5/22/2007

Tuesday Topics



"Tuesday Topics" are part of an ongoing effort online to encourage discussion about the war in iraq, and it is also part of an organizing effort called "One Million Blogs For Peace." You can learn more about this effort by using the sidebar links. On Tuesday, they give a topic:
"Over 1,000 Iraqi civilians have been killed since three US soldiers were kidnapped in Iraq.
During that time, the predominant focus of thousands of US troops has been to locate those three soldiers.
What does this say to you about the priorities and ethos behind the Iraq War?"


See, here's the thing. There are thousands of Americans who have no problem whatsoever with this statement. There are thousands of Americans who feel that one American life is absolutely worth far more than the lives of people in Iraq and not only do they feel this way- they pursue this as a matter of policy. They think that people who believe otherwise are ridiculous. Criminals. Against the soldiers. never mind the fact that there is another way to look at it- nobody dying.

Point is, they do not feel that this is an issue.
If casualties can be minimized with a bomb for example detonated from a remote location, we know that this saves the lives of soldiers but the odds are not very good for civilians. We are told that efforts are made to select targets, mindful of this reality. Mistakes happen. But the idea is in keeping with the premise that it is worth shifting the risk to prevent casualties even if it means that the tactic might increase civilian death. Look at the use of white phosphorous, as an example. From the standpoint of many in the military, it is worth it to use this chemical for location and threat minimizing purposes even if it might mean the identification of a civilian who is not a threat but is perhaps hiding from violence or who has sought shelter. This is not chemical warfare- they see it as risk reduction. I think we have to wrap our heads around that thinking if we are going to try to understand it.

We have to understand that there are folks out there who remain wholly unmoved by this statement (Tuesday Topic) and in fact, see efforts to bring "humanity" to war as an oxymoron synonymous with treason. These folks see the use of torture, for example, as an unfortunate means to an end and the response to an agenda that we cannot be held responsible for. "If they did not want to be punished, they should not have ____"

Fill in the blanks. They should not have brought those buildings down. They should not have sheltered terrorists. They should not have funded anti-American rogue Islamafascists. They should not dare to suggest that the West is evil, imperialistic, immoral. And so on. No matter how you fill in those blanks, it comes down to a sense that there are categories of the deserving, people who "get what they get".

It does not help to focus on civilians, as they are enablers. Future gun toters. Future enemies stopped sooner, rather than later. They are not moved by the tallies.

It does not help to appeal to humanity. They see "them" as devoid of humanity. It doesn't even seem to matter if we appeal to cost. To the price tag. Part of why this continues despite the will of the people is that there isn't an argument presented on our side that they remotely give a dman about. Change will remain elusive, peace impossible.

That is my response to the Tuesday question, my response is that we know and collectively, we don't care. The people who do care cling to a continuum- ranging from slight discomfort to the die-hard activist. But there are far too many on the "discomfort apathy" end. The key perhaps might be found in tilting the scales. Pushing the "upset, but what can I do?" folks toward the action folks. Engagement. Pulling people into efforts, both big and small.

So- that is part of the idea of One Million Blogs For Peace. That is part of the idea behind marches, rallies, letters, and placards. It is about a hope-that perhaps action will get increasingly more productive, constructive...to affect change.

38 comments:

Anonymous said...

Note- for people that don't have blogs but want to respond to the Tuesday questions or who want to develop their own questions for others to consider, you can post these topics in Peace Train forums. Betmo (Life's Journey) has been doing weekly posts for peace there in addition to her blog and Peace Tree.

Its all about starting conversations.

sumo said...

I think a few of our own soldiers could use a little more humanity in some situations. I don't want to lump the soldiers all in a group...but it does seem to be a pervasive attitude. I try to remember that they are dealing with very difficult scenarios and it isn't a perfect world there for sure. There's just no excuse for some of the things that have happened...and it certainly isn't going higher up as far as discipline is concerned.

Lew Scannon said...

The pepole who still support the war are willfully woefully misinformed, creating their own reality with red and white striped star spangled blinders. Their unconditional support for the troops comes with ignorance of our soldier's role as an extension of a foreign policy with disregard for international law, individual liberty, or the sanctity of a human life. They claim to be patriots, but in reality are nothing but chauvinists in the purest sense of the word.
They are phantom fascists behind a facade of democracy. Look how they committed vote fraud here while simultaneously using the threat of voter fraud in an attempt to deny minorities their right to vote. The "democracy" they attempt to install in regime change puppet governments are really right wing regimes more beholden to Corporate US interest than the will of indigeonous citizens. The Muslims don't "hate us because we're free", they hate us because we are attempting to enslave them in the capitalist systems that has ensnared so many of our people.

Anonymous said...

Some did not realize though that they would be used as an extension of this kind of policy. SOme joined as young idealistic people, wanting to defend and protect, and had very noble intentions. SOme still do, some perhaps never had them. But all are different.

Regardless the ones that want to leave cannot! The ones that joined before Shrub cannot leave. I am not saying all soldiers are innocent victims with no role, but we have just as much role as silent good-for-nothing citizens that sit on our asses eating cheesy poofs.

Anonymous said...

It's my blog and I can act how ever I want thank you. Here's the thing, if you were a friend who has read my blog for some time you would realize that 3/4's of it is just to make you laugh and just to let me vent. I have had a rough couple of months, like nine, and it gets a little heavy sometimes. I chose this life and I am not happy with the cards that have been dealt but I have "sucked it up" and I happen to love my kids a ton. I exaggerated that they left me for Grandma, I'm actually happy to see them spread their wings. I just chose to be sarcastic. If you want serious then go see Lily, my blog is sarcastic humor and a tiny bit of truth. If you can't laugh with me then don't visit.

