Truck and Barter

Comments

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Kevin Brancato wrote:

Testing... 1. 2. 3. Testing...

-- December 14, 2006 11:07 AM ∞

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Okie wrote:

I get the honor of saying....

"WOW...a brand new scratch pad!!!"

-- December 14, 2006 11:31 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Oman...
Has pulled out of the GCC Single Currency Plan...this will set the single currency back and it appears they will not meet the 2010 date...

-- December 14, 2006 12:04 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

S.D. Sen. Johnson in critical condition
By MARY CLARE JALONICK, Associated Press Writer Dec 14, 2006

WASHINGTON - Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota was in critical condition recovering from emergency brain surgery Thursday, creating political drama over whether Democrats will control the new Senate next month if he is unable to continue in office.

Johnson, 59, suffered from bleeding in the brain caused by a congenital malformation, the U.S. Capitol physician said.

Democrats hold a fragile 51-49 margin in the new Senate that convenes Jan. 4. If Johnson leaves the Senate, the Republican governor of South Dakota could appoint a Republican to fill the remaining two years of Johnson's term — keeping the Senate in GOP hands with Vice President Dick Cheney's tie-breaking power.

Apart from the risk to his health, Johnson's illness carried political ramifications, coming so soon after the Democrats won control of the Senate. If he were forced to relinquish his seat, a replacement would be named by South Dakota's GOP Gov. Mike Rounds.

A Republican appointee would create a 50-50 tie, and allow the GOP to retain Senate control.

However, Senate historian Don Ritchie said senators serve until they resign or die. Nine senators have remained in the Senate even though illnesses kept them away from the chamber for six months or more.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061214/ap_on_go_co/johnson

-- December 14, 2006 12:08 PM ∞

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Madbrad wrote:

Okie

"WOW...a brand new scratch pad!!!"

Please we're not going to start talking about dog's again!!!!!!!!

-- December 14, 2006 2:00 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Hi everyone,

A new pad! Wow, it was needed!

Just popped in to see how everyone was doing. I have been very involved with Christmas packing and wrapping presents. I am going to travel to Ohio to see family.

I am like Sara and Turtle. After reading news articles on the politics of the Iraq Study Group, I believe Bush will reject the report.

There also seems to be inklings that there maybe a shake up in the Iraqi Parliament which will bear watching, if Maliki can't get control of the Shiiti factions on violence.

Also, Sara, your reporting on news media's bias and down right false reporting of facts is right on!!! Our troops deserve better than this!

Turtle, Outlaw and others on ground in Iraq, keep us informed on the situation on the ground. I wish you all a Merry Christmas in Iraq--such as it is. Remember the job you are doing as soldiers, contractors etc in Iraq is very important to the USA security. I am hoping you all can return to a secure America, after the job is done!

All others on forum, I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

I will try and keep an eye on the forum discussions during the holidays. Also, when did Saddam died in that one article that Sara wrote in about? I guess, I did not pick up on his execution. I have not caught the news as of late.

Laura

-- December 14, 2006 2:23 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

MadBrad:

Yes, I will mention to those who are interested I have began Aston Martin on a couple of natural supplements. This regiment is designed to boost his immune system. It is my hope it makes a difference. We will see how it goes.

Now back to Iraq.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 14, 2006 2:37 PM ∞

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Madbrad wrote:

Rob N.

No worries....they are mans best friend! and I should know I had 4 of em in the last 40yrs and broke my heart every time.....

Dog free for the last 3yrs, but will go down that road again!

-- December 14, 2006 2:48 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Carl:

I am glad Oman pulled out of the Gulf State Currency talks. Though it may not have directly affected the IQD and strong independent Dinar is better for us.

Do you have the source where the article may be found?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 14, 2006 4:36 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq Study Group Blames Israel First
by Deroy Murdock
Posted Dec 14, 2006

Among the many shortcomings in the widely panned Iraq Study Group (ISG) report is its blame-Israel-first mentality. If only the Jewish state would surrender more land to the Palestinians and hand Syria the now-occupied Golan Heights, grateful Iraqis would burst into song, defuse their Improvised Explosive Devices, and build a safe, free, and prosperous republic. The fact that so many of them are doing the opposite is -- what else? -- Israel’s fault.

“Iraq cannot be addressed effectively in isolation from other major regional issues, interests, and unresolved conflicts,” the ISG report declares. America cannot “achieve its goals in the Middle East unless the United States deals directly with the Arab-Israeli conflict.”

Former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani dismisses this flim-flam. Militant Islam kills Iraqis, as it does Americans, independent of Israeli circumstances.

“Israel and Palestine is an important issue,” Giuliani recently told radio host Dennis Prager. “But the reality here is that the Islamo-fundamentalist terrorists are at war with our way of life, with our modern world, with rights for women, religious freedom, societies that have religious freedom. And all of that would still exist, no matter what happens in Israel and Palestine.”

The ISG urges that America hold a regional summit with Iraq’s Arab neighbors -- but not Israel.

The ISG also suggests that America negotiate over Iraq with Syria and Iran. Syria is a bellicose, terror-sponsoring dictatorship. So is Iran, an almost cinematically wicked menace.

Perhaps the ISG forgot that oil-choked Iran is busy enriching uranium for its “nuclear power plants.” Actually, as everyone else remembers, Iran is in hot pursuit of atomic weapons. The U.N. Security Council has condemned Iran’s nuclear misconduct, while America seeks to penalize it for producing bomb-grade uranium. So, the ISG proposes, the U.S. should talk with Iran, even while endeavoring to slap it with sanctions.

Iran would make quite a negotiating partner. It is suspected of smuggling explosives and homicide bombers into Iraq to kill U.S. and Coalition GIs. Furthermore, some former U.S. diplomats held hostage in America’s Tehran Embassy between 1979 and 1981 suspect Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was among their tormentors. He doubtlessly is devoted to Israel’s destruction.

“Just as the Soviet Union was wiped out and today does not exist,” Ahmadinejad said Tuesday, “so will the Zionist regime soon be wiped out.”

Ahmadinejad addressed a two-day Holocaust-denial conference. Speakers claimed that Adolf Hitler never actually built gas chambers. Conferees trivialized Nazi Germany’s murder of some 11 million people, including six million Jews, as -- what else? -- an elaborate Jewish fabrication.

One American delegate at Ahmadinejad’s Tehran confab summarized this belief.

“The Holocaust is like a new religion,” former Ku Klux Klan imperial wizard David Duke told Fox News. “That’s because the Holocaust is used as a weapon against the Palestinians as a way of blinding the world to the holocaust that is being committed against the Palestinian people.”

Ahmadinejad warmly greeted the one-time Klan leader. They shared handshakes and backslaps. This is the same Iranian president with whom the ISG recommends America do business.

You can decide if this makes sense.

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=18488

-- December 14, 2006 6:16 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Roger wrote (Dec 10th, last thread);

"If someone point a gun to my head and asked me to either die or convert to Islam, Wow, I would convert in no time, but I can't promise I wouldn't drop it afterwards, when the threat was over."

Here you say that you would convert to Islam if they put a gun to your head.
Roger, I couldn't do that.
I could never deny the Lord Jesus who loved me enough to die for my sins and save my soul.
My response (relying upon the Grace of God) would be no denial of my faith - even if it meant my physical death.
However, I found it interesting to learn a new Islamic word today, "Taqiyah".
The dictionary online says:

Taqiyah

the practice of denying one's religion, permissible when one is faced with persecution, esp. by Sunnites: regarded as a means of protecting the religion.

Also, ta·qi·ya.
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=Taqiyah

What this means is that people who are Sunni terrorists (such as Saddam or his followers) can require a person to convert to Islam by renouncing their faith at the point of a gun/sword - but when they are put in the same position, they will do exactly what you said you would do, Roger... deny their faith without changing their underlying beliefs. When you said you couldn't promise you would stay an Islamic after the threat was over, that is the same situation they would be in. After all, it is only words to them, and it is "regarded as a means of protecting the religion." After the threat is over, they are then free to return to their Islamofascist terrorist ways. All they must do is convince their captors that they are harmless "moderate" muslims or ex-muslims - of another faith, if they wish. LYING, in other words - when faced with persecution or death - is not only allowed but "regarded as a means of protecting their religion." Fidelity to the cause of their religion does not mean they have to be truthful about their beliefs in any sense of the word.

