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 ∞

---

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 ∞

---

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 ∞

---

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 ∞

---

CYMRU001 wrote:

Sara,

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

Regards,

Cymru

-- December 17, 2006 3:33 PM ∞

---

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.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) released declassified portions of an intelligence report that they said confirmed Saddam's possession of weapons of mass destruction, including mustard gas. The report indicated that 500 such weapons had been destroyed by the U.S.-led coalition since 2003 and that the U.S. and its allies were racing against terrorist groups in trying to control the remaining weapons in Iraq."

===end of quote==

Please note the recent post about an attack in Iraq which appears to have been WMD... and is still pending (sure seems quiet, no denial that it was a WMD attack is forthcoming, is it?)

From Dec 12 post here: http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2006/09/iraqi_dinar_dis_5.html#126947

IRAQ: 'NEW EXPLOSIVES USED' IN DEADLY BAGHDAD BLAST

"These chemical substances may come from chemical weapons arsenals dating from the Saddam era, developed in secret laboratories. Explosives experts from the ministry are collaborating with international experts to try and and find out more," the expert continued.

===end of quote==

Are you continuing to argue either of these two points, Neil.. that Saddam did not have ties to terrorists... or that he did not have WMD? If so, please explain, in light of this intelligence, why you are ignoring the evidence. I for one do not believe the mainstream media to be perpetually infallible in every judgement or opinion they make and I believe the factual evidence is contrary to their cherished and much published opinions. It is my observation that the MSM do appear to be unwilling to be subjected to question or revision once their minds are made up - even in light of new evidence to the contrary - so perhaps you had not heard this evidence before because they rarely seem to take the time to bring up contrary evidence or views.. (hence the Fox News popularity and their slogan as more "fair and balanced" when we all know the vast majority of the MSM is not balanced nor fair.)

Sara.

-- December 17, 2006 5:18 PM ∞

---

Hsiv Qnav wrote:

Its a lop for the iraqi dinar in early 2007. Just got this image from a reliable source in government in Iraq. He has told me to sell my dinars as the lop won't be a favorable one.

http://img15.imgspot.com/u/06/350/18/newiraqidinar20071166397916.gif

The dream is over, this sucks, i'm out.

good luck.

-- December 17, 2006 5:35 PM ∞

---

CYMRU001 wrote:

Hsiv Qnav,

Who are you, Who is your source and how reliable is he?

We have mooted the lopping point many times and we all seem to agree that this isn't a course we see the Dinar taking.

If you know more, please share any information you have. There are a lot of people who have invested in the Dinar on this site and would appreciate all you can tell us.

-- December 17, 2006 6:10 PM ∞

---

Hsiv Qnav wrote:

I am not getting drawn into this. My contact is a personal friend for 20 years or more when I worked in the diplomatic service. He is now a Minister in Iraq. Of course I cant just name him on here.

He sent me the proof and told me to get out of this investment quick as Iraq is going to screw the speculators with a real bad reprint/lop.

In truth, I got this info about 10 days ago. Once I sold my dinars on ebay, I posted this for all to see.

I am out. Hope it works out for you guys if you stay in this.

good luck.

-- December 17, 2006 6:29 PM ∞

---

Fred wrote:

Hsiv Qnav- Get drawn into what?? You made a statement and we simply would like a reply other than get out!! The picture of the currency is somewhat questionable with some english words compared to the current bills with no words leading to the western world. This new currency would have to have some background that would explain the security features. Simply put, a one dinar bill with no explanation is not a path any country would take, for they have to have a transfer period from old to new currency. But if this is to come then so be it. But to bail out of your post with the reply you do not not want to get dragged into?? Is highly questionable atleast. Please expand if you have some info, we could all use it, obviously when I find myself typing at a computer screen while the football game is on. I'm missing the game.

-- December 17, 2006 6:51 PM ∞

---

Hsiv Qnav wrote:

Hi Fred,

The image he gave me is of the "english" side. There will be an Arabic side but I can't read arabic, so what was the point in sending me that?

What I said was I don't want to get drawn into a debate over this. If you find this highly questionable, thats your perogative.

RECAP: I never told YOU to get out of this investment. YOU can do as you please.

I simply told you that my friend tipped me off and I have already put this investment behind me.

This will be my final post on the matter as I have other more important investments to chase.

Good luck with your investment Fred.

-- December 17, 2006 7:03 PM ∞

---

Fred wrote:

Hsiv Qnav-
Thanks for the reply

The Giants are getting thumped by the Eagles

-- December 17, 2006 7:14 PM ∞

---

Spetz wrote:

I think this Hsiu guy may be onto something! Could the recent rise in the dinar value be a way to get a final rush of speculators buying up dinar? could be? What do people think?

http://img15.imgspot.com/u/06/350/18/newiraqidinar20071166397916.gif

It looks real to me. Anyway, isnt this what we all thought might happen? now it is, you are giving the guy a hard time. i am going to rethink this investment too, i think.

-- December 17, 2006 7:17 PM ∞

---

CYMRU001 wrote:

Spetz,

I don't think the rise is a way of getting more people to invest.

I also don't think we are giving him a hard time. We are simply asking for as much information as we can get. I didn't start buying Dinar 'cause one person said so. I did some research and asked some questions. I am not going to start selling 'cause one person says I should. I am simply trying to do more research. I have just come form another forum where this thing is not mentioned anyhwere.

If the zero lop and change of currency were to happen, I believe we would have more infomation. If Hsiv's friend has told him of the change, then maybe he would've told others the same? Hsiv said he knew this infomation 10 days ago. To my mind I would expect this to be more common knowledge.

For a country to completely change the currency, surely they would have to get someone to design it, they would need proofs made and then get someone to print it? A lot of people would have to be in the loop for this to be a reality. For the currency to change in the time scale mentioned would mean the currency would surely have to be in print now?

Also, if the note is genuine, irrespective of whether or not he can read Arabic, why only send him one half of one proposed note? Why would the note have an English side? This is a country in the middle east. They must realise that to change the currency would fly in the face of everything the Americans have done for them thus far. It wouls also seem to me to do nothing for their economy. Why spend so long trying to establish an economy with the present Dinar, only to change it again next year?

To do any of this would lose Iraq any credibility they currently have

-- December 17, 2006 7:52 PM ∞

---

Spetz wrote:

I am not so sure CYMRU001.

all the arab money i have ever seen has had an english side. in fact the old iraqi money had an english side, so does the NID.

despite what arabs think of english speaking countries, they know the value of having NUMERALS and CENTRAL BANK NAMES in english on one side of their money.

its easier for banks, tourists, collecters and god knows what else.

As for the note, Hsiu said it was a proof not a note. PROOFS are created before a note goes into print, they show politicians and the like and see what they think of the proof.

Plus, the arabs always fly in the face of what the west does for them. whats new?

Dinar speculation is a massive industry. they are printing notes for next to nothing and people like us are buying them.

why would they let us all win on this investment? there is TOO MANY of us. The numbers dont add up anymore.

i think this is a genuine leak. i am pulling my 2 MIL out of this investment.

.

-- December 17, 2006 8:36 PM ∞

---

Oldskiier wrote:

What a bunch of CRAP !!!!
"IF" this was true and to sell without knowing for sure....and how would anyone know ...even if they loped ..there would be a trade in time...and with the increase of the dianr latly we would still make money..so makes no sense at all !!!..BUT, thats being said this is how I feel about it ..
I love the look of the new 1 diane note

Don't know about the lop thing though.....IMF conditions, world bank, WTO Group chair apointed, the commitment to raise the value of the dinar ..to be the currency of choice .....over the dollar . and bring the dinar to the value of the countries around them ???

-- December 17, 2006 8:37 PM ∞

---

Spetz wrote:

Oldskiier,

I know what you are saying, but can't they give a trade in time and say the trade in value is low or something?

know what i am trying to say.

they could screw us over couldnt they?

this must breaking news too, i just checked investorsiraq.com and they dont even know about this yet.

-- December 17, 2006 8:46 PM ∞

---

Spetz wrote:

what is the gold or yellow thing on the note supposed to be?

http://img15.imgspot.com/u/06/350/18/newiraqidinar20071166397916.gif

-- December 17, 2006 8:48 PM ∞

---

oldskiier wrote:

I have been in this for about 18 months and this is the biggest bucn of crap I have heard .......Just look at the world organizations they belong to....and with the latest raise in value to gain the trust of thier people, how do you think this would go over.....and think about it...this guy has been friends with his sorce for 20 years and he had to send him proof....and his friend just found out himself to days ago ....minister in Iraq....way to much to swallow sorry !!!!

-- December 17, 2006 8:53 PM ∞

---

Spetz wrote:

well if it was your friend of 20 years, woudnt you wanna see some proof oldskiier?

I would.

-- December 17, 2006 8:56 PM ∞

---

oldskiier wrote:

and the serial # are not Arabic....how would the bank workers know them ???...
this is so goofy !!! I would hate to see anyone sell from this artical....NOWAY !! hang till at least till end of Jan....and I wouldnt even if it hasnt gone up then :)

-- December 17, 2006 8:57 PM ∞

---

Spetz wrote:

serial numbers in english on 1 side, arabic the other?

possibly to do with new international banking laws to trace money laundering etc. makes sense to me anyway.

i like the note, doent look goofy to me.

-- December 17, 2006 9:00 PM ∞

---

jsfletcher wrote:

I'm not sure how someone who has a personal friend as one of the ministers in Iraq, would find ther way to a forum like this. I'm not buying this one. And not because of us speculators. The IMF World Bank, and all the countries in play here would never allow it at this point. Iraq has already decided on it's currency. And besides I played golf with Maliki last week and said they were not reprinting

-- December 17, 2006 9:03 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Spetz:

If you are selling your two million and you think this is a genuine leak, I will give you $50.00 per million you have. Since you have two million that is $100.00. Let me know.

If this is a true leak, it is better for you to end up with something rather than nothing.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 9:05 PM ∞

---

Oldskiier wrote:

I have a very good friend that I have know over 20 ..if he told me somthing like this ...I wouldnt want anything but his word...and the 1 dinar note..if it was even real doesnt say "reprint"...we know that when it becomes closer to the value of the dollar they will need them....but this note is not real sorry !!!! I dont care if it's a proof note or what....they wouldnt put english nubers on it !!! and thats all I will say on this fourm :) DON"T SELL FOLKS !!!!

-- December 17, 2006 9:06 PM ∞

---

Spetz wrote:

Thanks for the offer ROB, but ill be selling them on ebay at 850 per million.

-- December 17, 2006 9:10 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

From www.iraq-war.ru

Iraq To Meet Iran, Kuwait On Cross-Border Oil Fields -Min

12-14-06 13:04ET

ABUJA, Nigeria -(Dow Jones)- Iraqi officials are to meet representatives from Iran later this month and Kuwait after that to discuss sharing oil production contracts in cross-border fields, Iraq's oil minister said Thursday.

Speaking at a press briefing on the side of a Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries meeting here, Hussein al-Shahristani said: "We will meet in a sitting committee...with Iran in December" to examine data on the fields.

Al-Shahristani added the parties will then "select a company in a bidding round to assess the reserves."

Separately, Al-Shahristani said some $1 billion of a $1.6 billion loan granted by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation would be invested in a new fluid catalytic cracking unit at Basra's refinery.

An FCC unit produces lighter products such as gasoline from heavier crude fractions.

He said some of the loan would also be used for a new pipeline and floating terminal in the Gulf and the processing of gas, which is currently flared off.

In addition, the minister said he expects a new hydrocarbon law, which would enable the signature of the first national oil contracts since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, to be enacted in January.

He said all contracts signed under Saddam and since would be reviewed.

The new contracts would be overseen by an Iraq Petroleum Council that will define the rules of licensing qualifications as well as which companies could prequalify.

He said most details of the law had been agreed with the Kurds in the oil-rich north, who controversially have set up a separate licensing process, though there remained sticking points on the council's decision procedures.

-By Benoit Faucon, Dow Jones Newswires; +44-20-7842-9266; benoit.faucon@ dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires
12-14-061304ET

http://www.nasdaq.com/aspxcontent/NewsStory.aspx?cpath=20061214%5cACQDJON200612141304DOWJONESDJONLINE001026.htm&

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 9:14 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

From www.dinartrade.com

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Director hails appointment of chair of Iraq accession working group
12/17/06
Source: Kuna

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Pascal Lamy said Friday that the appointment of the Chair of accession working group for Iraq today is an important step in the process of anchoring Iraq in the Multilateral Trading System.

In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Lamy added this is a system of rules that provides stability, transparency and predictability to international trade exchanges.

"But the process of accession to the WTO is always a long and difficult one and will require a lot of work on Iraq's side. I know that Iraq has already provided initial material for the Working Party like a Memorandum of its foreign trade regime and replies to questions raised by its trading partners," he said.

Lamy stressed that this positive development and the appointment of the chair of the Working Party means that the negotiation can now start in earnest.

Iraq had requested accession to the WTO in October 2004 and the working group was established two years ago, but there was through the two years no chair to start the process.

The new chair whose name was adopted by consensus in the General-Council today is Colombian ambassador Claudia Uribe who will proceed in 2007 with the meetings of the working group for the accession of Iraq.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 9:17 PM ∞

---

Dreeson wrote:

what is the gold or yellow thing on the new 1 Dinar note supposed to be?

http://img15.imgspot.com/u/06/350/18/newiraqidinar20071166397916.gif

-- December 17, 2006 9:23 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I must agree, Hsiv Qnay's post does not make sense for several reasons.

1. Why would the Central Bank of Iraq waste time raising the exchange rate of the Bremer Dinar (New Iraqi Dinar) to change its currency in 2007? Answer they would not.

2. A change in currency is an involved process and takes longer than a one month to implement. I believe both the IMF and WTO would have to authorize the change. Both the IMF and the WTO could not review an approve a new currency inside a month. This is assuming the Iraqi parliment gave authorization of the change.

3. A change in currency would cost the country millions of dollars. In addition, the iraqi currency would loose all of its value it has gained against the dollar. The iraqi's would be back to hording greenbacks. The enconomy would fall apart

4. The 15 Billion they have in reserves include gold reserves, foriegn currency reserves, and their own currency (the Bremer Dinar).

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 9:53 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Dresson:

The "gold of yellow thing on the 1 Dinar note" is supposed to be the country of Iraq.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 9:54 PM ∞

---

Dreeson wrote:

Rob,

Wouldn't losing millions doing that be cheaper than losing billions to speculators like us?

Why wouldn't they do the best for their people? Only makes sense they would prfer to screw us over screwing their own people.

Dreeson

-- December 17, 2006 9:58 PM ∞

---

Shabibi wrote:

That would be a 10 dinar note if it were real. Another thing is the GOI would never and I mean never print a bill a color that closely resembles the green-back.

Good artist, bad joke.

-- December 17, 2006 10:02 PM ∞

---

Dreeson wrote:

Who said there isn't a 10 dinar note? We may have not seen it yet, thats all.

We know there is 14 denominations don't we.

Dreeson

-- December 17, 2006 10:09 PM ∞

---

B.Jackson wrote:

You think that note resembles the greenback?

Are you fucking blind mate?

-- December 17, 2006 10:11 PM ∞

---

B.Jackson wrote:

Plus, the last time I checked, the arse was falling out of your almighty greenback.

Fucking yanks, you really think you are the be all and the end all don't you?

Can't even win against a bunch of raghead minutemen.

-- December 17, 2006 10:15 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Go fuck yourself B.Jackson

-- December 17, 2006 10:23 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Dresson:

The amount of Dinar individual speculators like you and me hold is a fraction of the number of Dinars our government and big companies already hold. The GoI or the Central Bank are realize the financial and economic impact going the big players have already made.

The lack of electricity and the absence of oil and gas do more to harm the Iraqi people than a revalue of the Bremer Dinar. In fact, it is my contention that a revalue would certainly benefit the iraqi people not "screw" them.

In Hsiv Qnay's senario we loose a few thousdand dollars. The Iraqi government collapses and Iraq becomes completely destabilized.

Since the GoI and the Central Bank want political and economic stability Hsiv Qnay's post completely betrays the goals the U.S. and Iraq have in mind for this new democracy.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 10:27 PM ∞

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Dreeson wrote:

Calm down folks.

-- December 17, 2006 10:28 PM ∞

---

Hackett wrote:

maybe the new dinar note is real, if 10000 dinars were going to equal $6600 then wouldnt you start to print small bills because of the value of the dinar. imagine if the U.S. didnt have $1, but only $500. so i see it as a good thing. The reval is coming and they need smaller bills for everyday needs

-- December 17, 2006 10:29 PM ∞

---

Dreeson wrote:

That makes sense Rob, thanks for your answer.

But it still doesn't justify thinking there isn't a 1 Dinar Note in the proof stages, does it?

Future currency has to be planned in advance surely.

-- December 17, 2006 10:31 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Hsiv Qnay:

What signficance does the boy on your currency note have in relation to Iraqi history? Does he play an important role in Iraqi culture? What about Iraqi politics or Iraqi economics?

Each image on the Bremer Dinar is connected in someway to the Iraq the living organism. What I know about Mid East studies, this note you tout as the New Dinar has not an ounce of significance to Iraq or its people.

Please do us a favor and chase your other investments and stop spreading unsubstantiated rumors that are designed to cause panic.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 10:34 PM ∞

---

suzanne wrote:

The bank note posted is a photo shop of a 1976 ND Issue of the National Bank of Ethiopia. The person posting this as a dinar is posting false information.

Here is a link to it on eBay too http://cgi.ebay.com/ETHIOPIA-1-Birr-EE1969-1976-UNC_W0QQitemZ8415043910QQihZ021QQcategoryZ3422QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

-- December 17, 2006 10:35 PM ∞

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jsfletcher wrote:

It's not real, it is a photoshop of a 1976 ethiopian note

http://www.kcshop.com/fc/p.php?pic=F3603

-- December 17, 2006 10:35 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Suzanne & jsfletcher

Good detective work.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 10:37 PM ∞

---

MartinFowler wrote:

You bunch of idiots.

"Hsiu Qnav"

it is "Vanquish" backwards.

VANQUISH is know on the investorsiraq.com as a guy who thinks dinar investors are morons.

I spotted it in 3 seconds.

lol

-- December 17, 2006 10:38 PM ∞

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Paul wrote:

Maybe they are prepairing for the Dinar to reach a higher level that is closer to the Dollar. When that happens, they will need to have smaller bills available.

-- December 17, 2006 10:38 PM ∞

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suzanne wrote:

here is the image of the original -

-- December 17, 2006 10:40 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

It is not posting the image - http://i1.ebayimg.com/05/i/07/07/10/4b_1_b.JPG

-- December 17, 2006 10:40 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

B. Jackson:

The U.S. has sustained to world. We pulled the English arse out of the grinder as Hitler bombed the hell out of you. I think you would show us "Yanks" with some gratitude.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 17, 2006 10:41 PM ∞

---

B. Jackson wrote:

I am not English. Just refused to learn your bastardised form of it.

Thanks for noticing.

:-)

BTW:

It took you long enough to turn up to WWII.

-- December 17, 2006 10:46 PM ∞

---

dyonisus wrote:

AMERICAN ENCYCLOPEDIA

The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), also known as the American War of Independence and The Revolutionary War.

REST OF THE WORLD ENCYCLOPEDIA

American insurgents use foreign mercanaries and guerilla tactics against a small british colonial force.

The ACTUAL British Army are running the largest empire the world has ever seen.

AMERICAN ENCYCLOPEDIA

WWII 1939 - 1945.

America defeats Germany

REST OF THE WORLD ENCYCLOPEDIA

A worldwide conflict fought between the Allied Powers and the Axis Powers, from 1939 until 1945. USA takes 2 years to enter the war.

AMERICAN ENCYCLOPEDIA

VIETNAM WAR 1965 - 1973

The Vietnam War was concluded on 30 April 1975, with the fall of the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon to North Vietnamese forces.

REST OF THE WORLD ENCYCLOPEDIA

The USA have their asses kicked.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Sesame streets ahead of other countries.

-- December 17, 2006 11:09 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Hisq Quav,

The next time you get the urge to post some photoshop Ethiopian bills here, try licking some donkey balls first........

I'm QUITE certain that a loser like you finds such things amusing.

-- December 17, 2006 11:54 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

B.(eeotch) Jackson,

Don't matter where you're from......

It's just plain obvious that you're dumb. Painfully obvious actually.

If I gave you half of my Dinar, would you scratch my balls please?

-- December 17, 2006 11:58 PM ∞

---

haha wrote:

So

"suzanne" from the IIF board discovered it to be a fake because she has one in her foreign notes collection?

Is that next to her stamp collection?

Get a dildo or a man girl, jeez!!!!!!!

-- December 18, 2006 12:23 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Rob N;

Thank you very much. Well reasoned posts and keen observations. :)
When you say, quote:
"Please do us a favor and chase your other investments and stop spreading unsubstantiated rumors that are designed to cause panic."

I think you have something there. Some guy comes out of the blue, not a regular, never heard of him before.. and says to sell. Claims all kinds of connections to a "top" figure in Iraq.. well, if you buy it I know a guy who will sell you London Bridge in England for a reasonable price, too.. or the one in San Franciso, take your pick.

Thanks Suzanne for the, "The bank note posted is a photo shop of a 1976 ND Issue of the National Bank of Ethiopia. The person posting this as a dinar is posting false information." Appreciate it.. glad false info doesn't remain long on this site. :) Good work.. thank you.

Here is some interesting info on what is happening in Iran..

Ahmadinejad’s “Conservatives” Go Down In Iran Elections
From his heartbroken fans at Reuters:

Ahmadinejad’s allies struggle in Iran elections
Sun Dec 17, 2006
By Edmund Blair

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s allies failed to dominate elections for a powerful Iranian clerical body and local councils, early results showed on Sunday, in what analysts said was a setback to the president’s standing.

turnout of around 60 percent and Ahmadinejad’s close identification with some candidates, particularly in Tehran, suggested a shift toward more moderate policies...

Although not Iran’s most powerful figure, Ahmadinejad’s anti-Israel and anti-Western statements alarm the West, which fears Iran is seeking an atomic bomb despite Tehran’s denials.

"The results show that voters have learned from the past and concluded that we need to support … moderate figures," the daily Kargozaran said in an editorial.

"This is a blow for Ahmadinejad and Mesbah-Yazdi’s list," said one political analyst, who declined to be quoted by name.

Friday’s main battleground was Tehran City Council, where Ahmadinejad supporters competed against backers of a more moderate conservative, Tehran mayor Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.

Final results for Tehran are not expected until Tuesday but partial tallies reported by Iranian news agencies showed Qalibaf’s group dominating with about nine of the 15 seats.

The rest were split between Ahmadinejad backers and the pro-reform camp, seeking a comeback after being routed in a series of polls.

Reformists said they had won at least six Tehran seats, and demanded election officials announce the results. They said the delay raised questions about the counting process.

"We have serious doubts about whether these problems are due to a lack of organization at the Interior Ministry or whether there are some efforts to tamper with votes," Mohammad Ali Najafi, a reformist candidate in Tehran, told Reuters.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/ahmadinejads-conservatives-go-down-in-iran-elections

-- December 18, 2006 1:25 AM ∞

---

keo wrote:

great work guys you're smart .....ban this vanquish dude next time he pops up

-- December 18, 2006 4:20 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(828)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 828 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2006 / 12/ 18 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 8 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1388 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ ------ -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 12.095.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) ------
Total offers for buying (US $) 12.125.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) ------

-- December 18, 2006 7:14 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

An article from www.middle-east-online.com

Maliki reaches out to former Saddam supporters

Iraqi PM urges delegates to review de-Baatification law, former Saddam soldiers to join new security forces.

By Paul Schemm – BAGHDAD

Iraq's embattled prime minister offered an olive branch Saturday to former supporters of Saddam Hussein, including the army, calling for them to join a peace process in the war-wracked country.

Opening a national reconciliation conference, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki urged former soldiers from the ousted leader's defeated army to join Iraq's new security forces to fight the armed factions tearing the country apart.

He also urged delegates to review the law which banned tens of thousands of Saddam's Baath party activists from working in the civil service.

It was not clear, however, if any true representatives of the armed groups waging war against the government or any influential members of the ousted Baath party were in attendance to hear the prime minister.

"The Iraqi army opens its doors to officers and soldiers from the former army who wish to serve the country," Maliki said, adding that pensions for those not brought back would be paid.

He also called for a review of the de-Baathification process that lost so many Sunnis their jobs under the old regime.

"I call upon parliament to review the constitutional items regarding such committees as de-Baathification and the anti-corruption committee to embody the principle of forgiveness," he added.

These were key concessions and addressed a major grievance of the former military officers and government officials who were fired by the new government and went on to swell the ranks of the insurgency.

Many attendees, however, had said prior to the conference that a sweeping amnesty would be offered, while conference spokesman expressed disappointment at the lack of attendees from those against the government.

"Nobody from outside Iraq came," acknowledged Naseer al-Ani, a Sunni lawmaker and conference spokesman. "And only a very few from outside the political process in Iraq attended."

"If they boycotted this time, the next time they will see some changes and they will come," he predicted. "The 1,000-mile road starts with the first mile."

Former deputy prime minister Ahmed Chalabi, while describing the prime minister's initiatives as "very generous", cautioned against expecting any immediate results.

"I don't think this conference will have any immediate effect on the security situation."

The creation of a huge pool of embittered and armed Sunnis fuelled the subsequent rebellion against the new Shiite-led government, and filled the ranks of the nationalist and Islamist insurgent groups fighting US forces.

Since February, when Sunni extremists demolished a revered Shiite shrine in the northern city of Samarra, Iraq has been engulfed in a vicious sectarian war between Sunni and Shiite factions that claims more than 100 lives per day.

Maliki and his US allies hope the national reconciliation conference will encourage some hardline elements to join the political process and isolate those determined to continue campaigns of bombing and mass murder.

Politically, the return to public life of former Baath officials would raise the hackles of hardline Shiite militants, whose majority community was persecuted by Saddam's Sunni-led regime.

Hadi al-Ameri, the head of the Badr Brigade, the militia wing of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, was dubious about the prime minister's promise, saying forgiveness was not only the gift of the state.

"Yes, the government should spread the spirit of forgiveness," he said. "But when the Baathists kill your brother, you yourself have to be the one to give amnesty."

Shiite militias like the Badr Brigade and the Mahdi Army have been implicated in the midnight assaults by gunmen against Sunnis, leaving their bound and tortured corpses in the streets.

"We are not talking about those who committed crimes against Iraq and humanity, we are not talking about the symbols of Baathism in the past," national security advisor Muwaffaq al-Rubaie was quick to point out afterwards.

Instead, he said, rehabilitation would be reserved for ordinary people who had to join the Baath to find work. "They should come back to the political system, they should come back to their jobs," said Rubaie.

Reintegration of Baathists is seen by many experts - and by US officials keen to speed the peace process and take home the 140,000 American troops deployed in Iraq - as a key first step in calming the insurgency.

Conference organisers were careful to describe this meeting as merely a first step, with future events hopefully casting a wider net to include more factions outside the government.

-- December 18, 2006 10:17 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iran vote "decisive defeat" for president: reformers
By Paul Hughes Dec 18, 2006 Reuters

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran's biggest reformist party said on Monday President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had suffered a "decisive defeat" in nationwide elections last week due to his government's "authoritarian and inefficient methods."

"The initial results of elections throughout the country indicate that Mr Ahmadinejad's list has experienced a decisive defeat nationwide," the pro-reform Islamic Iran Participation Front said in a statement.

Government spokesman Gholamhossein Elham preferred to highlight the turnout of about 60 percent, well above levels for equivalent elections in recent years.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/iran_elections_dc

-- December 18, 2006 11:32 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Iraq Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Summit

17-18 April , Amman, Jordan
In collaboration with the Iraqi Government, the Iraq Development Program (IDP) is proud to announce the official Iraq Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Summit. For the most important sectors of the Iraqi economy, this historic landmark event will be the first of its kind since the formation of the new Unity Government.


Iraq has the world’s second largest proven oil reserves and the Government is now finalising its new hydrocarbon laws, following the declaration of the investment laws for the extractive industries. The timing of this Summit could not be better.

The key decision makers from the Iraqi Government will be participating with the full intent of establishing relationships and entering into contractual negotiations with all international operators wishing to be part of both the upstream and downstream sectors.

This Summit represents an unmissable opportunity to sit face-to-face with the key ministerial decision makers all under one roof at the same time. They will include:
Ministry of Oil
State operating companies: Oil Projects Company, Oil Exploration Company, North Oil Company, South Oil Company, Pipelines Company, North Midland & South Refining Companies, North & South Gas Companies, Iraq Drilling Co.

Ministry of Industry & Minerals
State Company for Petrochemicals

Ministry of Electricity
Iraq Energy Council
Prime Ministers Office
Investment Promotion Agency
Kurdistan Regional Government
Ministry for Natural Resources, Office of the President



Government representation will include the Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Director Generals.

Each Ministry will also be represented by the respective head of the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office (IRMO).

Other leading international bodies will be in attendance, such as UNIDO and the World Bank. The Iraqi Government will also be making direct personal invitations to GCC and international energy and oil ministers.

Key Content

Each Iraqi Government Ministry will be presenting details of their key projects, contracts and areas of investment.

Oil & Gas
• Full details of new hydrocarbon laws
• Announcement of most up-to-date geological and seismic studies
• Special announcement on Iraqi gas reserves and concession opportunities
• Drilling and exploration rights
• Refineries, oil depots, pipelines and storage tanks
• Crude oil marketing to the international community
• Details of Northern oil operations, including Kirkuk, Nineveh, Erbil and Diyalla
• Management of the 29 central and southern oil fields
• Oil refinery operations and new contract and investment opportunities
• Pumping stations and pipeline distribution
• Technological innovations for the future of Iraq’s hydrocarbon industry

Petrochemicals
• Refinery and petrochemical integration
• Feedstocks flexibility and availability for petrochemical production
• New world scale petrochemical project
• Petrochemical complex #1 Basra
• Petrochemical complex #2 (refinery-integrated) Mussayab
• South Fertiliser – Basra
• North Fertiliser – Baji
• Sawary Resins Company – Baghdad

Electricity
• Refinery and electricity integration
• Petrochemical and electricity integration
• Annual protective maintenance for generation units
• Investment in new power production facilities
• Rehabilitation of older generation units
• Stability of the power and transmission systems
• Construction of new transforming stations and power lines

Special Security Briefing

Iraq’s oil and electricity security is of paramount importance to its political and economic stability, with huge resources in place to ensure that these most vital industries are protected to the highest possible standards.

Insurgent and terrorist attacks are a daily threat to oil pipelines, refineries, petrochemical and fertiliser plants, oil tankers, storage facilities, electricity generation plants, transforming units and power lines.

The Iraq Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Summit will run a parallel briefing led by the security heads for the oil, petrochemical and electricity sectors. This will enable private security companies and defence contractors along with suppliers to present the best in breed products and services to these key decision makers.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 18, 2006 11:47 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Sorry, the last post should have included the below link. www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 18, 2006 11:48 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

A second conference earlier in 2007 from www.iraqdevelopmentprogram.org

Iraq Information Communication Technology (ICT)
& Education Summit

UAE 27-28 February 2007
Following on from the success of the Iraq Security, Technology & Communications (ISTC) Summit in September 2006, the Iraqi Government has requested that a second event takes place to tackle Iraq’s key ICT & Education requirements.

Hence we are proud to announce Iraq’s ICT & Education Summit to take place in the UAE, 27-28 February 2007.

A central pillar of Iraqi Government strategy is to form and strengthen relationships with leading international operators who can bring best in breed technology, training and management skills to the country.

The Iraq Development Program (IDP) is proud of its achievements in bringing the leading Iraqi Government decision makers to a safe and secure environment to spend time meeting companies who can offer practical and technological solutions to improve security and communications. The first ISTC Summit had a high quality Iraqi delegation of over 40 officials from both the Central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

The Iraq ICT & Education Summit will be hosted by:
Ministry of Communications
HE Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi
Ministry of Science & Technology
HE Raed Fahmi
Ministry of Higher Education
HE Abed Theyab
Ministry of Education
HE Khudayer al-Khuzaie


The Summit will also bring in the key players who are now playing an active role in Iraq’s education system, including USAID and UNESCO.

Meetings-Based Summit

The success of the Iraq Development Program is borne out of our ability to bring the most senior Government decision-makers to the table to hold private one-to-one meetings with international delegates.

Half of the Summit programme will be devoted to private ministerial meetings. Meetings will be scheduled for 30 minutes. Further benefits are available to sponsors as outlined on the participation ratecard.

The ministries are extremely keen to meet organisations who can fulfill the requirements of their most pertinent funded projects.

Key Content

The following is a breakdown of the key areas that will be covered by the summit. This includes each ministry specifically detailing their most important contracts and funded projects that require immediate fulfillment.

Communications
• Building secure voice and data communications networks
• Mobile telecommunications infrastructure and equipment
• Microwave transmission systems
• Nationwide fixed line backbone
• Wireless local loop
• LAN and WAN solutions in government buildings

Technology
• Modernisation of IT infrastructure
• Digitising critical data records and the creation of government databases and management systems
• Modernisation of banking and financial databases
• Procurement of IT equipment and services to establish network interfacing of hardware and software
• Establishing uniform software standards
• Implementation of VSAT internet connectivity
• Development of a centralised online procurement system
• IT Training and education

Education
• Implementation of the Education Management Information System (EMIS)
• Building Ministry of Education capacity
• Specialised technology training for Ministry staff and teachers
• Supply of information technology equipment to schools and colleges
• Installation of computer labs in higher education institutes
• Establishing connectivity and internet access in student labs and university campuses
• Development of the Iraqi Virtual Science Library for scientists and educators
• Development of computer literacy and youth-orientated IT-clubs
• Establishment of accredited training centres for programmers and IT students
• Training of IT in education

Each ministry has a set of priority assignments and will be using this official summit to determine the best partners and suppliers to work with. The summit will provide an essential forum for all businesses interested in working with Iraqi Government ministries and quoting on key contracts.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 18, 2006 11:51 AM ∞

---

Okie wrote:

They're talking again....this is a good sign. I understand extreme pressure is being applied to get the HCL approved by years end.
=========================================================================
POL-IRAQ-OIL-KURDISTAN
Maliki, Barzani discuss draft oil law

BAGHDAD, Dec 18 (KUNA) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Monday conferred with a delegation representing the Kurdistan regional government led by Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani discussing a draft law on oil and instruments to put it into effect.

The draft law evolves around transfer of oil revenues to the federal government's treasury, which in turn would distribute them to the country's different regions according to population proportions.

Earlier talks between the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan regional government resulted in an agreement to allocate 17 percent of the state's 2007 budget to Kurdistan. (end) ihm.bz.

-- December 18, 2006 11:55 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Ahmadinejad opponents leading elections
By ALI AKBAR DAREINI, Associated Press Writer Dec 18, 2006

TEHRAN, Iran - Opponents of hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took an early lead in key races in Iran's local elections, according to partial results announced Monday, with moderate conservatives winning control of councils across the country.

If the final results hold — especially in the bellwether capital, Tehran — it will be an embarrassment to Ahmadinejad, whose anti-Israeli rhetoric and unyielding position on Iran's nuclear program have provoked condemnation in the West and moves toward sanctions at the U.N. Security Council.

The incomplete results announced by the Interior Ministry suggested that the winners were mostly moderate conservatives opposed to the hardline president, rather than reformists.

However, reformists, who want to bring a measure of liberalism to Iranian society and improve the country's relationship with the West, were quick to proclaim victory.

The pro-reformist newspaper Etemad-e-Melli said in an editorial: "The most important message of Friday's vote was that the people have chosen moderation and rejected extremism."

A freelance Iranian journalist of reformist sympathies, Iraj Jamshidi, described the vote as "a blow to Ahmadinejad," who was elected in June 2005.

In the key race for Tehran, candidates supporting Mayor Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, a moderate conservative opposed to the president, had taken the lead.

The Interior Ministry said only about 500,000 votes had been counted so far in Tehran, about 20 percent of the expected turnout. Final results, however, were released from all municipal districts outside the capital.

In the southern historical city of Shiraz, as well as in the provincial capitals of Rasht, northern Iran, and Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, not one pro-Ahmadinejad candidate won a seat on the city council.

The partial results indicated, separately, that reformers might be making a partial comeback, after having been suppressed in the parliamentary elections of 2004 when many of their best candidates were barred from running.

Hasan Rowhani, who was Iran's top nuclear negotiator under former President Mohammad Khatami, was elected to the assembly. Ahmadinejad has repeatedly accused Rowhani of being too soft in negotiations with the Europeans.

Turnout overall was more than 60 percent — substantially higher than that of the 2002 local elections when turnout was about 50 percent, and marginally above that of the presidential elections last year when turnout was 59 percent.

Government officials have so far given no comment on the partial results. They were quick, however, to praise the turnout, saying it would send a strong message to the West that Iran is a democracy.

A political analyst, Mostafa Mirzaeian, said Iran's political lineup was changing in favor of more moderate voices — although he stressed those winning were still within the ruling Islamic establishment.

"Results also show that a new coalition has developed between reformers and moderate conservatives, at the expense of hard-line extremists who support Ahmadinejad," he said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061218/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iran_elections

-- December 18, 2006 11:55 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Article confirming the contentions of Carl as fact..
and the likelihood that Obaid's assertions are policy,
though he was fired for expressing them.
Sara.

===

Saudis study finds Shia ‘state’ in Iraq: report
(Reuters)
18 December 2006

WASHINGTON - Iran has effectively created a Shia “state within a state” in Iraq providing both logistical support of armed groups and funds for social programs, The Washington Times reported on Monday citing a security report commissioned by the Saudi government.

The 40-page report says Iranian military forces are providing Shia militias with weapons and training and that Teheran is actively supporting pro-Iranian Iraqi politicians, the newspaper said.

“Where the Americans have failed, the Iranians have stepped in,” it said, quoting the report.

The report described the Badr organization, the armed wing of the biggest party in Iraq’s government SCIRI, as the “key vehicle Iran is using to achieve its military security and intelligence aims,” the newspaper said.

In details on the Sunni insurgency, the report cites Iraqi tribal leaders as saying that it is run mainly by former commanders and high level-military officers of the dismantled Iraqi Ba’athist government.

The article said the report was directed by Nawaf Obaid, who recently was fired after writing an opinion piece in The Washington Post that suggested the Saudi kingdom would back Iraq’s Muslim Sunnis in the event of a wider sectarian conflict.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/middleeast/2006/December/middleeast_December298.xml§ion=middleeast

-- December 18, 2006 12:58 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

An article from www.jacksonville.com

Gingrich calls for Marshall Plan to revive Iraq's devastated economy

By MATT TOWERY, The Times-Union

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

He sees the emergence of aggressive, defiant regimes, coupled with an ungovernable spread of terrorism, as dual threats that make for a holistic threat against world peace and stability.

Gingrich believes President Bush must use his likely upcoming address on Iraq's future to link America's effort there to interrelated threats.

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 he believes a similar plan in Iraq would be a critical adjunct to purely military efforts.

Gingrich became a critic of the handling of the war in 2003, when his basic message was that act one of the military venture, the invasion of Iraq, had gone swimmingly, but that act two had never been written, much less staged.

This Sunday, the former speaker will return to the same television venue where he voiced those concerns three years ago, NBC's Meet The Press. He'll likely revisit those previous comments with host Tim Russert.

Nobody's saying Gingrich's ideas are flawless. Certainly not me, and not even him. Yet it's becoming abundantly clear that Bush intends to stay in Iraq. 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.

If Bush's promised change of direction isolates Iraq as the only world danger, and if he offers only more of the same in fighting that conflict, then Gingrich believes America might as well pull out its troops and quit.

If it comes to that, he says, our nation's weakened "establishment" will have lost its resolve to address the bigger, uglier picture.

That would be the one that could threaten our existence in the years to come.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 18, 2006 1:49 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

I was given this link today by a young person (youth) who thought I would like it.
I thought you might find it a blessing, too. :)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-wo-_Pu0JqA

Sara.

-- December 18, 2006 2:18 PM ∞

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Johan wrote:

BEWARE OF THE IRAQI DINAR SCAM.

1. THIS MONEY IS WORTHLESS.

2. IT WILL REMAIN WORTHLESS.

3. HISTORIC RATES QUOTED BY SELLERS ARE ARTIFICIAL RATES CREATED BY SADDAM.

SAVE YOUR MONEY

-- December 18, 2006 2:34 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

UK four-square behind Iraq: Blair

BAGHDAD: Blair told Maliki that Britain will "stand four square behind you and the Iraqi people in ensuring that your democracy is not destroyed terrorism, by sectarianism by those who wish to live in hatred rather than peace."

Blair on a surprise visit to Iraq said that the task of the international community is to ensure that democracy is not defeated by terrorism.

Blair insisted Iraq has made progress since the 2003 US-led invasion. "The first time I arrived in this country there was no proper functioning democracy. Today there is," Blair said at a joint news conference with Maliki. "Our task -- ours, the Americans, the whole of the coalition, the international community and the Iraqis themselves -- is to make sure that the forces of terrorism don't defeat the will of the people to have a democracy."

The British leader was also meeting President Jalal Talabani and senior US officials.

Blair urged international support for Maliki's 7-month-old Shiite-dominated government, saying there was a "very strong obligation for all countries in the region to be supportive of the (Iraqi) prime minister and his government."

British and Iraqi troops in Basra are currently conducting "Operation Sinbad," a neighbourhood-by-neighborhood sweep aimed at rooting out weapons and militants and launching reconstruction projects.

Blair said the two leaders discussed the situation in Basra. "The operation there for the Iraqi forces to take control of security of the city is going well," he said.

He gave no new details of when troops might be withdrawn.

"It has been our strategy from the beginning with Saddam removed to have a political process that is democratic, to have our forces in support of that democratic process, but as the Iraqi capability grows then to stand our forces down," Blair said.

Blair, who is on a nation-hopping Middle East trip to generate momentum for peace, explicitly linked the violence in Iraq to the fight against international extremism and terrorism, saying the bloodshed was being carried out "by the very forces worldwide who are trying to prevent moderation." "Who is creating the difficulties in Iraq today, who is creating the challenge, who is creating the bloodshed?" he said. "Terrorists, former supporters of Saddam, everyone who doesn't want to see democracy in Iraq."

http://www.godubai.com/gulftoday/article.asp?AID=53&Section=MiddleEast

-- December 18, 2006 2:53 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Johan,

Thanks for the Molotov cocktail. Stop in again and throw us another.

Investing is all about risk. Walt Disney actually went bankrupt before he became a success. If he had your attitude, he would have never have made it. Walt was a visionary who refused to listen to those who told him "you can't do that". Banks laughed at his idea to build a theme park but he refused to quit. The interesting part is that you maybe right but if you are wrong, you will understand what the bankers felt who wouldn't finance Walt. Of course, I'm assuming that you would even notice the RV happening while American Idol is on

It's sad that our public school system is more interested in teaching the principles of Captain Planet rather than our economic system.

-- December 18, 2006 2:59 PM ∞

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Johan wrote:

BEWARE OF THE IRAQI DINAR SCAM.

1. THIS MONEY IS WORTHLESS.

2. IT WILL REMAIN WORTHLESS.

3. HISTORIC RATES QUOTED BY SELLERS ARE ARTIFICIAL RATES CREATED BY SADDAM.

SAVE YOUR MONEY

-- December 18, 2006 3:06 PM ∞

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Robert S wrote:

I was looking back through messages last night and a topic I haven’t seen in a while surfaced. When the RV happens (notice the positive twist I put on that!) what are some ways to keep as much as we can while paying our capital gains tax on the investment? Will the tax be due at the RV or as we take it out. IF we applied for a MasterCard or Visa Card through CBI or Warka or any other banks for that matter and paid the balance through that bank from Iraq would it be subject to the tax? Who says we have to pull it out. Warka pays 6% to leave the Dinar there maybe more in the future. If the money never leaves the country can it be taxed? Just a thought…

-- December 18, 2006 3:10 PM ∞

---

Johan wrote:

BEWARE OF THE IRAQI DINAR SCAM.

1. THIS MONEY IS WORTHLESS.

2. IT WILL REMAIN WORTHLESS.

3. HISTORIC RATES QUOTED BY SELLERS ARE ARTIFICIAL RATES CREATED BY SADDAM.

SAVE YOUR MONEY

-- December 18, 2006 3:31 PM ∞

---

Johan wrote:

BEWARE OF THE IRAQI DINAR SCAM.

1. THIS MONEY IS WORTHLESS.

2. IT WILL REMAIN WORTHLESS.

3. HISTORIC RATES QUOTED BY SELLERS ARE ARTIFICIAL RATES CREATED BY SADDAM.

SAVE YOUR MONEY

-- December 18, 2006 3:41 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

All;

Lately, we have been hearing from those who think, "It's not what you say in your argument, it's how loud you say it." And they obviously think saying it LOUDLY and OVER AND OVER will do the trick. I, for one, am not willing for even ONE person to invest in the Dinar who should not be in it. If anyone viewing this site thinks that those of us who post on this site are here to sell Dinar to anyone, they are gravely mistaken. We are just discussing our investment and how we see Iraq and its future. I really don't care if anyone invests in Dinar or sells back any they have. As a matter of fact, there is a LOT of Dinar being bought up by the Iraqi Central Bank and that is because many think that now is the time to sell it. :) That has been good for the price of the Dinar and I note that Chris' post shows it has appreciated to 1388 today. It is encouraging to see our money appreciating a little bit on a daily basis. Also, the published article saying that it will appreciate in the future by 10% or so is good news. And I loved where "Finance Minister Baqer Solagh said the same year should see the value of the Iraqi dinar surging as a sign of a robust economy." - speaking of next year.

http://www.azzaman.com/english/index.asp?fname=news%5C2006-12-07%5Ckurd2.htm

Rob N's posts today show that the Hydrocarbon Law may be passed soon in Iraq, making it possible for international companies to go develop Iraq's oil fields. We see this as great progress. His other post on Newt Gingrich's discussion of a "Marshall plan" for Iraq I believe to be a good plan and appears to me to be similar to the plans many have said that the Whitehouse is working on (ie The Economic Compact). Economic recovery for Iraq is a continuing goal and hope for the Iraqi people by the coalition.

If someone reading our posts does not believe in Iraq and do not share our hope for GOOD for Iraq's future, but believes in all the "doom and gloom" constant media mantra of defeat or these posters who have negatively posted on this site lately, this is not an investment for you. We are winners, not losers, and expect Iraq to be the same. Most people sit and let life pass them by without signing on or trying anything new. This investment is not for everyone. If anyone out there is thinking of investing, that is your perogative.. do your research on it. WE think it a good investment and a positive contribution to Iraq.. you will always have those who say an investment isn't worth it. Even those who once said not to buy Microsoft products but invest in stable commodities like foodstuffs instead. It is an individual choice.. but one those who have a spirit of adventure and a belief in the future of the Iraqi people are willing to make.

One last thing.. again, addressed to any those who might be thinking of investing in Dinar.. who exactly do you think would have the motivation to try and decry an investment like this? What I mean is.. if I think the Dinar is a good investment and buy it, I am on the positive side. If I don't, I just move on to other things. What "possesses" these negative people to run about deprecating our investment to you? What motivates them to say, "Don't buy it!" What exactly is the investment to them? This, coupled with the incredibly disrespectful tone and downright filthy mouths of many of their posters of late, has to make you wonder about the character of these people who cannot keep their thoughts out of the gutter or from shouting them LOUDLY and OVER AND OVER. In my books, they rate among the undeserving of this blessing from God and are blinded to it.. which is good. We don't really want loud, filthy mouthed (perverse) people like that having any money.. as those with poor characters can use their money in ways which are hurtful to the world. Much better if the truly blessed people financially are the kind of people who would help you out in a fix (like those who believe in helping Iraq), and could do so without sounding like they are harlots seeking customers. If a lady can be discerned by her words, so can a gentleman - I urge you to consider the motivation, source and character of those who are so negative toward investing in the Dinar and are recently spouting off on this site.

Sara.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

Pro 17:20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.
Pro 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, But the perverse tongue will be cut out.
Pro 22:5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them.

-- December 18, 2006 4:06 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Johan:

Thanks for the warning. I am interested to know, how you reached the conclusion that the New Iraqi Dinar is worthless and it will remain worthless.

I take issue with that the Dinar is worthless. I am sure you have noticed Chris's postings regarding the Dinar verses the American dollar. I am sure you noticed the exchange rate is up to 1388 to one U.S. dollar.

I believe history is on the side of those who have invested in Iraq. The U.S. destroyed Japan then rebuilt the country. Today, Japan is one of the strongest economies in the Pacific Rim.

Why would the U.S. invest billions of dollars into a country where the indigenous remain valueless? They would not. It is in the best interest of Iraq to have a currency that has a valid exchange rate against the U.S. dollar.

Because of the billions of dollars invested in Iraq by the U.S. I do not see logically how one could arrive at the conclusion the currency will remain worthless. Iraq wishes a better life for itself and its people. The currency even at 1388 is still horribly undervalued. The way for them to arise from the third world is to revalue their currency and begin pumping lots of oil.

Furthermore, the big oil companies are ready to begin working those oil fields in Iraq. Tell me, how can a currency remain worthless especially when Iraq has the second largest oil reserves in the world and those reserves begin to produce millions of barrels per day.

The only aspect to your posts that are correct is the assertion Saddam artifically set the Dinar exchange rate. This my fried is true. Saddam did not employ economic principle when setting his exchange rate.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 18, 2006 4:21 PM ∞

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dale wrote:

I was just wondering how the dinar is doing against the euro. I see the slow progress to the dollar but I wonder, is it just the dinar gaining or a combination of the dollar losing & dinar gaining strength.
Does anyone know what the exchange rate was to the euro when the NIR was introduced?

I have another question. Europe has the Euro, & I hear mention of a North American currency that would be called an Amero.
What would they call a currency for all of Africa?
The Afro????

-- December 18, 2006 5:26 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Gates: Iraq Failure Would Be 'Calamity'
Dec 18, 2006

Robert Gates assumed the helm at the Pentagon on Monday, saying Iraq is his top priority and warning that failure there would be a "calamity" that would haunt the United States for many years.

"All of us want to find a way to bring America's sons and daughters home again," Gates said after taking the oath of office as defense secretary from Vice President Dick Cheney at a Pentagon ceremony. "But as the president has made clear, we simply cannot afford to fail in the Middle East. Failure in Iraq at this juncture would be a calamity that would haunt our nation, impair our credibility, and endanger Americans for decades to come."

Gates said he intends to travel to Iraq soon to hear the views of U.S. commanders on how to improve the situation, "unvarnished and straight from the shoulder." President Bush called Gates, 63, "the right man" for the multiple challenges the face in Iraq and in the global war on terrorism.

"We are a nation at war," Bush said. "And I rely on our secretary of defense to provide me with the best possible advice and to help direct our nation's armed force as they engage the enemies of freedom around the world. Bob Gates is the right man to take on these challenges. He'll be an outstanding leader for our men and women in uniform."

Besides the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gates faces other immediate challenges. One is the Army's proposal that it be allowed to grow by tens of thousands of soldiers, given the strains it is enduring from the two wars. Rumsfeld had resisted increasing the size of the Army or the Marine Corps; Gates' view is unknown.

Gates was a member of the Iraq Study Group that spent nine months assessing the situation in Iraq and produced recommendations that include phasing out most U.S. combat troops by 2008. Gates left the commission when Bush announced that he had been picked to replace Rumsfeld.

"In my view, all options are on the table, in terms of how we address this problem in Iraq," Gates said at his confirmation hearing.

Gates, a Kansas native, joined the CIA in 1966. He left in 1974 to join the staff of the National Security Council until 1979, when he returned to the spy agency. He rose to deputy director for intelligence in 1982.

His 1987 nomination to head the CIA was scuttled when he was accused of knowing more than he admitted about the Iran-Contra affair. The Reagan administration secretly had sold arms to Iran in hopes of freeing hostages in Lebanon, and used the money to help the Contra rebels in Nicaragua.

Gates went to the White House as President Reagan's deputy national security adviser in 1989, then took over the CIA in 1991. He left Washington in 1993 and since August 2002 has been president of Texas A&M University.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/18/ap/politics/mainD8M3EHR81.shtml

-- December 18, 2006 5:56 PM ∞

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CYMRU001 wrote:

Sara,

"Lately, we have been hearing from those who think, "It's not what you say in your argument, it's how loud you say it." And they obviously think saying it LOUDLY and OVER AND OVER will do the trick. I, for one, am not willing for even ONE person to invest in the Dinar who should not be in it. If anyone viewing this site thinks that those of us who post on this site are here to sell Dinar to anyone, they are gravely mistaken. We are just discussing our investment and how we see Iraq and its future. I really don't care if anyone invests in Dinar or sells back any they have. As a matter of fact, there is a LOT of Dinar being bought up by the Iraqi Central Bank and that is because many think that now is the time to sell it. :)"

I am with you. I agree we are all here because we want to be and we researched the Dinar and asked questions before embarking.

I am dissapointed by those who feel they need to make outrageous claims about lopping or outrageous insults to those who have posted as a means of informing the rest of us. I read insults directed at suzanne by haha earlier today and couldn't write anything which wasn't also insulting toward haha. I was so annoyed that someone could be so abusive to another person trying to help.

I don't understand those like Johan who post without any back-up what-so-ever.

-- December 18, 2006 7:33 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Media Shocker: Newsweek Reports Iraq Economy Booming
Posted by Noel Sheppard on December 18, 2006 - 17:08.

In the midst of all the civil war, quagmire, cataclysmic, doom and gloom reports about Iraq comes a shocking story from an even more shocking source. According to Newsweek, Iraq’s economy is booming (hat tip to Drudge, emphasis mine throughout):

"Civil war or not, Iraq has an economy, and—mother of all surprises—it's doing remarkably well. Real estate is booming. Construction, retail and wholesale trade sectors are healthy, too, according to a report by Global Insight in London. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports 34,000 registered companies in Iraq, up from 8,000 three years ago. Sales of secondhand cars, televisions and mobile phones have all risen sharply. Estimates vary, but one from Global Insight puts GDP growth at 17 percent last year and projects 13 percent for 2006. The World Bank has it lower: at 4 percent this year. But, given all the attention paid to deteriorating security, the startling fact is that Iraq is growing at all."

===end of quote==

Amazed? Shocked? Sound like those who claim that only the negative side of the story is reaching our shores? Well, there’s more: "Iraq is a crippled nation growing on the financial equivalent of steroids, with money pouring in from abroad. National oil revenues and foreign grants look set to total $41 billion this year, according to the IMF. With security improving in one key spot—the southern oilfields—that figure could go up."

And more:

"Even so, there's a vibrancy at the grass roots that is invisible in most international coverage of Iraq. Partly it's the trickle-down effect. However it's spent, whether on security or something else, money circulates. Nor are ordinary Iraqis themselves short on cash. After so many years of living under sanctions, with little to consume, many built up considerable nest eggs—which they are now spending. That's boosted economic activity, particularly in retail. Imported goods have grown increasingly affordable, thanks to the elimination of tariffs and trade barriers. Salaries have gone up more than 100 percent since the fall of Saddam, and income-tax cuts (from 45 percent to just 15 percent) have put more cash in Iraqi pockets. "The U.S. wanted to create the conditions in which small-scale private enterprise could blossom," says Jan Randolph, head of sovereign risk at Global Insight. "In a sense, they've succeeded."

Consider some less formal indicators. Perhaps the most pervasive is the horrendous Iraqi traffic jams. Roadside bombs account for fewer backups than the sheer number of secondhand cars that have crowded onto the nation's roads—five times as many in Baghdad as before the war. Cheap Chinese goods overflow from shop shelves, and store owners report quick turnover. Real-estate prices have risen several hundred percent, suggesting that Iraqis are more optimistic about the future than most Americans are.

Unbelievable! Think any of this will be front-page news or the lead story for the Nets some time soon? Or, will that have to wait until there’s a Democrat in the White House that can take all the credit?

http://newsbusters.org/node/9726

-- December 18, 2006 7:34 PM ∞

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Welshmen are all idiots wrote:

BEWARE OF THE IRAQI DINAR SCAM.

1. THIS MONEY IS WORTHLESS.

2. IT WILL REMAIN WORTHLESS.

3. HISTORIC RATES QUOTED BY SELLERS ARE ARTIFICIAL RATES CREATED BY SADDAM.

SAVE YOUR MONEY

-- December 18, 2006 7:53 PM ∞

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Johan wrote:

NO SHIT?

-- December 18, 2006 8:09 PM ∞

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JPF wrote:

I've been reading this post for a while and it sounds like some pretty sharp people who have some dinar as do I. I am just wondering where these shouting morons come from telling us we are all idiots? Are they just not bright enough to see what is about to happen or mad because they don't have the money to buy dinar? I think we all have made a good investment and we will have the last laugh... :)

-- December 18, 2006 8:17 PM ∞

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Maximus wrote:

I suggest reading this before you call shouting morons.

http://www.kurdishaspect.com/doc1213107.html

-- December 18, 2006 8:39 PM ∞

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JPF wrote:

ok-read the article and got no relevant info except a quote from a guy at money mart? kinda like a convenience store? LOL

-- December 18, 2006 9:05 PM ∞

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JPF wrote:

but i did get this from the article-more talk about a revalue....."Mr. Ali Abdullah of the Bank of Harem (The Regional Bank) says that attempts to raise the value of the dinar are not something new, but many preparations have been made in order for the plan to go ahead. He says that the decision was made to overcome the economic crises in Iraq."

-- December 18, 2006 9:08 PM ∞

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hackett wrote:

Johan why dont you go play with your dolls and let the grown ups talk!

-- December 18, 2006 9:19 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Maximus:

Regardless of some short term set backs in local economies. A strong Dinar is in the best of interest of the country. As a matter proof, we have continued to see the Dinar rise in value against the dollar.

I believe the Central Bank is ready to adopt an aggressive monetary policy regarding the Dinar. If each family is to receive a loan of 10,000 Dinars an equivalent to $6,600 U.S. dollars in order to start free enterprise businesses will signal to the sheiks and clerics of the Middle East that the GoI and the CBI are dedicated to a free Iraq marked by peace and prosperity.

George W. Bush in contrast to political the political rhetoric is on the right course in Iraq. This is not to say some tweaking could not possibly improve the situation. With the help of the U.S., Iraq will be on its way to becoming a strong ally to the U.S. in the region.

I beleive history is on the side of George W. Bush earlier today I mentioned Japan. Allow me to mention West Germany and South Korea. South Korea is also a bright spot on the Asian continent. While there is not a West Germany any longer, the successes a unified Germany has had can be credited back to the U.S. involvment in WWII and pouring resources into the Western half of Germany.

I have grown tired quite quickly of the naysayers and the liberals posting here spouting their defeatest persective. I am puzzled to understand why anyone would not want Iraq to succeed.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 18, 2006 9:26 PM ∞

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Johan wrote:

BEWARE OF THE IRAQI DINAR SCAM.

1. THIS MONEY IS WORTHLESS.

2. IT WILL REMAIN WORTHLESS.

3. HISTORIC RATES QUOTED BY SELLERS ARE ARTIFICIAL RATES CREATED BY SADDAM.

SAVE YOUR MONEY

-- December 18, 2006 9:41 PM ∞

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JPF wrote:

Johan,
Don't you have some Crayola crayons or finger paints to play with so you can let the grown-ups talk? I think you are on the wrong forum-look for Sesame Street or something like that-bye bye now

-- December 18, 2006 9:51 PM ∞

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Neil wrote:

Johan, Hisq Quan & B Jackson:

I believe that you three are part of that group of "Queers" that were posting that demented s--- a few weeks back.

Why don't you three go find a desolate alley somewhere and do whatever Queers do to each other and stay out of the way of decent people. We have intelligent, wholesome and tolerant people on this site and your posts are just something to scroll past.

-- December 18, 2006 10:45 PM ∞

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Paul wrote:

This type of thing happens all the time in the stock market. When a stock starts to take off, all the people that didn't have the guts to buy in, or were late to the party. Start to cry about what a bad investment this is in the hopes that others will sell and miss the boat.
It is very obvious that the dinar is slowly and consistantly moving in the right direction. The more I see these negative posts, the more confident I am about my investment in the dinar.

-- December 18, 2006 11:11 PM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

Interesting, these artificial rates created by Sadam were from BEFORE Sadam came to power.... he is really something else to create those rates BEFORE he took power. Can you elaborate on that for me please? Maybe I should sell my 4 mil Dinar for some magic beans since the sky is falling.

-- December 18, 2006 11:32 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Rob
Its called baiting....react accordingly

-- December 19, 2006 6:24 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Sara:
I was willing to give Iraqslogger the benefit of the doubt...and watch what they printed or picked to be printed in their site...
You are correct...mainly left wing...
Should have known...the CEO and presdent of the company that produces the site came from CNN.
Found no news at all regarding the Iraqi stock exchange, economy, etc...

-- December 19, 2006 6:39 AM ∞

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CYMRU001 wrote:

I would like to know who the brave person is who thinks all welshmen are idiots?

Maybe you could be either brave enough to let us know who you are and we'll discuss your reasons for thinking we are idiots, or, you could crawl back under your stone and think of someone else to annoy away from this board.

-- December 19, 2006 7:27 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(829)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 829 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2006 / 12/ 19 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 8 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1380 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1378 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 10.605.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 10.880.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 10.605.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 10.880.000 -----

-- December 19, 2006 7:37 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

I think many are on the right track as far as Johan and some of the others are concerned.

I'm sitting here looking at my calendar. College exams are over. The students have moved back home and for those who couldn't land a Christmas job, things must be getting kind of boring so, adolescents do what is fun and try to be outrageous by getting a rise out of the adults around. The internet is just one big romper room.

When I was in college I watched the same maturity level run down the dorm hallway shooting fire extinguishers at each other.

Paul,

Your remark about the stocks rising and the complainers is an interesting one. Think you are right.

-- December 19, 2006 8:08 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Chris!

Did you realize that the auction prices you quoted show another big RISE in the price of the Dinar? :)

I have been hearing speculation that maybe this is part of a trend upward.. yesterday 8 points, then today.. where will it end? :)

Someone calculated that it was about 6 dollars a million Dinar it has risen. But it seems it is keeping on rising, and did you notice, they almost took in as much as they put out.. yet it rose! THAT says something about the worth of the Dinar. Things are looking interesting!

Sara.

The 829 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2006 / 12/ 19 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 8 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1380 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1378 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 10.605.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 10.880.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 10.605.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 10.880.000 -----

-- December 19, 2006 9:15 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Sara,

I hope the trend continues but we have a long way to go. The real question is

What is the target destination?

Regardless, the move is in the right direction

-- December 19, 2006 9:34 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Enclosed is an article from www.dinartrade.com

In what might be called the mother of all surprises, Iraq's economy is growing strong, even booming in places

Source: MSNBC

It may sound unreal, given the daily images of carnage and chaos. But for a certain plucky breed of businessmen, there's good money to be made in Iraq. Consider Iraqna, the leading mobile-phone company. For sure, its quarterly reports seldom make for dull reading. Despite employees kidnapped, cell-phone towers bombed, storefronts shot up and a huge security budget—up to four guards for each employee—the company posted revenues of $333 million in 2005. This year, it's on track to take in $520 million. The U.S. State Department reports that there are now 7.1 million mobile-phone subscribers in Iraq, up from just 1.4 million two years ago. Says Wael Ziada, an analyst in Cairo who tracks Iraqna: "There will always be pockets of money and wealth, no matter how bad the situation gets."

Civil war or not, Iraq has an economy, and—mother of all surprises—it's doing remarkably well. Real estate is booming. Construction, retail and wholesale trade sectors are healthy, too, according to a report by Global Insight in London. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports 34,000 registered companies in Iraq, up from 8,000 three years ago. Sales of secondhand cars, televisions and mobile phones have all risen sharply. Estimates vary, but one from Global Insight puts GDP growth at 17 percent last year and projects 13 percent for 2006. The World Bank has it lower: at 4 percent this year. But, given all the attention paid to deteriorating security, the startling fact is that Iraq is growing at all.

How? Iraq is a crippled nation growing on the financial equivalent of steroids, with money pouring in from abroad. National oil revenues and foreign grants look set to total $41 billion this year, according to the IMF. With security improving in one key spot—the southern oilfields—that figure could go up.

Not too shabby, all things considered. Yes, Iraq's problems are daunting, to say the least. Unemployment runs between 30 and 50 percent. Many former state industries have all but ceased to function. As for all that money flowing in, much of it has gone to things that do little to advance the country's future. Security, for instance, gobbles up as much as a third of most companies' operating budgets, whereas what Iraq really needs are hospitals, highways and power-generating plants.

Even so, there's a vibrancy at the grass roots that is invisible in most international coverage of Iraq. Partly it's the trickle-down effect. However it's spent, whether on security or something else, money circulates. Nor are ordinary Iraqis themselves short on cash. After so many years of living under sanctions, with little to consume, many built up considerable nest eggs—which they are now spending. That's boosted economic activity, particularly in retail. Imported goods have grown increasingly affordable, thanks to the elimination of tariffs and trade barriers. Salaries have gone up more than 100 percent since the fall of Saddam, and income-tax cuts (from 45 percent to just 15 percent) have put more cash in Iraqi pockets. "The U.S. wanted to create the conditions in which small-scale private enterprise could blossom," says Jan Randolph, head of sovereign risk at Global Insight. "In a sense, they've succeeded."

Consider some less formal indicators. Perhaps the most pervasive is the horrendous Iraqi traffic jams. Roadside bombs account for fewer backups than the sheer number of secondhand cars that have crowded onto the nation's roads—five times as many in Baghdad as before the war. Cheap Chinese goods overflow from shop shelves, and store owners report quick turnover. Real-estate prices have risen several hundred percent, suggesting that Iraqis are more optimistic about the future than most Americans are.

There's even a positive spin to be put on corruption. Money stolen from government coffers or siphoned from U.S. aid projects does not just disappear. Again, says Farid Abolfathi, a Global Insight analyst, it's the "trickledown" effect. Such "underground activity" is the most dynamic part of Iraq's economy, he says. "It might not be viewed as respectable. But in reality, that's what puts money in the hands of the little people."

Meanwhile, Iraq's official economic institutions are making progress, improbable as that might sound in the context of savage sectarian violence and a seemingly complete breakdown of leadership and law. Yet it's a fact. A government often accused of being no government at all has somehow managed to take its first steps to liberalize the highly centralized economy of the Saddam era. Iraq has a debt-relief deal with the IMF that requires Baghdad to end subsidies and open up its gas-import market. Earlier this year the government made the first hesitant steps, axing fuel subsidies—and sending prices from a few cents a liter to around 14. "This has become one important way of institutionally engaging with Iraq," says economist Colin Rowat at the University of Birmingham. "If you lose that engagement, then that means a lot more people have given up on Iraq."

It goes without saying: real progress won't be seen until the security situation clears up. Iraq still lacks a functioning banking system. Though there's an increasing awareness of Iraq as a potential emerging market, foreign investors won't make serious commitments until they are assured a measure of stability. Local moneymen are scarcely more bullish on the long term. In Iraq's nascent bond market, buyers have so far been willing to invest in local-currency Treasury bills with terms up to six months, max.

Iraqna isn't the only success story. There is also Nipal, a money-transfer service that is the backbone of Iraq's cash economy, as well as a slew of successful construction firms in Kurdistan. Such companies are not waiting for Iraq's political crisis to resolve itself. Yet imagine how they would prosper if it did, and how quickly they would be joined by others. As things stand, Iraqna faces extraordinary difficulties. It builds towers but lives in constant fear that they will be blown up. It has to be careful about whom it hires, or where it assigns people to work. Whether Sunni or Shia, it doesn't matter; criminal gangs and militias regularly try to kidnap employees to hold them hostage for ransom, regardless of ethnicity. As for long-range planning? Forget it, says Ziada, the Cairo analyst. "It's a terrible situation for any company."

But again, that's the remarkable thing. In a business climate that is inhospitable, to say the least, companies like Iraqna are thriving. The withdrawal of a certain great power could drastically reduce the foreign money flow, and knock the crippled economy flat.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 19, 2006 9:34 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Chris:
I believe it was the CBE that stated their 2007 budget is based on 1260
Some reports said 10% adjustment at 1477 so you can do the math..
Some project 1000
CBI came back and said...don't know...can't predict auction..

-- December 19, 2006 9:46 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Chris:

Let us hope the target destination where 10,000 dinars equals $6,600 U.S. You are right we are still a long way off.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 19, 2006 9:48 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carl;

The mainstream media noted that the internet caused people to stop feeding at their trough and begin to take in other viewpoints. They started to lose influence over the minds of people who began to see their viewpoints from a more critical perspective. So, they decided to create their own "bloggers" to offset those who were blogging opposite views to the mainstream. Now you can find an absolute proliferation of "bloggers" linked to the mainstream media pages (check out CNN for their links, mainpage). People can FEEL like they are going to a person who is not mainstream (a blogger) but in reality they are people who spout the same words as the MSM, many times employed by and spun off the MSM, like an editorial page is. Clever tactic to make people THINK they are getting independent thinking when they are not.

