In the intent of full disclosure... Let me start by saying I was not directly, at least knowingly, effected by the infamous date of 9/11/2001 - that is to say, by the way of, having a Family member or close Friend (in)directly involved at the site's of the Attacks or there aftermath. However, in another sense, letting you know that some that know me have long called me "Captain America" for my well known Passion and Dedication to the United States of America; or more so, the principles for which it is supposed to stand. These things, I only tell you because they, shape the framework by which I approach this topic. However, I bring NO Political Agenda in this Article, to do so would be to greatly dishonor those whose Life’s were Lost, who gave their Lives to assist others, to insult the Families and Friends of all. Statements and stances of any/all Political persons within this Article are from the "Conventional Wisdom" of the times from the Audio, Print, and Video related Media outlets. Politics, unfortunately, are a big piece of how/why 911 took place, basically in the name of the Hatred of Americans and its Political system of Representative Democracy, Individual Freedoms, and Equal Justice for All, and yes the way we project ourselves and/or are perceived around the world (like it or not). YES, we are indeed in part a part of our own problems, due to Public Relations with others Countries, or how they are perceived, and/or how other Nations Media outlets slant the news to fit their own Agenda's angle.

Give me a little Literary License and hang in with me here while I get to my point! 911 has, or at least should have, taught us some very valuable lessons. At the end of the day, as we all watched the vivid coverage in utter disbelief, awe, anger, sorrow, denial, and just about every other imaginable thoughts/feelings. When you saw the thousands of People streaming Northward as urged by Mayor Guliani (and/or by their utter common sense) to move away from "Ground Zero" (fore-telling in itself), as we've all have learn to associate with where formerly WTC-1 and WTC-2 once stood, there were:

• NO "Arabs", NO "English", NO "Hispanics", NO "Minority Groups", etc...
• NO indistinguishably "Americans", NO "Canadians", NO "French", "Israeli’s", "Russians", etc...
• NO "Gays", NO "Straights"
• NO "Muslims", NO "Jews", NO "Christians", NO "Catholics", NO "Baptists", etc...
• and there was, to a large extent, even NO distinction between "MEN" and "WOMEN"

Countless sorrows... 911 touched all Americans. Some directly, others indirectly, and still more (the rest of the Country as well as others around the world) just because their sense of humanity and the lack of it in the acts that occurred on 911. Son's and Daughter's lost a Father, Mother, or both. Mom's and Dad's, of course, lost Children. Some lost Friends. Others lost Acquaintances. Some felt a hole in their heart over complete strangers, approximately 2,800+/- (based on latest counts).

Rick Springfield, currently starring in EFX (at the MGM Grand Casino and Resort in Las Vegas NV, at least through 2003) dedicates his Performances to those lost that day on 911. Why? He was more specifically touched by the events of 911, via a Message that was left with on his Fan Club's answering machine. The message was an upbeat one, left by Marnie from one of the WTC Towers whose office was on the 82nd floor, and was left just about 10 minutes before the first plane struck. Marnie, is no longer able to share her favorite song, Springfield's "Love Somebody" any longer. May she rest in peace! His prior (to 911) release, Karma, helped several get by in the wake of the tragedy with his songs.

• "Prayer", as played by many Radio stations across America for the first time following the 9-11 Tragedy. As one of the 6 American Flags that fly outside in my front yard states "An Appeal To Heaven". "I send a prayer to Heaven, for the chance to be, a better man than the man I see".
• "Act of Faith", and when you hear "here's my heart, my love is in it" and trying to reach out to you with Love, Sympathy, and Kindness, note too that a piece of my heart goes out to you also!
• "Free" - for the Freedoms we posses, and more importantly our link with God! And the knowledge that we shall NEVER FORGET, but more importantly, those guilty parties will answer to a higher authority for their Sins.
• From the pulling together as Americans and the self-less acts of kindness and bravery and those of Faith that our prayers can make a difference - "Every little bit of Love I give to another, you know what I believe, it comes back to me!" in the Title Track "KARMA". If we only turn a blind eye to everyone and everything around us, we shall reap what we sow.
• To the very haunting "His Last Words" those of/for who had seen their Associates, Friends, Loved Ones for the last time that day, and had no time but to communicate a "Goodbye" in one last parting glance. Or those who fealt in their very Soul the passing of their Soul-mates.
• as well as "Faith" and it's time to come out of "The White Room" (a TV Talk show reference, a/k/a: The Green Room) and resume Life, you are not alone in your Pain, let us in, let us help!!!

The same day as that horrorable tragedy was taking place, Miracles were occurring. Great acts of heroism were taking place, and one could even argue "Divine Intervention" in the belief of some. To those who evacuated early, to those whose actions were interrupted and for whatever reason didn't make it to the World Trade Center area that would've otherwise had been there that fatal day - ask them! Random chance? Divine intervention? I'm not here to push Politics, nor Faith! However, the shape of what was to be day of September 11th in the year 2001 was put in place hours, and in some cases, months prior to the actual date.

For no-one is this more true than for Rudy, as he'd been known by all that knew him, and now by a grateful City and State of New York, as well as the Nation of these United States of America. Rudolph Giuliani's life had run the gamut, in a very short period prior to 911. Rudy was a very popular Mayor, even before 911, but his popularity as well as his life began a downhill slide that seemed destined to end in a Personal horrible disgrace.

Once touted to run for the U.S. Senate came the bad news - Rudy's Divorce suddenly became a much nastier separation than previously portrayed, reports of his ailing Health, and the usual Political Character assassination Articles and Editorials abound from supposed Friends and Foes alike. It seemed as if it couldn't get any worse. Rudy seemed destined to have to consider resigning from his Mayoral Office; though he did not, his Senate Race ended before it had officially started, and his popularity was ravaged apart.

Again, Random chance? Divine intervention? Does the Movie Signs (Mel Gibson) give insight with its key phrase "There are NO coincidences" and Rudy's fall, required? Despite what anyone thought of Rudy prior to 911, it became evident to all that Rudolph Giuliani was 'the Right Man, for the Right Time' once the First Plane hit one of the WTC Twin Towers. Crisis management became first and foremost for the day, and the upcoming months, and Rudy was up for the task. The Man who had suffered such Personal turmoil was well prepared to handle the biggest crisis to befall upon a Mayor of any city throughout all the world and all of time. FATE! Whether Accident or Design, Rudy and (to give Credit where it is due) his City Leadership Team were (in retrospect) the "best of the best" and most qualified for the horrible tasks of the day that would besiege them.

I am certainly not done in praising the level of effort provided on that day, nor even beginning to suggest without Rudy the City would've fallen to pieces. He became the key Media focus and "Comforter in Chief", even above, beyond, and ahead of the President of the United States throughout the morning and afternoon hours. Certainly, the Firehouses were going to respond, the Police, the Port Authority, etc... were all going to do their parts - but they, of course, did not stop there. NO! Their best wouldn't be good enough that day, extraordinary efforts and acts of Heroism and down-right commission of selfless acts of bravery (some, many, knowing they probably might not survive) were displayed in the unbelievable acts of Human Spirit to help their fellow citizens. Unbridled dedication and loyalty, has certainly earned them a Special status in our hearts, or at least IMO should have/be, and an exclusive place in Heaven (should you be so inclined to believe in a Higher Power). Perhaps many, that day, finally found God!