In your case, Roger, because you profess no particular religious affiliation, I can understand why this would be so. But concerning very fanatically religious Islamofascists who are willing to die for their cause... I thought it an interesting change in my view of them and their religion - one we all should keep in mind since we put such a premium on truthfulness in our culture. I thought this gave important insight into understanding the cause of some of the Islamic "doublespeak".

Sara.

-- December 14, 2006 7:21 PM ∞

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cornish boy wrote:

hi all good read http://www.exchangeyourdinar.com/iraqi-dinar-exchange-rate-news.html

-- December 14, 2006 7:47 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Roger!
I am with you...I would be looking for a out, so I could get whatever weapon I could get my hands on and attempt to take care of business with those yahoo's......first rule of survival...."survive" .....rationalization of choices can be made later around the camp fire with a good glass of scotch...
Sorry! I would not ask them to convert...

-- December 14, 2006 7:54 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

What about this interesting tidbit..
Newt's plan..
which, coincidentally, is just like The Marshall Plan.
Hmmm...

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Gingrich on Iraq: Forget the 'Establishment'
by Matt Towery
Posted Dec 14, 2006

Newt Gingrich this week spoke boldly on Iraq, which is the same way he spoke on just about everything when he was U.S. speaker of the House in the 1990s.

Gingrich pointed to recent public statements made by Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in which he alluded to a world without the United States and openly cheered the prospect of the end of Israel. Iran, of course, has for years now duped the international community as it tried to prevent them from developing nuclear weapons. Iran is also believed to be supplying weapons to insurgents in Iraq.

"The recommendation [the study group] made to President Bush is, let's talk to [the Iranian leadership]," said Gingrich. "Why? What possible conversation could we have?"

Gingrich believes President George W. Bush must use his likely upcoming address on Iraq's future to link America's effort there to a wider context of dealing with these interrelated threats as they grow more serious each day.

How would Gingrich act now? He says he would pitch a sort of hybrid of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal and Harry Truman's Marshall Plan. It would provide economic resources in Iraq to create jobs and rebuild infrastructure. Gingrich proposes giving "every able-bodied person" a job to do and a wage to receive. Money and personal security, he says, bring stability. For all the talk of religious strife, Iraqis want food to eat and safety on their streets as much as anyone.

Gingrich says the region should then be flooded with goods that would first be given to and later, ultimately, bought by Iraqis, with money from their new paychecks.

This perspective is a historical one. No surprise there. Gingrich has a vast knowledge of history. Part of that history is the disdain many conservatives had -- or still have -- for FDR's New Deal, with its many public-works programs designed less to accomplish public tasks than to put money in people's pockets. But Gingrich believes a similar plan in Iraq would be a critical adjunct to purely military efforts.

Nobody's saying Gingrich's ideas are flawless. Certainly not me, and not even him. Yet it's becoming abundantly clear that President Bush intends to stay in Iraq for a while. Further, he may authorize a significant number of additional troops to go there.

If so, the Gingrich Plan could become not only possible, but unavoidable. After all, the fiercest criticism of Bush among endless criticism has been the lack of "a plan." Gingrich offers one -- beyond just bombs and bullets.

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=18485

-- December 14, 2006 9:11 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Probably the reason we all go so haywire at Christmas time with the endless unrestrained and often silly buying of gifts is that we don't quite know how to put our love into words. -- Harlan Miller

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"Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time." (Baltimore Grotto)

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I'm now old enough to personally identify every object in antique stores.

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Anyone who is under 30, and is not a liberal has no heart; and anyone who is over 30, and is not a conservative, has no brains.

- Winston Churchill -

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Our Army physical-training program requires us to run two miles every other day in platoon formation. Being somewhat older than the other soldiers, I have trouble running faster than a ten-minute mile.

During a recent run, I was finding it difficult to complete the two miles without stopping, so I raised my hands high above my head to expand my diaphragm and gain my second wind.

Suddenly I heard a voice from behind me say, "Forget it, sergeant, we don't take prisoners."

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"Suddenly, quietly, you realize that...from this moment forth... you will no longer walk through this life alone. Like a new sun this awareness arises within you, freeing you from fear, opening your life. It is the beginning of love, and the end of all that came before" (Robert Frost)

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-- December 14, 2006 9:37 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Matthew 10:32,33 "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

-- December 14, 2006 10:54 PM ∞

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Neil wrote:

I get somewhat amused when I see Sara espousing her unyielding allegience to God and her willingness to give up her life rather than denounce her God. I then see all these incidences of Arabs giving their life to gain favor in Allah's eyes. I have alluded to this before and that is, someone is wrong and someone will die in vain.

As a child, I was taught the Christian religion as a fact. Noone mentioned that this was a belief for many years. I have been as well indoctrinated in the Christian religion as anyone and I believe in a supreme creator but I have a myriad of questions which noone can answer to my satisfacton. Example-the Bible says that divorce and remarriage is a sin but preachers will perform the ceremony. The Bible does not address cussing and swearing other than using the Lord's name in vain but most Christians think you are headed for Hell if you get too vile.

I normally agree with anything that Newt says but I am opposed to NAFTA, CAFTA, MARTIAL PLAN FOR IRAQ, and most any other give away program that someone can devise. We are out of money in this Country and we are borrowing 200 Billion or more each year so any unilateral plan that we may have for Iraq will be with borrowed money. The people have spoken about Iraq and only 27% of the people support anything that Pres Bush is doing. The Congress and Senate are gone to the Democrats-what else has to go before Mr. Bush says-hey, I'm on the wrong track?

I recognize that most of you are in lock-step behind Pres Bush but be aware that the American people do not see it your way.

-- December 14, 2006 11:20 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Sara: Regarding the article you quoted about linking the situation in Iraq to peace in Palestine:

I look at the linkage of these two situations from a different angle, from the overall relationship between Muslims and Europeans.

Many Muslims have moved to Europe. There are about 50 million Muslim living in Europe, by some estimates. The average family size of Muslims in Europe is about 4. In a few generations, they will be the majority, as their population expands. Europeans call this population replacement "immigration". This is a sacred belief amomg the elites of Europe, that this process continue unimpeded, and anyone who criticises this, or thinks about it's implications, is vilified as a "racist" and will be told to shut up. Like Muslims moving to Europe, many European Jews have moved to the middle east. There are about six million Jews, most of whom are of European origin, now living in the middle east. Although this population replacement is the same action as Muslims moving to Europe, that is, just people moving from point A to point B, their action, though the same, is considered evil, and called "Zionism", and is so hated by Muslims, they will kill over it. As you know, the president of Iran would like to murder all Jews in the middle east.

So, what's the difference between "Zionism" and "immigration"? Not much. It's just people moving to a new place. The difference is just atitude. The difference is a huge double standard that works against Christians and Jews. Radical Muslims want to kill anyone that comes to "their land". And they think it is fair, if at the same time, Muslims are allowed to come to anyone else's land, unimpeded, and take it over. That's the deal. Sound grossly unfair and downright stupid? Sure, but Europeans agreed to it. Here are the new rules of the game: We can't go there. But they can come to our land. Very accomadating, of Europeans. In fact, Europeans have become so accomadating to Muslims, that they don't even consider Europe to be theirs anymore. They have even lost sense over pride of owning their own land. Even James Baker buys into this nonsensical view, that Israel is somehow an affront to the middle east, but 50 million Muslims living in Europe are not. One time, James Baker said, "F**k the Jews. They didn't vote for us, anyway". That's why, for him, everything is part of a deal, to be bargained, and maybe bargained a way.

Linking peace in Iraq with the Palestinian question is absurd. It's absurd, which means it fits the warped psychology of radical Muslims. Remember how upset the Muslims got over the Danish cartoons? President Bush reacted at the time by saying, that with radical Muslims, "it's always something. If it's not the Crusades, it's the cartoons". I agree with the President. And if it's not the cartoons, it's Iraq, until the next grievance comes along. Radical Muslims will always be angry about something or another, whether it happened last month, or a thousand years ago. It's what they do best, get upset, threaten, and push the guilt button. My response to Muslims would be, if you want European Jews to leave the middle east, which is what the Palestinian question comes down to, first Muslims should have to leave Europe. That sounds fair. Tit for tat. Also, if some Muslims first go ahead and murder six million Jews, in the middle east, as has been threatened by Iranian leaders, is not a commensurate response to do the same to Muslims in Europe? Wouldn't that be fair? Sounds fair to me.

