The "War" on Terrorism The "War" on Drugs The Cold "War" Those that try to squelch dissent need to go re-read the DofI and Constitution--to learn about the ideals we are founded on. Learning about J Edgar Hoover, and Joe MacCarthy, and the rights of Americans they withheld and the terror they wreaked on their own people in the name of patriotism would be helpful as well. It is far more dangerous to have blind faith in your leaders than the danger from a little civil protest here and there. Further, if half the nation decides whoaa, what we are doing in Afganistan is a mistake because it is not helping us stop the terrorists and further helping our enemies become stronger by taking innocents (I am not saying I feel this way now, but if we start indiscriminant bombing or nukes I sure might), I sure hope our government and its military extension try something different in response. We should fully support our troops. But public discourse and diverse opinions about how to best address terrorism is our best protection against making and sustaining long-term mistakes, and it is what America is all about.
Way2Go! DREAMer! This was EXACTLY what I was talking about. The paragraphs and posts before I said, "For once, I'd just like to see America stand together as one. The potential is endless," were just a mask for my true Communist beliefs. Stalin, Mao, Castro and myself were sitting around watching A&E's bio on Hitler when I turned and asked them, how do you get your people to stand together as one? They told me that they don't. The people HAD NO OTHER CHOICE.
<B>So you're out there with your sign, screaming against the attacks on Afghanistan, eventually, you're going to sway people towards your idea. Then, it's a domino effect. Then before you know it, half of our nation will be opposed to the war. A nation divided. </B> Earlier, you said: <B>So what GOOD is it to protest right now. WHAT WILL IT ACCOMPLISH!?!?!? Will Bush stop the war on terrorism because these bleeding hearts refuse to stand behind their country when she needs them the most? No. The decision has been made. </B> So now there are two possibilities -- I'm not sure which you believe. If you believe that it WON'T make a difference, I again ask what's the harm of people protesting? If you believe that it WILL make a difference, then it seems to me that the people have the right to make that decision. If one side can convince that many people that this war is bad, there is probably some logic to their argument (in this case, I don't think that would happen). And if that's the case, then maybe that viewpoint needs to be heard. I don't think you're giving people enough credit to make their own decisions. It's not like the pro-war people can't go out and try to convince people also.
shanna, It would make a difference to those who are opposed to war, because it will sway ppl towards their belief. Small gain in a much, much bigger picture. I don't see the other side. Not in this situation. I can't bring myself, as hard as I try, to relate to those who oppose our military action in Afghanistan. How can you bite the hand that feeds you? Our soldiers are protecting their rights. They, and those who came before them, sacrifice their precious lives so that we can sit here in peace on a BBS and air our views. My point, when stating that "it won't make a difference," was related to our government's decision to attack. Therefore, while they are making a difference by potentially swaying ppl towards their ideas, why not use that energy to help your nation. The nation that gives you the right to free speech. The nation that is in limbo as to who or what is attacking us, and when or where it will strike. Right now, we need our fellow American to be strong, to aid us in the time of trouble, to give us strength, and most importantly, the faith that our rights are being protected. Fine, protest your little liberal asses off. They have all the right to, that's not what's being argued. But don't they find it a bit ironic that by protesting THIS war, they are in essence, saying, "We don't want you to protect our way of life!"
<B>I don't see the other side. Not in this situation. I can't bring myself, as hard as I try, to relate to those who oppose our military action in Afghanistan. </B> I don't either. But you have to understand that other people think differently and a small minority -- including some here -- do see another side. Just because we can't see it doesn't mean it doesn't exist or that it doesn't have merits. The problem is that if the ideas are not voiced, then even if it did have merits, we'd never hear it. Even if you disagree with the ideas, their expression is important because it helps the decision-making process and can open up some possible new avenues. <B>Therefore, while they are making a difference by potentially swaying ppl towards their ideas, why not use that energy to help your nation.</B> Most of the protesters <I>do</I> believe they are helping the nation, by trying to steer the country away from a path they believe is not ideal. <B>But don't they find it a bit ironic that by protesting THIS war, they are in essence, saying, "We don't want you to protect our way of life!"</B> No, they really aren't. They are saying "This isn't the right way to protect our way of life."
I have a hard time just giving over my "full support" to government, even in such a world-changing time such as this. I've seen too much back-and-forth playground arguing, to much backstabbing, too much rhetoric, too much 'looking out for MY interests' and too much 'slap a label on what we disagree with so we can dismiss it' that exists in our gov't over my brief years to just think that suddenly everything is right with our leadership. By all means there needs to be a reaction to the events of 9-11. We have no choice but to respond. As of right now, I have no problem with the strikes in Afghanistan in an effort to combat the terrorist forces there. (Though my initial concerns about just how widespread a battle this would be are starting to resurface with the anthrax scares). But I want to be sure we are making the right response - which means if I will stay informed of what we're doing as much as I can, and won't just blindly support anything we do just because it's time 'to be patriotic'.
Look, coma, I don't support war either. It isn't an easy position to take because it is incredibly unpopular, so it isn't like I don't think about my decisions. That is my belief. You don't have to agree or like it, but I would hope you could agree that I'm not just some idiot who doesn't think about the consequences of my actions. I would like to think that I have demonstrated that I think about my decisions and take them very seriously. By the way, it isn't just the liberals who feel this way. Pope John Paul has said he believes that peace is the only answer and encouraged the US not to make war in the Middle East. I'm not out protesting, I recognize the arguments coming from the other side and I see their validity. I also support your right to say and think what you want. I just don't agree. That is the right of every American.
Jeff, shanna, rimbaud, Rokkit, Desert Scar: I see your point. And I can see that you that you guys see mine. I realize that I have an issue with seeing the other side in this situation. I always try to, and usually I do sympathize with differing views than mine. This situation has me in a emotional clusterf*ck. I still disagree with those who are protesting, but they have every right to. Just like I have a right to protest against them. But, yea, after a putting myself in their shoes, I do see their side. I also see how they feel they are helping the nation. As usual, the best way to combat someone's idea in America that you disagree with, is not to beat them down, but to argue your idea while accepting theirs. It was VERY cool of all of you to calmly air your views without resorting to name calling and whining. It's sad, but everyone I know, pretty much has my same views. I find people here and there who disagree, but they start whining and using names. So this was a refreshing experience. Well guys, until our next disagreement. PS. Jeff, I never for one second, grouped you or anyone from this thread with the mindless masses. I think I have something to learn from each and every one of you.
Coma, I appreciate the way you approached this dialogue as well. For the record, for now I am in support of our federal and military actions. I am more concerned about us citizens giving up freedom at home and splintering within than threats from the outside however. I am also concerned of our "war" effort becoming more indiscriminant than it currenty is, polarizing more mainstream ME factions against us. So while I do current support the scope of military action, I think skepticism and constant re-evaluation of our federal and foreign policy actions is a healthy thing for our freedom loving democracy.