Suddenly we all became New Yorkers, as the events unfolded. Then we learned of the efforts of our fellow Men/Women in the skies above the U.S. and how a potential D.C. attack was thwarted. The hit on the Pentagon, brought us information of yet more extraordinary acts of Heroism! I don't think that the number of Individuals and Groups on 911, and in the days, weeks, and months after (including the American Red Cross, which we'll review later) can be over-emphasized!!! However, I'll leave you to your own accord to re-reflect on this thought and the others contained here-in at a later time; and move on.

(NOTE: Incomplete section)
I state, incomplete section, solely because I have not tracked down online links to cross-reference these items to. Some were just TV News coverage. Some, possibly, just incorrect or fraudulent portrayals by someone looking to capitalize on tragedy and get their 15 minutes of fame. Since we do indeed seem to pull together when things are at there worst; as some of the "GREAT BLACKOUT OF 2003" Media coverage showed neighbors helping neighbors once again. So I choose to be OPTIMISTIC, and let's take them as true, for arguments sake... Reasons for Hope...

• Port Authority - 80th Floor fall Survivor. Hard to believe, but we've all seen some amazing, and true, stories. This Officer, it was noted, had been on near the outside wall of the 80th Floor when the Tower collapsed, and was able to survive as the Tower slowly collapsed on itself at a fairly slow rate of speed. He was of course injured by being bounced around and in debris, but survived. I hope this report was/is indeed true.
• Volunteers: Massage Therapist - crossing many states to offer her services free to Emergency Personnel
• Band of former Alcoholics Trucking to NY with Logs and Meat, and began to feed the Volunteers.
• Computer Programmer who took a Month leave of absence to go to NY to assist, not knowing what it would actually be he could do to help.

Soon, the world would see that once again someone had "awakened the sleeping giant" and that the current White House Administration was not going to be intent on just lobbing a few Tomahawk or Cruise Missiles the direction of the Terrorists. Instead, a Full fledged Quasi-declaration of War would be announced. We must, of course, say Quasi-declaration as only Congress can 'Declare War', as clearly defined in the Constitution.

"The Right Man: The Surprise Presidency of George W. Bush", or so says the title of David Frum's book. Others, were not surprised of the man they new existed in President Bush (43, as we've come to know, or "W" if you prefer). Whether it, the Straight talkin' and Straight shootin' Leadership ability, was there before 911 or not, it sure appeared in the aftermath of 911. Like Rudy, W had some controversy surrounding him - you might've even heard some of it! Remember the 2000 Election returns and all those Florida recounts? Of course you do, but I'm referring to the Dan Quayle comparisons, his former Alcohol issue, etc... None of that mattered anymore, on 911, Rudolph Guliani and George W. Bush became the Wings of the Phoenix rising from the Flames of the 911 days events, and the weeks and months that followed; and still today!

An attack on American soil, an attack on Americans, a blatant attempt to strike the heart of our Government and Financial stability, occurred on 911. The appropriate response came soon thereafter - "We will hunt down those responsible" and a WAR on Terrorism was declared. Yes, to those of you saying "WAR" could not be declared by the Executive Branch, that is reserved solely to the Congress, however we all also know that the Executive Branch, and specifically the President, is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and has the Right to undertake Military action(s). Even that, not withstanding - 911 changed everything! The very nature of WAR, that the Middle East has become accustomed to, had finally reached North America. There were Terrorist attacks before. From, both, home grown and foreign groups; but this was an unprecedented attack (on an attempted 4 targets, if not more as various investigations are focusing on additional planes that may have been grounded, Terrorists that thought the better of their being used, etc...) at once with such a high degree of conspiracy, complication, and expertise.

A new Generations "Pearl Harbor" as some have posed, but this was not an act of aggression of a single Nation! This was/is the new face of War. One that transcends countries, cross boundaries of Nations, and even of Continents, a new WAR in the name of Religion, not in the name of a Nations thirst for Territorial conquest. Whether you wish to make these parallels, there can be NO dispute that "we were purposefully targeted and attacked in premeditated fashion". Unfortunately, for some, this is their opportunity to promote their view of Anti-Americanism under false pre-tense, that would otherwise be dismissed out of hand.

As for here at home... The old phrase "I have seen the enemy, and he is us" comes to mind. In that I wish to share a News report from early March 2003. I have been unable to find a written News Source confirmation of this information, and therefore cannot include a link, so let's just call it an illustrative story. The story was about an East Coast State whose Legislature had an invited "Muslim Cleric", as it was reported, to speak to the States Legislative bodies of Government. One of the State's Representatives boycotted the session because of the planned guest speaker. There is simply no other way to look at this as blatant PREJUDICE! This was not a, so called, "radical" or "extremist" that has twisted a Faith in order to incite hatred against another group of people (non- Islamists, in this case). If the guest would've been a known Terrorist sympathizer and supporter, that would've been different. It was not as if Osama was paying a visit to the state!! We cannot fight an enemy, nor call them an enemy, if we act in the same manner. How can anyone not understand this, already? I sure hope this Representative does NOT get re-elected! This was a man that wished to express condolences and promote understanding and peace.

Let us also keep in mind the issue of "HATE CRIME's", the very notion that any crime is more horrible than another because it is committed against a person of another Race, Color, Creed, etc... (that we are CONSTITUTIONALLY bound to NOT DISCRIMINATE which makes the very notion of a "Hate Crime" UN-CONSTITUTIONAL); however, that is a different subject all together. Returning to focus, it is important that we as Americans do NOT over-react based on an individuals look. Arab-Americans as a group are in NO WAY the enemy, any more than another American. It is, of course, OBVIOUS and stupid to look past the point that there is a greater "risk" from that community over another. I expect us all to be on our best behavior and respect each other as INDIVIDUAL'S.

Since I reside in South-Eastern Michigan I/we are more in tune, or rather more aware and interact with those of Muslim faith, as S.E. Michigan has the highest concentration of Arab-Americans (there's that hifinated American thing again, which I hate, just leads to more discrimination). Everyone is an Individual, you cannot judge all, based on a few.

Unfortunately, there is the other side of these times, and it sometimes brings the opportunity for abuse/fraud under the false pretense of Anti-Arab sentiments. Specifically, I can point to an event that occurred here in Michigan (Blissfield, MI) where an Iraqi-American was later charged for Arson for burning down his Dairy Queen franchise location who he had originally blamed on unknown individuals that targeted him because of his Iraqi background because of Gulf War 1. I expect that Iraqi/Arab Americans will act with exemplary behavior, as has been displayed thus far in the "War on Terror" and the high degree of cooperation with the FBI and Homeland Security. Just this September (2003) an Arab-American Summit was held in Dearborn Michigan with various levels of Local, State, and United States National Government Officials - including Homeland Security, the F.B.I., C.I.A., N.S.A., etc... As they are caught between the Love of their current Homeland of the United States, but have grave concerns for family and/or friends in the Middle East. These interactions and events, and 911, don't operate in a vacuum, all events effect/affect other actions/events.

