NYT story posted January 1 concerning a bookstore/news stand owner, Abu Ali, in Aaman, Jordan.  As the war in Iraq has progressed, he has seen a "closing of the minds" of the Arab public.  The story is a great read, and no synopsis will do it justice -- but the concluding paragraph has the point I wish to focus on:

It's not fear of the government exactly, but of violence at the hands of those with sealed minds. It's never been more difficult to be an optimist, Abu Ali admits. But he is hanging on for his regulars, hoping this, too, shall pass.

Now, skip down to the AJC (yeah, I know a tabloid) where they talk to individuals living in "Bush Country."

For the most part, Georgians in the outer suburbs describe themselves as God-fearing, card-carrying Republicans. They typically view Democrats as secular elitists who look down their noses at people like them. Of course, not everyone in the outer suburbs is staunchly Republican.

"Sometimes it's scary," said Carol Thalimer, 60, a Democrat who moved to Forsyth County from Roswell for a bigger house and 5 acres.

"If anyone disagrees with Bush, somehow it's portrayed as being unpatriotic. I don't understand that," said Thalimer, who, dressed as Mrs. Santa Claus, was handing out candy to about 80 women at a newcomers luncheon at Windermere Golf Club.

Seems we have lots in common with our Arab cousins.

9:30:01 AM