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Politics : Dutch Central Bank Sale Announcement Imminent? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: philv who wrote (24004)	12/29/2005 9:22:03 PM
From: philv	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 81084

On a different subject, the US national debt is again bumping up to the Congressional limits. news.yahoo.com I know this is tiresome, and for the life of me, I can't understand why they just don't limit the debt to infinity, which is where it is surely headed, and be done with it, once and for all.

To: philv who wrote (24004)	12/29/2005 10:24:54 PM
From: sea_urchin	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 81084

Phil > You are a seeker of truth and justice, and so am I. But I doubt if we will find it here on earth. Thank you for the compliment which I reciprocate. And I share your scepticism. Nevertheless, these are most exciting times -- but only for armchair pundits, like ourselves, of course. We can sit and pontificate about this and that, right and wrong, just to pass the time. It doesn't affect our lives one way or the other. As I've said to others, world politics today is like a hobby. With the internet, one has all information at one's fingertips and interested and interesting people to discuss it with. What could be a nicer way of spending one's twilight years? > There is a huge chasm between reality and hope. Mankind has always struggled to fulfill his dreams, despite the stark reality staring him in the face. Most of the time, the struggle has led to tragedy. Every day I am grateful for my blessings -- and, indeed, I do feel blessed. My cup overfloweth. Fortunately, I have no aspirations for greatness, wealth or to "improve" mankind. > Most of the time, the struggle has led to tragedy. That is the dilemma facing the Moslem nations. Actually I regard Islam as very successful and also very self-confident despite the onslaught against it by the US/Israel. In fact, I see this period as a turning point in history where the East takes over from the West in world leadership. > Right now, the dream of Arab equality or supremacy in the Middle East just cannot come to fruition given the political alliances. I have never really thought about Arabs as being different from Muslims, generally. Indeed, today, with better food, better housing and better education those I see on TV seem much like anyone in the West. They are well dressed, they speak well and they know what they are talking about. Many have even been educated in Western universities. In fact, they don't even look too dark -- more like Italians. There may be religious differences but but I don't think there is much difference culturally. > Life isn't fair. If it was, we would all be born with your intellect. Now you're making me blush. But I do agree. We are dealt a hand of cards and have to play with it to the best of our ability. If things work out one is clever, if they don't work out one is unlucky. Finally, if you really want to know my position on Israel, I feel their policy of trying to find peace through war is a disaster -- for them -- forget the Arabs etc. The Israelis are wasting their time with an unachievable fantasy and making lasting enemies at the same time. IMO, it would have been a thousand times better for everyone if they made the settlement that Rabin wanted to do, namely give back the land and return to the pre-1967 boundaries, small as they are. And then make friends with their neighbours. If they had done that I'm sure Israel would have experienced a Golden Age of prosperity and influence in the region. Instead, they are pariahs.