Bringing several of the issues outlined here-in -- Terrorism, War abroad, Discrimination, our past abuse of Japanese Americans during WW-II, with those of Terrorism and a provocation to War (Question, or Statement - you decide), has already been done. One can best relate our current quandary by reviewing the Denzel Washington / Bruce Willis Film "The Siege". The film raises the issues we currently face, but exponentially extrapolates conditions to what "could be" if we do not act now. Do we dare wait until "The Bronx" (or S.E. Michigan, as I mentioned with the highest concentration of Muslims in the U.S.) turns into the war-zone at the heart of the Middle East crisis? This film is NOT so far fetched!

If you recall events late in the year 2002 and early 2003, one will recall the arrests and break-up of an Islamic Terrorist cell in the Bronx, and some arrests in the Dearborn MI area. One would recall the Mosque in the Bronx that was identified as an Al-Qaida fund-raising organization. There were also Public reports on a Buffalo Al-Qaida cell that was broken up in NY. Then there is the additional possibility of some of the F.B.I. and Homeland Security Offices actions and arrests that we do not hear about. NOTE: I use the "Al-Qaida" spelling of the organization (as I've seen it spelled a half dozen different ways since, but most settle on Al-Qaida), despite how it was first portrayed by the News broadcasts and the Terrorists organizations identification.

"The Siege" also grapples with America's past, specifically World War II and the treatment of Americans of Japanese descent. Could/Would we come to the point where the United States of America could/would declare Martial Law and round up those of Arab descent? What about rounding up, discriminating against, individuals on the basis of their RELIGION? The Freedom of which, is expressly, protected in the Constitution of the United States? Other Constitutional Rights have been eroded! The Judeo-Christian basis, some contend, (remember, this Article is Politically/Religiously NEUTRAL!, refer to the Magna-Carta if you prefer) from which the Morale fiber and basics/basis of Constitutional Rights were drawn, are under attack. The Government may not adopt an Official Religion, nor is it to attack or otherwise attempt to destroy a/any Religion of the People of the United States. The founders of our Country wanted no Official Religion, as solely recognized by the country, nor the restriction of/on any other Faiths.

Real World Threats... Are the threats of Chemical or Nuclear attack within the boundaries of the United States real? YES! If you believe the reports of declassified CIA briefs that stated that: In 1990, during Ethnic unrest in the Southern part of the former Soviet States/Provenances, most likely the Chechnya provenance (get prepared to hear more from them as the years move on, maybe you'll recall the Theatre attack/bombing/Terrorism), insurgent units attacked a USSR Army facility. The report went on to further state, that the Nuclear weapons "WERE COMPROMISED" - that is became under the control of the Rebel insurgents and out of the control(s) of the Russian hierarchy. With as bad as our relations are/were (at times) with Russia and their Leaders, we know that we have negotiations and dialogue. If those Weapons reach the Enemies of the Free world, several of the scenarios as outlined in the suggested review materials (later in this Article) could very well have/may occur! And indeed, "The Sum Of All Fears" may no longer just be a movie, but a well executed plan.

Religion. A subject that sets off passions, debates, suspicions, etc... as much as talk of Politics between Political Parties. Let me just start by saying, this is 2003 (as of this update insertion), and we are a long time beyond the days of the foundation of the many different Religions. What I am NOT asking you to do is question your faith, just to realize that over time many Religious texts have been translated, re-translated, re-worded for a more current context of the diction of the times, etc...

These Religious texts, of each and all Faiths, were/are written by MANKIND. We are frail, Sinfull, and lacking of many years of history before the RECENT introduction of the availability of Writing Instruments and Writing Material (paper). In Nostrodamus' time alone, of which I'll be referring often, only the RICH/WEALTHY could afford to commit their words, points of view, objectives and agendas to somewhat permanent record format.

Back to my point about Religious texts. You've probably already followed where I was leading to in regard to these texts. I consider myself a Man of Faith. I DO NOT, however, REJECT ALL OTHER RELIGIONS OUT OF HAND. None of us, certainly, were around those thousands of years ago. Mankind was left to preserve and pass-on "The Word" of any given "Faith", whether it be of my or anyone else's faith. Also, think hard and recall that some of todays Religions are off-shoots of other Religions because of certain PEOPLES disagreement with the Texts, and therefore new Religions and Religious texts were born. I believe, but leave open to the possibility the fact that Mankind that has passed these teachings on, may have had some of their own interpretations and/or pre-conceived notions or biases while either passing on "The Word". With each re-write, with each off-shoot of a Basis Religion into a sub-Religion, etc... "The Word" changes! This is my only point. I beleive, as I stated - and I Pray to the One True God, in a General sense, as well as my defined Deity. We should all take to heart, that we are all captive to the misgivings and frailties of the Human condition, and part of that Human condition is there are Liars, Cons, Cheats, Opportunists, amongst us now, as well as all those thousands of years ago. Indeed, perhaps, ALL RELIGIONS, in some sense or form are CORRECT and/or INCORRECT in regard to certain passages that (match) agree or disagree. We should all pray that we be shown the way, and that we may be forgiven if wrong! Whether you praise Allah, Christ, The Holy Trinity, Scientology, or the conjecture that our beginnings on this earth was/is influenced by Aliens (Greek Gods?, Myans, ???), we need to RESPECT EACH OTHER AS INDIVIDUALS AND REMEMBER ARE RELIGIOUS TEXTS PASSAGES ON FORGIVENESS AND TREATING FELLOW MANKIND WITH A SENSE OF COMING TOGETHER, RATHER THAN DIVISION.

These are indeed new times. Or are they really? Failure to examine history and confront the human tendency to repeat past mis-conduct, would result in a conflict of greater proportion than a more "manageable" fight against those who would otherwise incite others to their "perverted definition" of their Religion, rather than the true spirit of the Faith. Many War's were fought in the name of "Christianity" in the name of God, against the very nature of Peace and Love espoused by a Peace-loving, Individual Freedom's loving, Faithful. Same concept, different Faith! Do we dare let it evolve to the degree of destruction that past War's in the name of "GOD" (or insert your preference Deity name here) had achieved? Is that Right? Since everyone wants to be so "Politically Correct" now days, wouldn't that then be "Fair", since it is (after-all, it appears) their turn!?!? Can anyone say anything other than "Of course NOT" and be considered Sane?? Human? Loving? God-ly? Who's turn would it be next, then, to slaughter Millions in the name of WHATEVER THEIR RELIGION MIGHT BE?

Nostrodamus, as well as other Prophets, Clairvoyants, Psychics, or however you care to make the reference, have foreseen those War's based from Religion. The World War's, of note is that many have foretold of 3 (three) such World War's, have also been predicted. If the Human Race had taken note, been paying attention, been willing to ACT before allowing the "Clear and Present Danger" to build to such a threat that is was almost un-opposable, these War's could have been averted. Yes? Or are they ordained by a Higher Authority or just Human Stupidity? Is this WWIII? Will the actions we take today indeed avert a greater scale War? Will the actions of today, and the nature and/or relevance of the United Nations and/or NATO and how it could be abused, actually bring about WWIII? Can we be certain? That is the stirring debate. Will the UN be somehow convinced that the United States is the real threat to World Peace and stability? Some, even among our own citizenry, are making such thought processes. There is generally a passage to the general nature on mankinds Sin and therefore a form of "Free Will", for better or worse.

