Expect this fall's election to be flooded with political rhetoric and populist calls for a deliciously swift exit from Iraq. Digest the hypocrisy and move on. It's the past. It's done.

In an election that's largely to the advantage of the Democrats, the American people will see through fragile liberal intentions and move on. The concern of the people now should not be why we entered Iraq, but why we must stay. Listen to me now: swallow your infectious desire to enlist in the zeitgeist and embrace the need to protect your nation from an evolving threat.

The Democratic approach to this threat is a rapid withdrawal of troops. They believe the growing number of fatalities and financial burden outweigh the need to end the hostility and political turmoil in the Middle East. While reconciliation for the tragic loss of life can never be achieved, those brave Americans will not die in vain. We will not compromise their efforts. We will finish the job.

Those who speak out against the Iraqi occupation lean on the unjust reasons for war as rationale for a withdrawal of troops. I repeat: It's the past. It's done. The drastic consequences of such actions would ensure the maturation of terrorism in Iraq. What Democrats view as a cessation to the loss of life and bleeding financial burden is a biased perspective from across the Atlantic.

In the case of a Democratic presidency, troops will be withdrawn within a short period of time. The morale of the world's greatest military will plummet. What is to become of a military that retreats in the face of boorish Middle Eastern tactics? For one, al-Qaeda will undoubtedly claim victory in Iraq and sound their trumpets across the continent. While that may be a petty price to pay for the reassurances of a withdrawal, consider the breadth of that call. It will not go unanswered. Extremists across the globe will thirstily join the ranks of the organization that sank the US. al-Qaeda will thrive.

Feeding off the hype of a withdrawal, al-Qaeda decides to again attack the US. Suppose that attack rivals 9-11. What do we do? What CAN we do? We just shipped world's reigning military superpower back across the Atlantic under the pretense of defeat. Not only would the mobilization of such an army be financially exhausting, but who would be willing to do it? Would a Democratic president embrace a hypocritical attack message or cower behind "peace negotiations"?

Now suppose we withdraw and there is no such attack. Does the president expect insurgency to decline? No, the Democratic president would most likely take a laissez-faire approach to the violence and let the region go to hell. Expect a dramatic increase in violence and a full scale civil war to erupt. While such a situation may not directly affect us, consider the oil-rich Persian Gulf. Violence would seize the vicinity and oil would cease to flow out of the area. Timid politicians abashed by the great "R" word would step out of the closet to announce the global depression that is to come.

But there is a way. Ironically, the answer is a gradual withdrawal of troops. The surge was a first step in sustaining minimal levels of violence. Now General Petraeus needs to gradually withdraw troops and with each withdrawal assess the situation. If, after the assessment, violence remains at a minimal level, withdrawals may continue. Once the minimum level of troops is reached to maintain levels of violence, begin deploying Iraqi forces to respond to insurgency.

While our presence is needed, many Iraqis are hostile to it. We must allow Iraq to maintain its sovereignty by forcing them to use their security forces against al-Qaeda. The problem is that we do not yet know how well an Iraqi force would respond to such threats. Should the violence reach a point beyond containment, many Iraqis will feel pressured to take sides - Sunni, Shia, etc. - and civil war will break out. We are there for support, but our presence is not indefinite.

Should a rapid withdrawal of troops occur, expect anarchy to downpour on Iraq. Nobody wants war. Sometimes it's necessary.

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things: the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks nothing worth a war, is worse . . ." - John Stuart Mill

By: Michael Payne
The Countdown - Political analysis and discussion
http://www.thecountdown.moonfruit.com

Is telling the truth important when you are running for the highest office in the land, perhaps the world? Apparently Hillary Clinton doesn't think so.

Hillary Clinton has admitted that she "did misspeak" about landing in Bosnia under sniper fire, blaming tiredness for a dramatic description that was shown to have been significantly exaggerated.

"I remember landing under sniper fire," she said in Washington on Monday. "There was supposed to be some kind of a greeting ceremony at the airport, but instead we just ran with our heads down to get into the vehicles to get to our base."