This site Iraqslogger is the same, a pretend independent site really sponsored by big brother media (the MSM). They toe the line of PC behavior pretty strongly. But if sites like this can siphon off a few into thinking they are getting something new and independent.. then they will keep them in the "loop" of their viewpoints and help them not to see the conservative views of others, they think. I am hoping the net savvy are smarter than the dummy sites and leftist MSM blog sites.. but I note that Time Magazine's "person of the year".. is YOU! And when you look closer.. they name the net bloggers.. and then list three of them.. amazingly TWO of the three hard-news members are hardcore leftist mainstream media influencers and NONE (as in NOT ONE) is from a right political viewpoint. No change or diversity of thought there.
QUOTE:

Time named as "You" everyone trying to influence the world just a bit from their keyboard. That would include, to a miniscule degree, yours truly, and, again of course, many people who are reading this post.

Oh-so-predictably, two of the three "hard-news" members of the magazine's "15 citizens of the digital democracy" are influencers from the left side; none are from the right --

http://newsbusters.org/node/9705
===end of quote===

So again, the media pats itself on the back and calls itself "independent" in thinking.. while totally IGNORING the real news and any right or conservative perspective.. IGNORING "little" things like the economy of Iraq and the progress happening there, or the humanity and goodness of the troops. Instead, they trump up charges against those who were not even there to commit the crime.. smearing works so very well.

Case in point:

US Marine to be charged over Iraq deaths
Tuesday Dec 19 13:11 AEDT

AP - A Marine captain will be criminally charged in connection with the killing of 24 civilians in the Iraqi town of Haditha, his lawyer said.

Captain Lucas McConnell, 31, was told by his commanding officer that he will be charged with dereliction of duty, said Kevin McDermott, his attorney.

"We're just absolutely clueless as to what kind of dereliction of duty he could have committed," he said, adding that his client was not present during the killings.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=150532

Even though he was not present for the operation.. they will find some way to accuse and fling dirt at the troops.. won't they? Then their MSM bloggers and sites like Iraqslogger which are owned by leftist media influencers can pick it up and echo their sentiments.. so that the undiscerning can think this is the way it is and that everyone agrees with them.. when in reality, it is not true.

A democracy is the rule of the people through their representatives based on what they think is the best for the country. If the MSM control the minds of the masses and tells them what is the best for the country - in effect monopolizing their views and telling them how to vote - the rich controllers of the MSM gain real political power. And frankly.. this is all about power.

http://www.image-upload.net/files/15/2006-12-15.png

Sara.

-- December 19, 2006 10:22 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Oh.. did I mention that the MSM does not report any POSITIVE NEWS out of Iraq?

http://truckandbarter.com/mt/archives/2006/09/iraqi_dinar_dis_5.html#126982

http://newsbusters.org/node/9634

Sara.

-- December 19, 2006 10:34 AM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carl;

I also found this interesting from the same article,
QUOTE:

Additionally, Time errs in overstating the "digital democracy's" influence:

You control the Information Age. Welcome to your world.

You control the media now, and the world will never be the same.

http://newsbusters.org/node/9705

===end of quote==

They are trying to say that by going to their MSM bloggers who tell the public the same old story, they are suddenly "in control of the world." and in control of "the information age."

Delusions of grandeur or what? Truly delusional..

Is it really 'YOUR world' and do you really 'control the media' or are they still in control of the minds of the people while slyly giving them the same diet of MSM leftist news and views through their bloggers and dummy "alternate" sites?

You decide.

Sara.

-- December 19, 2006 10:46 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

The Marlboro Man Lie...

I think it is just like the advertisers did with selling Marlboro cigarettes.
They didn't show someone dying of lung cancer...
they showed a rugged cowboy - the Marlboro man..
"He's handsome and rugged. He lives in a world of galloping horses, open spaces and blood red sunsets. He's the Marlboro Man."

The actual reality was far different, just as the war on terror with its forefront in Iraq is truly far different from the way the MSM portrays it.
QUOTE:

"While a government ban couldn't kill the Marlboro Man, the instrument that ended up doing the trick was the product itself. Two Marlboro men, Wayne McLaren and David McLean, died of lung cancer, but not before McLaren could testify in favor of anti-smoking legislation."

http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/patc/marlboroman/

What "lung cancer" will the public end up with by believing this set of lies about the war effort.. ??
Will they take the MSM fluff about it not being a war on terror and our ability to pull out with no repercussions?
Will they end up having nuclear bombs going off inside the US because they didn't believe nor address the REAL threat but believed in a fiction of media and advertising strategy to keep up their readership and liberal viewpoint.. just like the Marlboro man who led many into cigarettes which shortened their lives and caused many deaths?

2Pe 2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

Sara.

-- December 19, 2006 11:43 AM ∞

---

Turtle wrote:

Sara: You've been coming up with some great articles. The Mustard gas find was one of the things I thought was still confidential. 500 rounds... Have you researched the damage a single mustard tipped 155 round can do? That stuff is nasty. There may have been more stuff found but I have ot wait for more news articles. Again, what do people call WMDs? Just imagine if some farmer had been selling those rounds to insurgents. The race they described is why I think we cannot afford to fall back into out bases.

Chris: I love seeing these jumps.

The interesting thing is that 1260 was the budget. Of course, so was $50/barrel of oil as I recall. That sounds like an absolute minimum to me.

-- December 19, 2006 1:41 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Article posted on Google today

The rise in the value of the dinar

The high price of the new currency has revived hopes prosperous economic future.

Written by : * Aqil Jabbar Baghdad

Despite the emergence of the pictures of car bombs and shootings and angry demonstrators in Iraq through Arab television screens every night, remains businessmen in the region, betting on the future economic prosperity of the country, which has been ravaged by war.

That at least, is the word one of the Iraqis, who stated that the rush to buy the new Iraqi dinar, lies in the high value from 1,650 to the highest value of one thousand per dollar within two days only.

"He hailed Abbas, the director of the Gulf banking company in Baghdad, "The Jordanian businessmen were selling large amounts of dollars to buy new Iraqi money."

And the same thing is happening in Basra, except that the Kuwaitis are buying. As the morning assurances of the banking company in the southern port.

As stated in the report issued by the Egyptian government newspaper Al-Ahram had the businessmen to buy dinars, with the exception that Iraq's oil wealth in the end is the reason for the high value of the currency.

The rocket rise of the value of the Iraqi currency impact of the new expiry of the circulation of the old dinars, which bore the face of Saddam Hussein in the 15 / January, which paved the way for the new securities issued last October.

He said Mohaned Rahim, Director of Auto Fair opened, "we used to use the dollar to buy cars from Jordan and the UAE, and now after printing the new currency, and the companies agreed to export cars to Iraq for the Iraqi money."

The rise also came with the beginning of the pilgrimage season, which is traditionally a very bleak time for the Arab currencies, as pilgrims heading saying goodbye for the last time to change the dollar to be spent in Saudi Arabia.

But this year, the new Iraqi dinar currency of choice for the pilgrims.

"Mustafa said Abdul Razak Mihdawi, director of a company specialized in Mecca pilgrimage trips, "I have agreed to do the Saudi government trade exchange with the Iraqis in Iraqi currency. "

Currently used by the dinar and the dollar in the stores Iraq, and this change from the recent past, where the American currency typically used to buy expensive imported goods such as electronics.

He said Ali Osman Alvtlaoui, an employee in the company grains in the public sector "that the decline in the dollar benefit each citizen receives his salary in Iraqi currency, as this will allow him to buy anything sold the largest dollar value." The Alvtlaoui "was a video CDs sold at a price previously (60) thousand Iraqi dinars, while today is not equivalent to more than (46) thousand dinars."

However, Seif Motaz who works as an interpreter with the American army, complained that the interview of (450) net worth had declined to slightly more than half of the previous value. He said, "if the dollar continued to fall I will have to look for other work dinars."

However, the last time people looked at things Bqiasathm, Vitzkron last days before inflation in the Penal Code, when the dinar is equal to more than three dollars.

He said Rasul Al-Hammadi of age (65) years, "I hope that the value of the dinar itself, which was in the 1960s and 1970s. Each time high dinar, good things happen to Iraq and the Iraqi economy. "

-- December 19, 2006 1:54 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Further to that story on the troops, I thought this good, with comments about the MSM coverage to come:

Lawyer: Marine Captain To Be Charged In Haditha Case

From a joyous Associated Press:

Marine to Be Charged in Haditha Case
Lawyer Says Marine Captain Will Be Charged in Haditha Case
By THOMAS WATKINS

SAN DIEGO - A Marine captain has been told he will be criminally charged in connection with the killing of 24 civilians in the Iraqi town of Haditha, his attorney said Monday.

"We’re just absolutely clueless as to what kind of dereliction of duty he could have committed," he said, adding that his client was not present during the killings.

The Marine Corps initially reported that 15 civilians died in a roadside-bomb blast. Citing survivor accounts and human rights groups, a media report in March said that the killings were deliberate acts by the Marines, prompting the criminal investigation.

A parallel military investigation has examined whether officers in the Marines’ chain of command tried to cover up the events. Results have not been made public.

The killing began when a roadside bomb struck the last of a four-vehicle convoy containing a 12-Marine squad and several Iraqi soldiers. Driver Lance Cpl. Miguel Terrazas died in the blast and two other Marines were seriously wounded.

In the events that followed, two dozen Iraqis were killed. Five men were shot to death when they approached the scene in a taxi, and others including women and children died in three houses over the next several hours.

Neal Puckett, a defense attorney for squad leader Staff Sgt. Frank D. Wuterich, has described the events of the day as a tragic but lawful combat engagement.

The criminal case will focus on whether the Marines were responding to perceived threats with legitimate force, or if the troops went too far and acted outside their rules of combat.

====end of quote===

One would hope he will get a fair trial. But it is hard to see how.

The local "witnesses" seem to be pathological liars by nature. And as far as I know, the families are still preventing the exhumation of the bodies for forensic study.

Add to that the overwhelming pressure from our one party media to convict somebody, anybody for this — to get another notch in their belts.

God help him and the rest of the accused.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/lawyer-marine-captain-to-be-charges-in-haditha-case

Accused not present AND no forensic studies,
along with lying witnesses.. based on hearsay?
Hmmm.. how fair do you think it is?

-- December 19, 2006 4:16 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Gunmen in military garb rob Baghdad bank; Iraq executes 13 prisoners
Published: Tuesday, December 19, 2006

BAGHDAD (AP) - Gunmen in military uniforms robbed government accountants as they left a Baghdad bank with bags of cash on Tuesday in the second such heist in eight days, and 13 Iraqi convicts were executed in a Baghdad jail.

Gunmen in four vehicles drove up to the Zuwiyah Bank in Baghdad's Karradah neighbourhood and fired automatic weapons in the air, then handcuffed guards and robbed accountants who had walked out of the bank with money.

The thieves escaped with more than one billion Iraqi dinars (almost C$817,000), police said.

In other news Tuesday:

-U.S.-led forces killed two insurgents in Fallujah and another in eastern Baghdad, and captured two suspected insurgents near Ramadi, the U.S. military said.

-The U.S. military announced it discovered several weapons caches south of Samarra on Saturday, including artillery and mortar rounds, rockets, dynamite, sniper rifles and machine-guns.

-Police in Diyala province east of Baghdad said five insurgents were killed Tuesday in clashes with U.S. troops north of Baqouba, and two Iraqi policemen were killed when insurgents attacked their patrol in that city.

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=6fc91c32-9fb7-4d04-ab85-14a2c473b77f&k=59543

-- December 19, 2006 4:21 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Why Has AP Revised November 28 'Burning Six' Story?
Posted by Al Brown on December 19, 2006 - 15:42.

Curt at Flopping Aces notes that the Associated Press has quietly changed the copy of their November 28 response to questions about the "burning six" story. And the Google cached version apparently has been changed, as well.

The AP angrily rejected criticism of its story about six Sunni men being dragged from prayer and burned alive after CENTCOM, the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior, and bloggers questioned the identity of "police captain Jamil Hussein," their chief source for the story. CENTCOM and the MOI say that no such person is listed as a police captain. Hussein had previously been quoted by the AP in more than sixty stories over the past two years.

After Confederate Yankee noticed that the page briefly went down, an unacknowledged paragraph rewrite appeared:

"AP reporters who have been working in Iraq throughout the conflict learned of the mosque incident through witnesses and later corroborated it with police."

USA Today still has the original copy posted:

"AP reporters who have been working in Iraq throughout the conflict learned of the mosque incident through witnesses and neighborhood residents and corroborated it with a named police spokesmen and also through hospital and morgue workers."

The "neighbors" and "hospital and morgue workers" copy has been expunged.

Why would the Associated Press try to change the record on a controversial story, especially one in which the AP's sourcing has come into question?

Comments:

taznar Says:
December 19, 2006 - 16:23

Quoted in more than 60 stories in two years. The AP has had contact with him on such a regular basis and now, suddenly, he can't be found. That alone says a lot.

http://newsbusters.org/node/9749

-- December 19, 2006 4:37 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

The "new" strategy proposed for Iraq...
or is it an old one?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w77sLtz754

-- December 19, 2006 4:48 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Let the troops speak themselves -
from Fox News Bill O'Reilly (who just returned from Iraq) - see his trip log:

http://msunderestimated.com/BillWTroops121806.wmv

-- December 19, 2006 5:07 PM ∞

---

Okie wrote:

Seems to be a lot going on behind closed doors. Also read where additional troops are being sent into Kuwait.
I think it's wise to be prepared for any surprises. I hope the little pencil neck geek in Iran is getting the message.

============================================================================================================
US plans major Gulf build-up
19 Dec, 2006 2318hrs IST REUTERS

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon is planning a major build-up of American naval forces in and around the Gulf region as a warning to Iran, according to a CBS News report on Monday.

A senior American defence department official told Reuters the report was "premature" and appeared to be drawing "conclusions from assumptions."

The official did not know of plans for a major change in naval deployment.

Another US defence department official called the report "speculative" and a Pentagon spokeswomen declined to comment.

Citing unidentified military officers, CBS said the plan called for the deployment of a second US aircraft carrier
to join the one already in the region.

The network said the buildup, which would begin in January, had not aimed at an attack on Iran but to discourage what US officials view as increasingly provocative acts by Tehran.

The report said Iranian naval exercises in the Gulf, its support for Shia militias in Iraq and Iran's nuclear programme were causes for concern among American officials.

-- December 19, 2006 7:17 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Okie - from "the pencil geek in Iran"
who, quite obviously, does NOT get the message you are intending him to:

Ahmadinejad Says Jesus Would Be On His Side Against US

Today’s dose of bluster from Ahmadinejad via Israel’s YNet News:
Ahmadinejad: What would Jesus do today?
Iranian president in New Year’s message to Christians: ‘God willing, Jesus will return with Imam Mahdi and wipe away oppression’
Yaakov Lappin
12.19.06, 16:57

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sent a greeting to the world’s Christians for the coming New Year, in which he has linked Christianity’s deity, Jesus, with the Shiite messianic figure, Imam Mahdi, saying he expected both to return and "wipe away oppression."

"I wish all the Christians a very happy new year and I wish to ask them a question as well," the Iranian leader said, according to the Iranian Student News Agency.

"My one question from the Christians is: What would Jesus do if he were present in the world today? What would he do before some of the oppressive powers of the world who are in fact residing in Christian countries? Which powers would he revive and which of them would he destroy?" the Iranian president asked.

"If Jesus were present today, who would be facing him and who would be following him?" He added.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/ahmadinejad-says-jesus-would-be-on-his-side-against-us

My thoughts:

In light of his recently going down to political defeat in his own country..
we can see which power God revived and which he deposed, in my opinion.

It isn't IF Jesus were present.. He IS, and He's working - as the results attest.
More to come..

Sara.

Other comments:

Steve Gilbert
December 19th, 2006 at 11:23 am

It’s clear Mr. Ahmadinejad is caught up in the Christmas spirit.

But how would Muslims react if Mr. Bush claimed that Allah (or even his stooge/prophet Mohammad) would destroy Muslim countries and their leaders if he returned to earth?

Heads would roll.

Gila Monster
December 19th, 2006 at 1:32 pm

Ahmamadjihadi is definitely tripping the light fantastic. This clown reads like a 60’s LSD experiment gone horribly wrong.

And Dhimmicrats continue to insist that Iran has nothing to do with terrorist activities in Iraq. “But we must involve them in the peace process”, they clamor.
The only way I would involve Iran is at the business end of a nuclear warhead detonated right above Ahmamadjihadi’s head.

1sttofight
December 19th, 2006 at 1:51 pm

Who said muslims dont do drugs?

englishqueen01
December 19th, 2006 at 5:48 pm

Further proof that Ahmadinejad is really a Democrat in disguise. Both invoke the name of Jesus when it suits them.

I wonder what Jesus would do to those who wish to murder his followers en-masse?

-- December 19, 2006 8:30 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Perhaps Mr. Ahmadinejad should note
this salute to gospel music from the Whitehouse
which has some of those very followers of Jesus...
asking their deity/God - Jesus - to BLESS THE USA..

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-ydjcIOEV_I

Obviously.. they, like I -
do think that in answer to his questions:

"Which powers would he revive and which of them would he destroy?"
"who would be facing him and who would be following him?"

that the answer is - Jesus would be on the side of the USA!
Or they would not be asking His BLESSING on America.
Something I, too, ask my Lord Jesus Christ for.. with all my heart.

Sara.

-- December 19, 2006 8:51 PM ∞

---

anonymous wrote:

The Marlboro Man, the symbol of rugged American masculinity, was played by a number of men, over the years. There was not just one. Christian Haren was one of them. He died in 1996, in San Francisco, of lung related complications of AIDs. He worked for many years as an AIDs activist.

-- December 19, 2006 9:02 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

May we not be so ignorant as he was, anonymous, that we must die due to ingesting that which only appears outwardly to be "macho" and "cool" and the right thing to do (Politically Correct) -- following the false portrayal, instead of listening to the less popular, cold and hard facts which led to his getting lung cancer and the shortening of his life.

The hard facts led to a very different conclusion in his life than is reached by an outward look at the Marlboro Man slick advertisements - It actually led toward death for those following that glimmering path, and not listening to the FACTS of where that path was actually taking him and all those who followed him.

There is a lesson there for those who follow the glittering path of slick MSM advertising ploys, ten minute leftist newsbytes, leftist "blog sites" and "alternate" but completely MSM-commensurate (agreeing) newsplaces on the net - ignoring the true facts and perspective.. if only they would see.

Sara.

-- December 19, 2006 9:24 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

From my AOL home page

Bush Asks New Defense Chief for Buildup Plan
President Wants to Increase the Number of Troops in Iraq
By ROBERT BURNS, AP

WASHINGTON (Dec. 19) - A White House laboring to find a new approach in Iraq said Tuesday it is considering sending more U.S. troops, an option that worries top generals because of its questionable payoff and potential backlash. President Bush said he is ready to boost the overall size of an American military overstretched by its efforts against worldwide terrorism.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 19, 2006 10:34 PM ∞

---

Tim Bitts wrote:

Here's a good website, for an objective, pro-military reporter,(a rare thing) who actually looks and sees with his eyes, and talks to people, in Iraq, rather than do like all the chicken shit dishonest, unprofessional idiot reporters who drink whiskey, in the Green Zone, at the Bagdhad Hilton, where a lot of so called news from Iraq comes from. He has lived and travelled extensively in Iraq, and says the Americans are definitely winning there. Anyhow, have a look: www.billroggio.com

-- December 19, 2006 11:15 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Tim Bitts;

That site is a keeper.. an example article I found:

The Military and The Media - The divide grows

FALLUJAH, IRAQ: I've completed the first leg of the journey to Iraq, after having moved through Dubai, Kuwait and Baghdad. I am now at Camp Fallujah. While in Fallujah, I'll embed with a Marine Police Transition Team (PTT) and also meet with the Civil Affairs Group. The next stop will be Ramadi.

Here is a brief overview of some of the discussions I had with those I met while shuttling around Kuwait and Iraq.

Ali Al Salem:

At the transient tent (where you get to sleep and store your gear while waiting), I spoke to an Explosive Ordinance and Demolitions (EOD) contractor. These are the guys that blow up the leftover explosives and munitions from the Saddam era. He told me about how the media isn't telling the full story about the nature of the enemy, and specifically complained about the manipulation and distortion of the Kay report. He said he's run across bunkers and the equipment and chemical precursors to WMD buried in the deserts of western Iraq.

During a smoke break, an Army private discussed his time in Balad. He said mortars (which are blind-fired) are the greatest threat his unit faces. Not IEDs, I asked? Nope. While waiting to board the flight to BIAP, a Marine Major complained about how the progress in western Iraq has virtually gone unnoticed, and was furious over the characterization of the Devlin report on Anbar province. I gave him my card.

BIAP:

I had the pleasure being the only person on the shuttle bus from BIAP to Camp Stryker, and the driver, an Army specialist, struck up a conversation with me. I needed a SIM chip for my cell phone so I could call the States and in Iraq, so he took me across the base on some extremely bumpy roads looking for a place that sold them. During the drive, he explained his forays into Sadr City, how the residents were largely hostile to U.S. forces, and some engagements he's encountered. Yet he spoke admirably of the Iraqi people. He said they were hard working and willing to fight, and hoped we wouldn't abandon the Iraqi people.

We couldn't find an open store that sold the SIM chip, so he kindly offered to give me his as he knew I was desperate. I paid him for the card and a little extra to call home. He said he'll get a new card tomorrow.

Camp Stryker:

While waiting to catch the flight to the Green Zone, I spoke to two Army captains, one who works in Civil Affairs, the other with the Military Transition Teams. Both explained how the situation could look very different based on your job, but that the Iraqi police and Army were making real progress. They said the Iraqis' skills ranged from poor to excellent, but they always saw improvement.

I also overheard an Army specialist sitting behind me curse the media (and I mean curse), saying they didn't know what they were talking about when it came to Iraq. I talked to him, and explained I'm considered a reporter, and that I won't argue with his points. I made him uncomfortable. Had he known I was 'the press' I think he would have kept it to himself.

LZ Washington:

While waiting to manifest on the flight to Fallujah, CNN played a news segment of President Bush announcing there would be no “graceful exit” from Iraq, and that we'd stay until the mission was complete. Two sergeants in the room cheered. Loudly. They then scoffed at the reports from Baghdad, and jeered the balcony reporting.

In nearly every conversation, the soldiers, Marines and contractors expressed they were upset with the coverage of the war in Iraq in general, and the public perception of the daily situation on the ground. They felt the media was there to sensationalize the news, and several stated some reporters were only interested in “blood and guts.” They freely admitted the obstacles in front of them in Iraq. Most recognized that while we are winning the war on the battlefield, albeit with difficulties in some areas, we are losing the information war. They felt the media had abandoned them.

This isn't the first time I encountered this sentiment from the troops. I experienced this attitude from the Marines while I was in western Iraq last year, and the soldiers in the Canadian Army in Afghanistan also expressed frustration with the media's presentation of the war.

Perhaps this tension between the media and the military is nothing new. But it appalls me none the less.

http://billroggio.com/archives/2006/12/the_military_and_the.php

-- December 20, 2006 12:59 AM ∞

---

panhandler wrote:

All: Well, it's a real treat for me to wish everyone a, and I don't care if it's politically incorrect, "Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year" as I have just returned to the U.S. from Germany. . .I suffered a heart attack on the 1st of December, and was medevaced to Landstuhl regional medical center. . .and let me tell you what our military did for me. . and only me. . .seems I needed heart catherization and that was why I needed to go to Germany, but they had no flights scheduled for the next few days, seems there was a crew on standby in Ramstein, and they volunteered to come to Balad and pick me up and bring me to Germany. . .5 hours to Iraq, and 5 hours back. . .I was laying on a stretcher inside of a C-17, and for those of you who don't know what a C-17 looks like. . .you can drive a coupla tanks in there, I had a full bird Colonel and a Major and their staff at my side. . . when we got to Germany another crew of about 16 people took over. . .one of my arteries was 100 percent occluded and all of those people saved my life, believe me, when it comes to saving lives, our military does the best Damn job of anyone. . .So Okie, Roger, Carl, Carole, Tim, Sara, and all you other folks on this post, I'm back for another ride on the Dinar roller coaster. . .I'll be returning to Iraq around the middle of January. . . just no more smoking and I have to give up the double cafe mochas. . . Merry Christmas everyone. . .I've already gotten my present from Santa. . .the gift of life. . .

-- December 20, 2006 6:41 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

More movement

Announcement No.(830)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 830 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Wednesday 2006 / 12/ 20 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 9 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1373 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1371 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 22.230.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.500.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 22.230.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.500.000

-- December 20, 2006 7:07 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Panhandler:
Wondered where you went...as a heart attack suvivor myself...I can say to you...each day after your heart attack is another day to give a smile and attempt to make this a better place while here.
Some and I say some..go through a period of depression afterward. Why! Because, I believe for the first time you realize just how quickly how world can change, and just how mortal our container body is. I speak from my experience, and talking to other heart attack survivors. You will come to recognize you are now a different person...you will start to see things differently, the things that once bothered you will no longer bother you...etc.......I found myself no longer chasing the dollar as I once did...and now spend more time with my friends, and family.
I just went through a tax audit and the examiner stated, I have never seen somebody come in here smiling and laughing.
Like I told her...This audit is small stuff...compared to the path I have traveled...You appreciate every day you have been given to stay on this earth...I find myself taking nothing for granted...and tell everyone I can, how much they have contributed to my life's experience...I believe you are going to find in the future, this is going to be true for you also.
I am glad to see you survived...take things easy for a while...and see you at the roast.....

-- December 20, 2006 8:04 AM ∞

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Okie wrote:

Panhandler....

Glad to see you alive, well and kickin'. Wow! Some guys will do anything to get a trip home for Christmas! Not to worry...had a friend go thru a mirror image of your experience and he made it back to Iraq after a short home leave. His comments were like yours regarding the Military hop and medical treatment in Germany...first class!

If you need to stop smoking...try accupuncture. I was a heavy smoker and kicked it in seven days and don't miss them at all...that was five years ago.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for the coming year. I'm now calling it "the year of the Dinar"!!

-- December 20, 2006 9:25 AM ∞

---

Okie wrote:

But just a minute….the MSM has been telling us that Iraq is going to hell in a hand basket….could they be bending the truth???????
===============================================================
Economy is booming
In what might be called the mother of all surprises, Iraq's economy is growing strong, even booming in places

20 December 2006 (MSNBC News Services)
Civil war or not, Iraq has an economy, and—mother of all surprises—it's doing remarkably well. Real estate is booming. Construction, retail and wholesale trade sectors are healthy, too, according to a report by Global Insight in London. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports 34,000 registered companies in Iraq, up from 8,000 three years ago. Sales of secondhand cars, televisions and mobile phones have all risen sharply. Estimates vary, but one from Global Insight puts GDP growth at 17 percent last year and projects 13 percent for 2006. The World Bank has it lower: at 4 percent this year. But, given all the attention paid to deteriorating security, the startling fact is that Iraq is growing at all.

http://www.iraqupdates.com/p_articles.php?refid=DH-S-20-12-2006&article=12792

-- December 20, 2006 9:30 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

An article from www.english.daralhayat.com regarding Iraq's investment law.

A Law for Investment in Iraq
Ali Al-Fikaki Al-Hayat - 19/12/06//

The Iraqi Presidency Council issued Investment Law No. 13 of 2006, containing provisions for regulation, rights and encouragement for investors, encompassing Iraqis and non-Iraqis, designed for the phases of establishment and operation. The law aims to attract and encourage investment and the transfer of modern technologies to the country; to encourage both the Iraqi private sector and foreign investment in the country; to protect the property rights of investors and their profits, and the expansion of exports and enhancing the competitive edge at home and abroad.

The law covers all branches of investment, production and service activity, except for the extraction and production of oil and gas, banks, and insurance companies. However, it did turn out that the extraction activities for other minerals, in addition to the mineral refining and oil refining sectors, are covered by the law like other branches of industry, investment and other sectors like agriculture and tourism, health, etc.

The law does require the participation of an Iraqi partner with foreign investors, except for the purposes of licensing or enjoying tax exemptions and privileges and facilities. The law also stipulates the establishment of a National Commission for Investment to take up the task of implementing these provisions. It allows regions and governorates, provided they are not ensconced to the region, to form investment commissions in their own areas that enjoy licensing authority and the granting of exemptions and facilities and the management of investment projects there. In order to facilitate the licensing process, the bill authorizes the issuance of establishment approvals (investment licenses) through the establishment of the so-called 'single window' in the region or province.

The investor enjoys, regardless of nationality, all the advantages and facilities, guarantees and exemptions. In housing projects, the investor has the right to acquire the land needed for the project.

The rights, privileges and facilities in the new law include the following:

(1) Enjoying a tax exemption for a period of ten years from the year of operation, with an exemption on import duties for importing the requirements in the establishment phase, and the phases of expansion, development and modernization of equipment and machinery, means of transportation and materials, and the operational phase of the import of raw materials and intermediary and spare parts.
(2) Allowing capital and earnings in and out of the country and the opening accounts in banks inside and outside Iraq.
(3) Circulation in the Iraqi market for securities, bonds, equities, and the setting up investment portfolios.
(4) Rental of the land needed for the project for the period of 50 years; a renewable term. The right to own land also in housing projects.
(5) Facilitating the investor's enjoyment of additional advantages, especially according to the international bilateral agreements between Iraq and its government, or according to multilateral agreements. Including the right of the foreign investor to sell his project in whole or in part.

After nearly half a century of providing tax exemptions and generous assistance to the industry in Iraq, starting from the 1950s, the result was loss-making government projects that could only be resolved by selling them off. Project administrations, enterprises and factories became addicted to State assistance and protection. The projects were powerless to face up to competition, at home and abroad, accompanied by a qualitative and quantitative underdevelopment, and in terms of price, with unsustainable spin-off industries that feed key inputs into these sectors. They failed to catch up with the demands of the market for constant modernization and the fragmentation of demand. This also includes obsolete and marginal factories and declining investment rates from year to year, while the country gradually lost its ability to attract investments, and many bureaucratic complexities, and many of them administrative constraints, which prevent opportunities for progress, repressing the speed of response and wasting time and effort.

To what extent will the new law in this new phase achieve its objectives in attracting investments?

This depends primarily on the availability of advanced infrastructure, which, in turn, includes all the social, political and material factors, and not only the roads and bridges, and electricity and water; but also, the conditions of the parts and components manufacturers and the conditions of secondary, spin-off industries, and the availability of government management skills. Not to mention the tax system and the availability of transparency and the system of macroeconomic management, and the rates of education, training and the country's reserve of the educated, engineers and technicians, and population characteristics.

The availability of an infrastructure of this kind, along with the new investment law, will be a crucial factor in attracting investment.

The extent to which financial and administrative corruption is shrinking or expanding is another factor that attracts or repel investments.

In a Transparency Global (headquartered in Berlin) report, the State of Haiti ranked first among the most corrupt, and Iraq came in third. In his statement before the US Congress on February 8, 2006, former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said: "administrative and financial corruption in Iraq is omnipresent in all aspects of government administration and finance ". Even if this corruption recedes, there will remain a more deeply rooted problem, in the form of concepts, perceptions and attitudes inherited by the bureaucracy and in the government administrative cadres at all levels.

The new law has recommended adopting the so-called 'single window' to receive investment applications to decide on them. These recommendations follow the pattern of development and investment legislation in the developing countries for the purpose of simplifying procedures to save time, effort and money. Will the situation in Iraq become congenial to the establishment of this window? It is noteworthy that the General Directorate for Industrial Development in Baghdad applied this 'window' for more than a year. But what is being done by the aforementioned Directorate is just unifying the entity that receives applications (the formal side). As for the bureaucratic content, it remains the same as it was about 30 years ago or more, without change.

Certainly, Iraq will attract many investments after the issuance of the new law, but will the volume of these investments reach the desired ambition? As is the case in the South-East Asian countries, such as Singapore or Malaysia, for example, this also demands a revolutionization of the same concepts and ways of thinking and dealing with such topics. What is necessary is reliable economic administration that lays the foundations before the structure, and not vice versa, when it comes to handling development and dealing with investments. Only then can the new law achieve its goals and the aspirations of the country.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 20, 2006 9:55 AM ∞

---

Tim Bitts wrote:

Panhandler, I'm glad you're ok. If you look after yourself, and eat well, you can be around for a long long time. Make sure you do some research on how to feed your body, to keep it going a long time.

You hightlighted how good the American military was, in doing a lot to save you. I'm not really surprised by that. That is one of the biggest differences between the American Army and the people they fight. The American Army is motivated to help Iraqis. America is about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Islamic radicals are about death and lack of freedom. I hope Americans realize how different and great that is, compared to much of the world.

I suspect a great many Iraqis still can not understand this difference. They live in a culture where the idea of being generous to a defeated people would be considered absurd. A lot of Iraqis probably assume the Americans are just as barbaric as Saddam and his crew, and are there to steal oil. America and the American troops aren't like that. American troops, with a tiny few exceptions, are very good men and women, who want to do good and help people, and improve their lives. It will take a while to build trust.

Iraqis have put up with the barbarism of Saddam and crew for a long time. That warps their perception about reality, and who to trust. They are like a dog that has been kicked too long. It's hard to trust. When people have seen evil for so long, it's hard to believe in good. This is true especially of older Iraqis. However, the first people in Iraq to understand the Americans are well intentioned will be the young children. Kids everywhere are usually free of a lot of twisted prejudices, at least till the radicals get ahold of them.

America turned Nazi Germany into a peaceful country, and they did it with Imperial Japan, with their suicide bomber pilots. Iraq is next on the to-do list.

Best of luck to you, Panhandler. See you at the roast.

-- December 20, 2006 11:53 AM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Wheres Roger and Carol?

-- December 20, 2006 12:53 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

They're still trying to get the HCL completed by the end of Dec. Any way you slice it....this is good news for our investment!!!!!!

===================================================================================
Iraq officials reach tentative oil law deal-sources
Wed Dec 20, 2006 8:14am ET

BAGHDAD, Dec 20 (Reuters) - Iraqi officials have reached a tentative deal on an oil law that would allow the regions to negotiate oilfield contracts with foreign investors but gives the central government the final say.

Iraq desperately needs foreign investment to revive its shattered economy, which relies heavily on oil export revenues. The country straddles the world's third largest oil reserves.

Sources close to the negotiations said Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has "signalled his approval" of the draft, but the law still awaits political approval and endorsement by the cabinet.........

http://today.reuters.com/news/articleinvesting.aspx?view=CN&symbol=&storyID=2006-12-20T131406Z_01_KAR042582_RTRIDST_0_ENERGY-IRAQ-LAW-URGENT.XML&pageNumber=0&WTModLoc=InvArt-C1-ArticlePage2&sz=13

-- December 20, 2006 1:04 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

panhandler;

I am very glad to hear you are well, panhandler. God Bless you and your rest and recovery, then your trip out to serve for us and your safety while there. May God bring you home safe. Thank you for your service in Iraq and thank God for such a wonderful military and medic teams. :)

I was thinking that the double mochas are going to be hard to give up because of the caffeine in them. But maybe you can have some of a more beneficial substance which has caffeine in it - chocolate. You see, I don't think the chocolate is bad for you, it is the OTHER stuff in it - the fat, dairy/milk and sugar which are artery cloggers, not the chocolate..

Could a Mars a day really help keep killer illness at bay...?
LOUISE GRAY

THE confectionery maker Mars yesterday unveiled new research showing that cocoa, the central ingredient in most of its products, has properties that can be used to treat diabetes, strokes and vascular disease.

The privately owned company, which makes M&Ms and Mars bars, said it hoped to make medications based on flavanols - plant chemicals with health benefits found in cocoa.

Worried in the late 1960s that the cocoa plant was prone to disease, Mars began working to understand how the plants could be insulated against disease.

In the course of the research they discovered flavanols, a plant chemical that occurs not only in cocoa beans but green tea, red wine and tomatoes, were good for human health.

This week, at a meeting organised by Mars in Switzerland, experts from around the world gathered to discuss more than 80 peer-reviewed publications on the possible health benefits of flavanols.

Among the findings at the meeting was that flavanols could relax human blood vessels, which is key to improving circulation for heart health.

A team including Ian McDonald, professor of physiology at the University of Nottingham, found that flavanols can increase blood flow to the brain, suggesting the potential for treating dementia and strokes.

Ironically, with chocolate bars usually containing so much sugar, it was also found flavanol could treat diabetes.

Norm Hollenberg, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, which has collaborated with Mars on cocoa research, said: "The mounting scientific evidence on cocoa flavanols is extraordinary.

"This is a scientific breakthrough that could well lead to a medical breakthrough."

Mars has already discovered how to replicate flavanols and has patented the method.

It is currently in "serious discussions" with pharmaceutical companies about licensing the development of these "synthesised flavanols" towards "a potential major new class of medications".

But before chocolate lovers rush out and stock up on Twixes or Twirls, nutritionists warned the healthy properties of the cocoa bean are often out-weighed by the fat, dairy products and sugar in most commercial chocolate bars.

Instead, they recommend cooking with the raw cocoa bean to benefit from the anti-oxidants, anti-depressants and sexual stimulants in chocolate.

Since the time of the ancient Mexican civilisations, chocolate has been revered as a currency, food and even an aphrodisiac.

Peter Pure, a freelance nutritionist, was not surprised to find chocolate has medicinal properties.

He said cocoa beans are full of antioxidants, anti-depressants and sexual stimulants.

But Mr Pure warned the fat in many dairy chocolate bars cancel out the goodness.

Mars has already launched CocoaVia, a nutrition bar containing 80 calories and specially preserved flavanols, which usually get destroyed in cocoa processing.

Last week an industry conference in Malaysia heard how chocolate companies had to rid their products of a junk food image and highlight cocoa's healthier qualities to encourage demand for a produce mainly grown by poor African farmers.

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1682152005

Also:

- Chocolate has less caffeine than coffee.

- Chocolate contains the "good" kind of cholesterol.

Sooo.. if you really creave a mocha coffee, maybe you can have a CocoaVia instead?
And.. particularly while you are quitting smoking.. this article adds a bit of interesting info:

Chocolate May Protect Smokers' Hearts
Monday, December 19, 2005
By Sherry Rauh

Eating a small amount of dark chocolate improves smokers’ artery function in hours, and a few squares a day may reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries.

That’s the finding of a small study by Swiss researchers published in the journal Heart.

The researchers gave 20 male smokers approximately 1.4 ounces of either dark or white chocolate. In just two hours, dark chocolate significantly improved the function of endothelial cells, which line the artery walls, and reduced the activity of platelets, which help form blood clots. Smoking is known to disrupt the function of both types of cells, often leading to hardening of the arteries and heart disease.

The protective effects of dark chocolate lasted about eight hours. White chocolate had no effect on the arteries or platelets. The study did not examine the effects of chocolate in nonsmokers.

Dark Chocolate May Lower Blood Pressure - 'A Small Daily Treat'

The researchers note that too much chocolate could increase the risk of heart disease by raising blood sugar levels, body fat, and body weight. But their findings suggest just a couple ounces of dark chocolate a day may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.

How could such a small amount have such a powerful effect? The authors say it’s probably because dark chocolate is so rich in antioxidants. “Dark chocolate has a much higher [antioxidant] content per gram than do other antioxidant-rich foods such as wine, tea, or berries,” they write. “Therefore, only a small daily treat of dark chocolate may substantially increase the amount of antioxidant intake” and improve cardiovascular health.

By Sherry Rauh, reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
SOURCES: Hermann, F. Heart. January 2006; vol. 92: 119–120. News release, BMJ Specialist Journals.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,179186,00.html

-- December 20, 2006 1:16 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Okie and Rob N;

Thanks for the post that the FI law has passed and that they are working to pass the Oil Law by the end of the year. It is very good news! :)

Sara.

-- December 20, 2006 1:20 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Panhandler:

Glad to hear that you are o.k. Did the military do bypass surgery or did you recieve stints. Take care of yourself.

All:

Regarding Okie's post about the HCL law still being worked out. What (if any) effect will it have on the Dinar demand against the dollar? Also, will hasten a quicker pace of revaluation?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 20, 2006 1:23 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

panhandler - I also thought this article worth noting:

===

Folic acid can cut heart attack risk: experts
By Patricia Reaney Fri Nov 24, 5:57 AM ET

LONDON (Reuters) - Can taking folic acid supplements reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke? British researchers believe it can.

After analyzing evidence from earlier studies, a team of scientists in Britain said on Friday there is enough research that shows folic acid lowers levels of the amino acid homocysteine and reduces the odds of cardiovacular disease.

"The evidence is very persuasive that lowering homocysteine with folic acid will lower your risk of heart attack and stroke by about 10-20 percent," David Wald, of the Wolfson Institute for Preventive Medicine, Barts and the London, Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry in London, said in an interview.

Folic acid is a synthetic compound of folate, a B vitamin found in green leafy vegetables and liver.

Wald and his team analyzed results of large cohort trials looking at homosysteine and heart attacks and strokes in mainly healthy people and others that tested the effects of lowering levels of the amino acid. They also examined studies of people with a genetic mutation, which occurs in one in 10 people, that increases their homocysteine level and the impact of folic acid in reducing it.

"All the evidence put together is compelling," he said, adding that folic acid is a cheap and simple way to reduce heart disease and strokes.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/heart_dc

-- December 20, 2006 1:29 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

I thought I would mention that I do listen to both sides of a debate.
So this was an interesting concession from the medical skeptics -
saying that chocolate is indeed (in moderation and eating the right kind) a benefit in the diet.
Note this is an older article (2004) and the other two I posted are July and Dec 2005.
The more recent findings are proving more scientific evidence that chocolate is helpful,
but I do like to keep an eye on both sides of a debate, just to be sure..

Sara.

===

Does Chocolate Qualify as a Health Food?
The Marketing, Myths and Medicine Behind the Claims That Chocolate Is Good for You

Dec. 12, 2004 — It's the news we've all been waiting for — chocolate is a healthy snack. Or so one candy company says.

This holiday season, Bissinger's Handcrafted Chocolatier, based in St. Louis, announced it has come up with a healthy chocolate..

Is it possible, or is this news just too good to be true?

Dr. David Katz, a nutrition expert with the Yale School of Medicine, said chocolate does offer some important health benefits, if the right kind is eaten moderately — but it does not meet the standard of fruits or vegetables as a health food.

"There are some unique health benefits in chocolate," said Katz, which he says include an array of antioxidants that have been shown to give some protection against cancer.

In fact, Katz said, cocoa has more flavanoids — an important antioxidant — than green tea. "It's probably the richest source of flavanoids in our diet," he said.

Dark chocolate is the best choice, says Katz, because it is rich in fiber, magnesium and antioxidants. Moderation is the key.

"It's an indulgence," said Katz. "But if you choose wisely, you can get some health benefits."

Chocolate Facts:

- Chocolate has less caffeine than coffee.

- Chocolate contains the "good" kind of cholesterol.

- Half the calories in chocolate come from fat.

- The nutrients in chocolate include protein, calcium, riboflavin, iron, vitamin A and thiamine.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/PersonalBest/story?id=322783&page=1

-- December 20, 2006 1:51 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Green Tea?

Lastly, just one more thing I thought worth noting before leaving the subject.
Another substitute for the mocha coffee which may be beneficial is Green Tea.
I don't know how easy THAT would be to get in Iraq.. but, you never know. :)
What is the local tea the Iraqi's drink, by the way.. any health benefits?

I have read that the caffeine in Green Tea acts differently than in coffee and in beneficial ways. An article I have in my hand which I summarized below says that "Even though Green Tea has caffeine in it, it does not leach out calcium from the bones like Coffee or Coke does." So the caffeine is different when ingested through drinking Green Tea. Also, Green Tea increases bone mineral density, whereas most high caffeine drinks (coffee, coke) decrease bone mineral density. The beneficial anti-oxidants and phenols spoken of in chocolate are also present in Green Tea (that is noted in the chocolate post, above).

My summary typed out from the article (there are references from medical journals after each one - tedious to copy out):

The national drink in Japan is not pop or coffee like over here, it is GREEN TEA.. they drink that every day, up to TEN cups of it a day, easily.
Green tea has been found to prevent cancer, heart disease, problems with the liver, teeth and bones. They have proven it helps stop esophageal, colon, rectal and pancreatic cancers, also decreases the dangers from those who do smoke. It stops breast cancer (lab tests on it in 2002). It contains flavanoids which are very powerful antioxidents, more so than Vitamin C. It lowers harmful cholesterol and interferes with the oxidation of good cholesterol, preventing artherosclerosis. It is antiinflamatory, antibacterial and antifungal.

It helps bone mineral density. Unlike coffee and pop, which removes bone density, this builds it up (that is why they don't have their elderly falling down and breaking bones like over here.) Even though Green Tea has caffeine in it - yet it does not leach out calcium from the bones like Coffee or Coke does. It helps people who are overweight to lose weight in part because of the caffeine content. And Green Tea prevents the formation of certain sugars and the attachment of bacteria to dental surfaces, preventing tooth decay. It reduces plaque and cavities. Lastly, in another study, it fights prostate hyperplasia, prostate cancer, acne and balding. Oh, and if you have a sore throat, you can gargle with it and it will kill off the bacteria. When people speak about how the Japanese have a greater longevity than we do over here, some think it more than likely that the Green Tea is what is responsible.

===end of summary===

So those are a few thoughts today which I hope might give you some alternates you could use which are more healthy. :)
Of course, you could have no caffeine at all.. but quitting both smoking and caffeine at once sounds a bit hard to me to do.
Hopefully these suggestions will make for a more healthy and easier transition..

Sara.

-- December 20, 2006 2:34 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Where's Roger and Carol?

-- December 20, 2006 3:34 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Tim Bitts;

I understand your view about the Muslims taking over by sheer numbers, but I think that as Muslims integrate into their communities they do not pose a threat. It is when Muslims remain in their groups, isolated from the rest of society and hostile to it, that we have difficulties. When they do this, they should be opposed. One incident which comes to mind was sent to me recently by a friend who wrote:

Here is an article that is all too typical around the world.

http://www.620ktar.com/?nid=45&sid=281089

Here's what it says in part:

"GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - Public transit officials have apologized to a woman wearing an Islamic facial veil who was turned away from a bus and Friday rescinded a rule banning people with face coverings.

The ban was aimed at riders wearing Halloween or ski masks and officials had not considered religious dress, Rapid bus system spokeswoman Jennifer Kalczuk said. The rule was issued earlier this year so that an on-board camera system could help identify riders if there is a disturbance."

Note this part: "...officials had not considered religious dress".

Here's my response:

"The veil is not an Islamic religious dress but a radical Muslim political statement and Muslim scholars admit that. In fact, the veil is banned in many Islamic countries for that reason. Officials are right to ban them."

We should let people know the veil is not recognized as an Islam religious dress by Muslim leaders and is banned in many Muslim countries. You'll be amazed at some of the reactions you get. Why shouldn't the US ban the veil as some other Western countries have? They're being banned in Muslim countries and in Europe, so why not the US?"

===end of quote===

If we work to limit the radicalization of our culture by Muslim extremists (such as this admitted radical Muslim political statement - the veil) and allow those who only wish to live peacefully among us and be a part of our society, that should cut down on the Islamofascist danger to our collective security.

Sara.

-- December 20, 2006 4:22 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Murder Suspect Fled Britain Dressed As A Veiled Woman

From the UK’s Telegraph:
Murder suspect fled under Muslim veil
By Paul Stokes
Last Updated: 2:40pm GMT 20/12/2006

A Somali asylum seeker wanted for the murder of WPc Sharon Beshenivsky is believed to have fled Britain dressed as a woman wearing a Muslim niqab, which covers the whole face apart from the eyes.

Intelligence sources suggest he stole his sister’s passport and slipped though the net at Heathrow between Christmas and New Year.

His younger brother Yusuf Jama, 20, was convicted at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday of murdering WPc Beshenivsky, 38, in Bradford on November 18 last year.

Mustaf Jama was one of Britain’s "most wanted" when he fled. His photograph and details were circulated to every police force, port and airport. Sources believe he may have dressed in a niqab, favoured by devout Muslim women in Somalia.

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg said it “beggars belief” that a wanted criminal could leave the country hidden behind a veil.

He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme there were existing powers for people wearing veils to be searched and urged the Government to issue “urgent clarification” on whether immigration or airport officials should carry out the check.

The case has promopted calls for stricter checks at airports. Under the 1971 Immigration Act, travellers can be asked to lift the veil at passport control, with the option of using a private room with a female official present.

A male suspect in a major anti-terrorist investigation evaded capture for several days when he dressed in a burka, concealing him from head to foot.

There are four stages where "visual checks" can be carried out for departing passengers where the face is matched to a passport photograph. Airlines are responsible when passengers first check in; the British Airport Authority when people go through security with boarding passes; the Home Office at immigration control; and a final visual check possible at the boarding gate…

===end of quote===

Gosh, what a shock. Who could have ever imagined such a thing as happening?

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg said it “beggars belief” that a wanted criminal could leave the country hidden behind a veil.

Right. Surely this has never happened before and will never be allowed to happen again.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Wednesday, December 20th, 2006 at 12:22 pm.

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/murder-suspect-fled-britain-dressed-as-a-veiled-woman

A legitimate concern with the veil, as well -
is the criminal or terrorist element's ability to use it.

"The veil is not an Islamic religious dress but a radical Muslim political statement and Muslim scholars admit that. In fact, the veil is banned in many Islamic countries for that reason. Officials are right to ban them."

When it is just a political statement, not a religious one..
it should be banned for the public good.
Religious rights may be guaranteed, but political ones which
endanger the public (bombers) and allow criminals to flee.. are not.

Sara.

-- December 20, 2006 4:45 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Sara, I agree it would be better if they integrate. However, to do so, they must deny some of the radical elements of their religion, such as a lot of misogyny and persecution of gays, and intolerance against other faiths. Many Muslims are uneducated and this is difficult to do. Their religion does not celebrate or encourage tolerance.

The attitudes among the Western elites, especially in Britain doesn't help. There, Muslims were encouraged to stay apart, although that may change. The idea behind multi-culturalism was to have a bunch of co-existing cultures, each believing in different and fundementally opposed ideas about life, living side by side. It turns out, that doesn't work.

What will work is when leaders in the Western world stand up, and clarify what they stand for, and make it clear to Muslims that there are certain fundemental attitudes they must embrace, if they want to be a part of the West.

This means Western elites must start honestly criticizing Islam, when it is difficient in this area. Virtually all of the criticism in the Western world is directed inward, against itself and against Christianity. For instance, a couple of years ago, someone put a crucifix into a jar of urine, in an art gallery, in Britain. You wouldn't do that with a picture of the prophet, unless you wanted hundreds of violent young men rampaging through your streets.

Political correctness rules, and tells people they must be "sensitive" toward other cultures, which usually means other cultures are immune from honest criticism. I suspect our beliefs have become so watered down in the West, we seem to believe in so little, that many Muslims have a difficult time seeing just what they are supposed to assimilate into. Multi-culturalism and moral relativism, the modern idea that there is no such thing as truth, and all cultures are equal, is at the root of the problem. It is what the elites in the West tend to believe.

It says all cultures are equal. They are not all equal, in my opinion. Ours is better. Ours led to rationalism and science, that made life bearable for humans. Theirs didn't. Western culture led to human rights. Their's didn't. There are many ways our culture is superior. People in Europe have lost sight of that, have lost confidence in their own traditions. Part of it is most Europeans have abandoned their Christian inheritance. That leaves a void, as to what to believe in. They end up believing in nothing. Moral relativism and multi-culturalism fit this mind-set perfectly. It declares there is no such thing as truth, and all cultures are equal.

However, there is competition in the ideas market for people. Islam has ideas. Islam declares, it is the truth, and is very confident about it, and you can go to heaven if you do as you are told. Muslims, like Christians, believe life has meaning. Moral relativism tells people life is pointless, there is no truth, you have no dignity beyond this life. This is the basis of our belief in much of the West. So, at the root of it, I am talking about a deep and horrible spiritual problem, in the West.

I find it interesting that the current Pope, a very intelligent and learned man, chose a name for himself, when he became Pope, that also happened to be the name of a past Pope who presided over a very dark period in the history of Christianity, when the church and Western civilization were in very steep and corrosive decline, that took a very long time to recover from, historically. Coincidence? I think not.

Anyhow, to a thinking person who is looking for identity and confidence, this set of ideas, moral relativism and multi-culturalism, is a hard sell, as a fundemental set of beliefs about life. It sells among the soft and corrupt and spoiled and decadent elites of the West, but Muslims wisely reject it, since it offers them nothing but hopelessness.

So, it's hard for me to see how a lot of Muslims would give up a secure sense of truth and identity, to embrace the absurd idea there is no truth. Most of them have more sense than that. So they reject Western values. You can't integrate into a nullity. Multi-culturalism and moral relativism are nullities. There is nothing to integrate into. Until the West decides what it believes, and sticks up for that in a confident way, that trend will continue.

That's why you see such a strong sense of identity, in Europe, among Muslims, who see themselves as Muslims first and foremost. Survey after survey has shown that to be true.

So, by all means Muslims should integrate. And we should encourage them to do so. And, yes, most don't pose a threat. My basic theory of political life has always been, 98% of people, anywhere, of any religion or race, or ethnicity, are sheep. Only 2% are wolves. It is the wolves that decide things, not the sheep. And it is what the Muslim wolves are saying and doing that worries me, not what the Muslim sheep are doing and saying. Of course, the danger is, if the Muslim wolves control things, the Muslim sheep will naturally follow the Muslim wolves. Since Muslims are breeding like mad, and will demographically dominate Europe, very soon, this will be a big big problem for Europe, if not the end of Europe as we know it. And the fact that the European elites believe in nothing helps the Muslim wolves take over.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

And I am also sticking to my dinar story. It will turn out well in the end. It will just take a bit longer than I expected. I would be surprised, though, if an RV didn't happen next year.

-- December 20, 2006 7:33 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Tim:
You are correct on the sheep analogy...most world populations are sheep...
Most humans would rather be told what to do, when to do it, and place the responsibility of their own actions on someone or something else...ya know...the devil made me do it...
Maybe that is why the Bible says...
The Lord is MY SHEPARD

-- December 20, 2006 8:25 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

Ya know folks.....29,790 barrels per day is why they call it "Black Gold"!!!!!! This one may flow even higher!!!!!
========================================================================================================================
Calibre Energy, Inc. announces update on first well in Iraqi Kurdistan

Calibre Energy, Inc., an American-based independent natural gas and oil exploration and development company, announces the Bina-Bawi-1 exploration well was at a depth of 2,112 meters (6,929 feet) and has completed running 9 5/8" casing and is currently drilling ahead to a total depth estimated to be 2,900 meters (9,514 feet).

The Bina-Bawi-1 is the first well in Calibre's planned multi-well exploration and development drilling program in Kurdistan. The primary objectives of the well are the Cretaceous, the Qurachina Formation in the Triassic, and the Chiazaire Formation in the Permian.

Calibre is participating in the Bina-Bawi-1 through an Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement ("EPSA") with the Kurdistan Regional Government ("KRG") of the Republic of Iraq in the Arbil Province, covering the Bina-Bawi structure. Calibre has a 10 percent interest in the EPSA through a participation agreement with Hawler Energy Ltd., a privately-held oil and gas exploration company based in Houston, Texas.

A&T Petroleum, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Turkish-based Petoil, is the operator. While other parts of Iraq remain mired in violence and unrest, the semi- autonomous region of Kurdistan has been the most peaceful and stable region of Iraq since the creation of the no-fly zones in 1991.

The Bina-Bawi structure is a 28 kilometer by 7 kilometer anticline immediately northwest of the Taq-Taq Field where Genel Enerji and Addax Petroleum recently announced test results from the Taq-Taq 4 well which flowed at an initial aggregate maximum rate of 29,790 barrels per day from three separate reservoir intervals in the Cretaceous.

The flow rates were reported to be constrained by the limited capacity of surface testing facilities. Genel Enerji and Addax Petroleum are currently drilling an appraisal well and expect initial export of oil from the Taq Taq Field in 2007. Addax Petroleum in their November 2006 presentation estimated that the Taq Taq Field has current STOIP of 1.2 to 2.7 billion barrels with expected STOIP of 1.9 billion barrels.

-- December 20, 2006 9:20 PM ∞

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Mary Lou wrote:

Was just going through the posts. Sure do like this new one better-moves much faster.

Noticed the one posted a few days ago that said he was getting out as a "friend" warned him. I just checked GID. They are the dealer through whom I have purchased my Dinar. 1st of November, they were selling their Dinars for $740 per million. Today, the rate is $840 per million. I have always contended we could tell the direction of the dinar by the price set by the dealers.

I believe he is wrong. You can bet, if he is, he will sure be sorry down the line. If he is right, I have only invested what I thought I could afford. Lost more in the stock market than what I invested in the Dinars with a much larger potential profit for my investment.

So, will hang on to mine. Believe if he is right-will be only short term. Just look at our own financial history. 20 years ago,a $100,000 home was beautiful-now try to find one. I believe Iraq has potential to become one of the leading financial countries in the world. Not only from the physical sense with their oil reserves-but also biblically. I won't go into why-several of you are very versed on this aspect of Iraq (once known as Babylon).

Well, that's my two cents worth today.

I don't post often-so will wish you all Merry Christmas

-- December 20, 2006 9:36 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Listened to the MSM today and they estimate congress will need to appropriate another $99 billion dollars for the wars in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

In preparation for George W. Bush's address to the American people, I think he will allude to the need for more military troops and more dollars to equip those additional troops.

What I am interested in is to know whether you think a congress controlled by the Democrats approve such an expenditure? Please share your thoughts.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 20, 2006 9:46 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

From http://media.netpr.pl/notatka_70035.html

2006-12-20
[15:17] The Official Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Cancels 80% of Its Iraqi Debt
PRNewswire BAGHDAD, Iraq December 20

BAGHDAD, Iraq, December 20 /PRNewswire/ --

The Government of Iraq today announced that it has reached an agreement with Export-Import Bank of Malaysia, the official export-import bank of Malaysia, canceling 80% of its bilateral claims against Iraq.

The accord is comparable to the bilateral agreements concluded since November 2004 between Iraq and the various governmental creditors comprising the Paris Club as well as other of its governmental creditors. In addition, the United States, Cyprus, Malta and Slovakia have each cancelled 100% of their bilateral claims against Iraq.

"Iraq welcomes the conclusion of another bilateral agreement with one of Iraq's non-Paris Club creditors," said Iraq's Minister of Finance Baker Jabr Al-Zubaidy. "Iraq appreciates Export-Import Bank of Malaysia's constructive approach to reaching this agreement."

Iraq is in the final stages of the restructuring of all claims resulting from the Saddam-era held by both bilateral and commercial creditors. On November 21, 2004, Iraq reached an agreement in principle with its bilateral creditors comprising the Paris Club.

The total amount of claims against Iraq held by both bilateral and commercial entities has been estimated at more than U.S. $140 billion.

Mr. Kadhim Al-Eyd

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 20, 2006 9:53 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

From my home page on aol

U.S. Hands Najaf Control to Iraqi Forces
By WILL WEISSERT, AP

NAJAF, Iraq (Dec. 20) - U.S. forces ceded control of southern Najaf province to Iraqi police and soldiers, who marked the occasion Wednesday with a parade and martial arts demonstrations. But doubts remain about whether the Iraqis, vulnerable to insurgent attacks and militia infiltration, can handle security in more volatile provinces anytime soon

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 20, 2006 10:34 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

THE IRAQI SOLDIERS SHOWED THEIR COURAGE AND SURVIVAL SKILLS YESTERDAY

In a parade performance for their Generals, by biting the heads off of frogs and slitting open the belly of a live rabbit and biting its beating heart out...yaaaa! Boy! Makes you feel warm and fuzzy for them don't it!
Need I say anything else about that culture's way of thinking?

-- December 21, 2006 7:15 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Hi All,

Been away for awhile. I have scrolled through a few messages. Gosh, anymore if you stay away for a few days, you miss alot.

I don't know where Roger is, though he is not on my Christmas list, I do hope he is okay.

Panhandler, I am so sorry to hear about your heart attack. But thank God, you are doing well. If I remember correctly you are about my age. That would make you young for a heart attack. What kind of heart attack did you have? Any need for bypass or stent placement by angioplasty?

Fortunately, we were born at the right time in medical history, as there is so much available in the area of cardiovascular medicine.

Quiting smoking can only improve your odds of repairing or at least stopping the damage to your coronary arteries. But I will tell you that having a H.A. at your age is probably more dominated by family history than anything else.

At any rate, take it easy.

I was glad to see the info on chocolate. Not because of the scientific data presented, but mostly because I ate a whole pound of See's candy last week. I am a See's candy addict!!!I have to stay away from it all year long, but at Christmas time, almost everyone brings See's around and I can hunt that stuff down and once I find it, I am hooked!!!!till it is all gone!! LOL.

Tim, as usual you present your ideas in such an astute fashion. I am always so impressed with your ability to adddress so many thoughts and make them cohesive to a main theme. I think it also helps me becuase we seem to be on the same side of the isle. Your thoughts are balanced and more than anything not filled with skewed data. I think if anyone on this blog has the writing skills it is you. Thanks for the time and effort you put into this site. While these are very serious and dangerous times and your comments are the most relevant on this blog----I do miss your humorous blurps!!

There is alot to be thankful for, at present. But the future looks bleek, and I doubt that the Western World is going to get the hint. I think all has gone too far. Too late to turn back. I think humanity is on a slippery slope. I would be petrified, except for the hope that scripture holds for those who beleive and stake all on the infallible truth of it.

Well, my Dinar source, seems more confident than ever, that the RV is right around the corner. Hope he is right. He's saying it will RV at around $.65.

My family and I have been distracted with our new advertising venture.

I will e-mail all who asked after Christmas. In the meantime, I have done much investigating of this venture, and feel more and more confident each day. All investing has an element of risk and this one does too. Except for the fact that every 10 days you get a full return of your investment plus 40%. It pays off like a dang slot machine. :} So we are all happy campers.

I will e-mail everyone interested in a few days. I have alot more information and insight than I did when I first mentioned it, so it is just as well that I have delayed responding. I will tell you however, that we are getting paid $1260, per day on a 9K investment, that pays $12600.00 at the end of every 10 days. You don't need to invest that much, but that is where you obviously see the greatest return and that is also the maximum investment one can make. I believe you can invest as little as 100.00.

I am giving each one of my 18 yr. old grandchildren 100.00 for Christmas, strictly for this venture. They should have some fun watching their gift grow each 10 days.

Well, got to run. Every one take care and have a wonderful Christmas, and remember----wise men STILL seek HIM out and follow HIM!

Carole

-- December 21, 2006 7:24 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Article Dec 19th
Headline:
Major International Oil Companies unlikely to begin investing in Iraqi Oil Fields for another year...
According to some analysts and insiders, only an amended or new national constitution would create the necessary LEGAL FRAMEWORK for international majors to start making deals on oil reserve development.
However, if the hydrocarbon law was signed, they could at LEAST get started making plans and sign deals. The Major Oil Companies are still saying the security situation and the uncertainity of the legal issues create a legal quaqmire still to risky for them to start investing large sums of money.
ExxonMobil stated, they are interested after the establishment of a CONSTITUTIONAL RULE OF LAW, A CERTAIN TAX AND REGULATORY REGIME, AND STABLIZED SECURITY.
Its seems the present Iraqi Constitution is at legal odds with the Drafted Hydrocarbon Law....Who has the authority to award exploration and development contracts?
There major loopholes in the present constitution and clear cut contraditions in the authorities between the regions and the present central government.

And another ball has been lofted into the air....will it make the basket...or will the buzzer sound with the board showing ?????

-- December 21, 2006 7:35 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Panhandler,

Got to thinking about my comment to you and I want to make a clairification. Family History is a very dominant factor in Cardiovascular disease issues. This is not mentioned to give you a gloom and doom future. In fact if anything, it gives more insight and a target to focus on. Our generation can factor that family history data into necessary lifestyle changes and available treatment modalities. The real GOOD news is for our children, who, because of this confirmed data, have a solid HEADS UP on preventing clinical pathways of family history dominance for their future.

A few years back,we didn't have such conclusive evidence as we do now. It is equivalent to the time when it was very controversial as to whether cigarette smoking caused lung cancer. NOw the evidence is conclusive and no one argues the fact.

So, if your dad had a H.A. before age 65, and you have had one, your son has a world of information and TIME to do everything possible to fight the family history data.

SO in a time in history, when the Islamofascists may get the opporotunity to cut his head off, his arteries have a great chance of being disease free!!

Sorry for the sick humor....

Please take care and God Bless you. You will be in my prayers...

Carole

-- December 21, 2006 7:48 AM ∞

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Bob wrote:

Carole,

Would you please send the investment info to me also.......would be much appreciated....thank you. bobjenkinsus@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Bob

-- December 21, 2006 9:19 AM ∞

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Ashley wrote:

Carole,
I would also like info on the Advertising venture if you don't mind. My e-mail is ahiretn@yahoo.com. Thanks Ashley

-- December 21, 2006 9:25 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Announcement No.(831)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 831 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq dayThursday 2006 / 12/ 21 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 6 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1360 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1358 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 1.250.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.500.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 1.250.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.500.000

-- December 21, 2006 9:37 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

Add me to the list and email me at robertnowl at aol.com

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 21, 2006 9:43 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

I know I am stealing Chris' thunder, but I checked www.cbiraq.org. Please see the enclosed exchange rate.

Number of banks 6 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1360 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1358 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 1.250.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.500.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 1.250.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.500.000 -----

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 21, 2006 9:46 AM ∞

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Rick wrote:

Carole,

Please e-mail the investment info to me @ smith3159@aol.com.

Thanks Rick

-- December 21, 2006 11:52 AM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

Sara: thanks for the info. . .having been a chef for over 20 years. . I know what the problem was. . .a pound of salted butter, and a quart of heavy whipping cream in the mashed potatoes. . .and I have quit smoking. . .

Carole: thanx for the well wishes. . .no family history of H.A., but me being from your neck of the woods, you'll obviously remember Hostess
Blackberry pies. . . 490 calories. . . 290 from fat. . .sez it all. . .so as of today, still not smoking, still haven't had a double cafe mocha, no "really good mashed potatoes" and am recuping just fine. . .going for nice long walks at the mall, and living in Panama City now, and the weather being in the 70's. . .the mall has some awfully beautiful christmas sights. . . oh, and for all that have asked, I had a stent put into my left posterior lateral. . .(distal left circ)this is what it sez on the stent implant card. . .I just wish I was with you hunting down the See's. . .

Okie: Now that I'm on the mend, and the Dinar looking as good as it does, I can see Phuket for us after the "Pig roast". . . I can hold your arm till your eyes "defog" and you can hold my arm in case my heart starts racing. . .lol. . .

-- December 21, 2006 12:06 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Carole:

Thanks, Carole, for your kind comments. Hope your new business venture continues to be successful, and if anyone else gets involved, hope they do well, also. If anyone on this blog also has success with Carole's idea, congrats and keep the rest of us up to date on your good fortune! I look forward to meeting you at the roast, one day, Carole.

Panhandler,

My brother said that he always keeps Aspirin in his house, and in his truck. There is some heart disease in our family. If you ever find you are having another heart attack, taking the proper dose of Aspirin, at the time, can significantly cut your risk of dying. A lot of people take a small daily dose of around 80 mgs, of baby aspirin, as a preventive measure. You can talk to your pharmacist about this. I won't give you specific medical advice, since I'm not a medical doctor, but if you find a credible internet source of medical information, with advice posted by cardiologists, I'm sure you can find some helpful information. Don't forget, aspirin has an expiry date. Best of luck.

Dinar Skeptic:

There are a few new people (or person) who have made very skeptical comment about this investment, under new or assumed names. To them, (singular or plural) I say: You are entitled to your opinion. I had to wonder, at the time, though, why would someone post such comments? Was it concern for me? For other people at this site? Could someone I have never met, be that concerned, about my wallet, and financial future? That's a laugh! Of course not. You've never met me. My guess is, you've invested in the dinar, out of your own hard earned money, and you are now getting cold feet.

Fair enough. I have always known, even before I got in, that this was a speculative investment. There are a lot of very smart people on this site. I think the majority of people who invested in this venture knew, before they jumped in, just how speculative this venture was. We also knew how potentially spectacular, the payoff could be. That's why we got in.

