Four Iranian hostages released in trade for Iranians held in U.S.

Of course, it is wonderful news that the four hostages have been released and are on their way to the Army hospital at an American base in Germany. Apparently, two are not in very good health.

The Americans have been exchanged for six Iranians who were being held by the U.S. and awaiting trials for allegedly breaking laws regarding the sanctions on Iran.

The exchange is said to be part of the Nuke deal that was agreed to this past summer. The Nuclear Observers today announced they have completed inspections in Iran and the country is abiding by the agreement. As a result, U.S. Pres. Obama is expected to release $150 Billion to Iran within the next few days.

The longest held hostage has been there over four years, the next over three years.

Amir Hekmati, a former U.S. Marine, was arrested in Aug. 2011 during a visit to see his grandmother. He was charged with espionage and sentenced to death for allegedly being a CIA spy (what the Iranians stated about him).

Seed Abedini, a Christian minisiter, was held for 3.5 years, sentenced to 8 years for gathering with others for Bible studies.

Matthew Trevithick also was released, but separatly from the other four. He was released after 40 days and was there for a four-month intensive language course.

Evin Prison was where they were kept and Americans have said the prison was where horrible things have happened. Once the Americans are home, I'm sure we will learn much more about their treatment.

Another man frieed was Khosravi-Roodsari, but we don't know anything about his at this point.

Robert Levinison, who was 67 years old when captured, was NOT part of the deal. It is not known if he is even still alive.

It is truly wonderful for the four Americans to be released. That said, the Nuclear Agreement is still of major concern to me. This morning from 4 to 6 a.m. I watched a documentary discussion the obsession Muslims have with the West and with Israel. There were many videos of children, including Iranian children, shouting death to America and ranting about how they wanted to murder all Americans. Because of the hatred and indoctrination that goes on in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries (as well as in other parts of the world, but we are discussing IRAN), it is doubtful to me that over time, the Iranians will abide by the agreement. Once they have the money, the sanctions are lifted and they have a little time under their belt, I think they will continue with their development of a nuclear weapon.

How much is cost of Pope's visit?

It will be interesting to learn the details of what various governments in the USA are paying for the visit of Pope Francis in light of the "separation of church and state" as described in the U.S. Constitution.

To me, the US, state, and local governments should not be paying one penny for the visit, especially since the Vatican finances are so lucrative. The Vatican owns a large amount of real estate in Manhattan alone and much of that real estate is leased.

I'm sure some reporter will soon reveal all the money side of this visit.

Another interesting point for me was a CBS reporter stating that the Catholic denomination is the largest denomination in the U.S. While that is true of the specific Catholic denomination, what is being ignored is that all the other Protestant denominations put together total almost 92% of Christian denominations in this country. With the influx of Hispanics, the Roman Catholic denomination will not be decreasing, since most Hispanics identify with those religious beliefs.

Of course, for Christians, the problem is that the number of "non-affiliated" is rising. These are atheists, agnostics, and people who just don't connect to any specific religious beliefs that are served by a formal denomination.

Personally, I believe that regardless of the number of Catholics or Christians in the U.S., not one penny should be spent by governments in this country to cover the costs of a visit by ANY religious figure. I base my opinion on the wording of the U.S. Constitution, but then that document and framework for this country has been becoming less and less meaningful over the past years.

Visit of Pope Francis

I should be amazed at how mesmerized people are, but I'm not. It is so much easier to put everything in one's life onto the shoulders of another or of God, rather than using one's own brain, will, etc. to manage life well.

There are people who believe the Pope participates in secret rituals at the Vatican in which children are murdered and the hierarchy eat the flesh of those children and drink their blood. It is said this was also a ritual of the Caananites. I don't know, wasn't present at either. But, having read about the rituals, it has been unnerving to see all the small children run to Pope Francis. This ritual story may not be true. But, what if it were? It is just too awful to think about.

I did watch the Welcome at the White House and laughed at all the military when the Pope preaches peace. That was so strange! I wonder what he thought!

At least he has worked on his English so he can read his speech in the language of most Americans.

For a country in which the separation of church and state is so touted, this has been an interesting event!

2015 is my catch-up year. The 9-month tax project I did in Dallas for a businessman there (I caught his bookkeeper embezzling, so cleaned up the mess she made) threw me 9 months off on my own projects, so this year I must update all websites, be sure Paypal buttons are on the relevant websites, re-proof all my published books and sheet music, and publish paperback editions of my books with some sheet music compilations. Lots of work, but worth it.

Cannot believe how long it has been since I've blogged, but on the other hand, I did that 9-month tax project (sometimes 7 days a week and all work in Dallas which was at least 45 minutes each way every day) and after that ended, I've bee trying to catch up my tasks that I ignored for those 9 months. Getting caught up, but not totally YET!

Interview

My ebooks are published at Smashwords and other online retailers (Amazon and others). This year (2014) I need to get busy with marketing and I also want to publish all my ebooks in hardback and paperback formats.

An interview regarding my writing is now available at Smashwords, http://www.smashwords.com/interview/LeeGabor

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