Quote from scriabinop23:
1) I never said the Japanese weren't brutal during WWII and did not commit unspeakable atrocities. And I never even criticized our response to it. Desperate times sometimes call for desperate measures. That still doesn't take away from my disdain at the enthusiasm you suggested for nuking so many Japanese civilians. It was in poor taste.
2) I am not better off for Bush's policies. Just because my house is worth more in dollars (which will probably be short lived anyway), it costs double to buy food, etc. etc. The dollar's (as well as other world currencies) purchasing power has eroded from the injection of TOO MUCH liquidity and TOO MUCH debt into the markets. So what if I have have more dollars when they effectively buy less?
3) I'm not safer today, and I definately live in a fearful society that is truely MORE miserable than ever.
In fact, now kids (in my family at least) at 5 yrs old in school are being taught to fear terrorists.. Do you honestly think this knowledge has any practical use for them when they aren't yet capable of understanding the whole story? Whats next? Should all of the white kids be taught to watch out for those scary dark people in turbins who hold western economies hostage with expensive oil and calls of Jihad? How about a kidnapping warning system targeting muslim men in the 20s-30s?
Its a little hyberbole, but not far from the truth.
I guess I don't care what you consider poor taste. Again, you are more concerned about what others think, I am more concerned about doing what is right, just, or what needs to be done.
economically you are better off. Bush's aggressive pursuit of the terrorists has made you safer. If you understood military strategy, you would see the brilliance of taking the war to them and keeping the pressure on them.
Finally, What the hell are you fearful of? Who do you know who is fearful? Perhaps a therapist can help you work through your fears.
I was out this weekend, every mall was packed full of shoppers, that is not indicative of a fearful society. Nor is it indicative of a miserable society. In fact, nearly everyone I saw was having a good time. My guess is that you are finding what you are looking for. If you look for fear, panic, what's wrong, you will find it. Perception is reality and I suggest you stop looking for what is wrong and start looking for what is right.
As for your kids, they should be fearful of terrorists. Terrorists are bad by definition, and they have no honor, they are cowards, and they go after civilians, women and children. However, fear can debilitating or it can move you to action. That's where courage comes in. Teach them to take action action despite fear. Fight or Flight. That is one life lesson that will take them further in life then any other, IMO.
I will leave the last word to you folks, tomorrow will surely be a good day for trading and debating Bush, politics, and economics will do nothing to put $ in my pocket.
I'm out!
