Gen X in Iraq

Titus

One of the things that is striking about Iraq is the constant arrivals and departures. Most people are here for one year. What this means is that you will typically only work with someone for a few months at best. Many are here for much less time.

Our chaplain is due to rotate out of country today. Over the last few weeks, he has been preaching from the book of Titus. I was not familiar with this book but it is a great lesson on departing and moving on. The entire book is Paul's letter to Titus concerning starting new churches. I hate to see our chaplain go but there is another one to replace him. I will probably go through a couple more before my time is up. 

Electronic Entertainment Expo, a.k.a. Christmas in June

This entry is for the Gen X part of the blog. E3 is an industry trade show where all the new video game technology is announced. Essentially, it is a Generation X Sears catalog.

When I was growing up, the Christmas version of the Sears catalog came out in August. I remember spending large amounts of time creating lists of toys that I wanted for Christmas. Hot Wheels, GI Joe and Star Wars figures were usually at the top of the list. Since my list would be used by parents, grandparents and aunts/uncles, it had to be perfect. I normally have terrible handwriting but this list was an exhibition of my best penmanship. It had to be carefully arranged to ensure that some items weren't too over the top and would result in the list becoming ridiculous and lose any credibility.

The really cool announcement at E3 was by Microsoft. They are releasing a new motion sensing controller similar to the Wii  but without a controller. Forza 3 was also announced. The game series is a highly realistic driving simulator and one of my favorite XBOX 360 games.

Likethe Sears catalog, the E3 show promises future gifts for Christmas.

I have mentally started a list....

The Irony of Sanctions

Iraq is working to have it's Chapter 7 status removed. Chapter 7 designates Iraq as a "threat to international security" and was invoked by the UN under the sponsorship of the US. Iraq is trying to escape this label and become a responsible member of the world community. However, Kuwait (a US ally) does not want this to happen unless Iraq continues to pay large war reparations. In an ironic twist, we can't easily reverse the sanctions we worked so hard to establish. 

As I drive around the area, it is ironic to see palaces damaged by our bombs and missiles. We are now re-building these same structures and turning them over to the government of Iraq.

I guess one of the lessons learned from Iraq is to be careful what you do during times of war, you may have to repair and re-build what you destroy.