Meanwhile, the suffering of those directly affected, as well as those indirectly affected (the entire Country, as the entire U.S. has been impacted, shocked, altered, etc... by the Terrorist attacks) continues. People still need assistance. People in the future, will need assistance, whether or NOT any further Terrorist attacks occur within the United States. That is why I feel compelled to state an opinion and stray from my desire to avoid a Political stance within this Article. In my opinion, the American Red Cross was viciously attacked over its handling of the funds raised in the name of "911" and helping the victims. The very notion that every dollar that would come into the American Red Cross would/should just hap-hazardly hand-out checks to anyone passing by claiming to be a 911 victim.

Pain and suffering doesn't end in a day, in a week, over a year! Many will be suffering and at a great loss for many years to come. Some have lost someone (or more) they love, in cases some have lost their income, some may require (from injuries) Health assistance for the rest of their Lives!!! So what good does it do those persons if the Red Cross were to spend every penny in it's Bank accounts to run its organization and fund future relief efforts (including those I've referenced here, in order to help someone 10 years from now due to 911 related suffering?). The ABSENCE of Common Sense abounded around this Issue! And the Political appointment and appeasement that followed is just as disgusting and disgraceful. If you don't understand that last statement, then go back and refer to the beginning about paying attention to the REAL WORLD and what is happening around you, they affect/effect you, and you might be able to make a difference and help prevent what could be an obvious chain of events and a tragic end - if only someone was paying attention!

In fact, recent 2003 reports have brought to light the fact that the Red Cross is near broke. They are borrowing money in order to help Disaster relief needy. Your help is needed. Donate Blood, Time, Money, whatever you can!

There have been plenty of Individuals and Groups that have taken advantage of the aftermath of 911 to Profit Personally by purposefully committing FRAUD and collecting, raising, selling items in the name of fund-raising, under False pre-tense. The American Red Cross, and many other fine Non-Profit Organizations, are not doing so.

Remember I spoke of "opportunists" that have made Personal financial gain in the name of the 911 tragedy? You have, undoubtedly noticed hyper-links (above, to the right, and below) to material that I reference in this Article. Let me state, in the name of full-disclosure, that links to the materials do constitute a cooperative agreement between myself and the organizations from which you are (would be) being linked. So, if you choose to use these links, I THANK YOU, as you help me fund the site that makes Articles like this one online and available. If you choose to go elsewhere to locate/obtain these materials, I have NO PROBLEM with that - as the intent of this Article is to provide some insight and some understanding regarding the events of our Time and not to use/abuse this forum as a blatant attempt to profit from others suffering. Some of the Reference material provides a look at the threats we faced, others directly relate to the current threats against us, while others provide food for thought in general - as outlined above.

The Most important Movies that you could view would be "The Siege" (Marshal Law, Terrorism in NY, Massive Profiling, suspension of Civil Rights), "The Sum of All Fears" (it only takes one bomb, and just a couple of people), "Collateral Damage" (Time to learn the reality of un-rest of any kind, and those it inadvertently effects), and "Executive Decision" (Terrorists with a loaded plane of innocent passengers, will the President OK the shooting down to save all of Washington DC and condemn 1,000+ passengers), as these relate very closely to the War on Terrorism and what is trying to be prevented.

Another, more recent Movie needs to be added to the list of films to see. While a Fictitious portrayal, "Tears of the Sun" starring Bruce Willis deeply probes into the consciousness of for whom, how long, at what cost, do we pick and choose our battles. I did not join the Military, and regret that fact in retrospect. As "Captain America", as I've told you some have come to call me, I've received my knowledge, training, tactical and survival skills, from alternative sources. I have the utmost respect for the (Leave NO man behind) Rangers philosophy that should be the doctrine of our entire Military. The other elite Services of the Elite First in/Last out Marines, Navy Seals, Green Berets', and other outfits whose names you will not know of, officially, for many years. As well as the other ultra-secret forces of the C.I.A. and N.S.A. that you'll never learn of for at least 50+ years when documents become de-classified.

I know this Article is long, getting even longer, but if you "REALLY" want perspective, I ask that you hang in here with me, or break up reading the Article in sections, as suggested at the beginning.

Remember, PLEASE give donations to several Charities of your choice that will continue to help those currently in need, and those who will come of need. I hope the best for you, however in todays World, the donation you make today may serve your own need later due to Man-made or Natural Disaster, or even Terrorist attack. I certainly hope the best for our Country. For this issue to really be understood, and to make everyone take to heart that the threats are real, and NO-ONE IS SAFE, chain reactions CAN/WILL effect you no matter where you reside.

To gain insight into the fanatical mind of a Terrorist, and to help drive the previous point home, Terrorism whether Foreign or Domestic, "Collateral Damage" (apart from the typical Arnold saves the World aspect of the movie) does provide perspective; as well as Arnold's "True Lies" Movie. Just remember, we've had Terrorist actions taken in the name of this or that by peoples of all Colors, Religions, and/or whatever other background you wish to associate them with/by. So the premise of Columbians in Collateral Damage and Fundamentalist Arab/Islamic within True Lies is NOT the focus of the "PEOPLE" portrayed as committing the acts, but of the acts themselves, there potential, etc... of how we can/may be exploited and taken advantage of by or because of our "Freedom" nature.

It is NOT the portrayal of the Race, Religion, etc.... of the Terrorists in ANY of these ficticious/creative Creative License that they Authors/Directors (except for those based on REAL EVENTS) that matter, but that the threats are potentially real and from ANY Group Foreign or Domestic NO MATTER THEIR SKIN TONE OR RELIGIOUS AND/OR POLITICAL AFFILIATION

Remember the Uni-Bomber? Remember Oklahoma City? Remember the FIRST WTC bombing attack. What about attacks on Abortion Clinics in the name of GOD? How about the (2003) recent Terrorist attacks on Urban Sprawl and/or Mankinds ruin of the Earth, by the E.L.F.? Didn't seem to matter to them that the burning of Homes and Vehicles put more polution into the air then that which they destroyed would over a long period of time! There are Extremists in/on all sides of Political and Religious issues. YOU ARE AFFECTED, whether intentionally, or through Collateral fallout of the events.

Let us take a moment to discuss "Collateral Damage", the effect and not the Movie. In an armed conflict, War, or even in everyday Law enforcement, there are sometime innocent lives that are lost or people injured unintentionally and/or due to unintended consequences of the actions being taken for "GOOD". The question you must ask yourself is, when, where, by what methods, how many lives effected, from Collateral Damage is acceptable; as it is indeed INEVITABLE and UNAVOIDABLE! Think about that for a minute in relationship to WWII and the United States use of Atomic weapons. Countless innocent Japanese citizens died, justified, rightly? wrongly? in order to shorten the War and save U.S. casualties. "Collateral Damage", you may want to actually think about that term now!?!?!

