Did anyone see today on the news that our unemployment rate is up to 6.7%? And the market fell big time today. Bush wanting war, and our country going into a recession. This scares me, and it scares me that there are many of us, especially us BS women, who are left to defend for ourselves, with the world coming into a crisis.

This is going to hurt our children, and many of us BS's are going to spiral down into a deep depresssion.

I wonder, why is God letting this happen? And what lesson are we going to learn from this. Plus they are talking about instilling the draft. SNL and I have 3 available age children. The oldest has a hand surgery, with screws in her hand. Don't know if that would keep her out. Our oldest son has a neurological tremor. Don't know if that would keep him out. He is also a fulltime student at a University. Our youngest daughter is A - OK. She is a fulltime student at the same University. Don't know what would happen. Maybe weight, she is petite like me her mom.

Does anyone else worrry about this, and what our President is doing? Or am I just preceeding the events? Oh well. Just a thought~I think I am okay!

<small>[ January 25, 2003, 03:28 PM: Message edited by: Faith4me ]</small>

Hi Faith,
I was just wondering...where could I post a prayer request for out troops that would get a lot of attention when I saw your post.

I live in a very small town and today I watched as our National Guard Unit was escorted out of town by the fire trucks headed for parts unknown.
They held a farewell for them yesterday and it was so gut-wrenching. The tears. The pride of these guys and gals. The kids, wives, moms and dads. We're all neighbors. I have no one personally that left but I was surprised how many I knew and that I didn't even know were in the Guard. (My little neighbor who just had her 3rd baby will now be home alone). The guy from church. One of the kids from youth group. It really made this whole war thing come alive to me this week. Our Guard Unit has not been called up since the Korean War! Who could have thought we ever would?

I am very proud and grateful for what these people have committed to do for me and our country..amazing. I am in awe.

Please remember them all as they are away from their families and away from the comforts of home. My daughter asked how we could help?? I am going to get in touch with the gal who has the 3 young kids and see how we can help her. Maybe we can babysit, have them for dinner etc.

So, Faith, thanks for this thread and I sure hope they don't use the draft! What a dreadful thought for a mom with draft-age children. My oldest boy is 15 and another is 13. I have a girl that is 17. Would sure hate to see them in the line I saw yesterday at the Armory. Eek.
Stay strong. Don't be afraid, it will all work out.
Take Care

Faith,

The unemployment rate is only 6%:

The government reported earlier this month that the nation's jobless rate remained stuck at an eight-year high of 6 percent in December. Many analysts predict the unemployment rate will peak at about 6.5 percent in early summer, before the economy starts to pick up and create jobs again.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A37094-2003Jan24.html

Remember when, last fall, they told us the economy had bottomed out?

Sometimes I wonder if Bush is yelling about going to war in order to take our minds off the other mess that is going on here.

Did you know that there is only one member of Congress who has a close family member who is a member of the Armed Forces?

<small>[ January 25, 2003, 11:30 AM: Message edited by: cinderella ]</small>

I feel I must post to this. As someone whose father was career military and who spent 10 years in the military, I think people need to stop and think about a few things. We have and spend a lot of money on the military to do what is being comtemplated right now.

Perhaps a bit of perspective might help. In defense of Bush or actually any President that would have held the position during these times you must consider the following.

For most of the time since 9/11 there have been multiple congressional commitees devoted to finding why we didn't know 9/11 was going to happen. The blame has been spread around. But what if FBI/CIA had known? Would the country let Bush or any President declare war on these people BEFORE they killed thousands of people?

That is what is being considered now. If Iraq has what apparently many feel they do have, the death toll won't be a few measly thousand people. It can and will be much larger, MUCH LARGER. Now do we sit here and wait for it to happen? Or do we take proactive moves? Sounds easy if the people you are after are admitting that they have the weapons. But they are not admitting such because to do so would condem them immediately.

So we sit or more precisely the President does, knowing full well that any conflict will lead to casualties. But, also knowing that no conflict could lead to even MORE casualties. Some time go read the oath of office that our Presidents takes and then reflect on this situation.

I wouldn't want to be in that man's position for all the money in the world. This isn't about the particular man or the party. It is about a very very difficult situation, where it is likely that many people will die, no matter what the decision.

You must realize that after 9/11 there are indeed people in this world that would happily remove this country from the face of the earth, IF only they had the ability. They were just limited to a few airliners last time. Next time what will it be?

You will also note that we have indeed been spending a lot of money on a national defense and ALL Presidents have done so. Why? Because we do elect people that when they come to office are faced with some startling realities, and that we have enemies is one of them.

