Here is a thought... how come many people read/view the Poll questions, but few answer the question? Is it that hard? Choose an answer and hit the VOTE button!!! Geesh

#2: I wonder if anyone out there loves the standard windows game MINESWEEPER as much as I do. Its a total logic game and I've gotten very fast at it. I can play for hours! Holla if you do, we can compare scores.

I wonder if the bombing in Bali, our upcoming attack on Iraq, the sniper in DC are a sign of things to come....
And I was sooooo close to retirement

Help keep us safe and sound!!

My son caught and ran for 4 TD's in flag football yesterday. He is 10. He runs like the wind. He wants to play full contact but I will not let him until he is in the 8th grade.

ocatchings

Did you hear the latest, the the sniper killer in DC area is Middle Eastern or Hispanic according to eye witnesses. You know he's not a Hispanic.

Like I said, if you are an infadel, you aint shiyt so killing innocent people is just like stamping on ants. Never mind these are innocent men, women and children.

Brother Kenneth Bridges had co-founded a BLACK marketing and distribution organization. His death stunned family and friends, who had been nervous about Bridges traveling in the Washington area because of the recent shootings.

quote:

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Originally posted by JuneBug:
My son caught and ran for 4 TD's in flag football yesterday. He is 10. He runs like the wind. He wants to play full contact but I will not let him until he is in the 8th grade.

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Aw Dad, let the boy play!! I started full contact when I was six. It was great; some of my best memories to this day!!

Onward and Upward!

had no clue you played football....tackle at that....you're more of THE MAN than i had previously ascribed you to being.

Well, I may break down and let him play sooner, but he is so thin, yet strong. His loins are strong from running track, he runs the 100, 200, 400, long jump. He is good at all of them but not great at any of them, I think he is going to break out this coming track season, his legs are looking bumpy , if he does, I may let him play full contact football the season after track. I have 3 that run track, daughters 12 and 9, and son 10. 12 and 10 run like the wind, my 12 year daughter medalled in 3 Jr Olympics, she runs the 1500, 400, 200, 400 hurdles and long jumps. She is tall, strong, fast,very pretty and physically gifted girl. But my boy, still needs to grow more, he is growing fast and will be tall and I'm afraid of knee injuries or any kind of leg joint injury because at his age he may never be the same because of his rapid growth at his age. He will play full contact but when bones and muscles are ready. I expect him to play Wide Receiver or Quarter Back.

But all of them will run track until out of High School at least. I expect my 12 year old to excel in Track and Basketball, she loves Basketball the most. My Boy loves Basketball too but loves football the most. My 9 year old, she is kinda small and runs the 1500, she runs and never complains but she has some growing to do, if she sticks with middle distance, she will eventually excel. Hopefully anyway.

Like I said, if you are an infadel, you aint shiyt so killing innocent people is just like stamping on ants. Never mind these are innocent men, women and children.


Myth: Islam tolerates the killing of innocents because:

Muslims can be terrorists
Muslims engage in `holy wars' (jihad)
Islam spread by the sword
it has a harsh and cruel judicial system

This misconception is one of the most widely held misconceptions about Islam today. And yet in the Qur'an, the Creator unambiguously states (translation),

[17:33] Nor take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand retaliation or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life, for he is helped (by the Law)

Based on this verse, it is Islamically unlawful to murder anyone who is innocent of certain crimes. It is well to remember at this point the distinction made above between Qur'an and Sunnah, and the Muslims: only the Qur'an and Sunnah are guaranteed to be in accordance with what the Creator desires, whereas the Muslims may possibly deviate. Hence, if any Muslim kills an innocent person, that Muslim has committed a grave sin, and certainly the action cannot be claimed to have been done "in the name of Islam."

It should be clear, then, that "Muslim terrorist" is almost an oxymoron: by killing innocent people, a Muslim is commiting an awesome sin, and Allah is Justice personified. This phrase is offensive and demeaning of Islam, and it should be avoided. It is hoped that as the general level of public awareness and understanding of Islam increases, people will keep "terrorism" and "Islam" separate from each other, not to be used in the same phrase.

