61. If the American people were united 3 years ago to support the war in Iraq, do you think the present insurgency in Iraq would exist?

Charles C. Cullari at 9:09AM on Nov 1st 2006

62. Dear Mr. Donaldson,

Question: If the old saying is so,"War is money", who do you think are making the biggest deposits and does that affect how long our presence will be in Iraq?

Respectfully,

Cydney Skorr

Cydney Skorr at 9:10AM on Nov 1st 2006

63. Sam,
To say the main stream media is objective is an insult to my intelligence. Given the coverage of CNN, New York Times and Washington Post on the election season, the President, our government, or the war, there is nothing but a constant roar of negativity. Would it be too much to ask to have positive slants on these fronts? Or does our media confuse contrariness with objectivity?

Adam Morse at 9:21AM on Nov 1st 2006

64. Why does our government subsidize the two party system by funding primary elections?

Michael J. Gamble at 9:28AM on Nov 1st 2006

65. Mr Donaldson there is a question I have been long waiting to hear an answer to, and that is " As many country People such as myself " would put it. How Many out of all the 3 Branches of Government, Have a dog in the hunt? Or better put how many of this group have sons daughters grandchildren In Iraq fighting? Not just tucked away in the so called green zone? Second I would like to know of all the right wing " Standing up for what's Right " Talk show host have had combat experience or even served in the Armed forces? Has Rush ? Or Hanity? Or any of them ? If they are so greatly concerned about the freedom and security of this country, and equate this to WWII, Why do We not see them volunteer like we saw Jimmy Stuart and so many others do, in that time of need. OR is it as I suspect. That they were tucked nicely away at college of some elite university. Or to bizzy making themselves wealthy off the backs of the true Pat's who went. I am neither for democrats or republicans. But I find that when I search for those who have loved ones in harms way I find darn few, Of those serving the 3 branches of gov. Or the media for that matter.
I have a nephew who turned 16 last September, and more than likely if he wants a education he will have to do like all of our family has, join the armed forces to afford an education. From my grandfathers and grandmothers to my parents, Myself , and siblings. All have paid our time and duty to the country by service in the Military.
I am appalled by the lack of how many who lead, or try to influence, have not earned the right to critique those who have been in the Hunt. Tillman gave up so much to go fight after 9/11 That is an American patriot without any doubt. Why don't some of those who make such votes as to go to war not have relatives in such places? I think it should be required that you have a dog in the hunt to be allowed to vote on going to war or sending troops into harms way. To me Kerry and Mc Cain earned there rights to say what they wish about it. Rush L. Shawn H. and all the other copycats who have lived a life of safe security because of there service. Are in no position to pontificate about war, when more than likely they never been called upon to use a compress bandage or drag a fallen loved one out of the line of fire. Karl Rowe have you? Don R. have you? Dennis H. Have you? Do any of you have children or grand kids who have had to? Or to listen to the nightmares these men and women go thru even a half century later. My father from Korea, Grandfather from WWll, Brother from Granada, and so on. So Kerry is right to some respect on education and the military. Only the rich and powerful keep there kids safe by paying for school out of pocket.
But honestly Sam I would really like to know the numbers of those who have served in combat or now have an offspring in the line of fire.

Ana Dickenson at 9:32AM on Nov 1st 2006

66. President Bush and his apologists may interpret Kerry's comment as derogatory of our troops; all thinking persons know Kerry was making a sarcastic reference to an obvious inequity in the "voluteer" army. Regardless, the weight of public criticism should remain on the failed policy, not Kerry's failed comment.

Michael J. Gamble at 9:27AM on Nov 1st 2006

67. Why can't we stop with all the negative campaigns. We the American people need to wake up and elect all new parties on both sides. The vote is powerful.