Since I have a son in his early 20's and a teenage son, I am concerned. But so was my father's parents before WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and my parents during Vietnam. It is not pretty. It is not what most would wish, but it is reality.

A few prayers for our troops I am sure would be appreciated. A few prayers for our leaders wouldn't hurt either. They face awful decisions in these situations.

Must go,

God Bless,

JL

PS: If you look back on things historically, the 6% unemployment rate used to be considered very normal and in fact good compared to other times. If you look at the economy, it had to make an adjustment, the growth of the last 10-15 years couldn't be sustained and in fact wasn't (the books were being cooked in a variety of companies in the 90's). All things a cyclic, and so are our emotions, the economy, and life in general. These things will pass Faith4me. They always do.

Hi Faith4me,

Sorry that you are feeling so down about the way things are going with the country right now...

The stock market will continue to go up and down. The unemployment rate will rise and fall as well.

I really don't think that we'll ever reinstate the draft.... so you don't really have to worry about your children. Yes the armed services are spread very thin, but we CAN meet our obligations around the world.

I'm proud to have served my country on active duty for 11 years... and I'm still serving in the reserves. For me, the WORST years of my service were when we had a cheating, lying WS for our Commander in Chief... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="images/icons/mad.gif" />

I thank God that president Bush is in the White House and I stand ready to answer any call that our nation may require of me...and it's starting to look like I might get the call sooner, rather than later...

Our country is in great shape... Don't let the nay-sayers get you down! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Semper Fi,
RIF90

All we can do is watch the news, and read the papers. President Bush is in a hard situation. People will be killed, and that is a fact. Just thinking about that last night, laying in bed. And thinking about all the families that are going to be torn with grief. Just like the 9/11 attack.

Son and I went to a competition musical event today. He plays the baritone sax, and the quartet played. 2 tenors and 1 alto, and 1 baritone. They get a 1 2 or 3. Our quartet got a 1, which is first place. They did well, 3 frames needed more defining, but all in all did very well. Judge said the piece was challenging. So it was a great day.

Talked to the kids we picked up about the draft. They stated that they didn't want to be drafted. We had a child in our van, that is a identical twin. So his brother could get drafted too. The twins had a younger brother, that died about 8 years ago with cancer of the brain. Just thought about his mother and father. How hard it would be for her to send her 2 surviving boys off to war. And for one not to come back, would be dreadful.

I am happy I live in America. I am happy that president Bush is in charge. I will pray for him and our congressmen, and military forces. We are in hard times, and all we can do is pray.

Yep, all we can do is pray! And, support the families that also sacrifice by being without their spouse/child/parents for a while.

And, Rebuilding in Faith, I feel very thankful for you and so many others who are willing to do this for us! THANK YOU! It really hit home this week as I watched our guardsmen walk around town getting their affairs in order and spending time with their little ones...I have a great deal of respect for you.

I have two sons, and I believe I could feel better about losing one or both of them while serving our country and protecting this great nation than in a car wreck. You know many,many parents have lost children (young and old) in some hard to understand situations (9-11, Oklahoma bombing, drunk drivers, etc.)

At least in a war, there is a cause or hope for a better future.

Of course, I don't want to think about losing them PERIOD. But the reality is, I could.

P.S. I am a little warped about my feelings on the military. My father is retired Air Force (Korea & Vietnam era), and my husband served his turn in Vietnam(before me). I will say that they both wear the title of "veteran" with pride.
I also have a cousin that I helped raise sitting on a yacht in the Persian Gulf right now.

Thank you, Rebuilding in Faith, for your courage and love for our country. It is so refreshing to see someone who sees things for the way they are and isn't trying to whine their way out of a hard situation.

I, too, am so glad President Bush is our President. I know he can make a mistake but I believe he is God-fearing and seeks God for wisdom. How can we make a decision about something we only know about from hear say? The press will only tell you WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO HEAR. That is what we base our opinions on. I do not know if war against Iraq is right or wrong. I know that if 9/11 happened, worse things can take place against our freedoms.

I am a BS with limited income but I am far from starving. I have all I need and some extra....we do not know what hard times are. I hope we never experience full-on hard times.....But I know God can get us through anything.

I appreciate all the men and women who serve our country and pray for strength and courage to stand for freedom. I hope I will stand for freedom if the time comes.