So, if anyone wants to discourage me, I say.........get a life. If you have cold feet, fair enough. Sell your dinars, get out, and leave dinar investors alone. Myself, I have never had more fun, in an investment, in my life. I've had a great time, doing this! I could give a rat's ass, how risky it is. I never bet more than I could comfortably lose. If I lose, big deal. I haven't bet the farm on it, just a couple of horses. If you happened to have bet your mortgage on it, and lose, that's your problem. For me, this remains a fascinating, rollickingly good time, reading the posts of all the players on this site, whose personalities come through, on their posts, if you read between the lines. There are a lot of cool people on this site, and I am enjoying this thoroughly! We are in a bit of a lull, but I think this fun will continue through 2007.

So, Dinar skeptic, if this site is not your bag, and if you think this speculative investment is a waste of time, and money, I'm cool with your opinion. Live and let live, I say..... Just don't pretend to be concerned about me, a dinar investor. Your posts were unintentionally amusing, not because they were clever, but because they were so easy to see through. Your posts were really about your own insecurities, not mine......As for me, I'm a big boy. I can handle winning, and I can handle losing. I wasn't born yesterday, in the middle of the night! So,.... go find something you believe in, something that's fun for you, something you think could make you some money, and good luck with that!

But, Dinar Skeptic, if you do go away, please come back, and check in, every once in a while. And when the RV hits, and I make a lot of money, I want you to hear about it, and groan, and join The Woulda-shoulda-coulda Club. Have you heard about that club? It's the club for people who heard about something good, and coulda got in on it, shoulda listened to their instincts, and woulda made a pile of money. When the good times hit, these people have a fascinating water-cooler story, for their friends, about the time they almost did something smart, and almost had the gonads, to stick with it. I want to be able to report to you, Dinar Skeptic, the good time, we all had, at the pig roast!

So, to all I say, Merry Christmas! And a successful New Year!

-- December 21, 2006 12:09 PM ∞

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Fred wrote:

Tim Bitts- Been reading here alot this year and cannot understand why people go anti against anybody's investment. If the person does not like the investment we made then why are they here causing hate and discontent. They surely can find some other website to entertain themselves. But even said that we find the scoundrels blogging this site over and over again. I'm happy to see the 40-50 pip movements the dinar is making. All the positive things that the individuals on here find and greatfully post here show time and time again that IRAQ is progressing towards democracy. With that progression it keeps scaring the dumb a$$#2 into committing violence amongst their own people. No alla or God that I know of is going to forgive such acts. But the positive news is continually improving the dinar strength. Unfortunately all that hurts our green back ever so slightly. As people have stated earlier is the dinar increasing in value or is the dollar decreasing? The dollar always fluctuates in value but the pip movement is way more than the pip movement of the dinar. Related yeah sure but not directly on a 1 to 1 ratio. The day it hits a 1-1 ratio is the day we celebrate. If and when the dinar moves 100-200 pips a day that is signs of vast absorbtion in the economy for the Euro, Pound, Dollar etc. etc. thy do move 1-200 pips daily and sometimes more when economic news comes around. Its that economic news about their economy we are waiting for, not how many millions the US is pouring into IRAQ for they need to get rolling on their own and I think the days are numbered until they get there and that is why we are seeing the pip movement everyday showing that something is happening. Well gota get wrapping the wifes presents before she gets home.

-- December 21, 2006 12:34 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

www.dinartrade.com

Head of Stock Exchange Trustees: it is time to implement the Investment Law

Head of the Iraqi Stock Exchange Trustees, Talib Tabatabai, confirmed that security situation is what hinders the Stock Exchange more than anything, and it is the reason behind the considerable challenges faced by the investor... However, he pointed out that the current situation is temporary and exceptional; therefore, the performance must be maintained consistently, as illustrated by general indicators, which confirms that the development in performance continues to be a salient feature in the march of the market.

Tabatabai added in a press statement: that the investment law being not activated, its members are not appointment and working by it has not started, created a great disappointment among investors in the Iraqi bourse, particularly that efforts have been made by workers in the bourse to update its performance; electronic equipment and supplies are being installed and Stock Exchange rooms are being organized for this purpose. He added that such electronic boards are used for the first time in Iraq...

Tabatabai expressed his hope that many factors will help the investments by shareholders better than it is now. In the forefront of these factors is the security situation.

Tabatabai pointed out that the number of shares that have been circulated in the month of September amounted to 4,212 billion shares, at an average of 527 million shares in a session, registering an increase of 54, 9% on last August. As for the volume of transactions in the month of September, Tabatabai said that they amounted to 8,422 billion dinar; that is 1,052 billion dinar in a session; and the number of contracts executed in the same month, increased to reach 2928 contracts for the month of August.

Tabatabai also stated that the banking sector is the main engine of the market, as this sector has achieved greater relative importance.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 21, 2006 12:36 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Another article from www.dinartrade.com

Iraq oil could provide $3,500 per citizen

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

A plan gaining favor in Washington to distribute Iraq's oil revenue directly to its people could put $3,500 a year in the hands of every adult Iraqi citizen, a Texas-based energy analyst said on Tuesday.

Veteran analyst Dale Steffes said his estimate was based on an oil price of $60 a barrel, $10 a barrel production costs, and the assumption that 10 million Iraqis would be old enough to qualify for a share of their country's oil wealth.

Iraq produces 2.2 million barrels of oil a day and exports 1.5 million barrels, according to the Iraq Study Group Report issued earlier this month.

Estimates for current average annual income in Iraq vary widely, but top out at around $1,500 a year.

Steffes, who has been urging the distribution of Iraqi oil money in his reports since 2004, said in an interview the best way to administer the program may be to give the money to those who register to vote and maintain a bank account, thus promoting social involvement and stability.

"Once people understand that the money is coming to them, they will want to protect that income stream and have some kind of government that can settle disputes," he said.

Opponents say distributing the money would be difficult due to logistical and corruption problems, but the idea has picked up advocates as the United States looks for ways to stop the chaos that has followed the 2003 invasion that toppled Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

In an op-ed piece in Monday's Wall Street Journal, two U.S. senators, Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton and Republican John Ensign, urged President George W. Bush to form an "Iraq Oil Trust" modeled on the Alaskan Permanent Fund which gives Alaskan citizens a share of revenue produced from that state's oil fields.

"A distribution of revenues to all Iraqis would mean they have a greater incentive to keep the oil flowing, help the economy grow, reject the insurgency, and commit to the future of their nation," Clinton and Ensign wrote.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 21, 2006 12:38 PM ∞

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Gabriel wrote:

Carole- Can you please include me regarding information about your investment, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Carole.

ghernandez46@yahoo.com

-- December 21, 2006 1:45 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

I surely do believe these guys are going to talk the HCL to death....com'on, take a vote on it and lets move on to the next step!!
================================================================================

UPDATE:Iraq Kurdish PM: Oil Law Deal Reached With Baghdad

12-21-2006 7:34 AM EST

(Updates an item timed at 1039 GMT with background.)

The prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani, said he has reached an agreement with the federal government on the control of oil in the region, a major source of friction between the Kurds and Baghdad and a stumbling block that was delaying the issuance of a crucial hydrocarbon law.

Barzani also said that the Iraqi federal government would discuss in a few days a final draft of an Iraqi hydrocarbon law before sending it to the parliament in Baghdad for approval.

http://news.morningstar.com/news/ViewNews.asp?article=/DJ/200612210734DOWJONESDJONLINE000637_univ.xml

-- December 21, 2006 2:24 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Fred, thanks for your comments. Hope the wife likes the gift.

Rob N:

My home province, Alberta, in Canada, is of course a major oil supplier in North America, and does some oil revenue sharing, with the citizens of the province. Residents of the province have gotten two cash installments, already. I bought a new fridge out of my last checque.

Our former premier, Ralph Klein, started this. We called them Kleinbucks. This has been a source of pride in Alberta.

The rest of Canada is not doing nearly as well as Alberta. So, when they hear that their own provincial governments are running deficits, and Alberta is literally giving money away, to anyone who lives there, this has helped start a stampede, of sorts, of people, to our province. Lots of people are moving here. Lots of people want to live here. There are help wanted signs everywhere.

Alberta is doing well, thanks to oil. I met a Christian man from Nigeria, the other day. His brother came here a year ago, and already owns a house. That's what oil can do.

As to giving money to Iraqis:

I remember reading an article once, about the relative effects of money, in relation to quantifiable measures of human happiness. It turns out, if you give a modest amount of money to a poor man, say, a few thousand dollars, it can raise his happiness level a tremendous amount. This has been mathematically quantified and studied. Let's call this value, the measured increase in happiness, 100. Now, if you give those same few thousand dollars to a middle class American, it also raises his happiness level, but not so much as it does for a poor man, who has nothing. Let's call this number 20, for the level of measured happiness increase, for a middle class American, for the value of a few thousand dollars. Now, if you gave this same amount of money to Donald Trump, it wouldn't do much for him. His happiness scale might go up 1 point, if you are lucky.

The reason for this is common sense. Donald Trump already has everything he could ever want. A few thousand dollars would buy him a bottle of rare French wine, but he can afford it already, so it won't make much difference, in his lifestyle. A middle class American has less than The Donald, he has most of his basic needs taken care of, but lacks in enough luxuries. He might use the money to buy his wife a nice diamond necklace, that would look good on her, and make her happy, which would make him happy. Now, a poor Iraqi has nothing. If you give him a few thousand dollars, it would mean the world to him. It would make a tremendous positive difference in his life. It would give him hope and confidence, and would help him trust Americans more, since he would start to believe the Americans are not stealing all the oil money in Iraq, which a lot of Iraqis believe right now.

Now, I've seen this sort of thing in my own life, where the same amount of money can have very different effects, depending on the situation. My family started out, when I was a kid, very very poor. Little things meant an awful lot back then. I remember, I got a red sleeping bag, when I was twelve, for Christmas, and it meant the world to me. Although, looking back, it was probably a cheap bag, my parents didn't have much money at the time, so it was a sacrifice for them. For me, who didn't usually get much for Christmas, it was a big big deal, and I was very very happy to get it, and I remember this present to this day....Today, I'm doing quite well, and a cheap sleeping bag from Walmart wouldn't mean much, if I got it as a present, this Christmas.

So, I think giving money to ordinary Iraqis is a very smart idea. It is actually a good war strategy, if you think about it. Winning wars means getting the other side to stop fighting. The insurgency is being caused by unhappiness and human want, and need, among other things. Giving Iraqis money, which is theirs in the first place, as far as I am concerned, would help a lot. It would help them see they, and their families, can benefit from the new Iraq. Once they realize that, there would be less support for the insurgency.

This move, if taken, would move the RV of the Dinar closer.

I hope the President listens to Senator Clinton on this one.

-- December 21, 2006 2:41 PM ∞

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hackett wrote:

Hi Carol if you could please add me tothe mailing list thank you. JHACKETT@MDPD.COM

-- December 21, 2006 6:09 PM ∞

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Rob M wrote:

Carol,
You win the award for being the most popular. If you had a nickel for every person requesting you to send info about the investment that you are in, you would not need to invest in the dinar :)
Anyway, I don't post but I have read this site every day for a year. Can you also send me some info about the investment? If the dinar breaks, I'll pay for your pork!

-- December 21, 2006 6:48 PM ∞

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Rob M wrote:

Carol,
Whoops I guess it does not show the e-mail address: value-international@cox.net

-- December 21, 2006 6:49 PM ∞

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Steve wrote:

Carol, I'm also interested in getting some info on your venture. Send to pimpmaximus69@hotmail.com.

Thank you. Have a good Christmas.......

-- December 21, 2006 7:59 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

I'm headed out for Gods Country, A.K.A. Tulsa, and wanted to wish all a Merry Christmas.

Panhandler....Keep up the fight against the cigs., your lungs will repair themselves in about a year...

COM'ON DINAR!!!!!!

-- December 21, 2006 8:42 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Okie:

You are not too far from me I live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. I have family in Tulsa and my dad is from Miami.

Enjoy living on Tulsa time for a while.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 21, 2006 9:10 PM ∞

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David wrote:

Hello, all.

Been reading avidly for more than a year, interesting to see people come and go. I interacted for a while, but didn't have the time to do any reasearch of my own that would contribute significantly and uniquely to the board, so I've become a T&B dinar voyeur. I do appreciate those of you who do have the time and the resources to think and analyze the facts about Iraq specifically, the Middle East in general, and of course, the dinar.

I found the guy who dropped in long enough to say he was getting out of his dinar investment because of some lopping rumor he heard from his friend of 20 years to be most amusing. Must have been looking for some sick entertainment of his own. The dinar train has a little more momentum than what one fellow with a flimsy rumor can derail, I think.

I imagine for those of you who post regularly here, you have a huge audience of people like me who are on the train with you, but for whatever reason, keep our mouths shut. Well, I'm going to open mine long enough to pass on some Christmas cheer -

Carole - Thanks for your sweet spirit and desire to live at peace, so far is it is up to you. Also, please add me to your list of interested parties: johnson2252 at gmail.com.

Carl - thank you for your pragmatic point of view. You make me laugh as often as you make me scratch my chin thinking about the world in different ways.

Tim Bitts - I agree with what someone once said about you: you have a book or two in you. I appreciate you for your voice of reason and the idea that someone north of the border is interested in interacting with us "southerners" in meaningful and productive ways. You are a tribute to your nation. Thanks.

Sara - the great thinker and defender of the faith. I share that faith, and am often uplifted by your comments as well as challenged by your tenacity and straightforward manner. Picking an argument with you means that someone better have their ducks in a row and have done some good thinking about their point of view, because we all know nobody gets special treatment from you. Your respect is earned, and for good reason. Thanks for keeping people honest.

And all the rest who regularly post - It is a pleasure to read what's on your good minds every now and again. It's a lively and healthy place for people to interact. And not just about the dinar, though there is almost always some link. Politics, religion, personal victories and struggles; we're all here because we have a common investment, but the beauty of real human relationships is that they can never be absolutely one-dimensional. People are far too complex for that. Anyone who expects the people on the board to talk about only one thing is awfully shallow.

And finally, to those of you serving in Iraq: Thank you. That seems inadequate, but as words go, there are none better.

Merry Christmas, all. Please spend some time considering and then sharing the love that is demonstrated in the supreme sacrifice of the Creator of the universe - that He should become...human long enough to repair the damage we did, take our place, and save us all. And of all places, it all started in a manger in a tiny town in the Middle East.

David

-- December 21, 2006 9:30 PM ∞

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DALE wrote:

Carole,
I too would like the info on your investment. If you would be so kind to send to FUGAZZIDALE AT AOL dot com. also a quick question if you invest an amount are you able to invest more at a later date? Maybe you know, or can find out. Thanks, in advance, Carole.
Boy, I hope your dinar source is on the money with the RV.65% of 5 million is a nice little sum I think. Just thinking of all the good things I will be able to do when my Dinar ship comes in.
Family, friends, & strangers will all feel the trickle down effect of my wind fall.
I only wish my friends would listen & take a lil chance on this.
Good luck to us all & Merry Christmas to all.

Dale

-- December 21, 2006 10:34 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Hi All,

Long time no see. Been busy busy, but have to go back and visit ye 'ol T&B.

Can see some frustration about the slow pace the Dinar is revaluating at.

Did some crunching, and just want to get some facts for the "are we there yet" crowd.

The Dinar have been revalued from the 2nd of Nov, from a Dollar value of 1477 to today's value of 1358 in 50 days.

Counting in the value of ONE million Dinars, this gives an originally invested 677 Dollars a profit of 59 Dollars to today's value of 736 Dollars.

It comes out to a value increase of $1.18/day

Or $430/year.

Now, take your original $677 and instead put it in one of the more traditional investment baskets, and you should be able to get about 10% (11-12% if you're lucky) per year.

That's $67

So the bottom line is, this investment is growing in a far more faster pace then most traditional investments.

We're currently looking at a 63% growth rate.

Of course, looking to it day by day, it's like watching paint dry, but in comparison with most investments, this is a fantastic investment.

We all want our millions, and it's easy to compare THAT EXPECTED amount, with what we're looking at now, and sneeze at it, thinking it's peanuts, but looking only at the Dinar right now, from a pure growth and investment viewpoint. The Dinar is doing more than GREAT.

Panhandler,

Wish you well, keep pumping.

Sara,

With two choices, die, or say what the person holding a gun to my head wants to hear, I gladly say what he wants to hear.

I mean, what's the end result of the two possible outcomes. Be right about something and be dead, or be wrong about something and be alive. If you see a semi-truck doing 65 mph in a school zone, you know he is wrong, you know that you have the right of way as a pedestrian at the crosswalk, you even have the green "walk" light, so you are all in your right.

How right can you be, would you step out? For me I rather stay, and have a life, other than walk out and have a principle.

Why the Japanese live longer, I think it's more appropriate to ask why we live shorter. Perhaps it's because we feel on occasion that our blood is sipping far too fast through our veins, and must eat a steak more often than not.

Also, one of the factors (I strongly believe) is the enormous amount of sugar we have, covering every piece of bread, every darn drink and any and all snack. In the US over 50% of our diet intake is now snack and fast food, while other countries still serve ordinary meals.

Re Veil, That was a new piece of info for me, Didn't know the Veil was banned even in some Muslim countries, didn't even know it was not considered part of the Islamic religion. So it's a culture thing plain and clear. Well, there is god and bad culture, and by putting a bag over a women, that could just be called bad culture. Some tribes in the Amazon spit in their neighbors cup, to show closeness, that and the veil could both be called bad culture.

Dinar fakes,

We seem to have had an African currency bill dressed up as an Iraqi Dinar.

Wonder how much money that person sitting doodling, with the cut and paste, doing that fake bill, would have done, would he instead have spent his time buying and selling stocks, currency or just plainly flipped burgers.

Carole,

Good luck with your new investment, sounds very profitable.

I must admit I'm ignorant as to what it is, but just by the looks of it, it seems to me that it is a Multi Level or Pyramid thing of some sort.

If it was such a thing as a producing entity, Diamond mine with a very rich yield, or similar, they would not go out and ask investors for a hundred bucks.

I'm just curious as to what the product is in this investment, I understand you have to be quiet, and all that, but at least it must be known if this is land, diamonds, gasoline, air purifying filters or whatever the basis is for the monetary yield.

Money in itself can never make money, but have to be produced by goods or service. You borrow 1000 bucks to Joe, he pays you back with 10% interest, so now you're getting $1100 from Joe.

The interest is not made by the 1000 you borrowed to him, but by Joe, that produced (worked) for an additional 100 bucks to pay you back.

Same thing in investing. Invest in Dinar, Apple or General Electric. That will give them means to operate, but the payback is from something Iraq, Apple or General Electric sold, delivered or produced.

So when investing a hundred bucks, and are getting thousands back on a regular basis, I just wonder what the basis is for the product, that will exchange to the outer world, these enormous amounts, compared with the original investment.

As I say, I just know what I'm seeing from this site, and it for sure have attracted a lot of people, but based on two reasons.....

1. The "can't tell you" factor, and
2. Out of proportion yield compared with original investment.

...this looks like an MLM or Pyramid set up, where the money flow is based on new members getting involved. As long as new members can be added, the money flow is there, but the product is to get as many as possible into the system, when that ends, the system collapses.

They all burst. Mathematically they must, and when they do, very few at the top is very rich and quite a bunch lost it all....,

Just the approach made me wonder. WOW IM GETTING MONEY BY THE BUNDLES.......but I cant tell you,.... maybe,... I can consider giving the secret to a few...

Next thing you're swamped with people that will be placed underneath you in your part of the pyramid.

I'm absolutely not saying this is all wrong, anyone that wants to gamble, go ahead.

Carole, I'm absolutely not trying to take a piss on you, I'm just saying that from what I seen regarding this, it indicates very much to me that this is a well thought out "system". A money making system, and in those, the real product is either completely absent, or cloaked in "selling cookies".

I'm sure you have heard of the getting rich system of "Stuffing Envelopes at home".

Even though there are machines that can stuff envelopes quicker than quick, this is sold as a moneymaker.

The product have nothing to do with stuffing envelopes, but the system is to get other people to sell the idea that they can stuff envelopes at home. Once they are in, they in turn are sold on the idea that they can sell the idea that others can stuff envelopes at home.

It's a pyramid, and in the whole chain, there is not one envelope needed to be stuffed what so ever.

There is no product, and if there is no product, there will be a few winners and quite a bunch of losers.

I just wondered what it is that is so valuable, and the holder of the goods or service for this valuable product are so completely cash strapped, that he gladly takes your few hundred bucks, in order to be able to sell his good or services, and is getting so much for it , that he can live very happy, and on top of it all gladly give you thousands back and still be profitable.

I have read a couple of "Money Systems" where they at page one clearly states that this is not a Pyramid or MLM system, but as I read on, it's nothing but.

Then again, I can be so wrong it's unbelievable, but then, extraordinary claims demands extraordinary proof, so, in clear text, Carole, you have stated, the number one "WOW IM DOING THE BIG MONEY" and you have stated the number two, "This is a secret, and because of this and that reason, I can't tell" and you have stated number three, "Well I might consider some of you into it".

If it is a secret, how come we all know about it?

It's all consistent with an early stage of an MLM or a Pyramid.

If it is, say so.

However don't take this is such a way that I'm not glad for your success, congratulation on your success, all the power to you.

Tim Bitts,

I think it's a good point also, as long as the Iraqis in general don't have, they will rebel. Doesn't matter what country, culture or religion is involved, as long as there is poverty, hopelessness and despair, people will rebel.

I hold true your observation you posted some time ago, when you were sitting at an outside cafe, watching the street where all kind of races, were interacting in harmony, because they were running their Lexus's, shopping their jewelery, and sipping their Starbucks.

A wealthy nation is a happy nation, in that the population have possessions they value.

Okie,

Agree, Ive been away from the Dinar game for some weeks now, and when returning, the Iraqis are STILL haggling over that HCL, should have been done by now.

Rob N,

I do believe that Iraq will not head in the direction of a common currency, the Oman is not out of it totally, the only reason they are not on board at the moment is that they consider themselves not completely ready just yet, so they will probably join later.

However when it comes to Iraq, the Iraq Central Bank article 16 will forbid the bank to go into a money union. (check CBIsite under "CBI Bank law")

All,

I just read an article from the "Holocaust Denial" session they're done with, over in Tehran. I will not refer to the article, as being so full of historically distorted data's, that you might think the article is written by a spin doctor, with a couple of too many self administered electroshocks.

What does come across though is the deep socialistic viewpoint, he is coming from. Things from the early cold war rhetoric, like "USA Imperialistic" , "Capitalistic Dominance" and such were very frequent.

It shows me how Socialism or perhaps Fascism or a shade of both have merged in the Middle East.

I'm pretty sure the people practicing their form of life over there will deny completely any Fascist or Socialist ideas, and claim solely religious motives.

It is a culture phenomenon though that Socialism is always doing well in countries that consider themselves depressed, suppressed or just outright poor. Socialism fits well into the condition of the country, the mood of the people, and an explanation why they are poor.

Socialism is on the economical level build on the principle(false) that there is zero money, and the reason they are poor is BECAUSE we are rich. We have already horded all the available money and we are therefore the cause of their poor condition.

Any 3rd world country sending their representative to the UN will undoubtedly be a Socialist, having agendas like "economic fairness" and such issues.

The Middle East have traditionally been very leaning towards the Soviets during the Cold War, and almost all their weaponry have been provided to them from there.

When Iran had their revolt in the late 70's this opened the doors for the Soviets, and now in the form of the Russians, they are still there.

The "think"in Russia have never been really changed after the fall of the Soviet, the apparatnik (the internal communist social system) have never really been dismantled, and the Russians are well entrenched with the Iranians. The Iranians will not get much of any opposition from Russia if they go on an anti-Jewish bandwagon because antisemitism is practiced very much in Russia as well.

It was just an observation of the tone of the text that I read, and it amuses me to see a supposedly religious country, declaring a bunch of crap regarding Jews, Israel, Zionism, and the whole enchilada, in a language that could have been straight from a cold war Communistic propaganda leaflet.

-- December 21, 2006 10:55 PM ∞

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HACKETT wrote:

I just read on another site that chase and B of A are not selling dinars at this time. do you all think something is in the wind

-- December 21, 2006 11:11 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Carol----please put me on the info list......wjtorres2005@yahoo.com

-- December 21, 2006 11:11 PM ∞

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jsfletcher wrote:

Don't know about B of A but Chase IS selling/buying

-- December 21, 2006 11:34 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

So is Wells Fargo

-- December 22, 2006 12:22 AM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

Carole, you can add me to the list of interested investors as well. email is eshop01@yahoo.com.

If the $.65 figure hits, I will have about 2.6 million to play with before taxs, I would go for it, and will go for it on a smaller scale anyway if I find it as promising as I hope.

-- December 22, 2006 12:41 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

About buying Dinars at a bank,

If you walk into your local Bank Branch Office and start talking Dinars, they probably wouldnt know nothing. You most probably need to ask them to call their foreign currency department, to get a straight answer.

That, in bigger banks is most probably located in one of their central banks, main banks or their main district bank.

Another poster told us some time ago, that Wells Fargo have a 24 hr service.

Other posters have been telling that B of A is dealing with Dinars.

-- December 22, 2006 12:41 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Sad'r have popped up, well not him in person, but his followers, the guys that walked out in a three week boycott against the goverment.

Sad'r have "allowed" them back, and they will be in the seat in two days.

-- December 22, 2006 12:57 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

The main event here is the Dinar, but the other big event might go unnoticed, the Dollar itself. Keep an eye on it.

Have been reading up on economical news lately, and there might be a bit rough for the Dollar some time ahead.

We all know that we have a huge debt, the size of it, makes it stand out as an enormous sum compared with other countries. However per capita it's not in the panic zone, but the trouble looming ahead, is that most other countries are in about the same debt riddled category. Its a world in debt.

The Dollar have fallen in value pretty steadily lately, that will give us a chance to boost our export, however, the weakness we have, is that, most of our export producing industries are already outside the country, and our valuable goods is very much emphasized on service. Would we have had our manufacturing base intact here today, we would have done a killing right now.

China with a huge stack of Dollars as their reserves, an undervalued currency, and a more and more thirsty oil consumption will have to pay off the thirst in Dollar, as the Dollar itself is going down, many of the Central Banks, sitting on huge reserves of Dollar, would want to get more valuable currency and would want to emphasise a sell of Dollars, this further lowering the price of Dollar.

Smaller countries like Venezuela and Iran wowing to take down the Dollar will not be able to even affect the value, as their economies are too small to be significant.

The threat financially is not from there.

As the Dollar goes down, the threat is the sell off , from Central Banks all across the world, in their efforts to gain value by switching to a higher valued currency.

Their effort will probably be in a diverse field, Stirling, Euros and a general basket of the most biggest currencies.

If a free fall happens, and a panic sell out starts, some of the economic analysts are predicting the next recession, perhaps even a depression, but in a world wide form more in line with the global depression starting in the end of the 20's. That is the worst case scenario, today there are much more safety nets than in those days, but still this is a possibility.

As a result, the US will most probably lose ( it can gain back, but have to earn it back) , the Dollar as the world currency, in the same way as the Brits lost the Stirling as the world currency at the outbreak of WW2.

All the economic signs are there, the Euro is by analysts, running about 10-15% overvalued, The Chinese, are sitting on a financial bomb, The Brits are running a debt economy about as shameless as we are, and have a too far overvalued currency right now, and the Asian countries are watching what to do with their reserves, where to go, to keep a better value on it. They sell the Yankee Dollar at the drop of a hat, only to get a Euro or Stirling that in itself can adjust back down to it's more real value. After the Bank bust in the 90's the Yen have never been fully trusted, and Japan have been a question mark ever since, since it never gained back it's financial domination it had up until the -90's, in that region.

If we, and the world can ride this out, we will have some adjustments in the currencies all over the world, and a slowdown that will soon be replaced by an uptrend again.

In case a panic sell out of the Dollar starts, it's a very hard thing to stop, and there will be dire financial consequences all over the world.

Keep an eye on the Dinar, the rise in value of the Dinar is pretty much in par with the drop of the value of the Dollar, so in a sense we can say that as the Dinar is closely "Dollarised" the current rise in Dinar value is actually an adjustment towards a falling Dollar.

The planets and stars are aligned right now in such a way that the world situation is financially very volatile, and wobbly right now.

There are many possible models, depending on how the step by steps are taken, from the worst scenario to the best, either way, something is about to break loose, and it will be a very interesting time ahead.

-- December 22, 2006 1:58 AM ∞

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dale wrote:

HACKETT,

I caled Chase Bank several days ago. The person I talked to didn't know off hand, about the Dinar. The guy did look into it & found a branch that i could purchace from near me. So I am thinking, maybe, not all branches are selling it.
But I would say if some one tells you they are not selling, ask some one else. I am sure it is not an every day request, & those who say no, just are not aware of it.

-- December 22, 2006 2:03 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

What is this, a new scratchpad.....I ordered a cheeseburger.

-- December 22, 2006 2:04 AM ∞

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Galo wrote:

Carole, Thank you for sharing the investment info. Please add my address to your list.
Galo

-- December 22, 2006 2:52 AM ∞

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Galo wrote:

Carole,
Please use galoflor at sbcglobal.net
Thank you!
gALO

-- December 22, 2006 2:54 AM ∞

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Galo wrote:

Carole,
Please use galoflor at sbcglobal.net
Thank you!
Galo

-- December 22, 2006 2:55 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Anthony R,

If the goal is to bring the Dinar to a value of 10.000 Dinars equal to $6.600 and the Iraqis are doing the sliding Dinar revaluation in the pace as they are doing it now, you will have your 65 cents per Dinar in exactly 13 years, and 9 months.

-- December 22, 2006 2:58 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

About the minister that wants to give 10.000 Dinars, or about the equivalent to $6600 to needy people...
hm....I think it's a misprint of the zeroes in the Dinars, because at the time he came up with that statement, the $6600 figure corresponds pretty much with the exchange rate of 1.000.000 Dinars.

Naa...I wouldn't read more into it than that.

-- December 22, 2006 3:49 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Roger,

Welcome back, I guess!

First of all, I would like to say that what me and my family are doing is not a secret, by any means. BUT, as I stated at first I am reluctant to give personal information on a blog site.

Also, our venture is not an MLM. That was my first concern, and I fully checked it out.

It is an advertising agency that involves multiple products.

Also, this business, I have found out is not new. The uniqueness of this agency is that the "owner" has invested quite a bit of money to keep the site safe.

This is how the story goes. This owner was involved in the same business adventure and was making alot of money. One day he went to the site to do his daily procedure on the net and the site was gone. He started a 3 month long investigation as to what happened. He had already made 150K and only had 5 days in his 10 day cycle. He had about $9600 at risk, which he has since recovered.

In his investigation, he found that this business is very popular and profitable, BUT vulnerable to being shut down, because the "owner" violates some regulations, or there have been complaints issued and sites are shut down during investigations of the site.
The usual existance of these sites is about 1-3 months.

SO he decided to try to find out what exactly was happeneing to have these sites closed down. He took 6 months to figure it out and then open his own and do everyting exactly right to keep the site open and viable and profitable. He has now had the site for over 400 days, and has international investors.

We have conference calls about every 2 weeks and he encourages everyone to be very careful about spreading the news, to avert any possible trouble. He encourages everyone to help eachother, and try to keep everyone informed and happy as to keep compliants down, therby keeping the site healthy and viable.

What I like about this is that your gamble is for a very limited time. IN 10 days your money is in your bank with a 40% return. What I also like about this is that I have access to the owner. I don't know him perslonally, but have friends that introduced us to this that do know him directly.

My daughter Maureen has gone through her first 3 cycles. SHe has doubled her investment. I figure by the middle of your 2nd cycle, you have your 9K back and are going into future cycles with your profits, not your capital investment.

Where the money comes from is the advertisers that buy advertising space on the site. I guess this is a very big business, and companies pay big bucks for internet advertising.

This is where I spent my time investigating, cause I was really ignorant to the fact that there is so much money out there being spent on internet advertising. While it was a very new revelation to me, it is a very old issue. But none-the -less, I needed to check it out for myself.

You can profit by bring someone else in, but it is very minimal and there are no tiers. You are given a referral number, and if someone signs up under your referral number you get a very small % of their investment, but only for the 10 day cycle. And that is it!And you don't have to go that route if you don't want to. It is just an option. The owner is even considering doing away with that as the accounting issues can get hectic.

Once the 10 days is over and the cycle closes, your money is depostied into an internet bank called Safe Pay. I checked into this and it is as safe as any bank you walk into. You have your own account and your own pin number. YOu can take all or part-- it is yours. You can buy groceries or anything you want.

The owner, is going to keep safe pay, but wants to move forward to making it possible for everyone to have their money ( faster than safe pay) right into their own personal bank accounts. That should be available by th eend of January.

What is bothersome to me is that at this time you can only have one 9K account at a time, under one Social Security number. I would like to have at least 3 accounts running. BUt not allowed at this time. And husbands and wives can not have separate accounts.

By the way you are issued 1099's for tax purposes.

It seems legit and in a few days I will have my total investment of 9K back, plus 40%.

My other sense of security is my RE friend that is a multimillionaire, is now involved. He too is irritated that he can't have more than one account. Maybe someday that will change. I know that on the next conference call we are going to ask that question.

SO that's it Roger.

I am very protective of my family and I don't want to expose us to any potential harm by exposing personal information on the blog.

So after Christmas, I am going to forward information to those who asked, through a safe way. The problem is that I haven't quite figured out how to do that. I was thinking about a PO box.

The other thought I had was that there are a very few people here that I would feel comfortable with e-mailing. NOw if they feel that they would like to share their personal information to a whole bunch of strangers, then that is fine, I am still fairly protected.

OR.....I can just drop it!

I just felt a while back, that I wished I could find a way to share this information with others like myself that are invested in the Dinar, and getting frustrated by the many disappointments, and pennies of return. That while waiting for the big RV could make some money.

By the way, no one made me any promises or guarantees, and I would certainly not offer promises either. This kind of investing is always a chance, but so is crossing the street.

Investing is not for cowards or cry babies. And no one should ever invest in anything they can't afford to lose, is the way I look at it.

I realize there are alot of people who don't hold to that concept. I see it at the poker tables all the time. It is really sad. An addiction like anything else.

But thank God my only real addiction is See's candy!! I have little or no control over it....and only indulge myself at Christmas time!!! Cause my office gets pounds and pounds of it as gifts. The only other big item gifts we get now are Starbuck gift cards, and I hate starbucks coffee----tooo bitter!!!

Well got to get back to wrapping---Christmas is almost here and we are at the countdown here in my neck of the woods.

Carole

-- December 22, 2006 5:16 AM ∞

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Fred wrote:

Carole-

Morning and may I say you are being quite stellar in your recent posts. I for one would never head hunt the person who shared info on any investment. That is how I came across the Dinar in the first place. Your internet deal sounds good but as would any cautious person question who/what/where etc.et. I have made a few investments and seem to never get ahead, but I will always keep trying for you will never get ahead if you don't try. Maybe if you open another e-mail account up and we could all email that account to get what ever info it is we have to send in. Suggestions are a dime a dozen and I will leave you to summarize your own course of action. Thank you for coming froward and sharing the info, I'm interested!!!

-- December 22, 2006 8:40 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

No CBI auction today as it is the weekend in the Arab world.

Tim Bitts.

For some reason, there are people in this world who can't see investments. Roger has those friends who live on a dirt road. Others don't know anybody who are invested in the Dinar personally. It's a risky investment. If the Dinar went bust then what I would lose, I would soon forget about but the gain I would lose if I didn't invest, I would remember well. Don't want to be in the Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda club. I have thought about joining the procrastinators club but never got around to it. There are those who are so concerned about what people think of them that they can't stand the ribbing they would take from their friends so they refuse to take a risk. Every time I meet such people they also, either coincidentally or it's linked, have a welfare outlook on life. I need to analyze it more but you can bet that the same naysayers that won't invest will be telling us that we somehow made money on the backs of someone else when the Dinar RVs.

All I can say is that I'm happy that I was able to see this investment. I have Iraqi-American friends I worked with in the sandbox that I have to thank for that as they opened my eyes.

David,

I join you in thanking those who serve and have served. I still know people in the sandbox. Don't communicate with thenm on a regular basis but I know that they are away from their families. I remember how hard it was on my kids but am still glad I served. It just galls me to hear these Hollywood actors come out and spout ignorance. The Iraq issue is too complex for them to understand it. This is the real value to the "great American experiment". Whether we talk about politics or stardom or fame. Even the truly ignorant among us can prosper if they are willing to work hard enough. I fear that hard work is no longer respected in our society. Hope it's a blip on the radar screen that may one day reverse.

Carole,

Thanks for being willing to share your latest investment. I set up a Yahoo E-mail account so you could E-mail me. This is a solution for those who don't want to reveal their regular E-mail account to the world.

Please send me info at chrisgz at yahoo.com

Thanks and Merry Christmas to all who believe and to Roger a good night. Just kidding Roger! Welcome back!

-- December 22, 2006 9:15 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

From www.dinartrade.com

41 billion dollars, the volume of the budget for 2007

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

Iraqi Minister of Finance, Baqer Jabr Al-Zubaydi, announced that "No change in the 2007 budget, which is fixed at 41 billion dollars", but he indicated "transfers and distributions will be made so that the new budget will cover all sectors of the Iraqi people to avoid the mistakes that happened in last year's budget, and the confusion that happened in the implementation of investment projects".

After the economic committee meeting under the chairmanship of Vice-President Adel Abdel Mahdi, the Iraqi minister revealed that "new conditions are put to punish the parties who fall behind in the implementation, then withdraw the funds that have not been spent and convert them to the implementation of large projects in the country".

Regarding the amendments to the salaries of governmental employees at the beginning of next year, Azzubaidi announced: "400 million dollars have been allocated to make the necessary adjustments to the salaries of the employees. The increases would range between 50 and 70%, and each employee will get the increase he deserves, starting from the beginning of next January".

Azzubaidi pointed out that 2007budget "will be set at the rate of 1260 dinar to the dollar and 50 dollars per barrel of oil with the production of 1.7 million barrels a day". He explained that the Iraqi Central Bank "started raising interest rates from 12 to 16% now", pointing out that there are no immediate plans to continue raising interest rates.

He explained that the aim of raising interest rates is "to strengthen the Iraqi dinar, and curb the inflation of 56% now, as well as strengthening the confidence of Iraqis in the local currency".

Source: Iraq Directory

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 10:58 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

From news.yahoo.com

Rice: Iraq worth investment in U.S. aid By ANNE GEARAN, AP Diplomatic Writer
Thu Dec 21, 5:51 PM ET

WASHINGTON - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told The Associated Press on Thursday that Iraq is "worth the investment" in American lives and dollars.

ADVERTISEMENT

The top U.S. diplomat said the United States can win in Iraq, although the war so far has been longer and more difficult than she had expected. She made the remarks at a time when President Bush is under pressure from the public and members of Congress to find a fresh course in the long-running and costly war, which has shown no signs of nearing an end and cost the lives of more than 2,950 American troops.

In the AP interview, Rice was asked whether an additional $100 billion the Pentagon wants for the Iraq and Afghan wars might amount to throwing good money after bad in Iraq. The U.S. has already spent more than $350 billion on the conflict.

"I don't think it's a matter of money," Rice said. "Along the way there have been plenty of markers that show that this is a country that is worth the investment, because once it emerges as a country that is a stabilizing factor you will have a very different kind of Middle East."

Rice added, "I know from the point of view of not just the monetary cost but the sacrifice of American lives a lot has been sacrificed for Iraq, a lot has been invested in Iraq."

Bush would not ask for continued sacrifice and spending "if he didn't believe, and in fact I believe as well, that we can in fact succeed," Rice said.

In a wide-ranging interview, Rice also said she has no reason to believe North Korea is serious about dismantling its nuclear weapons. "That's what we're testing," in disarmament talks this week that a Japanese envoy described as deadlocked.

Rice said a watered-down United Nations sanctions resolution against Iran would have more than symbolic value but said she has no assurances that Russia will vote for the resolution this week despite long efforts to satisfy Moscow's misgivings about sanctions.

She said she is confident all U.N. members will enforce the sanctions once passed, no matter how they voted.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 11:02 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

From www.dinartrade.com

Iraq to propose new Baghdad security plan
12/21/2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Under a new plan, Iraqis will have the ability to launch security operations without a multinational OK, the Iraqi government said Thursday.

The security plan for war-torn Baghdad would ostensibly place Iraqi troops in the lead and coalition forces in a supporting role.

The plan emerged during talks among officials from the Iraqi Defense and Interior ministries as well as the Multi-National Forces in Iraq --and during the visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates in Baghdad.

The plan, which "will see the light of day soon," according to Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Abdul-Karim Khalaf, would create a system with "swifter mobilization and decision-making."

There will be an overall Iraqi commander for Baghdad and one commander each from the largely Sunni area west of the Tigris River, called Karkh, and the largely Shiite area east of the river, called Rusafa. One commander will be from the Interior Ministry, the other from the Defense Ministry, Khalaf said.

In addition, a commander will be in charge of nine security districts in Baghdad, he said.

Security forces will remain at the same level, Khalaf said. As many as 45,000 Iraqi security forces have been in Baghdad in recent weeks.

They'll be provided with better bomb detection equipment placed at the city's entrances and 200 explosives experts. The equipment will allow troops to detect explosives from a distance of 100 meters or more.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's efforts to establish security in Baghdad have faltered in the face of Sunni-Shiite violence.

Attackers killed at least 18 people inBaghdad on Thursday, including 15 in a suicide strike that targeted men enlisting in the national police force, authorities said.

In addition, police found 38 bodies shot to death in what are regarded as sectarian killings, bringing the two-day count of bullet-riddled bodies found in Baghdad to 114.

Many of the people were bound, blindfolded and tortured, the Interior Ministry said. On Wednesday, police discovered 76 bodies in a similar state -- one of the highest daily body counts since the aftermath of the February bombing of Al-Askariya Mosque, the revered Shiite shrine in Samarra.

Thursday's suicide strike outside the Baghdad police academy involved an insurgent who detonated his explosives belt and killed at least 12 recruits and three police officers, the U.S. military said Iraqi police reported.

The attack also left 15 people wounded, authorities said.

In western Baghdad, a car bomb killed two people and wounded two others. Gunmen also attacked two female teachers, killing one and wounding another, as they were driving home from work.

Also in western Baghdad, armed men broke into the house of an adviser to Defense Minister Abdul Qadir, stole weapons and blew up his car. No one was at home at the time.

Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross called on kidnappers to release "unharmed, immediately and unconditionally" the remaining hostages taken from a Red Crescent office in Baghdad Sunday.

Fourteen of the 30 men taken have been freed. The Red Crescent said it will not resume its aid work in Baghdad until all are released.

Gates, the new U.S. defense secretary, met with about 15 U.S. soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division in Baghdad on Thursday to gauge whether to send more troops to Iraq. (Watch Gates seek an unfiltered view of U.S. troops, Iraqis)

Several soldiers said reinforcements would help, but military commanders have expressed concerns that a troop increase woulddelay Iraqis' efforts to take control of their security. (Full story)

Gates also met with Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister al-Maliki, the defense minister and members of the Iraqi Security Council, The Associated Press reported.

Gates has said the ultimate decision hinges on the "basic questions about the surge: What is the mission, what is the purpose, can we do it, how big can we go?"

Soldier, Marine killedA U.S. soldier and Marine died from wounds sustained during combat in Iraq's volatile Anbar province, the U.S. military announced on Thursday.

The Marine, assigned to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, died Wednesday, and the U.S. soldier, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 7, died Tuesday, the military said.

Roadside bombs killed two U.S. soldiers in and around Baghdad on Wednesday, the military said.

The deaths bring the number of U.S. service members killed since the start of the Iraq war to to 2,951. In the month of December so far, 69 U.S. troops have been killed.

Seven American civilian contractors of the military also have died in the conflict.

Other developments

Radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr met with representatives of seven Shiite groups comprising the largest bloc in Iraq's parliament Thursday in Najaf to discuss a one-month unilateral cease-fire, Shiite officials said. Also on the table was the lifting of a three-week boycott of al-Maliki's coalition and rejoining the political process. (Details)

A formal delegation from the Shiite-led political bloc -- the United Iraqi Alliance -- will travel to Najaf to meet with Iraq's most powerful cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, next week. The effort is aimed at avoiding a splintering within the Shiite alliance and forming a broader political alliance with other parties to stem sectarian violence. The delegation will meet separately with al-Sadr, said Ridha Jawad Taqi, a member of the United Iraqi Alliance.

Military prosecutors on Thursday charged a Marine sergeant with 13 counts of murder in connection with the shooting deaths of 24 unarmed civilians in Haditha, Iraq, last year, his lawyer said. As many as seven other Marines could be charged. (Full story)
CNN's Sam Dagher, Kyung Lah and Jomana Karadsheh contributed to this report.

Copyright 2006 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.

Iraq to propose new Baghdad security plan - Source

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 11:06 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Correction: the above article came from safedinar.com

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 11:11 AM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

Roger, not sure I understand your timetable of 13 years and 7 months at the current rate of appreciation of the dinar.

By my math, it looks like the Dinar is going to gain about 150 on the US dollar in november and december. By my math, that is averaging 75 dinars a month. Also, it appears to be a trend that is snowballing, by that I mean decembers gain appears to be significantly greater than novembers gain.

When I look at the current coarse of the dinar, even without the snowball effect, at a 75 dinar gain a month to the dollar, we are looking at about 12 more months before the goal of $.65 to the dinar is reached, which would put us right at the end of 2007 and I think right about where they have the goal set.

I think the recent elections have lit a fire under the Iraq administration. They realize that the republicans grip on total control is slipping, and they better get to standing on thier own 2 feet and become totally independant within the next 2 years because the american people have spoken, and they want a change. They are reading between the lines as everyone else should be and realize that the next US president is going to be a democrat and when that happens the spoon feeding will be over.

-- December 22, 2006 11:12 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Another article from www.safedinar.com

Pentagon Report Sees Progress in Iraq Despite Spike in Violence
12/21/2006

Says Iraqi government, security forces assume greater responsibility
By David Shelby
USINFO Staff Writer

Washington – A Pentagon report released December 18 identifies “incremental progress” in the capabilities of the Iraqi government and Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) over a recent three-month period despite a sharp increase in violence.

“The period covered in this report (August 12, 2006-November 10, 2006) saw incremental progress in the government of Iraq’s willingness and ability to take over responsibility, to build institutions, and to deliver essential services,” says the congressionally mandated report titled Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq. “This progress is notable given the escalating violence in some of Iraq’s more populous regions and the tragic loss of civilian life at the hands of terrorists and other extremists.”

The report states that Iraqi Security Forces “have assumed more leadership in counter-insurgency and law enforcement operations” and adds that coalition forces are nearing their goals for training and equipping Iraqi forces.

Iraq’s Council of Representatives has adopted key legislation in the areas of constitutional review, foreign investment and federal region formation, the report observes, but Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s national reconciliation project, which the report identifies as a key to long-term political stability, has shown “little progress.”

The period from July to October saw sharp erosion in public confidence in the Iraqi government’s ability to improve the situation, according to State Department surveys discussed in the report. The Iraqi government must focus on key domestic issues such as enactment of a hydrocarbons law, reform of the de-Ba’athification process, demobilization of militias and a reduction in unemployment to regain the public’s confidence, the report says.

Oil production and electricity generation have risen over the past three months, though they still fall short of program goals, the report says. Daily power availability now averages 11 hours nationwide, although Baghdad, Iraq, receives electricity an average of only six hours per day. The report states that water projects have increased the nation’s supply of potable water by 35 percent over the past six months.

Although attacks on infrastructure have declined, the report says the cumulative effect of past attacks and the difficult environment for making repairs continue to impair the government’s ability to deliver basic services.

Security remains a key concern in Iraq. The report says the total number of attacks has risen 22 percent over the past three months, but it attributes part of that increase to a seasonal spike in violence during the Muslim holy month Ramadan. It says the majority of attacks are aimed at coalition forces and that most civilian violence remains localized in neighborhoods with mixed Sunni and Shiite populations. More than three-quarters of all attacks are taking place in only four provinces: al-Anbar, Baghdad, Salah ad-Din and Diyala. According to the report, more than 90 percent of Iraqis outside the Sunni Triangle say they feel “very safe” in their neighborhoods.

The report notes that the Iraqi Ministry of Defense assumed command and control of the Iraqi Ground Forces Command (IGFC) in September. It anticipates that the IGFC will take full control of all 10 divisions of the Iraqi army by June 2007. The report says the most significant challenges on the security front are addressing the ISF’s shortcomings in logistics management and reforming the Ministry of Interior’s police force to eliminate militia infiltration.

The full text of the report (PDF, 53 pages) is available on the Department of Defense Web site.

For additional information, see Iraq Update.

(USINFO is produced by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

Pentagon Report Sees Progress in Iraq Despite Spike in Violence - Source

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 11:14 AM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

sorry, miscalculated, by the above numbers it would be about 17 months before the $.65 goal, which is longer, but still a lot better than 13 years.

Also, keep in mind that snowball effect, I am still banking on late 07.

-- December 22, 2006 11:19 AM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Carol,

You mentioned accounts tied in with Social Security numbers.......

Anyone asking for my Social Security Number causes me to pause instantly........

Can you get into this investment without the use of a Social?

-- December 22, 2006 11:32 AM ∞

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Steve wrote:

Anthony R.,

You cannot do your calculations based on point gain....

Roger did his based on percentage gain

You can look up an exponential decay problem and get the basics of this thinking.

Your model assumes ever increasing percentage gain, which of course is not realistic. I'll give an example.

Right now the Dinar is gaining 10 points per day , roughly. While at 1300, this represents just under 1% gain per day.

Now lets look at a date later on when ther rate is say 31 to 1. So its then 21 to 1 tomorrow and 11 to 1, so forth. Point is, in four days, you would get a 31x increase. Not likely.

Right now a 1% gain is about 13 points. When the exchange rate is 30 to 1, a 1% gain would be about .3

Hope that helps......

-- December 22, 2006 11:40 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Some might fund this interesting

http://www.imf.org/external/np/fin/tad/exportal.aspx?memberKey1=460&date1key=2006-11-30&category=EXCHRT

-- December 22, 2006 2:04 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

Thanks for the info, you gave a lot of meat, and I (probably I can say we) appreciate that, ok, well, I really wish you good luck Carole. We all take our chances, and you have been stumbling onto something, good for you.

The only question I have now is, ...as those sites were a borderline regulation violation,and this guy that set up the sites now have a way to keep them a bit longer, but still there is a concern about being shut down....are the accounts, when they are "active" connected with the accounts, so if the sites are shut down, will the accounts also be shut down, or are they safe.?

Seems to me that the money producing entity here is a high risk venture, but if the money connected to it, will sit in a separate account, then the money would be safe.

But then again, money can't just sit, it got to work in the business itself...

Ok I can see how high risk this would be, but then again I can also see how profitable the payout would be, so all in all, Good luck, as you say, it's risky to cross the street too, and if you're not crossing the street, you're not getting there.

Anthony R.

There are many ways you can toss these numbers around, Steve was completely correct when he mentioned the points gain, The figure of 13 years is based on the current speed in revaluation.

I figure from the start of the reval, you will increase the value of the Dinar about 430 Dollars/year, going in the exact pace you have now. Then it's easy, take the original investment of the value of one million Dinars in Dollars at the start of the reval as being $677, then take the goal as $6600, minus the original investment of 677, gives a Dollar figure of 5923 Dollars that the Dinar have to climb.

Every year is a 430 Dollar increase, so if 430 Dollars have to climb through 5923, you have to see how many times 430 will fit into 5923. It's 13.77, or in years, it will be 13 years and 9 months.

That is all assumed it will be done with the current speed, and set up, and operation. With other words, if nothing else changes.

-- December 22, 2006 2:13 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Roger;

Welcome back! :) HuGgggg..

Rob N;

Thanks for all the great posts lately.. good fact finding. :)
I found Roger's note to you about Iraq not joining the GCC because Article 16 prohibits it in the CBI banking law very interesting.. did you know that?

David - Thank you for your very kind comments. :)

Roger - I found interesting your analysis that Socialism does well in countries "that consider themselves depressed, suppressed or just outright poor." You say that they reason that they are poor BECAUSE others are rich. This seemed to me to be the same mentality Chris mentioned when he said that, quote: "There are those who are so concerned about what people think of them that they can't stand the ribbing they would take from their friends so they refuse to take a risk. Every time I meet such people they also, either coincidentally or it's linked, have a welfare outlook on life. I need to analyze it more but you can bet that the same naysayers that won't invest will be telling us that we somehow made money on the backs of someone else when the Dinar RVs."

To me, this Socialism idea and this welfare idea are related. Those who do not make money on the Dinar (because they refused to take that risk) will also reason that we who did take that risk "made money on the backs of someone else" - the most likely candidate for them to grasp onto is the poor among the Iraqi people, saying they are still poor BECAUSE we are rich. I believe in the case of the RV, it will take a while for the trickle down effect in Iraq and for the average or poor Iraqi to have his/her situation impacted positively. Jobs won't happen quite overnite, either. So there will still be poor people in Iraq when we have our windfalls. No doubt this will cause critics saying "the reason they are poor is BECAUSE you are rich." - not seeing the eventual positive impact the RV will have longterm in turning the Iraqi economic conditions around, nor the positive role we played in helping them by putting our money at risk in their currency. It turns into a jealousy thing with Socialism as the justification for thinking rich people sinful. Their assumption is - if we made money, we had to have done it at their expense because to be rich you have to do something wrong. Rich people, they reason, are innately evil and wicked (here, in profit taking for venturing a risk).. unlike the rest of the population (themselves - who missed that boat by choosing to take no risk, and the poor who could not take the risk).

Socialism creates this demonization of the rich very well because it takes one religious interpretation of the Bible and makes it the creed to impose upon all of humanity. Christian communes have communal ownership as their basis, which is also the the core belief of Communism. Communism just took this Christian interpretation of "how to live" (communal property, no private ownership of land, no capitalism) as the one interpretation to impose upon the world. Much like Islamofascism, they took one very extreme religious viewpoint (present in Christianity since its inception - but entered into only willingly and not by force) and decided to impose it on the world by force.. for our good, of course, and with religious zeal because they believe themselves to be morally superior and more correct in their interpretation of "how to live" than the rest of us who do not so believe.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_socialism

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_communism

QUOTE: "Christian communists "do not agree with the atheist views of most Marxists, but they do agree with some of the economic aspects of Marxist theory, such as the idea that capitalism exploits the working class by extracting surplus value from the workers in the form of profits. Christian communists also share some of the political goals of Marxists, for example replacing capitalism with socialism, which should in turn be followed by communism at a later point in the future.""

Thinking in the Capitalist and not Communist/Socialist way of thinking - that is, thinking that making a profit is not innately sinful - we reason that even if the amount of profit in an undertaking is a great profit (think Dinar RV, millions), it is not sinful or ill-gotten gain. (Pro 10:22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it. 1Ch 29:12 Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; In Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.) Indeed, we reason here that the RV of the Dinar will bring eventual wealth to the country and people of Iraq, wealth they cannot have otherwise and which will help bring stability and peace to Iraq's people.

Carole's Advertising company with multi-products is also an interesting venture which may indeed allow such profits to be legitimately made. It doesn't necessarily follow that because the profits are great it has to be something wrong (like a Pyramid scheme). However, I am as cautious as the next person, as Carole was before she checked her venture out.. and the anonymous poster who mentioned that giving out a SIN willy nilly to anyone is a concern - that also made me think. I would still like to see the venture, fully check it myself and pray about it - as Carole did - before investing. But, like the Dinar, I do not think making a lot of money in a short term venture is sinful or beyond the pale of possibility - as we all know it can and does happen - and sometimes one cannot tell if it is opportunity knocking or not.. until you check it out. For those of us in the Dinar, we think it was opportunity knocking to become involved in the Dinar. From what Carole said, her story about her investment appears to be the same kind of thing, and I for one am open to hearing, checking it out and praying for wisdom about it.

Sara.

PS I found it of interest that Communism is (rightly) referred to in the negative sense in the Capitalistic West - but found it puzzling that those who oppose Communism embrace another form of it which is applied to the family structure which was created by Marx's close companion, Engels:

"After Marx's death in 1883, Engels devoted much of the rest of his life to editing and translating Marx's writings. However, he also contributed significantly to feminist theory, seeing for instance the concept of monogamous marriage as having arisen because of the domination of man over women. In this sense, he ties communist theory to the family, arguing that men have dominated women just as the capitalist class has dominated workers."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marxism

Interesting that this accusation about men not "dominating" women is a form of Communist theory which is used by the West to deprecate the strong family ties the Muslims have which adhere to the Biblical core structure. (I'm not talking evil things like honor killings, but the strong family structure they use which is ma and pa and their kids with a white picket fence like the 1950's in America.) It is almost like the Capitalistic West is schizophrenic in denying Communism in monetary matters, but advocates Communism in the communal and family values - seeking to impose these Communist ideals on normal (Biblical) family relationships at home and abroad.

-- December 22, 2006 3:22 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Annon:

The fact that they ask for your Social is comfort to me. First of all it is needed to open the bank account, and secondly, they have to report earnings on a 1099.

Roger:
Your "bank" account with Safe pay is closed once the 10 days is up. The "job" you do with the advertising agency is not connected to the bank account other than a way to direct deposit your money.

The only money that is on the table, is that which is in your current 10 day cycle.

That is the gamble, of you will. Of the site closes down while you are in your cycle, the money that is in there then, is frozen. My only sense of security is that the owner tells our friends that as long as he is alive, no one has or ever will lose a cent. If the site is closed down it may delay payment, but we will get paid eventually.

On the internet, anytime anyone clicks to read an ad, the business involved is paying for each time that ad is clicked on. Even here on T%B, everytime soeone clicks on an ad listed on this page they pay this blog site owner a fee.

This business is the same concept. The difference is that there are literally thousands of clients for this site and they pay huge amounts for everytime someone reads their ad.

AT the beginging of each cycle we decide how many ads we want to view for 10 days. The more money you pay the bigger amount of ads you visit. However, the payout is still 40% at the end of the 10days.

For 9K you get to view 75 sites per day. It takes about 25 minutes per day.

Also, at the end of the 10 days you are completely finished. NO money rolls over. You have to decide to re-enter a new cycle and put up the money to buy the "clicks".

I know it may sound a little complicated, but is really is the easiet money I have ever made.

When I finish my cycle, $12600.00 will be deposited to my Safe Pay account. Of which 9K is my original investment,plus the $3600 profit.
Now I can take it and be finished, I can immediately transfer it to my own checking account. But it is at that time that I can re-enter a new cycle with more money, and start working the program again, for another 10 days.

I personally have been putting back the 9K. IN 30 days I can earn back my initial investment.

As long as the site stays open I have created a money making machine.

You don't have to reenter on day 11 if you don't want to start another cycle at that time. So long as your cycle is closed you can open another one at anytime.
But at a profit of $1260 a day, why would anyone want to do that? Unless of course they needed the money.

The way I figure it is that the advertising clients are probably on a payable cycle.

Our money provides the company with cash flow.

In the end when the receivables are paid the owner gets 60% and we get 40%, and the client gets his ads seen hundresds of times a day.

I am told that it is the most desirableform of advertising for companies, since TV ads are losing their potency with all of the technology in TV now where you van use your DVR to block out commericials, etc. Plyus since the Internet, the newspaper industry has taken a great big hit(loss), and has lost a significant amount of advertising customers. to the internet advertising entities.

Well, we will just have to wait and see if this really pans out.

-- December 22, 2006 3:38 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Sara:

No, I did not know that about that aspect to the Central Bank of Iraq's banking law. Very interesting.

Watching the MSM last night and they made mention of Al Sadar now wishes to be apart of the coalition government after secret talks. I have my doubts whether he really wants a peaceful and prosperous Iraq.

It is my contention that once peace is accomplished prosperity will come. We will have to wait and see.

Allow me to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Panhandler, I am praying for you. Roger, glad to see your posting.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 3:43 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Sara: Didn't Jesus say, it is harder for a rich man, to enter the kingdom of God, than it is, for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle? What's your opinion of that verse? Does that verse not imply that there is something about money, according to Christian beliefs, that innately has the potential to corrupt human beings? Does this belief not mean that the accumulation of wealth is suspect, at best, in Christian belief? Just asking.

Personally, my belief is, when we invest in the dinar, we invest in the future of Iraq, and Iraqis. Because people like us invest in their economy, it allows Iraqis to invest in their own future. This means the future creation of wealth for Iraqis. This means, whatever money we happen to make, Iraqis will make many many times that money amount, for every dollar we invest. I'm not an economist, but I'd be very surprised if that were not true. This means, rather than exploiting, I think I am helping the process whereby Iraqis earn a lot of money. I believe, rather than being morally exploitive, the opposite is true. Investing in dinars is ultimately very moral, in my opinion, since it helps Iraqis in the process of bettering themselves, feeding and educating their children. It is moral because the other people, in the transaction end up getting more out of it, than I will. Although doing good is not the reason I invest, I think, in the real world, this will be the actual long term effect of my investment. If my belief about the real world practical economic implications of my investment are true, and demonstrably and emperically factual, that Iraqis will ultimately prosper from my decision, then that's an added bonus for me.

I think communists got it backwards. Capitalism is a win-win situation. It is also inherently moral, in my opinion, since it increases overall human happiness, and lessens suffering. Christians should be enthusiastic about capitalism, in my opinion, since it fits in with their moral beliefs, that relieving suffering is a primary objective in life. Capitalism does not intend directly, to be moral. But I don't think intentions are the ultimate judge of the rightness or wrongness of an action. I think effects are, not intentions. A great deal of good enters the world, not through direct intention and action, but through indirect effects of seemingly selfish action.

Sara, interesting comments on how communists believe men have dominated women, historically.....I was raised by a strong woman, and have a bunch of strong sisters. My view, based on my own life is, who ever came up with that theory, about men dominating women, never met my wife, or my sisters!!

All of this communist stuff comes from Karl Marx, who was a bit of a loser in his personal life. Personally, I've always preferred the other Marx brother, Groucho, and Zeppo, and especially Harpo!

Roger, good to see you weighing in on a few things!

-- December 22, 2006 4:39 PM ∞

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IRS Warning!!! wrote:

To everyone interested in Carol's "Investment"

Many of these types of investments have been tried in the past.
The IRS will always shut them down.
Anything that you "get something for nothing" will be shut down and you will be flagged by the IRS
Just because you provide a social security number does not mean that it is legal.
----Trust Me----

-- December 22, 2006 5:10 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

From www.iraqi-dinar-exchange.com

Insurgents kill 5 more soldiers in Iraq
Friday, December 22, 2006 21:28 (Source: Yahoo! News) Insurgent attacks killed five more American troops west of the Iraqi capital, the military said Friday, making December the second deadliest month for U.S. servicemen in 2006.

So far this month, 76 American troops have died in Iraq, the same number that were killed in all of April. With nine days remaining in December, the monthly total of U.S. deaths could meet or exceed the death toll of 105 in October.

As American deaths in the war pushed closer to 3,000, Iraqis continued to fall victim to sectarian violence between Shiites and Sunnis. Police recovered 21 more bodies in the cities of Baghdad, Baqouba and Kut. With 140,000 U.S. troops now in Iraq, President Bush is considering whether to send thousands more to control the bloodshed.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates flew back to Washington on Friday to give Bush his advice on transforming U.S. policy in Iraq after holding three days of talks in the war zone with military and political leaders. Gates was scheduled to see the president at the mountain retreat of Camp David, Md., on Saturday.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 5:59 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

news.yahoo.com

DUBAI (Reuters) - The leader of an al Qaeda-backed group offered to refrain from attacking U.S. forces if they withdrew from Iraq within a month and left their heavy weapons behind, according to an audio tape posted on the Internet on Friday.

ADVERTISEMENT

"We call on (President George W.) Bush not to waste this historic opportunity which insures you a safe withdrawal," said the speaker, identified as Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, head of the so-called Islamic State in Iraq, which was announced in October by al Qaeda and groups linked to it.

The authenticity of the tape could not be verified, but it was posted on two main Web sites used by al Qaeda and other insurgent groups in Iraq.

"We are awaiting your response within two weeks of this announcement," said the speaker in the tape, which was dated December 22. He said insurgent groups would refrain from attacking withdrawing U.S. forces if they left within a month.

Baghdadi was a little-known militant before Sunni militant groups including al Qaeda announced what they described as an Islamic state in Iraq. Baghdadi was named as the head of the state and in November, the leader of Iraq's al Qaeda wing -- Abu Hamza al-Muhajir -- vowed allegiance to him.

The recording was posted on the Internet hours after Defense Secretary Robert Gates ended a visit to Iraq aimed at finding a new strategy to curb violence and allow U.S. troops to withdraw.

"You (Bush) wasted the opportunity of the truce offered to you by the sheikh of the mujahideen, Osama bin Laden, may God protect him," the speaker on the tape said.

In January, bin Laden warned in an audio tape that al Qaeda was preparing new attacks inside the United States, but said the group was open to a conditional truce with the Americans. Washington said it did not negotiate with terrorists.

"In these holy days (before the annual Muslim haj pilgrimage) we announce a new campaign ... to step up the fight against the crusaders," the speaker said.

"The withdrawal is to be carried out with personnel carriers and passenger planes, with troops only carrying (light) arms ... and not heavy weapons," he added.

The speaker rejected any talks through the mediation of Saudi Arabia, denouncing Saudi leaders as "tyrants."

Saudi Arabia said this week it would not take sides in Iraqi sectarian violence, denying reports the U.S.-allied kingdom may back Sunni Muslims in their fight against Shi'ites if the United States withdraws from Iraq.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 6:01 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Rob N;

I appreciate your Dinar news posts and economy ones, but please don't bring in the MSM negativity and stupidity.. it is prevalent enough in the MSM. Please leave our blog for good news about our investment and Iraq.. If you wish to post their junk, please edit it to what is relevant to Iraq's progress and good, leaving out the mantra of doom and gloom. I truly DO appreciate you for your postings.. please keep them up. :)

Tim Bitts;

Have to agree with you on our investment helping the Iraqi people and economy. I won't touch the sacred cow of Christianity on this topic which you mentioned of, "there is something about money, according to Christian beliefs, that innately has the potential to corrupt human beings?" since both you and I are about to become wealthy.. and therefore, by this measure.. corrupt?? Just pointing out the fallacy.. you can see the sermon.

Sara.

-- December 22, 2006 6:49 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Rob N: If someone linked to Al Queda wants some sort of truce, with America, if the American Army will only withdraw, that is a good sign. Those sonofabitches would not consider doing America a favour. If they wish to make nice, it's because they think they will lose.

They're right.

-- December 22, 2006 6:54 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Sara, as I mentioned, I was born poor, but am doing reasonable well now. I have a lot of compassion for suffering people. When I get rich, I will use some of my money to help people. I already have a specific thing in mind.

I realize I opened a can of worms, quoting Jesus! People were probably thumbing their Bibles, wondering if they should respond! You know a lot more about theology than I do, Sara, so I don't want to debate you.:) I just wanted to comment on how I saw this question about the morality of wealth. For me, money always has the POTENTIAL to corrupt. I definitely intend, not to let that happen to me. I don't think that just because someone has money, they are necessarily corrupt. I do think people need to be aware that the potential is there, for money, to corrupt. My take on that verse I quoted, in the previous post, is that Jesus was stating the obvious: money has the potential to corrupt people. To me, that's self-evidently true. However, even that statement needs to be clarified. It's obviously not the money itself that is the problem. Money is just a piece of paper. It's the potential corruption, within the human heart, when wealth is there, that Jesus was worried about, in my opinion. Jesus obviously knew people very well. I think that's what he was getting at, with that verse. I agree with him, that the potential for corruption is always there, when people are offered riches. So, for me, the morality of wealth comes down to, how do you live your life? What values govern your actions? How do you use what you are given? Do you try to do some good with what you are given? It's like the story of the talents in the Bible, and the lesson that story expresses. As I read and interpret that story, the moral of that story, is that, when you are given something, like money, how you are judged depends on what you do with what you are given. So, for me, with wealth, it's not a thing I can say is inherently right or wrong, good or evil. A piece of paper is not good, nor evil. Those are human qualities, not paper qualities. Measuring the morality, or rightness or wrongness of a person given wealth comes down to asking, what did he or she do with it? It's all about what you do with what you are given that counts.

I have a role model for this. I admire Bill Gates. He made a lot of money, kept enough for himself to have everything he wants, and gives the rest away, to a good charity, which lifts up people's lives, and helps people.

I had to think about the morality of this investment, in order to make sure it was the right thing to do. Trying to do the right and moral thing is very important to me. My conclusion about this investment and my individual action, in investing in the dinar, is that it IS definitely moral, as the reasoning in my last post showed.

I hope other Dinar investors, once they are wealthy, will first enjoy their wealth, and take care of their families, and then will give away some of the extra wealth, they have acquired, to good causes that mean something to them, personally.

Take care:)
I always enjoy your posts.

-- December 22, 2006 7:31 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Sorry for posting the negativity from now on I will search for the positive aspect of our investment.