Peace in Iraq will not come from caving in to irrational, unfair demands, and trying to make deals with people who want to kill you. Nice try, James Baker. Grab a glass of Geritol and try again.

Enough of that.

Thanks to Kevin B for maintaining this site, that keeps us informed and entertained.

Enough of politics for a while.

Merry Christmas to all on this site! Hope the joy of the season is with you and those you love.

Rob N: I've lost a few pets. Don't cut yourself off from the good that having a dog brings. I'd get another dog, a puppy now, if I were you. Nothing better than a puppy at Christmas. It'll help the eventual transition, which I hope is not too soon. Best of luck. Thanks for all your digging of information.

So Merry Christmas to all, and a successful RV in 2007!

-- December 14, 2006 11:41 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Cornish Boy:

Read the articles related to the Dinar on the link you provided in your post.This LA Times article is more MSM negativity when writing about Iraq.

An economist quoted in this article predicts the exchange rate will come back down and it may, but I believe in future of this country. A peaceful and prosperus Iraq is good for its people, the region, and the United States.

The other two articles make a good point discussing a continued gradual RV to 1000 to 1. If a fixed rate of 1000 Dinar to 1 American dollar is the goal, how long will this exchange rate be fixed?

In my view, long term success in Iraq involves more than just military domination. The citizenry must have enough water and electricity. Basic needs must be met. Furthermore, starting the economic engine will help Iraqi's feel some ownership in their country. Finally, raising oil production can only help improve conditions.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 15, 2006 12:08 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Neil wrote:

I get somewhat amused when I see Sara espousing her unyielding allegience to God and her willingness to give up her life rather than denounce her God. I then see all these incidences of Arabs giving their life to gain favor in Allah's eyes. I have alluded to this before and that is, someone is wrong and someone will die in vain.

===

I think I understand what you are saying, Neil. You don't see any difference between an "Arab" (Islamofascist extremist) killing themselves by blowing themselves up in a vain attempt to gain a favored position in heaven, and a Christian being unwilling to deny their lifelong and heartfelt principles and beliefs when threatened with death. One of them is wrong, and you cannot tell which one. Hmmm..

Well.. I see a difference between committing murder in the name of god (Allah) and staying true to a confession of faith in God and sealing that confession with your blood if need be on principle (Christianity). But if you can't see the difference because both end up in death.. I don't know how to explain it to you.. unless maybe you or one of your loved ones become victims of one of those attempting to gain a favored position with Allah one day. Then you might notice the difference in the intentions.. one being peaceful toward mankind and holding to personal religious integrity, and the other being full of malice in a vainglorious attempt to selfishly gain for oneself future rewards (virgins, honors, etc). It is your choice how you view God and which view of God you consider to be the "wrong" choice. I choose the God of principle and peace - not malice and murder. I choose the God which rewards self-sacrifice and loving your neighbor as yourself, rather than the god which rewards one's sexual lusts with many 'virgins' in heaven and which rewards acting hatefully toward one's neighbors by taking their lives or limbs by detonating explosives in a suicide attack.

You say you were well indoctrinated in the Christian religion and that you believe in a supreme creator, that is good, but did you know that the Bible says that the demons also believe in God? Belief in Him is not quite the same as saving faith in Him..

Jam 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!

You say you "have a myriad of questions which noone can answer to my satisfacton". I think all thinking persons have deep questions they wish answered. I believe that the Bible gives satisfactory answers to all who humbly and openly examine its wisdom for truth. It isn't always the answers men wish to hear, however, and often it steps on toes. You mention the idea that "the Bible does not address cussing and swearing other than using the Lord's name in vain but most Christians think you are headed for Hell if you get too vile." If you had read the Bible carefully you might have come across this gem of wisdom:

Jam 5:12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your "Yes," be "Yes," and your "No," "No," lest you fall into judgment.

That is pretty plain in saying swearing "with any oath" is wrong. It also says it is to be observed "above all", which places upon it a very strong importance from Holy Writ. So there is reason that Christians should not swear.. but no Christian thinks you go to hell for swearing. The Bible does not teach that. The only reason a person goes to hell isn't because they sin.. it is because they choose to pay for their own sins, taking the punishment themselves instead of accepting Jesus' sacrifice on the cross in their place.

The other part about divorce and remarriage could end up very long, so I think I will leave it there for now. :)

Sara.

-- December 15, 2006 2:04 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Hi,

YOu know I don't know how to approach this, so I guess I'll just say it and see what happens.

I know that someday we will all be wealthy when the Dinar hits. But Frankly, as a long time investor, I was getting pretty bored with Zilch return on my money.

I was going to invest another 10K on teh Dinar, when a frien of mine introduced me to another business opporotunity. I spent the last 2 months researching the company and I truly beleive it is a very stable entity.

I know that you will all find it hard to believe (:} ), but I was very skeptical at first. WEll, to make a very long story short, I am now making $1,260.00 a DAY!! on a 9K investment.

I want to share this information, but I don't know how.

It is an Internet Advertising business and the site needs to be very protected.

I wasn't going to say anything, but I know that many of you have invested your hearts out in the DInar,and getting nothing waiting and waiting and waiting.

My family and I decided that our new venture tskes some of the edge off of the waiting.

Well, give me some suggestions on if, and how I could share this information with some of you.

OR SHOULD I JUST DROP IT. God only knows, I get myself in enough trouble onthis site.

Carole

-- December 15, 2006 2:18 AM ∞

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willie wrote:

Excellent Sara, I'd like to add onto your last paragraph concerning sin. Mark 3:28,29 Jesus saids "I tell you the truth, ALL the sins and blasphamies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin." I totally agree with you Sara, this eternal sin is a heart-attitude of unbelief and unrepentance. Oh Oh, I can feel a preach comin on!!!

-- December 15, 2006 2:49 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Carole:
Nothing wrong with sharing your the information about your new adventure if you feel comfortable in doing so.
You are not encouraging or discouraging...just talking about your experience in that particular business...
By the way...
Good luck on it, and glad to hear you have done well! It is always good to see fellow boarder to achieve their goals..

-- December 15, 2006 6:10 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Neil:
I started doing some research recently on the USA's our economic condition. I started this, simply because, elaine my partner is from England. We are paying off a bill in England, so our dollar has to be converted over to the british sterling..
What once was a $100.00 dollar payment has now become a $198.00 payment because of the dollar weakening against the Lb.
As I started looking at the dollar, I found the following:
www.world Net Daily...Dollar Collapse would result in "AMERO"
It seems two analysts who reconstructed money supply data has the opinion the coming dollar collapse will set the stage for creating the Amero as a North American currency to replace the dollar...What is the Amero? It would be one currency that would cover Mexico, United States and Canada.

They say long term we are creating inflation, and with the growing budget and trade deficits, this could lead to a dollar collapse...especially if the Feds cannot increase rates....one says we entered into a recession in
Feb 2006. Bob Chapman predicted the Fed would hold the interest rate at 5.25 and they did.
He says, the Fed's are in a tough spot...raise rates..kill the real estate market...lower the rate...watch the dollar tank...
The dollar is now at a new 20 month low against other currencies. The Situation has gotten so bad that President has sent a team to China for a Strategic Economic Dialogue"
If the dollar starts to collapse...some expect President Bush to argue that we have to form the North American Union to compete with the Euro..Creating the Amero will be presented as the solution for the dollar recovery...in reality what is going to happen the dollar will be abandeon..

-- December 15, 2006 7:09 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(826)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 826 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2006 / 12/ 14 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 15 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1411 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1409 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 60.250.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 200.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 60.250.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 200.000

-- December 15, 2006 7:13 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

This may be a misprint but if not it could be a slip of the tongue regarding the target RV at
1.5 NID: 1 USD

Unemployment at 50%, says minister
14/12/2006
Source: Azzaman

Nearly half of Iraqis able to work are idle, said Minister of Labor and Social Affairs.

Mohamed Radhi said the high jobless rate was devastating to a country torn by sectarian strife and violence.

He said combating unemployment was as important as the fight against ‘terror’. Joblessness plays into the hands of ‘terrorists’, he said.

He said he had drawn a plan to provide short-term loans to families willing to start up their own businesses particularly those who depend on social benefits for a living.

