Yes, but karma isn't. Cause and effect is not the same as karma. Karma is based on whether one does good or evil. Cause and effect couldn't care less whether it was 'good' or 'evil.'

You said, "Because you deny the existence of something doesn't necessarily make it so."

Absolutely, and because you believe in something does not necessarily make it so. The fact that there are millions of Hindu gods doesn't mean that they exist. The fact that some think there is such a thing as karma doesn't mean there is. The fact that some believe in reincarnation doesn't mean there is.

So we are agreed on that.

You said, "When we chant, we manage to be at the right place at the right time doing the right thing--and can avoid such situations by virtue of not making the causes to be there in the first place."

With respect to you for taking the answer to respond, that is complete nonsense. That is like all the people who insist that their prayers are answered when the cause was attributable to something else.

You said, "I know buddhist practicioners who had cancer and some extended their lives for years through chanting. And if death was unavoidable, they were serene and comfortable. Through their practice, they could be happy no matter what."

That is the same sort of reasoning as this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk6ILZAaAMI

More or less you are saying that whatever happens, it is the chant that made it happen. There is no evidence for that, and it is an erroneous observation.

You said, "I want to see you happy and succeed."

Once more I'm confused. Succeed at what? It's a bit too late to succeed at anything that I wanted in the past. And becoming a Buddhist certainly will not do that.

Tovah, I studied these things for about 35 years. They do not work. They are not true.

I wish you luck in your life. The very best to you.