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01/29/2008: "The Global Peace Index..."

Apparently it’s a competition now. A new study called the Global Peace Index, ranks nations across the world according to their “peacefulness,” using factors like military spending, violent crime rates, the size of a country’s prison population and organized crime rings to reach their conclusions.

The number one country? Norway, followed closely by New Zealand, Denmark, Ireland and Japan. Not too surprisingly, the US ranks somewhere near the back of the pack, earning a ranking of 96th out of 121, Iraq being the 121st. Other nasty places to live, peace-wise, include Sudan (120), Israel (119), Russia (118) and Nigeria (117). Other factors the study used to determine rankings (which may explain why Israel is grouped among the former) include a country’s relations with its neighbors and political instability.

Yes- we should be proud...maybe the president will listen to Governor Sebelius and work toward change (and I will lose 100 pounds). We can dream...

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Here is part of what she said...

We stand ready in the heartland and across this country, to join forces with peace-loving nations across the globe and to fight the war against terrorists, wherever they may strike. But our capable and dedicated soldiers can't solve the political disputes where they are, and can't focus on the real enemies elsewhere.

The new Democratic majority of Congress and the vast majority of Americans are ready — ready to chart a new course. If more Republicans in Congress stand with us this year, we won't have to wait for a new President to restore America's role in the world, and fight a more effective war on terror.

The last five years have cost us dearly — in lives lost; in thousands of wounded warriors whose futures may never be the same; in challenges not met here at home because our resources were committed elsewhere. America's foreign policy has left us with fewer allies and more enemies.

Join us, Mr. President, and working together with Congress to make tough, smart decisions, we will regain our standing in the world and protect our people and our interests.

La said on Monday, January 28th @ 11 :14 PM CST