Those members of Al-Qaida who flew the planes into the World Trade Center, considered that they were undertaking a "Battle Action" and fighting a "Holy War" or "Islamic Jihad" (with the later, further lending credence to the implication that they are not fighting for a Country, for Freedom, but to eliminate all none believers of a particular faith; but that is not the point of this paragraph, but just in case you haven't awakened to that fact yet, I mention it). To them all the Airplane Passengers, all in the WTC Towers, all surrounding the area, all others effected (financially, economically, emotionally, etc...) were all 'Collateral Damage' and considered an acceptable loss as an Act of War against the Infidels of the United States. They were all Collateral Damage of the intended "Targets" of the Financial "symbol" and Markets of America as well as Military Command and Control of the Pentagon and the White House or Congress. They, those who follow in the same vain, have NO REMORSE for any of those innocents.

By comparison, aggression (whether preemptive, defensive, otherwise) taken by the United States has a stated policy that innocent lives, non-combatants, be minimized; in fact until just recently, I don't remember if it was Clinton or Bush 43 that signed the Executive order, authorizing the Assassination of Heads of State and/or other key Governmental agents of other Nations to preemptively protect ourselves. Also, by contrast, the United States uses Military hardware, Uniformed Troops, etc... to perform "Battle Operations". Invariably mistakes, human error, equipment malfunction, bad Intel. causing an inappropriate target, etc... will cause Collateral Damage. When Clinton authorized Cruise attacks against Iraq, the Iraq regime tried to portray the incident as an act of aggression against innocent Iraqi's, including children, on what they deemed an "Aspirin" factory. Was it? Was it dual use to make, or used to make, aspirin, but also used to make Chemical weapons? We may never know!?!? I'll give our President a pass on this one. It was either, in my mind: a real legit target with "human shields", bad Intel., fronted (false info / dis-information) to provoke an attack, or just plain mistake - none of which I think were done with/in malice toward the Iraqi people.

The main question to ask yourself is - Do you see a difference between the two types of combatants??? No side is in the "Right" when Collateral Damage occurs, however - the fact that one (not just stating the U.S. versus whomever here, but in all conflicts around the globe) side abides by the Internationally accepted "rules of engagement" if/while the other does not - Makes a difference, does it not???

There are, supposedly, many "Terrorist" Nations; or Nations that sponsor un-Official and/or unconventional War tactics against any perceived enemy. Why then, do these Nations not Officially Declare War on their enemy and Fight? Why do not these Nations UNITE as Allies to fight their "supposed" common enemy?? Is it because this is more about "Individual Power" and Money as opposed to a true Alliance and a real common enemy?? We can see some of the same philosophy in Political Groups here in the United States, whereas the Group Leadership isn't so much as concerned about "fixing" the perceived problem, but instead maintaining their Power Trip by letting the issue/condition continue to exist to generate Loyalty to them, Income to them, Power to them, etc... Can, or WILL, you be able to HONESTLY ask yourself these questions and be OBJECTIVE in your analysis?? You must THINK through the issues, and leave your Personal stance on the issue(s) at hand aside!!!

Now that we are near closing, let me again ask that you help your LOCAL Charities as well as the National Relief Agencies, as there will ALWAYS be people in need. Even better would be if you would actually DONATE SOME OF YOUR TIME and get involved and see what is really happening with your, and others, donations - it is real easy to write a check and mail it off. The hard part is having the courage, honesty, and conviction, to ask if you are "that shallow" to think that by sending some money you've done all you could??

It is also my sincere hope that you will review some of the other Articles referenced on the Right (Red) Side-bar section of this Article, or at Web-Articles.

Now that we've dispensed from the neutral stance. Let me state that I hope we head back into Somalia, if we aren't secretly in there already, to hunt down Adid and drag him through the streets for all to see like they did our Blackhawk KIA and the capture of James Durant.

I've been meaning to put an update together for this Article for quite some time, as I sit here on Friday August 15, 2003 (in regard to this Power outage subject); the much-hyped "Blackout of 2003", there is a very good possibility that we, and when I say we - I mean the people of the North Eastern and Southeastern parts of the United States and Canada respectively; whether it truly was human error, system failure, a simple combination of goof ups, a reported lightning strike on the United States side of Niagara Falls or the Canadian side or even as another station reported during the blackout, for those of less fortune to have battery operated televisions and radios, an outage caused from the Cleveland Ohio Grid, in the course - the fear of most, that it was an overt and intentional an act of Terrorism against North America. Any, and or all, seem as plausible as another.

As you see this is not the first time that such an occurrence has taken place over the currently affected areas on August the 14th of 2003. this very same occurrence had happened in 1965, and at that time took more than 12 hours to correct the problems. In 1977, after similar Failures, the Federal Government, of the United States of America, assured the citizenry that studies would be conducted and the proper adjustments to the aligning system Grids would be fixed with built-in redundancies to prevent any such future occurrences; it certainly does not give one great confidence in our government that still left 26 years later such a failure would, and indeed did, occur.

Terrorism? certainly we shall never really know, (as we may never know whether the jet over PA on 911 was shot-down, as reported by some initially then retracted, and some evidence leans toward) as we had such setting precedence within many people's memories.

The most disturbing thing about this is that there is now an established trend! London, went dark, under the same claims of Grid failures. Italy, went dark next, the cause – according to sources ONE (1) Electrical line fed all the way down from Switzerland was knocked out by a fallen tree. Does Italy not have any Power plants of it’s own? One line from N. Europe to S. Europe and only ITALY was effected!?!?! It can drive you insane pondering the COINCIDENTAL nature of these events or if there was indeed a coordinated attack!?!?!

As the war on terrorism continues we must put our best face forward, but let us not be pessimistic and give the government the benefit of the doubt in this certain circumstance; regardless we have once again proven our own inefficiencies and susceptibilities to easily planned, locally schemed and funded with low budget, style of attack on American soil.

I am again adding additional "Food for Thought", as I sit here dictating, watching the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie "End of Days" Which could prove to be prophetic in some sense, but not likely. Prior to this movie, I just finished watching, "The Sum of All Fears". As I've stated earlier in this Article, the sum of all fears is indeed a rouge splinter Terrorist cell, that need nothing more than to study history, search the Internet for the tools necessary, and carry out threats that existed and it succeeded in our recent history; as we as Americans have such short attention spans.

Some say that it is ridiculous that our current American administration has/is calling this a pre-emptive Fourth World War. You need not be religious to believe in such a type of prediction or prophecy. One can certainly point to the Bible and the battle of Armageddon; it is indeed very hard to separate religion from this type of discussion; as the Third World War has been predicted by many profits; many far from associated from any established religion.

