I've been watching this stuff fill my mailbox and I've been feeling guilty not responding since one of my posts seemed to have revved up the conversation.
But, seems like it comes down to a few simple positions. On the one hand there are those who take a politically balanced view of the complexities of the international geopolitical interaction of conflict over resources, national security and the clash of culture as a complex and labyrinthine issue. And while recogizing a need for effective response to terrorism are cognizant of the broader picture. Not necessarily able to provide a "solution" they nevertheless recognize the reality that there is more going on than just a "bunch of crazy murderers who hate us".
And on the other, there are those who through shortsightedness or over-parochial outlook seem to be using the "truth" or "untruth" of a religion to, as far as I can tell, justify genocide on our part as a solution to a problem for which genocide or turning the US into a military state analogous to a modern Rome with generations growing up in uniform protecting American hegomony, or both, will NOT solve the problem.
While I enjoy debate, this one, for the time being, has gotten beyond my inclination to participate in. I'm checking out.
Tad
Patriotism: Supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it. M. Twain
