Turmoil in the Holy Land
Posted By RichC on July 18, 2006
I’ve been saddened by the destruction and killing taking place in Israel and Lebanon while slowly coming to the conclusion that a negotiated peace is not possible. It is interesting to compare what is happening in the middle east to what is proposed by those in the US with a more ‘liberal’ point of view in dealing with terrorists and the nations that welcome them. (I’m referring to those with the political hands off or isolationist approach to world affairs)
I’ll start by assuming that ‘most normal people’ in the world want peace? To achieve this, there has to be some acceptance that they must live and operate with other countries, races, political views and religions on this planet. For decades now, peacemaker after peacemaker has talked with both the Arabs and Israelis in hopes to build a bridge to peace. They’ve worked with leaders on both sides time and time again to move toward some agreeable solution for people to live together. Ever since Israel’s ‘forced’ occupation, (6-day war when they were attacked), many have tried to negotiate their pull back from these territories and allow Arabs to freely govern themselves. It was not something Israel felt comfortable in doing … for the very reason we see today. Yet over time, each peacemaker convinced them that the only way to have a chance for peace was to give up control and this land. Slowly they made agreements and took multiple steps in giving those living in this area a chance. Unfortunately the agreements made on Lebanon’s part 6 years ago, and most recently the good faith on the Palestinians part have only allowed for a stronger terror element to operate freely within those areas. The radical arm grew, with support from other Arab countries, and they were permitted to take control with little more than lift of a finger from those desiring peace. (other Arab countries included)
Sadly in this area (and perhaps others), those Arabs desiring peace, must work and fight for to press for it. I’m referring to those decent Lebanese and Palestinians who by doing nothing allow Hamas and Hezbollah to operate and grow in their country. I’m also referring to those countries to those funding and supplying their weapons, although the assumption is that a significant number of people from Iran and Syria approve. No matter how you look at Israel turning policing power back over to Arabs, little was done to prevent terrorists operating within … or perhaps very few actually desired to stop them?
What can we (the US) learn from this?
First, a hands-off approach to countries permitting terrorists to infiltrate their country, train and carry out attacks doesn’t work. (Israel, under the guise of a peace settlement, was talked into trying this again and again — yes I know “Blessed are the peacemakers.”) Unfortunately when you’re negotiating with religious radicalism, one must realize they do not want peace. When you are negotiating with countries and leaders permitting terrorists safe-havens, you are often talking with people who beyond talk of peace are actually approving of what radical Muslims do to Jews and infidels. Unfortunately it is an issue that very little ‘leave them alone’ style peacemaking can change.
I’ve concluded that no real peace can exist in a country or territory that allows radical Muslims to spread their hate through terrorism. It is a cancer that must be removed before a country can govern itself or has the wherewithal to continue to eliminate the scourge.
The space shuttle Discovery landed safely at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 9:14 AM after a successful 13-day mission and hopeful return to future flights. NASA has been overly cautious since the 2003 Columbia disaster. The mission demostrated the success of the new ‘arm’ that can reach all parts of the shuttle while in space permitting repairs if it should be necessary. According to NASA, the improve foam on the shuttles external tank worked well and most hope that problem is behind them. The six-member crew are in excellent spirits and if it were not for drumbeat of war in the middle east, America’s focus would have certainly offered them more attention. Nevertheless, congratulations from from this American on mission accomplished to both the crew and all who made STS-121 successful.
Although I didn’t comment about 
That was painful. I upgraded both my server and my version of 
According to my buddy Dieter Zetsche, head honcho over at DaimlerChrysler, the new BLUETEC 3.2L engine will be put in the E-Class sedan, the R-Class tourer, ML-Class SUV and new GL-Class full size SUV. While I’m interested in all 4, only two of them come close to replacing the cargo and people carrying ability of the minivan — and I really don’t want another van. It looks as if the GL offers the most room and a macho-ness that someone coming from a kid carrying minivan ‘needs’ when dealing with a looming mid-life crisis. With an outstanding towing capability, it also functions as a ‘real’ cargo U-Hauler for moving kids to college and from one apartment to the next. The diesel option, said to be coming sometime in the 2007 model year, looks to be the only option for me and my biodiesel desires. According to Zetsche, the Bluetec-equipped GL-Class will get 26 mpg. Not to bad for such a big vehicle. Who knows where the price will be, but like I said, I’m ‘just looking’ and starting at the top.
My second ‘just looking’ choice is the R-class cross over wagon-ish ‘tourer’ as Mercedes Benz calls it. It to will also get the Bluetec diesel sometime next year and if it is matched to the current 7 speed transmission should even improve on the GL’s 26 mpg boasting. The R class hugs the ground a bit more, offer tremendous amounts of space and comfort and offers a ride close to the S class luxury sedan. (driven a gas version) Its an impressive car and is currently the best vehicle for the money that Mercedes sells in my opinion. It will be worth a close look when the diesel arrives. Again no prices or firm dates.
Here’s a “what I did over my summer vacation” summer camp type story … only it wasn’t me. (my life is a bit dull in comparison to my teenage son)
My son returned this past weekend full of the stories and camp comradely often part of team building and in-depth time together. From inspections, to marching drills and heavy physical training, it was about what I expected from a group of future and ex-military folks; there was no soft-selling the program. The days were broken down into learning tasks centered around leadership and the development of those qualities. 
There were several joking slides of things like squirrels with a rocket launcher to black bears with smiley face hats. Then the most ‘serious danger’ … a photo of a Vermont hippie with the long hair, peace signs, etc.
One vehicle that will be available according to the Chrysler Group is the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV. Its a full size Sport Utility Vehicle with some heavy duty features unlike many in the current crossover vehicle trend. Unfortunately with that ‘heavy duty’ comes reduced efficiency even with the Mercedes 3.0-liter common rail turbo diesel (CRD) engine. According to press releases, the new Jeeps should arrive at dealers during the first quarter of 2007 making them one of the few diesels available. (Mercedes is promising several diesels in the US next year too … from the E class sedan, to the R class crossover and the M and GL class SUVs.) 
Tobia Bucknell of 
Frank Giovinazzi pointed out in 
I’ve been battling a storm water problem since we built our house and every year tweak my existing water routing plan contemplating new ways to deal with it. I spotted a “