As I had previously alluded to Nostrodamus, one can just look back at his predictions of World War One, the rise of Hitler and World War Two, the Napoleonic wars, and much more. The trouble there was his constant fear of his predictions becoming known widespread during the time of his life; as many involved in such predictions would certainly desire a different outcome from what the man who could see time saw what would come to pass. However, it is impossible to completely remove religion from this argument, as all the wars fought in the name of a greater Deity, were generally not the result of the great public outcry of an entire religion, but more of a pariah infecting a sector of and taking their religious full faith and belief in, or an unwillingness to stop what they must have surely known would be great catastrophe and loss of many innocent lives.

In fact, Hitler use Nostrodamus' predictions of Victories over Europe and dropped the Profits predictions. The tables, of course, turned when the later Quatrains were used by the Allies with the same predictability of outcome! Still a scinic?

But let us for the sake of argument, once again try to, remove religion from this discussion. Let me beg your indulgence, and let us just assume the what the great Nostrodamus foresaw through the cold war, the many new advances in the military industrial complexes ability to create and perfect such weapons of war, that Nostrodamus describing in his modern terminology. Many quatrains, spoke of pigs and their flying machines in order to wage war against enemies over long distances. What, pre' tell could those Pigs have been that the he was describing as best he could with the limits of the language of their time; not to mention the fact that Nostrodamus wrote in many cryptic and changing written styles, to preserve his predictions yet protect himself against those who would do him harm in his time of the early 16th century. That's right and is deserving of repeating, the Nostrodamus predicted the rise, second of all World Wars, near some 400 years before the events were to occur.

It is with all that setup, that wish to endeavor into current events. Paraphrasing Nostrodamus, and of course the years and years of interpretation, reinterpretation, and potential forging and rewriting of his great works. Just like I've mentioned about our Religious texts! He often spoke about the new world, and in speaking of the "New World" (as the America's Continents were not yet discovered at the time of his writings) it often went further to mean "the New City" or "New York". Later in separate quatrains, predicted from the sky would rain fire on to the new city, though they would try, nothing could be done to save the lives of those who were to die that day.

Day would become Night, as the great city fell. In retrospect, as is always the case with hindsight being 20/20, what did he see, he had not known of airplanes, yet describe the Pig faced like creatures, that would navigate such machines of destruction from the air. Look at today's modern fighter jet Flyers, there need for speed and high altitudes and maneuvers that would otherwise be beyond human capabilities, if it weren't for the Sophisticated Oxygen and communications mechanisms built into today's modern Pilot headgear. If you had never seen such the likes all of man's darker sides of inventions to come over the next four and five hundred years; you too would be hard pressed to find words to describe what you were seeing; but in retrospect, it is again, fairly apparent to make the match. The darkness, and day becoming night, often predicted as a Nuclear Strike, on New York city; remember my mentioning the term "Ground Zero" being used. We, ourselves, of our time, have likened it to such a disaster by calling the site that has long been established as Military terminology for the Point of attack of a Nuclear, or other large yield, weapon!

What has always puzzled me about Nostrodamus' Third World War predictions, and yet his cross reference to Christ’s Bible that man would have his own free will, and he had greatly hoped that many of his quatrains and predictions would never come to pass, and in fact some historians feel that some quatrains are/were wrong - did some change fate? He would have liked nothing more to be seen as a heretic, prankster, fraud, or just plain storyteller. But alas his predictions have for the most part come true, historians had always associated in the attack on the York City as being one of a Nuclear strike; which still could come to pass! Like I've implied twice thus far, ironic that we called where the World Trade Center once stood as ground zero, which has always been held in high regard as the term for the point of which in nuclear reaction of the explosion would take place, to repeat and/or re-phrase to make the point yet again. Let us hope those quatrains referred to 911 and not a, still future, Nuclear destruction of the entire NY area.

The rain of fire from the sky, often predicted as Missiles, were indeed missiles - planes turned into such weapons of destruction by those with a keen mind, and the strong determination, to strike out at the heart of their perceived enemy. Yet we cannot remove religion from this, as stated before, this comes down to a fight and fate of the whole of the world (whether this does indeed turn out to be a fateful World War 3, or the attempted advancement to bypass World War 3, which again not unlikely is attributed to the Middle East by Nostrodamus). Can we indeed strike out at the head of the serpent that would cause such devastation and destruction on as the world had never seen before -- those, My friend, are the words of Nostrodamus, not mine. There was also a notion of the Third Anti-Christ (again, Nostrodamus' words) as one with the Blue Turban. Literal? Metaphorical? Will the enemy take heed of the warnings and "lose" the Blue Turban, whatever that reference does mean!?!? That fact alone that it is referenced as a "Turban" must have some meaning and relation. What of the "serpant" referrence, any relation to a Political Party symbol? A Nations Flag? A long-standing (Royal, or other) blood-line's Crest?

Are we to take the fact that All Things are predestined, and we must just patiently wait while the world moves ever closer to its complete and almost utter Annihilation. In many ways, the World is at War - it is certainly a different War than we've known before, thus far. Question is: can it stay "somewhat contained" or will Middle Eastern Nations in fact enter into the War. What of Iran and Syria? If they launch their Army across the borders into Iraq, rather than just letting Terrorists in and through (whether knowingly, or unknowingly)? Would other - rather when (basically) Islamic Nations join the fight, on who's behalf/side will then join? NATO, would most likely fall apart, as it already is showing signs of doing over the entry of such countries as Turkey and former Soviet Republic Nations, and the greater the Alliance becomes it is inevitable the Alliance built upon guarding West Europe from East/USSR/Russia/China - will buckle under the wait of a conflict the concentrates North versus South, in basic terms. Religions of one sector, against Religions of another sector of the, or within the, Alliance itself (as a majority, or whole, as most Nations don't have an Official Religion - some do).

This certainly cannot be a complete indictment on the Islamic faith, or even Arabic peoples of nature. It is but this subsection that we must carefully and meticulously weed out, in the name of all people and all faiths; so that we can for once truly live in Peace as one group of peoples of the earth, yet indeed different in some ways, yet alike in so many others. Are we going to continue to let lunacy of the few individuals that have corrupted a group of followers to drag us down and ultimately pull us into Armageddon. It is that simple!!!

As President Bush succinctly put it "you are Either with us, or against us! (in a fight against Terror and/or the abolishment of Free non-Islamic designated in nature people and Nations)" and to stand against us is to stand beside the Terrorists and their desire to drag the entire planet into war amongst ourselves as well as them, as they seek to divide and conquer. They seek to divide us by our religions! They seek to divide us within/among our Nation's. They even seek to divide suspicions amongst our very own neighbors. But remember, they ultimately seek to destroy all Nations and Peoples who are not Muslim/Islamic in nature or support. How can anyone not understand this basic premise by now????

This is not an American war, it is a war for all nations, all races, all creeds. The enemy is no longer a single state or two, such as War over definitive Lines of France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Spain, and in the United States. The once infamous line states: "I have seen the enemy, and he is me" let us not make that fatal mistake. We must work together as Nations, for once as the UN charter actually is meant to do, to protect not one but indeed all Nations territorial boundaries, and allow us to root out these terrorists whether they be amongst us within the United States, the training grounds of the Philippines, several of the Middle Eastern countries sympathetic - or just plain scared and/or bought off by the Terrorists. And what of the Chechnya Republic. What of the Baltic states, shall they remain free and neutral in the desire to live in peace forever with each, All, and every neighbor, whether indeed sharing a border or just electronic and Internet impulse away even though half way across the Globe. It is almost as if we'll need to carve up the earth into separate pieces by faith, by Political view, and whatever else, and move and lump all those types of people together to sink or swim collectively on their own if they cannot hold up under the weight of their own beliefs/views.

