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Few things:
One, people celebrated in the streets in the US at the end of the gulf war. To us, that was a declared and just war. We were on the moral high ground. We imposed restrictions and sanctions to keep the peace. Makes sense right? To Iraq and its allies, it was and is nothing more then internationally OK’d terrorism.
Who’s right?
At the end of the US civil war, the north celebrated its victory over the evil of slavery (among other things). Much of the south still remembers it as the War of Northern Aggression, an invasion and destruction of states and people’s rights.
Who's right?
We are raised with moral guides and principals, both from our parents and communities (including country). Sometimes those conflict with those of other people in the world. While the gulf war was a clear case of the US using its power in a just manner to most Americans, there are always two sides to an issue.
Here's another. At the end of WW2, it was obvious many European Jews were victimized. In an attempt to compensate and make right what was wrong, Israel was created. To Israel and its allies, it was the right thing to do. To the people living in that area already, it was seen as unfair, and in some ways, it is. America and its allies looked like some unfair parent who just came in and dictated were people could and couldn't live. It's basically apartied. Why are we surprised when some who feel they have been victimized celebrate our misfortune? Not that we should condone it, but we should at least understand it.
Who's right on any of this? I have no interest in saying, my views are my own. But please recognize that there are always two sides to an issue. Until you've looked at both, you can't make an informed choice, just an emotional one. Wars shouldn’t be started over emotions. Untill you understand why things happen, your in no place to fix them. Once you have made clear choices about your stance and have the facts, then is the time to act and hold up your moral obligation. I fear that’s not what our foreign policies are being based on. I hope that the Administration can make clear choices. So far, we havn't killed anyone, which is a good sign...
-Andy
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