Peg's question, and that writer, make me think. This is a heartfelt and political posting...
"Terrorism" seems to always be an extreme reaction to dominant cultures. In many cases the cause is just, even tho the violence cannot be condoned; so an antidote to terror is to deeply listen to the anguish that leads to violence, and work for resolution. But sometimes the cause may not be just. For example, I don't really know if Mr. bin Laden's cause, which seems to be to overthrow the Saudi rulers, is a just one. He has attacked the US before - and may have done so again - because the US military presence helps keep those rulers in power. It seems to be a case of Islamic fundamentalists trying to oust other Islamic powerholders. Is it clear which side is just? I'm sure there are other "sides" to consider as well. I am not educated about the situation at all - I am just beginning to try to understand it - but this may be a situation in which the US would legitimately resist what may be a Taliban-style movement wanting to take power in Saudi Arabia led by a Saudi exile who was trained by the CIA. Especially when that exile attacks the US directly. What means shall be used for that resistance? As I write this, I think a few things: 1. Our addiction to oil is once again at the bottom of this. 2. I want the people of Saudi Arabia, and all nations, to decide on their own government, without interference. 3. Our addiction will not be resolved for several years, and until then is it right or wrong to use military power to maintain that oil based industrial system? I want to open space for a rapid, methodical transition away from a fossil fuel society. - Jeff Aitken Consultant/Facilitator: Specialist in Open Space Process Intro to Open Space learning workshop Dec 12-14 http://www.openspaceworld.com 1800 Arch St. Berkeley CA 94709 USA - (510) 540.6576 * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected], Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