Where will China come down when it comes to the interest of North Korea (N.K.) having nuclear weapons at its southern border. Will it (China) be so foolishly short sited to see that in today's political landscape, the enemy of my enemy today is no longer necessarily Allied or friendly to your Nation; (That - the enemy of my enemy is my friend thought process lead us to arm both sides in the Iran/Iraq War to ensure a stalemate) in other than (current) appearances sake. That is, in part, what got us to where we are today with the state of Iran and Iraq. N. Korean missiles will very easily be able to be targeted at Chinese airspace, Army, Cities, and the like. Soon they (N.K.) will be able to extort their desires not just from or against the United States of America, but against all of the Nations of Asia. Again, I ask - can we take such chances and today's modern era and of nuclear weapons and their vast simplicity of construction, delivery, and devastation. Could China be so stupid to think that they won't be extorted for some form of monetary aide in a thinly veiled 'guise of a threat to build and/or use such weapons against China, Japan, everyone else - as they had just 4 to 6 short years ago from the U.S. when we provided $$$$ (YOUR MONEY, TAX DOLLARS FROM YOUR PAYCHECK) to N. Korea on the promise the wouldn't start their (N.K.) reactor and make weapons grade materials for Nuclear missiles. Once Clinton moved out of the White House, they tried to come back for second helpings, and would continue with every new Administration/President from here to eternity.

If it were up to me, I'd tell the Chinese to use N. Korea as their next site for a weapons test. Actually, I'd leverage China's fear of Japan going Nuclear (promising that we'd make them [Japan] a Nuclear Nation loading them up with plenty of Nukes in the name of Defense of Japan against a N.K. or any other Nations Nuclear threat) if N. Korea does not back down. Then China can decided to deal with the problem that is truly within their "Sphere of Influence", if you don't know or remember that phrase - then you haven't paid attention to anything about Korea, Vietnam, the Cuban Missile Crisis --- Is any of this ringing a bell?? This time we play the Soviets role, with Nukes toward Japan, to get the reaction from China. HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM HISTORY? If you do/have, you can prevent it from happening again, or use it to your advantage.

911, was not the end, it was merely just a small beginning of a greater possibility, and we have been warned. If what has been fore-told, or even by happenstance has the slightest possibility of escalating to too much higher stakes than we've thus far discussed, than 911 wasn't Pearl Harbor (I think it's a bad analogy from the beginning - if they'd have hit and destroyed more of the Pentagon and hit the White House, then I'd agree with the concept)

Here is where the Politicalness of our past Century gets ugly. This may invite hate mail from all over, but here goes. We're talking about history, how it turned out, what did we learn, there are plenty of "What if's" that could have changed the course of history. As for the future, the "new Pearl Harbor" is yet to come, my friends, these were just the advance scouts, these were just a few "mortar" rounds if you will.

Now the HARD LOOK AT HISTORY and what we've been taught, what we've learned on our own, what Secret Documents recently released about the past, and what we can just plain speculate; but Nostrodamus told us what was going to happen. Hitler, during WWII, used preferential Quatrains to drop leaflets over Europe where the Quatrains provided the assurance Germany would roll/rule over that next target! Please, due not question all of your notions of what you've been educated to believe, just remember - to the victor goes the spoils. Some History/Truth is sometimes kept (let's say, sanitized and made PC so you can feel good about yourself and your country - whatever country you might be in/from) from the mainstream, as the Victor dictates the terms of the written history of the battles one.

Now, having said that, and further stating that I am NOT ADVOCATING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SPECULATIONS/POSSIBILITIES TO HAVE ENDED UP DIFFERENT. I just want you to THINK FOR YOURSELF. Have the information. Hold it in context. Learn from this how Governments (we're not talking conspiracy theories here, it just takes the "Head Of State" of any of these Nations to have made one change in strategy, that could've made a completely different world. We today, are at the forefront of these situations and Questions that had arisen during WWII that would make the World different today - AGAIN - NOT ARGUING FOR BETTER OR WORSE, JUST EXAMPLES OF HOW ONE DECISION SETS IN MOTION A CHAIN OF EVENTS, AND IN THESE CASES LEAD TO THE WAY WWII WAS FOUGHT AND TURNED OUT.

The battle over Poland was a rouse between Hitler and Russia to split the spoils of Poland - again under a thinly veiled 'guise that Poland had advanced into German Annexed/held Territory and claimed Poland fired the first shots that started the battle for Poland. How, or why, did that have anything to do with Russia entering into Poland then? Just that it was the compromise Hitler had to make with Russia, an appeasement until the time would be right when Germany and Japan were supposed to have opened up a two front War against Russia. People weren't paying attention!! Hitler himself warned of the growing Communist threat in Russia -- telling and true, but ignored because we had already painted an enemy. Germany made the mistake of invading first. If they had waited until the Russians became to impatient in their desire for territorial conquest, then Hitler and Germany would've been seen in a completely different light. They would have been the protector of Poland and Smaller Annexed Nations to build a Country that could bring stabilization that 7 World powers (U.S., Russia, Japan, China, France, Spain [civil war fought with the assistance of Germany], and of course Germany. For whatever reason, began an arms race, vied for position and tactical superiority over whom was to be their "CHOSEN" (yes, chosen) and an inevitable conflict). That covers the War for Europe.

And what of the truth of Japan? Did they attack us "unprovoked" as children are indoctrinated to believe, because we largely leave out the fact that we cut off their OIL - forever altering the Two Front Russian War that was to take place to crush Russia (that for the record, had the LARGEST Air Force of the day, and Troop strengths that rivaled Germany's -- hindsight clearly shows Russia took the wait it out and then play our hand to conquer territory - and what of Patton’s desire to march onward to/through Russia ensuring a Free World?. Could not more Atomic weapons been produced over time enough to bring an end/surrender of Moscow? Hitler was Militarily to Anxious and Stupid, and thus set the tone/motion of how WWII was to play out. Had he gone toward Russia first, what would have been made of that?

As for Japan -- (again, after the U.S. willfully deprives the Japanese of OIL for a War they were fighting in Asia and Pacific Islands, and to have had supposed to enjoin with Germany in the defeat and dividing up of all of Asia. Does who fires the first shot actually define who "CAUSED" the War? Did the President of the United States of America knowingly and willfully expecting that we would have to inevitably have to join in on, cut the OIL to JAPAN forcing them to stall China advancement and never opening the North-East coast of Asia and into Russia to OIL reserves and production ability would have made them independent on the U.S. for anything. Did/was that move in itself a pre-emptive move to provoke Japan to in some way pull us into the War earlier - knowing U.S. sentiment was that the WAR that became (WWII) was Europe and Asia’s problem and would could just stay out and ensure we built an Defensive set of Armed forces that no one would dare attack us? Peace through strength, as President Reagan put it - which worked against the Socialist during the Cold War. Yet the size of our Military didn't stop Japan from making the choice it felt backed into a corner to make.

