout about the designs of our enemies too, this is my favourite section of the Shabbat service at the end of the silent Amidah, when I do go.

(this is from the Siddur Sim Shalom, produced by "The Rabbinical Assembly" of "The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism", printed in NY in 1999, page 313):

My G-d, keep my tongue from evil, my lips from lies. Help me ignore those who slander me. Let me be humble before all. Open my heart to Your Torah, so that I my pursue Your mitzvot. Frustrate the designs of those who polt evil against me. Make nothing of their schemes. Do so for the sake of Your power, Your holiness and Your torah. Answer my prayer for the deliverance of your people. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You, my Rock and my Redeemer. He who brings peace to His universe will bring peace to us and to all the people of Israel, amen.

Charles, I *know* that this is a violent text, but I truely feel that it should be posted in parrallel with these friday sermons, to show what the OTHER side is declaring in return."
------ -------- --------- ------ ------

Now for the Rosh Hashana Prayer, which recounts the ways that people may die in the coming year, and is a reminder to us all of our own morality in this time of the year when it is believed that our fates for the comings months are decided. Sept. 11 and the new 'Intifadah' both began just before Rosh Hashana and now, on their 1st and 2nd aniversaries, respectively, I share this writing:

(this is from the High Holiday Prayer Book by "The Prayer Book Press of Media Judaica, INC.", printed in Bridgeport, Conn. in 1998, page 148)

"On New Year's day the decree is inscribed and on the Day of Atonement it is sealed, how many shall pass away and how many shall be born; who shall live and who shall die; who shall attain the measure of man's days and who shall not attain it; who shall perish by fire and who by water; who by sword, and who by beast; who by hunger and who by thirst; who by earthquake and who by plague; who by strangling and who by stoning; who shall have rest and who shall go wandering; who shall be tranquil and who shall be disturbed; who shall be at ease and who shall be afflicted; who shall become poor and who shall wax rich; who shall be brought low ans who shall be exaulted.

BUT REPENTANCE, PRAYER AND RIGHTEOUSNESS AVERT THE SEVERE DECREE.

For according to Thy name so is Thy praise. Thou art slow to anger and ready to forgive. "

[NOTE: the following few sentences are an important part of the doctrine of Judaism (and which has since transfered over into Christianity), which I have recently found it hard to follow, since it has lead to such suffering for my people]

" Thou desirest not the death of the sinner
but that he return from his evil way and live. Even until his dying day Thou waitest for him, perchance he will repent and Thou will straightway receive him.
Verily, Thou as Creator knowest the nature of man, for he is but flesh and blood. Man's origin is dust and he returns to the dust. He obtains his daily bread by peril of his life; he is like a fragile potsherd, as the grass that withers, as the flower that fades, as a fleeting shadow, as a passing cloud, as the wind that blows, as the floating dust, yea, and as a dream that vanishes."

-RATZ

At the moment this happened I was watching NBC, which was showing the Pentagon events, when suddenly they broke back to New York. Tom Brokaw was onscreen with the flaming towers in the distance behind him, one still burning away but with an ominous brown cloud behind it.

He was saying something to the effect of "Well, something has just happened at the WTC site...we're not quite sure yet what's happened..." He repeated this several times, as the brown cloud started to thin a bit.

I expected to see the stump of the tower emerge from the cloud, to see that the upper floors had toppled over. But as the cloud cleared somewhat, it was clear that there was nothing there anymore.

I thought the New York skyline would look a little odd now, with just one tower...

That's when it hit me that tens of thousands of people must have just died. And that the same thing was sure to happen to the other tower. (Three thousand victims was terrible enough -- I'm grateful my estimate was so wrong).

The Kumbaya Awards

While LGF continues in it's principled commemoration of Sept. 11, the major media gears up for candlelit memorials celebrating "closure" and "healing" and "understanding."

Therefore, I hereby seek nominees for the "Kumbaya Awards."

The winner will be the newspaper or television program that best exemplies a "forgive, forget, and blame" approach to the outrage of September 11.