I have a question, I bought another 2 million dinar in 25k notes, most of the notes are uncirculated and some are circulated. The circulated ones are in good condition save for a two notes. One of those notes has a small tear (maybe a millimeter if that)at the bottom of bill and the other has some letters written in ink pin in one of the margins of the bill.

Should I be concerned with the Iraqi govt not wishing to exchange these two bills when the time comes? Am I worrying about something that really does not matter? Should I ask them to replace those two bills?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 22, 2006 9:36 PM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

You say tomato I say tomato... wait a minute, that comes out better when you say it out loud...


Anyway, I still stick to my original idea that next year at this time the Dinar will have revalued and all who have invested will be very happy.
Here is why, the Iraqi brass KNOWS that the republican administration has been spoon feeding them. They were happy and content with that notion. After all, why would I bust my hump and use my own resources when big brother will do all the work for me? It only makes sense for them to pussyfoot around as they have been doing.


Now, elections are done, Democrats won the majority seat in the senate. The Iraqi brass are no fools, americans want a change and one is way over due and its only a couple more years until the oval office has a Democrat in it again. They see this, and know that the Dems will be the tough parent, sink or swim, we aren't going to babysit forever.


Its no coincidence that there was NO progress on the Dinar front until after the elections. The elections results lit a fire under the behinds of the Iraqi brass, now they are actually working to right the ship so they will be able to stand on thier own 2 feet when there is a Democrat in office.

-- December 23, 2006 1:18 AM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

You say tomato I say tomato... wait a minute, that comes out better when you say it out loud...


Anyway, I still stick to my original idea that next year at this time the Dinar will have revalued and all who have invested will be very happy.
Here is why, the Iraqi brass KNOWS that the republican administration has been spoon feeding them. They were happy and content with that notion. After all, why would I bust my hump and use my own resources when big brother will do all the work for me? It only makes sense for them to pussyfoot around as they have been doing.


Now, elections are done, Democrats won the majority seat in the senate. The Iraqi brass are no fools, americans want a change and one is way over due and its only a couple more years until the oval office has a Democrat in it again. They see this, and know that the Dems will be the tough parent, sink or swim, we aren't going to babysit forever.


Its no coincidence that there was NO progress on the Dinar front until after the elections. The elections results lit a fire under the behinds of the Iraqi brass, now they are actually working to right the ship so they will be able to stand on thier own 2 feet when there is a Democrat in office.

-- December 23, 2006 1:18 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

IRS warning,

True the IRS doesn't shut down anybody. They do not have the power to do that. BUT they can make tyour life miserable enough to want to die!!!

I have been in businesses for many years and even when we got behind on taxes, there were many, many, layers of burocracy before it really got serious. NOw the State Franchise Board is another story. They have no mercy.

As far as shutting down the State Board of equalization is known for that. But it has to do with not paying employee taxes as a business owner.

SO I am not sure what you mean. Could you please explain yourself.

Tim,

I so appreciate your concern over what potentially happens to people who are wealthy.

Jesus never alluded that only the poor were holy.

The rich man you are talking about webt away sad, because he knew he could not wlak away from his money. NOt because he had money.

SO it is all in the attitude and how we attach ourselves to wealth.

Most people that I know that have SUSTAINING wealth are very generous people, and I beleive that God can use and count on them to be vessel of HIs love and generosity.

One of teh most misquoted scriptures is ( misquote): Money is the root of all evil.

The right quote is: For the LOVE of money is the root of all evil.

GOd will bless many people through your attitude of generosity. Awhile back some of us discussed what we would do with some of our money to help others.

It was interesting and I pray that we can all make our intentions into a reality.

Carole

-- December 23, 2006 2:09 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Carole:
Follow your intuition...if you feel, and diligent research indicated it is an up and up business...then ignore the nay sayers. You can always find But...but...but.. sayers with any decision..
Good Luck on your financial adventure

Carl

-- December 23, 2006 3:51 AM ∞

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David G wrote:

Carole:
Thanks for the investing info. That is not new and has been a controversial means of investment since advertisement on the net has been around. Professionals just have been perfecting it and learning the scope of all the laws regulating on line investing. I am a Dinar holder and have been for about a year now. I believe the RV will be soon. (To me soon is with in the next 6 months). I have opened an email for this request only that if you would please add me to your list of contacts that is interesting in making a little extra. Thanks Dave
dgibson1975@yahoo.com

-- December 23, 2006 5:30 AM ∞

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Turtle wrote:

Sara and Rob N.: I have ot agree and disagree with Sara's post. Posting the American body count is spreading negative propaganda. The article about al-Qaeda's new puppet issuing demands, while somewhat negative, would appear to me to be part of our discussion. I don't see the investment discussion as somehting that should be completely one sided. I have to admit, I find that "offer" laughable but I cannot say the article should be ignored. I did find a detail or two in there that I need to ask my friends about. I personally had not heard this new leader referred to as al-Baghdadi before. In case you don't see it, this gives Al-Qaeda in Iraq an Iraqi face instead of the foreign face we have been painting on that group. As I'm sure you know al-Baghdadi means born in or from Baghdad. That is very significant. I sitting here completely amazed that I'm getting this info from this board. Anyway, I actually do appreciate that article even if the main part is down right funny. I also agree with the statement made that Al-Qaeda does not make deals when they have the advantage. In my eyes, that is good news.

-- December 23, 2006 6:08 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Carl,

Thanks for your well wishes. I'd much rather see the Dinar hit though!

David,

Thank you so much for your information. I am constantly trying to find someone who has valuable information on this Web investing in advertising.

I now know that I can open an E-mail with Yahoo and be perfectly safe.

Of course for those interested, we will probably get to know eachother a little better. I'd like to be able to pass on the help that I am getting.

Next week I will focus on moving forward with this.

I certainly will e-mail you.

Carole

-- December 23, 2006 7:43 AM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Sara: Caution. Read at your own peril.

Turtle:

Posting ONLY American body counts, which the main stream press does, is definitely propaganda. If the media talked about insurgent body counts, as often as American body counts, that would be fair.

I'll bet if someone went through the main newspapers in the United States, and watched all the TV news reporting about the war, these past few years, and sat there with a calculator, adding up the number of times American body counts came up, and the number of times insurgent body counts came up, you would have a very solid number that proved how prejudiced the media was.

Just from casual observation on my part, the factual reporting on the news is completely and overwhelmingly centred on American losses. In the past few years, I can't recall a single incident, where any news source I was paying attention to, focused on the insurgent body count, and how successful the American Army was in taking on the enemy.

Watching the news is like watching a baseball game where the announcer only announces when one side scores a run. I shake my head at how bizarre this is. My hope is this will eventually change, and someday Americans will look back with amazement at how completely biased and unprofessional and one sided the news media used to be.

I watched a documentary about the Second World War, the other day, about media dispatches and trailers. They used to run little trailers about the war, at the start of movies, in movie theatres across America, during WWII. I was watching a show about those trailers. The contrast, between coverage of the two wars, was staggering, comparing today's coverage with coverage for that war. You can't watch media dispatches from the Second World War, for more than two seconds without realizing the media back then, WANTED AMERICA TO WIN. Back then, even Hollywood wanted America to win. Now, if you pay attention, Hollywood has turned it's back on the American Army, and they want you guys to lose. It's a horrible thing to say, but I think it's true.

I guess the truth is, about the media and Hollywood, most of the media wants you guys to lose, and is cheering for the other side. Well, tough luck for them, because you're going to win.

A lot of ordinary people are cheering for people like you. Canucks like me are, too.

-- December 23, 2006 8:30 AM ∞

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David G wrote:

Carole:
Take a look at WealthyFriendsClub.com. Without knowing your program I may be out of line. If that be the case I apologize. Wealthy Friends Club appears to use a pyramid scheme of sponsors. I have not joined but have reviewed their stuff. Haven't figured out their income revenue yet though.
Dave

-- December 23, 2006 11:58 AM ∞

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Burned wrote:

Carol,
Please give head to "IRS Warning"
I had a friend who lost over $36,000 last year to a company that is exactly what you explain, with an owner who stated the exact same promises.
All of his money was frozen in the online money or bank company that he was using called "storm pay". So many people lost so much money.
The IRS finally got to them after about 9 months of the "12 day cycle" income.

-- December 23, 2006 1:19 PM ∞

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Turtle wrote:

Tim Bitts: Yeah, I track you completely. I have no desire to continue hearing our body count thrown in our face, espcially when I know it will increase pretty steadily if/when we besiege Baghdad. A lot of those numbers that people like to quote were living beings that I shared space with over the past 2 years. Anyway, short story being that I agree that we hear anough of that propaganda in every news story released.

The one defense, and I do mean ONLY defense, I will give the MSM is that the military has been reluctant to release enemy body counts in this war. There is fear that it would cause sympathy for the enemy. The numbers I've heard from initial invasion to now would put that count some place in the 300-500,000 range. Plus, there would be women and children in that body count as they carry weapons also. Which, of course, is where things get sketchy when the press starts releasing news about women and children killed in corssfire. For lack of a LONG explanation, I'll leave this as the base example. The enemy knows that our soldiers have a soft spot for children and like to throw them candy and such. The newest tactic is to tell a child to sit on a box placed beside the road and the soldiers will drive by and give you treats. Of course, this exact turn of events ends in an IED detonation killing the child and the soldiers. The press gets body count of US soldiers and another child killed. Is that maximizing press coverage or what? The day is coming where our politicians will have to ignore the press and let our soldiers finish this war. I keep hoping that what I'm seeing and hearing is the beginning of that.

-- December 23, 2006 1:56 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Tim Bitts - Well argued. Yes, money has an ability to make people act on their dreams and if those dreams are evil, they can end up doing evil things. As you said, Jesus was not saying He disliked rich people or did not wish them in the Kingdom of heaven, or that they are automatically excluded just for being rich. Many seem to interpret those words as only the poor will be saved. I believe that is myopic and Communist in outlook - a belief in the innate sinfulness and inability for the rich to be saved based on their being "more evil" than everyone else. That comes from Communism (the Communist idea that the rich oppress the poor and if they make a profit, they stole it - rich people are the evil ones the Communists need to "overthrow"). Though rich people CAN oppress the poor, they are not more evil as a group than any other. I dislike excluding any group based on gender, race, kind of sin, riches or anything else. Jesus called all of mankind to Himself. The church ought not to make distinctions based on anything which limits that call - including riches. Though, to hear many preach, the rich are beyond the ability to repent.. a lie. I also appreciate your agreeing with me by saying you personally will not be doing evil with the windfall you expect when the Dinar revalues. I hope that most Dinarians will do some good with their windfalls, too. I appreciate your thoughts on this topic. :)

Rob N - Thank you very much. I appreciate your willingness to look for the good in the news. In the past, in other wars, when the press led a story it was with how well WE are doing, saying, "Today the allies advanced into enemy territory, blowing up two ammo depots and killing twenty enemy fighters. Two of our boys were also killed during the attack." The only time the death of one of OURS made the headlines was in the news on the OTHER side. The enemy started off their news with how much damage they inflicted on our fighters, of course. The fact is, the MSM is like going to a German newspaper while fighting Hitler or a Japanese one after Pearl Harbor and reading their take on the news. You expect the enemy papers to be filled with what victories they have first. You expect the enemy to START with how many casualties are inflicted on our side because it is traditional to begin with encouraging your own troops. But today, HERE, the way the news is reported is calculated to demoralize the coalition troops and denegrate the war effort to those at home. I have never seen the like. I appreciate your willingness to report the news from OUR perspective, and not the enemy's perspective... Thank you! :)

Anthony R - I disagree a Democrat will necessarily get into the Whitehouse, but it undoubtedly has caused a revision in how the Iraqi leadership views its responsibilities and how quickly they need to assume them.

Turtle - yes, it was the negative body count news I was referring to.. and that other part in the news item which you mentioned was relevant which is why I asked for Rob N to edit it, not stop contributing his great finds. I agree, they would not ask terms if they were not taking a beating (albeit not one the MSM has been covering for us to see).

Sara.

-- December 23, 2006 6:35 PM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

Tim Bitts: I read your posts all the time and you are so right on, and once again you are right on. . .I'm a Viet Nam veteran, and having been in Iraq for the past 24 months and watching Lou Dobbs every morning giving the body count infuriates me. . .so far this month we've lost 76 of our soldiers. . .you know, we lost at least that many a day in Viet Nam, and believe me, I hate to see us lose one a day, but it's going to happen. . .ultimately. . we won't lose anyone. . .our media is so narrow minded and equipped with tunnel vision, that I find myself defending our great nation everytime I hear someone talking about what a terrible mistake we made going to Iraq, and to be honest with you, I've never ever in the 2+ years I've been there have I ever heard an enemy or insurgent KIA or WIA, but it's not about winning or losing, but bringing a country to independence and self sufficency with the natural resources that it has. . .and the Shiite and Sunni thing of killing each other is only about Saddam. . .nothing more. . .the Kurds are doing great. . .it's let's get on with it and make a life for our self. . and, you know what, they are doing it. . .so keep the faith. . believe in America. . . and we'll all be rich. . ."WTDH". . .obviously you can tell I'm feeling feisty after my heart attack, and can't wait to get back to my job in Iraq in about 2 weeks. . . .

Rob: Thanks for the prayers. . .I've been blessed 2 years in a row, either I'm living right, or I'm treating my fellow man with respect or believing in my "God" in the right way. . .but someone or something is watching out for me. . .

Carole: Thanx again for your well wishes

Roger: Thanx for your well wishes also, and 23 days in a row no smoking, and nothing against any of you out there still smoking. . .but quit. . .I've smoked for over 40 years, it can be done. . .

All: Once again. . .Merry Christmas and the Most Prosperous of New Years. . .The Year of the Dinar. . . Hooyah. . .P.H.

-- December 23, 2006 6:39 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Everyone:

I hope all of you have a happy and safe Christmas. May you enjoy this time with your friends and family.

So, to all Merry Christmas.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 23, 2006 9:37 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

U.S. kills high-ranking Taliban leader
By JASON STRAZIUSO, Associated Press Writer Dec 23 2006

KABUL, Afghanistan - A U.S. airstrike near the Pakistan border killed the Taliban's southern military commander, a U.S. military spokesman said Saturday, calling him the highest-ranking Taliban ever slain by American forces.

Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Osmani's vehicle was hit by a U.S. airstrike Tuesday as he traveled in a deserted area in the southern province of Helmand, the spokesman said. Two associates also were killed.

U.S. and Afghan officials said the strike was a major victory. Ahmed Rashid, a leading author on Islamic militancy, said Osmani's death could disrupt planning for a Taliban offensive early next year, designed to extend the recent surge of violence across Afghanistan.

He was one of three top associates of Taliban leader Mullah Omar, Rashid said, and among the first supporters of Osama bin Laden within the militant Islamic militia's top ranks.

A U.S. spokesman said the death was confirmed through multiple sources.

As the Taliban's chief military commander in southern Afghanistan, Osmani played a "central role in facilitating terrorist operations" including roadside bombings, suicide attacks and ambushes against Afghan and international forces, said Col. Tom Collins, the U.S. military spokesman.

"Mullah Osmani is the highest ranking Taliban leader we've ever killed," Collins said. "He was the chief of the Taliban's military operations, so his death is very significant and will hurt the Taliban's operations."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061224/ap_on_re_as/afghanistan

-- December 23, 2006 9:48 PM ∞

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Neil wrote:

Merry Christmas to all:

This will be my last negative comment. I am making a New Year's resolution to stop pushing my viewpoint since most all of you only want to see positive comments.

Carole: I disagree with your analogy about money being the root of all evil.
Money is the root, beginning or origin and "Love of Money" comes after that so money has to be the root of all evil. That is not say that money is the cause of all evil.

Einstein has a philosophy about the insanity of continuing to do the same thing and expecting different results. I am like most Americans in that I form an opinion based on the newspaper and TV reports.
Pres Bush took us into Iraq to destroy WMD and when he didn't immediately find any, he should have said "Dammit, I know they are here but have been hidden or transferred but we are going to find them. But he changed the reason for going in to "Liberate the Iraqis" or something along that line.
Being a Republican and recognizing the mistake Mr. Bush was making, I started to disagree and when I say the catasthrophy that took place on 7 Nov, I knew it was time to do something different. I recognized the mandate to be "Make significant and immediate progress in Iraq or start bring the troops home". Mr. Bush interpreted the mandate to be send 30 or 40 thousand more troops.

Now, from a selfish standpoint, I want us to suceed at all costs and create a climate whereby the dinar will RV at a substantial profit but my first consideration is the welfare of the troops and the USA.

-- December 23, 2006 10:25 PM ∞

---

Neil wrote:

Merry Christmas to all:

This will be my last negative comment. I am making a New Year's resolution to stop pushing my viewpoint since most all of you only want to see positive comments.

Carole: I disagree with your analogy about money being the root of all evil.
Money is the root, beginning or origin and "Love of Money" comes after that so money has to be the root of all evil. That is not say that money is the cause of all evil.

Einstein has a philosophy about the insanity of continuing to do the same thing and expecting different results. I am like most Americans in that I form an opinion based on the newspaper and TV reports.
Pres Bush took us into Iraq to destroy WMD and when he didn't immediately find any, he should have said "Dammit, I know they are here but have been hidden or transferred but we are going to find them. But he changed the reason for going in to "Liberate the Iraqis" or something along that line.
Being a Republican and recognizing the mistake Mr. Bush was making, I started to disagree and when I say the catasthrophy that took place on 7 Nov, I knew it was time to do something different. I recognized the mandate to be "Make significant and immediate progress in Iraq or start bring the troops home". Mr. Bush interpreted the mandate to be send 30 or 40 thousand more troops.

Now, from a selfish standpoint, I want us to suceed at all costs and create a climate whereby the dinar will RV at a substantial profit but my first consideration is the welfare of the troops and the USA.

-- December 23, 2006 10:26 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

President Bush ponders 10bn New Deal to create jobs in Iraq
Sarah Baxter, Washington
December 24, 2006

THE White House is expected to announce a reconstruction package for Iraq as part of a plan for a “surge” of up to 30,000 troops into Baghdad when President George W Bush unveils America’s new strategy next month.

President Bush is being urged to give up to $10 billion (£5.1 billion) to Iraq as part of a “New Deal” that would create work for unemployed Iraqis, following the model of President Franklin D Roosevelt during the 1930s depression.

At the Pentagon, the joint chiefs of staff are insisting on reconstruction funds as part of a package of political and economic measures to accompany the armed forces.

Newt Gingrich, the former Republican Speaker of the House and a member of the defence policy board advising the Pentagon, is calling for a cross between the New Deal and the post-second world war Marshall Plan that would “mop up every young Iraqi male who is unemployed”. He said it would be “as big a strategic step towards victory as whether you have more troops or fewer troops”.

President Bush is also thought to have been influenced by advice from retired General Jack Keane and Frederick Kagan, author of Choosing Victory, published by the American Enterprise Institute, a neoconservative think tank. The report, which advocates more troops, argues that “reconstruction is a vital part of stabilising and securing the Iraqi population”.

Local leaders will be asked what they need to improve the quality of life in their neighbourhoods and the unemployed will be put to work. According to Kagan, the scale of the package should be linked to the degree of co-operation over disbanding militias and providing intelligence about insurgents.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-2517659,00.html

Note - due to the fact the media uses "Bush" (a familiar form they have no right to use) without delineating his title (President), I changed the above references to reflect his title - because I find the continued familiar usage by the hostile press offensive and demeaning.

Sara.

-- December 23, 2006 10:30 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Security Council slaps sanctions on Iran
By EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press Writer Dec 23, 2006

UNITED NATIONS - The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Saturday to impose sanctions on Iran for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment, increasing international pressure on the government to prove that it is not trying to make nuclear weapons. Iran immediately rejected the resolution.

The result of two months of tough negotiation, the resolution orders all countries to stop supplying Iran with materials and technology that could contribute to its nuclear and missile programs. It also freezes Iranian assets of 10 key companies and 12 individuals related to those programs.

If Iran refuses to comply, the council warned it would adopt further nonmilitary sanctions, but the resolution emphasized the importance of diplomacy in seeking guarantees "that Iran's nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes."

Iran insists its nuclear program is intended to produce energy, but the Americans and Europeans suspect its ultimate goal is the production of weapons.

The United States said it hopes the resolution will clear the way for tougher measures by individual countries, particularly Russia.

Israel, which considers Iran its single greatest threat because President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called for the Jewish state's destruction, welcomed the resolution. Mark Regev, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, said the vote was "an important first step in preventing Iranian nuclear proliferation."

China's U.N. Ambassador Wang Guangya called for stepped up diplomatic efforts, saying "sanctions are not the end but a means to urge Iran to resume negotiations."

The resolution also says the council will review Iran's actions in light of a report from the head of the IAEA, requested within 60 days, on whether Iran has suspended uranium enrichment and complied with other IAEA demands.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061224/ap_on_re_mi_ea/un_iran_nuclear

-- December 23, 2006 10:45 PM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

Carole, I too would like to advise extreme caution with this. I know its nice to always look at investment ops through rose colored glassed, and if you don't have them beer goggles are a good substitute.


But lets think about this, if companys are paying out big bucks for click throughs to advertise thier product, where do those big bucks come from? You guessed it, sales make it happen. If large amounts of people are doing the click throughs, and sales are staying about the same, what is gonna happen then?


Once again, you guessed it, they won't be in business very long. They will catch on to this in a heartbeat if it is actually working and close that wormhole very soon so they can stay in business.


My advice, take the money and run. Get out when you can. Listen to the old Kenny Rogers song, know when to walk away, and know when to run.... its time to RUN!!!

-- December 24, 2006 12:52 AM ∞

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lindy76 wrote:

Hello, carole, could you please put me on your list to for the exciting oppty? My email is:

lindy76@breakthru.com

Thanks alot,

lindy

-- December 24, 2006 5:07 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Sara,

Oh yes, seem like Communism or it's milder form Socialism, is the actual new world religion.

It's set up as an enigma, where every existence of any form is a thesis, that can be criticised, as an anti thesis, and the end result that is suppose to be developed, will now become a new thesis, that in itself can be .....on and on it goes.

The bodily welfare of the people(the masses) have the highest priority, and any resources are to be shared and distributed fairly.

Productivity is based on a preplanned consumer need ( the famous 5 and 10 year plans), and the difference between a lazy person and a productive person is a medal on the chest on the productive wrench turner in Tractor Factory Nbr 17.

The Chairman in the council (Lenin, Stalin, Mao, etc..)have the highest authority, and any elections have to be within the communist system.

It's funny looking at that great political failure, that have been more devastating than Hitlers escapades, all over the planet, and still people flock in hordes to Socialism.

To me it's a system that is geared to group thinking.

It's a system that responds to people in the same way as our reflex system responds.

The guy everybody hate, but is doing big bucks holding his "Will Work For Food.....God Bless" sign, is a freeloader.

We all know that, he doesn't contribute with anything, and is a constant drain on others resources.

Still, while he is sitting at the freeway on ramp, he can collect bundles......for nothing....

I guess the appeal is, he is a human being, he has a right to live, he is hungry and no one should go hungry, hope my Dollar bill will help out at least today, hang in there, ......

The only reason he have found a way in life to do what he is doing, is not alcoholism, bad luck, just got fired, and such things, the only reason is, that we keep giving this person our resources for nothing in exchange, believing we did him a favour.

In the Socialist movement, Human Rights issues, Prisoners abuse issues, Workers right issues, etc are all big movements.

This is a problem with the Socialist movement. The issues never stop, they are developed in an endless debate (see the effective UN), where every issue can be criticised, debated, and developed into a new form, that now in itself can be debated, and developed.

Things that IS, can always have a ..yeah but.

To me that is a personal thing, because for me, things either is or isn't, did or didn't, will or won't, can or can't.

That to me that designate value, where you are able to play a game and win.

Socialism by its doctrine don't have those ground rules, as their playing field doesn't have winners and losers.

Socialism will in it's desperate quest for fairness and equality, set up a game , where there is so many barriers, so many obstacles, so many stops, that you will essentially not be able to play any winning game, as we are all equal.

To me, people levitating towards a Socialist way of life, are losers, that are looking for their equal losers, that as a group can explain why they lost, and as a group demand resources they didn't contribute to.

There is no difference between people that are setting up a welfare state, putting people on welfare, and the people that keep giving the bum with the sign at the on ramp, his daily $250 bucks in handouts through the car window.

As long we believe that is fair, we will have a couple of million illegal immigrants picking our lettuce heads, while the work force that should, could and would do it, are sitting home, having a periodic check in the mail sent to them, on our expense.

Sharing and contributing should come voluntarily, from the heart, because you can, and because you feel the rightness in your donation.

A Socialist implemented law that demand your possessions to be equally distributed, is criminal think.

I have found out that "something for something" always work, and every time you get into the "something for nothing", it's like the universe is charging up with something that will hit back.

I think this is a universal law, that goes even beyond humans social conduct.

You can get electricity from kinetic energy, you can get a thing to rotate, from electricity, you can get heat from friction, you can get friction from movement, you can get movement from .....

Its the law of conservation of energy, it just takes other forms, but it must come from somewhere.

You can not get energy out of nothing.

The bum on the freeway, and the Socialists, are trying to get something out of nothing.

I don't have.

You have.

Therefore.....give me.

I strongly believe you spiritually decrease every time you deny your own ability, and spirituality in any form is pretty much frown upon in the Socialist camp.

So the Socialists are running the Homo Sapien deal.

We are spirits, having a human experience, not the other way around.

-- December 24, 2006 6:22 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Carole,

Thank you for explaining further what this system is based upon.

Anthony made a very very good point.

1. Companies, people, firms and corporations are advertising their products.

2. They pay per click, on the board. under the promise that this is for the general public.

3. An advertisement company is then set up, promising the customers an advertisement, and payments based on how many clicks they do.

4. Same persons doing that, sell to others the prospect of getting paid by clicking onto the ads, the companies are expecting potential customers to click on.

5. The paying party is companies believing they have customers interested in their product.

Carole, you and the participants in this set up have no interest at all what so ever in the products the companies are paying you for, but you know very well that just by clicking, you get them to pay you.

What you are doing is criminal and it is theft.

-- December 24, 2006 6:42 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Roger!
My grandfather told me years ago...an individual can find out their true character if they ask themselves this question?
"What would you allow yourself to do...IF you knew for a FACT...that no one and I mean no one would EVER FIND OUT?
Answer that truthfully to yourself and learn who you really are...

Now! I don't have enough details about Carole's new financial adventure to make a decisive decision as to what Carole is involved in is legal or illegal...Carole! does not strike me an an individual that would be deliberately dishonest when it comes to breaking a criminal law...

However, I agree with you on how the system is set up....the one getting fleeced is the merchant who was sold a bill of goods on advertising with the site...that is run under those guidelines Carole Has setforth...

I guess that brings me back to my grandfather...

If you were the merchant who had been sold this bill of goods, and found out later that all of the clicks you were receiving were just tabulation clicks to line other peoples pocket, taken from your pocket...with no intent to purchase or interest in your product...
How would you feel?

What would you do?

What would you say?

If that merchant was a family member of yours, would you encourage him or her to go to the authorities with what was happening?

Would you think the intent was more of a scheme to extract money from you or a family member under false pretenses?

Would you want to find out if there were legal ways for your to recoop your funds taken under false pretenses...

Would you just place legal claims against the site builder or all parties involved in that particular site, and let the court screen them out...?

I can just hear a plaintiff attorney asking this question on the stand...

Now! Mr. or Mrs.....under this program that you enrolled in...were you aware that the clicks that you were purchasing would be paid for by the merchants advertising on that site?
With that in mind, you fully recognized, you were purchasing these clicks, "regardless" whether you had a real intent to purchase that merchants product... am I correct?

So..the intent for those clicks on the site you became an investor in was not to purchase the product..... but to cause the merchant to have to pay the site owners, for these clicks advertising his products....? Just answer yes or no.

So! with that in mind, the clicks you generated, actually place money back in your pocket did it not?

So the more clicks... the more commission the merchant had to pay ....and.... the more of the pot you got to share....am I correct?

Thank you no further questions...

The attorney just roasted you're turkey for ya...and placed you on the same legal liability level as the individuals who got you to invest in the site...

Welcome! to the world of "OLE! SHIT!"

-- December 24, 2006 8:52 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Today's auction shows another drop.

From what I read, the IMF recommended that NID be at the 1350 exchange rate by the end of the year. Here we are. Question is will we see a further drop this year or will we hold here?

Announcement No.(832)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 832 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Sunday 2006 / 12/ 24 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 9 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1352 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1350 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 11.635.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.150.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 11.635.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.150.000 -----

-- December 24, 2006 9:09 AM ∞

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Robert S wrote:

Carole; I would personally like to see the opportunity you are involved in. Unlike others on the board whom would just as soon attack you for something they have not seen or have a clue of I would like to draw my own personal conclusion as to whether I want to get involved or not and whatever that conclusion is would not warrant a reflection on you what so ever it would be my choice alone.

I am not surprised that some posters who get bend all out of shape if, God forbid, somebody posts something negative concerning the Dinar and the poster blast them to no end and then that poster turns around and blast you for your good fortune. Talking about trying to pour cold water on your parade!

You can read literally hundreds if not thousands of scams involving the Dinar on the internet. There are article after article of how the people who are buying up the Dinar are “robbing” the people of Iraq of their future by cashing out and running with the money when the Dinar RV’s. Something along the lines of let’s buy now while the currency is unbelievably undervalued, albeit while the Iraqi people are destitute and starving and their country is in upheaval and presumably as soon as the currency hits a predetermined value I’ll take it and convert it to the dollar and haul ass with the money with total disregard with what effect overall that may have on the Government of Iraq and the Iraqi people.

I have a sizable investment in the Dinar through bank accounts and not actual Dinar notes. I have received a nice annual percentage rate for being a depositor at their bank. I fully intend to keep my money on deposit at their bank as long as possible. This serves many purposes one being the money stays in Iraq to be used by the bank for further investment. Now if there’s trouble in the Country and the bank is in trouble yes I would take my money out and put it where it would be safe. If my bank down the street (here in the States) were to get in trouble I would be doing the same and take my money and put it where it was safe even if the safest place was under my mattress.

As far as internet business advertising is concerned, there is probably 10 scams for every legit business. Most scams are shut down pretty fast and the legit ones while remaining open has to deal with the stigma the scams reflect on it. I know several people involved in various business on the internet that are successful some almost unbelievably so. I have been privy to a couple of cases involving counterfeit cashier’s checks, ID theft and fraud that we were able to track down and the cases are currently being prosecuted. These situations occurred by me receiving a counterfeit cashier’s check for goods sold and I just couldn’t let them get away with it. Fortunately these people were not very sophisticated and had cheated people to the point where they really though they would not get caught.

I am a licensed Private Investigator dealing mostly with information and public records. My biggest hurdle is the scamming that occurs in my exact line of business. Every (and I mean every) client I come into contact with is very leery of doing business with me because of so many scams. I have an initial hurdle to overcome but because of my belief in my service I provide I am able to overcome the negative aspects. I get many calls a month from various State agencies, Dept of Law Enforcement and License regulators seeking to confirm that I am legit and I welcome it. There have been several clients that have phoned theses agencies and the agencies were able to confirm I was legit just because they have already contacted me and performed a check on my business. This is pretty powerful. So with that although there are many scams in my business I am able to persevere and be somewhat successful.

So that is why I hate to see someone kicking someone else when they don’t know what the hell is going on with them. So in closing all I have to say to them is check it out for yourself. If you don’t agree with it fine you made your own decision for yourself and notice nobody else made that decision for you or chastised you for it. I wish Carole all the best with her venture and maybe once I have had the opportunity to check it out for my self I can be as fortunate.

Just one last thing, If you are responding angrily toward somebody please take the time to get your spelling and punctuation correct. I can almost see the indentions you are leaving in the keyboard strokes from pounding them so hard.

To all Merry Christmas!

-- December 24, 2006 10:45 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Just in case you didn't realize -
Zawahri reminds us all of where the real credit lies for the win on Nov 7th:

Zawahri: Al Qaeda, Not Democrats, Won On Nov 7th
From ABC’s The Blotter: http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2006/12/al_qaeda_sends_.html

Al Qaeda Sends a Message to Democrats
December 22, 2006

Brian Ross and Hoda Osman Report:

Al Qaeda has sent a message to leaders of the Democratic party that credit for the defeat of congressional Republicans belongs to the terrorists.

In a portion of the tape from al Qaeda No. 2 man, Ayman al Zawahri, made available only today, Zawahri says he has two messages for American Democrats.

"The first is that you aren’t the ones who won the midterm elections, nor are the Republicans the ones who lost. Rather, the Mujahideen — the Muslim Ummah’s vanguard in Afghanistan and Iraq — are the ones who won, and the American forces and their Crusader allies are the ones who lost," Zawahri said, according to a full transcript obtained by ABC News.

Zawahri calls on the Democrats to negotiate with him and Osama bin Laden, not others in the Islamic world who Zawahri says cannot help.

"And if you don’t refrain from the foolish American policy of backing Israel, occupying the lands of Islam and stealing the treasures of the Muslims, then await the same fate," he said.

===end of quote===

Comments:

What’s the difference?

Doesn’t Zawahri know that Al Qaeda and the Democrats are on the same side?

But it is certainly true that our troops lost on November 7th.

This article was posted by Steve Gilbert on Friday, December 22nd, 2006 at 1:38 pm.

Gila Monster
December 22nd, 2006 at 5:51 pm

How can SanFranNan Piglosi and Pinky Reid look in a mirror and feel good about themselves?

The Dhimmi’s have Al-Qaeda as supporters along with every other terrorist organization in the world. With the liberals taking over in 2007, the slow dismantling of military strength will begin in earnest. The Islamofacists love it..!!

For the leftist lurkers out there, I hope your happy with the choices you made in November. The dhimmification of America has started. When you start to loose your “true freedom” in a few years, you can look back and say, “what the f*ck was I thinking!”, right before some mooselimb thug slits your throat.

Phil Byler
December 22nd, 2006 at 6:51 pm

It is time to start saying loud and clear that the left wing Democrats are traitors, and not stop when they whine about it.

doingwhatican
December 22nd, 2006 at 7:46 pm

Who the hell doesn’t know al Qaeda is a branch of the DNC?

Which dem will be the first to suggest we negotiate with these enemies of America? Jimmah, no doubt. Any response from..Kerry? Hillary? Reid? Not a word.

We now have a muzzie in Congress. Al Qaeda is courting the dem party for their (al Qaeda’s) midterm elections victory. Congratulating the dems and the enemedia and now awaiting our surrender. The dems are trying to weaken the military by cutting funds, troop levels and then tying the hands of the ones still available. I believe the dems are ever more insidious.

kucharsk
December 22nd, 2006 at 9:08 pm

How long before Murtha and the Dems enact legislation to take Al Qaeda up on their offer?

“If it saves the life of only one solider, wouldn’t it be worth it?”

sheehanjihad
December 22nd, 2006 at 11:41 pm

Hey, dont forget…the terrorist/democratic partnership was discovered and discussed here first! Democrats lauded praise on the Islamic terror groups, Democratic Congressmen/Pelosi sent, gave, leaked, allowed, dropped, mailed, recorded, stole, most of the secret programs that were being used to track and discover terrorist plots against this country, and successfully stopped our own people from being able to listen to or track the whereabouts of terrorists. Democrats made a promise to the Islamic terror groups….you back us with ramped up killing, roadside bombs, suicide bombs, kill as many soldiers as you can for us, and in return, we will leave Iraq to you. We will slowly strangle Israel and give you every help we can if you will do the dirty work, because without israel, the Democratic party can help you rule the middle east. Deal?? Traitors will be killed where they work, live, stand, breathe, occupy a space. Traitors have no place in a country that is being slowly sold to the lowest bidder……by people who only want to be in charge of the new order, even if it means being a puppet to a foreign master….like our Congress is right now.

Media_man
December 23rd, 2006 at 10:54 am

To paraphrase Mark Steyn, if the Islamists takeover, I’ll just grow a beard and take on a few wives, no problem for me. It’s the Liberals and Feminists, who are Al Qaeda’s biggest cheer leaders, who have the most to lose. It will be the Rosie O’Donnell’s and Barbara Streisand’s of the world who will be hanging from cranes at the local stadiums.

sheehanjihad
December 23rd, 2006 at 11:57 am

It will be the Rosie O’Donnell’s and Barbara Streisand’s of the world who will be hanging from cranes at the local stadiums Media_man has it spot on! The people with the most to lose…their lives…are the biggest sympathizers, the biggest supporters, and by far the most virulently anti Americans amongst us…..they will be killed outright. Cindy SNAG sheehan will be beheaded at her first protest, almost every university professor and administration member will be killed within a month…..liberal organizations will be banned, their members imprisoned and killed…..their families killed, cities will be burned to the ground for harboring infidels….yup. Those of us who are accused of intolerance and know who the intolerant are, will watch in fascination as the people who welcomed the jihadists to America die horrible deaths at the end of cables, suspended at the stadiums from the booms of cranes, and instead of a football game…..executions will be carried out in front of a packed house…..and nobody will have a choice on whether to be there or not….

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/zawahri-says-al-qaeda-not-democrats-won-on-nov-7th

-- December 24, 2006 12:49 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Tim Bitts;

It appears that Canada has a University called McMaster which is terrorist filled and friendly and that "Anas el-Liby, a founder of al Qaeda, attended McMaster and managed, along with other al Qaeda operatives, to steal 180 pounds of nuclear material from the poorly guarded facilities at the school."

Egyptian Islamic websites affirm the presence of jihadists at McMaster, verify reports that professors within the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster are members of the Muslim Brotherhood, and that the university may be the epicenter for the next terrorist attack on American soil.

But they are attempting to attack the man who has brought this to light, "bringing a lawsuit against award-winning journalist/author Paul L. Williams" and If he loses the case, the American people will be left in the dark and the American Hiroshima may become a reality.

Two of the terrorists who were taken into custody in the plot to kill the Canadian Prime Minister and to blow up their Parliament were students from McMaster, and hundreds of postings on the internet calling for the jihad and the nuclear destruction of America have been traced back to McMaster. McMaster has harbored leading al Qaeda operatives, including Adnan el-Shukrijumah, Jaber A. Elbaneh, Abderraouf Jdey, and Amer el-Maati. A reward of $5 million has been posted for each of these agents. Adnan el Shukrijumah has been described by the US Justice Department as "the next Mohammad Atta" who has been commissioned to commandeer the next attack on U.S. soil.

For reporting these findings, Dr. Williams has been sued by McMaster University for $4 million plus punitive damages. This suit has been allowed to proceed in Canadian court despite the fact that Dr. Williams is an American citizen who should be protected by the Bill of Rights and American law which stipulates that truth is an ultimate defense. The case, fuelled by Islamic contributions, represents the first attempt of an academic institution to limit the research of an academician, despite the fact that such research is vital for our national security. If he loses the case, the American people will be left in the dark and the American Hiroshima may become a reality.

http://www.paulwilliamsdefensefund.com/about.html

Those who care about the national security of the United States might consider giving to this defense fund for this journalist (above link), as we all know we are in a fight and there are few who seem to know or care for the true safety of the US - but instead they welcome terrorists and hide their activities. Hence the fact you likely never heard a thing about it in the MSM... though it could be the uncovering of the Islamofascist American Hiroshima plot.

Sara.

-- December 24, 2006 4:04 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Tim Bitts - I just wondered if you had heard of any of this
(which I just posted to the board)..
and your thoughts about it if you had.. or had not?
(That was why I put your name on top of it.)
But I would welcome any other comments on it..
if anyone wished to contribute.
Carl? Roger? Carole? turtle? Rob N? anyone?
What is your take, board.. on this?

Sara.

-- December 24, 2006 4:39 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Carl,

You put it better than I could.

It is fraud, stealing and a criminal behaviour, no matter if you have a lawyer that have guaranteed a loophole.

The company that set it up have defrauded the companies advertising.

The participants brought in to it, knows this and justifies it, trying to be right about it.

What amazes me most is the lack position many are taking on a clear fraud and theft activity.

"Well there are so many frauds on the Internet", "well, if you don't like it, just leave it alone", "well, you are entitled to your position, it's your choice", "The lawyers can't find a law that will get us.", ....on and on, very few seem to stand up and say what this really is, a FRAUD AND THEFT.

Same people wonder why the Muslims don't stand up, telling their peers when something is wrong. So here is Carole, a person professed to be of Godly faith, clearly laying out on the Internet how she is defrauding companies, and how many are standing up saying she is doing fraud, ......well they are far and few in between....aren't they?

Pack of chickens.

Sara,

Your posting was very interesting, I promise to be back on it, but have to go, on my knees I apologise, will be back on the site in a couple of days. Gotta make some wheels spin.

In the meanwhile, HO HO HO.

-- December 24, 2006 5:47 PM ∞

---

Tim Bitts wrote:

Sara, very interesting. Most of this is new to me. I'll check Canadian papers to see what comes up in the next few days. There has been a fair bit in the local papers about Islamic terrorist activity in Canada for a few years.

A couple of comments on Canada. Canadians are split on the issue of terrorism. Opposition to the Bush administration is heaviest, by far, in the province of Quebec. Support for President Bush is highest in my province of Alberta. Now, Canadian politics is very weird. We are a bit of an insecure country, being so close to the States, so much alike the Americans in a way, that a distinct Canadian identity is difficult. French-speaking Quebec is part of Canada, for now, and it is what makes us unique, as Canadians, from Americans. Quebec is the second biggest province, in population, in Canada, and many people in Quebec have for years been trying to turn Quebec into a sovereign country. The rest of Canadians, the English speaking ones, have a love-hate relationship with Quebec.

Now, Quebec, when you visit there, does not really feel like a North American place to me. It feels like Europe. They have adopted a very radical left-wing, big government approach, that is very politically correct. They have bought into completely, the idea of multi-culturalism and moral relativism as the guiding principles of their society. As I said in a previous post, I don't think these principles, if they are at the core of any society, will do much to maintain the integrity and survival, long term, of that society.

So, your post was new stuff about potential terrorism in Canada, but I can't say I'm all that surprised.

Now, our current prime minister, Stephen Harper, is a good and very bright man. He is also far more conservative than most Canadians. People in Canada have repeatedly criticized him for his links to American conservative organizations. He gave a number of speeches to prominent American conservative think tanks before he became prime minister, in which he criticized liberal attitudes in Canada. In some places, in Canada, being a Canadian conservative is like being a black man at a Klan rally.

When prime minister Harper visited President Bush, who has become a good friend, a while back and the President referred to the prime minister, familiarily as "Steve". Our prime minister was ridiculed by the left wing elements in the Canadian press, for that one.

All of this political stuff relates to terrorism. Harper may get ahold of budding terrorist organizations in Canada. But it's a tricky political situation in Canada. The prime minister would like a majority in parliament, so he could institute a bunch of conservative reforms, but he is politically dependent on Quebec, a province that has consistently proven to be anti-Bush, and very opposed to the war in Iraq, and very suspicious of the war on terrorism. Our prime minister is pulled two ways, on how to respond to terrorism. PM Harper has to be careful how he goes about clamping down on terrorism, he can't appear even slightly to challenge the politically correct social status quo, and the embracing of all the usual nonsensical ideas and pieties that go with multi-culturalism, in order to avoid a backlash from Quebec. As I said, Quebec holds a lot of seats in parliament. Quebecers hold multi-culturalism and moral relativism up as some sort of religion, and Harper's leadership is contingent on keeping them happy. If Harper loses Quebec's support, this could potentially end his rule as prime minister. Bit of a high wire act, for someone who would fit in very nicely with any right wing think tank in America.

So, summing up, our prime minister has to kiss French-Canadian butts every morning. That's just the way Canada works.

I'm embarrassed by the fact that many Canadians are still very naive about the threat of terrorism. However, Canada did produce writer Mark Steyn, who is a brilliant conservative pro-Bush political writer, and probably, in my opinion, the best conservative political writer in the world. I just read his latest book, "America Alone". I would highly recommend it, if you haven't already read it.

It should be very interesting for me, following this up. I usually read several local and national papers here, so it should be interesting to see how much coverage that story gets and how it's slanted. Thanks for the heads up on that.

Well, gotta go to a Christmas party now. Merry Christmas to all!

-- December 24, 2006 6:16 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

From www.iraqupdates.com

Maliki: 'Terrorists' are problem, not militias
Iraqi PM hit back at voices in Washington accusing him of not doing enough to rein in armed Shiite militias.

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

BAGHDAD, 22 December 2006 (Middle East Online)
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Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told the new US defence secretary Thursday that the sectarian violence afflicting his country was the fault of Sunni terrorists, not Shiite militia groups.

At his first meeting with Secretary Robert Gates, Maliki hit back at the voices in Washington that have accused him of not doing enough to rein in armed Shiite movements accused of targeting Sunni civilians.

"All terrorist operations in Iraq have political motivations," Maliki told Gates, according to a statement from his office. "Saddamists and Takfiris are banking on instability in a desperate attempt to turn back history."

Saddamists are supporters of ousted leader Saddam Hussein while Takfiri is a term used in Iraq to designate some Sunni extremist groups - such as Al-Qaeda's Iraq subsidiary - which endorse the murder of Shiite civilians.

Gates was in Iraq to listen to US commanders and Iraqi leaders and plan a way to resolve the bloody crisis. Last week he received counsel from the Pentagon quite different from that given him Thursday by Maliki.

According to the US Department of Defence's quarterly report into the Iraq campaign, radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army militia is a more dangerous source of sectarian violence than Maliki's Sunni foes.

"The group that is currently having the greatest negative affect on the security situation in Iraq is Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM)," the report said, using the Arabic term for Mahdi Army.

Sadr's group "has replaced Al-Qaeda in Iraq as the most dangerous accelerant of potentially self-sustaining sectarian violence in Iraq.

"JAM exerts significant influence in Baghdad and the southern provinces of Iraq and on the government of Iraq," the report added.

Maliki and his supporters argue that Sadr's movement, which includes Iraq's biggest single parliamentary bloc, must be accommodated within the political process, while his opponents allege he is appeasing Shiite death squads.

Nevertheless, Maliki's office said that he and Gates had "put the final touch on the Baghdad security plan which will be implemented soon according to a new vision".

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 24, 2006 7:33 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Another article from www.iraqupdates.com

Radical cleric mulling Iraq cease-fire
The visit is intended to allow the Shiite bloc, the United Iraqi Alliance, to work out some of Iraq's biggest political obstacles in front of al-Sistani
By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA

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

22 December 2006 (Associated Press)
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Radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who heads a militia feared by Iraq's Sunnis, is considering a one-month unilateral cease-fire and may push his followers to rejoin the political process after a three-week boycott, officials close to him said.

The issue is expected to come up at a meeting Thursday in the holy city of Najaf between al-Sadr and a delegation representing the seven Shiite groups that form the largest bloc in Iraq's parliament, the Shiite officials said on condition of anonymity because of the secrecy of the talks.

Half the delegates traveled to Najaf on Wednesday night, and were gathered Thursday morning at the home of the country's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, an official in al-Sistani's office said on condition of anonymity because of political sensitivities. The others were traveling to Najaf on Thursday, he said.

The visit is intended to allow the Shiite bloc, the United Iraqi Alliance, to work out some of Iraq's biggest political obstacles in front of al-Sistani, and to pressure al-Sadr to rein in his fighters and rejoin politics - or face isolation, participants said.

Joint army-police checkpoints were erected at all entrances to Najaf on Thursday morning, a top police official and a representative from al-Sistani's office said.

Until the walkout, al-Sadr's faction had been an integral part of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's governing coalition. Cabinet ministers and legislators who belong to al-Sadr's movement called the boycott after al-Maliki met with President Bush in Jordan three weeks ago. Al-Sadr's militia and its offshoots have been increasingly blamed for sectarian attacks.

As violence rages across Baghdad and much of Iraq, a new coalition taking shape among Shiites, Kurds and one Sunni party is seen as a last-ditch effort to form a government across sectarian divisions that have split the country. While al-Sadr's movement would not be part of this coalition, such an alliance - which reportedly is supported by the Bush administration - might pressure the radical cleric to soften his stance.

In Thursday's meeting, the group wants to assure al-Sistani that the new coalition would not break apart the Shiite bloc, said officials from several Shiite parties. Potential members of the coalition said they have been negotiating for two weeks, and now want the blessing of al-Sistani, whose word many Shiites consider binding.

The movement is backed by the U.S. government, said Sami al-Askari, a member of the Dawa party and an adviser to al-Maliki.

"I met the American ambassador in Baghdad and he named this front the 'front of the moderates,' and they (the Americans) support it," al-Askari said.

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad could not comment on the ambassador's meeting or his position on the possible coalition deal.

However, two prominent figures in the proposed coalition went to Washington to meet Bush separately in the past three weeks: Tarek al-Hashemi of the Sunni Iraqi Islamic Party and Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, known as SCIRI. The U.S. supports two other potential members, the Kurdish Democratic Party and President Jalal Talabani's Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.

"The U.S. wants to see an Iraq that is united, stable, democratic and prosperous. We will continue to work with the democratically elected government of Iraq to reach this goal by improving security, promoting national reconciliation and the rule of law and helping the Iraqis deliver essential services," U.S. Embassy spokesman Lou Fintor said.

After meeting al-Sistani, the delegation will visit al-Sadr to try to persuade him to tell his followers to return to politics, and to assure him that the new coalition - still being completed - will not isolate his movement, said officials from several factions, including al-Sadr's movement.

"We will visit Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani and Muqtada al-Sadr, though the (coalition) front has not yet been formed, due to the demands of the Iraqi Islamic Party," al-Askari said.

His and al-Maliki's Dawa faction has expressed willingness to join the coalition, but fears it could weaken the Shiite United Iraqi Alliance, Dawa officials said on condition of anonymity because the deal was not final.

"We will inform al-Sistani about the latest developments and assure Muqtada al-Sadr that he will not be sidelined from the political process. We want him to change his mind and be a part of that process," al-Askari told The Associated Press.

Officials close to al-Sadr said they believe the firebrand cleric and his followers would turn a friendly ear to the coalition, out of fear of being sidelined in the future.

Fearing such political isolation as well as possible attack by U.S. forces, al-Sadr will secretly order his Mahdi Army militia to abide by a one-month halt in fighting, said a Shiite politician, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the delicacy of the negotiations. He did not give further details.

Another official close to al-Sadr did not speak about the planned truce directly, but said when asked about it that "the security situation will improve in the coming month."

Even if al-Sadr commands his militia, the Madhi Army, to halt sectarian attacks for a month, questions remain as to whether violence would decrease. The militia is believed to be increasingly fragmented, with some factions no longer reporting to him, and a call for a truce could further divide it.

In exchange for a halt in fighting, al-Sadr's followers want officials from al-Hakim's Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq to make a promise in front of al-Sistani that they will not sideline al-Sadr's movement, said a member of al-Sadr's group.

The Shiite, Kurdish and Sunni coalition was not a done deal, though. Several Shiites complained about conditions set by the Sunni Iraqi Islamic Party, which they said could jeopardize an agreement.

"The demands of the Iraqi Islamic Party are not logical and it is hard to implement them," said Humam Hamoudi, a SCIRI lawmaker. For example, the Sunni party wants all checkpoints leading to and from Baghdad to have an equal number of Shiite and Sunni guards, he said.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 24, 2006 7:37 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Here is some news regarding the oil law from www.iraqupdates.com

Officials reached a tentative agreement on the oil law

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

22 December 2006 (Iraq Directory)
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Iraqi officials reached a tentative agreement on an oil law that grants the regions the right to negotiate contracts for oil fields with foreign investors, but it gives the central government the final word.

Iraq is in great need for foreign investment to revive its shattered economy, which relies heavily on revenues from oil exports, especially that the country has the third largest oil reserves in the world.

Sources close to the negotiations said that Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, "agreed on" the draft law which is awaiting the political approval and the adoption of the Cabinet.

The source added that the law calls for the formation of a national council of oil headed either by the Prime Minister or the Deputy Prime Minister and has the right to reject deals of oilfields.

A source said that "regions will negotiate within the framework of specific standards and models of investment determined by the Federal Council of oil and gas ... In the presence of a representative of the Council".

He added, "If a contract is rejected but the region insisted on it, a body of independents experts will be appointed for arbitration".

The sources added that the Minister of Oil, the Central Bank Governor, representatives from each region and experts in the fields of oil, finance and the economy will be members in the Council.

The source said "the government of Kurdistan, accepted the review of its existing contracts to be consistent with the law".

The issue of contracts is important for the future of Iraq since reaching a solution for the benefit of the regions would transfer authority over these valuable resources to the Shiites, who represent the majority, and the Kurds whose lands include the largest oilfields in the country.

The Sunni minority, which dominated the country in the era of Saddam Hussein till the invasion led by the United States in 2003, fears that this solution will leave them nothing.

The sources said, "Contracts would not apply unless they are approved at by the council within a period of 60 days".

The sources said that the law calls for the conversion of the two Iraqi oil companies, turning into a holding company that has its own production units for managing the different areas of the sector.

According to the law, the oil policy will be determined at the central level and the Oil Ministry will be restructured and transformed into a control body; and all oil revenues will be deposited in one national account.

The sources quoted Iraqi officials saying that the law will be referred to Parliament for ratification by the end of December; however, the legislation is likely to be issued early next year because of the holydays.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 24, 2006 7:47 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

SCOOT OVER SWEETHEART...I FEEL A COLD WIND COMING
That is probably the comment Sadr is making to Maliki, since they are in the same bed together. It seems the recent report mentioned above by Rob, came out and said, the Madi milita was one of the biggest threats to Iraq's national security....then maliki comes out and says that ain't so Joe...now listen here and let me tell you a little story...
Its the women...that are causing us so much headaches...you Americans came in here and now they want to shave their mustaches off...and eat at McDonalds with us...all at the same table...
Then your new pigeon, I mean your chief GI Joe, Gates... goes so far to say, the grand poopaw of the death squads, Sadr is evil....Now! I am hear to tell you ...you have very misguided views of our efforts here...the problem is you have not sent enough graff...uh..uh..uh.. reconstruction funds for us to build more mosque...without religion over here...we would not have a reason for the tourist to come...our people are in extreme distress over not having enough kneeling space within our whorshipful walls of Allah...
The Iranians are only here to help us....uh...uh...get through this mess you americans came in and kicked up...why you get so upset over 4 governmental and military personnel being here in our capital is childish on your behalf...I say now...I say now...be gone with ya...leave these tourist alone....bombs...they had no bombs are plans to attack anything...we brought them in as consultants to our fireworks display for the new year celibrations...
You Americans have no gratitude for what we have done for you...

-- December 25, 2006 6:57 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

CBI giving the Christmas gift of RV at a painful, paint drying speed.
Another drop. I'll take it.

Announcement No.(833)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 833 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Monday 2006 / 12/ 25 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 6 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1345 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1343 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 16.450.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 2.900.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 16.450.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 2.900.000 -----

-- December 25, 2006 9:09 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

All:

Merry Christmas everyone!!

It is a beautiful day here in SO. Ca. and I hope that you all enjoy your families today as I will.

Unfortunately, you have the usual Carole bashing by Roger and Carl to look at.

I appreciate the sincere warnings by those of you that have posted.

First of all, I must say that I had the same concerns that Roger and Carl have brought up when I first heard about this company. Part of my research answered many, but not all of my questions.

What I have found out is that the companies that buy advertising space know exactly what the business is of paid site viewers. They know that they have bought a 25 second spot in the 10day cycle. So the concern of fraud or theft was answered in my mind.

How I discovered this,is that I decided to buy an advertising spot for myself. The disclaimers are very clear about the modes of advertising that is done.

The hope for the purchaser is that through the site spots that someone would find something intersting and come back to the advertisement and of course purchase something.

In fact my daughter Maureen has done just that ( 3 times).

To me the risk is if the "owner of the agency happens to violate one of the many regulations it could close the site while being under investigation. If that happens during your 10 day cycle that you have purchased, it could be a while before you get paid.

The company that we are involved in has and is going to great lengths to do everything right, and have done so for over 400 days.

Some of the advertisers are huge entities!! Like Mitsubishi, Colgate and Johnson and Johnson. Now anyone who would try to defraud these companies would have to be out of their minds.

Seriously, I had more ehtical and moral concerns about buying the DInar than in vesting in this company. Especially since at the begingng we were all buying DInar that were smuggled out of the country of Iraq.

As well as some of the other concerns as posted by Robert S.

Currency trading is a very nasty business. You are betting on someone losing so you can win.

At any rate, I try hard not to be a thief or a fraud.the exception to this might be when I play poker ( lol), but then again, it is the skill of the game that all paticipators get involved in. And one element of that skill is the ability to bluff. I can't tell you how many times I have thrown a hand just bceause I felt sorry for someone and wanted to see them win a hand.

However, I think that I have pretty much made up my mind to drop this whole subject. Because there is risk and for me 9K is not a big deal, but for others it just might be and I would hate for anyone to put themselves in a position of taking the risk and losing even a penny because of something I instigated.

I think that Roger owes many people an apology for calling us a pack of chickens and implying his other distasteful and ignorant comments. .....But that is Roger!! and I think we can always count on him to be the perpetrator of nastiness. Why he finds it necessary to put himself in the "yuk" category of humanity is beyond me!!!

I just want to say one more thing about the IRS.

The IRS can freeze bank accounts and any valuable assets when they have determined that taxes owed them have been evaded or illegally avoided. They have no jurisdiction over the legitamcy or illegitmacy of any entity or business. Who has jurisdiction is the Department of Justice, or the Attorney Generals Office and the many agencies under them.

If this company I am with issues a 1099 on earnings and the individual does not pay up the taxes, you can bet the IRS will take notice. But to declare that the IRS can label anything as a scam is just not in their process.

Remember Al Capone----the only thing that put him in prison was the IRS. NOt because he committed many murders or defrauded thousands, but becasue he evaded paying taxes!!!

Anyway, Merry Christmas again!!

Carole

-- December 25, 2006 12:07 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Carole:
Sorry! you took my little example as a slap at you...it was not intended that way at all....As I stated before, I do not believe you would do any thing intentionally wrong....nor do I have enough enough information about your adventure to make an informed decision as to your adventure.
I believe you have a wise enough head on, to look at all of the doors before making a decision....

The point of the diatribe was to show how an attorney can put someone into a corner... if all of the cards are not being shown to "all parties" before entering into an agreement.

-- December 25, 2006 1:30 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

The Reuters Connection to Haditha
Posted by Robin Boyd on December 25, 2006 - 13:57.

This is truly amazing - a major media organization with direct ties to major players in an incident in which 8 American soldiers are charged with murder and/or coverup. Yesterday I exposed the background of Majid Hameed, a Reuters reporter who had been incarcerated in Iraq due to questionable terrorist ties. Hameed wrote the Iraqis demanding justice story for Reuters on Friday 12/22.

Today while reviewing the excellent recap of Haditha reporting over at Euphoric Reality, I stumbled across a blurb about another Reuters reporter that was taken into custody along with Majid Hameed. This other Reuters employee's name is Ali Omar Abrahem al-Mashhadani.

Here's part of the post from Euphoric Reality...

"Now, let’s take a little closer look at one of the integral reporters who broke the Haditha story, courtesy of Sweetness and Light. It’s Ali Omar Abrahem al-Mashhadani, a Sunni who had been detained for five months because of images found on his camera and because of his “ties to the insurgents“. He had only been released a couple of weeks before he “stumbled upon” his big “scoop” on Haditha. (In fact, he had recently been arrested again, and was only released on May 31st.) Conveniently, Ali al-Mashhadani is the reporter who supplied video footage of the corpses that were supposedly killed by the Marines. His video footage is solely responsible for prompting the investigation by the military."

Then there is this tidbit from the awesome Sweetness & Light...

“What is the relationship if any between this news-making journalist Ali al-Mashhadani and Abdel Rahman al-Mashhadani of Iraq’s Hammurabi Organisation for Monitoring Human Rights and Democracy? [Abdel] al-Mashhadani is the person who first brought these “human rights violations” to public attention. And how odd it is that Abdel Rahman al-Mashhadani just happened to be given a video by an “unnamed local”. And that he then turned it over to Ali al-Mashhadani who just happens to make videos for Reuters. And had anyone ever heard of Iraq’s Hammurabi Organisation for Monitoring Human Rights and Democracy before this?”

Now keep in mind that Euphoric Reality and Sweetness & Light originally uncovered the al-Mashhadani connections back in June 2006 - six months ago. Yet none of these connections are brought up in the media coverage of the Haditha charges.

Two Reuters' reporters with questionable ties to terrorists, both arrested at the same time and both with their fingers in the Haditha story... Now tell me again why I should believe anything reported in the media concerning Haditha, much less Iraq?

http://newsbusters.org/node/9826

-- December 25, 2006 4:56 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

U.S. arrest of Iranians reportedly upsets Iraqi president
POSTED: December 25, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Iraqi and Iranian authorities slammed the United States on Monday for having arrested several Iranians who were visiting Iraq.

A U.S. official said the Iranians were suspected of involvement in attacks against Iraqi security forces.

The U.S. National Security Council confirmed that the American military arrested at least four Iranians in raids during the past week in Iraq, including two diplomats.

NSC spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the two diplomats were questioned, turned over to the Iraqi government and released.

At least two others, who are members of the Iranian military, remain in U.S. military custody while an investigation is conducted on whether they were involved in attacks on security forces in Iraq, Johndroe said.

British, Iraqi troops raid Basra police station

British and Iraqi soldiers raided an Iraqi police station Monday in the southern city of Basra where they suspected a rogue police unit was planning to kill 76 prisoners.

Burbridge said the rogue unit "would take people in the middle of the night and they would never appear again."

Monday's raid, involving 1,000 troops, was ordered based on information the police were "likely to start executing the prisoners, so we had to move fast," he said. Seven gunmen were killed as the forces advanced on the station.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki authorized the raid through the Basra city security coordinator, Burbridge said.

The action was made easier by the earlier arrests of key leaders of the police unit, he said.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/12/25/iraq.main/index.html

-- December 25, 2006 5:05 PM ∞

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Vance wrote:

Hey Carole, I have read your post on the site about your invesment. Please add me to your list for information on the investment. Thank You God Bless Vance

-- December 25, 2006 5:22 PM ∞

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Vance wrote:

Hey Carole, I forgot to post my email address. Here it is hv@agwireless.net Thanks Vance

-- December 25, 2006 5:27 PM ∞

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Fred wrote:

Roger what is your problem? are you for real. Lets thinks about it. You pay for cable TV, on that premise the companies pay millions for a commercial spot in the hope that somebody sometime buys their product or they remember their product at some point in time say at shooping time when we make reflex purchases. What is the difference of changing the channel on our tv station or clicking on a ad/hyperlink in the new era Computer Advertising era we have been in for say 10 years. The only chicken here is the one I'm eating ( OH excuse me that is a turkey) Merry Christmas you firggin Scrouge! I seem to recall plenty of posts by you where you blast people and there posts as if your post is set in stone. This is nothing more then a chat room that people with similar interests are supposed to gather and converse in a honorable forum. You provide very informative info that most don't want to qurie since it is easier to check the chat room. WOW what is going on here?? Christmas spirit?? Attacking peoples characters simply by reading the typing of us that us one or two fingers. Our characters are not up for judging and least of all those that are talking and those that do not want to read it then skip over it. But no we are judging characters on this site.!! Carole sorry that this 'A' hole personnally attacks you but as long as the internet is up and we have free speech they will always be siting on their soap box smelling their own sweet smell of holly 'R' than thou.

Merry Christmas everybody!! else.

-- December 25, 2006 5:50 PM ∞

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Seeker wrote:

Carole
I've been away for awhile. Seems a lot has transpired since I last read here. About a week ago you did some posting about a new business venture, which was was followed by a flurry of volunteered e-mails. George(A.K.A. Seekers dirty socks) and I would like to through ours into the mix if there are no objections, and you are inclined to share your information. "Alwise1@hotmail.com".
I am currently thinking about buying 5,000,000 more Dinar. But like everybody else I'm getting bored watching the paint dry, and dreaming about toys. I would appreciate some other ideas to ponder.
For what its worth, my Mom used ride the roller coaster you were taking about when you first started posting here. She grew up in Oxnard. She told me one time when she was a teenager she was almost killed on that coaster. She was thrown from one of the cars (she was all of 5'2" and 98lbs sopping wet),she ended up with a concussion and acouple days in the hospital.
Anway Merry Christmas to Everybody

Seeker

-- December 25, 2006 5:55 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

A BATTLE PRAYER

Young Warriors,
Should fate find you on the battlefield,
May your cause be a just one.
May your courage not falter.
May you show mercy to your enemies.
May your efforts bring the blessings of peace.
May you be triumphant and earn victory.
May your sacrifice be always appreciated.
May you endure the conflict unharmed.
Should you be harmed, may your wounds heal.
Should you perish in the struggle,
May God embrace you and find a place for you
in his Kingdom.

by : Scott A.Tackett Sr.

-- December 25, 2006 7:09 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Christian Greeting:
http://www.wisehearts.com/flash/merrychristmasoh/merrychristmas1.html

Soldier's Greeting:
http://www.spiritisup.com/christmaspoemforoursoldiersf.html

Greeting for all:
http://www.riversongs.net/Fla/jcw.html

-- December 25, 2006 8:49 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Thought of the day:

"Love thy neighbor................just don't get caught!"

-- December 25, 2006 8:53 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

I've pondered this one, Tim Bitts.. seriously.
The thought you said, "Love thy neighbor................just don't get caught!"

Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

I also have a flesh which lusts against the spirit, and is contrary to the designs of the Spirit.
But it hasn't been able to get that one past me because:

Pro 24:12 If you say, "Surely we did not know this," Does not He who ponders the heart consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?

This says God ponders the heart.. and that means.. that He sees your thoughts INSIDE YOUR HEART (He sees in your mind in real time as you are thinking and your motivations are also seen). That means.. you do get caught. You can pull the wool over the eyes of men.. but God, He sees it all and judges you from the inside out. No way you don't get caught.. you have to account to Him for everything one day.

Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Sorry to take it so seriously, but.. really, it is a serious infraction...

Sara.

-- December 25, 2006 9:55 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Sara,

Was interested in the Canada question, and promised to be back, but found that Tim Bitts weighted in on it so elegantly and with his in dept knowledge of Canada, I'll leave it as that.

Carole,

Well, you know you're stealing.

The companies advertising are being frauded by the advertisement bureau, expecting potential customers, but instead are paying by the clicks, that the advertisement bureau is ARIFICIALLY increasing.

Then sharing the profit with those that front for them. (with their social security nbr)

You have to leave all your viewpoints, and completely take the viewpoint of the victimized companies being pick pocketed.

If you have a company like Mitsubishi, as you mentioned ( size doesnt matter, could be a lone man investing everything he has, in an invention, that he wants to market), ......if you were one of those companies, expecting a marketing company to market their products, but instead found out that the market company are milking you, by increasing their clicks....would you pay, or would you continue to use that company?

No of course not, because you would say that they are stealing from you, charging for something that doesnt exist..

This a not a "business opportunity", since when is fraud a "business opportunity".

Fool yourself as much as you want, putting a lipstick on a pig, still makes it a pig.

I do honestly you have blown this operation already to be honest.

You have on this website that is visited by thousands, in detail describe how a bunch of criminals have worked out a system how to defraud companies, how the pick pocket thieves are hired, and you have promoted others to join.

I do agree with Carl, I don't think you consciously are getting yourself into a crime scene.

The fact that you without shame are describing the on going Felonies, how to do it, how it's set up, on this site, shows that you are not conscious that this is theft, fraud or criminality.

In your mind , this is completely ok....right??, so you can go on line and tell everyone about it.

That to me shows that you are incapable to see a simple right from wrong, but instead justifies it, because it will make you money.

Here is the other problem, who else is watching this site.

Of all the thousand of companies you are defrauding, you have already mentioned one, Mitsubishi, don't you think there is a pretty big possibility of anyone working in one of those companies that will look on this site, and found out how they are pick pocketed?

The possibility of the Feds looking into this site is also pretty high, wouldn't you say, I mean we're dealing with Iraq, Islam, Alqaeda and all sorts of things here.

I bet you, someone is already on it. You did it all to yourself.

And here you are, being a hired pick pocket thief for a bunch of criminals, that makes you front for them, in an account with YOUR social security number, Carole, youre smart.

Do you know where all this started???? In a flash right there, in the beginning, when you heard of this, you KNEW this was theft,...... but then you denied it.

-- December 26, 2006 1:57 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

You kill me!!! You get so puritanical with the most decent people on this board, like Tim, and yet you patronize and drool all over this blog over Roger, the most serious infractor on this site.
Your inconsistencies concern me.
You are like the right parietal side of Roger's brain.

You each give yourselves permission to say and act as you please, and that would be okay, but neither of you afford the same permission to anyone else.

