“RE: Still Thinking About Peace”

That's well put.

I believe there is a God. I don't know what The Plan is so I'm not too disillusioned by a planet whose people's have not yet arrived at peace. I've already stated my view so I won't repeat it now.

For anyone who thinks world peace can be achieved, I would like them to answer a few related questions:

1) How is peace defined in terms and in the perspective of Hamas?

2) How is peace defined in terms and in the perspective of the citizens of Pakistan and India?

3) How is peace defined in terms and in the perspective of the citizens of Northern Ireleand?

I could go on and on, which by the way is the reason I feel the way I do. If the answers are just the same rehash of what good-hearted people of the world have been saying for centuries, then nothing new is being said.

1) My answer to number one is simple, the destruction of Isreal and all its people. BTW, I don't like this answer, but from Hamas' perspective, it would bring them peace.

2) As for question number 2, let each blow the other up and afterwards they'll be room for other people who appreciate the land vacated for the newcomers. For a while there will be peace until the newcomers start the usual human tendencies.

3) Number 3 is a lot like number 2.

I can just imagine the reactions of my comments — more of the same good-hearted wishes as I alluded to earlier and probably no substantive alternatives. Recall, I don't believe in world peace so I don't need to supply a plan to achieve it!

Now I'll close with what's really important to me. I'm lucky to live in a country that has so much going for it. It's not perfect and there is a lot to do here for improvements. My focus is on working towards peace here in my country and if that is reached, it would serve as one possible model for others to consider and adopt. They may not choose our model, but that is their situation and none of America's business to impress upon them.

I am not against other people of the world; I've traveled some outside the U.S. and have friends in those places. I'm not against legal immigration either; the Statue of Liberty still rings true for me! I would love to see the billions in foreign aid spent outside the U.S., spent here instead on: 1) Elimination of every slum section in the country by rebuilding homes for the residents 2) Give every citizen medical and nursing care 3) Build fantastic schools, staff them with great teachers 4) Help drug users overcome their habits 5) Fix the deteriorating infra-structures 6) Clean the air and waters 7) etc, etc.

In short, America first!

Don