Day by day we are all inundated with the clamor from the mass media...which grows ever more sensational as they try to lure in listeners and viewers -- not only to influence our thoughts and views, but, more importantly, to expose us to their advertising.  Unrestrained capitalism and "free" enterprise rule of the day -- money is being worshipped as never before.

How can we find balance and peace in our lives (in the midst of all this)?  I think places like this are one way.  Places of safety and security where we, as friends, can share our thoughts and views with one another...without fear; knowing that we will be listened to, our thoughts taken seriously.

If we base our understanding of Iraq on what we are being told by the media; then there is no hope.  Iraq from start to finish is a total disaster and failure -- and things will never get better there.  From my own understanding of the history of that area, I do think we were somewhat naive in thinking that our vision of democracy would take hold there.  The history and culture of Iraq is far different from our own; we don't come from a common place; therefore we really cannot understand the people there -- or their ways.  Certain faulty assumptions were made at the very beginning, and now the piper is being paid; in my opinion.

Can things ever improve there?  I think so...; but it won't be because of the United States -- it will have to be because of the Iraqi people and what they want; they will have to do it themselves.  True liberty and freedom always come from the inside, it can never be imposed.

On another topic: have you seen the reports regarding "Amendment E" in South Dakota?  What an incredibly interesting development -- and this movement isn't confined to S.D., it will be appearing in other States as well. 

Here is an L.A. Times article that describes Amendment E pretty well.  I'd love to hear your thoughts:

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/la-na-judges15oct15,1,192282.story?c...

If you have any trouble opening this link, please let me know, and I'll send you the text as a plain text e-mail message.

Hope you all have a great day!

Mark Zacharias