“This project will contribute to defeating terror and terrorists who target sources of energy and labor. As a result unemployment has reached more than 50 per cent in some provinces,” he said.

He said he had 100,000 small-sized projects in mind and has urged the government set aside enough allocations to have the scheme in place in 2007.

Each family will be given a loan of 10,000 dinars (approx. $6,600) to start the project, he said.

-- December 15, 2006 7:31 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Sara, Let me remind you of one more.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

-- December 15, 2006 7:34 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,
Par ercellance! response to Neil. I think the best from you yet!! Thanks for your faith, it is truly inspiring. So many have put CHrisitans in the category of Robot type, non-thinking idiots. You, for one, silences that notion.

Carl, thanks for your well wishing. I wished there was a way to share more, but I have been told there is not.

This business requires too many personal information items, like SS# Date of Birth, Fed.ID Tax #. Plus the organization does background history on all investors.

I, for one, have not felt comfortable sharing personal information, like phone numbers or e-mail sites on a chat room. BUt my husband had suggested maybe getting a PO box that interested parties could inquire at. I'm considering it.

My daughter Maureen, has had 2 payouts since she started, each in 10 day cycles of $12,600.

My husband(Retired LAPD and USMC)checked this venture out backwards and forwards. And me, being me did the same from a different perspective and it is legit and viable.

I have developed a certain affection ( addiction! (: ) to the dinaraholics here and would love to spread the opporotunity. I'll keep thinkg about it and asking questions of the company as I go along. I should get a real big Christmas check next week. It has just been an invigorating investing experience comapred to the , watching paint dry, Dinar experience. Even though when the Dinar hits, there will be no comparison.

Some people ( like my RE friend ) are drawing 50K a month.

My husband and I had 2 businesses a few years back, that we incorporated. WHile we sold the businesses themselves,we have kept the Inc. viable. So, we may change this advertising venture under the Inc. for obvious tax pruposes.

At any rate, I am still cheering for the Dinar!!!

Carole

-- December 15, 2006 8:22 AM ∞

---

Okie wrote:

Chris.....

Every morning I do a quick sweep of the Dinar news and your information about 10,000 IQD = $6,600 is all over the place.

I agree with you...it was a slip of the tongue by the Minister! Hope it's true!!!

-- December 15, 2006 9:05 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Here is an article from www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.

Raising the value of the dinar against the dollar by the Central Bank (11/12/06)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Many specialized economists in finance and monetary considered raising the rate of the dinar against the dollar sale by the Iraqi Central Bank an important step to control the volume of inflation.




They emphasized the importance of raising the interest rate up to 12% to curb inflation, which would lead, in the short term, to stabilize the price prevailing in the Iraqi market.
A depression and confusion in the stocks of selling and purchasing the dollar in most of the banking stores in Baghdad may accompany this procedure. Thus, it is necessary to follow up this dangerous turn in the Iraqi capital market. In press statements, a number of those concerned emphasized the importance of this remarkable step towards reducing inflation, raising the value of Iraqi dinar and reducing prices of goods and services.

The minister of planning, Ali Ghalib Baban, said that the Central Bank's decision, which came after extensive study, aimed at encouraging capital owners as well as the citizens in general on saving.

On his part, Governor of the Central Bank, Sinan Shabibi said that: "The aim of the Central Bank currently is limited in the fight against inflation, which reached about 76% and reduce its heightening, through the provision of better conditions for economic development, improving the performance of the banking sector and providing stability in it".

Shabibi said that among the reasons of inflation is the increase in cash circulation, which made it necessary to follow a new monetary policy, aimed at improving the dollar's exchange rate towards reducing its price several points in the auction, organized by the Central Bank every day to sell the dollar, to withdraw currency from circulation.

Director General of Researches at the Iraqi Central Bank, Dr. Madhhar Mohamed Salih, said: the Iraqi Central Bank is responsible, according to the law No. 56 of 2004, for dealing with inflation and reduce its levels. This principle forms the main objective adopted by the monetary policy in performing its duties. Accordingly, the Central Bank must set the priorities of its policies; meaning, the monetary policy to fight inflationary activities using the tools available.

He pointed out that monetary policy faces intermediate variables or objectives that show the relationship between the impact of these variables to reduce the general level of prices and the containing inflation. Among these variables are the stabilizing interest rates "the long-termed" and the stabilizing or real exchange rate. It is noted that these variables can not be controlled directly, unless they are targeted by similar variables which are considered as signals or informative means used to influence stability in the cash market. Among these signals is what is known as the interest rate of the Iraqi Central Bank; it is an indicator price which is considered as a compass influencing the behavior of interest rates and determining what the Central Bank lends to banks, and what banks deposit in the Central Bank.

Thus, inflation is the main reason of speeding up money circulation and spending them, leading to less demand for cash and more demand for goods and services. In order to maintain the cohesion of demand and maximize cash levels in order not to turn into strong spending on goods and services, all the Central Bank had to do is to use its tools in raising the interest rate to stimulate the interest rate structure and maintain the coherence of savings and maximize their purchasing power which will help monetary policy to deal with the high levels of liquidity and contain it within the cash or " banking" market, without becoming a cash bloc drifted towards commodity and services. In light of what have previously been mentioned, several questions arise: Can the Central Bank procedure curb inflation and control the volume of cash? What is the use of raising the level of interest against the high prices?

Economists stressed the importance that the Central Bank will continue this approach to curb inflation, which now threatens the stability of the entire situation in Iraq, including security, social and economic situations.

The observers speculate that the rise in the value of the Iraqi dinar against the dollar would reduce inflation and revive the economic situation of Iraqi families, who has suffered greatly because of the high rate of inflation, which is the cause of deteriorating the level of savings as well. Thus, the Central Bank had to take this action, which many observers consider it a step towards a comprehensive reform of Iraqi economy.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 15, 2006 9:48 AM ∞

---

Okie wrote:

This sounds like the "mother of all battles". Al-Sadr better consider scooting his arse on over to Iran and joining his friends in a "goat grab"....it could be his last meal.

==============================================================================
Security

Iraqi-American troops gear up for battle of Baghdad
By Basil Adas

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baghdad, 15 December 2006 (Gulf News)

A total of 250,000 Iraqi and American troops are expected to be deployed in Baghdad to ensure security.

Hadi Al Amiri, Chairman of the Security and Defence Committee at the Iraqi Parliament, said they would take up positions across Baghdad.

The move comes in line with the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group's report, also known as the Baker-Hamilton report, which was released recently. Al Amiri told Gulf News that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki is determined to win "Baghdad's battle", considering it a decisive one to improve the security situation.

"The battle is agreed upon within the Political Council for National Security, which comprises the leaders of political blocs, including the Sunni Accordance Front," Al Amiri said.

All political leaders have now agreed to activate the role of the Iraqi army and police to help achieve security and put an end to the uncontrolled presence of armed militias, he said.

Earlier, political groups were divided over sending Iraqi forces to attack gunmen inside residential areas because the move was viewed as a sectarian act, Al Amiri said.

Babakeer Zebari, the Iraqi army Chief of Staff, said: "Baghdad will be the centre of a comprehensive and firm plan to rid the city of all gunmen."

According to Major General Hussain Ali Kmal, Head of the Intelligence Department at the Interior Ministry, there are between 7,000 and 9,000 armed elements from Al Qaida and the former regime.

Due to the new security plan, Baghdad is likely to see long days of curfew and raid operations. Gunmen were seen putting up barricades in preparation for what seems to be battles with the troops.

-- December 15, 2006 10:27 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

As for Neil's judging President Bush by whether he does what is popular in the leftist agendas or even with the uninformed public.. and lamenting the fact he doesn't fall into line behind them, I wish to draw attention to the fact that not one terrorist attack on US soil has happened under his leadership. I challenge anyone to find that to be so in future administrations under the leftist agenda, if they take control of this country completely. For now, the public can happily rail at him from their safe and comfortable armchairs in front of their TV sets.. in the future, when he is gone, if they choose to reap what they believe with an administration which only lusted for power and didn't really care about their safety, they will not be so happy, nor so safe.