To win, the media outlet must demonstrate:

A. The most coverage of the following topics:

1. Commemorative, yet solemn events.
2. The "suppression of dissent."
3. The Bush administration's failures in preventing terrorism.
Note: Extra points given if the same broadcast, or edition, also includes stories outlining the dangers to civil liberties in aggressively tracking terrorism.
4. Scott Ritter's claims that Iraq is no longer a threat to world peace.
5. Linkage between US opposition to the Kyoto agreement, the International Criminal Court, corporate greed, and the war on terrorism.
6. "Anti-war" activism.
7. Hate crimes against U.S. Muslims, particularly as reported by Islamic activists.
8. Opinion pieces by those who still do not believe al-Queda engineered the attacks.
9. Any speech or article by Noam Chomsky, Gore Vidal, Michael Moore, Robert Fisk, or Germaine Greer.
10. Any incident in Afghanistan that points to the "failure" of the war.

B. The least coverage of the following topics:

1. The civil rights of people living in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, and Iran.
2. The treatment of women in the Islamic world, particularly in Arab nations.
3. The lack of seperation of church and state in the Islamic world.
4. Hate crimes against Jews and Americans.
5. The calls to violence and war issued by major Islamic theologians.
6. Reaction in the Arab world to Sept. 11, especially Palestinian celebrations.
7. Illegal immigration as a factor in terrorism.
8. The impacts on major population centers of a terrorist bio, chemical or nuclear attack.
9. Discussion of the Islamofascist agenda, i.e., the destruction of western culture.
10. Any incident in Afghanistan that points to the joy of the people now living in freedom.

Full disclosure: I readily admit that I think I already have a clear-front runner for these awards, but others are welcome.

Tops on my leaderboard right now: the Sunday, September 8, 2002 edition of the San Francisco Chronicle, "A Nation Remembers."

On page one:

Looking Back, Looking Ahead: Somber first anniversary prompts calls for peace and tributes to victims Lead story, a listing of commemorative events, heavy on the candles and closure.

Patriot Act's scope, secrecy ensnare innocent, critics say An in-depth look at the "slipperly slope" towards the destruction of civil liberties.

U.S. government failed to heed warnings of attacks, Middle East terrorists and flawed intelligence system Article right next to the critique of the Patriot Act, story talks about how weak our abilities are in penetrating terror cells and uncovering plans.

Elsewhere in the "A Nation Remembers edition:"

Lead story, in the "Living" section: Peace, come by here: Oakland family of Sept. 11 victim responds by working against war on terrorism Brother of soldier killed at the Pentagon works now with advocacy group called Peaceful Tomorrows, which seeks nonviolent responses to terrorism. Peaceful Tomorrows has raised both consciousness and ire by speaking frankly about their opposition to a vengeful war on terrorism and by traveling to Afghanistan to meet with family members of victims of errant U.S. bombs.

The Sunday "Insight Section." Includes opinion stories that:

A last, best hope for America: Realism
by Stephanie Salter, demoted former columnist, who now says: "But unlike so many folks -- who've turned the wound of Sept. 11 into a deification of an often-contradictory nation -- Needleman harbors the kind of love for his country...

The next threat by some freelance writer in Boston. "The Sept. 11 attacks are only one consequence of the negligence of our government, for which we may have to spend the next few years paying the bill" This no-name, whose article is on the section front, somehow links threats to privacy, "deceptive marketing" (I'm not kidding), oil supply, drug resistance, and climate change together. A breathtaking display of idiotarianism.

Are you tired of all the Sept. 11 hype? Man on the street interviews.

9/11 for Allen Ginsberg You tell me what he means...

A school lesson on 'jihad' Apparently the author believes that the seperation of church and state is a bad thing when applied to Islam.

Strength after trauma: Bay Area gym members sought solace and stress relief after Sept. 11 How fitness fans coped.

And finally:

Iraq should allow in inspectors, says critic of U.S. and former weapons inspector The obligatory Scott Ritter story.

Ok, now top that!

Repeat, but -
_______________________________________

Instant Gratification. One of the drawbacks to life in the modern age. Get it now. Order today, have it delivered tommorrow.