News footage of the event however showed her claims to have been wide of the mark, and reporters who accompanied her stated that there was no sniper fire. Her account was ridiculed by ABC News as "like a scene from Saving Private Ryan".

CBS News who says they were with her when she arrived in Kosovo also says there was no sniper fire whatsoever. CBS also interviewed a commanding officer on the ground who was there, who also confirmed the first lady at the time Mrs. Clinton received a warm welcome and was greeted by children upon arrival indicative of the safety measures in place.

After initially dismissing the controversy over her comments as a "minor blip", Senator Clinton told a Pittsburgh radio station: "You know I have written about this and described it in many different settings and I did misspeak the other day. This has been a very long campaign. Occasionally, I am a human being like everybody else."

She insisted it was the "first time in 12 years" she had spoken inaccurately about the trip. Others contest that saying her book mentions sniper fire and intense danger as well.

On Feb 29, Senator Clinton stated that the greeting ceremony "had to be moved inside because of sniper fire" while on Dec 29 she said that she had "landed in one of those corkscrew landings and ran out because they said there might be sniper fire".

Mrs Clinton told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that she had made the mistake about sniper fire because she had been "sleep-deprived". Her schedule showed she had no public engagements the day before her Washington speech and she spent the night in her Embassy Row home.

The footage of the Tuzla visit combined with her recent comments play repeatedly on American television networks and is getting thousands of viewers at YouTube.

Hillary claims she was simply exaggerating, but it sure looks like self-serving lying to me. Is this the kind of leadership we need in Washington? Doesn't America have enough liars in government already?

By: Paul Davis
The following information was provided by the author.

Paul Davis is a highly sought after worldwide professional speaker, purpose coach, and change master transforming organizations and empowering individuals to live their dreams.

Paul is the author of several books including United States of Arrogance; Poems that Propel the Planet; Breakthrough for a Broken Heart; Adultery: 101 Reasons Not to Cheat; Are You Ready for True Love; Stop Lusting & Start Living; Waves of God; Supernatural Fire; God vs. Religion; and many more!

Paul's compassion for people & passion to travel has taken him to over 50 countries of the world where he has had a tremendous impact. Paul's organization Dream-Maker Inc. builds dreams, transcends limitations, & reconciles nations.

Contact Paul to speak at your event or for consulting:

RevivingNations@yahoo.com
407-284-1705

My friends. White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian, and all who call themselves Americans. Recently I wrote an article "I AM OUTRAGED! The Depravity of American Leadership." I clearly identified those leaders in society who were destroying this Nation through moral depravity. Regardless of their race, I clearly declared our need as Americans to weed out these ignorant fools who continue to take office and destroy this Nation. Even today, I heard the Mayor of Detroit after the Detroit City Council request he step down after the fiasco for which he has been involved. He of course used a tactic of time perception manipulation. He insinuated that "we just need to move forward and forget about this situation." Yes, how convenient for him. But, how about the rule of law? How about the powers of governmental process and council? How about what the city of Detroit wants? My message to Detroit... if you want your Mayor out... go get him out. March down to City Hall and state your rights! Do not be bullied!

Be Vigilantly Aware of Misguiding Leaders ____________________________

I am flabbergasted by many leaders and their use of fancy speech, great vocal delivery, looking sharp and speaking with a sharp tongue. They mislead many. If they had not misled many.... how did they get in office with their hidden character? I am telling you the truth. Something unique has happened this week that is out of the norm. Light has shown, light is gleaming and it is beginning to reveal what slept low in the darkness. Do not skew your perceptions due to your desperation for an integritable and effective leader who will be facing great challenges as our Nations President today and in the future.

Yes, I am speaking of Barrack Hussein Obama.

Now more than ever, we need clear judgment and Mr. Obama is displaying himself to be a divider rather than a provider to the American ideas of freedom. This next election could probably lead to either a great success and victory for an integritable leader or it could actually perpetuate the down fall of this Nation. This next election, I am not willing to take any chances. I will not vote based upon class, race, gender, fancy written and delivered speeches, etc. To do so is foolish and is not a critical thought process in which to find success. I am critically analyzing, witnessing and researching past behavior, personal friends of candidates; a candidate's belief system (their world view which is primarily important!) which can be primarily found in every church in America.

