Years ago, my political science teacher warned us to be wary of politicians and how they lead the masses, because the masses are easily lead. Many do not one to think for themselves so they rely on the leadership to tell them what is patriotic and what and whom to fear. Leadership can be quite clever using the fear tactic. Its been used several times before, and could be in force by now. What bothers me most is what I am not hearing. Reporters no longer ask difficult questions, and no one requires proof. The fear of 9/11 occurring again, and not letting "anything" happen on my watch could very well be in effect. For some reason, I feel as though I am missing something that is very important in the headlines with respect to the war with Iraq. It is something that needs to be picked up in between the lines in the newspapers and news articles. Does anyone else feel this way, or perhaps I am just too paranoid. Please help me brothers and sisters.

-- Anonymous, October 11, 2002

Answers

Mary,

I definitely agree with you. Only one other son of a president has ever become an active President and the circumstances were much the same as now. Like George W. Bush, it was also doubtful as to whether or not John Quincy Adams was elected by the people. His policies at home and abroad were not very good. By the mid-term election they were ready to throw him out though he tried desperately to convince the people he was right. Needless to say he only served one term.

Though unsuccessful as a President, two years later, John Quincy Adams became a successful Congressman where he served until he died. As a result of the Adams Administration, the country feared to make the same mistake again for the next 176 years. When it finally did so the similarities were much the same. In fact it is almost like a mirror image of the first.

As to our specific situation I have read a few thing but in they have been spoken in hush, hush tones so they are usually missed by most.

The first is that under the Reagan Administration, the US Government supplied Saddam Hussein with everything we now say he plans to use. These included weapons and deadly germs from the CDC, which even included the West Nile virus. This we did because we then opposed Iran. You might recall we did the same thing for Fidel Castro back in the 1950s. Those who are old enough to know remember that Fidel Castro appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show as a hero whose revolution ousted Batista from power. We definitely reap what we sow.

Secondly, former President George Bush, the father of President George W. Bush was recently reported in the news as saying, "I hate Sadism". If my memory is correct the first major military strike of President Bill Clinton was cruise missiles fired at Iraqi Headquarters in Baghdad. President Clinton ordered this attack in retaliation for an assassination attempt against President George Bush, the father of President George W. Bush. The person accused of sponsoring this attempted assignation was none other than Saddam Hussein. One might even ask now as it has been asked before, "Who is in the White House, the father or the son?"

So yes, history repeats itself and there is a smoke screen. In the words of an old popular song, "Smoke Gets In Your (Our) Eyes".

-- Anonymous, October 11, 2002

It's all about the money and oil!!! There are vast inequities in that part of the world. People in the USA are basically lazy in seeking knowledge not related to profit and pleasure. Their "busy" (being under satan's yoke) schedule keeps them in pursuit of materialist gains and pleasure instead of truth. Zionism a political process and form of government is confused with the Jewish religion purposely. Is American democracy and Christianity the same? Were they the same in the 1800'? The 1950's? Are they the same today. I am constantly refuting the Christian Conservatives who want to return to the days of the American Founding Fathers and when there was prayer in school. Wouldn't going back to those days put me on a slave plantation or in the back of the bus? We give $6 Billion a year i US government aid to Israel. We only give $600 Million to ALL of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Last year 161 nations at the United Nations World Conference Against Racism signed a declaration equating Zionism with apartheid. A lot of our present turmoil is tied to our government's Middle Eastern and African policies. Fanatics can then take what they see as unfair practices and brainwash followers into committing inhuman crimes against other innocent people. This is not to justify terrorist tactics. They must be stopped but when the world is saying one thing and we another that is asking for trouble. Remember Israel was one of the biggest economic and military supporters of the apartheid government in South Africa. While the rest of the world was boycotting South Africa and demanding the release of Nelson Mandela the government of Israel never did. Saadam was our friend and partner as long as he was checking the Ayatollah Khomanie, Iran and our oil interests. Bin Laden was our friend and recieved support from us as long as he was fighting the Russians and protecting our desire to establish oil interests in Afganistan. It's the same old story Sister. Whether it is the enslavement of Africans, the present prison industry exploiting the labor of young people of color and the poor. It is all about the money. One can not serve God and Mammon. And if you serve Mammon. You serve Satan who is the "Father of Lies". So of course we will be lied to. It's not just about fathers, sons, assasination attempts or terrorists. Those are only subplots to the major story. Which even at the point of a gun and the risking of many lives says. "Show me the money!"

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in high places." Ephesians chapter 6 Verse 12

-- Anonymous, October 12, 2002

Although we live in a democracy it is not inconsistent for restrictions imposed on the flow of information. Much of what you are asking about is considered highly classified and as such it is off-limits to the general public since exposure will certainly compromise US foreign policy objectives and jeapordize the lives of certain individuals in harms-way. In fact the oopposite is true. The media often engages in a reckless handling of sensitive data and attempt to justify their irresponsible behavior by implying there is a "need to know" function and hiding behind 1st Amendment protections. Citizens who seek a sophisticated an informed opinion about internatinal affairs should subscribe to first rate periodicals like Foreign Affairs, The Economist, or The New Republic and listen to C-SPAN, the BBC, NPR and Rush Limbaugh. Depending on Tavis Smiley for information has its value but it should not be interpreted as definitive. QED

-- Anonymous, October 12, 2002

Profesor Dickens, I was with you 'till you got to the very end....Rush Limbaugh??? Oh NO!!! I understand the need for healthy balance but that is TOO FAR. No offense my friend,but I can't go there with you on that one.

blessings, Mike Barta

-- Anonymous, October 12, 2002

I don't believe you are being paranoid. You are being discerning. Every thinking person of faith should question the current state of affairs. Get the facts by doing research and not depend upon a biased media system for an accurate disclosure of the truth. Jesus said it best We must be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. The brothers and sisters who contributed answers are on the prophetic road. Warning, prophets who stand up for truth and righteousness are targeted. Strength and peace be unto you on your journey.

-- Anonymous, October 13, 2002

Bill:

Those subscriptions were great until you reached The Rush!

No thanks, I'll go back to street-beat/snoop journalism and Phil Donahue before I go there.

-- Anonymous, October 19, 2002