This was a pre-meditated, deliberate act of war, by people that have been waging their campaign for years. Years of scheming, plotting, preparation, indoctrination, subversion, coercion, and infectious hatred. By word and deed, they have stated repeatedly that they consider no quarter, that none are exempted, none should be spared, and that their ultimate goal is the overthrow of our civilization, and the deaths or enslavement of us all.

Why? Don't care, because what I've seen of their rationalizations rings hollow and false. A line has been crossed, from which there is no return. The only path available, the one ahead, by which we die or continue to insist upon the right to live as we choose - and follow it through we must. Without any evidence at hand that those that could do such things will ever stop of their own accord, and ample evidence that the lack of anything less than an absolute show of strength in response is simply an invitation for others to follow in their bloody footsteps. Sitting, waiting, and hoping, as options, borders on the suicidal.

The road ahead is rough, and the journey itself a hard one. Not all have the stomach for the tasks ahead. They beseech that we not do this in their names. To that I can only say, fear not on that count; there are 3000 names much more deserving than yours. For they have paid the ultimate price in this awakening from our latest idyllic, daydreaming slumber.

And while those of us that remain go forth, to pick up the banner, now that we have awakened, a prayer that through our actions, we will in some small way help those we remember to rest in peace. Not to avenge their deaths, but so that they do not look upon us from where they are now, and shed a tear because we stood by and did nothing.

Would that we have the vision to see good, and the vision to see evil for what it is, and have the courage to make the right choices accordingly. And that we keep our resolve to do what we must, for more than a few weeks, or months, or years, but forever if necessary.

That would be true gratification.

R. McLeod: Thanks for your superb post (#6). Thank goodness the Chronicle remains vigilant against the threat from "Deceptive Marketing!" LOL.

[Link: www.ctnow.com...]

An Australian university just released a study stating that most Australians still feal sympathy towards the USA but hears the (punch line) it also states its probably because it is socially more acceptable. I am so glad that we institutions like this to tell me that my feelings aren't genuine.

Ratz,

Thank you.. I am bawling right now.

**********************************
I just watched '60 Minutes'... it was a dedication to 9/11 of sorts - checking in with families who lost loved ones, speaking with public officials... and most interestingly enough - interviews in Saudi Arabia with a prince or two and some civilians - denying that they hate Americans - blaming us the hatred of Arabs... distorted views of what is going on our world... saying that young Saudis are not taught to hate Americans (bold-faced lie)... that the Mosques don't teach death to America (another bold-faced lie)... and that 9/11 was an unfortunate mishap.
Anyone else see it?

Gidget,

I'm going to watch it at 7:00pm.

I'm in Los Angeles.

zulubaby,

Take some tissues... I was bawling like a baby.
Let me know what you think.

I had been standing next to my wife, who was seated in the living room watching the unreal events that morning. At the moment the first tower fell, I fell to my knees and involuntarily said out loud, "All those people." That was all I could say for a couple minutes. I kept repeating through tears, "all those people. All those people."

Now this sounds really lame, but my next thought was that this was how Obi-wan Kenobi felt when the planet Alderaan was destroyed in Star Wars Episode IV. The recognition of what had just happened was instant and profound.

All those people.

Gidget:
I saw the 60 minutes in question. The Prince Saud who ordered the review of Saudi curriculi found that a full 85% of the things young Saudis are learning (wait for it) was not hateful! (*shocked gasp*) They acted as if this was a good thing! I almost spit out my gin and tonic. The idiotic reporter just nodded her head in agreement, as if this was fine.

Quick new math lesson: the above figure means that 15% of Saudi pap is racist, hateful, misogynist or otherwise deplorable. Even the NEA, heck, the much-hated NJEA that spawned my education can't reach such lofty heights.

Bingo Foo (#14), I was thinking about that same scene when I wrote my post above.

Here's an odd site that I came across this evening: NYCTourist.com's WTC Observatory Page After spending all evening looking up 9/11 photos on the web, this was what finally got to me.

Gidget,

I watched 60 Minutes. That little blond boy made me cry. It was so sad.

Then on to the lying Saudi prince. What crap. Lies, and more lies. That one guy said outright that they hate America because they support Israel. They hate Jews more than anything, yet we're constantly accused of racism. Go figure.

I was angry by the end. How terrible was the segment on that company that lost 70 employees? That was really sad too.

