Sunday, April 22, 2012

After the Prophet by Lesley Hazleton

A good friend knowing of my growing interest in all things pertaining to Islam sent me an e-mail of the author giving a talk to a large audience. Her remarks were well received. Based on that, I purchased the book.
I am not sure what I expected but what I found was a well-researched and thorough recitation of the final years of Muhammad’s life and the years following as different factions vied to succeed him in authority. She brings these events to life such as you would find in a book of fiction. As a beginning student on this subject I am willing to accede that she accurately describes the events as they unfolded.
With him as he lay dying were five men each of whom over the course of time would become Caliph (successor) of Muhammad. They were two fathers-in-law, two sons-in-law and a brother-in-law. The latter was the youngest and the closet relative Ali. It would be too cumbersome for me to catalogue the succession. It is only important from the standpoint of how the split began which culminated in the division that exists even today between Sunni and Shia Muslims. In simple terms it boils down to whether sacredness inheres in the Prophet’s blood family, as the Shia believe, or in the community as a whole, as the Sunnis believe.
The most compelling episode had to do with the death of Hussein in 680 at Karbala where Hussein and his loyal band of warriors were slain. He was the youngest son of Ali. It is a gripping story of courage and has since that time become a major part of the split between both factions.
She concludes by stating the mistake of President Bush in not recognizing the split and placing our forces in the untenable position of taking sides, a no win proposition. She ends by stating history is often made by the heedless, to which I enthusiastically state I agree.


Jack B. Walters
April 22, 2012

Thursday, April 19, 2012

And so it continues- Shortened per the editor's request

Afghan President Karzai demands that the United States pledge a minimum of $2 billion /year to support their military after we leave in 2014. U.S. officials were quoted as expecting to provide $4 billion. The amount will be finalized in Chicago in May. What Karzai wants is a firm commitment.
When Russia called it quits they took what remained of their marbles and went home. Their defeat among other things ended up breaking up the USSR as they were nearly bankrupt. In my opinion we are nearing that same situation.
Our country is operating with an annual deficit of $1.2 trillion. How can a responsible government continue to give vast sums away that we borrow from China?
I wonder how much we are continuing to give to Iraq after pulling out our forces. I would guess it is similar to what Karzai is demanding.
I have written many times about bringing our troops home, now I am asking to keep our money home as well.


Jack B. Walters
April 18, 2012

And so it continues- a letter to the editor

In today’s Daily Star (4/18/2012) is another article relating to Afghanistan. It consists of demands from Afghan President Hamid Karzai that the United States pledges a minimum of $2 billion /year to support their military after we leave in 2014. U.S. officials were quoted as expecting to provide $4 billion. The amount is expected to be finalized at a conference to be held in Chicago in May. What Karzai wants is a firm commitment not just some vague promise.
Our country is operating with an annual deficit of $1.2 trillion. Keep that thought in your head as you ponder the wisdom of an open ended commitment of this amount for decades to come. How insane is this.
At least when Russia called it quits after they lost they took what remained of their marbles and went home. Their defeat among other things ended up breaking up the USSR as they were nearly bankrupt. In my opinion we are nearing that same situation. How can a responsible government continue to give vast sums away that we borrow from China?
One last thought, I wonder how much we are continuing to give to Iraq after pulling out our forces. I have never read anything but I would venture to guess it is similar to what Karzai is demanding.
I have written many times about bringing our troops home, now I am asking to keep our money home as well.


Jack B. Walters
April 18, 2012

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Letter sent to Universal Studios

Corporate Offices Universal Studios Plaza
Orlando, Florida
32819-7610
Dear Sirs,
On April 4, 2012 I accompanied my son and his family to spend the day at your Universal Studios Theme Park. They were interested in checking out the new Harry Potter attraction. I live in Arizona, my son lives in North Carolina. His family and I came to Florida to spend time with my daughter-in-law’s mother who lives in Plant City. As an 83 year old senior citizen I had no particular interest other than spending time with my family regardless of what they might want to do.
We got up early and arrived just as the Park was opening. Even so there was already a long line to enter. We accepted this. We headed directly to the Harry Potter area and got to the end of the line not realizing that we would stand in the slow moving line for over one and one half hours after which we were allowed to take the four minute ride. We were a little tired and hungry so we stopped and bought lunch, then we proceeded to the Spiderman area and once again got in line. This time nearly two hours passed before we were allowed to take that three minute ride. As we neared the end I observed the man who was directing traffic. My estimate is that he allowed four of the VIP persons to one from the long line. They probably waited 10 to 15 minutes. No regard or consideration for the rest of us. I kept my piece as I didn’t want to offend my son but I was outraged at this total disregard for the well-being of the thousands of guests such as us, many of whom had small children and others old like I am. My son advised me he spent $85 per ticket.
My recommendation would be to eliminate the VIP program as it is at the present time where, as I understand it, anyone can receive that status for an additional $25. Reserve VIP for VIP’s such as elected officials, celebrities, etc. To recover the lost funds increase the daily admission charge. If patrons were standing in a line that was continually advancing there would be far fewer disgruntled customers.
Obviously you are making a huge profit. The amount of funds to create these magnificent structures and rides must have been enormous. The staff training and the huge number required must also be a huge expense. If at the end of the day you have thousands with unhappy experiences such as we had then what have you accomplished other than adding up the proceeds. Not that it makes any difference from my home in Tucson but I will never recommend anyone to visit Universal Studios in Orlando.

Yours truly,
Jack B. Walters
April 14,2012