reply posted on 12-5-2004 @ 08:11 PM by livewire
"The nation with the most arms should extend the most hands"
-some iowan quote
This has been a most interesting discussion, I read the first 9 pages or so before deciding to enter the fray. First off I'd like to say, the act in
question here was in my opinion quite horrid, and it amazes me people have the stomach to do this stuff. I'm very sorry for the victim, and I hope he
is not related to me (I am a berg.) Very sad event.
Now, my opinion on the matter:
It seems to me that a lot of people are quick to blame bush and the administration for what goes on. But as we live in a democracy, I find it hard to
place blame so squarely on one person. I think that there is a lot of arrogance in the US these days, most likely because of its position as the
dominant superpower. While it is true that there seem to be no nations that approach our might, this does not mean that we can pretend like we are the
only nations in existence. When a nation gets so big and full of itself that it can both ignore and bully the rest of the world as it pleases, well,
these are the signs of a nation in decline to me. We must remember that it is possible for other nations to catch up with us, and then we are going to
want to be on good terms with them. It seems to me that many people in this country are very ignorant of the existance of other cultures, religions
and ways of life. People that do not realize the significance of cultural differences. When in the US it is very easy to feel like death is the worse
possible thing that can happen, and that this is a universal truth. In fact sociologists have found that there are very few universal truths, and
while this beheading may seem to us to be way out of league with the acts which they claim it was a retribution, it is very possible that in their
minds there acts were similar to ours. I make no claims as to my knowledge of middle-eastern culture, but I do realize that being raised differently
leads to very different views of the world around you.
It seems to me that americans are increasingly at odds with the rest of the world. Even in places where americans are not despised (sp?) or hated,
there are still many people who dislike american's attitude's towards others. These feelings of course are unfair generalizations, but regardless it
is the image that counts. Americans are projecting an image of themselves as being self-centered and bossy. While this may not be a threat now, while
we have the capability to ignore anyone who dares criticize, and stamp out those who take action, it could in the future become our downfall.
Increasingly the world is becoming defragmented, with nations tying themselves together and cooperating. Although they may not always be doing the
best of it, the fact that they are setting up such connections is important for their future, and ours as well. I advice that the U.S., and americans
individually, put forth an effort to establish ties with other parts of the world.
To bring this back into context, and back on topic, I state the following:
If the U.S. had better international relationships, it may have been able to diffuse the situation in Iraq differently. Indeed it is true as many have
stated, that Saddam was a bad leader, and a threat to his people. However, Iraq was a developed nation, not a land of savages. We did see Bagdhad
before the bombing on TV right? I'd say that the situation currently hardly seems to be an improvement. Many, in fact I'd say most, of the countries
that neighbour Iraq were not big fans of Saddam. If we had better relationships with these countries, we might have been able to assist them in an
incursion into Iraq. That way the people could have been dealt with by others more familar with their ways, while American military might (and values
for those of you who are fans), could back up the situation and ensure success. This is only an example of how better international relationships on
all levels might have helped.
Another comment I had, is that many people here have condemned various groups for their lack of outrage, including liberals and the muslim community.
I'd like to point out that the main bulk of the muslim community is not here. In fact, they are quite a ways away, and don't speak english. So
really, it does not surprise me that you don't hear anything out of them. I ask how many of the people who expressed such opinions have approached
their muslims friends and asked their opinions on the matter. I do not assume that you haven't, however I surely hope you don't refer to your
friends as subhuman slime, etc...
As for the liberals, well, I'd have to point out that anyone so loudly opposed to liberals once again probably has little personal contact with them.
Also, its only been a few days, just because you hear your own outrage immediately, doesn't mean all outrage is instantly transmitted to your ears.
Although I prefer not to label myself, I do know several liberal types who were quite horrified by the attacks in Fallujah. However, often the
sentiment there is something like "oh sh*t, that is horrible. How could WE let our people be put in such a situation." and often gets interpreted to
"bush bad, bush get us in mess, not terrorists fault." I do not believe this is what was meant, however, for the liberals, the feeling is that they
have more control over the actions of bush than that of Al Qaeda, and therefore more attention should be paid to them. For many who are more
supportive of war and its outcomes however, there is more of a feeling that they have the power to affect not only the leadership's actions, but also
the actions of those who perpetrate the crimes. It is a matter of who each camp feels is more capable of preventing future attacks.
This is only how I see things, and I honestly mean no harm to those who feel otherwise.
g'day to all, and hopefully there will not be so many days which warrant discussions like this one, eh?