Another reason advanced in support of the misconception is that the Creator has imposed `jihad' on us. The term "holy war" is from the time of the Crusades and originated in Europe as a rallying cry against the Muslims in Jerusalem. Jihad is an Arabic word meaning struggle, but in the context of many verses in the Qur'an, it carries the meaning of military struggle, or war. Allah gradually introduced the obligation of military struggle to the Muslim community at the time of the Messenger (saas). The first verse ever revealed in that connection is as follows (translation),

[22:39] Permission (to fight) is given to those upon whom war is made because they are oppressed, and most surely Allah is well able to assist them;

This verse lays down the precondition for all war in Islam: there must exist certain oppressive conditions on the people. The Creator unequivocally orders us to fight oppression and persecution, even at the expense of bloodshed as the following verse shows (translation),

[2:190-192] And fight in the cause of Allah with those who fight with you, and do not exceed the limits, surely Allah does not love those who exceed the limits. And kill them wherever you find them, and drive them out from where they drove you out, and persecution is severer than slaughter, and do not fight with them at the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah) until they fight with you in it, but if they do fight you, then slay them; such is the reward of the unbelievers. But if they desist, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. And fight with them until there is no persecution, and religion should be only for Allah, but if they desist, then there should be no hostility except against the oppressors.

As one might imagine, the method of military struggle has been clearly and extensively defined in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Since this subject is a huge one, we simply summarize part of it by noting that it is unlawful to kill women, children, the infirm, the old, and the innocent. From the Sunnah, specifically in the study of the Sunnah called Sahih Bukhari, we find:

[4:52:257] Narrated 'Abdullah: During some of the Ghazawat of the Prophet a woman was found killed. Allah's Apostle disapproved the killing of women and children.

A related misconception to jihad is often propagated by Muslims who say that "Jihad is only for self-defense of physical borders." The Qur'an and Sunnah refute this notion categorically. As the verses cited above show, jihad is obligatory wherever there is injustice, and Muslims need not acknowledge imaginary lines around the earth when it comes to upholding this obligation. The Messenger of Allah (saas) has also commented on this extensively in the Sunnah. From the study of the Sunnah called Sahih Bukhari, we find that,

[4:52:65] Narrated Abu Musa: A man came to the Prophet and asked, "A man fights for war booty; another fights for fame and a third fights for showing off; which of them fights in Allah's Cause?" The Prophet said, "He who fights that Allah's Word (i.e. Islam) should be superior, fights in Allah's Cause."

Hence, the Creator obligates us to fight wherever people are being grossly deprived of freely hearing or practicing the Message of Allah as contained in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Sayyed Qutb, a famous Muslim scholar eloquently discusses the notion of jihad and self-defense in his book Milestones,

"If we insist on calling Islamic jihad a defensive movement, then we must change the meaning of the word `defense' and mean by it `defense of man' against all those elements which limit his freedom. These elements take the form of beliefs and concepts, as well as of political systems, based on economic, racial, or class distinction."

A third reason often cited for the misconception about Islam which says that this way of life tolerates the killing of innocents is that the judicial system of Islam is unnecessarily harsh. This reason is weak in two respects. First, it presupposes that human beings are more just and more merciful than the Creator, and therefore we can change the law. Second, it is often based on gross oversimplifications of Islamic law, such as saying "all thieves get their hands cut off."

The Qur'an and Sunnah make it clear that the law of retaliation (or equality) governs us for murder and physical injury, but forgiveness is better as the following verses from the Qur'an show (translation),

[2:178] O you who believe! the law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman. But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then prosecution (for the bloodwit) should be made according to usage, and payment should be made to him in a good manner; this is an alleviation from your Lord and a mercy; so whoever exceeds the limit after this he shall have a painful chastisement.

[42:40-43] The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loves not those who do wrong. But indeed if any do help and defend themselves after a wrong (done) to them, against such there is no cause of blame. The blame is only against those who oppress men and insolently transgress beyond bounds through the land, defying right and justice: for such there will be a grievous penalty. And whoever is patient and forgiving, these most surely are actions due to courage.

The Creator ordained the law of retaliation on us knowing full well that we might question it. In many non-Muslim societies today, there are ongoing debates about the death penalty. In Islam, this discussion is moot: the Creator has decided the matter for us. He has however given us an interesting verse in the Qur'an which advises to consider the matter carefully if we want to understand it (translation follows),

[2:179] And there is life for you in (the law of) retaliation, O people of understanding, that you may guard yourselves.

Most people are also unaware of the stringent conditions which must be met for the law of retaliation to be applicable. The Sunnah is full of examples of the Messenger of Allah showing us when the law's preconditions were fulfilled. For example, a thief is only liable to lose his or her hand if the item stolen exceeds a certain value, and if it is proven that the item was taken from its normal resting place. Stealing food is not punishable by the loss of one's hand, and other items are exempt as well. This is just an example of how gingerly the law is applied in Islam.