"DO NOT BE DISILLUSIONED!" ____________________________________

Everyone believes in something - and ones church is the quickest way to find out what that belief really is. Ignore the liars in much of the media! This my friends is far from guilt by association for Barrack Hussein Obama and I carry no political bias - I am neither a Democrat or Republican! If this so called Reverend Wright who seems to be abusing and corrupting the ideology of Christianity was simply an acquaintance... this issue could be excusable but, still very concerning for the Christian Church and the African American communities. Last I checked, it was not the role of the Church to imply or declare political agenda's. Mr. Wright must not realize this important process.

UNDERSTAND, a person's pastor is personal. You go to him with your problems for spiritual and intellectual answers. A pastor or religious leader has great power over his flock. A preacher is a representation of ones values; ones world view and perception. One does not attend a church for 20yrs. if one does not believe in what the leadership of a church is proclaiming.

Understand the Church Role __________________________________

A church is an educational and spiritual institution - one does not go to a church for 20yrs., within the walls of such a place and not believe what comes out of the pastors mouth - to believe anything else is delusional.

I pray that America is not so removed from worship, the church and the dependence upon God that many would not realize the significance of this particular presidential candidate relying upon a pastor of 20yrs. with such a hateful spirit. Regardless, if you are Democrat or Republican; the fact that this type of so called "preaching" is going on in an American Church is frightening and disgraceful. This behavior is extremely regressive towards greater civil rights for African Americans to carry such attitudes and world views (It will only hurt their cause for future generations).

Think critically for a moment regarding one who attends a church: Barrack Hussein Obama expressed that He does not connect himself with the negative statements of Mr.Wright... Obama's pastor of 20yrs.

So, on one hand if one does attend a church without agreement and value to its leadership, then a person is simply their for social connections and represents an extrinsic relationship to God and others, for which they cannot be trusted to be integritable. On the flip side, if one is attending a church for intrinsic reasons; they believe in the leadership, they believe in and value the teachings of the organization... they must also believe and value a leaders message - there is agreement, passion and motivation to convey this identical message to others within ones life. I believe it is the last assumption; one does not allow a minister to baptize their children and continue to attend an institution such as this, unless they truly trust the minister's message, leadership and world view.

Let's Be Honest _______________________________________________________

Obama clearly indicated in one of his speeches that "words matter." "Mr. Obama, you could not be more right." If words did not matter, I would not be writing this article in order to warn many of those who are making one of the biggest decisions of their lives, the lives of their children and this Nations future.

I understand more than many in the white population due to my education, commitment to helping the public and making a difference in the lives of others that African Americans have been through horrific circumstances through out history. Do I understand racism like an African American? No. Does a rich black man born into a rich black family understand the classism I experience every day? No. Regardless, we do not need to completely understand each position in order to gain a correct perception and understanding of the problem.

I understand African Americans have been slaves; they have been oppressed and at times discrimination does take place even after as far as they have came. However; this is an acknowledgment of history, and it is happening at times today... but we as a society must also witness the changes, advancements and achievements that have also taken place. To not do so would be to ignore the truth. To not acknowledge the opportunities and advancements is to disregard the strengths of The American People - a negative framework, rather than a solution focused perspective. Focusing upon ones adversity rather than opportunity is a stumbling block; setting one up for failure; setting yourself up to be a victim.

EVERYONE HAS ADVERSITY - some more than others. Just ask a paraplegic who recently graduated from college with a Masters in Japanese Language who could not type, walk, or even barely speak.... but he did it! He wrote his thesis with a pen in his mouth, typing one letter at a time! Amazing!

When I attended college, I remember watching a paraplegic roll into the library in his wheel chair to meet his tutor... unbelievable determination; I was astounded! He made a way ladies and gentlemen. He did not focus upon what he could not do - but through his will, he declared and decided he would give all he had to an endeavor. Without excuse, without hating the world; but embracing it.

There are two unfortunate factors in our social reality, that must be accepted and are usually refused.