Debra Zahedi at 9:47AM on Nov 1st 2006

68. It's a shame that so many people in America cannot see the real reason for us going to Afganistan & Irag. Bush has said it several times but it seems that the average person in America cannot pick up on it. I'll explain before I reiterrate the reason for which Bush has stated time and time again.
If you look at television commercials now, you will notice that the majority of them are geared towards the "lowest common denominator". In other words, they have to be extremely simple to be able to capture the most people to buy their product. 41 cent little boxes talking to a customer at the gas station, plastic shrinking to nothing in a doctor's office, etc...commercials that even a first grader can understand. And Kerry has the gaul to insult the intelligence of troops overseas that depend on that intelligence and skills to stay alive against expert murderer's?
Bush has stated over and over again that we are in Irag because we would rather fight the terrorists there... than in our own country. It's like luring mice to a mousetrap. I find it incredible that Bush has been so successful to not allow one single terrorist attack in the U.S. since 9/11. Why would I "ever" vote for any soft on security democrat when the Republican's have "proven" to me that they can do the extraordinary job of keeping my family and I safe in my own home?
I was drafted in 1972 because my parents did not have the money for college and "not because I didn't study nor do my homework". Nixon called the war off 2 weeks before I was set to ship out to boot camp. Then I volunteered in 1975 for an infantry division in the Army. I joined because I wanted the G.I. bill to be able to go to school after my ETS and "not because I didn't study nor do my homework". In 1981 I was hired by the USPS for one of 3 jobs against 4000 people that took the postal test. The extra 5 test points that I received for my military time put me over all those people. In 1983 my wife and I bought our first home with a Veteran's loan. We couldn't afford a down payment, so Uncle Sam helped us. Now 26 years later, my wife and I have been retired for years and own our third home in upstate NY. overlooking Seneca Lake. If I hadn't of joined the military, my wife and I wouldn't be where we are today. So in all actuality, I believe that I was much smarter in the long run, than a majority of the people who "studied hard, did their homework and had parents rich enough to pay the difference that scholarships did not cover. All this and I was also able to send my daughter through 4 years of Elmira College in NY, from which she graduated in 2004.
So, can you honestly say that it was lower intelligence that caused me to join the Army? I think not.

Joe Statkus at 9:36AM on Nov 1st 2006

69. I think that everybody in America knows that John Kerry wasn't taking a shot at our troops. This just goes to show that maybe he should leave the joke making to Jay Leno, and he stick to what he is really good at, whatever that is.

Thank you.

Thomas H. Evans at 9:38AM on Nov 1st 2006

70. This plan has been endorsed by the South Jersey Jewish, Catholic, Muslim Tri-faith group and published by the local newspaper.


THIS IS NEITHER A “CUT AND RUN” OR “STAY THE COURSE” SOLUTION

THIS IS “OUT OF THE BOX”THINKING SOLUTION. PLEASE READ IT SERIOUSLY AND THINK ABOUT IT CAREFULLY. I CAN EXPAND ON IT


AN ABRAHAMIC SOLUTION FOR ESTABLISHING PEACE IN IRAQ

The number 40 is "divinely" significant in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Moreover, forty days of perseverance and prayers has been known to yield the desired change among the faithful. Therefore, this might very well be the formula for bringing peace to Iraq.

Iraq has experienced too much violence and killing.

Under the present Iraqi government the killing fields have not become valleys of peace. The publicized goal of the insurgents is to end the occupation by the coalition forces. And the only way they know how to reach this goal is to resort to violence.

However, the Bush administration is in no hurry to prematurely depart and let Iraq become a future breeding ground for terrorists like Afghanistan in the eighties. The American people are increasingly tired of the war and also want to exit Iraq. They want a withdrawal timetable. But they also realize that pulling out immediately is not the right thing to do.

Hence, we are stuck in the proverbial catch-22 situation. One option is to maintain the status quo by “staying the course”. This will result in more Iraqi and coalition deaths and destruction. The second option is to crush the insurgents. This does not seem possible because Iraqi security forces are weak. The coalition forces are also unable to crush the insurgents despite its superior might.

But there may be a third solution, an Abrahamic solution to this catch-22. This Abrahamic solution consists of 40 days of prayers and practice with a genuine desire to change. As a Muslim, I have been taught that if one has a strong desire to change one’s behavior, then one should implement the desired change for a period of 40 continuous days. Coupled with prayers, this practice would result in Allah blessing the true believer with the desired change.

