Thank you for this. I have only one thing to add: that people also have the right to not practice any religion at all. It's not just that no one religion ranks over any other, it's also that religion itself doesn not rank above those who may not practice at all. Some people believe in a higher power and just don't prescribe to any particular organizations definition of that higher power. Some people believe there is no higher power. We all have the right to practice--or not--in our own way.

This was the most compitent post I have read sooooooo far!! I knew you were a smart cookie.

"As for your kids fighting, do what I did, I took the outside and said "whoever survives gets to come back into the house". You should've seen their faces...priceless!" That was GREAT. Thanks for the tip. I will have to try that. Have a great weekend and thanks for taking the time to listen to my side and experiances. This forum was actually the first place and time I have ever discussed it. It was very healing in a way. And thanks for being a much better person then what I have experianced. I didn't realize people like that still existed. It does my soul good to see that there still are people who can love each other without condoning or accepting what they feel is morally wrong. I needed to learn that lesson today. T.

I agree with you 100% on Afghanistan and Bin Laden. I definately agree that Bush dropped the ball on that! And as for 9/11 I was one of those who was naive and thought "can't happen here" type of thinking. And even after I thought it was just a one time thing. But since then, I have actually seen some terrorist activity happen right here in Utah where I live. I don't know how much it got covered nationally (inspite of a nonterroist mall shooting ) but it was hushed hushed locally.The only reason I know about it is because of DH's security clearence at some targets. There have been 2 attempts since 9/11 here. One on a chemical weapons storage facility and one on a power plant. That scared the holy crap out of me. It comes in loud and clear that I can't take safety for granted. I learned very quickly that Sadaam and Laden are NOT two separate threats. I do think Bush is a religious fanatic. Actually the term religious wack job pretty much covers it. But does that mean everything he does is wrong? I don't think for one minute that Bush has ALL the answers. But until someone else comes forward with them, we have to make do with what we have. I hate war. I don't get off on it. I'm a mom. I don't like the thought of my children or anyone's children fighting and heaven knows that utopia doesn't exist but it's about time that Bush finally finishes something he started. Like you said, look what happend when we backed down and out of Afghanistan. It's not people who are peacefully and respectfully opposing the war I have issues with. It's the ones that protest funerals of fallen soldiers and treat our military and dependants like they are the scum of the earth. Perhaps I have taken some of what I have seen and experianced to personally. But it kills me to see our men and women putting thier lives on the line and everyone (generalized here, not personally you) here back home wants to get up on thier high horse and point fingers and critizise our government. When it comes right down to it....those who think they can do a better job need to get out there and do it. Like I said in another thread. I can't keep my own kids from fighting. I wouldn't know the first thing about keeping a whole country from fighting. Tammy

I had to add my 2 cents. Maybe it's time for an inexperienced politician to take over the helm. Lordy, look what "experienced" politician have done and continue to do. I listen to Obama and I feel hope.