other countries

Posted on November 28, 2010 by cfonseca160

If more countries could enter Afghanistan at villagers’ request, to help keep insurgents out of peaceful zones, it seems that such coordination could starve armed insurgents. I’m wondering who the US could share such intelligence and effort with, in addition to whom currently is there doing just that. Poppy needs to be cut off from insurgents. I’m also thinking that maybe India could be a partner in training Afghan police and government. I’ve so often heard that US money is being squandered there. Is that true? [not necessarily an accurate perception] If so, then there most definitely need to be more involvement there from other nations, as was the case before they withdrew their forces. This is not just an US problem. We should better examine the benefits to those nations who are combatting terrorists. [Update 2014: Maybe now is just the right time for Russia to join coalition efforts? Or have they had enough in the 20th century to consider such action? Probably.]

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Ammendment to my Afghan War view

Posted on November 28, 2010 by cfonseca160

I have to admit, I am not an expert on the US involvement in Afghanistan, likely no one person is. But, I’m not calling for withdrawal of US forces here… I really think now that maybe the coalition needs more time there to protect villagers, in the absence of ability yet, to build a new hierarchy. The US and German nation should not carry burden alone, of protecting Afghans who turn away from native forces that have dominated their lives, safety, and livelihood. [update 2014. My understanding is that Afghanistan is now a money pit. Somehow the coalition seems to be failing its mission.]

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travel

Posted on November 15, 2010 by cfonseca160

Extreme measures of search on personal bodies at airports are tantamount with an admission to the traveling public, that security teams lack the ability to control security breaches by reasonable means. A failure of using high technology and thorough competence has resulted in evasiveness it seems. I don’t look forward to allowing a security person to grope me, when in fact high-tech tools are sufficient enough.

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Afghan War and Mexico

Posted on November 15, 2010 by cfonseca160

Afghanistan’s economy based on its cash crop the poppy, has been disrupted by US armed forces and other participating nation’s armed forces.
I’m wondering if this war, like Russia’s long ago vs. tribal terrorists, is being lost as well. Surely the US announced its intent at fighting the Taliban and other armed groups when first going in. And, the reasons have been more than just poppy crop. I’m wondering if we can fight the drug aspect of the war by refusing to use the drugs. I’ve been told about the importance of limiting domestic illicit drug use. I concurred. And it’s worth noting that we could help our southern border nation of Mexico with their war against the drug cartels also, best, in such similar manner – controlling drug trade.
[2014 Update: Mexico has had marginal and noteworthy success against drug traffickers south of the border, coupled by boosted US operations of sealing the border and apprehending drug traffickers north of the border. Keep up the good work Congress and partners.]

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St. Albert

Posted on November 15, 2010 by cfonseca160
Today, in the church, we celebrate the genius of St. Albert. One of his conclusions and teachings which he professed long before the Renaissance, was the unity that exist between science and faith. Notably he emphasized that science and faith do not exist in discord.
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Remebering those who died in war

Posted on November 15, 2010 by cfonseca160

In memory of those who have died as a result of war and violent oppression, I pray today with my peace-loving brothers and sisters around the world, who together commemorate the lives of those who were killed. This day is known in Germany as Volkstrauertag. One such group of people who faced such persecution, which present-day Germans tribute, is the Jews of Nazi Germany past – they are to be remembered, particularly on this day, by all generations of late and new. We pray for all who fall victim to holocaust, genocide, war, and murder.
Similar to Veterans Day in the US, German’s customarily reserve today for such reflection on their nation’s own wrongdoing; and, acknowledge those who have died in their wars and those who have fallen victim at their hand. We are reminded not to participate in such way in the future, and are wise to remind ourselves that we can transcend such brutality and transcend such exploitation of life.

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and again

Posted on November 14, 2010 by cfonseca160

And again… of course it comes to this. A third proposal to arms sent to the middle-east. Halting settlements is something that can be done without having to arm oneself with US weaponry. Can you blame them for asking?
In this case, I suppose that Madam Secretary Clinton would argue that this is the “sacred cow” and that Israel deserves the reward.
I hate to be in the position to have to say this; of all people, Christian me? Well, I had made my stance public regarding other middle-eastern proposals in the past month or so, and all middle-eastern countries apply to my stance.
Well, giving weapons is proof of either a position of weakness and/or eagerness to please. And weapons do get used to shed blood, not just to sit on top of a mantle or function as a hood ornament.
Let us pray to the Lord for reconciliation among the quarreling nations, to whom I recommend not aiding and abetting. That should be what makes the US an exceptional people, not one that insists on arming others. Shalom.

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poker chips

Posted on November 3, 2010 by cfonseca160

To be extra clear about the CA democrats’ belief that it will “take time to correct the states’ problems”, I share my opinion that the governor is doubling down, hoping that his party can be rewarded for the road that has been paved and subsequently compromised in this mid-term election. In unfortunate circumstances, those who built the road half-way got the shaft. And I hope that our state, which has contributed the most to this nation, can come to pass the baton back to a willing new leadership that accepts the loss faced in 2010. It is imperative that the “double down” wins for the public, but I fear that the democrats have become the house vs. the players, and have taken the players’ wallets in the process. And we all know that the house nearly always wins, no matter how well the democrats of CA play our hand for us; and, can they meet the minds of the fiscal conservatives of 2014? Good night and good luck. We have already faced the recession/depression and any further dip into red, will be evidence enough to me, of failure by the decree of this clever little election.

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opportunity?

Posted on November 3, 2010 by cfonseca160
Not only are we the state of CA the laughing stock of the nation for not taking advantage of our opportunity-carpe diem, but we also voted out "compationate conservatism" at the same time, as though we could afford to. This will surely result in more divisiveness as we feel the repercutions, perhaps in 2012, with a
harder swing toward the will of the majority of this nation. While CA may think it can lead, I fear that "we" suffer an illusion about our "leadership".
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CA, CA, CA.

Posted on November 3, 2010 by cfonseca160
"We", the people of CA, just gave more power to the union bosses, by ballot. And, we didn’t even give ourselves
a state-wide pot smoking- to ease the pain!
In a tough economy I guess the numbered results at the very least unmask the union laborers outnumbering the rest of
us in magnitude. But it seems most states, harder hit than CA, have voted out the unions.
Is CA going to experience the democracy that other states voted for in this mid-term cycle?
Wow, I’m really amazed by this outcome. Defeat. As the largest contributing state in the nation, we’ve just cut off one our balls.
Did all the precincts report, or am I going to wake up in a different world? Right now I feel like I’m in the "Twilight Zone".

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