Why 40? Because the number 40 has “divine” significance among the three Abrahamic faiths. In Genesis, the flood was brought about by 40 days and nights of rain. The Hebrews spent 40 years in the wilderness before reaching the promised land. Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the Ten Commandments. Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness in preparation for his ministry. Lent is the period of 40 days, which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Prophet Mohammed became the messenger of Allah when he was 40 years old. The Muslims are required to give 1 out of every 40 as zakaat or charity and so on. Moreover, under the guidance of their religious leader, the Dawoodi Bohra Shia Muslim sect celebrates 40 days of prayers called “Ayyamut Taabuddat”, every year even today.

How does one apply the Abrahamic solution to the Iraq situation? The Iraqi government can implement it by asking their countrymen to completely refrain from violence for “40 continuous weeks”. It should ask the Iraqis to return to the mosques for prayers.

In return for peace, the government should make a solemn promise that if complete peace prevailed for 40 continuous weeks it will ask the coalition forces to leave immediately. Further, as an incentive, it should promise that after the first ten weeks of peace it will make an initial request to the coalition forces to commence their departure plans, after twenty weeks start making actual moves, and so on to provide encouragement to establish peace.

This is not a capitulation to the insurgents. The insurgents have to deliver on peace first before coalition forces depart.

Why will this simple solution work? It will work because it is an Abrahamic solution and therefore Islamic solution for change. The Iraqis are adherents of Islam. Their faith shall drive them to implement it. Non-Muslims have started to believe that Islam is associated with violence. This is a challenge for the true believers in Islam to help change that perspective by associating Islam with peace and prayers. If the Iraqis accept this solution then the whole world can start praying with them for 40 weeks. The world has relied on guns and bombs for a long time to bring about changes. Let us rely on the power of prayers. There is nothing to lose, everything to gain.

Now, consider some what-ifs. What if the insurgents return to violence after our coalition troops depart? Most likely they will not because the dynamics of the society would have changed removing the support the insurgents currently enjoy. Furthermore, the reason for current violence will be non-existent because the coalition forces would have left. Finally, the United Nations troops can move in to maintain peace if needed.

The United Nation, the world media, the anti-war coalition, and religious groups can all band together around this solution. They can demand it happen. With enough support, it can work. I believe it will work because 40 has “divine” significance. It is time for peace.

Authored by: Quresh Dahodwala, Cherry Hill, NJ 609-892-4272

Quresh Dahodwala at 9:47AM on Nov 1st 2006

71. How is it that the Republicans are demanding an apology from Senator Kerry for making a stupid remark and not so funny joke when Bush and his cronies say dumb things all of the time, attack people character and oh did he apologize for continually lying to the world that we went to war because of WMD's? Did he apologize to Ms. Sheehan for her son getting killed/murdered in the IRAQ war? What's more insulting - a bad joke or people dying and being lied too? Republicans - did you apologize for one of your own making inappropriate comments and contacting minors? NO. Did you apologize to all of the displaced families from Hurricane's Katrina and Rita for failing to provide adequate emergency assistance thru the failed FEMA program? NO. Get off the high horses you rode in on and come back to reality. It was a stupid joke - not a person's life or well being. Get over yourselves already.

Kerri at 9:48AM on Nov 1st 2006

72. Well since we haven't had another terrorist attacks, thanks to P/Bush. GOD help us if the demon-crats take over the houses. Why do the demon-crats always fight with the Republicans? They where voted in to help the voters but all they do is try to stop P/Bush for doing what the people want and that is a Safe USA>

Paul Pemberton at 10:03AM on Nov 1st 2006

73. Mr.Donaldson;
The liberal media (New York Times, CNN, NBC, CBS
and ABC)would be more believable, if they would stop manufacturing news, and just report the news.

D. Eldon Anderson at 10:04AM on Nov 1st 2006

74. Clearly, ALL the major news networks have there own political agendas. How is this country going to move away from this situation to media that does not assert its own bias into their reporting.

Jim Weddell at 6:36PM on Nov 1st 2006

75. I have to agree with many of the comments I've read so far asking if the media is more for the terrorists or for America. I have several loved ones serving in the armed forces in Iraq and they report that things are indeed changing for the better, but the press only wants the stories that will make the war seem fruitless.
Why is it that the American media is unable to report the same unbiased stories as the BBC does? I personally rely more on BBC News because I know it's not being editorialized, it is straight NEWS. (WHAT A CONCEPT!)

Deborah at 2:41PM on Nov 1st 2006