In defense of Kakki's response to the rather dictatorial demands of one Francisco Gil-White Fellow, Solomon Asch Center for Study of Ethnopolitical Conflict Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania instructing the press on how to be the press, I have the following observations:
1. Some of the points he makes about our short-term, historical, least of evils foreign policy decisions have the ring of truth - however, they would be better received if placed in full and proper context. He made no attempt to do so, and lost all credibility with me long before the end of his letter, by which time he had exposed himself for the propagandist that he obviously is. 2. I noted that he is neither a professor of history nor of journalism. Rather, an assistant professor of Psychology at Penn. This is not a terribly persuasive title for me, since I have little respect for that profession, generally (and certainly none for the American Psychological Association, with which I have no reason to believe the professor is affiliated). Yes, I have some friends who are psychologists. 3. My personal, anecdotal theory is that the subject matter attracts those who are psychologically disturbed - his writings (ravings) reinforce my impressions. Those who have passed logic 101 know that this does not mean that I think all psychologists are in this category, or even most. Simply that I suspect from my observations that there is a disproportionate bias (probably caused by the recognition, conscious or subconscious, that they have a problem) in that area. For example, if 10 % of the population at large is disturbed, but 25% of psychologists are disturbed, that would be consistent with my observations without implying that most psychologists are disturbed. Note that disturbed is not intended as a clinical term. Anyway, I do not know this man. Based on his letter alone, however, I would bet that he is disturbed. Note particularly his use of block capital letters ;-) , his description of Israel as a state born of terrorism and his implication that the US (deflecting attention away from the Taliban) is the force not supportive of individual liberties. Give me a break. I certainly do not rely on him as the source of the truth. Kakki reserved judgment - good nose, IMO.