As I have said before, the reason the terrorists do not attack the US is simple. The man in the Whitehouse is prone to retaliate. (He could bomb Mecca and that scares them, etc.) Put in Kerry, Obama, Hillary or their terrorist appeasing crew and the terrorists will feel very comfortable with killing off a few million Americans with impunity. (Kerry would never bomb Mecca, would he? How about going to war against Iran? Hunting terrorists around the globe? naaa) Look at how ecstatic they were with the Democrats getting so much power as they have so far.. the terrorists will find it falls nicely into their plans if the Dems take the Whitehouse, too - and America will rue the day they ever listened to the hateful rhetoric of the Bush hating leftist media pundits.

True, it may be unpopular for President Bush to go on saving the ungrateful American derrieres out there as they keep trying to hide the terrorists, their plans and activities - effectively aiding and abetting the enemy to blast tons of us all to 'kingdom come'.. but I think President Bush is a wonderful person to continue to do so - and I see in Him a reflection of Jesus who died for people who spat on Him, mocked Him and reviled Him. As I remind the Lord almost daily;

Mat 25:40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

I just like to remind Him what He said about those who revile His Godfearing people so - in particular as it refers to President Bush - for I believe that a nation that claims to be Christian and God fearing, all the while walking in such disrespectful and disgraceful handling of a President is reprehensible. (Act 23:5 Then Paul said, ".... it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.' ") I understand somewhat the secular media's attacks and hatred of one of God's own, but the tolerance and eventual acceptance of these vindictive and malicious attacks against one who is valued by God as working for Him - that is inexcusable and will be judged so. "Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me," - I believe it will be judged of each of President Bush's disrespectful detractors to a man. Remember, the final judgement will be the one that counts, not the current judgement of the left-leaning and Christ dishonoring media.

And, if the power structure changes, many who are reviling him now will be wishing President Bush never left as they will find that the world really is a big bad jungle out there, that a few of the animals in it are really QUITE unfriendly, and that President Bush was all the time working to defend them and their loved ones from injury or death. The time to think of your own personal survival is before the bombs go off, not after.. before the terrorists sneak into position to strike, not after. The stakes are indeed quite high.. whether the uninformed public or the Dems ever see it beforehand or not. And as this man argued in the below article.. who is this entity called "The People" which Neil so glibly referred to when he said "the people do not see it your way?"

Sara.

===

What Do People Really Know About Iraq?
By Lee Ellis
Dec 13, 2006

As I check the news channels for commentary or read the liberal pundits, I chuckle at how so many quote the Baker-Hamilton study as proving that Bush has lost the war. They go on to state, "The People" have told the politicians that they are tired of losing and want a change made immediately!

Who is this entity called "The People"? Has this group been to Iraq and studied this country? Has this segment been schooled in war? From where does this group gain such knowledge that it can force politicians to fear winning a war?

Sadly, the only thing that people know about Iraq is what they see on television! Close-ups of coffins, the wounded, and destruction now govern the way people think and act. It is the polls of "The People" that cause our Congress to make decisions based on wind direction rather than genuine facts.

We forget that television news producers show only the bad news, seldom the good! I could take cameras into sections of LA and broadcast a news segment about gangs tearing apart a major city, and after most people saw this on TV, they would think that California was about to be taken over! Think about the times you have had a flood or a fire in your state. After it is shown on national TV, how many times have you had relatives or friends call you long distance to see if you were OK, even though you actually lived many miles from the affected area? This same phenomenon is true of Iraq. Segments do burn, but you seldom see the majority of cities where civilians are flooding the main streets, shopping, dining and smiling at our troops. Iraqi kids flock around American soldiers, holding their hands and telling them they love America!

Major Scott Kish, who is serving in Iraq, was just on Fox Cable News. He told us about the new schools that are being built in Iraq, how both boys and girls are going back to school and are able to learn math and have books to read. Smiles and laughter are seen on their faces for the first time in a long time. TV cameras never seem to go there! How about all the new hospitals and equipment and the rebuilding of infrastructure by our people? Oops, this does not get ratings on TV! The entire media prefers to dwell on anything that makes President Bush look bad. Only our troops who are there are able to tell a different story!

John Conyers, Jr. has a bill (HR635) to impeach President Bush! Elizabeth Holtzman, former Congresswoman and prosecuting attorney, had so much fun impeaching Nixon that she is back on the airwaves, along with David Swanson, trying to do the same with George W. Bush. Why impeachment? She tells us of all the horrible things he did to try to protect America. Holtzman decries Bush's arrogance in shredding international treaties, as well as his disdain for the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions and for the torture scandals. These concerns, she told Sean Hannity, have been compounded by growing evidence that the President deliberately misled the country into the war in Iraq. But, she said, it wasn't until the most recent revelations that President Bush directed the wiretapping of hundreds, possibly thousands, of Americans in violation of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that she felt the same sinking feeling in her stomach as she did during Watergate.

My, oh, my! I could have sworn that our President did what was necessary to protect us Americans from new terrorist strikes in a war designed to kill as many American civilians as possible. The so-called wiretaps were only on Middle East agents calling their sleeper cells here in this country. Innocent Americans were NOT being listened to by FBI or CIA agents!

Apparently, Liz Holtzman also has no concept of the difference between torture and interrogation. We who fought in WWII know what torture really is. Have any doubts? Talk to suvivors of the Bataan Death March. We have not inflicted horrible pain or hunger on any combatants captured in this war! Nor do the Geneva Conventions really apply to terrorism.

The ratified Geneva Conventions were created in 1864, 1929, and 1949 (latter based on the 1909 Hague Convention). One protocol added in 1977 has been ratified. Other protocols have not. Do not these dates tell you that these rules referred to wars between nations with uniformed armies? Terrorism by civilian thugs gathering from many different countries was unknown then. Bush was wise to adapt to this new type of warfare. Had he ignored these changes, thus allowing more 9/11s --- now, THAT would have been impeachable!

As to the use of diplomacy -- asking Iran and Syria to help us -- Donald Rumsfeld asked the all important question while on his last goodbye trip to Iraq. When questioned about this by Sean Hannity, he asked, "Why would you? Why would they want to help us?" He went on to remind us that terrorism can happen anywhere, anytime, 24/7. "There is no way of knowing where or when. It is impossible to guess!" He added that it was important that the President had taken the war to the Middle East to keep the terrorists there.

The Far Left is still trying to tell us that WMD was the only reason we went to war. Their memories are as bad as their belief system. Saddam was using his "Food for Oil" bribe money to finance and fuel al Qaeda. Establishing a listening post in the heart of the Middle East with the least loss of American lives and the least dollar cost was a must.

Television-seduced viewers will decide who is to be President in 2008. Republicans forgot all of this in the past election. Let's hope they remember when it is time to nominate, elect and vote again.

http://www.postchronicle.com/commentary/article_21254257.shtml

-- December 15, 2006 10:37 AM ∞

---

Tim Bitts wrote:

Carl: you wrote to Neil about creating a North American currency. I doubt very much that would fly with Canadians, unless.......

I have mentioned the political situation with the French speaking Canadian province of Quebec before, on this site. I follow Canadian politics very closely. By law, within 2 years, the ruling provincial party in Quebec, the Liberals, who want to keep Canada together, will face an election against the Parti Quebecois, who want to break up Canada. The Liberals are very unpopular in Quebec, and are currently sitting at 20% approval rating in the polls. The Parti Quebecois, the separtists, are currently very popular. Should the PQ win the next election, which has to take place in less than two years, in Canada, then the PQ leader, Andre Bosclair, has vowed to hold a referendum on the question of breaking up Canada. Leading French-speaking Canadians have been actively trying to dismember Canada for over forty years. They may yet succeed. Two referedums on that question have taken place, so far. The last referendum, a few years ago, the separtist party got 49.98% of the vote. Canada came within a couple of thousand votes of breaking up. Should the separtists win next time, and Canada break up, over the issue of language use, into several pieces, then the possibility of a common currency between what's left of Canada, and the States becomes much more likely.

The vote could go either way next time, but if you hear on CNN, in a year or two, that your northern neighbor is breaking into pieces, and if a common currency results down the road, don't be too surprised.

Anyway,.... something for Americans to think about, as millions of Spanish-speaking Mexicans head north.

-- December 15, 2006 11:05 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carole;

I would be interested in the venture you were speaking about - if you wished to trouble yourself to do a PO box, I would appreciate it.

Carl;

Oman pulling out of the GCC is interesting as a development. The Dinar could be strengthened even more once it hits the freely traded market because, obviously, those not comfortable with the stability of the Oman currency could look elsewhere in the region and the Dinar is looking more attractive as time goes by.