It is getting old....sweetie

-- December 26, 2006 2:00 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Roger,

I truly believe you are deranged.

What a warped and sick mind you have. You must be so unhappy.

Your boogy-man tactics are pathetic.

You are so transparent, I am embarrassed for you.

-- December 26, 2006 2:13 AM ∞

---

panhandler wrote:

All: HO HO HO MERRY CHRISTMAS. . .Y'all behave yourselves. . .whatever happened to "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"? This is worse than "Spike TV". . .everyone quit being so mean to each other. . .Is this what having alot of money is gonna do to us. . .doesn't look good. . .I think I'll just grab Okie, glazed eyes and all and head to his Jim Beam shrine in Phuket and watch this from afar. . .P.H.

-- December 26, 2006 6:10 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Another drop today. This may be on the edge of getting exciting if it continues. Wish I had purchased more Dinar!

Announcement No.(834)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 834 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Tuesday 2006 / 12/ 26 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 5 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1338 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1336 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 2.700.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 3.820.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 2.700.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 3.820.000

-- December 26, 2006 6:59 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Interesting posts overnight - if you like a good blood letting.

When RV happens and we have our pig roast y'all will know me as I will have a case of Milk of Magnesia under my arm passing it out.

Roger,

Sounds like you speak from experience. I could not have read the past posts and arrived at the conclusions you have or I would not be willing to without more info. Have you encountered online businesses of this type before?

Carole,

I would like the opportunity to evaluate myself. Please send me some info at chrisgz at yahoo.com (if you haven't already). I'll check my mailbox later.

-- December 26, 2006 7:36 AM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Great article

THE BOOM OUTSIDE BAGHDAD December 26, 2006 -- UMQASR, IRAQ

WHILE the American political elite is using Iraq as an ex cuse for fighting internal political wars, a different reality is taking shape in parts of this war-torn nation. Wherever some measure of security is assured - that is to say in more than 80 percent of Iraq - towns and villages long left to die a slow death are creeping back to life.

Nowhere is this slow but steady return to life more startling than in Um Qasr, in the southeast extremity of Iraq on the Persian Gulf. Four years ago, this was a jumble of rusting quays, abandoned houses and gutted buildings. By the spring of 2003, its population had dwindled to a few dozen, along with hundreds of stray dogs. There was even talk of abandoning it altogether.

Today, however, Um Qasr is back in business as a port with commercial and military functions. Hundreds of families that had left after the first Gulf War in 1991 have returned - joining many more who have come from all over Iraq.

The boom in Um Qasr is part of a broader picture that also includes Basra (the sprawling metropolis of southern Iraq), the Shi'ite "holy" cities of Najaf and Karbala, Mandali on the Iranian border and much of Baghdad.

When the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank reported two years ago that the Iraqi economy was heading for a boom, skeptics dismissed it as misplaced optimism. Now, however, even some of those who opposed the toppling of Saddam Hussein admit that many Iraqis share that optimism.

Newsweek has just hailed the emergence of a booming market economy in Iraq as "the mother of all surprises," noting that "Iraqis are more optimistic about the future than most Americans are." The reason, of course, is that Iraqis know what is going on in their country while Americans are fed a diet of exclusively negative reporting from Iraq.

The growing dynamism of the Iraqi economy is reflected in the steady increase in the value of the national currency, the dinar, against the three currencies in direct competition with it in the Iraqi marketplace: the Iranian rial, the Kuwaiti dinar and the U.S. dollar, since January 2006.

No doubt, part of the dinar's strength reflects the rise in Iraq's income from oil exports to almost $40 billion in 2006, an all-time record. But oil alone does not explain all, since both Iran and Kuwait are bigger exporters than Iraq.

The fact that civil-servant salaries have increased by almost 30 percent, with a further 30 percent due to come into effect early next year, also has helped boost demand.

But a good part of the boom is due to an unexpected flow of foreign capital. This has been facilitated by the prospect of a liberal law on direct foreign investments, which exists only in such free-trade parts of the region as Dubai and Bahrain. None of Iraq's six neighbors offers such guarantee for the free flow of capital to and from the country.

Since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, the number of private companies in Iraq has increased from a mere 8,000 to more than 35,000 this year. Each week an average of 60 new companies spring up in Iraq's booming areas. A good part of the investment in southern Iraq, including in Um Qasr, comes from Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

"Whatever happens, Iraq is Iraq," says a Kuwaiti businessman, building hotels in the south. "Iraq will always remain the country with the world's largest oil reserves and the Middle East's biggest resources of water."

One hears similar comments from local and foreign businessmen investing in real estate in Najaf and Karbala. Over 200 million Shiite Muslims regard the cities as holy. Najaf and Karbala have always been dream destinations for pilgrims. Under Saddam Hussein, however, few foreign pilgrims were allowed. With the despot gone, pilgrims are pouring in - and with them the fresh money.

That good business is possible in Iraq is reflected in the performance of new companies, most of which did not exist three years ago. One privately owned mobile phone company is expected to report revenues of more than $500 million this year, a sevenfold increase in three years. Another private firm marketing soft drinks has seen profits double since the end of 2003. The number of luxury cars imported has risen from a few hundred in 2002 to more than 20,000 this year.

But what about continued terrorist attacks? Most foreign investors coming to make money in Iraq shrug their shoulders. "Doing business in any Arab country is always risky," says a Turkish investor who has set up a trucking company and a taxi service. "In some Arab countries, you risk nationalization or straight confiscation by the ruler. In other Arab countries, you must give a cut to one of the emirs. Here, you face possible terrorist attacks. But such attacks are transitory."

The relatively low cost of labor is another attraction to investors. Wages in Iraq, where unemployment is over 30 percent, are less than a quarter of the going rates in Kuwait. Nevertheless, the Iraqi boom appears to be attracting some Iranian laborers from areas close to the border - people who come in for a few days to make some money before returning home.

Although Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government has slowed down the pace of privatization, the foundations of the command economy created by Saddam continue to crumble.

The transition from a rentier economy - in which virtually the whole of the population depended on government handouts - to a free-market capitalist one entails much hardship for some segments of society. Many pensioners and some civil servants find it hard to make ends meet as prices rise across the board. The end of government subsidies on virtually everything - from bread and sugar to gasoline and water - is also causing hardship.

But, judging by the talk in teahouses and the debate in Iraq's new and pluralist media, most people welcome the switch to capitalism and regard it as an exciting adventure.

As trucks are loaded with a variety of imports destined for Baghdad, I ask the drivers what they think would happen if the multi-national force, led by the United States, left Iraq soon. Most shrug their shoulders.

"Why leave?" one driver asks. "Do I abandon the goods that have come from such a long way before they reach their destination?"

This amounts to a plea to "stay the course." The man in Um Qasr does not know that in the United States the phrase "staying the course" drives so many up the wall.

Amir Taheri is a member of Benador Associates.

-- December 26, 2006 10:01 AM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Panhandler,

Are you admonishing me to behave myself? If so, where and when do you think I have misbehaved?

Roger continues to use every opporotunity he can to blugeon my reputation on this blog. AND HE GETS AWAY WITH IT!!

At first he labeled me as a Nazi. Then he nicely warned me about all the trouble I would be in if I quoted scripture ( and the only trouble I was dished out was from him --and Carl) So I eventually stopped.

However, particularly Sara, continues to scripturalize every thought on this blog. That is fine with me, to a point, but why doesn't Roger blast her like he would me if I were to do the same?
He asked me to share some information about a investment I am involved in, and now I am a thief and committing fraud!

Being concerned, offering advice or warnings,asking questions, is very appropriate and I accept those who have commented with dignity. But to be unprovicably attacked is not appropriate, and I will respond at times. Who wouldn't?

Hey, my daughter, who is the Mary Poppins of our time, and who is brillant,ethical and very moral, introduced our family to this opporotunity through her friendship with our RE friend. I trust that they checked it out, and know them well enough ( especially my daughter) to know that they would never put themselves in any criminal activity. I took it even further and have and continue to do my own investigating, and have found nothing, so far, that is of any criminal nature or fraud.

My daughter just had 27K deposited into her Safepay account on a 9K investment, and I will soon get paid too.

I am going to continue to check it out and if at any point I feel worried, I will take the appropriate action.

In the meantime we will all just continue to get excited over the pennies we are making on our Dinar investment,until the RV happens. And when that happens thousands of people will suffer for our good fortune and the dollar will take the biggest hit in history, and the poor saps who didn't buy Dinars will probably be standing in bread lines trying to overcome a depression-like economy......while we all go to a pig roast and glote over how remarkable we all are. And Sara will ask the blessing before the feast, and Roger will be giving her hugs, and worse than that she will be goo goo eyed over it all!!!

YUK, YUK, YUK!!!

-- December 26, 2006 10:09 AM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

Carole: Key word there was "Y'all". . . I do not point fingers. . Y'all know who you are. . I like to be non-confrontational, and as the great lyricist Taj Mahal said in one of his songs. . . "ain't nobody's business but chure own". . .

-- December 26, 2006 10:41 AM ∞

---

Tim Bitts wrote:

Sara, you were wondering about my lame attempt at humour the other day, in a very brief post, where I said "Love thy neighbor......but don't get caught".

There's a story behind that. I went to a Christmas party the other day. After the party, I saw a bumper sticker. The bumper sticker said, "Love thy neighbor.......but don't get caught." I thought it was quite funny. Why did I think it was funny? I know someone who did love his neighbor's wife, and did get caught. Then it tore his family, and hers, apart. As I knew everyone involved, it was quite a mess. I saw one of the offending parties at a Christmas party. The issue of adultry came up, as a topic of general conversation. Someone mentioned an expert on Oprah claimed that adultry affected 50% of American families, including Christian ones, at one point or another during an average marriage. I responded to the 50% number, by saying, "Fifty percent? That low?"

No one else at the party, except myself and my wife, knew all the details of this fellow's affair. The woman involved would have been at the party, as she knew everyone there, but she hasn't been in the same room as the guy, for over ten years, as part of an attempt to save her marriage. All parties, including spouses, are long-standing Christians with some prominance in their respective churches. It was embarrassing and uncomfortable looking at this guy, when the topic of adultry came up. I squirmed in my chair.

Oh, the joys of the holidays.........

Later on, I was at a gift shop, in a ski resort, and saw a bunch of bumper stickers. One of them said "Love thy neighbor,.......... but don't get caught".........I thought the bumper sticker quite witty, and summed up neatly, through humour, the angst over a common human failing. It was not to be taken literally, but rather through irony, that probably comes from insight and experience, it was a comment on the pain that does come from this rather popular human sin. I remember President Carter, a devout Christian man, once said, in an interview he gave to Playboy Magazine, something along the lines of, "I have lusted in my heart many times." I appreciated his honesty.

No, I'm not speaking in favour of adultry, but rather in favour of having a laugh, appreciating the humour, that arises out of insight, over the many ways people go about behaving in the world, and it's attendant consequences. Sometimes humour can be quite moral, if it recognizes a particular vice as a bad thing, and tries to laugh about it, as a way of coping. No one could write a bumper sticker like the one I quoted, unless they were familiar with the spiritual and social implications of adultry, and knew the behavious was wrong, and knew there was a heavy price to be extracted for such behaviour.

And you don't have to be a Christian to believe adultry is wrong, and socially corrosive, and very destructive. Anyone with common sense and experience can see it's a bad thing. And in some people, even very moral people, it's painful to watch people you care about destroy their lives. And for of us, the best way not to go insane, from dealing with such sadness, that comes from the secondary pain any decent person experiences, in watching people suffer, is to laugh about it.

You might think it callous, laughing about it. I don't. Laughing about it, is fine, in my opinion, as long as you are laughing at the right thing. As long as you are not laughing directly at someone's pain, but rather laughing in general, at the weakness and common failings, of other human beings, and by recognizing these things in other people, recognizing the same potential behavious and motivations, in yourself, and thus recognizing your common humanity, and your own weaknesses and failings.

Most human beings have the same general weaknesses and failings. We don't all act on them, but if half of all couples, including Christian ones, do in fact, experience this drama that comes from that particular vice, in their own lives, then this is a quite a universal experience. I'll bet a lot of people thought it was funny. The fellow who sold the bumper stickers said he had sold a lot of them!

Oh, well, now that I've explained the joke, I've ruined it. One of my failings, according to my wife, is I over-analyze things.

Your comments however, came from a good place, Sara, and I think you have a very good heart, so I'm not offended by your comments. I just have a bit of a different sense of humour, and perhaps different experiences. I don't think we disagree on this issue. No harm done. Enjoy your Christmas.

Back to the dinar......

-- December 26, 2006 11:18 AM ∞

---

Robert S wrote:

Carole Would you PLEASE remove the gun from our heads about this business opportunity, especially Roger’s! While you are at it give Roger a telephone so he can call the authorities immediately, right now, no time to waste. If I had to guess where Roger lives I would guess he is my neighbor a few houses down the street from me. You know the self-appointed self righteous “mayor of the neighborhood”. He’s the one who polices when my garbage can is left out during the day of pick up while I am at work. Also the one who turns me in to the neighborhood association if my camper is in the driveway overnight while we prepare to go camping the nest day. Also the one who lets his dogs defecate on the front lawns of others and not pickup after it because it’s actually on the “County Easement”. All the while he is the concerned citizen or anonymous caller looking out for the best interest of the neighborhood, i.e. Himself.

If I recall you were and are very reluctant to give out any information about this business opportunity and a lot of posters including myself has asked for more info voluntarily. I suspect that Roger does not have 9K to invest and therefore wants to berate and pull anybody he can down to his level so he’s not all alone. There are always people that want to take the top man down, not put forth an effort to join him. Misery loves company. Maybe he works a dismal 9 to 5 job at substandard wages and is incompetent to see an opportunity to do better. Although seeing him on this board I would presume he’s invested in the Dinar. I don’t recall at least in recent memory his disgust with how he plans to profit from this investment. I think he would be the first to cash in; OH BOY it’s up to .0009 gotta go…

To buy up and sit on Dinar really isn’t helping Iraq at all. It will cause a massive flood of currency trading during the revalue and someone has to lose for others to gain. I have often wondered how the Iraqi government is going to handle such a mass exodus of Dinar being converted and taken out of the country. (All of our Dinar is just a drop in the bucket compared to big business being paid in Dinar and haven’t cashed out) I read where the Iraqi people are trying to keep every Dinar they can but still have to hoard Dollars just to be able to buy and provide for their families and themselves. Hopefully and maybe some of the Iraqi people will manage to have some Dinar in their pockets during the revalue and can benefit from it. I think however that they will have Dollars in their pocket and will still be exactly where they are at now, Broke and desperate and waiting for Government handout.

-- December 26, 2006 11:30 AM ∞

---

Robert S wrote:

Tim B: I've heard the saying and found it to be humorous. You have to take it at face value! It's funny and serves as a warning to avoid a lot of complications and emotional problems. Best not love neighbors wife while both you and them are currently married.

-- December 26, 2006 11:35 AM ∞

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hopeful wrote:

I recently found this blog - and thankful that I did. I invested in the Dinar about 1.5 years ago. I have enjoyed reading all of the past comments by everyone. I will be checking this blog daily

Carole - if possible, please send me the info you have on your investment. I would be interested in reading about it. My email in reeltherapy@verizon.net

-- December 26, 2006 12:26 PM ∞

---

Martin Luther King Jr, back from the dead wrote:

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, my friends.
Although we face arguments and personal attacks on this blog

I have a dream

I have a dream,

That one day,

on the dirt gravel roads,

where Roger lives.

and the upscale neighborhoods,

of Carole,

the daughters of Italian immigrants,

and the men from the backroad,

will be able to sit together,

and have a glass.

at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream, I say!

I have a dream,

That all the bloggers on this site,

will be judged by their contribution to the dinar discussion,

and by the quality of their jokes.

I have a dream, I say!

I have a dream,

That one day, the Rogers will sit with the Caroles at the pig roast,

and toast to their success.

I have a dream, that one day, this blog will rise up, one day, and live out the true meaning of it's creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all dinar investors are created equal."

And this will be the day, this will be the day when aaaaall of God's children will be able to sing, with new meaning:

My blog, tis of thee, sweet land of Opportunity,
of thee I sing.

From every mountainside and dinar account,
let opportunity reign!

And when this happens, when the crap stops flying, in every state, and village and city, where dinar bloggers are, we will be able to speed up the day when all dinar investors, join hands,

and in the words of the old Negro spiritual, proclaim:

RV at last, RV at last,

Thank God almighty, they RVed at last!!!

-- December 26, 2006 2:45 PM ∞

---

Anthony R wrote:

I am extremely excited watching this paint dry. (Yes, its a metaphore).

I think the current pace of the appreciation of the Dinar is something to be happy about if you have invested in it.

I, like many others, wish I had more now. I have 4 million and wish I had a lot more.

I was eBaying Dinar yesterday and came upon something interesting. One dealer was selling 1 million dinar for $799. What was interesting to me was this. He wouldn't send your dinar to you, instead, he would open an account in Iraq and deposit your dinar.

He stated that this method would greatly ease your tax burdon when the dinar completed the RV.

Any thoughts on this? He went on to explain that it was easy to transfer any Dinar you currently have into the account as well as buy more dinar with your good ol American money.

I am considering taking him up on his offer. He has extremely good feedback and a lot of it, and his ID is something about Dinar and all of his auctions pertain to the Dinar so he sounds pretty reliable to me.

-- December 26, 2006 2:45 PM ∞

---

Chris wrote:

Anthony R,

The issue of the gentleman opening the account for you came up either on this blog or another some time ago. Although nobody had anything concrete negative to say, the consensus was that most people didn't want to give somebody else control of their destiny.

Don't want to discourage you if you feel it's the right thing to do but that takes a bit more trust than I'm willing to put in someone else. Rather have my currency in hand.

Nobody has ever been able to disprove the old addage "If it seems too good to be true then it probably is"

Would rather pay the tax and smile. That's where my comfort level is.

If you decide to go ahead then I would appreciate a report on how it went.

-- December 26, 2006 3:32 PM ∞

---

CYMRU001 wrote:

It would seem to me that the tax burden would indeed be eased until the time came for you to cash in and take take your dollars/ pounds or whatever currency you want. This is when you will become liable for tax.

This said, I too posed the same queston some time ago and had similar answers. I would rather have the cash and pay the tax on something than to find out I have nothing.

-- December 26, 2006 4:06 PM ∞

---

Robert S wrote:

Anthony R, You can open the account easily at the Warka Bank and Finance in Baghdad over email. I opened mine a little over a year ago and feel very secure. I have invested what I feel I could lose and not lose any sleep over it. The RV is automatic. Any changes in currency is automatic. The account draws 6% interest payable at year end. I just received notice that 1,080,000.00 Dinar will be credited as interest earned to my account on December 29, 2006. In today’s value that’s $757.00 I have made this year off my investment not including the recent positive adjustments to the Dinar the last month or so.. Here stateside I would have made $520.00 in interest taxable as it’s earned and the key difference would be the $520.00 would be the end of the earning for this year not so deposited in the Iraqi bank. Just that 1,080,000 Dinar in Interest alone will skyrocket during the RV not to mention the principle investment.

I can send you the same information I used to set up my account if you would like. It will save you some about $60.00 per million doing it yourself. You will have to do exactly the same steps as the other person doing it for you if the account is going to be in your name. I wouldn’t let the other person open the account in any other name other than my own. I don’t think I can post it on this site, Roger might think I committing fraud and trying to scam you :) so I can pass it along to your email or direct you to another Blog where it’s posted. It isn’t difficult and takes a couple of weeks. But hurry no matter what you do because as the RV gets better that less Dinar your money will buy. I wired money last week to deposit in my Dinar account to get Dinar at that day’s value. As the RV gets better I may get more. When the time comes I notify the bank to transfer or wire to me what amount I want to withdraw whether a little bit or all of it to where ever I want it sent, Bank, Western Union, my mattress, etc… Good luck to you and at the going rate it’s going to be a great value all along the way to maximum RV.

-- December 26, 2006 6:07 PM ∞

---

Okie wrote:

I was digesting this article with happiness and then I read the post by Panhandler where he mentioned Phuket and my mind is now zoomed in on Thailand and my big villa overlooking the beach. What a way to go!!! For some reason the song by Johney Cash " I hear the train a commin' " keeps circulating thru my grey cells. This should be a very good new year for all Dinarholics!!!!

=========================================================================================

Iraqi officials agree on an oil law

MENAFN - 26/12/2006


(MENAFN) Sources said that an oil law was agreed upon by Iraqi officials that gives the regions the right to negotiate contracts for oil fields with foreign investors, however the final decision will be made by the central government, Iraq Directory said

Sources stated that the Iraqi Prime Minister agreed on the draft law which is awaiting the political approval and the adoption of the Cabinet. The added that the law calls for the formation of a national council of oil headed either by the Prime Minister or the Deputy Prime Minister and has the right to reject deals of oilfields.

Iraq is in great need for foreign investment to revive its shattered economy, which relies heavily on revenues from oil exports, especially that the country has the third largest oil reserves in the world.

The law calls for the conversion of the two Iraqi oil companies, turning into a holding company that has its own production units for managing the different areas of the sector.

-- December 26, 2006 7:53 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Carole,
It is your own dam fault that Roger, Carl and Sara frustrate you.

I am very close to the situation and at one time you were really on to something regarding them.AND THEN YOU GOT DISTRACTED OR SOMETHING.
I can tell you that you are very smart and you are trying to make 2+2=4. And it never will because 2+2=3 in this case.
Without revealing myself, I will only tell you that only one of the trio will be at the roast, and if you go you will be very surprised at who it will be.
Share you information with those who have asked. Don't let anyone sway you from your gut feelings of wanting to pass along something that might help others.
I look at it this way, if it is illegal and we are not aware of it as we invest, it will be a hard case to prove, since there is no INTENT to commit fraud. And that is the real crime that is indictable. Also, if we can make 27,000 at a pop we should have enough to pay for a good lawyer!
For your information, I was the one a while back that cautioned you to never E-mail Sara. This would be a terrible mistake, especially for you. I'll say no more.

-- December 26, 2006 7:59 PM ∞

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Robert S wrote:

Cue the background music... This is getting good kinda like a thriller.

-- December 26, 2006 8:35 PM ∞

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Sybil wrote:

Hi I have dicided to come clean. I am Carl and Roger and Sara. I have a split persenalitie. I thought it would be fun to act like three people on a website. I'm really a prisoner at a max security facility as a lifer for nocking someones parietal. I work in the library so I can use the comjuter. My real name is Sybil add I wub Jesus. Fooled you, huh?

-- December 26, 2006 9:36 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Carole,
You gave this site information about an investment and told everyone how good it was, why are you not e-mailing people who have requested information?
It is like you are bragging about all the money you make every day with the investment, and we continue to wait every day for you to "share the wealth".
If you were not ready to share, then why did you post the info?
Let's "get r done".

-- December 26, 2006 10:21 PM ∞

---

Saddam Hussein wrote:

I'm depresed. I watch CNN. Za American Jew judge sed I must die in one munth. My apeal no good. Why? I good man. I freend of George Bush. Now I die. Life is zo unfair.

-- December 26, 2006 10:35 PM ∞

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Robert S wrote:

THE BOOM OUTSIDE BAGHDAD December 26, 2006 -- UMQASR, IRAQ

http://www.nypost.com/seven/12262006/postopinion/opedcolumnists/the_boom_outside_baghdad_opedcolumnists_amir_taheri.htm?page=0

WHILE the American political elite is using Iraq as an excuse for fighting internal political wars, a different reality is taking shape in parts of this war-torn nation. Wherever some measure of security is assured - that is to say in more than 80 percent of Iraq - towns and villages long left to die a slow death are creeping back to life.

Nowhere is this slow but steady return to life more startling than in Um Qasr, in the southeast extremity of Iraq on the Persian Gulf. Four years ago, this was a jumble of rusting quays, abandoned houses and gutted buildings. By the spring of 2003, its population had dwindled to a few dozen, along with hundreds of stray dogs. There was even talk of abandoning it altogether.

Today, however, Um Qasr is back in business as a port with commercial and military functions. Hundreds of families that had left after the first Gulf War in 1991 have returned - joining many more who have come from all over Iraq.

The boom in Um Qasr is part of a broader picture that also includes Basra (the sprawling metropolis of southern Iraq), the Shi'ite "holy" cities of Najaf and Karbala, Mandali on the Iranian border and much of Baghdad.

When the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank reported two years ago that the Iraqi economy was heading for a boom, skeptics dismissed it as misplaced optimism. Now, however, even some of those who opposed the toppling of Saddam Hussein admit that many Iraqis share that optimism.

Newsweek has just hailed the emergence of a booming market economy in Iraq as "the mother of all surprises," noting that "Iraqis are more optimistic about the future than most Americans are." The reason, of course, is that Iraqis know what is going on in their country while Americans are fed a diet of exclusively negative reporting from Iraq.

The growing dynamism of the Iraqi economy is reflected in the steady increase in the value of the national currency, the dinar, against the three currencies in direct competition with it in the Iraqi marketplace: the Iranian rial, the Kuwaiti dinar and the U.S. dollar, since January 2006.

No doubt, part of the dinar's strength reflects the rise in Iraq's income from oil exports to almost $40 billion in 2006, an all-time record. But oil alone does not explain all, since both Iran and Kuwait are bigger exporters than Iraq.

The fact that civil-servant salaries have increased by almost 30 percent, with a further 30 percent due to come into effect early next year, also has helped boost demand.

But a good part of the boom is due to an unexpected flow of foreign capital. This has been facilitated by the prospect of a liberal law on direct foreign investments, which exists only in such free-trade parts of the region as Dubai and Bahrain. None of Iraq's six neighbors offers such guarantee for the free flow of capital to and from the country.

Since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, the number of private companies in Iraq has increased from a mere 8,000 to more than 35,000 this year. Each week an average of 60 new companies spring up in Iraq's booming areas. A good part of the investment in southern Iraq, including in Um Qasr, comes from Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

"Whatever happens, Iraq is Iraq," says a Kuwaiti businessman, building hotels in the south. "Iraq will always remain the country with the world's largest oil reserves and the Middle East's biggest resources of water."

One hears similar comments from local and foreign businessmen investing in real estate in Najaf and Karbala. Over 200 million Shiite Muslims regard the cities as holy. Najaf and Karbala have always been dream destinations for pilgrims. Under Saddam Hussein, however, few foreign pilgrims were allowed. With the despot gone, pilgrims are pouring in - and with them the fresh money.

That good business is possible in Iraq is reflected in the performance of new companies, most of which did not exist three years ago. One privately owned mobile phone company is expected to report revenues of more than $500 million this year, a sevenfold increase in three years. Another private firm marketing soft drinks has seen profits double since the end of 2003. The number of luxury cars imported has risen from a few hundred in 2002 to more than 20,000 this year.

But what about continued terrorist attacks? Most foreign investors coming to make money in Iraq shrug their shoulders. "Doing business in any Arab country is always risky," says a Turkish investor who has set up a trucking company and a taxi service. "In some Arab countries, you risk nationalization or straight confiscation by the ruler. In other Arab countries, you must give a cut to one of the emirs. Here, you face possible terrorist attacks. But such attacks are transitory."

The relatively low cost of labor is another attraction to investors. Wages in Iraq, where unemployment is over 30 percent, are less than a quarter of the going rates in Kuwait. Nevertheless, the Iraqi boom appears to be attracting some Iranian laborers from areas close to the border - people who come in for a few days to make some money before returning home.

Although Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government has slowed down the pace of privatization, the foundations of the command economy created by Saddam continue to crumble.

The transition from a rentier economy - in which virtually the whole of the population depended on government handouts - to a free-market capitalist one entails much hardship for some segments of society. Many pensioners and some civil servants find it hard to make ends meet as prices rise across the board. The end of government subsidies on virtually everything - from bread and sugar to gasoline and water - is also causing hardship.

But, judging by the talk in teahouses and the debate in Iraq's new and pluralist media, most people welcome the switch to capitalism and regard it as an exciting adventure.

As trucks are loaded with a variety of imports destined for Baghdad, I ask the drivers what they think would happen if the multi-national force, led by the United States, left Iraq soon. Most shrug their shoulders.

"Why leave?" one driver asks. "Do I abandon the goods that have come from such a long way before they reach their destination?"

This amounts to a plea to "stay the course." The man in Um Qasr does not know that in the United States the phrase "staying the course" drives so many up the wall.

Amir Taheri is a member of

-- December 26, 2006 11:04 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

I continue to see good progress made by the dinar as its gradual revaluation progresses. We all know where the RV will end at least in the short term. Since the budget is based upon 41 billion dollars and an exchange rate of 1260, it is not surprising where the dinar will begin Iraq's from new fiscal year.

I suspect the Central Bank will continue to raise interest rates to help the Dinar to further strengthen. In my view, it is not a matter of if the Dinar will revalue, but what will the exchange rate be. This is anyone's guess. I am not necessarliy convinced that the Iraqi official assessment of 10,000 dinars or $6,600 U.S. dollars was a mistake. It may truly be a sign of where Iraq wishes the value of the dinar to go.

I am encouraged by what I am hearing about the President's increasing troop levels in and around Bhagdad by 30,000 troops. The combined Marshall Plan with an effort to implement a New Deal for Iraq is also good news.

Finally, finalization of the HCL will be a major puzzle in our quest for a healthy Dinar. All of this is good news for us.

One personal note, I have one brother who lives in Missouri. I ventured to tell him about investing in the Iraqi Dinar. He told me he needed to see more signs of progress before he invests. In contrast, the evidence seems to be mounting against those who would decry the Dinar as a viable and profitable investment. By the time the signs or stars line up for him it will be too late.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 26, 2006 11:29 PM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

Yes Robert S, I would very much appreciate the info on the Warka bank. You can email it to eshop01@yahoo.com.

thanks

-- December 26, 2006 11:31 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

From www.iraqiupdates.com

Ignore Iraq Study Group recommendations, Kurdish parliament urges Bush

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

Irbil, 27 December 2006 (Kuwait News Agency (KUNA))
Print article Send to friend
President of Iraqi Kurdistan National Council Adnan Al-Mufti urged Monday US President George Bush not to take seriously the recommendations of the Baker-Hamilton Iraq Study Group.

In a letter addressed to Bush, the US senate and congress and in the name of the Iraq Kurdistan people, Al-Mufti expressed the Kurdistan people's resentment of the report because its recommendations conflict with their interests in addition to beinga a violation of the articles of the Iraqi constitution.

"The tense Iraqi situation and the escalation of violence especially in central Iraq has become an issue of great concern for the Americans, the Iraqis and all world nations and we are all looking for a solution to this crisis," he added in his letter. He said for this reason the "Iraq Study Group" was formed and is led by former secretary of state James Baker and Lee Hamilton and the Kurdistan people thought it would be an objective study.

"With all due respect to the members of this study group, the Kurdistan people are opposed to a number of articles in the report and the Kurdistan parliament held on December 17 a private session to evaluate the report," he added.

He explained that the report on one side indirectly questioned the stand of the Kurdish political leadership for being committed to the federal region in a democratic Iraq.

He said for instance the report said that the Iraqi flag is not raised in Kurdistan, stressing that the Iraqi permanent constitution stipulates that a new flag must be chosen to represent all factions and not the current flag which reminds of the former Baath party which witnessed massacres against the Iraqi people.

None of the Iraq Study Group members paid a visit to Kurdistan to study the situation there and "we believe the report has ignored our black history which we witnessed on the hands of the former Baath regime" and the efforts to build a democratic federal Iraq, he added.

This letter was handed to the representative of the US embassy here and was written in light of the December 17 session.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 26, 2006 11:34 PM ∞

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SHOW ME wrote:

Alright where is the article that mentions 10,000 = $6,600? I call BS show me. Who believes this made up crap to give everybody a false sense of its going to happen so the DPshts selling NID can continue to make money off of false hope?
going to post crap back it up.
Everyone believe me the RV is going to be 31 Jan at .35:1. Lets see how far this Rumor goes or gets changed, thats exactly what it is a Rumor.

-- December 27, 2006 12:08 AM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

You are probably right SHOW ME. Those are some mighty sour grapes.... you are better off without em.

In the meantime, you don't mind if myself and the rest of the fine folks here at T&B enjoy the sweet taste do you?

In all seriousness, I would advise you to contribute to those DPshts selling the NID. Its a long walk back to town if you miss the bus.

-- December 27, 2006 3:01 AM ∞

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hackett wrote:

1325 todays rate....go dinar

-- December 27, 2006 6:38 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Anthony R,

No, get the cash in your hand, there is no reason anyone will take your money and open up an account for you, when you can open up an account yourself.

Me personally I have never really seen the benefit of getting an account in Iraq, but there are some followers on that line, that have successfully done so, and are happy with their set up.

I would say Oakie is a good man to consult on this. Robert S, seem to have a lot on this also, and I agree with his assessment regarding this offer by someone that wants to set up an account for you. ( Well, there might be other parts about Robert S, that I might not agree fully with, but that's another story)

I wouldn't say the man on the Internet is a scammer, he might have good intentions, but once he's got your money in his hand, you're completely at his mercy. He might have a plan set up, but lets face it, setting up an account is not really something that calls for a plan, you just do it. It's not harder than selling a bicycle.

Naaa, Anthony, hold on to the cash yourself, and if you want to buy more Dinars, do it through a bank, there are three banks that will sell you Dinars right now, Chase One, Wells Fargo and B of A.

There is really no need for buying on E-bay and through dealers anymore.

If you insist on having an account, the only difference in your possession of Dinars are basically that instead of having them in your hand, you entrust a bank to hold them for you, the interest you are getting, is the exchange for letting them hold onto to them, but for me, Iraq is awfully far away. I rather hold them.

Good Luck

Robert S,

Got your pone bugged....na just joking, no I wont call any authorities on Carole, she can sit and steal and be right about it. If she gets nailed, she did it to herself.

An investigator could easily track all the e-mails on the e-mail addresses people seem to be too willing to give out, and if there is a message from Carole to any one of them, it can be read, very easily. This is done routinely by crime investigators. The authorities can get the info very easy.

With Carole they don't need to go through any of that trouble though.

She probably already, have willingly given out all the info, regarding her fraud operation, to an investigator posing as an interested sucker.

You lost your bet about what I have to invest, having a dismal 9-5 job, and my urge to cash in, because I'm a needy guy living on a dirt road, loving to "cut down the top man". I'm not going to tell you how much I earn per year, but I can tell you that it is enough zeroes in the number that I don't have to steal for a living.

In your heart, you also know that she is stealing, would you pay an advertisement company, that you know is milking you, charging for things that doesn't exist? No you wouldn't.

If you had a company, used this scam advertisement bureau, and just found out that you have been scammed on thousands, what exactly would you say to them?

Social people can see that it's theft, Carole can't, and I'm not sure where you stand on this just yet. Carole have used this site for promotion of her theft ring, trying to con other people getting in on her scam, risking a lot of peoples well beings, by trying to join her in something that is criminal.

Some might be so dazed by hearing about 1200 bucks a day, that all right and wrongs go straight out the door.

I do frequently over 1200 bucks a day without stealing. Anyone can.

People getting in on this will get hurt.

I'm not sure if you don't like me, my way or my personality, (That's fine, I can live with it either way, I'm an oddball) or if you actually are protecting Caroles theft as legitimate.

Are you embarrassed if someone is calling a thief a thief?

You seem to be a spirited man, I like that, I must say though, that I can only be on the site sporadically, and reply might take some days on occasion.

Carole,

You didn't sit and steal today again, did you???? .....DID YOU????

Rob N,

If that is so, that the $6600 to IQD 10000 is a correct figure, that means that they either HAVE to RV or put the IQD on the market. The time it would take to revalue the currency with the current operation that is ongoing. It would take far far too long time before the IQD could make the impact they are hoping for. I still think that that article mentioning those figures is a typo. The figures coincide pretty much with the value of the currency at the time they stated to reevaluate it in the current fashion, my second thought is, why would they base the budget on figures that seem to be way way closer to what they are doing now, ( IQD at 1260).

Martin Luther King Jr,

Cool, I loved your dream, made me laugh, loved it, thanks.

Chris,

You asked me regarding experience in the scam, fraud and crime field.

As a young man I was working with an investigator in a PI company. He was what you can call, a real gumshoe, and have been in that business all his life, he was also a natural, and could crack cases that was to me ironclad, watertight and solidly cold. He did it with ease.

He thought me a line of thinking that I at the time couldn't even come close to comprehend, but he worked with me and patiently took me through the process. He more or less opened up the doors of how intelligence, investigators and PI's work. (It's not like James Bond by the way)

Now, I didn't continue in that line of work, but the teachings from that very unique man, gave me a clarity of how overt and covert actions, their effects and how they are caused, how and why crimes are committed in the first place, and the effort to cover it up. (The loud screams and insults are meant to make you look away, don't look in that direction, .....because you will see something the screamer don't want you to look at)

He was a philosopher in his own right, he gave me those valuable bits, like "PR and Intelligence don't mix"

In Caroles case, if you're doing an operation that require some intelligence work (don't tell the party your defrauding)....well, fine, but then...shut up.

This one was too easy.

After an operation is blown, then it's easy to get info, either covertly without knowledge to any party, or by posing as a friend or ally to the investigated.

Well, I'd say enough with that, how about some Dinar stuff.

Robert S,

Well, it is a good thing for Iraq the more Dinars that is bought up, the exchange is Dollars, you and me have worked for, that is now going back to Iraq, helping their economy, Dollars they can either put in their reserve, or release on auction, for propping up their Dinar.

It's also a false premise that once a reval comes, all the Dinars will be sent back from the US to Iraq in paper boxes.

If the Dinar is revalued to (I'm just taking numbers here as an example) 1 Dinar, to 1 Dollar, we here in the US are looking at the Dollar as the "real" currency, because that is the currency we are using in our daily life.

However as a currency document, the bank sees no favour of one over the other. A currency have it's inherent value, and if you exchange it in your bank, from your viewpoint you now have the currency of choice, for your daily life, but for the bank, they just swapped one form of value for another, plus exchange rate, so they came out on top anyway.

Once the bank have the Dinar, it can do with the Dinar about what they can do with the Dollar. Put it in reserves, sell it again, buy stocks, place it as part of portfolios, or get gold from Russia. Anything they like.

A common mistake in the thinking, when it comes to currency, is that it has to be bought up, it really cant be bought up, as you are only exchanging value for value.

Stamps you cancel, but currency continue to live on.

True many states, and companies have vast amount of Dinars, however, when the Dinar starts to be traded, a very very large market will open up, a market that is many times bigger than NASDAQ, it's the FOREX.

Once the Dinar is introduced, for trading, the traders are all standing in position ONE, meaning, they don't have Dinars, so in order to trade with Dinars, they first must GET the Dinar, and they must get it fast, because in the opening hours, everyone and his brother will want to get a purchase as soon as possible for the best price.

This will be the opening rush, it will hit a peak, and then start to fluctuate. The fluctuation might be a couple of days or even a week or so, until the currency stabilizes. When it is stable, THAT is the true market price on the Dinar.

Hopefully from that point on, it will be a steady rise, but the rise will be determined by true market forces, as all the other currencies on the market, and not by a committee of people giving their opinion on what the value should be.

Iraqs economy will be in it's optimum healthy position, once the Dinar is on the Forex, because a peg or an RV is all artificial held currency.

The reason you mentioned why the Iraqi people is poor and have no means, is in itself one of the reason Iraq needs a much higher value of their own currency. With a higher valued currency, their money will increase in buying power when buying abroad. As Iraq is buying most of it's consumer goods from abroad, this will effect the inflation as well. Low valued currency, as now, don't buy much abroad, making goods scarce, driving up prices. High valued currency buys high amount of goods abroad, making goods abundant, competition strong, and prices in check.

So Iraq will benefit in more than one way in a higher valued currency.

-- December 27, 2006 8:19 AM ∞

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Robert S wrote:

Roger I will have to get back to your post in a few days. I don't like or dislike you at this point, don't know you well enough but I do enjoy your Dinar related post so please keep it up. BTW I've been a Private Investigator for 10+ years now and yes emails are very efective way of getting information although a lot of people treat email like a secured medium, I have hammered a few with their emails. You sound like you might be a prosecuter?

I will be out of internet range for a few days so please don't think I hit and ran with my post. If somebody wanted to do me a big favor you can call me and read the newest post to me each night so i can keep up otherwise there will be a ton of new post to catch up on when I get back.

-- December 27, 2006 8:57 AM ∞

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Okie wrote:

Anthony R............

It's a personal choice but I wouldn't pay someone to open an account for me in Iraq.

These are the contacts for Warka Bank in Iraq which a lot of Americans have used in the past with no reported problems.

Warka Investment Bank FAQ

Does Warka have a website?
http://www.warkainvestmentbank.com/index.htm

Who do I Contact For Info Regarding?

opening account
c.accounts@warkainvestmentbank.com

wire transfers
(DO NOT WESTERN UNION)
mt@warkainvestmentbank.com

Iraq Stock Exchange
isx@warkainvestmentbank.com

banking customer services
c.services@warkainvestmentbank.com

credit cards
cc@warkainvestmentbank.com

general information
info@warkainvestmentbank.com

What is their telephone number?

Telephone Numbers
7172828
7178444
7174970
7170271

Fax Number
7179555

From the US
you must first dial 011-964-1 then the bank number
011- international access
964 - country code for Iraq
1- city code for Baghdad

-- December 27, 2006 9:13 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Very interesting and entertaining reading. I swear, one must be nuts, bored or stupid to get caught up in this site (starting with me!!:} )

Well, at least now I have figured out that Roger must be at least 110 years old for all the careers he has stated he has had on this blog....give me a break!!!!

He is one of those who know a little about a lot of things filled in with the skill of BSing that is the best I have ever seen.

If anyone has ever read The Prince of the City, you can get an insight to the Roger types.

Anyway, I do not believe that he and Carl and Sara are the same people. They just have similar character profiles.

Annonymous, if you really know differently, then you owe it to all of us to clue us in. Not that it would matter, really. He is a benign entity.

My husband served 28 years on LAPD. I had him read this last post from Roger. His only comment was "the guy reads too much James Bond".

I go back and forth in my own mind as to whether or not I will share anymore information or e-mail all of those who have requested.

I am still investigating the whole thing----just in case Roger is right, I would die if I misled anyone. So, if this business is legit, it will be around for a long time and there will be plenty of time to get the information to the ones that are interested. Give me sometime to work with it for awhile to see if I can fill in all the cracks first. I am learning a little bit more each day.

Perhaps I got too excited too fast, before I should have. Just saw someway to have a little excitement in investing to neutralize the absolute boredom and frustration over waiting for the DInar to do anything.

This surfing advertising business is huge. I guess I never realized how huge it is. All new to me. DId you know that Kevin makes big bucks from this site? He gets paid by the adveritsers at the top of the page.I guess that everytime we click on this site, he gets paid. At least this is what I was told. If I am wrong, please let me know.

I wonder what he tells his clients that want to advertise on this site? And if this is all true, he doesn't tell us that we are helping him financially by being on this blog. If it is true, then Kevin, be careful or ROger will call the Internet Police on you!

And worse yet...all the Al Quieda viewers are probably figuring out a way to cut your head off for having a site where people can express how they feel about the radical Muslims. And worse worse yet that all of us Infidels are doomed to get rich off the sweat, blood and tears of the Iraqi citizens.

Anyway through all of this I have still followed the DInar trail. My sources, if that is what they are to be called are saying that January will show a signficant turn of events. RV to be at around .65 and up to $3.25 in 24 months.

Heard this before a hundred times!!! For me, I am still holding out for the July deadline imposed on Iraq by the IMF.

From my feeble little investing mind, I am holding out my money to buy more Dinar when it RV's. There will be more hope to invest, even if I have to pay $.65 for a currency that is internationlly recognized and traded on the open market then the apparent situation now, where the raw product( the paper) is worth more than the value of the Dinar.

I made a big mistake years ago, by not investing enough in the Euro. I hope I won't be that stupid again.

Will be off again for a bit. Lots of flu going around and many many patients to see.

Ciao!

Been thinking...do you think I was the Spaghetti Monster, Roger and Carl were referring to?

-- December 27, 2006 9:57 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Carole,

Don't know if I'm nuts bored or stupid but I can tell you that I have already hit my limits on the Gerald Ford love fest.

I liked the guy but the steady stream of reporters interviewing themselves is just too much as each media outlet tries to get viewers by engaging in the most extensive rememberance. (sigh)

Rather watch the Dinar revalue.

Spaghetti Monster? Now that's Italian!

-- December 27, 2006 10:39 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

If the CBI is watching CNN, they got to be thinking that this would be a perfect time to RV. Nobody would even notice

-- December 27, 2006 10:51 AM ∞

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Gerald Ford wrote:

Good blog. I watch different things up here. I've been watching TV. Will those people at CNN ever shut up about me? Enough about me, already!

Oh, by the way, Richard Nixon says hi, and go Dinar!!!!

It turns out, there are very few Democrats or lawyers up here. No surprise.

Gotta go. Theodore Roosevelt and I are setting up a touch football game against George Washington and the original Washington Redskins. Who knew George had such a great throwing arm?

-- December 27, 2006 11:46 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

www.iraqupdates.com

James Baker: The wrong man for Iraq and Iraqis
By Amir Abdullah

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

27 December 2006 (KurdishMedia)
Print article Send to friend
The most public face of the Iraq Study Group (ISG) is James Baker, a veteran politician who, along with Lee Hamilton, is one of the co-chairs of the group. Indeed, the ISG has been referred to by some as the “Baker Commission”. The mainstream media has described Baker as a wise, elder statesman who may be able to provide some direction for Iraq, often contrasting him with Pres. George W. Bush. Indeed, Baker himself has publicly spoken of the contrast between his Iraq policy and that of the current Pres. Bush – he was recently quoted in Newsweek saying, “I used to get asked why I didn’t want to push on to Baghdad [in the 1991 Gulf War]. I don’t get asked that question much anymore.”

Baker was Secretary of State from 1989 to 1992, playing a very public role in directing US policy in the Middle East during the 1991 Gulf War following Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait and its aftermath. On February 15, 1991, following Saddam’s defeat in Kuwait, then President George H.W. Bush, the father of the current US President, encouraged Iraqis to rise up against the Saddam regime, calling for “the Iraqi military and the Iraqi people to take matters into their own hands, to force Saddam Hussein, the dictator, to step aside.” A popular uprising involving primary Iraq’s Shi’a majority and indigenous Kurdish population answered this call and at one point gained control of the majority of Iraq’s 18 provinces. However, the US, after encouraging the uprising, refused to aid it in any way, and it was brutally crushed.

The 1991 uprising represented a very serious challenge to the Saddam regime and, indeed, a true opportunity for change in Iraq. However, Pres. George H.W. Bush was not interested in eliminating the Saddam regime, despite encouraging this uprising, and, as Baker reminds us even today, he was not in favor of this idea either. The many thousands of Iraqis killed and dislocated during and after the 1991 uprising represent only one negative aspect of the criminal abandonment of this opportunity. The memories of 1991 lived on years after Saddam’s forces were used to re-conquer Iraqi cities. Following the abandoned uprising, many Iraqis, especially the Shi’a in the south of the country, concluded that they could not trust the Americans. Iraqi oppositionists in exile asked policymakers to insure that such an experience would never again be repeated. When American forces finally did enter southern Iraq once again in March 2003, Iraqis were hesitant to welcome them, fearing a repeat of the events of 1991. Indeed, the betrayal of 1991 made the 2003 war more difficult.

Baker has not endeared himself to Iraqis. Indeed, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, a seasoned negotiator and leader, characterized the ISG report in an uncharacteristically strong and undiplomatic manner, saying, “We can smell in it the attitude of James Baker in the aftermath of the war in Kuwait,” an obvious reference to the abandoned uprising of 1991. Pres. Talabani, who, like many Iraqis, blames Baker and his colleagues from the administration of Pres. George H.W. Bush for the tragedy of 1991, stated, “As a whole, I reject this report.” Baker has earned himself the hatred of so many Iraqis, from the nation’s President on down, for his past policies in Iraq. Baker still boasts of the wisdom of his choices in Iraq in 1991 despite their ill effects and lingering negative consequences. He is not the right person to be dictating the current US policy in the nation, and he has no right to influence the future of Iraq given that he is personally responsible for the pain and suffering of so many Iraqis.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 27, 2006 12:01 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Chris;

Thanks for the article on "Boom outside Baghdad" and your posting on the Dinar exchange rate.. good to be kept up to date, thanks!

Carole;

Why attack me just because I don't pick bones with Roger or Carl? I give them respect and they give it back. It isn't about my being able to quote Scripture and you not being able - it's that they know I am sharing my thoughts (which tend to go along the lines of Scripture) and that my sharing is in sincerity and not to bash them at all. Even Tim Bitts didn't take what I said to him as "puritannical". I think it is just not understanding certain viewpoints. You say Carl, Roger and I each have the same kind of personality, but maybe it is just the same kinds of point of view. Like when you posted that when the Dinar RVs:

"thousands of people will suffer for our good fortune and the dollar will take the biggest hit in history, and the poor saps who didn't buy Dinars will probably be standing in bread lines trying to overcome a depression-like economy............while we all go to a pig roast and glote over how remarkable we all are. And Sara will ask the blessing before the feast, and Roger will be giving her hugs, and worse than that she will be goo goo eyed over it all!!!"

You make me and other Dinarians sound so heartless.. and I note that from your posts you probably have more Dinar than most do - that you could be in the Dinar and think you (by your investment) are causing others to suffer is reprehensible for a Christian, but that is between you and God - may God judge between you and me. For those of us who do not believe the Communist viewpoint, I am glad we have the freedom to disagree with that view. I have to say that I totally agree with Roger's assessment that a higher currency value will be good for Iraqis.. not the Communist "they all are going to be fleeced and its you RICH folks who are to blame." I believe that the net effect is that Iraq will benefit, as Roger posted:

"The reason why the Iraqi people is poor and have no means, is in itself one of the reason Iraq needs a much higher value of their own currency. With a higher valued currency, their money will increase in buying power when buying abroad. As Iraq is buying most of it's consumer goods from abroad, this will effect the inflation as well. Low valued currency, as now, don't buy much abroad, making goods scarce, driving up prices. High valued currency buys high amount of goods abroad, making goods abundant, competition strong, and prices in check. So Iraq will benefit in more than one way in a higher valued currency."

Tim Bitts;

Yeah, I was thinking of an example I knew of when I wrote the post to you. At a recent funeral for a man, there was a lady got up (not his wife) and said with tears, "he loved other people just like Jesus did", but it was plain by her context she meant adultery had happened between him and many others. It was very, very awkward, and in a church, too. Anyhow, it stuck with me, being so recent, and that was the burr in my saddle, (thinking how Jesus took the idea of immorality being "love" and "just like Jesus" - and the joke fit with that thought, seeming to make light of it with the "Love thy neighbor.....just don't get caught!"), so it was nothing personal. :)

I now understand how you took it, and thank you for not taking my post as "puritannical". I knew you wouldn't, but you took it in the spirit I gave it - as a query (??). I appreciated your reply, and I don't see it as callous, in context of how you spoke of it.

I totally thank you for saying, "Your comments however, came from a good place, Sara, and I think you have a very good heart, so I'm not offended by your comments. I just have a bit of a different sense of humour, and perhaps different experiences. I don't think we disagree on this issue. No harm done. Enjoy your Christmas." I agree.. no disagreement, no harm done.. appreciated the elucidation and I am not offended, either. Thanks and enjoy your holidays and New Year, too.

Martin Luther King Jr;

lol.. thanks for the laugh, good post, creative. :)

Anonymous;

Who are you and how do you know ANYTHING about me? And why are you telling Carole not to email me? Weird. (Not that she would want to, but who are you to dictate to her what to do or not.. and based on what?) You and your driveby poster Sybil (if it isn't you under a new handle) are both nuts. You contribute nothing to the board but to stir up trouble between brethren (Prov 6: 16-19). Galeed and Mizpah to you (look it up, it's in the Bible and has meaning).

Sara.

-- December 27, 2006 1:01 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq court upholds Saddam death sentence

BAGHDAD, Iraq, 12/27 - Iraq`s highest court rejected Saddam Hussein`s appeal Tuesday and said the former dictator must be hanged within 30 days for ordering the killing of scores of Shiite Muslims in 1982.

"From tomorrow, any day could be the day" Saddam is sent to the gallows, the chief judge said. Saddam was condemned to death for his role in the execution of 148 Shiite Muslims from the small northern town of Dujail, after a 1982 assassination attempt.

In upholding the sentence, imposed Nov. 5, the Supreme Court of Appeals also affirmed death sentences for two of his co-defendants, including his half brother. And it said life imprisonment for a third was too lenient and demanded he be given the death penalty, too.

Saddam`s hanging "must be implemented within 30 days," said Aref Shahin, chief judge of the appeals court. "From tomorrow, any day could be the day of implementation."

The White House called the ruling a milestone in Iraq`s efforts "to replace the rule of a tyrant with the rule of law."

"Saddam Hussein has received due process and legal rights that he denied the Iraqi people for so long. So this is an important day for the Iraqi people," said deputy White House press secretary Scott Stanzel, who was aboard Air Force One flying from Washington to Waco, Texas.

http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/noticia-e.asp?ID=497428

-- December 27, 2006 2:57 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

I understand that the death of former President Gerald Ford has little to do with the Dinar.

I would like to mention his passing and express my appreciation for a man who I believe was a principled man though he unconditionally pardon Richard Nixon. Rest In Peace President Ford.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 27, 2006 3:01 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Iraq prepares for rapid Saddam execution
Baghdad, December 27, 2006

Iraq prepared on Wednesday for the rapid execution of former dictator Saddam Hussein... Justice Minister Hashem al-Shibli said the sentence for crimes against humanity -- upheld by am Iraqi appeal court on Tuesday — would be sent to the presidency for approval while the prison service prepares to hang him.

"The decree passed by the court of appeal shall be passed to the presidency and a presidential decree shall be sent to the General Prisons Directorate for the purpose of implementing the death sentence," Shibli said.

Saddam and two officials of his regime were convicted of crimes against humanity on November 5, after a court heard they ordered the deaths of 148 Shiite men from the village of Dujail in an act of collective punishment.

On Tuesday, a panel of appeal court judges confirmed the sentences, in what was a binding and final judgement.

Authorities now have 30 days within which to carry out the execution orders.

Announcing the verdict Tuesday, appeal court judge Arif Shaheen said: "As from tomorrow the sentence could be carried out at any time."

In the past, officials from Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government have said they will not hesitate to carry out the sentence, and that he and his fellow convicts will be hanged within days or weeks of the decision.

The White House said the verdict marked "a milestone for Iraqi people's efforts to replace the rule of a tyrant with the rule of law."

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1881476,00050004.htm

-- December 27, 2006 3:10 PM ∞

---

CYMRU001 wrote:

Just a thought guys, but does anyone else think once the sentence is carried out then the Dinar will gain even more momentum?

-- December 27, 2006 3:24 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Top Aide to Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr Killed in Iraq
Wednesday, December 27, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq — "An Iraqi lawmaker thought that a top aide to anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr was killed in a raid conducted by 35 Iraqi soldiers with 8 U.S. troops taking part Wednesday in the Shiite city of Najaf.

But the U.S. military said American troops participated in the raid led by Iraqi forces that led to the death of a man with the same name as the aide, Sahib al-Amiri. The military described al-Amiri as a criminal involved in the use of roadside bombs.

The U.S. military described al-Amiri's as "an IED facilitator who conducted illegal activities."

Improvised explosive devices, or IEDs — commonly referred to as roadside bombs — are the leading cause of death for American troops in Iraq.

"The purpose of going after him was because of the illegal activities he was conducting, not because he was associated with any particular group," Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, a U.S. military spokesman, told reporters.

Caldwell said the raid was organized and carried out by Iraqi soldiers, with U.S. help. Some 35 Iraqis and eight U.S. soldiers took part, he said.

"It was an Iraqi-led and planned operation, consistent with the fact that Najaf now has been passed to provincial Iraqi control and U.S. forces don't operate there independently," he said.

Iraqi forces took over responsibility for security in Najaf province on Dec. 20, in the first such handover by U.S. troops. Two other provinces were transferred by Italian and British forces over the summer.

Caldwell said Iraqi troops had wanted to pursue al-Amiri after he took part in an Oct. 2006 IED attack on a police chief in Najaf.

"There was a tremendous amount of information they collected over time on him," he said.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,239083,00.html?sPage=fnc.world/iraq

Note - there was a lot of distortion in this article, from the headline (which is disproved in the article, so why start with a headline you know is incorrect?) - to implying in the first and second sentences that the US was leading this effort and then denying it did so (completely disproven as you read through the full article) - that I did feel it worth editing to make it consistent with the truth and easy to read and understand. (It is confusing to try to figure out what is being said when you start with lies then give the truths only slowly and painfully later.) Except for the misleading title, the article now reflects the true facts.. you can read the original for comparison if you wish.

Sara.

-- December 27, 2006 3:36 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

CYMRU001;

VERY possible.

Sara.

-- December 27, 2006 3:38 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

The death of Saddam will evoke both celebration and violence; specifically, from those who are still loyal to the overthrown leader. I really do not think his death will have a positive affect on the value of the Dinar. In my view, its value is headed to 1260 regardless of what happens to the former Iraqi leader.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 27, 2006 4:14 PM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

I usually do not involve myself in these internal spats between bloggers, but in your case I will make an exception.

In my opinion, the difference between you quoting biblical scripture and Sara quoting passages is in the delivery. From my interpretation you tend to cut people with it whereas Sara seems to quote from a deep seeded belief. I am not questioning your personal faith. I question the spirit in which you present it.

Roger and Carl (I am not speaking for them) though they may disagree with Sara can accept her presentation of scripture because of that deep seeded belief I mentioned earlier. You may find a more receptive hearing if presented from an attitude of love rather than a combative one.

Carole, my bone I have to pick with you came in an earlier post you submitted. I did not comment, but since Sara approached the subject with you I think I will express my opinion. I think it very short sided of you to suggest those of us (including you) who have invested in the Dinar are "betting on someone losing so you can win."

Who will loose if the Dinar should continue to rise? The only loosers are those who have not invested in the Dinar. A strong Dinar is good for the GoI, the Central Bank, and people of Iraq. Are you betting on someone loosing in Iraq so you can win since you appear to be heavily invested in the Dinar?

If you view buying Dinar and sitting on the currency until it is revalued by the GoI or is traded openly on Forex, as taking advantage of a poor people. You may ask yourself why are you still invested in the Dinar? Why have you not divested of your millions of dinar and chased this new adventure you have posted about. Why have you not convinced your sons and daughters to stop investing in the Dinar and sell. To me, it appears there is an inconsistency. You tout the moral inconsistencies with holding Dinar yet you hold Dinars. See my point?

If you resolve to sell your Dinar because of this moral inconsistency in your mind, please let me know when you will be placing them on ebay so I may bid. If you decide to keep your Dinars, then you should not question the moral integrity of person's holding Dinars, since you yourself hold them.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 27, 2006 4:46 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

For those who are interested, I thought this research excellent! :)
It is good for answering Christianity's critics -
critics such as CNN, the History Channel, and National Geographic -
who have certainly been busy attacking Christ at this time of year:

===

CNN, Others Tout Bad History For Christmastime Viewing
Posted by Dave Pierre on December 26, 2006 - 02:16.

As Christmas Day approached, a host of cable television outlets were not afraid to take to the airwaves with "specials" that challenge conventional Christianity. Episodes from CNN, the History Channel, and National Geographic presented discredited and dubious information surrounding the life of Jesus and the history of early Christianity.

1. National Geographic took to the airwaves with "The Secret Lives of Jesus." The episode presented dramatized fables of Jesus as a mischievous youth who performs insidious acts and miracles. Jesus is also shown to have had a sensual relationship with Mary Magdalene. (Thankfully, the channel presented an expert who underscored that there is no evidence of any such intimacy.)

Such wild tales are based on contrived texts written much after the life of Jesus. They were Gnostic gospels, like the "Gospel of Thomas" and the "Gospel of Judas," written in the second and third centuries. Early church fathers, like St. Ireneaus (in 180 AD) and Origen of Alexandria (3rd century), roundly rejected these books as spurious, false, and fabricated. (For further reading on this, I've listed sources below. See also this review by David DiCerto.)

2. National Geographic also repeated their 2004 "investigation" hosted by Elizabeth Vargas, "Unlocking Da Vinci's Code." The channel chose to repeat their show despite the fact that numerous scholars, through books and videos, debunked nearly each and every outlandish claim in Dan Brown's fictional novel. (We addressed this last fall here.)

3. The History Channel aired a two-part "Beyond the Da Vinci Code." This is the cable network's own investigation into the Da Vinci nonsense. Again, good scholarship has debunked Dan Brown's novel. (See the reading list below.)

4. CNN presented "After Jesus." In this case, to its credit, the network appeared to make an honest effort at accuracy and fairness. However, the show was not without its critical faults. For one, the special gave a lot of air time to liberal "religious studies" scholar Bart Ehrman, a self-described "happy agnostic" whose scholarship has come under serious question (here, here, here, here, here, and here, for example). At no point during the special did CNN divulge that Ehrman is a non-believer.

In a number of instances, the special presented dubious opinion as historical fact. For example, the special claimed that the Gospels were not written "as history, but as a divine story." Such a claim flies in the face of the very words of the Gospels. Take, for example, the first words of the Gospel of Luke:

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things which have been accomplished among us, just as they were delivered to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent The-oph'ilus, that you may know the truth concerning the things of which you have been informed. (Luke 1:1-4, RSV)

The special also made unsubstantiated claims surrounding the dates of the writing of the Gospels. The special affirmed (rather than opined) that the Gospel of Mark was written in 65 A.D., and the others were written "15 to 20 years later." Such a stance contradicts a substantial wealth of strong and valuable scholarship that posits that all of the Gospels were written before 70 A.D. (See sources below.)

The special also contained a couple of glaring contradictions. In a segment on second and third-century Gnostic "gospels," the narrator said that these texts were "suppressed, hidden, or destroyed" by the Church. Yet about 15 minutes later, Bart Ehrman (of all people) directly contradicts this and says that no such thing happened! (The texts were merely denounced by church leaders, and they "simply didn't copy them," says Ehrman.)

In another segment, on the role of women in early Christianity, Ehrman claimed that the early church "suppressed" women. He also described first-century culture as "completely egalitarian." Hmmm. Then why did so many women flock to Christianity in its early days if it "suppressed" them? Ehrman's statement doesn't seem to make sense in light of first-century Christianity and history. ("Apparently the justice of Christian morality offered a refreshing perspective to women in the ancient world accustomed to husbands who cheated and left at will."))

...

Reading list (see url on bottom for clickable links to these):

Debunking inauthentic "gospels," the Da Vinci Code, and "alternative Christianities":

"What Have They Done with Jesus?: Beyond Strange Theories and Bad History--Why We Can Trust the Bible" by Ben Witherington III

"Reinventing Jesus: How Contemporary Skeptics Miss the Real Jesus and Mislead Popular Culture" by J. Ed Komoszewski, M. James Sawyer, Daniel B. Wallace

"Jesus Under Fire: Modern Scholarship Reinvents the Historical Jesus" by Michael J. Wilkins (Editor) and J.P. Moreland (Editor)

"The Missing Gospels: Unearthing the Truth Behind Alternative Christianities" by Darrell L. Bock

"Fabricating Jesus: How Modern Scholars Distort the Gospels" by Craig A. Evans

See also the list I compiled here.

Challenging the "late" dating of the Gospels:

"Redating the New Testament" by John A.T. Robinson

"Birth of the Synoptic Gospels" by Jean Carmignac and Michael J. Wrenn

"Redating Matthew, Mark and Luke: A Fresh Assault on the Synoptic Problem" by John Wenham

"The Hebrew Christ: Language in the Age of the Gospels" by Claude Tresmontant

Comments:

Virindiscreenwriter Says:
December 26, 2006 - 10:59

As for 'Mainline Christianity' not having much to say about these texts, that's not exactly accurate. All non-Canon texts are studied and criticised on the grounds of validity as well as incompatability with scripture.

After that, it's not that Mainline Christianity is somehow keeping quiet on these books or keeping them a secret: it's simply that these books, as non-Canon, have no perceived spiritual value. I.E. If it's not in line with the Word of God, it's not worth talking about on Sunday (beyond the initial evaluation) [like when the Gospel of Judas was released; man did my church get the low-down on Sunday. It was like being back in college].

saw the light Says:
December 26, 2006 - 13:24

Good response. I am nowhere near a theologian, but I'll give it a try. How about looking at it from a supernatural view?

The current Bible is God's Word. As a Christian, I readily accept that everything that he wanted to say to us is in there. Therefore, if there are additional gospels that have been found recently that historians tell us should receive the same consideration as Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, I am suspicious to say the least.

The gnostic gospels portray Jesus in a less than holy light, if my understanding of them is correct. So Christians, to believe these gospels, would be denying the very concept on which their spiritual foundations have been based.

I choose to believe the Bible I currently own, not additional chapters that purportedly tell a different story.

"People everywhere confuse what they read in newspapers with news." - A.J. Liebling

Tim Graham Says:
December 26, 2006 - 07:10

Dave, I'm sure that these networks would claim that these are "objective" works meant to get to the bottom of historical controversies. But can anyone imagine CNN deciding to air a special on Martin Luther King Day about how MLK plagiarized in college and how he slept around? No?

Not to mention the missing Mohammed-debunking special...

Or perhaps a documentary on the flaws in the THEORY of evolution, JFK's illicit activities, Democrat Senator Byrd's years in the KKK, Che's murders, etc., etc., etc......

How about some concerning Harry Reid and Sandy Berger for starters. Or maybe Vince Foster or Billy Dale. Or the real story about Patrick Kennedy's absent DUI. Or the "truth" about Bill and Hill and the "pardons". No, only concerning Jesus does the "truth" need to be told. Hmmm.

Remember: NOTHING bad EVER happens on the Left.

"Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy." -Sir Winston Churchill, British statesman (1874-1965)

"I never gave anybody hell. I just told them the truth and they thought it was hell." - Harry Truman

misterbill Says:
December 26, 2006 - 13:04

CNN - sorrow. I live near Atlanta. I have been here for 10 years. I can remember when CNN was a channel that I turned to for the best international news coverage. The news station was one of the prides of Atlanta. No longer. I never watch the station. I cannot believe the secular agenda in a city and state where religion is so heavily practiced and christianity prevails. A fellow NBer provided me the 45 step plan to make America become a communist society. I was quite disturbed to see how many of those steps are in place. The media and education are at the root sources of accomplishing that horrible effort. The majority of the people in the media industry practice a totally secular agenda and seem to be trying to convert us to that side. As the Berlin wall crumbled, as the Ceausescu's dictatotrship collapsed, so will the stranglehold that the MSM has on the general public. At least, that is what I pray for.

slz Says:
December 26, 2006 - 16:34

Do you still have that link? I would love to see what the 45 step plan is.

Thank you!

Regards...

SLZ

Blonde Says:
December 26, 2006 - 17:09

slz,

Here is the link to the list: http://www.nationmakers.com/com_goals.htm

It's very interesting, which is why I saved it as well.

ww thumper Says:
December 26, 2006 - 17:36

Being "Politcaly Correct" with ISLAM will distroy America......WW

acumen Says:
December 26, 2006 - 20:12

It should be of some interest to this discussion that the gospel (good news) of Thomas and Judas is neither "good news" nor written by Thomas and/or Judas (Christ's apostles that is). So we begin from a starting point of falsehoods in the title.......

http://newsbusters.org/node/9828

-- December 27, 2006 4:54 PM ∞

---

Tim Bitts wrote:

Winning and losing in economics:

I'm not an economist, but here's my two cents worth, on the topic of, if I, or you, make money on the dinar, will someone else lose? Does someone have to lose, so I win?

Yes, and no.

How's that for taking both sides?

Here's how I got there:

Economics, in a reasonably free economy, is all about individual decisions. It's a game, of choices, I think. The free market works, I think, because millions of people have information and knowledge, and judgement, that is specific to them. People try to maximize their return, based on the information and knowledge they possess. So, they make choices as to where to put their money, for a return. The decision is all about, where can I get the most for my money. If people guess wrong, they lose. No one wants that.

The net aggregate effect of this process, for whole populations, is that resources, as a whole, tend to get shifted toward things that are more productive for society, increasing the overall aggregate wealth. Now, some people may guess wrong, as part of this process. They put money into bad investments. Or they unwisely sell from what is a temporarily bad investment. They take a loss, and try again. But not everyone makes the wrong decision. Most people make a reasonably good decision, and are rewarded an aveage rate of return, based on their risk.

Now, in this process, of chosing investment choices, there will be losers. They lose because they put their money in the wrong thing.

This seems like a bit of a cruel process, and I guess it is, but the overall net effect, of this cruel process, is, paradoxically, good. It's good in the sense that, by using individual resource allocation and investment choices as the sorting tool, the overall pattern of resource allocation in society will tend toward the greater creation of wealth, if individuals are allowed to freely make investment decisions. For any particular individual, this may be a bad thing, if he makes the wrong choice. Overall, it is a very good thing.

