100 years in Times Square, 3903 dead American troops in Iraq. Which one rings in the new year for you?

Question

Is there any spiritual significance to new years, or is it purely secular?

http://icasualties.org/oif/
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/01/01/us.newyear.ap/index.html

Answer 1

i had a friend, named john. i didn't know him very well. he lived down the street from me. got drafted during vietnam, in 1969. he was very happy because someone wanted him. he knocked on our door to show us his draft notice. no one in the neighbourhood cared. because it was a million miles away, and john was not "central" to the neighbourhood. john died in vietnam. i will never forget him. ever. nor the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have died to secure our freedom. It is a pity to see our brave young heroes die for some idiot who usurped the presidency of our great nation and has made a mockery of all our nation. shame on w. shame on him, and I hope, someday , he will be imprisoned for leading our nation into a false war with lies and deceit. It is beyond treason what this knave has done to our country.

Answer 2

Is it good that they're coming home? Yes. Is it possible that the job is not done and Iraq could slide back into the anarchy that prevailed after Saddam was deposed? Yes, very. Is this likely a move by the Obama Administration to curry favor with the left wing of the Democratic Party? Now, wouldn't I be the cynic to think that?

Answer 3

I hate to say it but New Years is purely secular, I see little or no spiritual significance in it other than hoping that humanity will wake up and take a serious look at the ills around them.

I didn't even watch the ball drop - I've been to Times Square on New Years and it really is over-rated and once you've done it the thrill is basically gone. I'm far more hoping that America comes to her senses and realizes they don't need to be everyones police force and turn their eye to the needs of her own people - needs that have been neglected far too often.

I wish you and yours a happy new year; may 2008 bring health and peace to the world.

Answer 4

The realities of war are too harsh. Some troops in Iraq have served longer than our parents or grandparents once served in World War II. There are 41 major conflicts in the world; 75% of all casualties are noncombatants--innocent men, women, and children. There is less regard for human life and for the sanctity of life, even through the actions of my country. Throwing caution to the wind in times of war is an idiotic political ploy that will make the world suffer more days than not. Let's give honesty a try, let's give economic leverage a try instead of attempting to push cultures and nations into corners where they feel as though building of nuclear bombs is the only answer to defend themselves. That is a stark reality as the clock strikes 12. Death, destruction, an avoidance of peace will continue to haunt us all until we all get sick and tired of being sick and tired of the stench of war. Happy New Year....

Answer 5

Let it be a year in which we sign the Kyoto Accord

Pull out of Iraq

Stop the march backwards into the dark ages

Answer 6

I want to take this time to say,
that I want the troops home too.

I have Yellow Ribbons in my hair

Answer 7

From the grave of Rosa Luxemburg, who has fittingly been called the first victim of Naziism, and who is a woman I have the utmost respect for:

"The dead admonish us"

Answer 8

Happy new year
another year to expand on my knowledge
and share my wisdom
blessings
prosperous new year to all
and bring all our troops home

Answer 9

Most "new year" celebrations are purely secular.
A time to reflect on successes, failures and life.

Answer 10

new year's eve is just a chance to party.
it's a new beginning for administrative bureaucrats who need to quantify your income per time period in order to tax you to finance things you do not support.
spiritually... it is what you make of it...
a chance to restart... or a chance to continue seamlessly with your life.
because the days are just numbers.