1. Stereotyping and Racism will always exist; it is instilled deep within the psyche and biases of physical characteristics and group association. The only way to fight racism, classism, etc. is to join with other Americans in your fight - not segregate yourself by race.

2. Class more than race is now the hottest topic regarding ones layered identity. Discrimination today also involves many white people. Recently I was told by a federal employee that when I am applying for positions, even with a straight A average all through college and my military combat record that "I may not get a call because of my gender or my race." At least this manager was honest. Should I then give up? No way! "Quit" is not in my vocabulary, and so, quitting should be absent from those who experience such discrimination if you plan to survive and take care of those you love. Fight and fight with love, and only then will you succeed!

My perspective is not a rationale to perpetuate discrimination, racism or to do nothing regarding their existence; it is simply to acknowledge the truth - to resist an Ostrich syndrome.

From my knowledge, experience and education I have began to realize that what many call the "Dominate Culture" is no longer simply a characterization of race (being white), but a characterization of class (those who have more power), for which today is not only white people (that is a former fantasy). Simply being white is not simply being powerful or a meal ticket to success. Being white is not simply being wealthy. I can remember walking into a well to do restaurant and a person looking me up and down, to only tell me "we have no seating for you." I felt outraged - but I made a choice... to go somewhere else and to vow never to treat others in such a way.

Trust me my friends, I am a Scholar and Masters Graduate and I am unemployed (Bitter, No - Motivated and Challenged, Yes); Barrack Hussein Obama is a black man, college graduate and running for the President of the United States. Figure it out. Today more than ever, men and woman of color have vast opportunities! Will they face adversities? Of course. Will they have difficulties? Of course. That will never go away. But, so will a poor white child living in Flint, Michigan. I assure you, it will take commitment, an iron will and the use of your social support structures of your localized community to make it. Mr. Obama decided to go into politics, he has done well, and under most circumstances I would be completely happy for him; however, due to his associations and views - not his race... I am wishing he would have went into scientific endeavors.

Reverend Wright clarifies in one of his sermons regarding points of ignorance, class, white people and the inequities that exist. However, he does not clarify that Mr. Obama and his family are of very high stratification, attended Ivy League schools and have much higher income and wealth than most white people today. They worked for their educations as many white people do today. I myself being a white male, did not have my education handed to me. I borrowed, I won scholarships, fellowships and I worked endlessly for nearly a decade while raising a family and working full time. I graduated with straight "A"s at every level of education and was able to attend the number one school in the country for my field of practice and I myself have not been able to land a job to support my family since graduation. Who should I blame? No one. I will make a way.

Statements of Hate ______________________________________

What Rev. Wright clarified was insanely foolish. What he stated was expressively hateful and anti - American. What this man stated was not a factual or reflective understanding or representation of what white people believe, are perpetrating or seeking against African Americans in today's society. His perpetuation is to maintain a continuation of a victimizing mentality for the African American community. What this man stated was not an accurate portrayal, reflection or understanding of Christianity. I now wonder what messages are being preached deep within the African American Church every Sunday. As a Christian, to hear such rhetoric was an embarrassment.

"God Damn America?" "References to "The United States created AIDS to destroy the African American populations?" "The US of KKK?" These messages; a reflection of Black Liberation Theology - and according to media outlets, this is a theology which has been characterized as very similar to what the Black Panther Party believes... they are comments that not only are hateful, but outrageous! It is now also being reported in the media that a publication bulletin within Mr. Obama's church expressed pro Hamas views... WOW (for those who do not know - Hamas is a terrorist group!). How can anyone with friends such as these really love America? And when Obama, screams, "we need change!" I begin to ask... what kind? MMMMMM. I do know that, "Birds of a feather, stick together." MMMMM.

As stated in my last article: "With leaders like these, who needs foreign enemies?"

The Black Panther Party is actually supporting Barrack Hussein Obama! It is these Black Panther Party members which want a separate country from the United States. These people are separatist... and they are supporting this candidate! Wake up people.

African Americans Are Survivors... Not Victims ______________

This kind of propaganda is simply ridiculous - ignorant and a process or perpetration that is false and not really a way for the black population to take charge of their lives as survivors, rather than continuous victims. Regardless of ones problems... race or position... one must take responsibility for their lives and futures.

