I was watching the Cable Political Channel last night and a few topics came up about Iraqi.

The “Gulf War”, cost $4 billion total, to the United States.

Now that the second war with Iraqi has concluded”, the cost to stay in Iraqi is $4 Billion a month. The cost of the war? Some say $74 Billion. The cost to rebuild Iraqi? Use a blank check book – please! One number is $200 billion.

We might consider moving to Iraqi, as the United States is rebuilding the power generators and transmission lines at the expense to United States tax payers. Also, all Iraqi women who are expecting will receive prenatal care, and 50% of all Iraqi’s will receive free medical care. All expenses will be paid for by United States taxpayers. Add to this the many people in Iraqi who are being paid to not work.

We have people in our nation who want to work but cannot find jobs. Many people in the United States no longer have unemployment insurance benifits as they have run out due to being unemployed more than six months.

We are indeed a generous people – with people of other nations. We do not treat our own citizens or residents this well.

This lead to a thought about the attitude of the United States during our recent history.

An American named Herbert Hoover was appointed head of the Food Administration by President Wilson, during the First World War. Hoover acted in a direct and positive manner to help feed many Europeans, including Russians. His humanitarian actions won him medals from France, and recognition as a caring person. Many millions of persons were fed by Hoovers Food Administration, paid for by American taxpayers.

Upon becoming President of the United States, Hoover reacted differently to the men, women and children of our country, who were hungry. He refused to do anything to help those in need of food and other assistance. He stated, “while people must not suffer from hunger and cold, caring for them must be primarily a local and voluntary responsibility”.

During the depression years the average family earned $542 a year! Unemployment was very high. A President with the initials of FDR did much to help the American people, and had to fight Congress every step of the way.

There are a number of ethics that guide people’s lives. In the United States we are truly a melting pot. You are likely to hear many different concepts and philosophies of how people anywhere should be treated.

Hoover was a Quaker, as was Richard Nixon. The Protestant Ethic has to do with the each individual being responsible for his or herself. Religious beliefs do have an important part to play with daily life even though we believe in “separation of church and state”.

Depending upon which person is in office will determine attitudes towards others. It reality it is the beliefs of the political leaders that determine what actions we as a nation will take. Ones religious or philosophical beliefs are not necessarily a guide line of attitude or performance expectations. Too bad we have to wait until the smoke clears before we see the results!

Tom