Finally, another reason advanced for this prevalent misconception is that Islam `spread by the sword'. It should be clear by now that we must always distinguish between the Qur'an and Sunnah and the Muslims when it comes to determining what the Creator has asked of us. Allah has stated clearly in the Qur'an (translation),

[2:256] There is no compulsion in religion; truly the right way has become clearly distinct from error; therefore, whoever rejects Satan (and what he calls to) and believes in Allah, he indeed has laid hold on the firmest handhold, which shall not break off, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.

Hence, it is impossible to accept Islam under duress. Even if misguided Muslims were to try to `force' Islam somehow on others, it would not be accepted by the Creator based on this verse.

Historical arguments that try to demonstrate that Muslims did not `convert others by force' are actually secondary to the argument given above. However, it is worth noting that historically, Islam did spread by peaceful means. The Message of the Creator was conveyed to Africa and to southeast Asia by trading Muslims, and today the largest Muslim country in the world is Indonesia. The military expeditions that led to the conquest of large swathes of territory in Europe and central Asia were all marked by tolerance of other creeds and faith.

Again, it is important to remember that Allah declares it IMPOSSIBLE that Islam can be forced on a person, hence Muslims find it useless to try!

"This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. " Quran 5:3


"Our religion teaches us to be intelligent. Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery. That's a good religion."
Malcolm X 1965 on Islam

I came across this article on Muslim-Christian relations in Nigeria. Is it really as bad as you say it is?

http://www.op.org/nigeriaop/kenny/CompSharing.htm

"This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. " Quran 5:3


"Our religion teaches us to be intelligent. Be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you, send him to the cemetery. That's a good religion."
Malcolm X 1965 on Islam

Speaking of Casual Thoughts, I wanted to say a not-so-casual THANK YOU to JuneBug and OCatchings for their good advice re. staying focused. Glad to say that my Dad is doing well one week postop.

Other good coping mechanisms I found:

R-E-S-P-E-C-T at full volume on the expressway;

Prayer;

Movies on AMC late at night;

Chocolate, in any and all forms;

Lighting off the tires at the track and making a great run down the quarter mile. Made my fastest time ever, 114.4 mph and 11.74.

OCatchings, do you ever get to blow stuff up on purpose? Or release a whole lotta power in a very short time? I think that's a great stress buster, under the right conditions!

"Unless you're sharing what you have, you don't have as much as you think you do."

Icon

quote:

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O, we need you!

Help keep us safe and sound!!

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Thanks I think .....

Herdswoman,

quote:

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OCatchings, do you ever get to blow stuff up on purpose? Or release a whole lotta power in a very short time? I think that's a great stress buster, under the right conditions!

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Yes, but as with everything else we have limitations stateside. The last time I got to let loose was during the Gulf War and it looks like I may get that chance again. I'm glad that things are better for you and I hope they get even better.

JuneBug,
I really try to be tolerant of people but these guys are really pushing the wrong buttons.

Congratulations on your son's success. You are doing the right thing by waiting until his body is ready for all that contact.

Dear O:

The Gulf War was the last time you really let loose? Yowza! I bet those stateside limitations do get to be a drag... What is your specialty?

I'm glad there are people like you who serve. We sure do need you. Have a friend whose son enlisted in the Guard for some extra cash for college. He just finished helping build an airstrip outside of Kuwait. Definitely not part of the college plan! Keep yourself safe, O....

JuneBug, congrats on those kids! Doesn't get much better than being able to watch them run, play and be strong/healthy!

"Unless you're sharing what you have, you don't have as much as you think you do."

I'm sure that everybody remembers the Marines that got shot and and that one of them died in Kuwait. Well that was my sons unit and for a couple of days I was sitting on pin cushions. Sorry it happened but so glad it was not my son.

I didn't tell his mother about what happened until after the marines had been identified, it was probably wrong of me but at the time I throught why put her throught hours of worry when chances are he was safe. When I did tell her she just let out a sigh of relief and carried on what she was doing, but I know in her heart the fear for our son has probably doubled and will stay that way until he comes home.

Is it as I say it is in Nigeria?

What can I say, I don't live in Nigeria but I've heard first hand account from father, son and daughter of the Igbo tribe who are very disturbed at the state of affairs in their country.

They are very angry about "Sharia" the enforcement of Islamic law on them, they are Christian not Islamic, but that does not matter to Muslims, the Muslim heads in the North will eventually force their law on everybody, so sad and intolerant, I would be pissed too.

Also very angry how the oil money is being funneled to Muslims and the government mostly contracts Muslims and discriminates against all others, I think that would piss me off too.

