The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[scaeagles]

Let's look at Somalia. Our primary mission there was humanitarian, if not solely, even to the point that we wouldn't provide troops with armored personel carriers to avoid the appearance of looking like we were trying to be bullies. Did it do us any good? Not in the least. The result was the troops that were there to pass out food ended up getting shot at and killed.

No matter what we do, there will be opposition from someone. Those who perceive our actions as unacceptable or wrong. The simple fact is that in a big world there is no way to please everyone. So you do what you think is best. I realize that this means other groups or countries will do what they think is best. Sadly, this means that conflicts arise. The difference is that we typically win. I won't go into the numerous reasons why we do, but when you are at the top of the food chain economically and militarily, others are gunning for you because they want to be in that position.

In a world of unending conflict, where there will always be conflict, I will make no apologies about being happy that we usually come out on top in those conflicts, because I am on our side. I am not saying in any way that anyone here is not on "our side", but I think many here have an unrealistic view of the world in that conflict can and should be avoided at all costs. I don't think many governments or peoples in the world think that way, though they often play the part when it suits their interests. Considering that I believe us to be the most free country there is (based on rights we have gauranteed to us in our Constitution that no other country has), I want us to be in a position to be able to continue to ensure that freedom. And that means when conflict arises that it is our responsibility and in our best interest to have it come out our way.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Let's look at Somalia. Our primary mission there was humanitarian, if not solely, even to the point that we wouldn't provide troops with armored personel carriers to avoid the appearance of looking like we were trying to be bullies. Did it do us any good? Not in the least. The result was the troops that were there to pass out food ended up getting shot at and killed.

Let's look at the current situation in Palestine. And, because looking at an individual situation in isolation without looking at the larger world picture is particularly pointless, let's combine it with the larger world picture. In fact, let's start with the larger world picture which, for the last three or so years, has been about Bush's drum-beat about freedom and democracy. Freedom and democracy is the Middle East's path to being a player in the world economy without sanctions. Freedom and deomcracy is what we respect. Hold free, democratic elections, and the will of the people will guide your countries to happiness and prosperity!

Unless you elect Hamas.....

Do you see the inherent bullying b.s. of that attitude? Here we are in Iraq, dozens of people dying nearly daily, and our whole message is that we're bringing them the glory of free elections. And yet we turn around and pull the rug out from under the Palestinians, who have just held the freest elections the Muslim world has seen in a long time.

Now, I'm NOT saying I disagree with cutting off aid and political negotiations with Hamas. They are terrorists and until they move the way of the PLO, they should be treated as such. But the lesson that I think needs to be drawn is that we need to shut the hell up with this whole, "Our ways of democracy and freedom are your ticket to splendor" bullsh!t. It's the hypocritical attitude of "We're going to fight for your freedom...as long as it's our brand of freedom!" that gives the US its reputation. By all means, join in support of those fighting for freedom, but running around the world espousing free elections as the one, absolute answer for everyone is guaranteed to land us in this exact position, because there is no absolute answer for everyone.