Winning this war will take fortitude, not sound bites

From now on, whomever their leader may be, wherever we are, al Qaida will follow, so be ready for them and their "friends." "War is hell," in case anybody has forgotten. Torture, assassinations, murder, "friendly fire," "collateral damage" - all go hand in hand with war, so why is anyone surprised? For all those who were lulled by "sanitary wars," in and out in a few days with only a "minimal amount" of killing, or "Mission accomplished," forget it.

We are now in for the long haul against al Qaida and their ilk, and need to use our resources to combat those who "believe." Ninety-five percent of the world's population gets along without having to resort to violence. It's the other 5 percent (give or take a few), the ultra rights and lefts, who "believe" that the rest of the world should be like them, or suffer the consequences. And that, of course, is what happens.

The "rest of the world" is made to suffer because the "believers," be they religious, criminal or political, "know" what is "right," and damnation to the rest of us.

So, wherever or whomever they are, be aware, stand up, do not be blinded by them. We will win, but it will take all the fortitude and strength we can muster. Ignore those who say, "Stay the course," or "Cut and run," for they are political posturers. Back those who earnestly seek a solution to these problems, not the political hacks who entertain you with "sound bites."

Yes, al Qaida and its kind are set to follow us wherever we are so, at all times, we the people, must be ready for them.

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Best rumor of the week: We hear Outback Restaurant is going into the Fandango. "Eh, mate, is it?" And, if so, when? Inquiring stomachs want to know.

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Nina and John Bailey said they heard about a Southern grandmother who was a witness at a trial. The prosecuting attorney asked, "Mrs. Jones, do you know me?" "Of course I do, Mr. Williams. I've known you since you were a young boy, and you're a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat, you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You'll never amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher."

The lawyer was stunned, but asked, "Do you know the attorney for the defense?" "Yes, I do know Mr. Bradley. He's lazy, bigoted, and has a drinking problem. He's cheated on his wife with three other women, one of whom was your wife. His law practice is the worst in the state."

With that, the judge asked both counselors to approach the bench and said, in a very quiet voice, "If either of you asks her if she knows me, I will send you both to the electric chair."

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Dr. Rex Baggett and John McKenna, school board trustee, are off to Romania, to the little town of Beceni, that our local Bierman family has taken under its wing (donations to the Romanian Families Fund, Inc. can always be sent to 811 Weninger Drive, Carson City, NV 89703 ... they are always needed and are tax-deductible).

The local Rotary foundation is building a dormitory to house foster children between the ages of 18-21, and teach them trades (baking, contracting, etc.), so that when they are age 21 they can go out in the world with a vocation, and not just be dumped into the general population with no skills.

Great, good works by our local people. From there, Dr. B goes on to Thailand to meet Butler Minor and see the king (probably not, but they do give good massages there). Many thanks to Rotary and the Bierman family for their good deeds.

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Congratulations to the town of Minden on its 100th birthday Sunday, and congrats to our own erudite Guy Farmer on his 10th anniversary as a columnist in the Appeal. Here's to 10 more. Please continue praying for Johnny Johnston. His cancer is not abating, and he very much wants your healing prayers.

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Calling all 1996 graduates of CHS ... your reunion is nigh upon you. Please e-mail Michon Deem at michondeem@charter.net and tell her ASAP if you can be there. The reunion is not until Sept. 2, but the committee needs to hear from you immediately so that it can get everything planned. If you are, or know of, a '96er, let Michon know. It will be great fun.

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Carolyn has joined "the 'hood." To celebrate Norma Conway's birthday, Liz Mitchell and Tom Strekal invited her to a progressive dinner in their "'hood" (started by Ron and Joyce of Bliss House fame). It all went beautifully (they traveled from house to house in a carriage by "Hoofbeats"), until she locked herself in Andy and Angela's bathroom and had to be rescued by various and assorted "volunteers." Oh well, the food was delicious. and a great time was had by all. But dare they invite her next year?

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Thanks to the "person of mystery" who left Maizie's papers on her doorstep ... she appreciated it. (Ever notice that she has "lots" of these mystery people around her house? Weird.)

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"Ride the Rails" this weekend for four days (July 1-4) at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. Every day will begin with a "Parade of Trains" around the grounds at 10 a.m., including the beautiful "Inyo," the brass-and-red wood-burner that's just brought out for this occasion. Dan Markoff's "Eureka," the narrow-gauge beauty that sometimes rides on the Durango-Silverton line, will also be there. Other engines are being brought in (including an 18-inch gauge). Food will be available, as will rides, and the museum will be open, too. It's a great way to spend a day with the kids (of all ages).

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We end the week with a short fairy tale: "Once upon a time, a girl asked a guy, 'Will you marry me?' The man said, 'No.' The girl lived happily ever after and went shopping, dancing, drank martinis, always had a clean house and never had to cook. The End." (Thanks, DeeAnn) May you have a good week, too.

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.