For the record, I do not consider myself a completely Liberal Democrat. Perhaps of the bulk of my political outlook, and social leanings are skewed towards such, but I've been accused of being a Republican at times.

Which I take as a compliment, but that is a topic for another time.

I also, do not appreciate the fact that we are in Iraq in the first place. I feel that the Job in Afghanistan should be finished first. But I will be undoubtedly flamed by many liberals for saying this:
Western Society, as in the European Version, IS, superior to, in both morals and actions, Islam.

Now that could be that I've got a set of filters in place and that they don't allow me the opportunity to see everything good that Islam in general, and Arabs in particular, practice.

Yes, practice, that is the key word for me.

For all of my concerns with Christianity, it is not God/Jesus per se, that I've got a problem with, it is his fan club.

Again, that is a topic for another time.

In my view, Christianity has done much, much, good for Europe and the world.

Yes, there have been mistakes, both political and social, both by the Catholics and Protestants of every flavor.

But there is one aspect of Christianity that Islam simply does not practice: Putting thier money where their mouth is.

Christianity, takes care of the widows and orphans of those who have laid down their lives for their countries and or their beliefs. Imperfectly, at best, but we do it.

European Society takes care of their women and children.

I remember reading of a Red Cross relief mission in what once was a part of the Middle East, I cannot remember where. But it was thoroughly Muslim. The Red Cross folks arrived and immediately started helping out those who were the most neediest- Women, and Children.
The Men were upset. They were outraged! What is this nonsense? Why are you giving THEM this food and care for? WE are the ones who need it! There are plenty of other women to be obtained elsewhere! We've made babies before, and we'll make them again once this crisis is passed.

This is the characteristic selfishness that runs rampant in damned near every Muslim country.

Case in Point- Every time we made a military strike on Iraq prior to the Second Bu$h's invasion, Saddam would place large numbers of women and children near the military targets in the hopes that the world would be outraged by "America's" actions against those helpless women and children. Yes they are helpless. But the greater crime being committed isn't being done by America.

Even the recent Al-Zarkoff's death, there were women in his hidey hole.

I've lived there, in both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Kuwait was nicer in the fact that it was more ....well, western. But even they got my goat.

I've enjoyed the attitudes of the Muslim world. I learned how to drive in Saudi Arabia in ways that I cannot shake even now. It could be that's one reason why I don't have many speeding tickets. Goddess knows I deserve many, and no few reckless driving citations.

How many of those are there out there, who feel that they're being Patriotic when all they've done is aggravate thier carpal tunnel by waving a china made American Flag?

Kerry wouldn't have been my first pick for President, but in comparison to Cheney/Bu$h, at least he had barrel duty.

If you ever meet me, and I act weird, cut me some slack. But I will tell you this: if you ever see me walk out into the rain and see me stop. Tilt back my head and let the rain soak into my clothes to my skin. I'm not crazy. It's just that I remember all those mornings I woke up to yet another day in fucking Saudi Arabia. Al's Garage. (al-kharj).

God IS in the Rain.