[jdietrich]

The first noble truth posits that dukkha (suffering) is a characteristic of existence in the realm of rebirth. The second, third and fourth noble truths posit that escape from dukkha (and therefore escape from the cycle of death and rebirth) is possible. "Life is suffering" is a shallow misinterpretation of Buddhist theology; Buddhists believe that all suffering has an identifiable cause and a known remedy.

[Fricken]

All the big religions offer up some sort of escape plan as part of the sales pitch.

I don't believe one can avoid suffering. You can however choose your suffering. You can suffer in the service of something greater. Or you can suffer meaninglessly, but you'll suffer one way or the other.