Your thoughts are well spoken. I disagree about the lack an international dialogue--I think that there is an ongoing debate about the complicated issued surrounding the current situation. However, our leaders in their infinite wisdom have chosen to ignore the discussion when it was clear that it wasn't going the way they wanted.
I was impressed with Chile's willingness to put forth a plan; secondary members of the security council often seem marginalized next to the veto powers. I respect their willingness to come forward and suggest that maybe the United States should listen to someone else for a change. Bush's offhand rejection of their proposal left me with a sour taste.
Military school: *laugh* yup. Actually, military school was where I figured out that maybe conservatism wasn't all that it was cracked up to be. High school was where I met two guys, Jim and Joe Jordan, who forever changed my views on politics, international affairs, and social issues. St. Thomas was good for me--it exposed me to conservative idiots, and a pair of extremely intelligent liberals. *grin* Also, dating Alison for the last four years has affected my politics more than I'd care to admit. She's extremely bright, and passionated about her causes. I may not always agree with her, but I do respect her opinions.
As far as speaking out--my thoughts are that at this point, the more voices the better. We need the administration to be aware of the extent to which the populace does not support the current policies.
Your point on just war is interesting--that really seems to be the important issue that the international dialogue should be exploring: when is it just to go to war? at what point should the international community step in to step human rights abuses? These are extraordinarily hard questions.
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Date: 2003-03-17 09:49 pm (UTC)I was impressed with Chile's willingness to put forth a plan; secondary members of the security council often seem marginalized next to the veto powers. I respect their willingness to come forward and suggest that maybe the United States should listen to someone else for a change. Bush's offhand rejection of their proposal left me with a sour taste.
Military school: *laugh* yup. Actually, military school was where I figured out that maybe conservatism wasn't all that it was cracked up to be. High school was where I met two guys, Jim and Joe Jordan, who forever changed my views on politics, international affairs, and social issues. St. Thomas was good for me--it exposed me to conservative idiots, and a pair of extremely intelligent liberals. *grin* Also, dating Alison for the last four years has affected my politics more than I'd care to admit. She's extremely bright, and passionated about her causes. I may not always agree with her, but I do respect her opinions.
As far as speaking out--my thoughts are that at this point, the more voices the better. We need the administration to be aware of the extent to which the populace does not support the current policies.
Your point on just war is interesting--that really seems to be the important issue that the international dialogue should be exploring: when is it just to go to war? at what point should the international community step in to step human rights abuses? These are extraordinarily hard questions.