Laura;

Thanks for your checking up on the site and your cheery input. Have a good trip to Ohio and a wonderful time with your family. The article you referred to which I had spoken of was about Iraqis who were vying to be the one to execute Saddam, not an article saying he is dead.
Here it is:

===

Iraqis Line Up to Put Hussein in the Noose
December 9, 2006
By KIRK SEMPLE

BAGHDAD, Dec. 8 — One of the most coveted jobs in Iraq does not yet exist: the executioner for Saddam Hussein. The death sentence against Mr. Hussein is still under review by an appeals court, but hundreds of people have already started lobbying the prime minister’s office for the position.

They have sent messages through cabinet officials and their assistants, and by way of government guards and clerical workers. One candidate, an Iraqi Shiite living in London whose brother was killed by Mr. Hussein, telephoned an aide to the prime minister to say he was prepared to drop everything and fly to Baghdad to execute the former ruler.

Iraqi judicial officials said they expected that the appeals process would be completed in a matter of weeks and, if the sentence is upheld, that Mr. Hussein’s hanging would take place between mid-January and mid-March.

The Shiite-led government has argued for a swift execution, saying that as long as Mr. Hussein is alive, he remains a powerful source of motivation for elements of the Sunni Arab insurgency fighting to restore him to power.

There are other critical issues the government will need to decide should the appeals court uphold the death sentence against Mr. Hussein, including where he will be executed.

Officials have considered staging a public hanging in Baghdad’s largest sports arena, Shaab Stadium, and filling the place with tens of thousands of spectators, according to a high-ranking government official involved in the executions process, who agreed to discuss the subject on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about it on the record.

But while such a spectacle might satisfy a communal need for closure, the authorities have rejected the idea for security reasons. A target that big, they say, would be highly vulnerable to attack by Sunni insurgents who might try to lob a few mortar shells into the crowd or ambush spectators on their way to and from the event.

Most likely, officials say, Mr. Hussein will be hanged at gallows specially built for him at Camp Cropper.

The protocols for his hanging have not yet been determined, including who will get to attend, Maliki administration officials said. In a standard Iraqi hanging, the attendance is limited to representatives from the Justice Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the prime minister’s office, and a doctor. Mr. Shibli, the justice minister, said the convict’s lawyer was allowed to attend, as well as a member of the clergy of the victim’s choice, though in practice they rarely do.

The usual videographer and photographer will probably be on hand, as well, to record the hanging, officials said, and excerpts of the event may be shown later on national television. Mr. Ridha says the Iraqi people will want to see it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/09/world/middleeast/09gallows.html?_r=1&n=Top%2fNews%2fWorld%2fCountries%20and%20Territories%2fIraq&pagewanted=print&oref=slogin

-- December 15, 2006 12:21 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

I am thinkng about it. I have to check with my attorney first, as I would really like to get the PO box under my corporate name.

I will keep you posted, but probably won't make any decisions until next week sometime or right after Christmas.

Have a great day!

Carole

-- December 15, 2006 1:05 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Rob N;

I agree with your view that:
"long term success in Iraq involves more than just military domination. The citizenry must have enough water and electricity. Basic needs must be met. Furthermore, starting the economic engine will help Iraqi's feel some ownership in their country. Finally, raising oil production can only help improve conditions."

Thanks also for the excellent economic posts.. they are always an encouragement along the road. :)

Chris - Thanks again for the daily auction results you keep posting. :)

Thanks also the scripture and I agree with Okie that the post about the "slip of the tongue" is intriguing.
Hopefully it isn't just a wishful slip of the tongue but one with some concrete actions going on behind the scenes..

Sara.

-- December 15, 2006 1:07 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Carole, would you keep me informed also?

-- December 15, 2006 1:51 PM ∞

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Turtle wrote:

Okie: Unless you have heard something I have not, Sadr is either dead or in hiding already. Any knowledge of his current whereabouts appears to be above secret because we have heard nothing of his location since just after the Jordan meeting. There were reports that have not been confirmed either way about his location. So... Things continue to get more interesting. Now, just hope those WMDs that don't exist and haven't been found don't suddenly show up.

-- December 15, 2006 2:37 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Carole,

You have my attention also on that business info. I'm interested!

-- December 15, 2006 3:25 PM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

Hi everyone,

Just packing the car to leave. I decided to check in and see how everyone is doing. Looks like a lot of speculation on Sadr and Iran. Something seems to be in the works. Keep us posted on these events.

Sara,

Thank you for clarification. I thought I missed the execution of Saddam in the news.

Also, your trust in Jesus is appreciated. I too would have to stand with you on our confession of faith in him. We would both be dead but alive with him in heaven.

Keep posting all and Merry Christmas.

Laura

-- December 15, 2006 3:28 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

A Christmas card for those who are serving in Iraq..
with special thanks, prayers and warm wishes to turtle,
Outlaw and the others who contribute to our forum.
All our best and God Bless,

http://www.crosscards.com/cards/cardform.aspx?cp=1&iNo=56&No=82

Sara.

-- December 15, 2006 4:58 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

NBC’s Brian Williams Corrects Laura Bush on Media Coverage of Iraq
Posted by Brent Baker on December 14, 2006 - 21:14.

On Thursday’s NBC Nightly News, anchor Brian Williams highlighted how, earlier in the day, First Lady Laura Bush “placed the blame squarely on the news media" for why so few support the President on Iraq. But instead of addressing her contention about how “there are a lot of good things that are happening that aren't covered and I think the drumbeat in the country from the media...is discouraging" as she hoped for “more balanced coverage” in the future, Williams applied a non sequitur to dismiss her assessment of the news media. He noted how “the recent report from the Iraq Study Group, however, specifically found that there has been significant under-reporting of the violence in Iraq." But that’s about the accuracy of U.S. military data collection and categorization, not the accuracy of news media coverage of the situation in Iraq. (Transcript follows)

From the December 14 NBC Nightly News:

Brian Williams: “First Lady Laura Bush had something to say about Iraq today. It was during an appearance on MSNBC. Mrs. Bush was asked by Norah O'Donnell why she thinks only two out of ten Americans, in our latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, said they approved of the President's handing in the war in Iraq. Mrs. Bush placed the blame squarely on the news media.”

First Lady Laura Bush, at the White House, on MSNBC: “I do know that there are a lot of good things that are happening that aren't covered and I think the drumbeat in the country from the media, from the only way people know what's happening unless they happen to have a loved one deployed there, is discouraging.”

Williams: “Mrs. Bush went on to say she hopes for what she called ‘more balanced coverage’ in the future. The recent report from the Iraq Study Group, however, specifically found that there has been significant under-reporting of the violence in Iraq.”

http://newsbusters.org/node/9666

A non sequitur is something that does not follow from what has been said.
Here, the media has played upon a well established and media driven
equivalency the media has created in the public mind. Their mantra is:

"If there is any violence in Iraq and any people die, it is President Bush's fault.
This is so because 'he got us into this mess.'"

Nevermind 911 - that we were attacked, or that Saddam threatened the US with WMD,
had violated UN sanctions repeatedly and had ties to the terrorist Al Qaida, etc, etc.

The media constantly brainwashed the people into not supporting the President because of violence in Iraq,
which is something they constantly can bring to the screen and blame completely on him.

The question to Laura Bush was "Why don't the people support the President?"
Her answer was, "the slanted, inaccurate and unbalanced news coverage by the media."
The media reply.. was to allude to violence in Iraq being his fault again. It was wrong, but since it
has been established in the minds of the uncritical public, judging by the polls..

I think the majority of them bought it.

Sara.

-- December 15, 2006 6:09 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

Turtle....

My rowdy friends think Sadr is still hunkered down in Sadr City....Maybe in a Mosque.

Just take care...keep your head down...and most of all, Have a Merry Christmas!

-- December 15, 2006 7:02 PM ∞

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CYMRU001 wrote:

Carole,

I too am interested in your venture. I know you will make a decision after Christmas, but I have some questions.

Is there any chance you could email me and have a chat? My email address is cymru001@ntlworld.com

-- December 16, 2006 2:07 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Carole, I'm headed over to Hawaii for 2 months but I'm taking my laptop. My email is wjtorres2005@yahoo.com I'm very interested.