I watched the 60 minutes, all except for the widows' club. I think that Diane Sawyer was more shocked than accepting of the 85% claim. But we *must* remember- only 5% was abhorrent to them....the other 10% is 'just' on the edge, but acceptable...I wonder what that other 10% talks about, maybe a certain local democracy?....I loved the bit of the Qaeda supporter refusing to look her in the face, as he acted like he only spoke arabic. He couldn't even keep from laughing when she pointed out that he was answering the questions before the translator could begin with her questions...

I also loved how she showed the tolerance of the people, since noone abused her for walking un-covered in the streets....seriously, they get American TV, do you think that YOU would attack her with a news camera on her and with the Saudi 'officials' following her around?

I also say that it was particularly telling when Prince Saud, the Forgein Minister, couldn't stand to look her in the face as he told his lies, it looked like a pickpocket caught by a wary citizen- the snake stuck in its corner. "No, we do not hate the Americans"...."Only 85% of our children's text-books were hateful" ONLY? In most places of the Western world you would be strung up by the NGOs for 0.02% hateful nature, unless of course it was anti- Israeli, but that's why only 5% was seen as truely bad... notice he didn't mention that they removed any of the materials....

The YellowTimes is still at it...[Link: www.yellowtimes.org...] people refuse to be argued with (how do you say that someone else is wrong simply by re-stating your original statements?)...too bad most of us are against terrorism and bombing media outlets.....My '*favorite* "The Sinai was taken from Egypt by force twice, and neither war was started by Egypt, Israeli propaganda aside." So the Israelis ATTACKED EGYPT on one of the Holiest days of the year? When they already Oh, Yes, and there was a second Battle of Hastings in 1067, on Christmas eve, just to make sure that they had control of England.... Seriously, who OWNS the YellowTimes?

HAHAHAHAHAHA, I just read their Mission statement, got to the 2nd line of the first paragraph...[Link: www.yellowtimes.org...]
"Today we live in an age of yellow journalism, where many of the mainstream news sources exploit, distort, and exaggerate the news to create sensations and attract readers. In a time where many injustices plague the world, YellowTimes.org finds it ridiculous that major news sources frequently publish television shows, such as Survivor, on their front pages.

In these "Yellow Times" that we live in, YellowTimes.org offers our readers an alternative to the exploitation of public figures, the distortion of real world problems, and the exaggeration of unimportant events. Since many world politicians are too cowardly to speak out against these injustices, YellowTimes.org decided in October of 2000 to expose these politicians to the public and inform the world of these injustices against humanity.

YellowTimes.org believes that news publications should be held accountable for what they print, which is why we include the e-mail address of each author at the end of their column. We also provide these addresses to assist our readers with any questions they may have regarding current political issues, or facts used in an article. "

To this article on Lebanon:
[Link: www.yellowtimes.org...]
I say ' Let the Christian Lebanese move into the W Bank, Give us a little bit of S. Lebanon, and we'll have all the 'Palestinians' move up to be with you and the other prospering muslims.

WOW! I'm fed-up, This is not my normal level....
-Ratz

Just wanting to greet you, Ratz! Take care . . .

I think Diane Sawyer on 60 Minutes was paying very close attention to what Princey there was saying... I was paying close attention to her facial expressions.. she was placating him. He was so full of shit. They hate Americans, yet they love our Starbucks and Victoria's Secret...
Also, the little blonde boy broke my heart - he's 7 years old and is now mothering his mother.. such a hard way to have to grow up.

Ratz, thanks for the sermon from your rabbi. It was eloquent and meaningful.

I am trying to help my kids understand how important this event is - not just a news event, not just scary pictures, but the opening salvo in the newest war of modern culture vs. the savages. And there's no guarantee modern culture will win, if there's no will to win.

Sadly, modern culture seems to have a general death wish, as if our society doesn't deserve to triumph. In our culture, we've cured countless diseases, freed people from slavery and death, brought learning and ease and comfort to millions. The savage culture has brought dead, squalor, disenfranchisement, ignorance, and disease - and we still have apologists for them who think that America & Britain (there is no other great culture anymore, what with the capitulation of Europe) have no "right" to be right.