Software Problems getting started on a Mac running 10.6.8

[Garth Self]

Just wanted to report that I have resolved my issues.  Thank you for the help.  Here is what worked for me in case someone else faces the same problems.

First I found that I had downloaded X11 and XQuartz so I de-installed X11.  Still did not work, but when I tried the fix Windell H. Oskay suggested which was to: Control click inkscape. Click show contents. Go to resources. Double-click on a script there named "opendoc." (I am not sure what this does, but it apparently has been a permanent fix for a number of people.)

This did get inkscape to open, but was not a permanent fix.  However when I ran the script it told me that I was missing a file and to go to: http://icon-theme.freedesktop.org/releases

to get it.  I did this and installed it and now everything works fine.

Thanks for all the help