the saying "Never attribute to malice that which can be better explained by
stupidity." to be a much better reflection of what's out there. One thing he
did not mention that what happened in these countries happened during the
cold war. The US in the last 50 years did have the policy of the enemy of my
enemy is my friend.
I also noticed that he made little or no mention of Cambodia or Pol Pot. Or
the same time as mentioning the civilian casualties in Vietnam, he made no
comment on the atrocities that the Viet Cong and NVA committed in Vietnam
during the Vietnam conflict. That sort of weakens his point. He mentions
East Timor, but doesn't mention that the US had cut off military supplies
and aid to the Indonesian government about 3 years before those massacres.
As for Mozambique, he made no mention of the fact that UNITA was self
financing from diamond and other mines in the territory it controlled.
As for Somalia, he tosses out that number but in no way sources it. Where
did it come from? He makes no mention of the chaotic conditions there or the
humanitarian mission that was ongoing in the area while the military
conflict was happening. He also did not mention that the reason why the US
went into Somalia was at the request of the UN.
Yugoslavia is a good example of his very selective examination of the
issues. He pointedly ignores the nationalist movements that were very active
for the previous generation before Tito died. Yugoslavia split up because
his successors were considerably weaker than Tito. Tito was remarkable in
that he was able to get support from all regions and ethnic groups. It was
to the US' advantage to have a united Yugoslavia, especially since it
provided a very stable and industrially advanced region that was interested
in European good. Moreover it provided an excellent window into the Soviet
dominated countries of the Balkans. But I guess reality isn't necessary for
his polemics.
I noticed that he also gave a buy to the Taliban and Al Queda in
Afghanistan, considering them to be poor victims of US oppression. Funny I
am sure that those women who were buried up to their necks and stoned to
death because they showed their face at the wrong time will be heartened to
realize that they were victims of US oppression.
As far as I can see the guy is just an apologist for the extremist end of
the left. Quite willing to excuse atrocities etc., because these governments
were usually communist or extreme left wing dictatorships. It seems to me
that he is committing the same sins as he claims for the US governments.
Sounds a bit like projection to me.
I'm left of center on many issues. But I disavow this sort of extremist.
larry
> -----Original Message-----
> From: dana tierney [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: Sunday, May 23, 2004 9:14 PM
> To: CF-Community
> Subject: Re: comments?
>
>
> welp, he does use the word "compatriot," I'll give you that.
> And it bugs the hell out of me that the text is centered not
> left-justified.
This electronic communication, together with any attachments, may contain
information that is legally privileged, confidential or otherwise private.
The information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to
which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, please be
aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of
this communication or any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you have
received this communication in error, please immediately notify the original
sender and delete the received information from your system. Thank you.
[Todays Threads] [This Message] [Subscription] [Fast Unsubscribe] [User Settings]