Now, early on, when things still look bad, for most investors, we all put money into the dinar. This means resources get transferred to Iraq, to start the process of creation of wealth.

One of my beliefs about money is that money is like a pair of rabbits. It breeds, and makes more money, or rabbits. It is never a fixed thing. I believe the money I invested in Iraq, once their economy is in full swing over there, will create many times the value of the money and the resouces I put into it. The people of Iraq will benefit greatly. They will create the wealth necessary to buy food and clothing and housing and medicine for their children. Since I am assisting them, indirectly in this, I am indirectly doing an ethical thing.

Our system rewards this kind of good behaviour. I took, a risk, my investment paid off for Iraqis, and many times my investment, in wealth, in Iraq, will be created, for Iraqis and therefore I should be rewarded. That's fair.

So, most people in Iraq will benefit, indirectly, from my investment, as their country prospers. Rob N is quite right about that. So, since I am playing a role in the creation of a large amount of wealth, I think this Dinar investment is, from a personal point of view, a very ethical investment.

Now, in this game of picking investments, some people will lose, not from anything I do, but from their own investment decision, as to where to invest their money. Since everyone is responsible for their own actions, I think this is fair and ethical. Since everyone can also benefit, if they make the right investment decision, I think this is fair too. You can't have one without the other.

After all, the opposite is also true. A dinar investor can make a lot of money, but can also lose, if he is wrong. So the process of making a lot of money on this investment includes the possibility of losing a lot. Since people risk losing it all, as well as gaining a lot, those people who risk more, and pick right are justified in getting a much greater return on their investment.

The overall net affect of allowing people to make individual investment decisions, is that societies that follow that pattern tend to create more wealth, and everyone eventually benefits from this. So even if our economic system, our game, generates some losers as part of this investment and resources shuffling, overall it produces much more wealth, so even the losers win from that, indirectly, in the end. Nothing could be fairer or more inadvertantly generous.

The other social and economic model is socialism, where a few people at the top make decisions, as to where to allocate money and economic resources. Since a few people, no matter how smart, don't have nearly the knowledge, and judgement and access to information as large groups of people, these economic systems don't work too well. They are starved for information, so the investment decisions are generally poorer compared to a society where no one makes the decisions for everyone, no one plans for everyone, and everyone makes decisions for themselves. Those type of socialistic societies tend to be a lot poorer, and not nearly as good at creation of economic wealth for everyone. That's why the Soviet Union was ultimately a failure.

And in this free market process, people play, and make choices, not against each other. They are not really betting against someone else. They are playing a game against reality. Someone may look at this investment and say, T Bitts is a loser, there's no way he'll make money. That person is betting not against me personally, but against my perception of reality, of where the future is going. If he's right, he won't gain, but I will lose. If I am right I will gain, but he won't lose, since he didn't bet.

So, if I or you win in this game, I don't think it is fair or reasonable at all to say, I or you won, because someone else lost. I think that point of view comes from an unfair understanding of how the game of choice, in a capitalist economy works, with it's attendant risk and reward and resource allocation.

So, summing up, individuals may lose, not from what I do, but from their own decisions, but they may also win. Although this system of choice punishes people who make wrong decisions, it rewards those who make correct ones, and the overal social pattern of this choice making game is that far more wealth is created, do to superior resource allocation. And that benefits everyone. So is my dinar investment ethical? You bet!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

-- December 27, 2006 7:47 PM ∞

---

Tim Bitts wrote:

Winning and losing in economics:

I'm not an economist, but here's my two cents worth, on the topic of, if I, or you, make money on the dinar, will someone else lose? Does someone have to lose, so I win?

Yes, and no.

How's that for taking both sides?

Here's how I got there:

Economics, in a reasonably free economy, is all about individual decisions. It's a game, of choices, I think. The free market works, I think, because millions of people have information and knowledge, and judgement, that is specific to them. People try to maximize their return, based on the information and knowledge they possess. So, they make choices as to where to put their money, for a return. The decision is all about, where can I get the most for my money. If people guess wrong, they lose. No one wants that.

The net aggregate effect of this process, for whole populations, is that resources, as a whole, tend to get shifted toward things that are more productive for society, increasing the overall aggregate wealth. Now, some people may guess wrong, as part of this process. They put money into bad investments. Or they unwisely sell from what is a temporarily bad investment. They take a loss, and try again. But not everyone makes the wrong decision. Most people make a reasonably good decision, and are rewarded an aveage rate of return, based on their risk.

Now, in this process, of chosing investment choices, there will be losers. They lose because they put their money in the wrong thing.

This seems like a bit of a cruel process, and I guess it is, but the overall net effect, of this cruel process, is, paradoxically, good. It's good in the sense that, by using individual resource allocation and investment choices as the sorting tool, the overall pattern of resource allocation in society will tend toward the greater creation of wealth, if individuals are allowed to freely make investment decisions. For any particular individual, this may be a bad thing, if he makes the wrong choice. Overall, it is a very good thing.

Now, early on, when things still look bad, for most investors, we all put money into the dinar. This means resources get transferred to Iraq, to start the process of creation of wealth.

One of my beliefs about money is that money is like a pair of rabbits. It breeds, and makes more money, or rabbits. It is never a fixed thing. I believe the money I invested in Iraq, once their economy is in full swing over there, will create many times the value of the money and the resouces I put into it. The people of Iraq will benefit greatly. They will create the wealth necessary to buy food and clothing and housing and medicine for their children. Since I am assisting them, indirectly in this, I am indirectly doing an ethical thing.

Our system rewards this kind of good behaviour. I took, a risk, my investment paid off for Iraqis, and many times my investment, in wealth, in Iraq, will be created, for Iraqis and therefore I should be rewarded. That's fair.

So, most people in Iraq will benefit, indirectly, from my investment, as their country prospers. Rob N is quite right about that. So, since I am playing a role in the creation of a large amount of wealth, I think this Dinar investment is, from a personal point of view, a very ethical investment.

Now, in this game of picking investments, some people will lose, not from anything I do, but from their own investment decision, as to where to invest their money. Since everyone is responsible for their own actions, I think this is fair and ethical. Since everyone can also benefit, if they make the right investment decision, I think this is fair too. You can't have one without the other.

After all, the opposite is also true. A dinar investor can make a lot of money, but can also lose, if he is wrong. So the process of making a lot of money on this investment includes the possibility of losing a lot. Since people risk losing it all, as well as gaining a lot, those people who risk more, and pick right are justified in getting a much greater return on their investment.

The overall net affect of allowing people to make individual investment decisions, is that societies that follow that pattern tend to create more wealth, and everyone eventually benefits from this. So even if our economic system, our game, generates some losers as part of this investment and resources shuffling, overall it produces much more wealth, so even the losers win from that, indirectly, in the end. Nothing could be fairer or more inadvertantly generous.

The other social and economic model is socialism, where a few people at the top make decisions, as to where to allocate money and economic resources. Since a few people, no matter how smart, don't have nearly the knowledge, and judgement and access to information as large groups of people, these economic systems don't work too well. They are starved for information, so the investment decisions are generally poorer compared to a society where no one makes the decisions for everyone, no one plans for everyone, and everyone makes decisions for themselves. Those type of socialistic societies tend to be a lot poorer, and not nearly as good at creation of economic wealth for everyone. That's why the Soviet Union was ultimately a failure.

And in this free market process, people play, and make choices, not against each other. They are not really betting against someone else. They are playing a game against reality. Someone may look at this investment and say, T Bitts is a loser, there's no way he'll make money. That person is betting not against me personally, but against my perception of reality, of where the future is going. If he's right, he won't gain, but I will lose. If I am right I will gain, but he won't lose, since he didn't bet.

So, if I or you win in this game, I don't think it is fair or reasonable at all to say, I or you won, because someone else lost. I think that point of view comes from an unfair understanding of how the game of choice, in a capitalist economy works, with it's attendant risk and reward and resource allocation.

So, summing up, individuals may lose, not from what I do, but from their own decisions, but they may also win. Although this system of choice punishes people who make wrong decisions, it rewards those who make correct ones, and the overal social pattern of this choice making game is that far more wealth is created, do to superior resource allocation. And that benefits everyone. So is my dinar investment ethical? You bet!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

-- December 27, 2006 7:48 PM ∞

---

Tim Bitts wrote:

A couple of follow-up comments to my last post. The issue of morality and investing is important to me. I have bought ethical mutual funds in the past specifically because of their ethical nature. So I think the issue of morality and investing is a very important thing to ponder.

In thinking about any investment, you have to ask, where is this going? What will this do? For a religious person, it becomes a question of, in their relationship with God, whatever their faith, based on the precepts of their faith, just how does investing fit in with Christian imperatives to help the poor and needy, and avoid taking advantage of anyone?

I do believe the capitalist system is, overall, the most compassionate. It creates the most wealth, through the best method of wealth generation ever created, to help the most people. It is the best system yet devised for avoiding widespread hunger and suffering. If that's not Christian, I don't know what is. If that's not compassionate, I don't know what is.

So, if compassion is your ultimate guage of morality, capitalism is the best system to work in. And in order for this system to work, it comes attached with the basic rules I described. And it leads to good. So my conscience is very clean, on my investment.

As an added bonus, this system, as I previously described, is also fair.

All this obvious economic stuff doesn't stop a person, with a good heart, who is worried about human suffering, and has a Christian background, from going beyond these simple economics. And when they have a lot more money than they need, they can help the needy.

Sara referred to Carole questioning the compassion of this investment. That was a very thought provoking and very good quality question. Thank you for that. I think my post, and Roger's and Rob N's have proven pretty thoroughly that this investment is in fact a compassionate and ethical thing.

Carole,

If you are concerned about compassion, and humans suffering, that's to be admired. That's a beautiful thing. You must have a space in your heart for people who are suffering. I'm sure, when you are wealthy, you will do something to fill that space.

-- December 27, 2006 9:12 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Tim Bitts;

I like your story! :)

There was a story I thought you might find interesting and relevant which was told by Jesus - a parable about talents - which are measures of money, not skills - where one man was given five talents, one two talents and one had only ONE talent. The one who had ONE talent buried his in the ground - (something you cannot do with your "talent" to play the piano, but only with a commodity, such as silver or gold). And, when he was to give account of what he did with his talent to God, he dug it up out of the earth and brought it to God and told Him that He was a nasty person who took profit where He never worked for it (just like the Communists accuse capitalists of) and then he said "HERE, take back your one talent (of money)."

Mat 25:24 Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
Mat 25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'

In the parable, the men who brought the five and two talents and who gained more by investing them into profitable ventures were commended by God, but this man was not commended. He was told that, although God is NOT as this wicked man portrayed him, "a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed" - yet God would judge him with the very words from his own mouth:

Luk 19:22 And he said to him, Out of your own mouth will I judge you...
Matt 25:26... You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.
Matt 25:27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.

Again, here Jesus spoke of these talents given as MONEY which could be deposited with the BANK and get back INTEREST, hence, the common interpretation of it being a talent (like playing the piano) is not in view in this story. And He said that at least He should have received back common interest from the bank.

All that to say, I don't think you would find Jesus, who told this interesting story, as a supporter of taking money from people and redistributing it equally to everyone (Communism). This is very definitely Capitalism taught here, with profit being seen as a positive and desirable thing. The Communist view of gain was taken by the one talent person who said it was wrong to reap where He did not sow nor scatter seed (a false accusation, just like profit from the Dinar), and that viewpoint of NOT using the money they were given (to invest it and make more) was condemned as incorrect by Jesus Christ. This illustrates that those who say that Communist ideas come from the Bible are in error - if they think that kind of thinking is taught and endorsed by the Lord Jesus Christ... for His story ended with this to the one who had buried his talent and not invested it, nor put it in the Bank:

Matt 25:28 Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
Matt 25:29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.

I think you could say that shows that when you invest you can be blessed with abundance, but if you never venture anything, but bury your talent in the ground.. you have no gain at all.. and we all know if NO profit is made, the reality concerning money is that, in time, it is taken away (inflation). (I admit that is an application, but I think a valid one.)

Sara.

-- December 27, 2006 9:26 PM ∞

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David wrote:

Chris -

I read the article you posted:

"THE BOOM OUTSIDE BAGHDAD December 26, 2006 -- UMQASR, IRAQ"

You're right - great article. Unfortunately, you didn't include the source of the article. I don't suppose you'd mind adding that information, would you?

Thanks.

Carole -

I think I might reverse my comment regarding you living at peace with others, so long as it is up to you. Recently I've only noticed you stirring things up, and attacking people. For what it's worth, here's why I think people view your posts differently than Sara's. Your posts are led by your emotions, not your head or your heart. When Sara posts, it's generally dispassionate, even though she may be vigorously defending a particular point of view. What I mean by that is that if you attack Sara, I guarantee you that her feelings will not be hurt, because she doesn't depend on other people's opinions and statements to evaluate her own self-worth. She will, however, respond out of principle and conviction. This keeps her emotional center of gravity at a safe distance, far out of reach of you or me. That's really her greatest strength as an apologist and debator.

To all, concerning the media -

What makes me the most nervous about the media is that they know that 97% of Americans don't ever check on their stories, so they mostly go unchallenged. Do people know that most of Iraq is booming? No. When stories are blasted over the TV, internet and papers, do people ever check to see if their sources have any validity? No. It's the media's job to do that, but they're not holding up their end of the bargain when it comes to Iraq. Why? Because it's too far away, and nobody's looking over their shoulder. Here at home, of course, it's a different story, because it's close by.

What's my point? The slippery slope. The more people believe the media regardless of truth, the easier it is to lie. Take advertising, for example. I've written a few ads in my time, and hyperbole is only limited by imagination. We're so used to the outrageous claims of advertising that the lie is sloughed off. "Oh, that's just a commercial." But the unconscious part of us still buys it. Why do you think Pepsi still spends so much on advertising? More and more, advertising itself is all about entertainment. Tell me this: What's real about reality TV?

Back to the news - The easier it is for the news media to bend the stories about Iraq and what's going on there, the easier it is to bend them even more. And the mainstream segment of the news media is dangerously close to being little more than a form of advertising entertainment or reality TV.

But my biggest fear is that once they completely cross the line, how will people know? Most people's sole source of information is from this self-same media.

That makes us in a place like this a diminishing sub-culture, eventually a counter-culture, and finally a subversive entity. But that's how Christianity got its start, isn't it?

Let's hope and pray we have the resolve to keep asking the hard questions.

David

-- December 27, 2006 9:38 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Thank you, David, for your comments. :)

I found Jesus' words to the ONE talent person interesting.
He called the man who would not put his money to work by investing it LAZY..
which means he was opposed to working...

Matt 25:26... You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed...

Online, on "The Founders of Modern Communism" it says, "Frederick Engels was a wealthy German/British Little Manchester factory owner. Karl Marx was a poor German revolutionary/writer whose children starved to death because Marx refused to do manual labor. After reading some of Marx's earlier writings, Engels, a member of the London Communist League, went to Germany and sought him out. Engels wrote the first draft of the Communist Manifesto and Marx rewrote it with "proper revolutionary flair" (Chaitkin 1985). The Communist Manifesto was first published in 1848, the final draft written by Engels and Marx was approved by the Communist League in 1847. Originating in London, the home of waning British Imperial power, the Communist League's primary objective was to abolish private property, especially in America where private property had recently come under the protection of constitutional law..."
http://nord.twu.net/acl/marxism.html

The wikipedia is much more kind in its words about this sad event, saying only, "During the first half of the 1850s the Marx family lived in poverty in a three room flat in the Soho quarter of London. Marx and Jenny already had four children and two more were to follow. Of these only three survived. Marx's major source of income at this time was Engels..."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Marx

Is it possible to see a connection between laziness and Communism... ??
The money in the parable was made by trade..
but I see no difference between making money by manual labor (here, which Marx refused to do)
or by trading stocks, currency, etc - as long as it is done in an ethical way.

Sara.

-- December 27, 2006 10:23 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carl - What does this mean, in your opinion?
Sara

===

Pentagon to send 3,500 troops to Kuwait
.. could be deployed to Iraq, other Mideast hotspots
Dec 27, 2006

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon said Wednesday it will send about 3,500 troops to Kuwait to serve as a standby force for use in Iraq or elsewhere in the region.

The Bush administration is weighing force increases as it considers alternative strategies in Iraq.

The unit will serve as the “call-forward force” for the commander of U.S. Central Command, the command group responsible for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan... also for the part of Africa that includes Somalia and Ethiopia.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16370288/

-- December 27, 2006 11:29 PM ∞

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Neil wrote:

Fellas:

I see the demise of Saddam Hussein as a giant step forward in quelling the violence in Baghdad. I think many of the Iraqi people subconscientiously believe that Saddam will somehow overcome his situation and come back and rule the Country.

I think much of the furver of the terrorists will ease off and they will try and fit into the current trend in Iraq.

I have been pesomistic in the past but the small movement that I am seeing in the Dinar and Saddam's situation makes me much more optimistic. I finally believe that we are headed in the right direction.

I have been with this site from the beginning and I am extremely impressed with the people we have currently posting. When we have highly intelligent people like Robert S, Tim Betts, Sara, Carl, Roger, Carole, Steve and Lance, I am inclined to ask, why should a dumb-ass like me be posting anything? I just like to participate.

I consider Roger to be as sharp as anyone on this Blog and I believe almost everything he says to be holy, so be kind to him as he means well.

Another bit of info, don't debate Sara on anything-she will make mincemeat of you.

I appreciate you people being tolorant of an old man putting his two-cents worth in occasionally.

-- December 27, 2006 11:43 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Neil, I hope you're right about Saddam. His execution will be a big deal. Insurgents have to be thinking, 'if they can get Saddam, they can get me, for sure'. It's good to hear different voices on this blog.

-- December 27, 2006 11:56 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

That was me.

-- December 27, 2006 11:57 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

David, I think your comments about the media are bang on. I am old enough to remember the 1960s. Back then, the counter-culture, opposed to the mainstream, were left-wing hippies. They were the ones at odds with mainsteam culture. Now, to a fair degree, they ARE mainstream culture. They pretty much took over Hollywood, and much of television and print. Left wing liberals took over much of the media, with a few exceptions. They believe in a certain view of the world many of us on this site would not agree with.

For example, they were glad America lost the war in Vietnam. As left wing liberals were behind the media's efforts back then to stop the war, and turn the public against it, so it is today. Today Liberals hope America loses in Iraq. That's why all the news is slanted, to fit their version of reality, and to turn the public against the war, so that America loses and is humiliated.

The reality of what is actually happening in Iraq, the good news, slips through, at times, in places like this.

I remember in the 1960s, a favorite slogan, and sign of rebellion, and counter-culture was, "Don't trust the government". Oh, how the world has changed. I'd say, in 2006, an appropriate slogan would now be, "Don't trust the Mainstream Media". I also say, Beware: Your TV set lies to you, every day! So do your newspapers!

-- December 28, 2006 2:35 AM ∞

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peter wrote:

Announcement No.(836)

D.G. of Foreign Exchange Control

The 836 daily currency auction was held in the Central Bank of Iraq day Thursday 2006 / 12/ 28 so the results were as follows :

Details Notes
Number of banks 7 -----
Auction price selling dinar / US $ 1325 -----
Auction price buying dinar / US $ 1323 -----
Amount sold at auction price (US $) 6.655.000 -----
Amount purchased at Auction price (US $) 1.730.000
Total offers for buying (US $) 6.695.000 -----
Total offers for selling (US $) 1.730.000 -----

-- December 28, 2006 5:05 AM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

Sara: Kuwait is a staging area for all of our troops before deployment to Iraq. . .then their equipment is convoyed in and they are shuttled in on chopppers. . .P.H.

-- December 28, 2006 6:07 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Another blog contributor yesterday noted this statement on the CBI site. Discussion ensued as to what this means. The translator's first language is either not English or he is the product of the American Public School system. Maybe a graduate of Journalism school.

Since today's exchange rate is the same as yesterday then I think we can assume that this means that the rate will hold steady until Jan 8th. What will happen on Jan 8th is one for the rumor mill.

ANNOUNCEMENT ON CBI PAGES:

3-declare the Iraqi Central Bank made buying and selling rates of the dollar for that today, Wednesday, day 27 / 12 / 2006 in the days subsequent to the end of office hours on Sunday, which falls on January 7, 2007 and pledged to meet the demand for foreign currency without limit and regardless of the quantities required and all its customers and is committed to purchase all the quantities offered by banks for the same prices posted above "and maintained without change for subsequent days.

-- December 28, 2006 7:45 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

David,

Robert S. posted the same article with the link about the Boom Outside Baghdad.

I'm guessing you found it by now?

-- December 28, 2006 8:17 AM ∞

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Madbrad wrote:

(MENAFN) People's Daily Online said that Brazil will be the first Latin American country to reopen its embassy in Iraq since the 1991 Gulf War.

The Brazilian Ambassador, who will kepp living in Jordan until safer conditions are provided for him, presented his credential to Iraqi President last week.

The ambassador said that it will be extremely expensive to resume operations in the Brazilian Embassy's former building in the Iraqi capital.

On the other hand, the ambassador said that Brazil seeks to do business with Iraq as the latter offers great opportunities for food exports, transportation equipments, and in the construction and medical service sectors.

It is worth mentioning that Brazil was an important supplier of industrialized products to Iraq in the 1980's, with trade between the two countries reaching up to $4 billion per year.

-- December 28, 2006 8:40 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Tim,

I guess the point I was trying ( and obviously unsuccessful) was that most and maybe all financial ventures, especially the ones with the most dymanics,could cause a scruitny of values and ethics in a variety of ways. It would depend on what point is trying to be made. And almost any point can be validated or invalidated, depending on what defense mechanisms that would come into play.Any issue can be taken to the extreme and be a legitimate concern.

The rule of hierarchy demands that as those who go up push others down. This can apply to almost any cicrumstance or human condition.

When I bought the Dinars, I essentially knew nothing about what I was doing or the implications involved. I have since learned much more. I have not bought any more.

Will I sell what I have? Probably not.Because what is done is done. Do I encourage anyone to buy more? No! Not for any real moral reason other than I think it is a very poor investment. Probably the worst I have ever made.

If this is a reprehensible postion for others to absorb, so be it.

It appears easy for you to not understand why my emotions have been stirred, because you have not been called the names and subject to the vicious attacks as I have been here. And most have been unprovoked.

I just call it as I see it, as we all do from different points of view and different styles.

I disagree with the one who stated that Sara is disimpassionate. I think she is very motivated by her passion for truth and her relationship with the Lord.
In our Christian realm there are Ambassadors of the faith ( Sara) and warriors ( maybe me). And each have their place in advancing the cause for the Kingdom. My spiritual personality is sanguinistic, while Sara's is phlegmatic. In not allowing or understanding the differnce and that both have their place, is to short change and miss out on the value of all involved in the discourse of discussion, especailly discussion of spiritual issues.

But regardless of understanding or the lack thereof, I have to admit that I am disappointed in the direction that this whole subject has taken. And I take my share of the responsibilty of contributing to the obvious negative outcome.

I am not naieve, by any stretch of the imagination, but it is apparent that I have backed myself into a corner unintentionally. I can only say that I am not the character that some think I am, and I will leave it at that.

-- December 28, 2006 9:46 AM ∞

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Peter wrote:

Chris: what will happend on 8ht of Jan 2007? Looking forward for your response.

-- December 28, 2006 10:08 AM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

www.safedinar.com has the below article posted on its website.

India in Iraq oil foray
12/27/2006

By Amy Yee in New Delhi

Published: December 27 2006 02:00 | Last updated: December 27 2006 02:00

India's largest state-run and private-sector oil companies are in talks on the joint development of a field in Iraq to help satisfy their country's surging energy demand.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and rival Reliance Industries are in preliminary discussions to develop the Tuba oilfield in southern Iraq, a person close to the talks confirmed yesterday. Both companies declined to comment.

ONGC, through its overseas investment arm, ONGC Videsh, and Reliance are expected to hold 30 per cent each in the venture and Sonatrach of Algeria would hold 40 per cent.

The three groups had together tried to secure oilfields in Iraq in 2000.

ONGC had previously won approval to develop oilfields in Iraq, home to some of the world's largest oil reserves, but activity was halted by the war.

As economic growth swells to 9 per cent, India is looking farther afield for energy sources. It imports about 70 per cent of its fuel. Reliance Industries owns India's largest oil refinery but has not sought to explore for oil in the Middle East apart from a holding in Yemen.

The company has 32 exploration blocks across India. In contrast, ONGC has interests in Sudan, Libya, Burma, Iran, Iraq and Syria.

It teamed up earlier this year with China's Sinopec to buy a 25 per cent stake in Omimex de Colombia, a subsidiary of Omimex Resources, a US-based oil explorer and producer.

The $800m deal was the largest since China and India decided to co-operate on energy assets.

In February ONGC and China National Petroleum Corporation, the country's largest oil producer, completed a pioneering $580m takeover of oil assets in Syria from Petro-Canada.

ONGC has also expanded into Latin America with its $1.4bn purchase of ExxonMobil's 30 per cent stake in a field in Brazil.

Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2006

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 28, 2006 10:16 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

I want to address with you why you think the Iraqi Dinar is a poor investment. Are your statements based upon an expectation of a quick return? Why would you invest in something you "knew nothing about"? My guess surmises your investor/realestate friend hyped the investment and you bought into the Dinar based upon his word. I also think he gave your daughters the same advice and they bought in. Therefore, the Dinar has become a poor investment because you expeceted a return quicker than market forces in Iraq were able to deliver.

Most of us investing in the Iraqi currency have a long term perspective pertaining to this venture. For those who invested early (in 2003) it has been a long arduous journey. Yet, over the last couple of months we have seen significant movement in the Dinars exchange rate; offering a glimpse of progress.

I personally have only been speculating in Dinars since 2005, yet I am encouraged by what I see. The U.S. has poured billions of dollars into the reconstruction of the country. We have all seen the exchange rate continue to strengthen. I think President Bush will take Newt Gingrich's combination of the Marshall Plan and the New Deal and move forward in Iraq. The American citzenry will see an increase in the number of troops sent to Iraq. I am convinced that a peaceful and prosperous Iraq will follow.

There are signs of progress, building a nation state is a long process. While it may not be moving as fast as we would like it is moving in the right direction.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 28, 2006 10:43 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Other Exchange Rates for our friends outside the US

Canadian
1 CAD = 1142 NID

British Pound

1 GBP = 2598 NID

-- December 28, 2006 11:05 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Peter,

Don't know what will happen on the 8th. Some think that the rate will go to 1260 rate that the CBI intends to use for it's 2007 budget exchange rate.

Some think the slow reval will continue as the CBI may be trying to shake out investors. If your selling point is $.10 and the CBI truly has investors on it's radar screen then why would they reval 1:1 in a jump when they can buy you out cheaper.

Some think that it doesn't much matter as Roger noted that the Dinar is not going to be packed up and sent home immediately.

As I noted, the rumors are all over the place on this.

Anybody care to make up their own rumor and feed it to us to chew on?

-- December 28, 2006 11:11 AM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Carole:

thanks for you comments. I may have misinterpreted what you said. I don't know. I was only reacting to what someone had stated. Someone had said that you thought someone must lose, if you were to win at this. So I decided to take that idea, and run with it, and see if I thought someone must lose, in order for me to win. If that wasn't your intention, or you didn't say exactly that, my apologies.

I thought it was a good and provocative question, anyway, whether you were misquoted, or not, and obviously it got me thinking. So I thought it was a good thing, in any case.

As to you stating the direction of the conversation has gone toward a negative way, I say, no big deal. This conversation changes all the time. It'll change again, as people react to things that come up. I wouldn't worry about it. It's all part of the ebb and flow of an ongoing dialogue.

I'm sorry to hear you say this is probably your worst investment ever. I don't think it is my worst investment ever. But it is certainly the most volatile and risky. Whether it is my worst investment ever, or best, time will tell. I may lose all my money. Or, I may make a lot. Same with you. I think it's way too early to tell. I don't know yet, if it is just money down the drain. But I know, if I make a lot of money, so will you. I hope we both do make a lot of money. I know this is a very uncertain thing, and you and I may lose a lot of money, and this creates uncertainty. Personally, I can live with the uncertainty of all this, and potential loss, because I can afford to lose my money.

I remain optimistic about this investment. I think it will work, in the end. Here's an interesting tidbit for you: I was talking to my brother-in-law, Gerhard, (not his real name) the other day, about this investment. Gerhard is a very wealthy lawyer, and he knows one of the richest men in Canada, who I'll call K. I won't give this rich man's name, as he is very well known in Canada, and internationally. Anyhow, my brother-in-law was talking to this very wealthy man, K, and mentioned what I had invested in. K's comment was, regarding my investment, "he's probably right, he's probably well-invested in the dinar".

This would not be the first time that someone got wealthy off an unusual means. I think it was Rob N who once referred to the family and forefathers of the American president, John F. Kennedy, having got their start, as bootleggers, during prohibition. That's true. And where were they getting their booze from? Canada, where prohibition was not in effect at the time. And on the other side of the border, in Canada, a Canadian family was getting wealthy, selling booze to the Americans. They are the Bronfman's, who are still one of the richest families in Canada. (no, these are Not the family my brother in law knows.)

Personally, I'm having a lot of fun at this. I think it's a hoot. I won't lose any sleep over the ten grand I invested, if I lose at this, but if I win, it could change my life for the positive, and have me retire early to pursue the things I love. And that would be great. And it ties together my interest in world events, history, making money, the thrill of a high risk venture, which I love, and talking to people over the internet. I think it is very very cool.

The most interesting thing is, a blog like this brings together a very diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personality, background, perspective, and access to different kinds of information. I find that endlessly fascinating, and I read each person's contribution. On my own, I never could have found the information I have access to on this site. I could never, on my own, think the thoughts I have thought. So I think it's great, and the sum of what I learn is greater than anything I could come up with on my own.

I hope you feel your comments are always welcome. I always read them. What I like about you is your enthusiasm and sense of passion about what you say, that comes through in your comments.

Your comments about you not being the character, that some think I am, reminds me of a story my wife told me: She was on an online gaming site, in an exchange with someone. Now, when you exchange comments with people online, you never really know who is out there. There are perceptual limitations to this form of media. Anyway, someone asked my wife, who she was. She said, "I'm a housewife, and I live in Western Canada".

The other person replied, "I'll bet you don't live in Canada. You're probably not even a woman. Your probably an overweight, single, unemployed, forty-five year old man, with no friends, still living at home, with your parents, in their basesment, and you spend most of your time playing video games and drinking beer."

We had a good laugh over that one. She said to me, "But I don't even drink beer!" But the point of the story is, you never really know who you are talking to. On this site, everyone makes a few comments, and others just react to their own perception of what they think was said, and who that other person is. That's the way it works, and it's not exactly an accurate form of communication, because it leaves out so much. No human being can be accurately represented by a few clicks, and a few letters, punched on an electronic machine, that transfers the clicks to another person, who has never met the first person. As a form of communication, the internet has many advantages, but it has disadvantages too. I think some small part of everyone's personality comes through, over the internet, and in their posts, but only a tiny slice of who anyone really is, comes through. So when you said you are not the person some may think you are, I don't doubt it. Who is?

One final thing: You did say, your personality was "sanguinistic". Can you explain what you meant by that, so I can understand a little better who Carole is? Thanks. Take care.

-- December 28, 2006 11:26 AM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

That was me. Thanks.

-- December 28, 2006 11:27 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Tim,

While Carole is formulating her response, the following link gives characteristics of each of the 4 temperments at the bottom. She mentioned Sanguine and Phlegmatic. The other two are Choleric and Meloncholy.

http://www.bin-co.com/javascript/scripts/tempfind.php

-- December 28, 2006 11:56 AM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Thanks, Chris, I think President Bush has a choleric temperment.

-- December 28, 2006 12:06 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Tim,

I agree that Bush is Choleric. Cholerics make good leaders but can be extremely obnoxious and judgmental if not tempered. People that don't like him are probably Melancholy to a certain extent. Melancholy and Cholerics are opposites that have little use for each other.

Most people are a combination of at least 2 temperments. Sanguines are the fun ones who make the best class clowns. Hang with them and you will laugh

-- December 28, 2006 12:26 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

I’ve been on this forum for awhile now and can firmly confirm that we are a fairly typical group of individuals. Tempers flare, egos get bent out of shape and the back handed bitch slaps come and go. The best part is that everybody eventually returns to the table and continues with our onward quest and pursuit of the RV. Good for us……it tells me that we’re light years ahead of the people that are currently threatening to kill us in the name of Allah.

Our enemy continues to wage war on us and we have no choice but to defend ourselves. Self defense is not in the vocabulary of the people who think we can talk our way out of a fight. I worked my way thru University as a middle linebacker and I can’t imagine me asking some big ole boy to please get out of my way so I can tackle his quarterback….his first words would be “ahm gonna whup you like a rented mule” and then he would do his very best to knock me to the ground. This is a sports battle and is fairly harmless because everybody shakes hands after the game and goes to the nearest party.

When self defense becomes serious and life threatening, as used by our Military and Police officers, then it’s very serious business. Both groups are authorized to use deadly force in their self defense. Carl, and Carole’s husband, are ex-law enforcement and would be the first to tell you that once some idiot threatens to harm or kill you then the talking stops and he will either end up shot or on his way to jail, depending on how serious the threat is.

My main concern right now are the Liberals and the MSM that believe we can talk the Islamic Militants out of their goal of killing us and will do or say anything to throw a negative light on our President or Military. The militants consider our talk as a sign of weakness. Our battle with the militants is justified…..we need to give it our best effort and prevail in this situation.

-- December 28, 2006 1:07 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Panhandler.. the article made it seem to be something "new" and for a "brand new reason", but maybe they ran out of things to say in the media lately, so they are stating the obvious in new ways...

Thanks, Chris, for the info on the exchange rate staying the same for the holiday in Iraq.. until Jan 8.

Brazil did 4 Billion a year trade with Saddam in the 1980's? Interesting info, thanks, Madbrad.

Carole - I am sorry to hear you think the Dinar the worst investment you have ever made and a very poor investment which you would not recommend to others. You say you won't sell yours, "Because what is done is done." - An interesting personality trait.

As for the different "types" of personality traits - it seems a human trait that mankind likes to put people into boxes - stereotypes, if you will. It helps us get a handle on people when we can label them. When we do it with races, though, it is called racism.. with gender or religion we call it discrimination based on restrictive prejudgements (ie "What do you expect from a female? black? white? hispanic? Jew? Muslim? Christian? Buddhist? Wiccan? ___?") We even do our labelling of people in groups with the country they come from.

I have read on the personality types - which the discipline of psychology developed - and I note the Bible never went into it, so I don't think "personality types" are the "gospel" showing how we should judge other people's personalities. But many humans do define themselves by their race, gender, religion, country or other groups - so I suppose those who define themselves by their "personality trait" is also an acceptable "grouping" for those who are psychology-inclined.

Personally, I find it hard to understand those whose first thought is, "I am a black man" or "I am an oriental Jew" or "I am a phlegmatic" simply because I don't think labels fit completely on the richness and diversity of the human race. It is like creating masks which we put on top of people, and the mask slips in places, but those putting the masks onto people continue to see the mask and not the many places it does not fit (slips). My thought is perhaps the reason it doesn't fit completely is the mask is inadequate to explain our individuality. (What is a "black", "white", "oriental" or "Jew"? Can a person act non-black while being black in color? Can a white person act "black"? etc.. Is it wrong to act outside of your label - whether you have chosen to identify with that label or not?)

I think of Hitler's closeminded view and prejudgement (prejudice/label) that all Jews are the closest to apes (from evolutionary theory - his favored "label"). He believed that since the Jews were the most inferior race (closest to apes), they should be the first to be exterminated for the good of mankind in order to help speed up the evolution of man (blacks were next on his evolutionary extermination list - remember he was looking to help bring out the "pure" Aryan race - the most advanced race evolutionally in his view).

I think such kinds of labelling - when applied to people - are something mankind should wish to avoid - including, in the case of Muslim Islamofascism, the label of "infidel". Labelling of people in any way has somehow never appealed to me.. probably because it can fit the labeller's viewpoints in this way - which, in Hitler's case, ended up being used against entire races in quite sinister ways. And now, another label is threatening the world - the label of "infidel" - for all those who don't fit into the required Islamofascist stereotype.. and we see the results daily of this label on the news. Even as Hitler justified his killing of the Jewish race by his evolutionary theory label (the "supreme Aryan race" would prevail in time, after the extermination of the Jews.. then blacks.. etc), so the Islamofascists justify the wholesale killing of any they can label "infidels" (so the "supreme truth of Islamofascism" will prevail in time). I agree with Okie, once the mentality is set, you are in self-defense mode and there is no negotiation with a Hitler or Islamofascist who won't give up their labels (prejudice/"supreme truth").

So forgive me if I don't fit people into any category of personality traits and say, "that is just the way ___ is".. I just don't enjoy labels. Though your statement that all Christians can function within God's designed order in different ways has Biblical support.

You have been a blessing to me and others on this site and just because we don't see quite eye to eye on certain things (like the Dinar being a good investment or not) doesn't mean we cannot interact in positive ways.

Sara.

-- December 28, 2006 1:58 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Woodward: Ford Differed On Justification For Iraq War

The ghoulish Bob Woodward couldn’t even wait for Mr. Ford to be interred before cashing in on his death with yet another piece of disinformation.
From the DNC’s house organ, the Washington Post:

Ford Disagreed With Bush About Invading Iraq
By Bob Woodward
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, December 28, 2006; Page A01

Former president Gerald R. Ford said in an embargoed interview in July 2004 that the Iraq war was not justified. "I don’t think I would have gone to war," he said a little more than a year after President Bush launched the invasion advocated and carried out by prominent veterans of Ford’s own administration.

In a four-hour conversation at his house in Beaver Creek, Colo., Ford "very strongly" disagreed with the current president’s justifications for invading Iraq and said he would have pushed alternatives, such as sanctions, much more vigorously. In the tape-recorded interview, Ford was critical not only of Bush but also of Vice President Cheney — Ford’s White House chief of staff — and then-Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, who served as Ford’s chief of staff and then his Pentagon chief.

"Rumsfeld and Cheney and the president made a big mistake in justifying going into the war in Iraq. They put the emphasis on weapons of mass destruction," Ford said. "And now, I’ve never publicly said I thought they made a mistake, but I felt very strongly it was an error in how they should justify what they were going to do."

In a conversation that veered between the current realities of a war in the Middle East and the old complexities of the war in Vietnam whose bitter end he presided over as president, Ford took issue with the notion of the United States entering a conflict in service of the idea of spreading democracy.

"Well, I can understand the theory of wanting to free people," Ford said, referring to Bush’s assertion that the United States has a "duty to free people." But the former president said he was skeptical "whether you can detach that from the obligation number one, of what’s in our national interest." He added: "And I just don’t think we should go hellfire damnation around the globe freeing people, unless it is directly related to our own national security."

The Ford interview — and a subsequent lengthy conversation in 2005 — took place for a future book project, though he said his comments could be published at any time after his death. In the sessions, Ford fondly recalled his close working relationship with key Bush advisers Cheney and Rumsfeld while expressing concern about the policies they pursued in more recent years.

"He was an excellent chief of staff. First class," Ford said. "But I think Cheney has become much more pugnacious" as vice president. He said he agreed with former secretary of state Colin L. Powell’s assertion that Cheney developed a "fever" about the threat of terrorism and Iraq. "I think that’s probably true."

Describing his own preferred policy toward Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, Ford said he would not have gone to war, based on the publicly available information at the time, and would have worked harder to find an alternative. "I don’t think, if I had been president, on the basis of the facts as I saw them publicly," he said, "I don’t think I would have ordered the Iraq war. I would have maximized our effort through sanctions, through restrictions, whatever, to find another answer." …

====

Comment:

Note that despite the headlines and the spin given this piece, Ford is merely saying that the invasion of Iraq should not have been based solely upon the threat of Saddam having or developing weapons of mass destruction.

This is a position that Gerald Ford had iterated several times before in interviews, such as this one from a reporter for the New York Daily News from just seven months ago:

Last lunch with a legend
Speaks candidly about the WMDs and war in Iraq

BY THOMAS M. DeFRANK
Daily News Washington Bureau Chief Thomas M. DeFrank interviewed Gerald Ford more than three dozen times during the late President’s retirement years. He saw Ford in November at his California home and spent more than two hours with him May 11 [2007] for this, his final interview.

RANCHO MIRAGE, Cal. … Ford was a few weeks shy of his 93rd birthday as we chatted for about 45 minutes. He’d been visited by President Bush three weeks earlier and said he’d told Bush he supported the war in Iraq but that the 43rd President had erred by staking the invasion on weapons of mass destruction.

"Saddam Hussein was an evil person and there was justification to get rid of him," he observed, "but we shouldn’t have put the basis on weapons of mass destruction. That was a bad mistake. Where does [Bush] get his advice?" …

====

Comment:

But Woodward wouldn’t be Woodward and the Post wouldn’t be the Post if they didn’t try to twist this non-story into a way to attack President Bush — and for a war they also had previously championed.

Moreover, as I am reminded by a brilliant reader, QUOTE:

President Bush didn’t base the Iraq invasion on WMDs. That was the liberals’ reason.

Bush and his administrative spokespeople concentrated on Saddam’s gassing of the Kurds, the r.ape rooms, Uday and Qusay, his funding of terrorists, his sheltering of terrorists, etc. — to the point that liberals were complaining that Bush was giving too many reasons for the war.

It’s maddening that our motives for going to war have been switched with liberals’ motives only since we haven’t found WMDs. That was their reason.

==end of quote==

Absolutely.

And lest we forget, it was Bill Clinton and his cronies who pounded Saddam for his weapons of mass destruction, starting in 1998...

http://www.sweetness-light.com/archive/woodward-ford-differed-on-wmd-reason-for-iraq-war

-- December 28, 2006 2:25 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

If I was a bad guy I would head for a different city....if I could! I think Baghdad is probably already surrounded.
=======================================================================
According to the latest information reaching DEBKAfile from Iraq, US forces are in intensive preparations for the Baghdad offensive. Military sources report Iraqi forces are in the process of rotation: two divisions of 20,000 men are being brought into the capital from other parts of the country, to replace the military and police which are heavily infiltrated by Shiite militias. American reinforcements are also streaming into Baghdad. Altogether, an extra 50,000 Iraqi and US troops are planned for the Baghdad clean-up operation.

-- December 28, 2006 3:01 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

From the associated press on Christmas Day. If you have seen this already I apologize for being repetitive.

Bush, Gates meet on future of Iraq
12/25/2006

By Jennifer Loven - Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - President Bush, drafting an overhaul of his faltering and unpopular war plan, heard Saturday from a Pentagon chief who had just returned from Iraq with a positive impression of Iraqi leaders' plans to address sectarian violence.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates finished his first week on the job by delivering a report to Bush on the three days he spent talking with Iraqi leaders, U.S. commanders and American soldiers. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Peter Pace, who traveled with Gates to Iraq, helped make the presentation.

The early-morning meeting at Camp David in Maryland's mountains lasted about an hour. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, national security adviser Stephen Hadley and Hadley's deputy, J.D. Crouch, who is coordinating the administration's Iraq review, also participated.

White House officials declined to disclose any details of the conversations. Bush is meeting with his national security team again Thursday at his ranch in Crawford, Texas.

“The president is pleased with the progress being made” to design a new policy, said Blain Rethmeier, a Bush spokesman. “The president is leaving all options on the table on the way forward.”

With public support for the war falling as violence and U.S. deaths rise, Bush has been eager to show he is ready to make changes - even while he rejects calls from Democrats, who take control of Congress next month, for significant troop withdrawals to begin soon. The president has talked often in recent weeks about the long commitment America must make to Iraq.

He is expected to announce his revamped Iraq strategy in a speech to the nation between the New Year's Day and his Jan. 23 State of the Union address.

“If you're serving on the front lines halfway across the world, it is natural to wonder what all this means for you,” Bush said Saturday in his weekly radio address. “I want our troops to know that while the coming year will bring change, one thing will not change, and that is our nation's support for you and the vital work you do to achieve a victory in Iraq.”

There are several signs that a proposal to add thousands of U.S. troops to the 140,000 already in Iraq - as a way to control escalating violence, particularly in Baghdad - is gaining favor at the White House.

The Los Angeles Times reported Saturday that Gen. George Casey, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, and other military leaders in Iraq, who had been the primary voices skeptical of a “surge” in troops, have decided to endorse the idea.

But Lt. Col. Christopher C. Garver, spokesman for Casey, said Saturday, “As of this time, General Casey has not recommended more troops be sent here.” Rethmeier would neither confirm nor deny the Times story.

Bush has said he has changed his mind and now believes the Army and Marine Corps should be increased in overall size. This process would take years, but still could address some doubts in the military about the drain of even a short-term boost in Iraq.

And while saying he has not decided whether to deploy more U.S. soldiers, the president gave another nod to military leaders this week by making clear he agrees that any such troop infusion must have a mission that is clear and achievable.

During Gates' trip to Iraq, several soldiers told him they thought a short-term increase in troop levels would help. But the defense secretary repeatedly declined to say whether he would recommend such an increase.

Some important players at the Pentagon remain unconvinced that a significant troop increase would help and, in fact, worry it could do more harm than good by giving Iraqis incentive not to make their own inroads. Democrats and other critics also fear American troops will remain mired unless the Iraqis are forced by the prospect of an imminent withdrawal of U.S. soldiers to make progress.

While in Baghdad, Gates did praise Iraqi leaders for having “some concrete plans in mind” to deal with the deadly militias that have brought the country to the brink of civil war between the Shiite majority and Sunni minority. He left Casey with the assignment of putting “flesh on those bones” in consultations over the next few days with the Iraqi government, which has had little success so far reining in the militias or quelling the bloodshed.

Bush has said all along that U.S. troops cannot come home until Iraqis are able to secure and defend their own country without significant American assistance.

The military component of Bush's upcoming plan has drawn the most attention, but it is only one part of what is expected to be a multi-pronged strategy.

It also will include a way to improve the dismal economic picture in Iraq and a new approach to both diplomacy in the region and to the delicate - and deadly - political situation inside Iraq.

Bush, Gates meet on future of Iraq - Source

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 28, 2006 3:40 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

All:

Have any of you noticed the cost of the Dinar through vendors such as www.safedinar.com is on the rise. For example, on the Safe Dinar website the price of the 25k Dinar is now at $910.00 per million.

Will these increases at Safe Dinar and other online vendors impact Dinar sales? I do not think so. The continued movement by the Central Bank to increase the value of the Dinar will entice speculators to continue investing in the currency.

Does anyone know what Chase Bank, Wellsfargo, and Bank of America are charging their customers per million? It would be interesting to compare these prices with online dealers prices.

Does anyone have experience with buying from one the above mentioned banks and? What were the condition of the bills purchased? One gentleman told me that the banks are selling dinars with staple holes in them and spurious writing on their bills. Is this true?

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 28, 2006 3:54 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

As a child my mother would always tell me not to sit so close to the TV, that it was bad for my eyes. Now, as an adult I spend 8+ hours a day within 2 feet of a computer screen.

===

If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.

===

Driving along the curving highways of Icefields National Park, I marvelled at the scenery. But I also marvelled at the absence of guardrails. I approached a park warden about this: "The highway is pretty steep and there are lots of bends, curves and turns. There should be more guardrails."

"Not at all," the warden replied. "Too expensive. Drivers keep knocking them down."

===

The brillant barrister F. E. Smith once defended a bus driver against claims that his negligence had caused injury to a young man's arm: "Will you please show us how high you can lift your arm now?" Smith asked the plaintiff. The young man obediently raised his arm to shoulder level, his face contorted with apparent pain. "Thank you," said Smith. "And now, please, will you show us how high you could lift it before the accident?" The man's arm shot above his head.

===

The one thing certain about life is that we must leave it.

===

Shortly before his execution by firing squad, the notorious murderer James Rodgers was asked whether he had any final requests. "Why yes," he replied. "I'd like a bulletproof vest."

===

Ethel Barrymore once dispensed some actorly advice to a group of her colleagues: "For an actress to be a success," Barrymore declared, "she must have the face of Venus, the brains of a Minerva, the grace of Terpsichore, the memory of a Macaulay, the figure of Juno - and the hide of a rhinoceros."

===

Q: Did you hear about the guy who played golf on Christmas and accidentally hit a bird?

A: He got a partridge on a par three.

===

Democrats favorite Christmas movie is "Miracle on 34th Street." Republicans favorite Christmas movie is "It's a Wonderful Life." Right-Wing Republicans favorite Christmas movie is "Diehard".

===

In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!' --Dave Barry

-- December 28, 2006 4:29 PM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

Sara: Great bit of humor, made my afternoon full of grins. . .P.H.

Okie: You are a bad guy. . .lets head to Phuket. . .P.H.

-- December 28, 2006 4:49 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Saddam could be executed within days: U.S. official
Dec 28, 2006

CRAWFORD, Texas (Reuters) - The Iraqi government has told U.S. officials that former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein could be executed within the next few days, a senior Bush administration official said on Thursday.

"I've heard that it's going to be a couple more days, probably," the official said while Bush took a holiday break at his Texas ranch.

He said he had heard from U.S. officials in Baghdad that the execution would not be Thursday U.S. time or Friday Baghdad time. "It's going to be maybe another day or so," the official said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061228/ts_nm/iraq_usa_saddam_dc

-- December 28, 2006 5:01 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Carole, You need not apologize for where you stand with the Lord. It is only to the DEGREE that YOU (and only you) submit to the Lord on a DAILY basis that determines your strength. Some days you will feel humble and other days you will feel very much like a warrior. But don't go by these feelings, for that is all they are. For it's as a man (woman) thinketh he becomes. Please don't compare yourself to Sara as you are both the same in Gods eyes. I am quite sure you have read of the 10 virgins. 5 were wise, and 5 were foolish. 5 always had oil in their lamps while the others did not. So always keep your vessel (you) full. And as for the other people in this chat room, you will NEVER, EVER have a congenial relationship with them unless they are close to the same spiritual level that you are on. As in 2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? I have enjoyed your postings in the past and will in the future. It is exciting to sit back and watch your courage and growth in the Lord. More and more your conversation is of God, for as the scripture says" out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Which would make me believe that God is becoming more and more the center of your life. So keep climbing that spiritual ladder, and when you get to the top kick it away and stay up there. It is only in this place that you will find happiness,joy,and bliss and not be entangled with the heaviness of this world. And the funny thing about it, is that place is closer than your breath, as it is WITHIN you. Most all think that their joy is in the things of this world but they are sadly mistaken. Enough for now, Sara and I love you more than you'll ever know. Your brother in Christ...Willie

-- December 28, 2006 5:06 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Hundreds apply to kill Saddam
By AARON KATERSKY and MOAYAD ABDULLAH

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Dec. 26, 2006 — The impending death of one of the most notorious dictators of the 20th century has caused a contest in Baghdad as Iraqis express an interest in executing Saddam Hussein.

After losing a court appeal, the former Iraqi leader is scheduled for hanging in the next 30 days for the killing of 148 Shiites in the central city of Dujail.

An advisor to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told ABC News that hundreds of Iraqis have inquired about the job as Hussein's hangman, even though officially, no such position exists and the government has not advertised for it.

Bassam al-Husseiny said he receives eight to 10 phone calls a day, and 20 to 30 e-mails by those who want the assignment. The interested Iraqis, he said, come from all three of the country's major religions and ethnicities and from high-level government officials to "the tea boy."

For safety reasons, the government does not plan to disclose who is eventually chosen.

Those looking for the job are interested in seeking the ultimate revenge against a dictator responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths.

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=2752699

-- December 28, 2006 5:11 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

There are no temperments, it's just flesh and spirit.

-- December 28, 2006 5:13 PM ∞

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Seeker wrote:

Roger

Have you in fact, talked to B of A, and Wells Fargo about purching Dinar? If so what state were the branchs in? I live in Wash. State and niether of them up here sell Dinar. The only bank I can find selling Dinar is Chase, in AZ.

Seeker

-- December 28, 2006 5:24 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

"Authorities fear new year attacks from militants"

If you think this headline is from Iraq.....think again....it's from Thailand. A lot of the trouble spots around the world are due to Islamic Militants. Can this happen in the US?....it can and will happen if we don't continue a strong war against these nut cases. Islam is a militant religion.....no doubt in my mind!!

Panhandler....better stay off the cigs. and keep in shape.....we may have to defend the Beaches in Phuket!!

http://www.sundayherald.com/international/shinternational/display.var.1089969.0.0.php

-- December 28, 2006 7:02 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

U.S.: Saddam Likely To Die By Sunday
BAGHDAD, Dec. 28, 2006

(CBS/AP) A U.S. military officer tells CBS News that Saddam Hussein will be turned over to the Iraqi government within the next 36 hours. The officer expects that the Iraqis will execute their former leader before the start of the Eid religious holiday on Sunday, reports CBS News national security correspondent David Martin.

Iraqi officials also said that Saddam's final moments will be videotaped by the government, reports CBS News correspondent Randall Pinkston.

"We will video everything," National Security adviser Mouffak al Rubaie said. "All documentation will be videoed. Taking him from cell to the execution is going to be videoed, and the actual execution will be documented and videoed."

Iraqis, members of the coalition and international representatives will witness the execution, Pinkston reports. It's not clear whether the videotape will be broadcast on Iraqi television.

Rubaie said the date of the deposed dictator's execution will not be made public, to avoid possible unrest from Saddam's supporters.

An Iraqi government official says efforts are under way to carry out the death sentence by the end of this month, indicating that they want to do the execution before Eid, which coincides with the New Year.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/28/iraq/main2304318.shtml

-- December 28, 2006 8:03 PM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

Okie: Still not smokin. . .Up to an hour at the mall keepin the heart rate good. . .Down to 3 CC and sodas with a lemon twist. . .bring 'em on. . .Probably able to do 4 Tiger prawns in a single serving or able to leap a tall building in a single bound. . .not sure in which order though. . .lmao. . .P.H.

-- December 28, 2006 8:05 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

panhandler - I'm glad you liked the jokes and are doing well healthwise. :)

willie - I appreciated your supportive post to Carole and also your viewpoint that "There are no temperments, it's just flesh and spirit." A definite ponderable..

Okie - Yes, what you say of Thailand is true. It seems like the time was ripe for a "world dominating vision" once under the label of Aryanism/Hitler, then under Communism, and now the world appears to have picked another "world dominating vision" under the label of Islamofascism. Whether Iraq, Thailand, or the US.. the threat from those who will never give up their militant form of "supreme truth" (to be imposed on the world by force) must be repelled by all who believe freedom worth fighting for. The fight takes many forms throughout history - but it seems to me it has always been there. The world speaks peace, but actions are louder than words..

"We have war when at least one of the parties to a conflict wants something more that it wants peace."

Today, the one party who will not be peaceful wants the world to be Islamofascist (just as Hitler wanted it to be Aryan or the Communists wished it to be Communist). We just want peace and freedom to not be bothered by anyone - having the ability to pursue our own happiness.. but to have that, we must continually fight these intolerant people who wish to FORCE their world-dominating views upon us - whether we like it or not. I hope Thailand can avert war, but sometimes such radicals who aim at world-domination through militancy have to be confronted for freedom to continue.

Sara.

-- December 28, 2006 8:52 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak urges Arab governments to express solidarity with Iraq

CAIRO, Dec 27 (KUNA) -- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has called on the Arab governments and peoples to express solidarity with Iraq in order to avert a possible civil war.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Speaker of the People's Assembly Dr Ahmad Fathi Sorour on the occasion of the first anniversary of the formation of the Arab Interim Parliament, Mubarak said that a civil war catastrophe in Iraq would not be limited to this country's borders but would exceed them to cover the entire Arab world.

He thanked the Interim parliament for being keen on this issue by dispatching an Arab parliamentary committee there, urging at the same time more official and popular efforts in order to subdue the ongoing sectarian turmoil in Iraq.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=938053

-- December 28, 2006 8:56 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Science:
Loves to place labels and categories on people, events, things, etc..
Temperments are simply a generalized process of how an individual processes the external influences of their environment.
Every human being is a creature of habit...even in their thought process...Carole did not make this up or create the system...so no need to jump her boat for just bringing the information to the board...just because you don't believe it...doesn't mean it does not have some merit...
Sara! your temperment can not be determine by your postings...a leaning can be given...but no certain category can be given unless you completed a questionaire.....which is quite lengthy...

Communication requires many senses in categorizing a personality....we are all at a disadvantage in determining the personality of other posters....limited information...gives you limited answers...

-- December 28, 2006 10:05 PM ∞

---

willie wrote:

Sara
I yearn for the day when we will have a heart to heart talk on what God is doing in your life. How the Spirit is directing and guiding you into all truth. I personally have been experiencing so much zeal in my being with an overwhelming amount of joy. The Spirit is giving me the revelation as to WHO and WHAT I am in God. I continously ask if this joy can get higher and it doesn't stop. I am getting the realization that there is NO limit to happiness! And the underlying factor is love. It is not when I am receiving love, but when I am giving it. Going to stop now as this is an open letter....Willie

-- December 28, 2006 10:15 PM ∞

---

Valerio wrote:

Good to see efforts being made to make peace, although we haven't heard from Roger yet.
May I suggest, if you don't have anything good to say about someone, just let it go. There is a way for disagreement, advise, opinions, and debates, to be gracefull. If you think something is good or evil, a scam or legit, intellegent or dumb, lets hear it... no problem. But, when we start using the word "You", thats when things get personal. Myself being a baseball umpire for more than ten years, I can deal all day long with, "that's a bad call", or "he was safe", and can go on as if I don't hear a thing, but when I hear "You stink", or "Your sorry", I toss 'em out of there. Because now they are attacking me as a person, and not just my call.

Carol,
I think I know why you say the dinar may be your worst investment ever, and its not because of a slow return, or things like that. I think it's more about the emotional stress of this forum you regret. You haven't lost any money yet! Unless you never made an investment that didn't profit overnight, this couldn't be the worst investment economically. I assure you that there is absolutely nothing wrong morally with this dinar gamble. If the dinar goes to 1-1 and we all make millions, it definately won't hurt the Iraqi's for they are all invested in it. If you think someone must surely be hurt by its gain and our enormous profit, then it is only those outside of the Iraqi economy who didn't invest in any dinars. Who's fault is that? Even so, when you spead it across the global economy they won't feel it all that much, and everything will balance itself out again. Don't sweat it! In the long run the global economy will benefit from a more stable, and possibly lower cost of oil products we all need. And, when we get the profit we hope for, what are we going to do with it? Burry it in a hole? No, we are going to be spending it like crazy speading the wealth. It will be a good thing! Most of us already know this, and that the reason we are invested in it, for the firstfruits.

-- December 28, 2006 10:44 PM ∞

---

willie wrote:

Great post Valerio, buying dinar is a win-win for everyone involved. I believe that Roger is really a good guy. Everyone in here are good people but sometimes we allow our emotions to overide our thinking. I know I have done this is the past, but I'm getting better at not reacting to my past self-imposed and artificial sense of limitations. I have found that it takes a tremendous amount of energy to maintain those illusion's, not only to convince myself, but also others. That's why we have a tendency to go off with one of our forum members for no real reason. Then we turn around and try to win approval and get back on the good graces of that individual we have just harmed. God help us all in this area...Willie

-- December 28, 2006 11:45 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

THE DINARS ARE FLYING RIGHT NOW.

HI everybody,

This got to be a quickie, gotta run, but thought of sharing the latest.

Taken the Dinar increase on a time period of the last 12 days, they have risen from a dollar value of 1400 to 1325, per Dollar.

That means an increase , per million Dinars of $1216 annually. Whoopie its really moving now.

If you're sitting on 10 million the annual increase is $12.160
20 million $24.320
30 million $36.480
40 million $48.640

And so on, if this trend continues, with the current rate.

So far starting the 2nd of Nov. when the rise started, at a Dollar value at 1477, to it's current value of 1325 per Dollar, the value increase since then, have been $77 per million

Or, 10 million $770
20 $1540
30 $2310
40 $3080

I will leave some math for you, how much yearly increase is this investment currently yielding, if the start value is $677 and the yearly value will be (starting value $677 + projected increase of $1216)

You've got to do some work for yourself.

-- December 29, 2006 12:38 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Robert S,

No problem, My work sometimes takes me to the sunrise, so when ever. In your line of work, things have probably changed quite a bit, since I was doing it, mainly the ease of information you can nowadays get just over the Internet.

I'm sure some of the old gumshoe activities are still in use though, sitting in a car steering at a door for hours.

If you blink, you blew it, that's when it happened.

I once followed a car, when a car from the local driver school managed to get in between, and ....of course stalled , blocking everything. Once the driver teacher had manage to explain to the student how to get his car going again, my surveillance object was gone.

-- December 29, 2006 12:50 AM ∞

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Seekeer wrote:

To All

Has ANYBODY actually spoken to a Wells Fargo or BofA, official about purchasing Dinar? If so what city? Up here in the NW there not doing it, and we don't have any Chase banks around here.

Seeker

-- December 29, 2006 1:11 AM ∞

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Seeker wrote:

Roger

Thanks for the math, BUT I think your decimal point is off acouple digits. I'd love to have got Dinar at 77$ per mil.

Seeker

-- December 29, 2006 1:17 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Carole,

Your have taken a lot of swings towards some very innocent people here on this site.
I don't know how psychotic minds work, that's between you and your therapist, but they all have one thing in common, they shoot everything in sight, run their environment with fear and intimidation, and are unable to see the crimes they commit.

Even the slightest suspicion of a conspiracy is enough for en execution.....

No one is immune from a psychotic, once in the black book, it's the enemy of the lifetime.

In the past your post have been circling around my name, over and over again, even when I'm not talking with you, post after post, you must mention how bad I am and how good you are.

You must spend a lot of time thinking of how you can "get" me, day and night, because I stick to you like a chewing gum. I'm sure you're trying, but you're right back on it, over and over.

I think you're a psychotic person, and the first red flag was one of your very first postings.

Carole, Welcome to the pot roast in the Keys.........

Answer: "Ha ha ha, I wouldn't go to a place with a lot of strangers from the Internet, if we get all these Dinar millions, some terrorist group would know about it, and they would come to the Keys and have us killed"

!!!!

You proposed that we should to a mass killing in the Middle East.

I answered that the Nazis have already tried indiscriminate killings, and it was wrong.

From that time on, I was on your black list, and you started to mention my name as a bad boy in postings after posting.

Always acting as a victim.

You proposed a movement against Muslims.

I told you there was over a billion of them most living outside the Arab countries, and wondered if you want them to have a crescent moon sawn on their overcoat.

Again you were the victim of how I bashed you.

You started a theft ring, using this site to recruit people into it.

I told you you were stealing.

This time you went completely nuts, swinging, drooling and hitting all and everybody.

You're a psychotic person.

-- December 29, 2006 1:28 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

No seeker, it is not the value of the Dinar, the purchase value. it's the value INCREASE per million from the 2 of Nov.

-- December 29, 2006 1:31 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Seeker,

There was a posting some time ago about a person purchasing in Wells Fargo, I believe he was situated in Texas, also the B of A have been announcing they will deal in Dinars. I have not been investigating B of A in person, but as with all banks, if you go to a local branch they would probably no even know what you're talking about, make them call the main office, or the currency exchange office in their main branch.

-- December 29, 2006 1:35 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Roger!
You are correct about a few individuals being placed on Carole's hit list. She is irritated at Sara, simply because Sara posts.... communicates her views, but does it in a way that does not attempt to talk down to someone with different views. She has a hard time..with Sara being civil to either you or I.
Sara! has gotten stung a few times, by past post...but I have seen her get thicker skin over the past two years, and not strike as quickly when jabbed in the ribs. That does not mean Sara doesn't have claws....I have a few scatches myself...but hey! We are limited by our words, in what we are trying to communicate on this forum. So 60% of our communication skills are worthless in this format, and the end result is miscommunication.

It appears to me, Carole is in the medical profession. In this profession, sometimes individuals become use to giving orders and not being counter minded....this over a period of time...occassionally leads to a superiority complex...which is not recognized by the individual themselves..nor really intended to become as a way of communicating. They are use to the Yes! Doctor, or nurse or what ever position of authority...not wait a minute ...I have this opinion...
Give a different opinion, or view point...and they take this as a invalidation of their authority...and wisdom...
What you get is a quick retort... you are degrading my authority here...who do you think you are?...DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?

Why she thinks, she has taken advantage of the Iraqi by buying dinar goes pass my "What Tha Meter". She uses words such as poor people, ignorant, backwards, etc...frequently. These are called descriptive coloring words...they give color or perception of a view point toward something,culture,race or someone...thus they categorize such as in India with the class system...or in the South during the slavery period...

As an investigator, I have interviewed many in these professions who resented even being asked basic questions.A lot of the individuals on the surface are extremely nice people...... But do not give them their expected... your highness regards.... and they will see that you pay for it over time.
They are someone who you want in front of you at all times, and not behind you...Yep! I think the Nazi thing did it...As for me! when I defended different faiths such as Wiccan...she went bananas, and started accusing me of WitchCraft...which inturn to her was Satanic...never mind...I was defending the faith as I agree with some of their beliefs...I like their standard...of "DO NO HARM TO NONE" this seem to irritate her...Hell! what idiot would come with something so stupid, and counter to christianity, was her reaction....given the small amount of knowledge she has or had about the subject..she did not realize this faith does not have even the remote possibility of being Satanic...but she does not want to be confused with the facts...Roger! Somehow...SomeWay...you got connected to the Wiccan Faith...simply because you and I have met and talk on the phone....Sara! owes me a drink...as I told Sara what would happen with Carole over time...

Carole...I am very much aware this is a open forum...so this is not intended to be a private conversation here...
How you came up with a difinite personality label for Sara is beyond me...you could have said....my guess is she is a .........but as someone who is use to giving a certainty to answers or don't question me air....you gave a difinite label...
I have been a student of human behavior for years...that was my job...to attempt to understand motives and what they would were doing during and after a crime was committed...Most! if you looked at it, is common sense...I have talked on the phone and posted with Sara for over 2 years now...and still cannot give a certainity to her personality traits...I recognize some of her leanings in order to give a feel for someones thought process..but to know for sure...Naw!

Carole! I think you are an intelligent lady...but with a tendency to dislike ALL who does not have the same view point as you do...this in my opinion is just a character flaw that can be worked on with the attitude adjustment called tolerance..
Yes! Roger! struck back...but only after so many low blows coming from you...without any cause at all...I remember for several days you jabbed Roger...and he was off of the board doing other things and had not posted in quite sometime...but you continued to hammer and hammer and hammer...so what do your expect...?

What is the ole saying...what ever you put out...the universe has a way of allowing you to feel it too!
Why? Because regardless of what we percieve....it is my belief we are all one....I believe it was Jesus who said in a phrase. Whatever you do to someone else, you also do to yourself...

Ya Know! I believe he and I would have gotten along..I like that man's thinking!

-- December 29, 2006 6:04 AM ∞

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Valerio wrote:

Roger,
Surely Carol's little darts didn't hurt you that bad.

-- December 29, 2006 6:18 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Valerio:
No! You are right...she only tried to decapitate him a couple of times...let the blood ooze and slowly drain...while the body kicked, jerked, spasmed in the dirt...sort of like a lizard's tail when cut off...spat some tobacco on the carcus ...silently thinking "Trash" ...but hurt...not a bit...

-- December 29, 2006 8:00 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

This an absolute must read

http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/12/28/093442.php

-- December 29, 2006 8:08 AM ∞

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Anne Omminous wrote:

Willie,

Glad you ended your post when you did. No privacy here. Last time I saw that level of tenderness and mushiness someone yelled "get a room". I imagined the flower pedals flying as I read.

I wish you success in the lifting of your artificial limitations and limitless joy

Fess up now - are you located at the Betty Ford clinic?

Just got off the phone with the CBI to tell them that if they don't move the Dinar soon then there will be massacres on the T&B site

Here was their response

-declare the Iraqi Central Bank made buying and selling rates of the dollar for that today, Wednesday, day 27 / 12 / 2006 in the days subsequent to the end of office hours on Sunday, which falls on January 7, 2007 and pledged to meet the demand for foreign currency without limit and regardless of the quantities required and all its customers and is committed to purchase all the quantities offered by banks for the same prices posted above "and maintained without change for subsequent days.

We got disconnected when I asked them "what the heck are you trying to say?"

-- December 29, 2006 9:13 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

The Iraqi Central Bank is expected budget deficit in 2007

Justice / follow-up to the authorized source at the Central Bank of Iraq, it is expected that there will be a deficit in the budget next year, by the process of pumping dollars into the local market.

