Notes: On how the people in America and in Gaza are brothers and sisters

On how the people in America and in Gaza are brothers and sisters
A logical proof:
1. I am an American currently living in the center of Brussels. Perhaps half of the dealings I have each day are with Muslims from countries like Morocco, Pakistan, and Turkey, whose shops I visit and whose services I use. [...]

Notes: the spiritual children of Abraham should not battle each other

Some entries in this blog are formal articles. Others, like this one, take more the form of working notes, outlines for later development, or ‘thinking out loud’. Some are complete, and some are just sketches. For now I will label such entries as ‘Notes’.
I am aware of and distressed by the [...]

Comments on “A Common Word between Us and You”

Comments on “A Common Word between Us”
In October of 2007, 138 Muslim leaders, clerics, and scholars published an open letter to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI titled, A Common Word between Us and You. The letter was unambiguously positive and well motivated. The summary of the letter states succinctly (and correctly): “The future [...]

A Reply to Osama bin Laden

A Reply to Osama Bin Laden
John S. Uebersax PhD
Preface
Following the attacks of September 2001, Osama Bin Laden has delivered several addresses to Americans (e.g., October 2004; April 2006; September 2007). Since the American people themselves, and not their government or corporations, were addressed, and further since the people were the victims the attacks, I, as [...]

Renew America and the World Will Follow

When I came to Europe to visit I hoped I’d to find many good ideas I could take back to the US — new concepts and paradigms for the future. What happened is almost the reverse — the experience made me see appreciate the importance of our leadership role.
Yes, we have difficulties and make mistakes. [...]

The ‘American Library’ of Leuven

The ‘American Library’ of Leuven
Recently, while living in Belgium, I found myself in great need of a large research library. Investigating the possibilities, I soon learned that the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL) had such a library — with Leuven being just 20 few minutes away from my residence by train.
Entering the foyer of [...]

Stop Blaming Bush!

The New York Times lead editorial for January 11, 2007, titled, “The Real Disaster”, stated:
“The disaster is Mr. Bush’s war, and he has already failed. Last night was his chance to stop offering more fog and be honest with the nation, and he did not take it.”
I must protest this point. While I’m no fan [...]

The Kucinich Plan For Iraq

Rep. Dennis Kucinich has drafted a plan for ending the US military involvement in Iraq.
http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_rep__den_070108_the_kucinich_plan_fo.htm
“There is a compelling need for a new direction in Iraq, one that recognizes the plight of the people of Iraq, the false and illegal basis of the United States war against Iraq, the realities on the ground which make a [...]

News: Roman Colosseum - Protest Against the Death Penalty

Credit is due the mayor and people of Rome for speaking out against the death penalty.
As the Roman Colosseum is a place sanctified by martyrs’ blood, may the demonstration have the force of prayer.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,,21023287-5005961,00.html
ROME lit up the arches of its ancient Colosseum at dusk overnight to protest against the death penalty after Saddam Hussein’s hanging, [...]

Capital Punishment - Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti and Awad Hamed al-Bandar

I protest the planned use of capital punishment in the cases of Barzan Ibrahim al-Tikriti and Awad Hamed al-Bandar.
Both men were convicted in connection with the killing of 148 men of the city of Dujail and with other reprisals against the civilian population of the city following a failed assassination attempt against Saddam Hussein in [...]