TW

<small>[ January 26, 2003, 08:45 AM: Message edited by: Nick123 ]</small>

<small>[ January 26, 2003, 08:46 AM: Message edited by: Nick123 ]</small>

There is one part of President Bush that is encouraging. He is a christian, and has God in his heart. I listen to the Christian Program, and the Bush family is a strong christian family. Sure they have their faults, no one is perfect. One of the things that President Bush and his wife do together, is pray in the morning together. That is what the Christian Program stated. They do read the bible together, and attend church regularly.

Knowing what our last president was like, makes me sick. Adulterous life style, and not admitting to his affair with Monica. Stating he didn't have sex, what a liar, and he was found guilty. I feel sorry for his wife, Hillary and their daughter. This must be difficult for their daughter knowing what her father did, and being a liar. She is a strong young woman, and smart, and seems to be doing well in college. Of course Hillary is governor, and making a politcal career in her life. As far as Mr. Clinton, not sure what he is doing.

Tonight again the news talked about the war with Iraq. The soldiers being sent abroad. Talking to families saying goodbye. Some for the last time <img border="0" alt="[Teary]" title="" src="graemlins/teary.gif" /> . At least these strong men and women fought for their country, with pride. Also the fear of chemical warfare. I am scared, and if chemical warfare happens, 9/11 is just a drop of what chemical warfare can do <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" /> .

God, please help our country, help President Bush, and the men and women going abroad to fight for our country. These men and women are our arms, fighting for peace and justice. Fighting to save our country, and the people here that are living in the United States, Country of the Free. Give these men and women courage, courage to fight and kill if need be. Courage to stand for the United States of America. This is hard for all of them, and let these people know that you are beside them, and guide them. Help the families of all these troops, knowing that they may not come back. And those little ones that know daddy or mommy went far away, to do something, like war, but not quite understadning what is going on. Give thses little ones, sleep at night. Give them an angel to take to bed to hold. An angel that watches them during the day. We all are sinners, and all are asking for these men and women to be blessed with courage and faith. Amen.

I am absolutely terrified that Bush is in a position of power. Of all the consequences that arose from Clinton's behavior, the worst is that Bush ended up as president (with a little help from his brother).

The CIA has produced a report that concluded that going to war with Iraq will produce an increase in terrorism. At least six high ranking generals have stated that this is not a good time to go to war. The use of preemption, especially without UN approval, will create a dangerous precedent.

Yes that was mentioned on the news too. We think that threats are part of life now, it will be worse. The transport system will be shutdown to a degree. For travelers across the world, there will be the underlying fear of terrorists.

Did you see the field for the Football game tomorrow? The man power they have out for protection. They have even stated wires placed periodically around the stadium for detection. Also, there are going to be dogs placed around the stadium, and some in the aisles. There is this fear, of terrorists attacking, and look how many people could be wiped out in one incident.

I wonder if there was any problem selling all the seats? What about the vendors at the stadium? And of course the reporters calling the game as it goes. So many innocent people, and of course the players on the field. Scary, isn't it.

Nellie, do you think Gore would of been better? Or the independent party? I voted for the person not the party. At least who I thought would be better. But believe me, I am not the person to ask, I am too emotional, and look into ones eyes. Judge by their personality. Christian beliefs. Looks mean nothing either. Actually, I really fail on judgment of a person as far as quality of ruling this country.

Nellie, Clinton, defaced the title of 'President' for our country. Making a mockery of a family, and committment and vows. We all are humans and fail. I never liked Clinton, but prayed for him as well. I am sure he learned a lesson from his adulterous life, and will have to live this lesson forever.

Bushs wife I feel stands by her husband, and he stands by his wife. There is a mutual eye contact that shows love. I never saw this with Clinton and his wife. There seemed to be a wall between them. There was the one time that Clinton and Hillary were on a private beach, and I think Chelsea was there too. Clinton told Hillary that she had a fat stomach. And he grasped her buttocks like grabbing lard. I was appalled with that picture, and the statement written by a reportere. Of course, it might have been a false statement. But it just seems to be that Bill would do something like that in view. Not caring about his wifes feelings, and being one selfish brat. Not a fan of Clinton.

I was a fan of Kennedy. And then to find out he was deceitful to his wife was hard to comprehend. Being strong catholics they were, and her having a miscarriage, and she was a beautiful woman, and a caring woman and he finding other woman more passionate than his wife.

I guess we could go through the list of presidents, and there would be more to come out. Seems the morals of our nation are becoming less and less.

But back to our country. God needs to show us the path to follow. The path to a completeness with God, and the bible. I am praying for our country to find peace and protect our young men and women fighting for our nation. All we can do is pray for President Bush. And I am watching the news to seee what is happening everyday. I am scared and praying for peace inside of myself.