JAPAN had two choices with limited Natural Resources - to pull back and try to stalemate the War in China and move up into Russia ahead of time to get at badly needed Oil reserves and production facilities, or to attempt to negotiate with the U.S. to restore it's shipments of Oil (sound like the N.Korean bribe/extortion - see, it all fits, history repeats). Without the assurance of being able to take Russia's southern boundaries (with or without German assistance) to obtain the Oil would have been a gamble. Germany had the Middle Eastern Oil fields to supply itself. So instead they (Japan) HAD to hit us hard, as they did at Pearl Harbor where everything was so conveniently lined up for them; and fore-stalling the U.S.'s diversion of Military power to the U.K., French Resistance, Military Resources to China [we sure get lot's of thanks from China and Russia for this/that assistance.] hence, allowing Japan more time to capture fields for self sufficiency on the gamble they could do it in a time-frame quicker than our repair and rebuilding capabilities to gear up to fully take on Japan and officially enter with great force against Germany on the U.K. and French fronts. Let's not forget Italy as the Third member of the "Axis Powers" (I'm part Italian, don't send me nasty grams) but proved useless and a drain on German Military Resources to clean up the messes it (Italy) made!?!?! What if Italy had played a stronger role in WWII?

Again, these are facts, not just conjecture, and can be traced through unclassified Government Documents and the older History books that worried about teaching TRUTH, not the sanitized Politically Correct indoctrination of today that always seems to, in some way, blame America for all the troubles of the World. Seek out the information, it is there to be found. Don't take my word for it. And, Again, these weren't widespread conspiracies, just the fate of the World in the hands of half-dozen Heads of State. After Germany was defeated, we just conveniently forgot about the threat Russia was to pose, and in that wake allowed Russia to soak up Territories under the thumb of their large forces to IMPOSE the U.S.S.R.. Again, great appreciation we got for turning a blind eye to all that from them, 'ey?

Did you listen? Are you listening? Do you care? (YOU OBVIOUSLY DO IF YOU'VE READ THIS FAR, SO I THANK YOU) or are you just content to live and let all the loved ones around you perish because you could not take the time to be bothered to think about it???? Let alone DO ANYTHING TO HELP!!!!

Nostrodamus has left us a dire warning, the four horsemen of the apocalypse are indeed on the way if this is World War 3, but we can stop it. Or Is plague, pestilence, starvation, (The first 3, of which, can be attributed to Terrorist attacks or Gas/Chemical warfare) deadly stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction finally be let out of Pandora's box and unleashed on the world in the lives of hundreds of millions of people: Men, Women, and YOUR children be violently, willfully targeted, and destroyed!!!

His most peculiar quatrain has to do with the final war, "the war shall last", paraphrasing again, 20 and 7 years. This has perplexed many as the year of Nostrodamus, I have since pondered if the 20 and 7 actually be the year 2007? This (one of my potential theories) opposed to set different time periods one of 20 years and one of 7 years. Perhaps it is indeed linear, and the clock started ticking on the first (relatively calm, contained fighting) just part of the early 20 years of fighting. If so, how do we define when did that time frame start? Was he using the Stars alignment, often to justify the passage of time, and therefore been using a different calendar in the 16th Century, couldn't have been, or the quatrains wouldn't have aligned with World events. To again make people really read to digest the meanings? Just how close are we to getting to the 7 years of HELL on earth with "Devastation, the likes the World has never seen", again Nostrodamus' words, not mine. Will the Four Horsemen be released for a very HOT and Wide open War, including low yield tactical Nuclear weapons if not full scale ICBM's. We must figure this out. We must stop this from happening!

There was the 6 day War when Syria, Jordan, and Egypt attacked Israel. WWII lasted (again, depending on when the clock started ticking - by who’s terms make that distinction basically from 1939-1945. That was a long war, let us hope that we would be willing to fight a longer protracted War as apposed to a quick "Def-Con-1", turning of the Red keys, and have to start life anew in the now barren parts of the Globe that might escape the destruction. By the way, the World won't end here and now -- Nostrodamus tells us that the Earth will survive with life until the early 3700's. But what would life be like? Will the later of this Century turn back to living like we had in the 19th Century? Will we be living the life of the Afghans before we tried to help?

As I stated many times we cannot leave religion out this: There is a time for every season - a time for peace, a time for Love, a time for Hate, a time for WAR!

PS: Watch "Black Hawk Down" again, or borrow, rent, whatever and sit if once. We are about to help out Liberia, (as of 08/23/03), the troops are positioning for landing to keep Peace -- 2 words -- MISSION CREEP, be prepared for a potential HOT ZONE in Liberia) and for good humanitarian reasons. This, however, is what our "GOOD INTENTIONS" were (to help starving and oppressed peoples) in Somalia - under the stupidity of the U.N. I'd love to see us send in a surgical team, grab Adid, string him up somewhere, and hang a sign around him stating "NEVER FORGET" on the bastard! Had we maintained our Military doctrine of use of preparing for any/every scenario and having, in Theatre, overwhelming and superior force, Somalia might be a Democratic Republic today! Instead, we allowed ourselves to have to depend on other Nations forces for "HARDENED" vehicles (Heavily Armored Personel carriers and Tanks, jeeps and Hummers were not appropriate protection for that Theatre) and allowed the death of our soldiers and Durant to be a P.O.W.

Another recent film is "Tears of the Sun" with Bruce Willis, in yet another example of how our lack of involvement allows the slaughter of Millions in the name of Religion. This story/movie, while not based in fact - demonstrates many incidents (Bosnia, Somalia, finishing out WWII, and more) where it is indeed representative of our lacking the courage to "DO THE RIGHT THING".

How long will we allow the African Continent to destroy itself over petty jealousy and ethnic and/or Religious rivalries, that in the scheme of things mean that the continued fighting just continues to reduce/deprive ALL of the very things (Food, control of Land, control of Natural Resources, Blatant arrogance of Power, etc...) Shall we finally take to the U.N. and tell it to Stand up and help us to justify the wrongs of the World, or dissolve as another "well intended" but miserable failure as the "League of Nations".

The only thing necessary for Evil to Triumph, is the absence of Good to act -- Edmund Burke!

Where do you stand, do you watch someone being beaten and just pass on by, or do you do what would be the right thing to do!?!? The Sleeping Giant of the U.S. has been awakened, does our short attention span once again allow us to just return to petty PARTISAN bickering rather than see through the course that so many have foretold would happen, if we do indeed allow our Good to be absent where we could make a difference!?!?!

I am sorry to make such a transition from what I had just said above, to this statement (in red) next, but it just seems to be my time to once again step back Look, Listen, Learn, and then report back again as we move on...

May God grace us with his Mercy. No Matter What Your Faith! we must settle our grievances, our differences, in Peace -- the very fate of future generations depends upon it. Will you, your spouse, your offspring or your Parents, be spared this horror