In Reply to: I am comforted by that thought. posted by petew on July 16, 1999 at 18:35:37:
petew;
If you are looking for an argument that the Gulf War wasn't about oil, I can't help you. It was, and I trust most are aware of this. I probably criticize American culture and societal norms more then most, but I still believe that it remains one of the best. There are certainly more enlightened societies; Iceland, Greenland, the Scandanavian countries, etc. -- yet there are many worse. Many societies were women and chilren are property, if not slaves. Societies were there are no opportunities for education or self-fulfillment unless born into a certain privileged class. Places where even a pseudo-democracy is forbidden. America remains a place of opportunity and promise. We give more money to charity per person, per capita, and per GDP then any other country. I'm not just talking about the government or charitable organizations, I'm talking about us, normal everyday people. The western jedeo-christian (sp?) ethic of giving of oneself remains as part of our cultural foundation. Even when it means giving one's life for what one believes. I accept that this was one of the things that Spielberg was trying to communicate. I think he did that rather well.I wish all evils could be conquered by non-violent means. I wish soldiers read Gandhi and not Patton. I wish there were no soldiers. There are bullies out there, they don't listen to reason and they don't want to be enlightened. They just want what they want and will kill and destroy to take it. I am grateful that I remain an English speaking American and not a Japanese-German speaking citizen of the 'axis powers'. Aren't you?
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Follow Ups
- Which "war" are we discussing? - DaveH 15:49:31 07/18/99 (2)
- Yes, indeed... - Victor Khomenko 05:46:02 07/19/99 (1)
- I thought that was "Wag the Dog" (nt) - DaveH 16:05:10 07/19/99 (0)