This is an excellent example of some of the best writing by Wes Clark supporters! Please go over to CCN and read all of this piece by Dan Juma, then look around and register to join the many conversations happening there 24 hours a day, everyday.

"Understanding Islam"

By Dan Juma

CAVEAT: I’m not a Muslim myself, so don’t expect me to necessarily defend it. I’m just trying explain it

I. What is Islam, anyway?
What is most surprising to Americans about Islam is probably how close the religion is to Christianity, amounting almost to a form of Christianity itself.

Islam cannot be understood outside of its birth in the Judeo-Christian milieu. Indeed that milieu might better be termed the Judeo-Christian-Islamic milieu. All three of these religions, as well as smaller Middle Eastern religions such as the Mandeans, worship the same God. This is the ancient God El, famously worshiped by Abram (later Abraham) under the priesthood of Melchizedek, King of Salem (Genesis 14:18). The word "El" simply meant "God" in ancient Semitic, and "Allah" literally means "the god" in Arabic.

Read all of it here

One of the best things about having a blog - for me, anyway - is the opportunity to publicize other blogs, especially when the writing is good to great!  Today I get to do just that.  That they are all Wes Clark - related, and written by people I know and respect, is a particularly nice added bonus. (listed alphabetically)

A Left Turn For Clark is Tom Rinaldo’s new blog.  Tom’s been writing for quite awhile, and many of you will recognize his name from his diaries at DailyKos.  He is, without a doubt, one of the best writers on Kos, in no small measure because he displays a rare degree of fairness in his writing, and in his comments with others. 

A Wes Clark Democrat has actually been online for some time, and is one of the consistently best places to go for straight info on Wes Clark, meaning his position on issues, and what it means to be a "Wes Clark Democrat".   She lays this out beautifully, on the About page, as follows:

“A Wes Clark Democrat” backs General Clark’s vision for America:

Long-term fiscal discipline, a balanced federal budget and reduced public debt

Government regulation where necessary to meet public needs

Transparent and accountable government

Protection of civil liberties and constitutional freedoms

Preservation of institutional checks and balances reflecting the will of the majority while safeguarding the rights of the minority

Maximized opportunities for private gain, consistent with concern for the public good

The best business environment in the world - using a variety of positive incentives to keep American jobs and businesses here, attract business from abroad, and to encourage the creation of new jobs, principally through the efforts of small business

Recapture money from tax cuts for the wealthy, families making over $200,000 annually, and use it to create jobs

American technology and market-based approaches to meet air pollution challenges with innovative, job-creating solutions; crack down on corporate polluters

Restore America’s position as a good and respected member in the community of nations, with productive international alliances and trading partners

Fundamental educational skills and access to further educational development throughout their lives for every American; Universal College Grant covering first two years of college; State and Local Tax Rebate Fund dedicated to education and training

Transition to a single-payer health care system. Promotion of physical vigor and good health through public health measures and improved diagnostics; and preventive and continuing health care to extend longevity and productivity to our natural limits

Strengthened retirement security, simply because it is right

Revival of a national spirit of service and patriotism

Strong security and defense capabilities backing a foreign policy of committed diplomatic engagement; military force only, only, only as a last resort

Cooperative, global approach to meeting environmental challenges, including global warming, energy depletion and human rights abuse

 I may not be a registered Democrat, but I am damn sure a Wes Clark Democrat!

RAPID FIRE - Silver Bullets is a new blog by a longtime Clark supporter, writer and myth-debunker.  Catherine McClendon is a fine writer and her research is exceptional.  What’s her blog about?  She puts it a lot better than I:

"We watch the media. We watch what they print or broadcast about Wesley Clark. Some journalists don’t do their research and we have to do it for them. If they don’t get it right, we send them a silver bullet. We’re good shots."

Let me just add a few words of caution to those in the media who may write about Wes Clark:  research, research, research, and verify your facts before you print anything! If you fail to do this, I can guarantee her shots won’t miss. Neither will anyone else’s.

Soldiering On For Wesley Clark is another great blog written by a long time Clark supporter and veteran - Lt. Colonel Jai Johnson - Pickett (retired), and written for veterans.  But again, she explains it best!

"This blog is for those of us who were Veterans for Clark in 2004, although of course anyone interested in General Clark, national security issues, or the spirited debate envisioned by this nation’s Founders is welcome.

We couldn’t ask for a more inspirational, more dedicated, more capable leader than Wes Clark. We are proud to serve along side him once again."

As the 2008 elections heat up, there will no doubt be many more great Clark blogs online.  I’m looking forward to it! Some of the best writers (including those listed above), also have a great home on CCN - the Clark Community Network Blog.  I’m not going to list anyone in particular.  There are too many, and I risk leaving someone out unintentionally.  Obviously the best is Wes Clark, himself.  It goes without saying - read him first!

Now for that poll…

I was recently asked why I title the Observation posts in the Hanger Flyin’ catagory with numbers.  Um…’cause a title doesn’t always just spring forth?!  Hey - if you’ve got a better idea, let me know!