Praying for a good game tomorrow, without any incidents of terrorists. I really don't care who wins, just as long as everyone has fun. Hoping that we all can enjoy the game, and let the winners win with pride and give the losing team a good handshake. Wonder if President Bush will be watching the game? Don't know if he is a football fan.

Nellie1,

President Bush "ended up in power" because we live in the GREATEST country in the world. The people of the United States of America voted and ELECTED him president... just as they did with President Clinton.

I really don't see the "logic" in your attempt to state that terrorism will increase if we go to war with Iraq... If memory serves me correctly, we were NOT in a war with anyone when the planes started flying into the WTC and the Pentagon. ...but I will defend your RIGHT to believe or say anyting that you want.

I agree 100% with the "6 high ranking generals"... there is NEVER a good time to go to war. My wife and kids sure don't think that "now" is a good time...

I am so sorry that you are absolutely terrified that President Bush is in a position of power... but I stand ready to defend YOUR right to feel this way.

Please belive me, NOBODY wants peace more than a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine that is about to go into harm's way...

Semper Fi,
RIF90

<small>[ January 25, 2003, 09:26 PM: Message edited by: Rebuilding in Faith 90 ]</small>

A long time ago someone said (I think Alexander Hamilton, but feel free to correct me) "I do not agree with what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it".

I personally think it is nice to see our govt getting back to the only job it was supposed to have in the first place, protecting the interests, rights, freedoms, and lives of its citizens.

Dear God, can you imagine what things would have been like if Gore had won the election?? *shudder*

JMHO

MTD

Faith
This is a very touchy subject for me! I do have a daughter serving in the military. My H is retired military and the news (Fox) is about all i watch on tv.
My H and I were active duty during Clinton and let me tell you our military was almost destroyed.
IF Clinton had taken Bin Laden we he had the chance 3 times our Country wouldn't be in the shape it is in. I saw first hand what he did to our military.
As i fear war and the safety of my daughter as well as all the others serving our country i know in my heart that many more will suffer if we do not follow thru with this.
I can remember when my daughter the one now serving in the military said to me when Clinton was running for office the first 4 years: (Mommy he is scarey don't vote for him)
I would rather have a christian with all the moral beliefs and respect that President Bush has for our military and our Country than one ouce of what Clinton gave this Country.
Have faith in a man who has faith in God,Marriage,Family and our Military. This has to be dealt with and just be thankful who we do have in office.
God Bless
Military Mom and Wife

The war will increase the death of Iraq people. Which in return we are dealing with a man that is unstable. He is of Hitler thinking, those that don't agree with his 'logical' thinking deserve to die. For anyone who doesn't agree with 'selfish' unstable thinking, doesn't need to live. These are the ones who will try to defy his controlling behavior.

There were terrorist attacks at the US before 9/11. People died needlessly, because of these attacks. What about the threats we endure when we have big events which many people attend. The threats in NEW YORK on new years eve. Just like the football game Sunday. Locally, we have a strong University football team, and the stadium was threatened for one of the big games. The olympics were being threatened. I for one know, that my brother-in-law was sent there for one purpose. To protect the people attending the olympics. He could not disclose his exact location for attending, but he did state for protection.

Over the last 2 years, there have been threats. And our government was not taking some of these threats seriously. But now, they have to take these threats with sincere attempts. Just like Columbine. Look at the schools, our school for one had one bomb threat. The kids who did the threats paid for the consequences of their foolish acts.

Today we don't live in a world where we can trust our neighbors. They had on the news where people of darker skin, are being taken out of the line at the airport and screened. LUggage no longer can be locked. A counselor of mine, was going to Puerto Rico to see her sister dying of cancer 2 weeks ago. She was concerned about her luggage, knowing that it cannot be locked, she was bringing her sister 2 wonderful gifts that she requested before her death. One was Seas (sp?) Chocolate. You don't know if the items in your suitcase will still be in your suitcase when you arrive at your destination. What can you do about it. Nothing. Your luggage can be inspected at your destination also.

To say there were no attacks before 9/11, is garbage. It is now taken seriously, and stated on the news. The news ratings are increased with fear, threats, and lies. If all they were to discuss were happiness, love, caring, they would not exist.

Bush is our leader. We need to pray for him and his family. As well as our troops leaving our country. And our troopps familys.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Nellie, do you think Gore would of been better?</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Absolutely. Gore is not perfect, but I think he would be far better than Bush. Gore is not Clinton; he is in no way responsible for Clinton's behavior, any more than he is responsible for Kennedy's. Party has nothing to do with it - I have rarely voted for a major party candidate.