To preserve the stability of the dinar exchange rate. The Chief of Statistics and Research appearance Mohamed Saleh, the new budget will exchange allocations to the dollar, pointing out that the rise in the value of the dinar positively impacted by limiting expenditures, to reduce inflationary pressures in the Iraqi economy and reduce costs on prices. He pointed out that 95% of the revenue budget depends on oil revenues, as a basic resource for the country, pointing out that the future will be encouraging the conditions for lifting the value of the dinar against the dollar, but could not determine the rate of exchange to proceed only after the real budget. So, the dinar has risen against the dollar on speculation, "Central", and the sale price of the dollar last Sunday 1352 dinars, compared to 1360 dinars last Thursday. He expected the expert in the "Central" Majed picture, a marked improvement in the rate of the dinar, by the low dollar exchange rate, over the next couple of months. The latest rise in the rate of the Iraqi dinar against the dollar exchange rate in 1995, but the exchange rate stabilized after that between 1400 and 1700 dinars to the dollar. He attributed the "central" reasons for the high rate of the dinar against the dollar, the stability in the sale of one dollar below the rate of real exchange rate. He explained that the picture of inflation suffered by the economy now is price inflation, and not monetary inflation, pointing out that the goal of "Central" is to limit the effects of inflation. The price inflation Vaspaph known, and among lower commodity presentations, and some greedy exploitation of the circumstances through which Iraq, and expected significant improvement in the rate of the dinar, and the drop in prices at this improvement

The link

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aladala.net%2Fhome%2Fmodules.php%3Fname%3DNews%26file%3Darticle%26sid%3D11529&langpair=ar%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools

-- December 29, 2006 11:17 AM ∞

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My Dad says... wrote:

You kids behave!!!! Carole! Roger! Sara! If I have to come up there, I'm bringing my belt!

-- December 29, 2006 11:40 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Willie; Thou forgottest that the Bible says "agape" is unknown and unknowable by those who have never experienced it. What you said can ONLY be taken in context as "fileo" or "eros".. neither of which are the intent of your post, IMO. Anne Omminous was right.. it would therefore seem to be "tender and mushy" - taken wrongly, in other words... so don't post that way because it is subject to ridicule by the world. Remember they are the same folks who sometimes think Jesus had sexual relations with his followers (male or female) and Di Vinci Code and those kinds of people quite sincerely believe Jesus left a bastard child on earth who will one day become (or give birth to) the anti-Christ.. (that means they accuse Jesus Christ of being immoral). So don't think you will be immune to the same kinds of accusations they make against the Lord of Glory.

I suggest you not give them ammo by saying anything that can be misconstrued as "tender and mushy".. they will next be thinking we are committing sexual sins and telling others how wicked we are - same as they do to Jesus about his "friendships" with his followers. (I have even read that some say the love relationship touted in Scripture between Jesus and John is homosexual because John refers to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved"(John 21:7, 20), and their filthy minds cannot see that as anything but sexual.) Be circumspect.. "Love one another" must be seen to be totally above board and holy and what you said could be taken as overstepping that line..

Zep 3:17 The LORD your God in the midst of you is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over you with joy..

1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

1Jo 1:4 And these things we write we to you, that your joy may be full.

You would have done better to quote those verses on joy and say God is giving some of that promised "joy unspeakable and full of glory" as He "rejoices over you with joy" and makes your joy full.

Your friend and sister in Christ,
Sara.

-- December 29, 2006 1:19 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Roger,
No matter how you spin it you still come up wrong. Calling someone psychotic because they catch you at your own game is what you are doing.
Remember when you point your finger at someone, there are four other fingers pointing back on you.
I like Sara, she seems like a smart lady, but she took a cheap shot at Tim over telling a little joke! Of all people in this place, he didn't deserve it. I don't know as much about scripture as she does, but I do remember learning that it is meant to build up, edify, encourage and nuture. It seems to me that she uses her knowledge of scripture to always try to make her point no matter who it imbarrasses or cuts into.I have seen you react in very volitle ways to her in the past. So why isn't anyone else able to? Especially Carole. You have it out for her and most of us know it.
She seems to know when she has stept out of line, how come you and Sara can't do the same. Must you both always be right and given carte blanche in this chat room? Seems very unreasonable to me.Carole has also said that she is not going to share her investment information after all the hollering and slanderous remarks you have done. Do you think that is fair to the rest of us? And yet I don't blame her one bit. But, I for one of many would have liked to make a little money or at least had a chance to look at it myself. Would anyone be willing to share if she has contacted you through the e-mail addresses you posted for her?

Sara, This Jesus that you worship, does he ever tell you how cold and callous you can be, and does that ever make you sorry for how you can make people feel? You know confession is the begining of forgiveness. I actually think Roger has it over you when it comes to humility.

Carl, you have a great mind and probably the most reasaonable judgements. But don't get caught up in the Roger style of attack and destroy. It does you an injustice.

Now for everyone. Who in their right mind could ever call investing in the Iraqi dinar would call this a wise investment? It was a crazy gamble for all of us. With more unknown and uncontrollable elements than any other type of investment.
I have made over 100thousand dollars in penny stocks while I have been holding dinars. Same concept that we all thought when we bought. Something so cheap can only go up. Same thing with penny stocks, only they are traded in currency that is a world power with a recognized stable economy. And they do go up, way up sometimes. And when they do it is not because someone has decided to stop cutting off people's heads or blowing up themselves,or continually trying to overthrow the goverenment.
So don't bash somone because they say it is the worst investment they have ever made, because they are really very right. We only just hold out for the hope that maybe it will pay off. But the odds are not good in anyones book. That is what makes us all so crazy, I think.

Willie, God Bless you. We all strive for what you have and the simple fact that you have it gives everyone hope that they can too.

Carole, don't wear your feelings and thoughts on your sleeve, at least not here, cause your pain will never stop. Your outnumbered.

P.S. Please reconsider taking a few partners in your crime.

-- December 29, 2006 1:44 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Sara,

I couldn't figure out if Willie was being genuine or mocking you. Seems like his posts were more Christain culture gibberish than substance. NO question that he likes you. Do you know him personally? I guess I haven't yet been around long enough to know when a long time contributor is chiming in or we have another drive by poster who is on college break and bored.

Anonymous,

I was hoping for an e-mail from Carole also but I haven't seen anything yet.

Where do you get your penny stock info? I've lost too much in penny stocks. Need a good source

-- December 29, 2006 1:56 PM ∞

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Anonymous2 wrote:

Dear last Anonymous posting. Hows the Spageti Monster? Are you Carole?

-- December 29, 2006 2:33 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Chris;

I know willie from this board only and I have not corresponded or interacted with him outside of this board. I took his comments at face value, as genuine, but you could be right, it could have been mockery.

I find it a bit humorous, the interplay of different personalities and how people view things here.
I note how kind David was when he said:

When Sara posts, it's generally dispassionate, even though she may be vigorously defending a particular point of view. What I mean by that is that if you attack Sara, I guarantee you that her feelings will not be hurt, because she doesn't depend on other people's opinions and statements to evaluate her own self-worth. She will, however, respond out of principle and conviction. This keeps her emotional center of gravity at a safe distance, far out of reach of you or me. That's really her greatest strength as an apologist and debator.

While today, an anonymous poster said:

Sara, This Jesus that you worship, does he ever tell you how cold and callous you can be, and does that ever make you sorry for how you can make people feel? You know confession is the begining of forgiveness. I actually think Roger has it over you when it comes to humility

I think this is the exact same trait as seen through two different people's eyes.
One calls me "dispassionate" and the other perceives me as "cold and callous".
I see why Jesus did not trust Himself to men:

Joh 2:24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men,
Joh 2:25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.

I wonder if we know what is in man.
And if we shouldn't follow His example.

Sara.

-- December 29, 2006 2:39 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Judge: Saddam to be executed by Saturday
By LAUREN FRAYER, Associated Press Writer Dec 29, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Saddam Hussein will be executed no later than Saturday, said an Iraqi judge authorized to attend his hanging. The former dictator's lawyers said he had been transferred from U.S. custody, but an Iraqi official said he was still in the hands of American guards.

The physical transfer of Saddam to Iraqi authorities was believed to be one of the last steps before he was to be hanged, although the lawyers' statement did not specifically say Saddam was in Iraqi hands.

"A few minutes ago we received correspondence from the Americans saying that President Saddam Hussein is no longer under the control of U.S. forces," according to the statement faxed to The Associated Press.

The statement said U.S. officials asked the lawyers to cancel a trip to Baghdad for a last meeting with Saddam, saying he was no longer in American custody.

A judge on the appeals court that upheld Saddam's death sentence, said he was ready to attend the execution.

"All the measures have been done," he said. "There is no reason for delays."

In Baghdad, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has signed Saddam's death sentence, a government official said. "Our respect for human rights requires us to execute him, and there will be no review or delay in carrying out the sentence," al-Maliki said.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said opposing Saddam's execution was an insult to his victims. His office said he made the remarks in a meeting with families of people who died during Saddam's rule.

In his Friday sermon, a mosque preacher in the Shiite holy city of Najaf called Saddam's execution "God's gift to Iraqis."

"Oh, God, you know what Saddam has done! He killed millions of Iraqis in prisons, in wars with neighboring countries and he is responsible for mass graves. Oh God, we ask you to take revenge on Saddam," said Sheik Sadralddin al-Qubanji, a member of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, known as SCIRI, the dominant party in al-Maliki's coalition.

U.S. troops, meanwhile, killed six people and destroyed a weapons cache in separate raids in Baghdad and northwest of the Iraqi capital, the U.S. military said.

One of the raids targeted two buildings in the village of Thar Thar, where U.S. troops found 16 pounds of homemade explosives, two large bombs, a rocket-propelled grenade, suicide vests and multiple batteries, the military said.

Iraqi forces backed by U.S. troops also captured 13 suspects and confiscated weapons in a raid on a mosque southeast of Baghdad, the U.S. military said Friday.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061229/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq

-- December 29, 2006 2:48 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Sara,

You ask if we know what is really in man.

Being a man, I am intimately familiar with this one. All men are basically the same inside. What sets us apart is what we choose to do with it!!

Speaking of perception

someone once said "perception is reality"

We thought he was nuts!!

But

that statement is both obserd and absolutely true at the same time.

It is obserd that someone's perception is reality because we are prone to get things wrong. At the same time, for that person, their perception is what they view as their reality. Willie, I'm working on my joy too (tongue in cheek)

Yep, Saddam is on Hitler's schedule for checkers. Wonder if anybody really buys the stuff about him going to his reward and walking into the afterlife with peace.

-- December 29, 2006 3:03 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

An interesting comment on perceptions, Chris...
It seems this kind of thing is a regular phenomenon.
It appears to be a sign of these "polarized times" that if you stand for anything,
you will end up having those who like you and those who hate you.
Try this:

AP Poll: Bush voted Both a Hero and a Villain
By DARLENE SUPERVILLE

WASHINGTON Dec 28, 2006 (AP)— Good guy of 2006: President Bush. Bad guy of 2006: President Bush. When people were asked in an AP-AOL News poll to name the villains and heroes of the year, Bush topped both lists, in a sign of these polarized times.

Bush was the choice of 43 percent of Democrats for villain, and 27 percent of Republicans for hero.

The telephone poll of 1,004 adults was conducted Dec. 19-21 by Ipsos, an international polling firm. The margin of sampling error was plus or minus 3 percentage points.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2756880

-- December 29, 2006 4:11 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Sara and Chris and others, I am in my latter years. As you grow older in life you will seek God even more than in your youth. I am not dismayed as how my words were taken out of context. Sara, it is not YOU that I long for, but the WORDS of GOD that come out of your mouth. Have you ever wanted something so bad that you would give up everything for it? I want a relationship with Jesus more than a drowning man want's air. I remember in my youth that I wanted to be so close to Him that I traveled to Israel and layed in the tomb where Jesus was laid after he was crucified. I still have the clothing with the soil embedded in the fabric as in the Shroud of Turan.
I'm so sorry that you thought I was mocking you in our discussion. Let me assure you that never ever entered my mind. It was not intended to be humorous or an interplay of personalities or mushy. I was speaking from my heart. It appears as I have upset alot of people with my Christian culture gibberish without substance as Chris states. And as for Love, we all need understanding in that, for such is God.

-- December 29, 2006 4:26 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

willie;

Thank you. I had hoped it was the sincere agape-Love expression I took it to be.. a longing for the agape love of Christ and His Word, as you here confirmed it was. But I have been wrong at other times in the past - mistaking expressions of love as being expressive of a high and holy - Godfearing - Love can cause one to be mocked with such words and treated to ridicule for believing them to be so. I meant no harm by admitting you could have been mocking me.. merely that I had been wrong before, and could be again.

I am glad you are in your Bulah land years, where God is closer as the eternal shores draw nearer and eternity seems so real that this world fades away.. The Words of God are indeed much more precious at the end of life than at its beginning. (Ecc 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof..)

I appreciate that it was from the heart, in sincerity - good and Godfearing. I was not upset for I took it as you expressed it, but I knew as I read it that others would not take it so.. and after Anne posted, I felt I had to speak the reply I did, which was not meant in any way to deprecate you, brother. For you are right - God is Love.

With Respect,
In His Love,
Sara.

-- December 29, 2006 5:48 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Saddam will be executed today or tomorrow

Dec 29, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Saddam Hussein will be executed no later than Saturday, said an Iraqi judge authorized to attend his hanging. American and Iraqi officials met to set the hour of his death.

Those cleared to attend the execution included a Muslim cleric, lawmakers, senior officials and relatives of victims of Saddam's brutal rule, the official said. Aides to Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki were waiting for U.S. representatives to arrive at his office to set the hour for the execution, the official said.

"Saddam will be executed today or tomorrow," he said. "All the measures have been done. ... There is no reason for delays."

The physical transfer of Saddam from U.S. to Iraqi authorities was believed to be one of the last steps before he was to be hanged.

"We have agreed with the Americans that the handover will take place only a few minutes before he is executed," the official said.

Al-Nauimi said U.S. authorities were maintaining physical custody of Saddam to prevent him from being humiliated before his execution. He said the Americans also want to prevent the mutilation of his corpse, as has happened to other deposed Iraqi leaders.

Saddam's lawyers said the former president had been transferred from U.S. custody, though American and Iraqi officials later denied that.

Tom Casey, deputy spokesman at the State Department, said Friday afternoon that Saddam remained in American hands. In Baghdad, an Iraqi government official who refused to be identified by name because he was not authorized to release the information said authorities there were not yet in control of Saddam.

On Thursday, two half brothers visited Saddam in his cell, a member of the former dictator's defense team, Badee Izzat Aref, told The Associated Press by telephone from the United Arab Emirates. He said the former dictator handed them his personal belongings.

A senior official at the Iraqi defense ministry also confirmed the meeting and said Saddam gave his will to one of his half brothers. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Saddam's lawyers later issued a statement saying the Americans gave permission for his belongings to be retrieved.

Raed Juhi, spokesman for the High Tribunal court that convicted Saddam, said documents related to the execution, including the "red card," al-Maliki's signed approval of the sentence and the appeal court's decision would be read to Saddam before the execution.

An Iraqi appeals court upheld Saddam's death sentence Tuesday for the killing of 148 people who were detained after an attempt to assassinate him in the northern Iraqi city of Dujail in 1982. The court said the former president should be hanged within 30 days.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/saddam

-- December 29, 2006 5:55 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

About Saddam's body

As far as the body of Saddam is concerned... I see the authorities are worried about it being mishandled. I think it would be preferrable if it were not placed where anybody could dig it up again.. I sure hope someone has their thinking caps on about this one and no one bungles what to do with it afterward. Because of the dangers referred to in the quote, "the Americans want to prevent the mutilation of his corpse, as has happened to other deposed Iraqi leaders." This legitimate expressed concern based on past precedents should be taken into consideration concerning the future and the family should NOT be allowed to have Saddam's remains. It could be an awful thing if someone took his body and mutilated it.. openly shaming his body after a fair trial and just execution would be emotionally tumultuous. Not to mention that the MSM would play it over and over and over.. to incite hatred of America and the coalition.

Sara.

-- December 29, 2006 6:27 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

OK, they thought of everything.

===

SADDAM TO HANG BY RULES HE MADE
29 December 2006
Top-secret grave for tyrant
By Karen Bale

SADDAM Hussein will go to the gallows - under laws that he himself brought in.

The strict rules for those condemned to death were introduced when he was vice-president 37 years ago.

They mean he will be hooded and dressed in green overalls before being hanged by an Iraqi volunteer.

His body be will buried in an unmarked grave and it will be kept top secret.

a Sunni Muslim cleric will offer Saddam - who will be manacled hand and foot - the opportunity to make his peace with Allah.

The strict code of conduct for Iraqi citizens state that a prisoner must be hanged by the neck in a prison.

Saddam cannot be killed on a public holiday or on a day connected to any kind of festival relating to Islam.

The execution will be witnessed by a criminal court judge, a member of the public prosecution, a representative of the ministry of the interior, the director of the prison and the prison doctor.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_headline=saddam-to-hang-by-rules-he-made-&method=full&objectid=18343900&siteid=66633-name_page.html

-- December 29, 2006 8:11 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Willie:
An individual never needs to say he is sorry for his feelings...feelings are just that feelings...they are what they are...nothing else...nothing less or more...it is evident your faith is strong and convictions are sincere...no one needs to say they are sorry about that...
The only thing we as human beings have to do sometimes is say we sorry for our actions...of which I am guilty as the rest..

Anonymous
I simply make an observation of Caroles and Rogers post...I take no satisfaction in posting something that is hurtful to someone...but I write as I see and perceive things to be...that is not to say my views are always correct...but...(have you always noticed someone always put a but in there somewhere...)the facts are what they are...
I wish Carole and Roger could at least call a truce and let the knives fall to the ground...its sort of like the Sunni's and the Shiites killing each other...one group kills another group...then the other side says...hey! we have to retaliate....
The Question is where does it stop...one side has to say....I choose to no longer do battle with you...that choice has to be made in order for the dust to settle...
I know Roger from meeting him...he is a friendly man, with a big smile...I will not go into details, for I do not have his permission to release any information about him...but he has led an interesting life....from all parts of the world...lets just say is accent is not your typical American accent you hear all of the time...if he wishes to disclose any details that is his choice...

Carole I only know from post....she comes across as intelligent and well read...but I must say...I sometimes find myself scatching my head at her views and perceptions of things...as for the attacks...they come out of the blue...Then again...I am sure she does the same scratching at some of my post...so we both have claw marks ......

I do consider her a member of the board...she has stuck it out, and took the blows along with giving them...so you have to give her credit for her metal... just as Sara has been through the heated fire...

-- December 29, 2006 8:14 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Saddam Hussein Will Be Executed Within Hours
Friday, December 29, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Saddam Hussein's date with death appears to be just hours away. The former president of Iraq will be hanged "within a matter of hours," a Bush administration official told FOX News on Friday.

"The final meetings have taken places," the official said, adding in Iraqis have requested Saddam be turned over to them. "The process is now in the final stage."

Earlier, the Associated Press reported via a top Iraqi official that Saddam would be hanged before 10 p.m. ET Friday night (6 a.m. Saturday in Baghdad).

The official witnesses to the impending execution gathered Friday in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone in final preparation for his hanging, and state television broadcast footage of his regime's atrocities.

A U.S. source in Baghdad said Al-Maliki wanted to carry out the execution as early as Thursday night, but that it was delayed for logistical reasons, and because of confusion over the Iraqi constitution and the law that governs the tribunal that convicted him of murder.

The Iraqi prime minister said those who oppose the execution of Saddam were insulting the honor of his victims. His office said he made the remarks in a meeting with families of people who died during Saddam's rule.

"Nothing and nobody can abrogate the ruling" upholding Saddam's sentence, al-Maliki said.

Najeed al-Nauimi, a member of Saddam's defense team, told FOX News that while sentence hasn't yet been carried out, "we're at a stage where we're requesting his body be handed over to his family."

Iraqi General Abdl Kareem Khalaf told FOX News that emergency procedures have been implemented in the former dictator's Salahadin province, where Saddam's hometown of Tikrit is, as well as Diyala and Mosul provinces, which have Sunni majorities. The emergency measures include more Iraqi army and police forces and more checkpoints.

Bryan Whitman, a Pentagon spokesman, said U.S. forces were on high alert.

"They'll obviously take into account social dimensions that could potentially led to an increase in violence which certainly would include carrying out the sentence of Saddam Hussein," Whitman said.

A video of the execution is expected to be released.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,239783,00.html

-- December 29, 2006 8:39 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

WOW.. this from the Arab News...

The Mini Economic Boom in Iraq That Is Hardly Reported
Amir Taheri, Arab News
Saturday, 30, December, 2006

UM QASAR, Iraq — ...in more than 80 percent of Iraq, towns and villages long left to die a slow death are creeping back to life.

Nowhere is this slow but steady return to life more startling than in Um Qasar, in the southeast extremity of Iraq on the Gulf. Four years ago, this was a jumble of rusting quays, abandoned houses, gutted buildings, and a wall of mud erected by an ever-receding sea. By the spring of 2003, Um Qasar’s population had dwindled to a few dozen, along with hundreds of stray dogs. There was even talk of abandoning it altogether.

Today, however, Um Qasar is back in business as a port with commercial and military functions. Hundreds of families that had left after the first Gulf War in 1991, have returned to join many more who have come from all over Iraq to seek a fortune.

The boom in Um Qasar is part of a broader picture that also includes Basra, the sprawling metropolis of southern Iraq, the Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, the Fayli stronghold of Mandali on the Iranian border, and much of Baghdad, not to mention the Kurdish provinces in the northeast.

When the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank reported two years ago that the Iraqi economy was heading for a boom, skeptics dismissed that as misplaced optimism. Now, however, even some of those who opposed the toppling of Saddam Hussein admit that many Iraqis share that optimism. Newsweek has just hailed the emergence of a booming market economy in Iraq as “the mother of all surprises,” noting “that Iraqis are more optimistic about the future than most Americans are.” The reason, of course, is that Iraqis know what is going on in their country while Americans are fed a diet of exclusively negative reporting from Iraq, focused on terrorist attacks, and motivated by an almost irrational hatred of the Bush administration.

The growing dynamism of the Iraqi economy is reflected in the steady increase in the value of the national currency, the dinar, against the three currencies in direct competition with it in the Iraqi marketplace: The Iranian rial, the Kuwaiti dinar, and the US dollar, since January 2006.

No doubt, part of the dinar’s strength reflects the rise in Iraq’s income from oil exports to almost $40 billion in 2006, an all-time record. But oil alone does not explain all, since both Iran and Kuwait are bigger exporters than Iraq. The fact that civil servant salaries have increased by almost 30 percent, with a further 30 percent due to come into effect early next year, has also helped boost demand. But a good part of the boom is due to an unexpected flow of foreign capital. This has been facilitated by the prospect of a liberal law on direct foreign investments, something that exists only in such free-trade parts of the region as Dubai and Bahrain. None of Iraq’s six neighbors offers such guarantee for the free flow of capital to and from the country.

A good part of the investment in southern Iraq, including Um Qasar, comes from Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

That good business is possible in Iraq is reflected in the performance of the new companies, most of which did not exist three years ago. One privately owned mobile phone company is expected to report revenues of more than $500 million this year, a sevenfold increase in three years. Another private firm marketing soft drinks has seen profits double since the end of 2003. The number of luxury cars imported has risen from a few hundred in 2002 to more than 20,000 this year.

But what about continued terrorist attacks? Most foreign investors coming to make money in Iraq shrug their shoulders...

“Doing business in any Arab country is always risky,” says a Turkish investor who has set up a trucking company and a taxi service. “In some Arab countries, you risk nationalization or straight confiscation by the ruler. In other Arab countries, you must give a cut to one of the emirs. Here, you face possible terrorist attacks. But such attacks are transitory; they cannot go on forever, while the dangers you face in other Arab countries are permanent features of life.”

The relatively low cost of labor is another attraction to investors. Judging by the talk in teahouses and the debate in Iraq’s new and pluralist media, most people welcome the switch to capitalism and regard it as an exciting adventure.

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=90513&d=30&m=12&y=2006

-- December 29, 2006 9:35 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Report: Saddam Hussein Executed by Hanging in Iraq
Friday, December 29, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Saddam Hussein, the former president of Iraq, was executed by hanging shortly before dawn on Saturday in Iraq, Arab media outlets reported.

FOX News has not yet confirmed that the execution has taken place.

The man dubbed the Butcher of Baghdad was convicted of crimes against humanity for the killing of 148 Shiite men and young boys in 1982 in the village of Dujail.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,240057,00.html

-- December 29, 2006 10:24 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Saddam Hussein executed
Dec 29, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Three years after he was hauled from a hole in the ground by pursuing U.S. forces, Saddam Hussein was hanged Saturday under a sentence imposed by an Iraqi court, state-run Iraqiya television reported.

The deposed president was found guilty over the killing of 148 members of the Shiite population of the town of Dujail in 1982, during Iraq’s war with Shiite Iran.

Iraq's deputy prime minister told BBC News of the execution. Multiple TV outlets, including U.S.-backed al-Hurra TV, al-Arabiya and Sky News TV had already reported the news.

Al Arabiya also reported that Saddam's half-brother Barzan al-Tikriti and former Judge Awad al-Bander were also executed.

A U.S. judge refused late Friday to stop the execution, rejecting a last-minute court challenge by the former Iraqi president.

"Petitioner Hussein's application for immediate, temporary stay of execution is denied," U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said in Washington after a hearing over the telephone with attorneys.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16389128/

-- December 29, 2006 10:46 PM ∞

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Neil wrote:

Saddam Hussein is dead;

This is a significant event and a milestone in our quest for a stabilized Iraq and a profitable dinar.

I have not had the one-on-one exposure that Carl, Robert S, and Roger have had with witnesses and people of interest, but from many years of surviving in this world and dealing with people from all walks of life and having a general understanding of how people think-I can tell you that this execution is big. It will have far reaching effects all across Iraq. You will see the insurgents start to back off and the patriotic Iraqis start to take control.

Look forward to good things happening.

-- December 29, 2006 10:56 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Thank you. A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. I believe that I can depart now on good footing with everyone here in the forum. My participation was never meant to cause anger and bitterness. Thank you...willie

-- December 30, 2006 1:08 AM ∞

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David wrote:

I was listening to the radio a little earlier, just after Saddam was executed. Already there are liberals who are painting the execution as some kind of retaliation by Bush. There are also the conspiracy theory folks who are saying that Saddam isn't really dead - that he's holed up in some CIA holding pen to be used as a bargaining chip later on.

Apparently the Vatican has issued a statement that the execution of Hussein was wrong - that he should be allowed to live.

Here's what I think. He lived in and ruled in a country that supports capital punishment. He chose to kill people. The punishment in Iraq for murder is death by hanging. He knew the consequences - it's just that he believed himself above the law, as all dictators do. Eventually, the power changed hands, and he paid the EARTHLY penalty for his crime. What happens to him now is in the hands of the Ultimate Judge.

His execution is just. The moral issue of capital punishment aside, it was by far the best thing to do, and I'm glad it was done quickly. The longer he remained alive, the greater the risk of his escape and eventual return to some kind of power. We have no idea what will happen in Iraq after we leave, and there would be no guarantee that he would never escape. I don't understand all the nuances of the culture in Iraq, but those who feared his return have nothing to fear from him again. Ever.

I believe that the tide will begin to turn, and confidence and hope for an Iraq free of despotism and terrorism will grow. It's like being the little kid on the playground after the bully who has made your life hell for the last 3 years moves away. Suddenly the playground is a place you want to be, and your interest in it is completely transformed. Enthusiasm returns. Creativity lives again. All of a sudden you have ideas about how to enjoy yourself and for the first time in three years, life on the playground has value.

That's an oversimplification, but I am positive life for many people just took a turn for the better a little over 3 hours ago. I'm sorry for Saddam Hussein. I pity anyone who lives by destroying others (whether literally or figuratively). But it was the right thing to do. He's now in the hands of the only One who can judge his soul. And that judgment is between him and God alone.

David

-- December 30, 2006 1:17 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Good insights, Neil and David. I, too, agree this is a big step forward for the good of Iraq, and the world.

One of the things the Islamofascists are constantly saying is that the West is evil and corrupt. They look at Hollywood for proof and the headline news where evil DOES indeed happen daily to back up their contention that the US (and West) is evil. I believe they are looking only at the TARES in the field of wheat in the world, when they do this. It is the same mistake the media makes when it looks myopically at the war on terror and the war in Iraq - looking only at the actions being taken by the TARES, not the wheat. Here is the parable I take this viewpoint from:

Mat 13:24 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field;
Mat 13:25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.
Mat 13:26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared.
Mat 13:27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him, 'Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?'
Mat 13:28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' The servants said to him, 'Do you want us then to go and gather them up?'
Mat 13:29 But he said, 'No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.
Mat 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn." ' "

Here Jesus speaks of the world like a crop, with good and bad people in it. GOD did not put the tares into the world, but the enemy. I believe the Islamofascists are trying to be like His servants and gather up those they judge to be evil people - that is, they see it as their duty to root out those they judge to be evil people and establish the rule of their version of Islamofascist goodness on earth. But this parable teaches that the job of separating the wheat and the tares is God's, the owner of the field (world). And since the evil are allowed to continue on the earth until the end, right alongside the good - it is not His will that they gather up the wicked throughout the world by use of the sword. That is because it God's work which He will do at the end, in the time of the "harvest". This does not mean evil is not dealt with in the world when it happens, but it is done so justly, by law, as we saw with Saddam.

Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
Rom 13:2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Will you not then be afraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
Rom 13:4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

In the case of Saddam, the governing authority in Iraq did not bear the sword in vain. They were God's ministers, avengers to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Saddam DID practice evil and was tried and convicted and hanged for it. This event is understood by all who are evil, that they should also be afraid - for the governing authorities do not bear the sword in vain and "whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves." The right exercise of power was shown in the earth in what was done in Iraq. This was a big step in showing this certainty to the rebels who think they are doing God a favor by trying to root up the tares which are among the wheat before the harvest has come. By seeking to do what He has forbidden His servants to do, they are greatly mistaken and bring upon themselves the rightful wrath of God through the governing authorities in the countries they are in.

Mat 22:29 Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God."

There are, of course, times when the evil become predominant in a country, such as under Hitler in Nazi Germany, where the authorities became a terror to the good, not the evil. But in general, governing authorities are a good thing, put in place by God to uphold the laws of God against those who would take the sword and use it for evil aims. It is easy for us to see that killing innocent civilians for their peaceful religious beliefs does not constitute a rightful use of governing authority. I cannot get out of my head the iconic picture of the American with the Iraqi girl in his arms after a suicide bombing attack, and how he sought to save her life. What is right is so very obvious.. to those who have the eyes to see it.

http://www.michaelyon-online.com/cart/images/FramedPhotoLarge.jpg
http://betoniraq.com/images/girlWFlagS.jpg

Sara.

-- December 30, 2006 6:54 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

A few more pictures from Iraq:

http://www.image-upload.net/files/15/iraqigirl.jpg
http://www.image-upload.net/files/15/ChildNsoldier.jpg
http://www.image-upload.net/files/15/iraqi_girl.jpg

-- December 30, 2006 7:18 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

And a few more:

http://www.image-upload.net/files/15/smile.jpg
http://www.image-upload.net/files/15/traci3.jpg
http://www.image-upload.net/files/15/5.jpg

-- December 30, 2006 7:22 AM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

What goes around, comes around. . .P.H.

-- December 30, 2006 7:26 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Panhandler you are correct.

Sara noted that Saddam was hung under his own rules except
they got the color of the suit wrong.

Willie,

No need to depart. I was not upset but rather impressed by your response

I look for substance in people when they talk spiritual. Too many people learn the Christian culture jargon and never learn what they believe. They then go on to do things that give my Lord a black eye. The result/damage is that those on the outside of the faith looking in conclude us to be something we are not. Just my pet peave.

Are you invested in the Dinar?

-- December 30, 2006 10:29 AM ∞

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Nancy wrote:

Good Morning,

Well, I finally got my Dinar. I paid $910.00 for a million. My brother-in-law said that this is a good sign since he paid $165.00 less per million just a few months ago.

I have been a quiet observer here for a few weeks. Seems to have a lot of different types, but all have dinares.
I am a born again Christian myself and have my own thoughts on some of the subjects I have read here. But don't worry anyone, I am here to learn about the dinares. And I wished I could buy more, but right now it is all I could scrape up. I live on a small pension so anything this investment does will help make things a little easier down the road.

God Bless everyone here and have a Happy, and dare I say prosperous New Year.

-- December 30, 2006 11:31 AM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Welcome aboard, Nancy.

-- December 30, 2006 12:14 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

You know, I wonder how the hanging of Saddam will be viewed in Arab capitals. Critics of the hanging say it will be perceived as an American intitiative, and that this makes it a bad move, and weakens the American position in the region. They say the government of Iraq is just an American proxy. That's obviously nonsense, but so what? If some people want to perceive it as an American initiative, so what?

Obviously the hanging would never have happened if the American Army had not invaded Iraq. So in that sense the American government is behind the hanging. But critics of the hanging are saying that, because the American government invading Iraq was part of the process of getting rid of Saddam, that somehow this ivalidates the whole thing, since it is an American intiative. This is clearly nonsense.

The facts show otherwise. Although supported by the American government, the government of Iraq is clearly started to run things. And Iraqis had may good reasons to execute Saddam.

My view is, the fact that the American government was behind the hanging, in the sense that it never would have happened, unless the Americans invaded, rather than weakening the American position, actually strengthens is. The why of this has to do with how humans, and Arab leaders in particular and Arabs and Muslims in general, think about things.

Ask yourself this: How will this hanging be viewed in other Arab and Muslim capitals?

If I were an Arab or Muslim leader, in the middle east, and I saw pictures of another Arab dictator, with a noose around his neck, and if I knew that the process of getting to that point were started by the American Army, I'd be worried. I'd realize that, although my government could support insurgencies against the American Army, that could cause the American Army a lot of grief, it is also true the American Army could theoretically come after me, and put my own dear head in a noose.

I believe all human beings, dictators especially, or even ordinary men and women, all human beings place a far higher priority on their own personal survival, than anything or anyone else. And when Arab dictators see another of their kind with a noose around their neck, it has an impact. In Saddam's predicament, they see their own potential future.

I think that is a good signal to send. It tells dictators, you may think your power is unchecked, but think again. You may be able to command people to kill others indiscriminately, in your own country, and think you can get away with it for ever, but think again. You may think you are above the law, but think again. You may have a lot of power and you may be surrounded by sycophants telling you what they think you want to hear, and you may think you are some sort of demi-God, but think again. You may think you are insulated from retribution, and that you don't have to pay for the crimes you commit, but think again. You may have the ego and vanity to think your life is worth more than someone else's, but think again. You may think your power gives you the freedom to abuse other human beings, without paying for your crime, but think again.

Arabs and Muslims in general, more than other groups, it seems to me, seem impressed by overt displays of external power. We in the West, with our respect for life, seem to recoil and squirm at such brutal displays, such as Saddam hanging. We often find it revolting, and rightly so. The thing is, I don't think the reaction in the Arab world will be quite the same. Some may be revolted, but a lot will be impressed. Arabs, more than us, live in societies where the powerful establish dominance through sheer force of brutal power. Naturally, after growing up in such societies, they establish the mental habit of seeing the world through that prism. How will this affect how they view the hanging? They will see this as America establishing it's dominance, and it's will in the situation. Americans, more than Arabs, wonder, who is right? Arabs, more than Americans, wonder, who is stronger?

I think they just got their answer.

-- December 30, 2006 12:52 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Welcome, Nancy. :)

Those pictures from Iraq I posted are all happy pictures with living people, by the way.
After checking today's news, I see it is predominantly Saddam's dead body -
as proof of his death.

The only "negative" picture I posted was the first one -
it is the famous picture of the American soldier holding the injured Iraqi girl in his arms.
His unit rushed her to the hospital, trying to save her little life.
It was a very heroic and selfless - very human, act...
and the others are cheerful pictures of living Iraqi children.

Sara.

-- December 30, 2006 1:03 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

Nancy.....Welcome to our little family. Join in with your comments at any time. This forum reminds me of our family reunions in Oklahoma (wild and crazy) so I feel at ease here. The good part is all the good information that's spread around in the best tradition of "freedom of speech".

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

-- December 30, 2006 1:23 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

My, My, My,

What interesting reading. I started to catch up last night, but between watching the Saddam stuff and having my head in a pan ( I caught the awful flu that is going around) I couldn't finish till now.

I hardly know where to start. First of all congradulations to ROGER and ME!No matter what anyone thinks of us or what we think of eachother, you have to admit we can surely keep this place exciting and for sure controversial.

First of all, I am not annonymous! I have a little more guts than that. Although I do respect anyone who wants to remain annon., but I don't think it is that necessary here.

Secondly, I think it was very sweet and heartfelt, Willie's posting. I sure hope he doesn't go away.His gentleness and calm throws ice water here when it is getting too hot. And I truly appreciate him for that.

It is true that we are sort of like a family here. We all have relatives that we just love, and some we would rather do without, but their family and so......

Carl, I am not a doctor. I very first posted that I have been a nurse for over 43 years. I am also a nurse educator (allied health subjects)and a Nursing Home Administrator. Also owned a few years back Assisted Living Facilities in Palm Springs. There is very little in Nursing I haven't done, except for pediatrics. For years I had my own pediatric ward at home and could never bring myself to even walk on those floors. Plus I had a handicaped sister and spent most of my childhood on those wards. Too heartbreaking.

I actually have retired 2 different times but have recently gone back to work as a Hospice Nurse ( very part time). And I work also out of a doctors office at least 1 day a month for people without medical insurance and need care. Oh yes, and my biggest contribution to the nursing profession is that 4 of my 5 daughters are nurses and the other a healthcare Marketing specialist ( I don't know if I ever mentioned that). My oldest daughter has been in MS(Multiple Sclerosis) research and has traveled all over the world.

Nurses( good ones) are take charge people, because they have a big job to do and a lot of responsibility, and very little help.And yes there are some doctors who have the GOd complex and dish out orders etc. etc...
But the profile that you referred to, I think fits more of my husbands profession. Lots of divorces amongst policemen, some of it because they treat their wives and children like they treat the criminals they deal with all day long. I know I have had to put my husband in check a few times. While sometimes that behavior is understandable, it is not acceptable.

All in all our professions have given us plenty of opporotunity to learn and grow and prosper not only financially but in other ways also. I wouldn't trade any of the life I have had--the good and the bad.

Well the achy bones lightheadedness and nausea are not completley gone so I will close.

But first I will give Roger something else to call me psychotic over--- I acutally felt remorse and sorrow over the hanging of Saddam. I guess because I know that Jesus died for his sins too. And there is none righteous, no not one. And all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. As humans we compare ourselves to eachother, and we can always find someone worse than we are. But the key to understanding the human condition is when we compare ourselves to the Holy God. We all fall short.In that light is it justice that we all really want or mercy?

I opt for mercy!!!

Welcome Nancy--Happy New year to you too. And feel free to jump in--I survived and you will too!!

Carole

-- December 30, 2006 2:49 PM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Chris, I agree with you. Some very good examples of the same pet peaves.
For example, wouldn't you like to know alittle more about Sara, so that you know more about the bible she lives rather than how much she qoutes? I would.

-- December 30, 2006 3:49 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Nancy,

Welcome and congrats on the purchase of your Dinar. I'm with you on the "wish I could afford to buy more" front.

Carole,

I had the 24 hour flu not long ago. I hope you feel better soon.

Some of us here are still interested in your other venture. A basic of investing is doing your own due diligence. I appreciate the oppinions of those who are sure it's nothing good but I would like the chance to evaluate for myself.

Please considering send a few of us some info by e-mail

-- December 30, 2006 3:54 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Oh Yeah, glad to see you agian, Carole. Sorry about the flu. But I must say you are not taking my advice. You are really stubborn. Good Luck/and gald to see you are not in jail
Send investment information,plEEEEEEEEEEEEEEz

-- December 30, 2006 3:56 PM ∞

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Mom wrote:

Glad you kids are starting to talk nicer to each other! Welcome aboard, Nancy. You're now adopted!

Carole, glad to see you back on your feet. Try ginseng and chicken soup. It helps the immune system.

-- December 30, 2006 4:23 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Anonymous - I get attacked enough without adding more info
to the pool of what is known about me to attack.
I also seriously question your motives for wanting to know more.
Anonymous posts have been very uncharitable to most of us.
Adding more info on the board for you to attack me with.. well..
Look at GW Bush, a good man. Who wants that ridicule?
The man cannot do anything without someone finding fault.

"Don't give much personal information - get ridiculed.
Give more personal information - get ridiculed with that info."

I opt for the first position, thank you.

-- December 30, 2006 5:09 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

About the execution of Saddam by the Iraqi government:

"The actions of men are the best interpreters of their thoughts." - John Locke

"It is by acts and not by ideas that people live." - Anatole France

"Action is eloquence." - William Shakespeare

And of Saddam:

"Sometimes we may learn more from a man's errors than from his virtues." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

===

Sara.

-- December 30, 2006 5:14 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Sara,

Hang in there. The anonymous posts will subside once 9th grade is back in session from the Christmas break.

-- December 30, 2006 5:17 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Thanks, Chris. :)

Sara.

-- December 30, 2006 7:30 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

I've been paying attention to the news in Canada, and reading papers fairly regularly, for this past week. No sign of the story Sara brought up about nuclear material being stolen from McGill University in Montreal. Very odd. I suppose I might have missed it, or it might not have been reported in newspapers in Canada. Don't know what to make of that.

-- December 30, 2006 9:32 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Sara,

I certainly agree with you. You'd think I would have learned my lesson by now. I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment :}.

Actually, I was thinking today, that as much as I tried to distance myself from the effects of being a young college age adult in the 60's, I carry much of those non-conformist traits.
I've always had to fight off the feelings that come from being challenged. If some one even hints that I can not do something, it becomes a focus for me to take on the challenge.
Two things I have been labeled as #1 a sucker for the underdog. #2 everything I touch turns to gold
( financially speaking).

For the most part that has been true. I have been very blessed. I just hope that this Dinar investment won't be my waterloo! :}

I am also hooked on people watching. Most of my life I have been exposed to wealthy people. They are very interesting to watch. SOme came into wealth, some born into it, some built it. I have been around long enough to observe some unique things. The one thing that all categories have in common is this: the more generous ones seemed so much happier and I have watched their wealth grow by leaps and bounds. Sometimes I think the Lord knows who he can trust to use as a vessel of generosity to help the less fortunate. But then again I have seen those who have hung onto their money with a thight fist. They still have a lot of things but don't seem to enjoy them, always looking for more. I'm sorry to say that my dad was a bit like that. He was a great man, but his bank account was always on is mind. He had lots of money, but I can't really ever remember him getting the joy of just giving it away to watch someone smile or help to lighten their load.

Now on the other hand my grandmother ( my mother's mom) was just the opposite. She lived like she was wealthy, but had very little and did without so others would have. She always had a smile on her face.

I think I mentioned early on that her dream was that she would get rich and be able to go to the bus stop she went to everyday(to get to work)and hand out thousand of dollars to all the poor people so they could buy a car. In her honor, if this dinar ever really does hit, that is one of the first things I am going to do.

One other great observation I have had about the wealthy is that it can make no difference at all when you have lost your health.
Part of my early nursing training was at Hollywood Pres. Hospital and Mount Sinai, that is now Cedars Sinai. Lots of movei stars and very rich people. But once sick and dying, all their money meant nothing an dhad no power.

Oh well, I am rambling. Feeling better and getting some strength back again---so it won't be long before I find myself on some kind of trouble again!! Just kidding.
Any interesting New Years Resolutions??

Happy New Years.

Carole

-- December 30, 2006 10:18 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Carole, sounds like your life has been full and very interesting so far. I think I would have liked your grandmother. I did something similar to what she wanted to do. I have visited Cuba and Africa and gave out money and presents to poor people. It was quite an experience.

My New Years resolution is to lose 30 pounds. People are more likely to keep their resolutions if they make them public. I'm telling my friends, and e-friends, so I'll be embarrassed into losing some weight!

Money is great, but you can't take it with you. I'm convinced my investment will be worth a lot some day. If it ends up taking ten years, so be it. I have a lot of confidence that it will work. It's just a matter of time. The world is desperate for oil, and China and India will both eventually have economies as big as America. I have followed the development of those countries and I know that to be true. There will be a tremendous demand for oil in the next ten years, and the value of the dinar will rise as that happens and production increases. It's inevitable.

It may take a while, but hold on. This will eventually be the best investment you ever made. If you have grand children, buy some dinars for them. They will lead long lives, and ten years wait means a whole lot less to a young person than myself, since I'm in my mid-forties. My guess is, with any luck, I'll have twenty years to enjoy my money.

I have a story for you.

I remember an old man I met many years ago, when I was very young, and he was very old. Upon reflection, I grew to admire him. He seemed to have forsight. He had bought some land in British Columbia, Canada, in the Okanogan Valley, which is now a wine growing region. Anyhow, he bought the land during the 1950s, when land was pretty much worthless, before a hardy grape could be developed that would work in Canada. He knew about grapes, and that grapes were being developed that would work in Canada, and he knew eventually the farmers would be successful, and the land would be used to grow grapes, and that then it would be worth something.

He was right.

He hung on to the land, rented it out to wine makers and cattle ranchers, till he was in his 60s, and then sold it, for a huge amount of money. The wine making industry grew, and so did his fortune. He retired on an enormous fortune, had a hell of a good time the last twenty years of his life, had all the fun he wanted, left some for his children and grandchildren, and some for his favorite charity.

As the American cowboy-philosopher, Will Rogers once remarked, "Buy land. They ain't making any more of it". I'd say the same thing about the dinar. It represents oil. It represents the future. It's the closest anyone can get to buying oil. My version of Will Rogers: "Buy oil, they aren't making any more of it". And people sure want oil. And trust me, they'll get around to getting it.

Anyhow, you obviously have a lot of life experience, which is why I can relate to you. I really enjoy your posts. You have, what Jewish people call chutzpa, which I admire.....Also, you're right, in your comment that you and Roger liven things up here. The thing between you and Roger is great. It keeps the site alive, and full of piss and vinegar. Watching you two go at it is better than watching wrestling on TV!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!!!

-- December 31, 2006 12:04 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

All:

Interesting article from www.iraqiupdates.com concerning the HCL oil law.

Energy - Oil & Gas

Iraqi Trade Unions Unite to Oppose Undemocratic Oil Law

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

29 December 2006 (Political Affairs Magazine)
Print article Send to friend
Leaders of Iraq's labour movement today criticised government plans to "hand control" over the country's oil production to multinational companies.

At a meeting in Amman, Jordan, leaders of Iraq's five trade union federations - between them representing hundreds of thousands of workers - called for a fundamental rethink of the forthcoming oil law, which is designed to allow foreign investment in the oil sector. The law has been prepared by an Iraqi cabinet committee, and is expected to be presented to the Iraqi parliament for ratification in the coming weeks.

The opposition by Iraq's powerful trade unions will dismay the US government, which is keen to see the law in place by the end of the year. Since the summer, US officials have been calling for an oil law to encourage foreign investment in Iraq's oil - a call reiterated by the Baker-Hamilton Iraq Study Group in its report last week. [1]

The labour leaders criticised the major role for foreign companies in the draft law, which specifies that up to two thirds of Iraq's known reserves would be developed by multinationals, under contracts lasting for 15 to 20 years. [2] This policy would be a radical change for Iraq's oil industry, which has been in the public sector for more than three decades - and would break from normal practice in the Middle East among Iraq's neighbours.

In a joint statement, the trade unions rejected "the handing of control over oil to foreign companies, whose aim is to make big profits at the expense of the Iraqi people, and to rob the national wealth, according to long-term, unfair contracts, that undermine the sovereignty of the state and the dignity of the Iraqi people". The statement added that this was a "red line" they would not allow to be crossed.

They were also angry at their exclusion from the drafting process, and called for a delay to the law, to allow proper consultation. "The Iraqi people refuse to allow the future of oil to be decided behind closed doors", they stated.

Hasan Jum'a, President of the Federation of Oil Unions, commented, "This law has a lot of problems. It was prepared without consulting Iraqi experts, Iraqi civil society or trade unions. We reject this draft and demand more time to debate the law."

'Adnan Saffar, member of the Executive Committee of the General Federation of Iraqi Workers, added, "The Iraqi national interest is surrendered in this law which allows foreign companies investment terms that exploit Iraq's oil wealth. They benefit the foreign investors more than they benefit Iraqi workers, through long term oil contracts that negatively impact Iraq's sovereignty and national independence".

Notes

1: For example, in October, US Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad and General George Casey, head of US operations in Iraq, listed the passing of such a law as one of the "milestones" they were pressuring the Iraqi government to deliver. Similar calls have been made by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (see eg www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2006/75418.htm) and Energy Secretary Sam Bodman (eg AFP, 18 Jul 06, 'US wants new Iraq oil law so foreign firms can take part'). Secion II.B.5 of the Iraq Study Group Report (pp.83-85) recommends that the US government both advise on writing an oil law, and encourage international oil companies to invest.

2: See eg Dow Jones Newswires 6 Dec 06, 'Iraq's Draft Hydrocarbon Law Recommends PSAs'

From General Union of Oil Employees in Basra

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 31, 2006 12:16 AM ∞

---

Rob N. wrote:

Carole:

I do not mean to beat a dead horse, but I am still waiting for an explination as to why the Iraqi Dinar is the worst investment you have ever made. To date, you have offered not one explination for such a statement.

All evidence seems to point in the opposite direction. Investing in the Iraqi Dinar may be the investment of a lifetime. I am also puzzled why you do not liquidate and move on to something else. What is done is done does not really seem to be an answer.

I am attempting to find some rational reason why someone would invest in something they know nothing about and conclude it is the worst investment made. Hoping it is not their waterloo, but refrains from liquidating.

Thanks,

Rob N.

P.S. Upon further consideration, please remove me from your list requesting information concerning your new venture.

-- December 31, 2006 12:28 AM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

Carole: Back in the 70's when I was going to a junior college in Torrance, I dated a few nurses who worked at UCLA in the pediatrics ward, and for 3 or 4 years, every Thanksgiving, I cooked a full on dinner and a German chocolate cake and delivered it to pediatrics, and I'm sure you know about UCLA pediatrics. . .the children didn't get in there unless it was world class sickness. . .I was visiting the young girl from Mexico in 1973 when she went code blue. . .wow, what an experience. . .but I've always given of myself, and after beating cancer last year, and a heart attack this year, I feel as if I have been paid back for all the charitable stuff that I have done in my life, I'm not rich, but have always managed to make a decent living, but have always shared with the less fortunate, being the oldest of 7, and doing without growing up, it just seemed the natural thing to do. . .I was raised a Catholic, but am not as religious as most, but I believe in my own way. . .and I have questions as most do, but I search for my answers on my own. . .I appreciate the views of everyone on here, especially people like Willie and obviously Sara. . .these folks are well read and spiritual. . .and I wish I was as spiritual as they are, but I have my own agenda, and once again it is philanthropic in nature. . .having been in Iraq for over 2 years, I am divvying up my dinars for friends and family less fortunate than myself, I'm so happy that my feet touch the floor every day now, that it's not about the quality of life, but the quantity of life for me today. . .I'm honored to have joined this site, and to have mingled with the intellects and the wealthy, and I still hope that I get to be the Chef at the "Pig Roast", but immediately after, with all due respect, I have to go Phuket, Thailand. . .and you all know what that means. . .dragging Okie, 'cuz his eyes will be all glazed over. . .also, when I checked the exchange rate today, it was 1322. . .Happy New Years and a most prosperous one at that. . . .Panhandler

-- December 31, 2006 12:51 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Pan:

I graduated from UCLA!!!!! Not nursing school, but got my teaching credential there(1978). Great institution!! The pediatric specialty is still world renowned. One of my grandson's life was saved by an experimental heart conduction procedure. He was the 4th in the world to have it done. Without this procedure he would have been a cardiac cripple all of his life. Last Friday he graduated from the United States Coast Guard Boot Camp. SO UCLA is more than an Alma Mater to me.

Great story, and it obviously had a tremendous impact on your life and who you have become. I am so happy that you are generous, cause it assures me that you are happy inside.

I too give away Dinar. It is hard for me to talk about it, cause of the Roger thing and I know he will find some awful thing to say. But a few months ago, my husband and I decided that we were going to probably going to only cash in 1/2 of our dinar investment should it ever hit and then wait for it to reach pre-war value, like what it was around 1995.
Sooooooooooooo, I got this bright idea, that if we were going to do that, why not give away some of that first half. So I give it as birthday gifts and gave some away as CHristmas gifts. I usually give 4 25K bills. I figure if it hits to even $1.00 I have given quite a substantial gift that could either pay for one of my grandchildren's education or one of my friends mortgages. ( For as many rich friends I have, I have 10 times more poor friends). PLUS! the bigger thing for me is that when our famioy gets together and dinar talk, there are always some who can't afford to buy and they are always left out of the conversation. So, now they are not! Actually, that was my primary reason for buying them in the first place, because I was always left out of the conversation.

I dids something like this years ago, that I sort of regretted. When silver, god and platinum was going up, I decided one Father's day to give each of my son-in-laws a gold Kuggarand and some silver coins. Pretty much for the same reasons as with the dinar. Well!!!! Can you believe they cashed them!! One of my son-in-laws (ex) used the money to court a girlfriend while married to my daughter!!! I learned a hard lesson! But I figure with the Dinar, all I am really giving them is a chance. Sort of like buying a person a lottery ticket. Although I don't buy lottery tickets, even though one of my favorite shows used to be the Big Spin. Years ago my other 2 favorite shows were Queen for a Day and This is your Life ( with Ralph Edwards-remember?)

I am so glad you are a Cancer survivor! I am surrounded with patients who have not been so fortunate. Very brave wonderful people and families that are winding down on the road of life. I fell so fortunate to be able to help in anyway that I can.

Well, it is bedtime and I wish you back a wonderful New Years. By the way I don't know what the Thailand thing is....

Carole

-- December 31, 2006 1:22 AM ∞

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Thor wrote:

Hello all,
First time poster, long time reader. I have noticed that alot of web sites that sell dinar are either, out of stock for the 10k and below denominations or
"Due to the difficulty and increased cost to obtain Dinar, we are currently unable to take further orders for Dinar. If we are able to resume obtaining supply, we will resume taking further orders."
Plus there is a large increase in the purchase price for what they are selling. This is a good thing.
Also, I find it amusing that on a "Iraqi Dinar Discussion" board, one out of ten posts are auctally dinar related. Well not really amusing, more like lame.
Have a kickassable New Years!

-- December 31, 2006 1:27 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Okay, read back a few posts so I guess I am not going to bed right now.

Rob S. Have no intention of sharing any information with anyone---thought I made that clear here recently. While Roger was way out of line, he did give me some questions to ask that I have not gotten good answers to
( I feel my self choking!!:})

Concerning the dinar investment. I ama what's done is done person! If I believed like everyone else, I would invest much more. I bought once for my hsband and I, once for 2 daughters and then for a few friends. And all of it bought before I knew anything about it. I was having fun!

I may not be seeing something Tim, but I can't understand how the world will be a better place by making one more Arab nation an oil world power!! Especially given the OPEC history.

Maybe you and I will profit, but how will the guy trying to start his tractor in Idaho to sow his crop, when he can't afford the fuel, or how will the cold orphaned children around the world be kept warm, when one more Arab nation holds their destiny in their grips?

I truly am open to your comments, Tim. Cause I have these thoughts in my mind that I can't shake.

I learned a long time ago not to fret over the past, it usually causes distraction and causes one to miss what is going on in front of them. Just move on and learn from the past. Now if I had my life's savings in the DInar, you bet your bippy, I would be liquidating. But first of all I would never invest my life's savings in anything.

Maybe it all seems a little hypocritcal...maybe it is, but it is what it is.....

-- December 31, 2006 1:47 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Tim,
I don't mean to cause you nightmares or rain on your parade, but have you ever given thought to the European Common Market and the 30year effort they have made to allow the Muslim invasion into Europe? Do you think this was by accident or default?

My prediction----when we do go to cash in our pretty Dinar it will be begging and negotiating for a few Euros!

Okay--gotta run and take cover, I sense Roger loading his guns!!!

Carole

-- December 31, 2006 2:20 AM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

Where you at Chris? We need an update. Last time we saw was 12-28 and it was 1325.

Hook us up man, where we at? Is it buck for buck yet? Wishfull thinking I know, but I can dream.

I in fact, dreamed about 75000 more dinar from eBay a couple days ago...

-- December 31, 2006 2:47 AM ∞

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Anthony R wrote:

A taxation question for everyone. I have been thinking about this a lot, when the time comes to cash in the good old NID, and uncle sam come calling, would this work to avoid the old man?

Take my stash to one of those businesses you see online like sellyourdinar.com or whatever they are, have them do thier thing, and then just slowly, deposit a few thousand US dollars into all the accounts you can open in all the banks you can find until your money is secure.

This way, the govt would be none the wiser to your large score.

The question is, will these businesses fees be more than the taxes assessed if you do it the easy way?

Obviously when my NID is super valueable I won't be sending it through the mail, I would be delivering it in person to the exchange business.

Thoughts?

-- December 31, 2006 2:51 AM ∞

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Laura Parker wrote:

All,

I have spent from 11 pm this evening reading this blog to catch up on all the reading since my last write in. It sounds like tempers have flared and name calling has taken place--all over our most sacred holiday, Christmas! I am sorry to see how many of you have gotten along. I am hoping that the labelling, name calling and drawing others into our fights is over.

Having said this, I am still in Ohio on Christmas vacation. I see that Saddam was hanged by Iraq government and that the dinar is now slowed down in valuation until January 8, 2007.

Sara,

Probably good advice to yourself to keep personal information to self to avoid unnecessary grief from attacks of others.

All,

Just checking up on everyone. Hope you all had a nice holiday!

Laura

-- December 31, 2006 4:23 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Carole:
You are right about one of the down sides to what I would call quick extreme decision making, is it sometimes creates and has residual affects within individuals families. Abusive police officer's toward their families I did not see often. However, I did see alcholism or narcotic addition develop in certain units, such as Narcotic Division, Tactical Units, King Units, Homicide Units, etc. Family breakups were quite prevalent. Why? As you are well aware, there are some females and males attracted to people of the uniform, doctors, etc. Some within that group of admiration take advantage of the situation.....If you have ever noticed, Soldiers, ER Doctors and Nurses, Firemen, Police Officers, some high pressure adminstrative personnel all have the same type Class A Personality traits.
Its the job that creates this style of decision making, as their decisions usually have an ripple or immediate affect on what ever group of people they are controling at that period of time.

Personally, I see nothing wrong with giving away anything you may owe....Whether it be dinar, or etc...that is a individual choice....and I have given away quite abit of dinar myself....

Congratulations, on your grandson graduating from the CG Boot Camp. Having served 12 years Army and now the rest in the US Coast Guard, I prefer the Coast Guard. I love the service and men I serve with, because you help so many people and a VARIETY OF WILDLIFE in your job.
At my station in Destin, Florida, we rescue a lot of Sea Turtles from fishing lines,nets, and plastic bags. I have been out on several dolphin rescues over the years with our local Florida Marine Fisheries Div.

I have search during the dead winter of Jan, in heavy sleet for( and found in the dead of night) a man fishing for sharks from a 12' Birch Lake Canoe,out in the ocean. He had turned the Canoe over, and could not get back in.(floated for 7 hours in shark infested waters...during their feeding period. It didn't help that he had just chummed the water with blood when he tipped the canoe over) When found, he had tied himself to the still floating canoe, and had drifted 7 miles out into the Gulf.He was just about dead from hypothermalia.
Made a medical rescue once, on a gentleman... who about 25 miles out on a fishing trip, had lost his balance on the boat. He fell backwards, sitting down on a spiked boat anchor, driving the Steel Spike about 7 inches between his anus and scrotum. We had to tie the anchor to his leg so it would not come out during the transportation back to shore. No helo's could come out in the storm. Needless to say, every wave shock got his attention.
My point is this....your grandson is going to have a very interesting life for the next few years, and I wish him the protection of his creator during his coming experiences.

The Oil from Iraq is what is going to keep the local farmer, truck companies, plastic manufacturies in business. Without, it over a period of time, the supply dewindles and the cost increases due to the demand of the product.
So, developing the oil fields in Iraq not only helps us, but it gives the Iraqi people jobs, and the opportunity to have a better life, that without developing those fields would never be possible.
So! with that one, I have a hard time understanding, why you think your investment is hurting and not assisting the Iraqi government in making that happen.

I am in the process of buyin Euros and British Pounds now...Why? because our trade deficit is killing the value of the dollar. You are now seeing the oil producing countries transfer some of their reserves to the Euro and dumping the dollar...
Oil will be sold more and more with the euro in the coming months and years...Our politicians have spent our government treasure like a drunken sailor...(Both Republican and Democrat) They have placed us in an extreme national security situation, by allowing most of key manufacturing to be done in other countries...this causes us to rely on foreign shipping to get those goods back to us...
A lot of those goods have to come back throught the Panama Canal....and guess who controls the Panama Canal....The China Government is the management company.

To all..
If you want to see the entire hanging of Saddam...it is on the Drudgereport.com...

-- December 31, 2006 6:18 AM ∞

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willie wrote:

Chris,
Yes I have 29 million dinar which will be used to start a ministry similar to "Smile of a Child". My son Kirk whom is a MD in Hawaii (http://www.doctors2go.org/aboutus.html) plan to give children with cleft palates free reconstructive surgery. This will be done around the world. I myself have surgical skills in OBGYN, Pediatrics, General, and Ortho so I will be of some help to him. However the last time I scrubbed was under dire circumstances called Desert Storm/Shield so I'm rusty dusty. Pray for us that God will use our hands in a way that will alleviate shame and lift these children's head's high.

-- December 31, 2006 6:43 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Carole:
I call it THOUGHTS....WORDS..DEEDS...
The tools in which all, create the reality of their world...
Saddam...created his world by those tools...and that world came back to him in spades...

As for Roger...you keep saying Roger is going to do this or going to do that...or may do this...running for cover because Roger is probably planning...etc...
Its called Law Of Attraction....dewell on something long enough and you will bring it forth...

No true leader responds because they suspect something may happen...they respond when direct or indirect information shows something is going to happen regarding a certain situation...not on vaque guesses...

If no rocks are incoming then that is a pretty good sign....they may not be any rocks thrown..

Regarding Rich
It is a foolish soul who measures wealth by money...I have found in my life they are two things that can not be bought...
Good Genes which gives you a longer, healther life ...True Love...for it is given freely and can never be bought...Both are priceless...
Being an individual who has had numerious contacts with the dying...you will relate...when I say....If you want to hear true wisdom...sit down and talk with someone who is in the closing winter of their life...you will be blessed far beyond your imagination..

-- December 31, 2006 7:39 AM ∞

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dale wrote:

I have been reading here for a bit, posted a few small things here & there. I enjoy reading for the most part.
Some of you while seeming well versed & educated, come across like a bunch of damn kids.
Be it money or religion, its like 8 year olds talking smack.
In my experience its the people that claim to be the holiest, that will stab you in the back, all the while they are putting the screws to you, it is in Gods name. It's as if they are desperate to validate their life in some way. They seem to be worried about their appearance to others, more so than to God. Which to me is very funny, because it doesn't not matter what anyone here thinks. We all will be judged in the here after.
Some seem to have to have a verse from the Bible to have a thought. Or act on that thought. Don't get me wrong, if you read your bible & live by it that's all well & good. To me I get way more questions from the Bible than i get answeres. That being said, I don't need a book to tell me whats right or wrong. Or that there is a God. I know there is a God.
I think we all have, inside us the ability to know what right or wrong.The ability to know there is a God. Not all of us choose to act on it.

Another subject, why any of us invested in Dinar. Who gives a damn why!!! lets be honest we made the investment out of a desire for money & lots of it. Anyone can paint the picture to suit themselves & help themselves sleep at night. I live my life in a manner that mind rest at ease when i sleep. I invested in Dinar so my body can rest easier at night. Ever lay 12 or 14 inch block all day, all week, all month, all year. Well that's why I invested I am tired of breaking my back for a living. I don't need any other false or real reason to justify it in my mind. There was no thought about how my little 4000.00 dollars was going to somehow make the people of Iraq's life better. Does this mean i will not be generous or charitable when the dinar ship comes in? Not at all. But I'll let my actions to speak for them selves. Not bragging on a Internet web sight about what i have done or will do.
Random acts of anonymous kindness.
`When you do nice things or help people then feel the need to brag about it, I question your intentions for helping in the first place.
I hope when our Dinar ship comes in there will be a whole list of anonymous people helping others.
Shit is not the only thing that rolls down hill. let your good fortune trickle down.

Well I am off to play Texas Hold' em tournament. just thought I'd pipe in with some thoughts. Just my thoughts. I am sure some will have fired at me by the time I get back, to read more here
wish you all a very prosperous, safe & healthy NEW YEAR.
dale

-- December 31, 2006 7:54 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Dale:
Hold on! I don't play poker...but I will ride along if ya don't mind...laying blocks hu! well! I'm fixin (that's southern for going to do something) me a block wall this spring and need some advice...

-- December 31, 2006 8:33 AM ∞

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willie wrote:

Dale,
Slow down buddy, your under way to much stress. Think it's time for you to take a vacation and put those bricks aside awhile. It's not good to suppress all that anger.

-- December 31, 2006 10:55 AM ∞

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dale wrote:

Carl,
I know what fixin means lol. Any advice I could give, I would be happy to.
The cards didn't fall my way, would have been a boring ride to watch today.

Willie,
Actually I am under no stress. As far as Anger.hmmm. Well I appreciate you informing me that I am angry. You know how undetected anger can screw up your day. Quite the contrary, I am very happy. Life is good. Older brother retires effective Jan 01,2007 from 20 years of service in military. All in one piece mind you. Rest of family is healthy. What could I have to be angry about????
Maybe the fact that some guy crashed into my truck Thursday at work. No that's not it, I told him "don't sweat it, shit happens." What else is there?????
Nope nothing. I guess you were mistaken. No worries though Willie. Hope your New year is a pleasant one

-- December 31, 2006 11:58 AM ∞

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Seeker wrote:

Dale:

I could not agree with you more on your views of charity & Christianity. I was Baptized and raised in the Catholic religion. Went to parochial schools in my younger years, As I grew older and learned to think for myself, I found "The Church" to be self righteous & greedy. Every Sunday seemed to be a 10 minute sermon and a 20 min speech on giving your 10% to the church. I was born again when I turned about 14. I asked for God to come back into my life and accept Jesus Christ as my savior. I went on to preach the Bible and ram it down the peoples throats who didn't want to listen. In time I dawned on me that I had become what I hated most and had caused me to lose my faith to begin with a "Church". This caused me great distress as being a soldier of God it was my duty to save the world. (Remember I was 14) In pondering my predicament I remembered a passage I had read, and since forgot in detail, but it went something like "They will know you for who you are, for you are the light and the way". I'm sure this is not an accurate quote (and Sara your welcome to jump in correct it at any time) but it's how I remembered it. Long story short, I decided to LIVE as a Christian, not preach like a Church. ACTIONS speak louder than words, leave lasting impressions and are remembered longer. When asked I share my opinions,(I go to Church "For when any more than 2 of you are gathered in my name you are a Church")(Once again miss quoted....SARA?). But meaning the same.
In time I learned that true charity either to Church, the guy on the corner or the family down the street, IS between you the charity and sometime Uncle Sam.

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!
Seeker

-- December 31, 2006 1:52 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Yeah Dale, Guess I was mistaken, yes, guess I was mistaken. So did you make any cash in the tournament? Betcha most of the players wear sunglasses like here in Reno where no one can see their eyes. It's tough playing deception. What goes through your mind Dale when your staring someone down? How do you prepare yourself mentally as you walk up to the table. How do you feel when the other guy is staring back at you with mistrust? hmmmmmm....cowboy up!

-- December 31, 2006 1:53 PM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

Carole: Funny you should mention the "Big Spin". . .I catered the Inaugural Big Spin with Chuck Woolery at KTLA, and my Mother's best friend was a "Queen for a Day". . .and the Thailand thing is for middle aged men. . .great beaches, great seafood, and lotsa ever so attentive young women. . .that's all. . .Oh yea, one of my cousins is a retired LAPD, and his claim to fame was pulling to safety the 1st "JUMPER" from the Vincent Thomas Bridge. . .