One idea that is reflected in much of this rhetoric is "I am a victim!", "I have no control over my destiny - evil powers are controlling me." The message from these African American leaders should be, "I am a survivor of a past wrong doing such as slavery, and we have made incredible progress - we will continue forward, building on our strengths and through love make a difference for ourselves and for America regardless of haters!"

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we in fact at times in society may experience difficulties, hate and discrimination based upon race, class, and many other layers of identity that are perpetuated by stereotypes; stereotypes such as the statements Barrack Hussein Obama made recently when he characterized the "typical white person" who is scared of black people. Personally, I thought being scared of any human being for that manner should be based upon rational reason. I have known many white people who are not afraid of black people - they love black people, work with black people, have black people in their families such as mine. However, if we continue to utilize education such as Reverend Wrights and other dysfunctional leaders in our life and incorporate it into our world view... the essence of our difficult positions as "fearful victims" rather than a survivor will reflect itself through the lives and decisions of many. Placing African Americans in positions in which express to them and others that, "they should continue to fear white people." Hogwash. This message continues to perpetuate hate through fear. The exact process in which African Americans fought against in the 60's in order to expand civil rights for themselves and all who are under the fist's of hate.

Fear is debilitating. Fear is the last thing we need. Suspicion becomes paranoia. It is the last thing we need. Hate is the last thing we need. Division is the last thing we need. Distortion is the last thing we need. Ignorance is the last thing we need.

We don't need hater's ladies and gentleman - we need people in office that are willing to separate themselves from those who express hate regardless of race, class or creed. If we believe such messages as those from Rev. Wright, Louise Farrakhan, the Black Panthers and others, we will contain a skewed perception of reality - we discount our possibilities.... and at the hands of power hungry men, we will be led astray.

"You see, it is very easy to manipulate, it is very easy to lead astray people who feel they are always victimized and powerless to control their lives and futures." "I feel that some of these African American leaders are utilizing racism as a tool for power over African Americans and creating rhetoric and hate filled speeches to insight emotions that skew the reality of our changed and changing society today."

What A Person Consumes... So Are They! _____________________

To make things more concerning; Michelle Obama stated that "For the first time in her life she is proud of her country." At first, I could not figure out why someone of her stature, her stratification... one regardless of color, who has had more opportunity then many white people that I know, would state such an odd perception - after all this country has allowed and done for her - even in the midst of any racist stereotypes she may have had to experience. After Rev. Jeremiah Wrights exposure however, his hate rhetoric expressed... it all began to make sense. What Michele Obama was saying was a clear reflection of what the Reverend was stating. It was clear to me that Michele Obama had been clearly educated in a church such as this based upon her "world view" as I spoke of earlier. It is impossible to attend an educational and spiritual organization for nearly two decades without integrating the information into ones belief system.

My friends, discrimination, racisim, classism, and other negative actions or beliefs are just that... negative processes. If you fill your mind with hateful rhetoric day in and day out you will not see reality for what it is; you will discount the positive actions of others on your behalf, you will minimize actions by others from other races and creeds for which may be assisting you. These are cognitive distortions of individual and sociological basis. I believe that many African Americans must perform consistent "reality testing" in regards to their interactions in daily life. I understand the "Bi Cultural" reality (the conflict between the Nurturing System and Sustaining System) and I respect such perception; however, many need to give "white people" the benefit of the doubt. As I do, most white people fully accept and embrace black people. To believe rhetoric such as what has been announced by many associated with Mr.Obama is to ignore all that the so called "White America" has done and is trying to do for African Americans.

Great men such as Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King will have long been forgotten if we as Americans accept and believe the hateful rhetoric being preached from pulpit to public arena.