Check the links,

AQ, get off the propaganda campaign.

http://www.oneworld.org/ips2/oct99/12_29_041.html

http://worthynews.com/news-features/newsroom-nigeria-sharia.html

http://www.mcjonline.com/news/00/20000223a.htm

http://www.economist.com/world/africa/displayStory.cfm?Story_ID=825403

quote:

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JuneBug,
I really try to be tolerant of people but these guys are really pushing the wrong buttons.

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Yeah, I hear ya man! They blowing up people all over the world, forcing their way on others and act like these attacks and campaigns of intolerance has nothing to do with religion, most people are not stupid! It's a damn shame.

And thanks Brah on the kids.

Listen, I hope you come through healthy and successful in whatever future military assignments come your way. It's too bad that so many of us are living by outdated and bogus philosophy that creates dangerous assignments for the men and women of the Armed Forces.

I hope for Peace and Enlightenment for the world and wish you well, Brah.

Take Care, JuneBug

[This message was edited by JuneBug on October 21, 2002 at 01:07 PM.]

Thanks on the kids!

I'm glad things worked out for you

I've been busy making it happen for me and family lately. It's nice to know that so many good people exist in this world

AQ, I enjoy your input too

Peace, JuneBug

Hey Jazz,
Sorry to hear of that close call and I can only imagine what you were going through. My prayers are still for my fellow service men and the uncertainty or future faces.

Herdswoman,
By trade I am a combat engineer (demolitions and minewarfare) but currently I am on staff at the Army level, (hence the reason I have so much time to surf the net )

Sorry I've been absent these days, right now I'm in a Windows 2000 class.

Also, I've been doing a little contract work on the side, it's hard for me to pass up easy money,

Anyway, get out and VOTE!

Take Care, JuneBug

I wonder why we don't have a word in English for that thing people do with their mouths when they acknowledge somebody without saying hello. You know what I mean? When a person kind of clenches their lips tightly together and sort of folds them into each other? It's kind of a humble sort of expression, but it's common enough that there ought to be a name for it. That's MY casual thought for the day.

On second thought, to hell with "casual!" I seriously want to come up with a name for it. We have a word in English that means the line of a triangle opposite the right angle ("hypotenuse"), so we should have a word for something as common as this!! Even as busy as I am, I've always wondered about that. My goal is for a name for that expression to exist and get an entry in a Webster's dictionary in my lifetime. I want suggestions. I suggest "frimp." As in, "She nodded and frimped as she walked past him."

Anyway...

I just want to say that I am SO glad that I came across a message board where the majority of people are not ignorant and you can actually have a decent, intelligent conversation. I can't stand those excuse my term here, "ghetto azz" boards. For example BET.com. I think it's unfortunately a sign of the deterioration of things in our community. I also like the fact, I'm presuming here, that there are only people of african ancestry at this board. I really appreciate that.
MBM keep up the good work here .

I agree Souljah, although we can get into some pretty heated discussions here, it usually remains civil and devoid of the stuff that chased me away from some other sites.

I think that as this site lives, we will find that regardless of our political affiliations we truly have more in common than things that set us apart.

BTW, there are several non-Black folk that visit this site.

The cool rains are here. I guess we'll see the sun again sometime next May!



Onward and Upward!

Rains...you guys don't have to deal with snow?

We give up the sun, but it stays relatively mild (40s at the lowest) and get no real snow. Having come from Boston and gone to school in upsate New York, that's a trade I gladly make.

Onward and Upward!

No snow, no less than 40 degrees, I can't wait to move out West!

quote:

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Originally posted by Vox:
I wonder why we don't have a word in English for that thing people do with their mouths when they acknowledge somebody without saying hello. You know what I mean? When a person kind of clenches their lips tightly together and sort of folds them into each other? It's kind of a humble sort of expression, but it's common enough that there ought to be a name for it.
I want suggestions. I suggest "frimp." As in, "She nodded and frimped as she walked past him."

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VOX...isn't called a "head-nod"??? that's what we call it...the african american salute of sorts. the wassup, how you doin, good day, hey there, hi kinda unspoken greeting we give each other no matter where you're from, where you are, or what's going on....you catch each other's eyes and do that lip thing and nod your head.

Don't make me come down there. --God

quote:

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Originally posted by Souljah:
I also like the fact, I'm presuming here, that there are only people of african ancestry at this board. I really appreciate that.
MBM keep up the good work here .

