The Washinton Post reported today that American CIA operatives have become creative in securing the cooperation of tribal leaders in Afghanistan. In the past many incentives have been used: money, medicine, surgery for family members, even school supplies. Now the secret weapon is Viagra. Should firm up relations. (Way too easy, I could go on and on, but then, so could the tribal leaders I suppose).
The Wall Street Journal says today that Israel has given Hamas an ultimatum. Hundreds of rocket bombs have been launched from Gaza into Israel in the past couple of weeks. Saying the bombing must stop and he will give no further warning, Israeli Prime Minister Olmert said simply, "We are stronger." Hamas officials were too busy ducking to respond.
I was reading a bit of Ann Lamott and Wendell Berry yesterday. They both suggest that to find the presence of the Creator it is necessary to surround yourself with Creation. In other words, sometimes we need to take a walk in the woods. Just not near the TVA Kingston Coal Power Plant in Harrimon, Tennessee {west of Knoxville, not far from Sunbright, for you ASP folk). A holding dam broke and spilt millions of gallons of ash sludge into the surrounding area, flooding over 400 acres and flowing into two streams which flow into the Tennessee River. The spill was six miles from the local water treatment plant. Officials say there is no danger to the drinking water from the plant, despite the fact that the sludge contains high concentrations of mercury, cadmium and other carcinogens. The dead fish floating in the streams did not raise confidence levels of the local population. If you met the Creator on a walk around there, I bet He was angry.
Many thanks to Kate, who volunteered to make soup for me today to take to the Bentley family Christmas. There is good news after all.
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