-- December 16, 2006 4:51 PM ∞

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Robert S wrote:

Carole,

ME TOO!!!! I too am interested in your venture. I know you will make a decision after Christmas, Is there any chance you could email me and have a chat? My email address is rlsebring@cox.net

-- December 16, 2006 6:10 PM ∞

---

Okie wrote:

Subject: STARBUCKS DENIES COFFEE TO MARINES

A big sacrifice for some of you but don't you think it's worth it?

STARBUCKS DENIES COFFEE TO MARINES

Recently Marines in Iraq wrote to Starbucks because they wanted to let them know how much they liked their coffees and to request that they send some of it to the troops there.

Starbucks replied, telling the Marines thank you for their support of their business, but that Starbucks does not support the war, nor anyone in it, and that they would not send the troops their brand of coffee.

So as not to offend Starbucks, maybe we should not support them by buying any of their products! As a war vet writing to fellow patriots, I feel we should get this out in the open. I know this war might not be very popular with some folks, but that doesn't mean we don't support the boys on the ground fighting street-to-street and house-to-house for what they and I believe is right.

If you feel the same as I do then pass this along, or you can discard it and no one will never know. Thanks very much for your support. I know you'll all be there again when I deploy once more.

"Semper Fidelis."
Sgt Howard C. Wright
1st Force Recon Co
1st Plt PLT

-- December 16, 2006 6:25 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Okie;

That one is false:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/starbucks.asp

QUOTE:

Sgt. Wright has since learned that what he heard was in error, and he has subsequently tried to set things right by issuing the following retraction:

Dear Readers,

Almost 5 months ago I sent an email to you my faithful friends. I did a wrong thou that needs to be cleared up. I heard from word of mouth about how Starbucks said they didn't support the war and all. I was having enough of that kind of talk and didn't do my research properly like I should have. This is not true. Starbucks supports the men and women in uniform. They have personally contacted me and I have been sent many of their Company's policy on this issue. So I apologize for this quick wrong letter I sent out to you. Now I ask that you all pass this email around to everyone you passed the last one to. Thank you very much for understanding about this.

Howard C. Wright
Sgt USMC

Sara.

-- December 16, 2006 10:25 PM ∞

---

Neil wrote:

Sara:

I appreciate the effort that you went to in presenting your viewpoint. Your posts are always well presented and extremely informative but you have a tendency to take someones position to the extreme, and most anything when taken to the extreme is undesirable. Eating is good but eating to the point that you weight 500 pounds gives eating a different face.

I did not attempt to address the merits of giving one's life for their religion. I simply said there is one way to heaven (not two ways) and if two people are travelling different paths, then one is wrong and will die in vain.

I agreed with Pres Bush when he invaded Afganistan as I thought they were in bed with terrorists. I did not see a connection with Iraq to terrorists and the WMD's did not scare me. I think that we have given birth to a large number of terrorists in Iraq by disbanning the Saddam Army and putting those trained killers back among the populace with no jobs and little hope.

Now, I am scared of China and Russia and they are growing stronger each day while we are expending our resources.

I go back to the fact that Pres Bush is elected to serve the American people and even though they may be stupid, we still have a Gov't of the people.

Please take my comments at face value and stop there. When I read what I have said after it has been taken to the extreme, it sounds ridiculous to me also.

-- December 16, 2006 11:03 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

Sara....

Thanks for the Starbucks correction....now back to my Frappuccino.

-- December 16, 2006 11:38 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Neil;

I felt I did take your comments at face value and addressed them as such.
You were indeed comparing Islamofascist suicide bombings to Christian martyrdom when you said,
QUOTE:

"I get somewhat amused when I see Sara espousing her unyielding allegience to God and her willingness to give up her life rather than denounce her God. I then see all these incidences of Arabs giving their life to gain favor in Allah's eyes. I have alluded to this before and that is, someone is wrong and someone will die in vain."

===end of quote===

At face value and not going to any extreme, you were indeed comparing my "willingness to give up her life rather than denounce her God" with "THEN" seeing "all these incidences of Arabs giving their life to gain favor in Allah's eyes" - which is suicide bombers, etc. You then say - comparing the two - that "someone is wrong and someone will die in vain." I do not see my reply to you as being extreme by taking that concept at face value and answering it with the reply I did:

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2006/12/iraqi_dinar_dis_6.html#127007

I thank those who subsequently posted that what I had said was completely right in answering you as their comments do affirm (to me, at least) that I was not mistaking your "face value" intent when you posted these words. I do, however, appreciate the more moderate tone you have taken in this subsequent post. Perhaps your subsequent moderate tone is a result of seeing the logical end to your argument presented - which caused you to comprehend where the fault in the argument lies.

You said, "I did not attempt to address the merits of giving one's life for their religion."

But perhaps you could explain or rather clarify that statement in light of the previous comment that you found amusement in my espousing my "unyielding allegience to God and her willingness to give up her life rather than denounce her God." The full sentence you stated was, "I get somewhat amused when I see Sara espousing her unyielding allegience to God and her willingness to give up her life rather than denounce her God." Taking this statement at face value, it says you found something amusing in my willingness to die for my faith. This does address an attitude toward the "giving one's life for their religion." Very shortly thereafter you wrote, "someone is wrong and someone will die in vain."

Is it possible to interpret your amusement at my willingness to die for the Christian faith to be because you think it is a misplaced or wrong faith - the one where "someone will die in vain"? (Please note it is a very serious subject, what was the cause of the levity or amusement on your part?) Since the sentence you wrote actually says you found amusement from seeing my 'unyielding allegience to God'... My subsequent taking of this statement in context and at face value forces me to some assumption about what that amusement might be. It does appear to denote that you found amusement in the idea that I thought Christianity correct and your belief was that my death for that faith would be in vain.. am I correct in interpreting your amusement in that way? (Board, what do you think?) If I am not correct, do feel free to explain your "amusement" in the statement, "I get somewhat amused when I see Sara espousing her unyielding allegience to God and her willingness to give up her life rather than denounce her God." What exactly was this amusement about? What did you "see" in my unyeilding allegience to God which caused you to laugh? It is funny because.. ___ ?? Was it funny to you because you thought me wrong? If you thought me right, what would make it funny?

If you subsequently wish to argue my view of it is incorrect, I would like to point out that at that time, with only that post to go from, there was no additional information to make this evaluation upon. You may NOW change it to another intent than the obvious one from within the context of the post, but I am blameless as regarding how I interpreted it with the information I had at hand. I am pleased that you found your comments to be ridiculous when held up to the scrutiny I used ("it sounds ridiculous to me also."), but I do vehemently take issue with your denial of intent within the information given in the sequence within your post, which (at face value) was:

1) Your amusement at my adherence to my faith and then
2) Your immediate comparison to Islamofascist Jihadists, then
3) Saying "someone is wrong and someone will die in vain" - followed closely with
4) Elaborating on your having been raised in a Christian upbringing and your finding it inadequate to answer your questions (though plainly you had not been schooled in the Bible, as my subsequent answer illustrated) - and then
5) Your frustration with Christians was again noted in your comments - including a comment I addressed about how some Christians appeared to you to be very stringent in standing against swearing and you didn't see any reason for that

All of these sequentially added to the impression that you are not exactly endorsing Christianity as the winner in the "someone is wrong and someone will die in vain" opening statement but were effectively decrying and taking the religion I hold to to task.

The context I have here quoted does seem to lead "at face value" to the conclusion that you were in an unfriendly position toward Christianity and did indeed feel that the religion of Christianity could lead a person to die for that faith in vain. Again, if if I have taken what you said wrongly and you wish to clarify those remarks and why you made them in the context in which you did, I would be interested in an alternate explanation on your part.

Sara.

-- December 17, 2006 2:37 AM ∞

---

Justin wrote:

Carole,

I'm interested as well...my e-mail is Justin.Allensworth@gmail.com. I know a decision wont be made til after the holiday season.

Thanks,
Justin

-- December 17, 2006 5:35 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(827)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 827 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2006 / 12/ 17 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 12 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1400 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 24.930.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 24.930.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------

-- December 17, 2006 7:41 AM ∞

---

Fred wrote:

Carole-
Interested as well, Probably be hard pressed to find someone who would not be interested. I'm an avid reader of this site, kind of addictive. Wake up go to work (active duty Navy) then home to check the Truck and Barter site for anything new. Had my Dinar for two years and as with the rest am patiently waiting for some spark. It moves ever so slow but no real spark to get it going. Your oppurtunity has movement and that is what we all look for. If the Dinar did RV 1-1 for arguement sakes, we would definitely still check this site out and read each others posts. Would really like for that but will settle for any movement that is constant in that direction. Then maybe I could retire, have 21 years and getting ready to deploy in Jan. I get to enjoy the holidays and then underway until mid summer. Can't complain since my job keeps me on the ship but you never know what is in store for us from day to day. If you do choose to share I personnally would be thankful as well as the rest as well I'm sure. I will be reading this dinar posts for many more days to come.