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Hello, Souljah! Like your sign-on name. I'm look as white as can be right down to my blue eyes and blond (not gray, never gray) hair. I also have no doubt that somewhere in the 'way back I am also of African ancestry. How much or how far back, don't know, doesn't matter. In the immortal words of PopEye the Sailor Man "I yam what I yam."

Mostly I just read. But in all fairness, I thought I should come out of the closet and say hello.

"Unless you're sharing what you have, you don't have as much as you think you do."

Those of you who know what I'm talking about can help me count, all others just sit back as the party nears.......

Ocathings,

50 and a wakeup. Pack one pair of socks, take down one picture and write one "I'll be there soon" letter.

What next?

socks are packed, picture is down, still looking for someone to write a letter to

Well, based on the responses you get on this board ... I don't think that you'll have much problem with finding someone to write to. It seems that you're well liked.

I'm working on my people skills since I'll be returning to the civilian sector soon. I don't think too many people would appreciate me calling them "numb nuts"
"dumbass" "chockblock" "chucklehead" and so on.

49 and a wake up. Where's your first stop once you're back in the world?

"Unless you're sharing what you have, you don't have as much as you think you do."

Ocatchings,

Don't be shy!

A lay over at Seattle/Tacoma, then its off to Mississippi, Kentucky, South Carolina, Georgia and back to Mississippi before heading to Louisana or Iraq

They changed my flight plans so I have to start at 55 and a wake up

54 and a wake up.

If you have a long layover in Seattle, maybe MBM will buy you cup of coffee or somthing.

I forgot, OC where are you now?

"Unless you're sharing what you have, you don't have as much as you think you do."

quote:

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Originally posted by herdswoman:

If you have a long layover in Seattle, maybe MBM will buy you cup of coffee or somthing.

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ABSOLUTELY! Let me know! If I'm here I'd love to.

Onward and Upward!

i can buy coffee too!!!

Don't make me come down there. --God

can you buy ME a cup???

Onward and Upward!

herdswoman
I am stationed in South Korea, been here 2 loooong years.

Seattle, isn't that where they have all those fancy flavored coffees? Lets not get carried away, I like my coffee like I like my women....

(MBM, can I say that)

I can see it now...MBM bought coffee, Nykkii brought biscotti and OC's off in the corner feeling the jet lag but not the love.....poor OC!!!

Seriously, you guys would have fun with the "Seattle Meet and Greet". The more the merrier.

What a way to welcome home one of America's finest!

OC, I'll say it for you:
"OC LIKES HIS WOMEN HOT AND BLACK!"

"Unless you're sharing what you have, you don't have as much as you think you do."

These bums change my date.....

One mo gin...52 and a wake up!!!!!

quote:

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Originally posted by Lea:

No snow, no less than 40 degrees, I can't wait to move out West!

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Move to Southern California! I just got back from San Diego (my old stomping ground) where it was 80 and brilliantly sunny. For lunch I grabbed a sandwich and went to the beach where it was ridiculously gorgeous!

I miss the sun!!

Onward and Upward!

I knew you would.

quote:

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Originally posted by Carla:

I knew you would.

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No you didn't!

Onward and Upward!

You always did hate it when i was right. Anyway...

I'm busy as heck but I've been wanting to post these thoughts for sometime......

A creationist cannot conceive of his or her beliefs being wrong. So, all new data must conform to preconceived beliefs. A scientist, on the other hand, really couldn't care less personally whether any theory or not is correct. No scientist would lose sleep if they found out that life came about because aliens seeded the planet. They would be excited. If God turned out to exist and have created life, and had also every-so-often destroyed the majority of species for the fun of it - well, that would be interesting too.

Just something to think about

BTW, I do believe God must exist. You see I'm not a complete heathen

Where would we be without our creationist?

Just think what would have happened if they did not surpress the notion that the earth revolved around the sun for so long... Why, we might be farther along in space travel by now, could be peace on earth... and we can't have that can now we.

I can't wait until the aliens land (or intervine when the nukes fly)... I want to see how they explain that one! Sit back and enjoy the show!!!

La Femme Nkechi

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quote:

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Be the change in the world you want to see

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- Think about the effects even your smallest actions have on the world. You are often a part of the problem. Stop pointing fingers, accept responsibility and be a part of the solution. Create your higher self!

Hi Yall, thought I would stick my head in the door and say hi. Just got back from vacation.

I like the new look MBM good job.

Hi June Bug Welcome back, hope you guys had a great time over there!

What is the social climate like considering the events going on in the world? I'll look forward to any threads you start on your observations...

...and I'm still sticking to my theory. Chopped Liver and Brussel Sprouts!

La Femme Nkechi

Be the change in the world you want to see