-- December 31, 2006 4:09 PM ∞

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dale wrote:

Willie,
No, I did not make any cash this morning. Was my first tournament at a casino. I have played & faired well in online tournaments, but never before at a casino. I play every Sunday night in a local game. Between 18-22 out of a group of 30 people show up to play. So going to the casino, I was not sure what to expect . I saw no sun glasses. No goofy characters . Just people.
My preparations while I am approaching the table is simple. I relax first & formost, as I think "Patients". In my eyes the game is 10% skill, 40% luck & 50% patients. As far as what goes through my mind when I am waiting for you to make you call based on what you think you know. Well I just hope you make the wrong decision. When you are staring at me with much deserved mistrust I am not worried. I am confident in my game( my skill ) when I get the cards (the luck). when i am not getting the cards my patients are more than enough. Just like in life, patients makes all the difference . With a well timed bluff or two patience will get you right through the bad cards until your momentum comes around. & make no mistake it is a game of momentum.
I will leave you to out think your self with your over zealous imagination & head games.
When I say you , I don't mean you personally. I refer to whom ever I am playing.

-- December 31, 2006 4:50 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Dale,

Like you, I used to do manual labor at one time, when I was younger. You say you hate to lay bricks for a living. I don't blame you for hating it. Hating to lay bricks for a living, and wanting a pile of money is as good a reason as I have ever heard, for investing in the dinar.

-- December 31, 2006 5:07 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

That was me, about manual labor.

-- December 31, 2006 5:08 PM ∞

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BigBake wrote:

THOR: I agree that the lack of dinar related discussion has really become annoying. The personal attacks and the consistant religuos quotes from the bible pair none with anything related to the reality of the dinar. I read with great interest about the economic gains Iraq is experienceing, the political struggle, and our own troops progress. But I could careless about someones interpretation and musings on religion, and the further scripture reading that goes on along with it.
Settle the petty differences with eachother via E-mail, no one cares for your public written slayings. This was a new page just started mere weeks ago and already 86% of it is useless crap.

-- December 31, 2006 5:09 PM ∞

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willie wrote:

Big Bake, There would be alot more news concerning the dinar if their government were not shut down till next month. Want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and success with the pending reval. I'll be leaving for Hawaii for a 2 month period so Aloha.

-- December 31, 2006 5:20 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Anthony,

I haven't popsted any exchange rates because the CBI announced that there would be no change until the 7th or 8th of January. I keep watching and will advise if they change that policy.

Willie,

Will pray for your venture. You are much more invested than I am. I'm curious. What was it that convinced you that this was a good risk? If I hadn't gone to the sand box myself and worked on oil field problems and worked with Iraqi Amercians who opened my eyes then I may not have seen. But still,I know people who served who would not buy the first Dinar because they just can't see the investment.

Maybe it would be good conversation to talk about why we all saw this as a good investment.

Dale,

I understand what you are saying in your last post. I'm afraid that for most Pastors it is a vocation rather than a passion to see people changed positively. That may be the root of the problem. In the late 1970's Hal Lindsey said something that I will never forget. He said "when the rapture occurs, most churches won't even have to go out and get a new pastor". I believe that to be an accurate assessment of the condition of the church. Every time I move, the thing that I hate the most is finding a new church because I'm looking for people who are genuine. Not an easy task

Encircling the genuine Christian community are layers of sharks who are not Christians but claim to be. They are saying to the Christians "do business with me because I'm one of you" and to those who are not Christians "do business with me because I'm a good Christian man". They then processd to screw everybody. There are people who will have nothing to do with Christ because they've been somehow hurt by someone who claimed to be one of us. This is what torques me off but they made a buck and can, for some reason, look themselves in the mirror.

I once met man who told me a story of a talented student who graduated from a seminary. His teachers tried to encourage him into missions. His response was that there was no money in it. This person went on with the story to say that the talented young student is now on TV. This is obviously second hand.

I went to the grocery store today. While leaving a woman in a small car was going the wrong way in the parking lot. She was met by an SUV that blew her off the road with his horn and refused to go around. Made her put it in reverse and back away. On his bumper was a larger than normal fish symbol.

Not everyone who claims to a Christian is. They still do damage to the rest of us. The thing that I believe you hinted at is to be genuine, walk to walk.

Talk is cheap but it still causes damage.

-- December 31, 2006 5:51 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Carole;

Very interesting post.. I found it informative, about how people act, their character traits as far as giving - some are willing to give, others not at all...

You also said, "Maybe you and I will profit, but how will the guy trying to start his tractor in Idaho to sow his crop, when he can't afford the fuel, or how will the cold orphaned children around the world be kept warm, when one more Arab nation holds their destiny in their grips?" I have a long Biblical treatise which would change your view of Iraq ending up yet another oil rich Arab state which will hold the West at her mercy.. but I won't go into it here. Maybe Biblical prophecy has a different answer to the dilemma.. it does in my opinion. :)

Rob N;

Not again!!
QUOTE:

In a joint statement, the trade unions rejected "the handing of control over oil to foreign companies, whose aim is to make big profits at the expense of the Iraqi people, and to rob the national wealth, according to long-term, unfair contracts, that undermine the sovereignty of the state and the dignity of the Iraqi people".

===end of quote==

This is Communism again.. "foreigners" are trying to "make big profits at the expense of the Iraqi people, and to rob the national wealth" NOT kickstart their economy, give the average Iraqi a job and some wealth, and help them turn their country into a rich, peaceful and prosperous place. Anti-capitalism is always this way.. Communism keeps the people POOR by not allowing the development of resources which would spread the wealth around to the common man. It is a terrible lie and this viewpoint shouldn't be brought to bear upon the one thing Iraq needs to grow (a prospering industry - oil)... as Carl put it, "The Oil from Iraq is what is going to keep the local farmer, truck companies, plastic manufacturies in business. Without, it over a period of time, the supply dewindles and the cost increases due to the demand of the product. So, developing the oil fields in Iraq not only helps us, but it gives the Iraqi people jobs, and the opportunity to have a better life, that without developing those fields would never be possible."

willie;

I appreciate your vision for those needing surgery and will and do pray that God will use your hands in a way that will alleviate shame and lift those children's head's high. :) Aloha and have a wonderful vacation.. check in on us while you are there if you can.

Sara.

-- December 31, 2006 5:52 PM ∞

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CYMRU001 wrote:

BigBake,

I feel a bit of de ja vous going on here.

I was introduced to this site by a guy I wanted to buy Dinar from. I was using Ebay and asking him a lot of questions. He said to come here and I should find all the info I was looking for.

I did initially ask some questions, but then decided to post dumb ass comments like the one you made. I had similar opinions to yours and thought there was way too much conversation on almost everything except the subject of the Dinar. I even had an opinion regarding the religious posts.

I have since realised that without the 86% of useless crap, we would have the 14% which wouldn't be as interesting to read.

I enjoy reading Roger and Carole sparring with each other. I appreciate Sara's posts and the others who contribute in almost all aspects of the content you read.

You are entirely welcome to air your views, but don't be surprised as dale noted, to come back to find a reply you may not like. This is what this board is all about.

I only came here tonight to show some friends what the Dinar is about, and what I have been talking about since September. I couldn't leave without adding two things.

1) If you don't like the comments posted here, don't waste your time telling everryone, just go somewhere else. This board has become a 'virtual family' and you know the saying, 'You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family'. You are either part of this Dinar family, or you are someone who can go elsewhere.

2) Happy New Year to everyone posting and reading this board. I hope that 2007 brings you all happiness and health and all your dreams come true.

Party in full swing and getting grief from people for being on-line during a house party. (It is 23.00 in the UK)

See you all on the flip side!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- December 31, 2006 6:04 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Chris:

I would like to answer your question as to why I saw the New Iraqi Dinar as a good investment. One rule of investing is follow the big money. The big money currently in Iraq is our own U.S. government. They have poured billions of dollars of reconstruction money into the country. Unless I miss my guess, I suspect the President's new plan to move forward in Iraq will include an increase in troops, but also an increased emphasis upon the citizen of Iraq.

Under the new way forward, Iraq will see a public works program equal to FDR's New Deal. This will move Iraq toward peace and prosperity. The other big money itching to get into Iraq is BIG OIL. Exxon-Mobile, Shell-Texxaco, and BP are a few of the biggies. Must I say more. In addition to the American investment the international community is seeking a piece of the pie. Those countries like America, believe a peaceful and prosperous Iraq will benefit them, like I believe it will benefit us.

To Carole's dismay, I must agree with Roger. I believe we must buy the New Iraqi Dinar while we can. If the exchange rate on Jan 07 or 08 2007 is 1260 or even 1000 to 1 U.S. dollar, we better buy more Dinars.

Investor's who bought shares of Apple or Microsoft in the early years of the company are not multi millionaires. Bill gates of course is a billionaire. I believe an investment in the New Iraqi Dinar is such a life changing investment, with better odds than the lottery. Friends, Romans, and Countrymen lend me your ears. Buy some more Dinars. We will recoup our investments a hundred fold.

I hope I answered your question. Thanks for asking it. I have attempted to share my vision for Iraq with a few people in my circle of influence, yet they are skeptical. On the otherside of this, I think they will conclude they should have listened.

Until then, Happy New Year.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- December 31, 2006 6:25 PM ∞

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Chris wrote:

CYMRU001,

Well said and happy new year! Hasn't gotten here yet on the East US coast.

Finished browsing other sites. Not much going on

- No newspapers in Iraq for last two days. Rumors flying but some thought this happened during other religous holidays. Others convenced that the CBI knows we read and are trying to limit the info we get.

- Apparently the full hanging is posted on Utube? Chose not to watch.

- More rumors on date and amount of RV

- Some complaining about this being a poor investment. Carole you are not alone. Those complaining have been offered to be bought out.

In all PATHETIC.

Willie put his finger on it. The CBI is not going to move the rate and with a lack of papers there is no info.

What shall we talk about. If not religion, medical issues and dreams of what we will do with our profits then that leaves:

Foot fungus - do your feet smell?
What anchors are currently on the Weather Channel?
what is the topic of the All Surgery channel?
What are Britney and Paris up to tonight?
What did rosey say about the Donald today?
What is the "can we talk lady" saying about the stars on preview guide?

above is a summary of we might talk about if the previous topics were to be banned.

Sara,

I might be able to get my posts as long as yours if I were to post on foot fungus. I'm eager
Anybody else unhappy with the postings?

Happy New Year.

I'll check back tomorrow and will check the CBI site for any movement

-- December 31, 2006 6:39 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Don't Shoot the Messenger

Seeker - you did good on the Bible quotes.. and got the main point across just fine. Interesting post, thank you. :) I agree with you that "churchianity" and "Christianity" are different. One follows Christ, the other is a country or social club and outward show - and often moneygrubbing. You can find Christianity at church, but sometimes it is only "churchianity" - not fellowship in the Lord. Only in the pages of the Bible and its testimony about how to truly come to know the Lord is there salvation, not in a church social. I also agree about people blowing the trumpet before men and announcing their good works.. sometimes that is good (Matt 5:16), but Jesus also said the hypocrites do so (Matt 6:2). It all comes down to what is in the heart.

Most people who react to the Bible being spoken are really dealing with God speaking through the words, not the person who is speaking. I think we once all agreed that it doesn't matter what I believe or you believe.. only what is the reality - what is the real and unalterable TRUTH. Attacking the messenger often means a person is trying to reject the message, not the pageboy with the letter in his hand. When Dale said, "I don't need a book to tell me whats right or wrong. Or that there is a God." Well, it sounded to willie like he was angry about something.. I think it was that some Bible verse quoted (I have no idea which one) upset him and he wishes to find fault in the messenger so he can discount the words of the Bible. But it doesn't work that way.

Even if he (or Thor/Big Bake/Anonymous or others) were to find fault in the messenger, that would not invalidate the words of Almighty God in the Bible or the truthfulness of those words. It is GOD they have to answer to on Judgement Day, not a fallible human being. And it was God who was speaking through His words to their hearts.

Isa 55:10 For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and does not return, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
Isa 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

This says God's words written in the Bible go out of His mouth.. and they go out with a power which accomplishes something. That means it will stir up a bunch of people who just cannot STAND all that "religious" talk. Why? What bothers them about it? It can be like a goad or a poke in the eye to some. It was to Paul before he came to know God. Paul had the Lord talk to him - He knew it was God speaking, but didn't know who He was. He said:

Act 9:5 And he said, Who are You, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom you are persecuting: it is hard for you to kick against the pricks.

Paul found the words of God were like "pricks" against him, though he was running hard in the opposite direction and did not wish to hear them. But he found that it is far better to deal with what the Lord is saying - deal with the AUTHOR who wrote the words in the Book than to attack the messengers who spoke those words. Those who reject truth and light from any source become drawn deeper and deeper into darkness, spiritually. It just isn't a wise attitude to have when we each must appear before God one day to hear His judgement on what we did in this life - because those words in the Bible are the ones He says He will use to judge each of us with, like it or not. (If I am wrong, no big deal, right.. but if the Bible's testimony on this point is TRUE, then what?)

Rom 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Here, the Bible says that God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to the gospel - that is, the Bible's written testimony in words (that is the gospel). His Judgement is not based on the church social calendar of events, but on the words which came forth from His lips and are written down in His Good Book. If that belief is wrong, then there is nothing to worry about. But if that belief is right and the Bible is TRUE in this testimony - regardless of the messenger's lives and how they are living them - then that is something which all of us ought to be paying attention to. It doesn't matter how I or any other messenger conducted our lives (Phil 1:15-18) - so far as you are concerned, what matters is.. is that TRUE? And if it is... how are you going to act concerning those words? In the fear of God I say... you ought to be concerned whether God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel - for if that statement is true, your eternal destiny then depends on how you deal with that knowledge.

Sara.

-- December 31, 2006 7:18 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Rob N - My mother lamented the fact that she wanted to buy into microsoft stocks when they were worth pennies and how much money she could have made from owning them (her financial planner said it was too risky). So I had thought that they did appreciate greatly and many people did make money from them - though I never looked into it myself.

Chris - Sorry, I don't have foot fungus..
so that isn't something I can converse upon with much expertise..
you can have the floor on that topic.. :)
(Just teasing!)

Sara.

-- December 31, 2006 7:28 PM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Carole, you said "I may not be seeing something Tim, but I can't understand how the world will be a better place by making any more Arab nation an oil world power!! Especially given OPEC's history"

Well, Carole, the world runs on oil. It's as simple as that. Whether the world is better or not, for all the money that will flow to that region is debatable. Some people do well, others are negatively affected. But this is not about whether the world will be better or not. We can talk about that, but what this investment is about is what will happen?

What will happen, is that in a few years, massive amounts of money will flow in and out of Iraq, and there's nothing you or I can do about it, except put our cup out and get some.

Personally, If you want my two cents on whether this is ultimately a good thing for America and the West, I'll say this. I think the West, the United States and Europe are insane, in their energy dependency on that region. In the long run, the West is cutting it's own throat, in depending on middle eastern oil. We have all the oil America needs, right here in Alberta. It's expensive, but it's there.

The oil from the middle east paid for Saddam's army, and it supplies revenues to keep the economies of Muslim countries going. Some of that money goes to terrorists. The money that Al Queda uses, and all the missiles and military equipment used against the American Army is funded by money that can be traced back to oil money. America is paying for both sides in the war on terror. America is paying to fight terrorists, and it is paying to fund terrorists. Without American and European oil revenue, Al Queda wouldn't exist.

Not much I can do about all this. President Bush and Dick Cheney both have worked in oil related industries. The whole world economy runs on oil, so it's not like these two men are anything special. There are other ways to run an economy, that does not involve dependancy on foreign oil, and if the United States ever gets serious about it, they will change.

But I'm not holding my breath. As far as I can see, the power of oil will just grow, over time. All I'm trying to do is get my own piece of pie, and maybe some ice cream. Good or bad, whether you or I like it or not, Iraq will be rich from oil, and the Dinar will be worth a lot some day.

I live in a Canadian province that is stinking rich, not from any particular brilliance on the part of it's citizens, but from sitting on a lot of oil. So I see the power of oil every day, right in front of my eyes. I see the big rigs driving down the highway every day. I see that my house is now worth an outrageous amount of money. I see that Alberta has one of the highest standards of living in the world. I see our government has so much money, they give it away. So I have no doubt this will work eventually.

So, Carole, I think your suspicions about Arabs and OPEC and all the negative effects of this are correct and I agree with you. If it was up to me, the economies of Europe, Japan and North America would be independent of middle eastern oil. The power of radical Muslims would be greatly diminished, since 95% of revenue of most Muslim middle eastern countries comes from oil, and some of that money ends up in the hands of terrorists. But it's not up to me.

Your comments I quoted seemed to indicate an idealistic streak in you. To this, I'd say: The world is, what it is, Carole. Whether all this oil money going into Iraq, is good or not, is debatable. All I know is this: A lot of Iraqis will benefit from oil money, their economy will grow and prosper. So will dinar investors, like me and you. I expect to make a lot of money.

That old gravy train will be pull out of the station in a year or two, and I intend to be on it, eating a lemon pie, with vanilla ice cream.

-- December 31, 2006 7:47 PM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

That last comment was Tim Bitts.

-- December 31, 2006 7:48 PM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

20 insurgents arrested in Falloja

BAGHDAD, Dec 31 (KUNA) -- The U.S. army said in a statement on Sunday its troops arrested five suspects in Falluja city for involvement in facilitating the infiltration of foreign militants into Iraq.

In another statement the U.S. army said it arrested in the town of al-Habbanya , near Falluja, 15 insurgents for involvement in designing and planting explosive charges.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=938789

I wonder what nation "the infiltration of foreign militants into Iraq" came from?

-- December 31, 2006 7:56 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

Very good and wise post to Seeker.
I tooh ave had similar issues with "churchianity". BUt thank God I had some wise sisters in my early years as a Christian, who helped me to understand that church is a hospital for sinners. Then I had someone tell me that even if they ever found the perfect church it would be spoiled by their presence. In otherwards there is no perfect church. Christians are believers in Christ at all different levels. I look back at my "baby" years and shutter. But thank God I was surrounded with more mature christians that helped through love to nurture me.
The abiding love and growth in Christ is a process. There is nothing magical about it. It is a growing experience that involves alot of growing pains. One great leap forward for me was when I took myself out of focus and realized that Christ would love me not one bit more if I were a mature obedient to the "t" christian. Certianly I would be happier, but my love from HIm does not depend on my performance, but rahter on His faithfullness to me. And the neatest part of all of this is that I can do nothing to change it in either direction. According to scripture--I am sealed!

I am grieved when I am disobedient, not because He loves me less, but because I have shut down the opporotunity to bring glory to His name. he doesn't lose , I do! And the peace and joy an happiness that WIllie talks about vanishes, until I repent and ask for His forgiveness and strength to go forward.

Regarding the Dinar. I guess there are so many things that I just simply don't understand. As far as the bible prophecy concerning Iraq ( known as Babylon in scripture), my husband reminds me all the time. BUt I have gotten caught up in the reality of this board, but deep in my heart I know that the situaion may turn out totally different. I still worry not, becasue I believe as you do that God is in full control, and knows exactly what He is doing and more than that does not need our help in accomplishing His Plan. AND the frosting on the cake is that He doesn't make mistakes.

BUt our fraile human mind can not comprehend what that all truly means and that is where trust comes in.

Carl,
Gosh, how exciting about your career in the CG. I have 7 grandsons. Three that have just turned 18. I am praying that they all decide to follow my oldest grandson's foot steps. He came back from Boot camp a MAN! AMAZING the transformation. He has signed on for 8 years. Has always been a bright child but unfortunately did not apply himself to his potential in Hi School. I think we are going to see soemthing different now. On his "final" at Boot Camp he scored 97%. I'm not sure what that all means, but it has sparked his motivation and that can only be good.

I am a little confused though, because I thought you were a Policeman or a PI.

You are right about the destructive social elements in Police work. Which I believe was perpetuated when they started putting women in the field as "partners".

Years ago, my husband refused to have a female partner, because he had me and 5 little girls at home and felt unsuported by a 120 pound female, should he ever need assistance. You couldn't get away with that now. You would not believe the statics of injuries on duty calims LAPD pays. Most are for female related issues that have nothing to do with the work itself. Many have just figured out how to work the system. The same in the area of promotional issues. My husband was going to try for 30 years, but after the ROdney King issue could hardly get himself dressed to go to a job that he at one time loved. So we knew it was time. In 28 years he used 3 sick days, so he was not a cry baby at all, just fed up! Totally. NOw he spends alot of his time counseling inmates through a Christian ministry. He loves it and has a heart for the incarcerated.He trys to help them get to the point that they take responsibility for their actions, and learn to walk in a way befitting to a responsible man, and look forward to the day that they get another chance to live right. Of course he helps them to see and desire a personal relationship with Christ who can empower them with strenght and hope and SUCCESS! Many are not receptive, but many many more are. I've never known in 45 years this big burly cop to be so happy. He also is retired USMC ( 6 active-14 reserve).

As far as Roger--it is conditioning. It is easier for me to anticipate him based on my history with him, then to be shocked when he strikes. Sort of "those who forget the past are doomed to relive it" :}

It probably comes off different, but he really doesn't bother me that much. I certainly don't lose sleep over it. He thinks I am a psychotic, a thief and Nazi, and God knows what else.

I think he is deranged, an egomaniac with an inferiority complex, a know it all bully..etc....

Hopefully we are both wrong!:}

By the way where has he been?
We need a big bang to bring in the New Year and no one can do it like he can.

Comon! Rogee waiting for a Big New Year SMACK!

All kidding aside have a great New Year and may all your dreams come true. My same wishes for Roger ( oh and for him a few nightmares too!)

Carole

-- December 31, 2006 8:45 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Here is an article to make the blood boil..
and perhaps helps us see why Christians who speak plainly of the Bible are so mocked,
and folks ask to see whether we are genuine or not.
It is definitely something they are seeing on TV..
the idea that God's people are sinful like the world:

1Jo 3:8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning.
1Jo 3:9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.
1Jo 3:10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

If you read that carefully.. I cannot say how one can conclude that deviants
claiming Christianity are true Christians. This says that CANNOT BE.
Paul warned the church that from AMONG THEMSELVES would come evil persons:

Act 20:29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
Act 20:30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

These people WITHIN THE CHURCH.. rising up "from among yourselves" would draw away disciples after THEMSELVES and not after Jesus Christ. There was also a warning of "savage wolves" - is the church of today immune to such attacks? And how can we tell which are which? By which ones are holy:

Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

No man sees the Lord without holiness.. read the following examples in this article and then tell me, are these "Christians" portrayed in Hollywood... HOLY? Will they be ones who "see the Lord"? Or are they ones who arise "from among yourselves... speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves."

Sara.

===

Bozell Column: God, Hollywood's Four-Letter Word
Posted by Brent Bozell on December 30, 2006 - 11:52.

Atheist activist Sam Harris recently proclaimed on National Public Radio that America needed a lot more mockery of religious belief. "I think the criticism of irrationality just has to come from 100 sides all at once,” he declared. “In the entertainment community, maybe you'll just have people making jokes that are funny enough and true enough so as to put religious certainty in a bad light."

Harris said he’s been trying hard to make contacts among the mind-benders in the news and entertainment media to find those God-scorning people who feel “a profound sense of relief that comes with hearing somebody call a spade a spade.”

Why does taxpayer-funded NPR, or anyone else for that matter, care what atheists like Sam Harris think? They are squarely in opposition to public opinion. According to a recent Zogby/American Bible Society poll, 84 percent of adults are not offended when they hear references to God or the Bible on network television shows, and 51 percent say entertainment networks should develop shows with positive messages – and even specifically refer to God and the Bible.

So who is paying attention to Sam Harris? The entertainment television industry.

After Mel Gibson’s “The Passion” box office tsunami two years ago, the conventional wisdom had it that Hollywood finally had accepted the marketability of faith-based programming. Not so. The Parents Television Council has completed its seventh study of the treatment of religion on prime-time network television, evaluating TV shows during the 2005-2006 season, and the numbers are stunning. From a quantitative standpoint, the total number of treatments of religion has been reduced by 50 percent in the past year alone. And when religion is part of the storyline, more often than not it is not a positive thing: television today regularly mocks the clergy, religious laity, church doctrines and religious institutions.

Religious people are often portrayed as frauds or the world’s biggest sinners. NBC’s “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” featured a nun who kicked a black man in the face after calling him the N-word. ABC’s “Boston Legal” had the man who had sex with a cow protesting he was a church deacon.

Or take an episode of ABC’s “Desperate Housewives,” where Gabi, one of the titled housewives, had sex with a teenage boy who told her, “Me and my friend Justin had this bet to see who could lose their virginity first this summer at Bible camp. Guess I beat him to the punch.” Why Bible camp? Why not?

Then there was this disgusting plotline in a different episode. This same dreadful woman Gabi lied during confession, telling a priest that a certain nun was having an affair with her husband. After gloating at her success getting the nun transferred to Alaska, she slapped the nun, then pushed her into a rack of candles, setting her on fire. And you thought parish life was dull.

Fox is now the Hollywood champion of God-mocking, the Atheist’s Favorite. The Sunday night cartoon block is a strong contributor, ridiculing God on what even the Fox folks must know -- like, Sunday? -- is His day. “The Family Guy” routinely mocks the sacred. One episode featured the teenaged son who discovers God looks like Angelina Jolie, and asks to “see your boobs.” “God” agrees, but warns him about the impressive “Rack of Infinite Wisdom.”

In another episode, Jesus Christ is depicted as a teenager arguing with St. Joseph: “Up yours, Joseph! You’re not my real dad!” Jesus phones Heaven, where God the Father answers while lying in bed with a woman. God hangs up on Jesus and leers at the woman, who holds up a condom. God responds: “Oh, come on, baby. It’s my birthday.” In yet another episode, God is shown passing gas and lighting the gas on fire. The show’s father character explains that this is how God created the universe.

When you look at these and so many other revolting examples, it becomes clear that a tiny atheist minority controls the creative cards in Hollywood. You think I exaggerate? Consider this study finding: Roughly six out of ten of the portrayals of religion on reality-based – which is to say, unscripted – TV shows were positive. That still doesn’t reflect public opinion, but it’s close. Unscripted shows were responsible for only 4.5 percent of the negative portrayals this study team found. The other 95.5 percent came from Hollywood’s professionals, who are at their most comfortable attacking that which you and I and most Americans hold sacred.

http://newsbusters.org/node/9883

-- December 31, 2006 8:48 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

Carole;

You wrote, "I am grieved when I am disobedient, not because He loves me less, but because I have shut down the opportunity to bring glory to His name. He doesn't lose, I do! And the peace and joy an happiness that Willie talks about vanishes, until I repent and ask for His forgiveness and strength to go forward."

That heart change is because "1Jo 3:9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God." The seed of God within you causes you to dislike sin.. to want to repent, to change.. to stop evil. Unlike those who embrace it and are unrepentant, blasphemous, such as Hollywood's incredibly evil charicature of those of the Christian faith.

Sara.

-- December 31, 2006 8:54 PM ∞

---

Sara Madgid wrote:

It actually would be easier if the Scripture said.. cannot STAY IN SIN.. instead of cannot sin.. because that makes it seem like Christians are suddenly sinless. But the meaning is clearly what you experience - an inability to remain in a position of grieving the Lord and a flaming desire to please Him above all else. Holiness has a mark on the soul that cannot be matched by profession alone.

Sara.

-- December 31, 2006 8:57 PM ∞

---

Carole wrote:

Tim,

Thanks a bunch for your info and honesty.
The subject is so complex and subjective, that once again, I offer that anyone can make a point for or against it, financially. ethically, morally etc..
There probably is no real right or wrong to it.

You are at an advantage because your country is maintaining it's oil independence. The US and most of the world has to depend on the Middleast and their drilling efforts, and more than that their maniplualting the supply and demand equations.

Thanks again
Carole

-- December 31, 2006 9:05 PM ∞

---

scott wrote:

I have a question. For the people that have said the Dinar can not revalue X% to get to 1:1, I'm sure evryone here knows the current rate is a program rate. If you look at the notice to shareholders on the Bank of Baghdad site, and on the CBI website you will find that the reconized rate was set at .31NID or 3.22 US. Has anyone considered that maybe the dinar wil not revalue, but REVERT back to it's previous rate? Please be gentle on me, it is a legit question, I was just throwing it out there.

-- December 31, 2006 10:22 PM ∞

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Okie wrote:

Since none of you have offered to do it, I'm cooking up the ultimate good luck MoJo for the new year. As I've done all my life, I'll have some super deluxe blackeyed peas tomorrow, and as always, it will bring good luck and fortune for the coming year. Don't laugh...it's never let me down. My grandmother taught me how to cook the super deluxe version including the secret ingrediant. She lived to be 96 years old so it worked for her also.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

-- December 31, 2006 10:39 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Hi All,

Been some time since last, Saddam is hanged and Carole still seems to mention me in her posts more than often.

Saddam swinging will be a mark in time for the Iraqis.

Still, even as being detained, he was live and well in their minds. As dead, I'm not sure the realization of him being dead have really sunk in into most Iraqis.

His reign was that of terror suspicion, torture and execution for any and all imaginable reason. A regime that was based on a rule, mirrored after Stalins Soviet Union. A misplaced joke, a mistake, wrong familymembers, all was ground for being maimed or executed.

A car bomb is great media news, and the cameras are there, recounting the body parts for a chocked audience.

Saddams killings was institutionalized, no cameras was following the buses filled with women and children heading out to the desert for a waiting mass grave. They are still frequently finding mass graves, and Saddam seem to have a personal vendetta against women and children, they are finding those in unproportional numbers in the graves.

The numbers now generally agreed upon killed under his regime is about ONE MILLION of his own people, not counting the maimed and disfigured.

In comparison to the deaths happening there now, this seems like children's quarrel.

It certainly will make a mark in time for the Iraqis when he went. Much like Lincolns and Kennedys death, Pearl Harbor and Twin Towers, for us.

His presence was so distinct, even as incarcerated, that far fetched rumours was still around that he might be taken out of custody, and run the country in some form of coalition, just to straighten out a situation of some sort.

(Iraq is straightened out, and is doing good)

Except for some enclaves, there was no bigger celebration when he was hanged, it will probably for some take a day, a week and perhaps for some a month or so to realize that Saddams time is ended, and they are living in new times now.

That realization will free up a few more attention units for the Iraqis concentrating on present time.

The insurgency seem to poop out more and more, and with the Butcher of Baghdad gone, probably will slow down even more.

The forces facing Iraq is now mainly Sad'rs faction.

Sad'r a man seen in an interview as completely unable to stick to an issue, follow the concepts the reporter was asking, and in the middle of it all, accused all and everyone for stealing money, (including the reporter).

Sad'rs movement is a youth movement, and it will become more and more obvious for the followers that Sad'r himself is a propped up man, by the close clan that is using him, and in a real discussion he is coming across as a retard.

Young restless youth, will not in the long run follow a person that is being held up like in a masquerade, it's probably a matter of time until the Sad'rs movement is bursting.

Who will organize the youth, I don't know, but as in the university grounds in the 60's there will be a number of movements, never heard of before.

The movement to free Islamic terrorists from their oppressed Imperialistic colonisation driven capitalists.
The movement to induce justice to plantation workers in Brazil.
The Islam Cristian understanding group, for Homosexual Socialists in drag. motorcycle club.

You name it, it was there in the 60's, some militant but mostly intellectual discussion(endless) clubs.

All those movements are gone now, as the youth grew up got ulcers, and late payment reminders.

Nevertheless Sad'r s group, right now Iran's long arm into Iraq, have that future. Split, then split, then split, then gone.

Iran itself has it's own problems, apart from the fact that they are right now working against UN resolutions, they have a very old and sagging, oil production facility. Few outside companies are willing to seriously invest in Iran, as they went straight ahead and Socialized the oil industry some time ago, and on top of it all, their regime is not really a guarantee for anything, as they are so blatantly lying about their nuclear activities, they can not instill any business worthy trust in oil companies.

To make things worse, very few banks are dealing with Iran, and that is hurting them. The Iranians own oil production is day by day being eaten up by a growing domestic market, where oil is sold heavily subsidized, making no profit for Iran.

If the trend continues as is right now, in only 6-9 years from now, Irans oil consumption and oil production will be in par, meaning no oil money going to Iran.

So, that is Iran, our biggest adversary in the region, and their long arm into Iraq, AlSad'r.

On the other side of the spectrum, the Baath, party, desperately clinging on to the far fetched idea that Saddam will come back in one miraculous way or the other, just saw that hope swinging by the neck.

THAT is the current opposition in Iraq right now.

Now compared that with a booming Iraqi economy, their GNP was 13% this year, ( wish we would have that growth here, they are growing 4 TIMES as fast as we are). An economy where they were running a surplus already last year. (Hear that Dems and Reps), an oil production that is up to capacity already now, with their ageing equipment. They are running tops already now, with what they have, and the "Big Oil" have not even been there modernizing their rusty pipes yet.

So while the US public have been breast feed a complete disaster, by the MSM, the ambulance chasing reporters have completely missed out on a booming economy, and a prosperous Iraq.

So where does that leave us in the Dinar game....in a very very good position

The Dinar is, as an earlier consideration of mine, not only adjusting to the Dollar, it is doing great to any other currency as well.

Get em while you can.

-- December 31, 2006 11:09 PM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Happy New Year all,

Watching celebrations on TV, wish we all are celebrating the Dinar in the same way soon.

Dinar, our dream of the future, no matter what our motivations are, we wish it up and running in high territory.

It took years and years for it to start moving, many got burned out while waiting, names on this blog have come and gone, some are steady, biding there time.

I want to thank you all for the very interesting year that have passed, we're one year older, and richness in other forms than money have been growing on this site.

Thank you Kevin for keeping a site like this, it's now an institution, with over 660 thousands visitors, and counting.

Thank you friends and foe, for being there, being who you are.

We are a microcosm of humanity, and as we judge, we get judged. (damn, that's unfair)

Still when everything is said and done, it's always back to what that darn Iraqi Dinar is doing, hoping, projecting, wishing and prognosticating.

Statements from any Iraqi source is weighed on a golden scale, rumors are always dismissed, but followed with interest. ( just in case)

We have already done our contribution, we have worked, got our Dollar, and given them to the Iraqis for them to use in their newly founded democracy. In return we have funny looking currency notes, that is no more than a promise for the future.

I really wish for the Iraqis a prosperous year, they are a people that we are watching, commenting upon and have a real easy time doing Monday morning quarter backing about.

They need a break, they need a reval, a good economy, and a bunch of gun safety boxes with a combination lock that takes a week or so, to open.

Happy New Year to you all

-- January 1, 2007 12:57 AM ∞

---

Neil wrote:

I have about five minutes until my New Year's resolutiion takes effect, so I will agree with Carl that the US is about to bankrupt, trying to correct all the inequieties of the world. Iraq is the damdest drain on our economy as has ever been heard of and for what purpose. If I did not have money invested in the Dinar, I would say let those ignorant bastards kill themselves or do whatever they wanted to do and stop spending our money.

This new year will bring forth a new Neil. I am 71 years old and whatever affects me will also affect 300 million more people so I will no longer post negative comments. If everyone else is determined that anything we do is good, then I will also see it as good.

Look for a more congenial and approving Neil in the future.

At my age, the T&B is one of the highlights of my life and I thoroughly enjoy reading everything that is posted, so whether you agree or disagree with anything that I post, I am a commited member of this family and will be with you until the "Pig Roast".

-- January 1, 2007 1:11 AM ∞

---

Neil wrote:

I have about five minutes until my New Year's resolutiion takes effect, so I will agree with Carl that the US is about to bankrupt, trying to correct all the inequieties of the world. Iraq is the damdest drain on our economy as has ever been heard of and for what purpose. If I did not have money invested in the Dinar, I would say let those ignorant bastards kill themselves or do whatever they wanted to do and stop spending our money.

This new year will bring forth a new Neil. I am 71 years old and whatever affects me will also affect 300 million more people so I will no longer post negative comments. If everyone else is determined that anything we do is good, then I will also see it as good.

Look for a more congenial and approving Neil in the future.

At my age, the T&B is one of the highlights of my life and I thoroughly enjoy reading everything that is posted, so whether you agree or disagree with anything that I post, I am a commited member of this family and will be with you until the "Pig Roast".

-- January 1, 2007 1:13 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Neil,

You have all my respect, 71 years on this earth is a lot of ground covered.

You've sen a lot of things come and go, beginning and end of eras, one of my first memories was the Russian Sputnik, but by that time you were already a grown man.

I bow my head.

I am a very communicative person, but when I hear older men speak of a time past, I have a tendency to silence up, sharpen my mind and listen.

You know of times I don't know about, I wish we meet at the Roast, and I will listen to your time track.

Alternatively, if you don't want to dwell on the past, we can just get plain drunk, and leave it with that.

-- January 1, 2007 1:46 AM ∞

---

Laura Parker wrote:

All,

Happy New Year!

My family will be traveling back from Ohio tommorrow. I hope everyone had a good holiday. I know many of you guys will find themselves watching championship football games. And from experience, there are lots of games.

As for you ladies, there is always shopping!

Hope all is well with you and yours.

Laura

-- January 1, 2007 1:56 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Scott,

The statement of .31 Dinar to 3.22 Dollar as coming from an official site doesn't make sense, I've been punching them back and forth but it doesn't fit with anything.

The exchange rate, you will find them on the official site, that is CBI's exchange and auction site where the Dinar currently are sitting in a rest mode over the holidays over there, at a buying price of 1325 and a selling price of 1322 towards the Dollar. That is the official exchange rate, used in exchange for the Dinar, by banks and dealers in and outside of Iraq.

The current rate is a "program rate", in pure financial terms what exactly does that mean?

You can of course say that the Dinar is right now in a "program" of being upgraded to combat inflation, but that doesn't make the Dinar different in any way or form.

You can assign it a condition, or being in a zone, or something, but the difference is zil. It's like a school board "declaring the school grounds drug free zone" or a highway official wanting to collect more revenue "declaring a safety zone" of a certain stretch of highway, doubling the tickets.

You get the impression that schoolchildren will evaporate if they come to school with drugs, or that outside of the "safety zone" it's not safe no more.

So if anyone declare the Dinar being on a "program rate" doesn't mean anything other than someone have declared something about something. The Dinar is still doing the same thing and it's still the same currency.

For your proposition that the Dinar will revert to it's previous stage, and not reval at all.

For that statement I will ask you to do a bit of back reading, to see that this proposition is pretty much out in the blue, and would be very harmful to Iraq. I have so much to say on that , but I would rehearse so much old stuff gone over so many times, and leave it with saying that it would be an impossibility to revert into lower value. It's an up and coming economy, booming in many respects, and more exciting stuff is in storage for Iraq , especially this coming year. It's a resource rich country, not a dry desert nation in central Africa, selling salt and handwoven mats.

-- January 1, 2007 2:31 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

Okie,

I'm absolute certain that the beans eaten tomorrow will bring you luck, however, ......well it's a pretty big load of beans you know, and ....well, avoid packed elevators. Happy New Year to you Okie.

-- January 1, 2007 2:37 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Laura,

Happy happy, may the Dinar force be with you.

-- January 1, 2007 2:41 AM ∞

---

Roger wrote:

A perspective,

Think of salt grains, fill an Olympic pool (50 X 25 Meter) with that salt.

The amount of salt crystals in that pool represent as many stars ( or suns) that exist in this disc formed Galaxy alone.

The amount of Galaxies in (known) existence, coincide pretty much with the same amount.

So, the amount of stars existing would be as much as ONE GALAXY PER SALT GRAIN, found in the pool.

The possibility of life out there is enormous.

And we, have invested and are depending on a life form that beheads, shoot and car bomb anything that is disagreeable.

We sure picked a risky life form to invest into.

I'm sure there are other life forms out there.

My only problem is, how do I invest in them?

-- January 1, 2007 2:56 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

I agree with your scripture references. Actually in the Greek, the verb is an action verb, making the inclination that you point out...can not keep on sinning.

I don't watch TV much at all.
My husband watches CSI and I can only tolerate it for so long. I will admit that I am a FOX news addict. And I love the Dancing with Stars and the make over showa that give people new homes who have had tradgey in their lives.
I am surprised that Fox is making such horrible programs aimed at such blasphemous agendas. I thought it would be different since their cable news programs are much more leaned to the right.

As much as I hate the thought of my grandchildren so caught up in Video games ( my daughters carefully pick out what they can buy). Maybe it is better than letting them sit infront of the TV.

If you ask any of my grandchildren what their favorite TV program is they will always say"I love Lucy".

One of my grandaughters knows almost every script by heart. She is now 16.

I have 5 grandaughters and they are all beautiful, but I must say all a little on the "nerdy" side. I think I am grateful given the alternative for young female role models out there these days.

My oldest daughters were cheerleaders and very popular, in a public educational system, but in a small Mennonite community where it was "cool" to maintain your virginity and realy "cool" not to drink or do drugs.

Then we moved back to the LA area, and my last 2 daughters in high school were in culture shock, so we put them in Christian High School and it helped.

I'll share someday my greatest experience of living in the Sequoias for 5 years. We litterally bought a mountain and built a home on top of it. Me and my 5 girls My husband would come home on the weekends.
I became very ill and was forced to move back here where medical care was more accessible. I was angry for 3 years that I had to leave paradise.

Oh well it is almost 2007. I wish you God's best.

Happy New Years!

CArole

-- January 1, 2007 3:01 AM ∞

---

Anonymous wrote:

Okay! SO I am alittle bored!

Here's a recap of the last 7 days!

Posting data! Total 217

Scott-1
Big Bake-1
Thor-1
Nancy-1
Mad Brad-1
Hacket-1
Show me-1
Saddam-1
Sybil-1
Martin LK-1
Hopeful-1
Fred-1
Cmyr-2
David-2
Laura-2
Valerio-2
Peter-2
Vance-2
Dale-3
Neil-4
Seeker-5
Anthony-5
Robert S.-6
Okie-7
Annonymous-8
Panhandler-8
Willie-10
Carole-11**4 re:roger
Rob N.-13
Carl-15
Roger-15**5 re:carole
Tim-15
Chris-20

And the winner is*************

Sara-48!

THE MEDIAN IS 6.4 FOR 217 POSTINGS

And the conclusions for the last 7 days of the year on T&B are:

1. more drop in pOSters than anything else.

2. Postings about the dinar and related factors-45%

3. Roger and Carole are a match made in heaven, hell or somewhere.

4.Sara needs a job!

5. Chris, Tim, Willie, Carl, and Rob N. are the lettuce, tomatoe and pickles in this club sub- sandwich

6.Pan Handler, Robert S., Seeker, Anthony,Okie and annonymous are the mustard, mayo and catshup.

7.The rest are the salt and pepper.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

-- January 1, 2007 8:53 AM ∞

---

Carl wrote:

Carole:
Just to answer your confusion...
28 years Military Reserve...(12 US Army Aviation, Huey Helocopters,and Flight Engineer CH-54 SkyCranes transferred to Coast Guard in 1988...served Panama City Florida Search/Air Rescue and now Destin Florida Search/Air Rescue)
24 years Law Enforcement in Alabama total ...27 years ...3 Years Oklahoma City Police...Moved back to Alabama in 1972, Deputy Sheriff for rest of time... 24 years serving many different positions...

I can relate to your husbands attitude...Front Line Officers due to the nature of the job are full of Machoism a lot of the time...When female partners came on line...most of the men did not want them as partners simply, because of we knew what it was like to get into situations that even bigger, and stronger men than us had difficulty handling..
The result was King Units (4 men back up per Car) were utilized twice to three times more than they should have been. King Units are designed not for talk but pure physical force...when they arrived somebody got a ass whipping...

As your husband can attest too, Street Line Police work is about 80% watching and sometimes outright boredom...When the night gets long in the early morning hours boredom sets in...and when Female Pharomones and Machismo mix you get heat...and on occassion the female partner became that a "partner" in more ways than one...

Police Work is done differently today...more social work....talking, etc...Crime Rate has climbed drastically in certain parts....Personally...and I think your husband would agree... before a college professor can teach any law enforcement course, they have to ride the street for 1 year..I assure you...most of the BS they put out in the class would go into the file 13 basket..(We tried to get some of the professors to ride and they were too scared)
Street Work is about getting respect without demeaning...it takes times for the citizens of a community to know the officer...that is why walking beat officers were so affective...They now call it community policing, but with a different flare....Your husband did the right thing in retiring when he did...there comes a time when the Job just drains you..I got up one morning dreading to go into the station, because I was going to have to polygraph two young men who killed one of the others parents and baby sister...During the Post Polygraph Examine the young man, told me how they held HIS 5 year old sister on the bathroom floor. He told his sister, as he cut her throat it would not hurt much..He was glad when she quit screaming, then gurgling..
When I look back on it...I guess that was the straw that told me I did not want to do this anymore...and turned in my papers a month later...miss the guys, and emergency personnel I worked with...but not the Job..

To All
It is now 2007....nothing changes unless you change your thought process...so if you did not like some of your experiences in 2006...simply change how you think and follow the different thought process with action and words..
See what you create this year....I hope for each and every one of you..the created experiences make you wiser and brings fulfillment to your time on earth...

-- January 1, 2007 8:58 AM ∞

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Anonymous wrote:

Dated Dec 29

Iraqis Face Challenges Finding Work, Stabilizing Lives

In addition to the attacks and sectarian clashes that dominate the headlines in the worldwide media, the average Iraqi is also struggling with a difficult financial reality -- trying to find and keep a job, conducting everyday business and planning a future for their children in a nation wracked by uncertainty and violence.

"I think the daily life in Iraq was good in the beginning of the process of Iraq freedom," said Segvan Hassan, a 26-year-old Kurd who works as a trainer and supervisor at Iraq's Independent Electoral Commission. "After a few months it gets bad. Now it's [at its] worst."

Hassan's sentiments appear to echo those of other Iraqis, many of whom speak of the same growing frustrations: the cost-of-living increase has exceeded their salary growth rate, unemployment rates are high, lack of infrastructure forces reliance upon expensive generators and oil for electricity, and security concerns can make work a risky business.

Ayub Nuri, a 27-year-old Iraqi, is enrolled in a master's program at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York. A native of Kurdistan, he has traveled throughout Iraq as a journalist. According to Nuri, an Iraqi teacher would make the equivalent of $90 a month, but rent for a one-bedroom house is likely to be $300 a month.

"What about food, what about clothes, what about shoes, what about everything else?" he asked. "People are really depressed and disappointed."

The United Nations Development Program in 2005 published a survey on living conditions in Iraq taken between April and August 2004. Compared to the median per capita household income in 2003 which was roughly $255, the 2004 median income fell to $144.

One of the contributing factors to the drop in per capita income has been the steady rise in unemployment in nearly all parts of the country.

Under Saddam Hussein's regime, the government was the primary employer, particularly for those with college degrees. Baath Party members, in particular, were apt to earn higher salaries or have better opportunities. Today, estimates for the unemployment rate range from 20 percent to 60 percent, according to the Iraq Study Group's report.

Fueled by the high unemployment rate and continuing attacks in the southern parts of the country, large populations of Iraqis have left their homes in search of work, causing economic problems in parts of Iraq, such as Kurdistan, where there are more jobs and security.

"The bad situation going on in other parts of Iraq has made thousands leave the southern and center to come into the north to get employed," says Nuri. "There is a competition between people who come from other parts of Iraq and the local people for housing. The local people can rarely afford to rent. Thousands of laborers sleep in the street or in the park because the hotels are full."

Many Iraqis also express concern that foreign goods have flooded their markets, driving down prices and making it more difficult for local companies to compete.

"Brick, tailoring, textile factories have closed down because the Iraqi market has been occupied by cheap foreign foods or clothes," according to Nuri. "The government does not ban foreign things, does not supply factories with electricity or other goods. [Infrastructure] breaks damage the local industry and hundreds or thousands lose jobs."

At a farmers' market in Dahuk, the northern-most Iraqi province bordering Turkey, a 28-pound bag of potatoes from Iran sells for $3.33, a 55-pound bag of Syrian tomatoes sells for $2; a two-pound bag of local onions sells for 40 cents, which comparatively would make a 28-pound bag sell for $5.60.

Eric Nigh, vice president of corporate development at the Iraqi American Chamber of Commerce in Baghdad, attributed the cost-of-living problems in Iraq to bad security and infrastructure, as well as to the fact that living standards have increased.

Once Saddam's regime fell, the market became flooded with goods that were previously inaccessible, creating a desire for a higher standard of living, according to Nigh.

To repair some of these problems, the U.S. government launched a number of programs aimed at repairing the shattered economy.

The Agriculture Reconstruction and Development Program for Iraq has poured money and resources into the North of the country, hoping to repair the fragile agriculture business, the second-largest industry and employer behind petroleum.

In Dahuk, American agronomists have introduced T-trellising, drip line irrigation and new cultivation technologies in an effort to revitalize grape cultivation. ARDI also has donated $28.9 million to a tractor repair and renovation program.

USAID and the former Coalition Provisional Authority also have funneled more than $40 million to microfinance programs, which enable the very poor to take out small loans to start new businesses.

These programs have had some positive results. In 2006, the Southern province of Wasit harvested and shipped more than 110,000 tons of wheat and 90,000 tons of barley, a record crop for the province and four times larger than 2005's combined 48,000 tons, according to the U.S. Department of State.

In addition to development programs, the United States is encouraging private sector development and foreign investment, through organizations such as the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office, in hopes of transitioning the country's economy to a free market one. Under Saddam, most major industries were state controlled.

"We support Iraqis moving forward in many areas," said June Reed, a senior adviser with IRMO. "We look at it in many layers, taking a very broad view -- investment laws, the new security law. There are a variety of laws that have helped transform this very command control economy to a market-based one."

Reed said she believes that Iraq needs to fully embrace the global marketplace if the country is to compete, advocating that the unsteady state seek to join the World Trade Organization.

"It not only requires liberalization for certain laws and a free market, but it also provides specific protection if outside economies are dumping into your economy, you can take action," she said.

For free market advocates like Reed, it is about returning Iraq to its pre-Baathist days when there was a "robust, mercantile society with strong banks, and a full and open market competitive in a variety of industries."

But according to some Iraqis, returning to the past system will not be easy since many Iraqis have never known the culture of banking at all.

"Many know that there is something called a bank but are unaware of how it works and they do not trust it at all. People who have money, they keep it at home," said Nuri, the Iraqi journalist living in New York.

Reed noted that the number of deposits has "increased substantially" since the U.S. invasion, but that it is a "far cry" from everyone having savings and checking accounts, let alone credit cards.

But no matter how enthusiastically Iraqis embrace the free market, the struggle for stability remains the major stumbling block for many trying to live day-to-day in Iraq.

"I would prefer to be poor and safe, not to be rich and be afraid I'm being attacked for my money," said another Iraqi student living in New York City, who wished not to be identified for fear of repercussions against his family still living in Iraq.

-- By Stephanie Taylor, Online NewsHour

-- January 1, 2007 9:46 AM ∞

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Chris wrote:

Last post was mine

-- January 1, 2007 9:47 AM ∞

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Tim Bitts wrote:

Age variables and the future of the Iraqi Dinar:

One thing Iraq has going for it, is it's age. The average median age, in the population, is 19.7 years. The male median is 19.6, and the female median is 19.8 years. Also, about 40 of it's population is under 14 years of age, and less than 3% are over 65. In addition, the total fertility per woman is 4.18 children. In addition, it is worth noting that 56% of males are literate.

All of these basic stats have large implications, in my opinion. For one thing, the population, being very young, has a lot of energy. They can work hard, to rebuild their country. They can work very long hours. Young people rebound much quicker from stress and catastrophe than older people. They learn and adapt much quicker than middle age people. This is especially true of children, under 14, who make up 40% of Iraq's population. They will learn and rebound from the misery brought on by the war very quickly. There's a lot of them, so this means there is an aggregate bundle of youthful energy in Iraq, that will help them rebuild their economy, very quickly, with proper leadership.

Women in Iraq are still having a lot of kids, so that will mean that very quickly, the new generation will be able to put the past behind them, if properly led. The literacy rate is fairly high, and it should be something the government aggressively pushes upwords, in order to speed economic development. The small number of old people mean governmental resources can go to rebuilding the country, rather than looking after a large elderly population.

Compare that to Russia, another country that is resource rich and had to transition to a free market economy. The median age in Russia is 38. The fertility rate is 1.03 children per woman. Much of that population increase, it is worth noting, is coming from the small Muslim population within Russian, which has an average 4 children per woman. Before 1988, Russia had a fertility rate at replacement level. Now, the fertility rate is far below replacement level, and is in freefall. One million more people die each year in Russia, than are born. This trend will continue. Within 15 years, over half of Russia's population will be over 40, and 15% will be over 65. The average Russian woman has 6 abortions. Under these basic social variables, it is hard to be optimistic about Russia's future.

All these age variables mean Russia will have a hard time growing and adapting to changing economic conditions. With Iraq's much younger population, the opposite is potentially true for them. They should be able to adapt and rebound very, very quickly, if they are led properly.

These basic age variables are part of the reason I say Iraq has a very good chance of successfully embracing a free market economy, and getting rich. A young population, reasonably well educated, with the second largest supply of a very valuable commodity that the whole world runs on, has a potentially great future. Especially when the worldwide supply of that commodity is declining in availability, and demand for that commodity, crude oil, is rapidly increasing, and will continue to do so. For these reasons, I am very optimistic for the economic future of Iraq, and thus, for the dinar, and our investments.

Of course, all these age variables have a lot to do with the insurgency, as well, and what keeps it going. War and insurgency is a young man's game. With large numbers of healthy and energetic young men currently unemployed, some of these idle young men are siphoned off potentially useful roles, and into the insurgency, to cause trouble. This has to be addressed, so their energy can be used for constructive purposes. It should be a top priority of any reconstruction efforts in Iraq. So a very aggressive economic program, to get the young men working is a paramount consideration for the government.

-- January 1, 2007 2:19 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Carl,
Wow, what a career! My husband and you would have a lot to talk about. But then again most Policemen do. Never at a loss for stories to tell and share.

My husband started as a street cop. His fondest times are of when he walked a beat in Downtown Los Angeles. I think it was for about 5 years. At the end of that time he finished college under the GI bill. For the next 5 years he enjoyed several promotions until Affirmative Action hit the PD, and the women's movement went full speed ahead. In 1985 he was passed over for a Captain's postion.
Got the 3rd highest on the exam, but did not qualify to go forward for the oral because he was male and white. Got passed over for a 28 year old African- American women, who had only worked patrol for 4 years who had an AA degree from a local junior college.

He never filed for promotion again. LAPD had turned from a highly competitive promotional structure to an entitlement process.

He spent the rest of his time in a Child Abuse section out of Parker Center, working closely with the DA and Social Services.
Little by little they were replacing qualified cops with very unqualified civilians. The quasi-military environment was gone and buried forever, and the internal problems became a nightmare for upper supervisory positions. The Rodney King incident took the departments morale to an all time low. After 28 years ( he was still in the old retirement plan, which is 10x's better than the new state retirement plan, and he pulled the plug).

Earlier, he had a part time job working for Miramar studios as a security consultant. He now dabbles in that same kind of thing. Works about 20 hours or less a month. The perk
fromt that is that we get to go to the Academy Awards every year. We actually haven't been in several years ( about 4) because I have (hubby too) grown to despise the Hollywood scene.

I will always remember though, when we attended the event honoring John Wayne. We would always put ont he dog and rent a Limo. Because of my husband's connections, and a requirement that he was armed, a few times we got to walk the Red Carpet.
My kids were extremely entertained. It was so funny when the cameras would hit us getting out of our Limo and the dead silence or the fumbling for who we might be would start. We were nobodies, but for one night the masquerade was so much fun!!

My husbadn used to work for Leonard Goldberg, and he used to love to listen to my husbands stories about raising 5 daughters. So much so that he created a TV series called" The----------"
About a dad and his 5 daughters. We were very honored, but the show only lasted 8 weeks and was cancelled.

Yep! we have had a crazy but good life.
My husband, big, burly but distinguished looking in his own way and then me very short, barely 100 pounds after a big meal, always moving at the speed of light, tyring to look like a match. :}

Our first Academy we attended we went to Spagos afterwards. I was star struck. First, Sidney Portier ( spelled wrong, I'm sure) tripped over me and almost fell on top of me
( probably 6'5"). I was trying to get to see as many stars as I could. Then the highlight of my evening was when I walked by a table where Mary Tyler Moore was talking and smoking, I casually took her ashtray and hid it under my fur coat and proceded to the bathroom.
When I came out security was waiting for me, my husband had to rescue me and didn't speak to me for a week. I still have the ashtray!!I hid it in my bra!!

It was several years later that my husband finally recognized it in one of our curios---and didn't speak to me for another week!! :}

It is fun to reminesce, sometimes.

-- January 1, 2007 4:05 PM ∞

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panhandler wrote:

Carole: ask your husband if he knows Larry Fugatti. . .P.H.

-- January 1, 2007 5:05 PM ∞

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ET the Extra-Terrestrial wrote:

Roger, You have a good pointt. You humans are a nastey, quirky and unstable life form. As an investment, I think I'll pass. I watch you humans from afar, from the Quickson Omega III Galaxy, in the Crab Nebula, and look upon you Earthlings, through a Worm-Hole Telescope. You humans beens sure are interesting. Sorry if my Engwish not so good. I't my 1,147th language.

Live long and may the Dinar prosper! May the RV be with you!

-- January 1, 2007 5:12 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

UFO Over O'Hare Airport
Reported on Drudge Report....It seems several United Airlines Employees have reported a UFO over one of their gates...It was observed for quite sometime before streaking off....FAA first denied...then changed story once Freedom of Information Act Request filed...
Still Breaking........

-- January 1, 2007 7:46 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Nancy,
Are you still there?

I have been thinking about your posting. I so hope you will be able to capture your dreams when this dinar finally does something substantial.

One reason why I was thinking about you, because we got 2 of my daughters , I believe $1500.00 US dollars worth of DInar.

Here is what they plan to do. They are single parents of one 18 yr old boy each.

They plan to invest most of the dinar profit in Tax Free Insured municipal bonds, that will yield them and anual income as though they had a spouse, and still retain the principal. They struggle on one income and see the dinar as the answer to that struggle.

She , the owner has 3 offices, one in London, one in New York and one in Irvine, Ca.

As of about 6 months ago, I was her only client that bought Dinar!!! Scary Huh?

Well, there are alot of people here who have a lot of confidence in the Dinar. So, think positive!

Carole

-- January 1, 2007 7:52 PM ∞

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Rob N. wrote:

Nancy:

I apologize for not welcoming you sooner to our little corner of the Dinar world. I am so glad you have joined. In my opinion, you have made a wise choice in purchasing the Dinar. I will not rehash why I think it is a life chaning investment (no I am not a dealer). With all of that said. Welcome.

Thanks,

Rob N.

-- January 1, 2007 8:18 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

ET,

Well, you're welcome to drop in on earth on occasion, it's a spiritual dumping ground with a lot of oddballs, artists, criminals, geniuses, and party goers, but mostly the people here belong to the great grey mass.

The Crab Nebula is in our Galaxy. Can't be another Galaxy in the small cloud of an ancient supernova.

You're not fooling us Aprillo, your not from another Galaxy.....are you?

-- January 1, 2007 9:35 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Carl,

Are you joking? What is the Drudge Report?

Carole

-- January 1, 2007 9:59 PM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Carole:
No! Go to Drudgereport.Com...It has some very good news articles, plus has newpapers, magazines from all over...

-- January 1, 2007 10:21 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

:)

-- January 1, 2007 10:26 PM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Carl,
I found it and read the story.
Immediately reminded me of the scripture where Jesus is giving some of the events leading up to the end times:

Luke 12:19 " Nation will riswe against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various ( in the greek, this means places where these events are not common) and fearful events AND GREAT SIGNS IN THE SKY."
(some intrepretations read "heavens").

Make of it what you will.

-- January 1, 2007 10:42 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Carole,
Quot Erat Demonstrandum, expressed as an Axiom

-- January 1, 2007 11:06 PM ∞

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Mork wrote:

Roger,

Shazbut! You caught me! I am Mork, from the planet Ork. I am the Extra-Terrestrial. I'm not really ET. ET was a little brown man, who hid in closets. Sort of like Tom Cruise, with a tan!!!

You probably remember my TV show from the late 70s. Many Earthlings tuned into it. I'm not from the Crab Nebula. I only mentioned Crab Nebula, because I recently ate at Red Lobster, with Rosie O'Donnell.

Wait a second, I need to ask Orson something...Mork calling Orson, come in Orson.....

............Thank you, Orson, oh Magnificent Magnification of Mystery.

Roger, Orson says expect an RV in two years, or less....Thanks Orson

By the way, as is customary with the male of our species, I just layed a giant egg this afternoon, so my son Mearth will soon have a brother or sister.

I may look in on you Dinar Earthlings again.

Na-Nu-Na-Nu

-- January 1, 2007 11:41 PM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Mork,

I knew you were one of those Ork guys, and we're well aware of the Mork family, Gotta have everything bolted down when you're kind is around.

Running around on inter galactic flea markets, setting up tent, selling predictions of the future, for a piece of Gold or Herring, Orson is just another of your family member dressed up in a Turban and a Chrystal ball on the table.

Whats worse, rumor has it, that some people going in to your tent for a future reading never comes out, and by coincident, your family always have a Barbie those evenings.

-- January 2, 2007 12:57 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Martin,
What exactly are you trying to say ????

-- January 2, 2007 1:55 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Ummm, Roger.. let me guess.
What came to mind when I read martin's post? Well..
Since a martin is a kind of weasel.. is he saying he is a weasel?

http://nicelytoasted.net/YerenAnimalRef/images/stone_martin.jpg

Habitat:
This large relative of the weasel lives in forests - especially evergreen ones. It is extremely lithe and agile, and spends much of its time up in trees, jumping from one to another, climbing up and down and rarely reaching the ground. It builds a den in an abandoned hole in a tree (if it can find one). As the name of this species suggests, it's range extends beyond the point where trees give up and become large bushes and scrambles over the rocky slopes in search of small squeaky prey.

http://nicelytoasted.net/YerenAnimalRef/carnivores.htm

Sounds to me like it is something that crawled out from under a rock..
they are nocturnal creatures, you know.

"The weasel, which preys on mice, rats, birds, and rabbits, is largely nocturnal. Extremely agile, it attacks animals larger than itself."
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761560270/Weasel.html

That was my impression.. was it yours as well?

Sara.

-- January 2, 2007 2:42 AM ∞

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Roger wrote:

Sara,

I was thinking more in line with an echo chamber, in the head, making an original thought and insult bigger by endlessly repeating it, believing the original effect will be multiplied at each salvo, like a broadside compared with a single shot. This in combination of eye/ hand coordination disability, hypnotic finger fixation on the keys, seeing the text multiplying on the screen, unable to control the hands, as the imagination have taken full control, he is sitting and imagine himself laying a bomb carpet........ completely hypnotized...... He's completely unable to cause anything in his own life, or must put enormous effort to do so.

So when he finally get to say anything he either screams, are angry, or spray paint a wall somewhere, in order to even come close to be able to communicate a thought.

His mom or dad, or a combination of both have been running him all his life, and the only real control he have in life, is the throttle of his car.

Combine this with an ego bigger than his balls, and you get a very intelligent statement from this man.

-- January 2, 2007 3:52 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Martin,

What in the world provoked you?

Maybe you don't like policemen?

We have found that most that do not like the police have had their share of trouble with breaking the law and getting caught. SOmehow that is the policeman's fault. Right?

Or never graduated from the suckling stage of develpoment.

Panhandler,

My husband does not recognize the name, but is not good with names, but never forgets a face.

Well, the flu bug must have finally left, feeling better and back to being awake when most Californians are asleep!

Carole

-- January 2, 2007 4:27 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara,

I was not feeling well and never responded to your post about why I was putting you in a category " phlegamatic" and me "sanguinistic".

Carl was right, this was not my dreamed up analogy.

Several years ago, I believe it was one of the Le Hays's that wrote a book that became very popular in adult Bible studies called "The spiritual temperaments" or something like that.

It was biblically grounded and referenced several different bible characters and personalities. It ascribed to the theory that all peoples have an inate type of these temperaments.

I think it was Chris who said that most people are a combination of at least 2.

I'm sure I have the book in my library somewhere. If I find it or if anyone knows it, I wished to give you the name. I think you would really enjoy it.

I remember in my Sunday School, we all shared what we thought eachother's temperament was. I was told by several that I was definitely a sanguinistic type. Each temperament has a down side and a up side.

Peter, is the unique character of the sanguinistic temperament. I remember not being too happy about it, as he was the one who denied Jesus. But then as it went on it explained how Jesus loved him in a special way---and I felt alittle better. :}

I think their are 4 or 5 temperaments, I just rememeber, Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Choleric...and that is all I can remember.

I think the time frame of this book and study was in the 80's. I look it up.

From what I remember, one can not change their temperament. And none was " better" than the other.

I would have liked to have been known as a phlegmatic---but no such luck!!! :}

We are all sort of stuck with what we are, but I rememeber the book pointed out the beneifts of recoginzing who we are and understanding the intents of God as He formed us.

It is funny, because someone described me as "wearing my feelings on my sleeve". That is very typical of a sanguine.

Carole

-- January 2, 2007 4:58 AM ∞

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Carl wrote:

Mar.....tin? MMMAARR..tin?

How many times have you been told NOT to stand on the keyboard?

-- January 2, 2007 5:22 AM ∞

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Carole wrote:

Sara:

Well, I just went on the google search and found a very intersting article about Tim Lehay's books on the Four Temperaments. The article is titled Le Hay and psychohersy.

My time frame was way off--the 1960's.

The article is quite negative regarding the research, or lack of, in Le Hays writings. In fact the theory of the temperaments is quite old and is derived from ancient ocult traditions.

At any rate, I think maybe Le Hay found something of interest that heweaved into the Christian human experience, since his points are well taken. The problem seems to be that he sited his work as spiritual truths. I think this is where the author of the article takes objection as well as Le Hay did not document well, the background of his research, and the author sort of suggests a bit of plagerism.

Oh well, I live and learn. I part ways with the Le Hay's on other issues anyway- like what "spirit-filled" means.

In the absence of Dinar news, I hope I haven't violated the essence of Kevin's Blog site too much.

Carole

-- January 2, 2007 5:25 AM ∞

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DALE wrote:

MARTIN,
ARE THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY IDIOTS TOO?

-- January 2, 2007 6:16 AM ∞

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Lance wrote:

Well isn't this interesting. Been away from the net for 4 months (having to use Army Computers in Iraq that did not like or approve of this site at all) and not much has changed except Sara has returned. Some newbie's and many of the same old hangers on. Sorry to inform all you old timers to T&B, but My Hair Shirt (Fred) was KIA just south of Diwaniyah about 3 months ago. He didn't make, but I did barely becausing I was wearing him. Luckily Fred had Steel plates in him. As James Bond says -Shaken, Not Stirred.

Nothing else new from Southern Iraq that you all haven't heard or talked about. Should be on every once and a while now that I have access to a Freedom of Speech (Evil, Overpaid, and Fat Contractor) computer again, at least occasionally.

Now,"Unto the breech, once more".

-- January 2, 2007 8:16 AM ∞

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Sara Madgid wrote:

Poll for the coming year..

In light of the recent posts by and about ET and a somewhat credible UFO siting (If you want my opinion, well, I think that what is being seen - the beings/UFOs - are present in extra dimensional space - the sort of space predicted by String Theory in physics - and that, therefore, it is not that we are having visitations from "other planets". Little things like NOT seeing the UFOs coming TOWARD our galaxy/solar system with telescopes but only seeing them in our atmosphere AND the fact that only SOME people can see them even standing side by side with others who cannot see them at all, makes this a more likely and plausible explanation to my way of thinking for this phenomenon - since extra dimensional space can be "opened" to a person or "closed". Dabbling in the occult will open those doors (remember my mentioning a hallway with doors?), but God says these kinds of "openings" also allow the person to be harmed by nasty beings on some of the extradimensional planes. "Visions" and certain dreams from God are also openings onto certain extra dimensional levels..) - as for polls of public opinion on this topic (and other more major ones) I found it interesting that 19 percent think we will find evidence of ET life this year, 25 percent are expecting Jesus to return.. (remember, He said no one knows the day or hour, but it is interesting to note) - only 29 percent think the US will withdraw the troops, but a definitely larger number with 35 percent expect a military draft under the Democratic Congress - the same figure given for those hoping for a cure for cancer.. all interesting "minor" opinions.

On the majors:

50 - Just under half the public think it likely the U.S. will go to war with Iran or North Korea. Should it come down to that, 40 percent think the battle will be with Iran while 26 percent said North Korea.

60 - Six in 10 people think the U.S. will be the victim of a terrorist attack. An identical percentage thinks it likely that a biological or nuclear weapon will be unleashed somewhere else in the world.

70 - Seventy percent of people in the U.S. predict a major natural disaster in the country and an equal percentage expects worsening global warming.

80 - Eight in 10 people predict lawmakers will raise the $5.15-an-hour federal minimum wage

===

The telephone poll of 1,000 adults was conducted Dec. 12-14 by Ipsos, an international polling firm. The margin of sampling error was plus or minus 3 percentage points.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061231/ap_on_re_us/2007_predictions_ap_poll

-- January 2, 2007 8:25 AM ∞