-- December 17, 2006 9:51 AM ∞

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Fred wrote:

Carole- my e-mail is
fmcns@yahoo.com
Thanks and enjoy the Holidays.

Happy Holidays to everyone reading, and get your shopping done. Dinar donations wil be greatly appreciated by me and my future banker!! Really Happy Holidays and lets get this bus rolloing down the Dinar highway.

-- December 17, 2006 9:56 AM ∞

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Franko wrote:

First time posting but have been following since this board first got started. I feel like I know all of you personally. Thank you all for some good info from Dinars to religion. As for myself I have spent much time in the mid east the past three years and have been mostly in Iraq doing security work. Cannot say much due to the security implications. I have been back since July and may head back over mid January. My wife left me while I was over there and took half my purchase, Still a couple mil better then none. Carol, I too am interested in your business and you can write me to at spaceborn@yahoo.com

I hope you all have a safe and blessed MERRY CHRISTMAS and I hope to meet you all one day, maybe at the pig roast.

Franko

-- December 17, 2006 1:56 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks to those of you who came out of the woodwork and mentioned you are with us here on T and B.
Thank you for reading and the kind words about the posts here. :)

I thought I would mention that it would be really REALLY good to give your address in this form in future - saraand-at-fastmail.fm - since using the form of your email with the @ sign in it means that a troll (a robotic program) can find your email address on a net page and then use it to send you SPAM. This is a tactic the spammers use all the time. Kevin is well aware of that, and that is why he gives his address at the top in this form - kevin-at-truckandbarter.com.

I mention this to try to help you not to make your email inbox flooded with constant SPAM - as the trolling programs are remote and they mine the net for email addresses all the time (repeatedly, over and over). They recognise an email address on a page by the @ sign and then copy the address and add it to their database for the SPAMMERS. I just thought I would mention it for your future reference - for avoiding SPAM emails when you give out an email address on the net. :)

Sara.

-- December 17, 2006 2:58 PM ∞

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CYMRU001 wrote:

Sara,

I didn't think about that and appreciate your advice.

Regards,

Cymru

-- December 17, 2006 3:33 PM ∞

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Franko wrote:

Thanks also Sara, Now that you mentioned it I remember that now. Anyway that is my "spam" email and not the one I use on a daily basis and yes I get MANY hits on it daily. Take care

-- December 17, 2006 3:50 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

An argument for the LEGITIMACY of the US (and coalition) receiving reward from going to war in Iraq.. including part in its oil revenues.

Note that verse 8, referring to "the law" is referring to the Law of God as the authority for this position.

1Co 9:7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?
1Co 9:8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also?
1Co 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about?
1Co 9:10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.

The argument I am putting forth here is that the US is not a terrible, evil power who is trying to take over Iraq and steal all its oil revenues for itself, but that they deserve to eat of the fruit of freeing the people of Iraq from the hand of a tyrant (Saddam) and drink the milk for saving that flock. They deserve to receive back for the expenses they put themselves to for war.. including lucrative oil contracts, because it is written in the word of God, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." We as Dinar investors are also a part of that hope for Iraq - that the Iraqi people might become prosperous, free and peaceful by the intervention of the US (and its coalition partners) into its affairs.

But more than the Dinar holder's pittance we put into this pot, the US government may hold large amounts of reserves in this currency (the Iraqi Dinar) which, if there were a RV, some would say is "stealing from the Iraqi people." It is not. It is taking a part of the fruit of the vineyard because of the labor bestowed upon it. It is taking the milk from the flock which was protected and looked after by our troops sticking their necks out for the Iraqi people to help bring them that wealth. Our government has EARNED this windfall and no man is legitimate in arguing that the ox should be muzzled when it treaded out the grain.

It is cruel to think of muzzling an ox who is laboring to bring you grain, and it is also cruel to say the US is not entitled to its blessing for the hard work - blood, sweat and toil they have done - to bring Iraq to the point of freedom from tyranny and to prosperity as a sovereign nation under God. This is equally so for their partners in the coalition.. they SHOULD be given commensurate consideration for committing their armies to the cause of freeing Iraq and making her peaceful. I believe the governments involved have LEGITIMATELY hoped to receive from Iraq a payback, and they are legitimately owed the same.

Those who accuse President Bush (or Tony Blair, etc) of stealing from Iraq are as cruel as those who muzzle the ox.. and are seeking to give the wealth that rightfully and by labor belongs to the "ox" (US and its partners) to those who have not earned it. They seek to give it to those who have sat in their armchairs and railed at the US while the US and its partners expended the blood, sweat and tears of its sacrificing sons and daughters to bring the Iraqis hope and a future of peace and prosperity for them and their children.

I hope those who make these socialist snipings do not get a penny of the labor the "ox" has put forth to obtain this blessing for the Iraqi people. It is undeserved by them because they have no part in seeking the good of the Iraqi people or bringing to them any blessing. The media has done nothing but aid and abet the enemies of the Iraqi people and they deserve no consideration in any sphere of endeavor concerning the Iraqi people. I hope not one of them have invested into the Dinar and that they think the whole thing a hoax and us investors deceived.. it is deserved that they not obtain any of the blessing. Do not pity their lack of blessing or feel guilty at their remarks when you obtain this blessing as a part of the labor of the "ox".

The sniping remarks in the media that taking a portion of the fruit of Iraq is unethical behavior comes from their covetous hearts - just as Aesop's fable of the fox who cannot reach the grapes no matter how high he leaps and then reasons, "They are sour grapes anyway!" - They will try to spoil the taste of the fruit in our mouths who have helped with our labors (represented by money we have invested into the Iraqi Dinar) by saying it is ill gotten gain. I remind the board it is not. Investing in Dinar was also investing in and helping the Iraqi people when they most needed it, and we should be happy we have been a part of bringing them hope and help financially by our little contributions.. and the US (and coalition) should be amply rewarded without guilt for the HUGE part they have played in helping Iraq to obtain her eventual blessing... many having even laid down their lives to obtain this blessing for Iraq's people.

Joh 15:13 Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

May God, judging by His word, not allow these sniping voices to twist this sacrifice of love which helps the Iraqi people to obtain peace and prosperity into their false argument that it is not legitimate for the ox to eat from the grain he has worked so hard to harvest for the masters of the vineyard (the Iraqis - who ultimately owe the vineyard and its fruit to God). And may we seek the blessings on our labor (which is represented in the money we obtain from it) only from God's good hand of blessing - for surely He can never be deceived by the false arguments when His word is plain in saying the blessing is legitimate on the ox which treads out the grain.

Sara.

-- December 17, 2006 4:29 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Neil wrote:

I agreed with Pres Bush when he invaded Afganistan as I thought they were in bed with terrorists. I did not see a connection with Iraq to terrorists and the WMD's did not scare me.

===end of quote==

Neil, you say you did not see a connection with Iraq to terrorists and the WMD did not concern you. Is this still the case today? Do you see no connection between Saddam and the terrorists, when we can now prove that there was a tie? Do you still think that there never were any WMD? Recent posts, there are many others:

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2006/09/iraqi_dinar_dis_5.html#126870
http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2006/09/iraqi_dinar_dis_5.html#126871

QUOTE:

.. an Oct. 4, 2004, report by Cybercast News Service included 42 pages of Iraqi Intelligence Service memos that revealed Saddam's purchase of mustard gas and anthrax as recently as the summer of 2000 and his extensive ties to al Qaeda.

===end of quote==

This proves that there were WMD sold to Saddam as recently as the summer of 2000 and that he had ties to al Qaeda.. the terrorists.. EXTENSIVE ties, too. Do you now see the connection with Iraq to terrorists and that there was indeed a threat of WMD making it into al Qaeda hands which may have resulted in further attacks against the US?

Also note that in June of 2006,

QUOTE:

"House Intelligence Committee Chairman Peter Hoekstra (R-Mich.) and U.