In concluding, it is horrifying to think that Barrack Hussein Obama regardless of his race or party affiliation has been connected and associated with many leaders, such as: Louise Farrakhan; Rev. Wright; being endorsed by the Black Panthers; and others who are considered anti-American activist. Comments from Mr. Obama and his wife also are concerning considering their own success and social mobility. Do they not know that the richest woman in the world is an African American? Do they not see even through their own individual struggles as many others what America has done for them? I beg the African American community... do not only decide emotionally but, think critically regarding this year's candidate. Do you want to regress civil rights rather than promote further advancement? Voting for Obama this year will be a vote for division or maybe worse. Rev. Wright is only assisting in the dis-empowering of the black community rather than empowering. His hate rhetoric is an effort to control and manipulate rather than give people choice and freedom. Do not tolerate such foolishness.

I ask many black leaders to promote African American leaders and candidates with dignity and honor, such as Colin L. Powell, and other great African Americans for whom do not have the negative connections to people undignified and those who are embarrassing America.

By: Laverne John Riley Jr.
L.J. Riley Jr. is a Christian, a Michigan native, a graduate of Davison High School, a graduate of the U.S. Army Combat Infantry School, Bradley Fighting Vehicle School and Dragon Missle School. L.J. or John Riley is a combat veteran and served in Oper. Desert Shield / Storm. He left the military and enrolled at Mott Community College, graduating with Phi Theta Kappa and pursuing a BSW at the University of Michigan Flint where he won the "Maize and Blue" Scholar Award. L.J. then was accepted to the one year Masters program at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor MSW Program for clinical social work. He graduated in 2007 with a 4.0 and the acceptance of the Howard and Judith Simms Fellowship. L.J. loves people, loves helping people and seeks to change lives directly and in-directly through his writing.

I remember back to the days when I was a boy. My family lived in a two story house and my bedroom was in the corner of the basement with no windows. My parents resided on the main floor. I remember sleeping upstairs on the couch until I was about ten years old. Why, because I was afraid to sleep in my own room. I can't really remember what I was afraid of or what finally motivated me to move to my own bed but I know that it was an irrational fear. I think the gun haters have an irrational fear of guns prompting them to attempt to eliminate the perceived threat through gun control legislation.

Guns are a tool, plain and simple. They are really no different than a hammer except instead of driving nails they expel lead at high velocities. This fact makes fearing a gun as silly as fearing a hammer. The fear, or hatred as the case may be, should be aimed at the inanimate object, rather it should be aimed at the person using the tool. This has prompted me to coin the phrase we don't need gun control, we need evil people control.

A tool is no better or worse than the person wielding it. Take the aforementioned examples of a gun and a hammer. The hammer can be used by a Habitat for Humanity volunteer to build a beautiful home. That hammer can drive the nails that keep the roof over a formerly homeless person's head. That hammer can be used to drive a nail that can hold the walls up so that a cold winter wind won't freeze a child. That hammer can also be used to smash your thumb, believe me I know this all too well!

A gun can be used of good as well! Take a couple recent examples. In early December an evil person intent on killing as many people as possible was stopped by a legally licensed, concealed gun carrying private security guard. You won't hear much on the popular media about the heroic act of Jeanne Assam but she used her firearm to prevent a lot of blood shed!

Kenneth K. Hammond, an off duty police officer, was in the Trolley Square Mall in Salt Lake City when an evil person went of a shooting rampage. He was carrying his gun in a gun free zone and was able to limit the bloodshed last February.

Joel Myrick stopped the violence at the Pearl Mississippi schools by using his gun, in a gun free zone mind you, to stop a student from killing more people in 1997.

If you fear guns, confront that fear don't jump to the conclusion that gun control is the antidote for your fear. Visit a local gun shop, talk to the salesperson, learn about guns and gun safety. Once you are comfortable there try a few, many gun ranges will allow you to rent a gun for a short time. Getting more comfortable, take a gun safety class, the NRA sanctions several really good classes to get you into the shooting sports. If you are fortunate enough to live in a state that allows concealed carry, take that class too, even if you never plan on "going heavy" you'll still learn. The most important thing that you can ever do is remember that guns aren't bad, only the the way they are used can be bad. Keep that in mind when you hear about more gun control legislation, especially in the new White House Administration.

By: Ray Eddings
For more information about big media's coverage of guns big media's coverage of guns and other gun control issues like gun shows check out SeveredFoot.com