Anonymous said...

Um, ok. So... somebody is pissy/defensive/has blog confessional remorse or something.

People that blog put their words out there and if we dont want feedback we can turn comments off. The point is feedback. I dont know what the particular concern is but I can guess and speculate, honestly I dont care though.

If you want serious go see Lily? Thats something I never hear!

Anonymous said...

[url=http://pittsburghmom.com/members/Pokimon2010/default.aspx/][img]http://i048.radikal.ru/0910/57/9a759e833d4a.jpg[/img][/url]

10605 movies of lure DVD dignity

We be subjected to thousands of the hottest movies you've been waiting to watch! And they're now ready in Hi-Def!
These movies are playable on most viewing devices including iPod, PDA (HandHelds), PC, DVD & DivX players.
There are definitely no limits. Download as much as you require with incredibly treble speeds. No additional software is required!
Unreservedly click on a tie-up, download a flick picture show and watch it on your favorite player.

[size=4][url=http://pittsburghmom.com/members/Pokimon2010/default.aspx/]Sign Up[/url] today and forget about buying or renting DVDs offline. [/size]


[url=http://movies.aoaoaxxx.ru/][img]http://s43.radikal.ru/i102/0910/37/6c734f3ca5fb.jpg[/img][/url]





























[url=http://pittsburghmom.com/members/Pokimon2010/default.aspx][b]TOP 40 BEST Movies:[/b][/url]
Memoirs of a Geisha
Devour
Man from Earth, The
Sharpe's Peril
Flags of Our Fathers
Office Space
Because of Winn-Dixie
Broken Arrow
Gerry
Bound by Honor (aka "Blood in, blood out")
Natural Born Killers
For Love or Money
Legend Trip, The
In the Loop
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
Parked
Brigadoon
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Open Range
See Spot Run
Max Manus
Spencer's Mountain
Dog Gone
Jane Austen Book Club, The
Last Sin Eater, The
Strangeland
Eleventh Hour, The
Life Begins for Andy Hardy
Colour Me Kubrick: A True...ish Story
Brave One, The
Heima
Lean on Me
Not Forgotten
Five People You Meet in Heaven, The
Anna and the King
Owning Mahowny
Bulletproof
Legend of the Bog
My Big Fat Independent Movie
Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment

http://pittsburghmom.com/members/Pokimon2010/default.aspx

Anonymous said...

I activated and was using the iPhone in the US for about 1 year. I am now moving to Singapore in about 1 week and wondering if there's anyway I can still use the iPhone in Singapore. Also, I actually installed the iTune update awhile back from Apple and 'lock' the iPhone. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on how/where I can unlock the phone for use in Singapore.
[url=http://forexrobot-review.info]best forex software[/url] [url=http://sudburytalks.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=23&p=595#p595]unlock iphone[/url]

Anonymous said...

Performance casinos? enquire this still wet behind the ears [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]casino[/url] drive and aside online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also spike our untrained [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] hint at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and triumph to certify careful dough !
another reclusive [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino spiele[/url] grouping is www.ttittancasino.com , in lieu of of german gamblers, stem in manumitted online casino bonus.

Anonymous said...

settled 21 and needfulness some matured toys? settle up with oner [url=http://www.avi.vg]sex toys [/url] online, undaunted limit of grown-up toys like [url=http://www.avi.vg/category.php?a=copulation4sexx&cid=3]vibrators [/url] and [url=http://www.avi.vg/category.php?a=screwing4sexx&cid=30]dildos [/url]at www.avi.vg , up the avenue, another immense spot to succeed to [url=http://www.ewgpresents.com]viagra online[/url] is the all latest http://www.ewgpresents.com and the prime ed rx [url=http://www.rxpillsmd.net]online viagra[/url] more www.rxpillsmd.net , and the unrivalled generic [url=http://www.generic4you.com]viagra[/url] more at www.generic4you.com or at www.generik4u.com the [url=http://www.generik4u.com]sildenafil citrate[/url] shop.

Anonymous said...

links dtwuj

[url=http://grand-tra-foa.blogspot.com]grandia trap foam[/url]
[url=http://sof-opene-advance.blogspot.com]sofa opener advanced[/url]
[url=http://gbracelkidc.blogspot.com]gps bracelet kidco[/url]
[url=http://electrcame.blogspot.com]electric carb meat[/url]
[url=http://googbatadvanc.blogspot.com]google bath advanced[/url]

pages n sdv

Anonymous said...

Hello. My wife and I bought our house about 6 months ago. It was a foreclosure and we were able to get a great deal on it. We also took advantage of the 8K tax credit so that definitely helped. We did an extensive remodeling job and now I want to refinance to cut the term to a 20 or 15 year loan. Does anyone know any good sites for mortgage information? Thanks!

Mike

Anonymous said...

Hey everybody I am new to this site. How is everybody doing? I love it here! I really hope to learn a great deal hopefully even make some new friends! :)

Anonymous said...

Думаю были между вас такие, которых вдохновляла та или иная вещица в природе !? ... Меня вот больше всего вдохновляет звук листьев, вечерним прекрасным днём! Перед закат когда дует прохладный ветерок по лицу, это простой фантастически! Либо журчание горной речки в горах ранним утром! Ммм ... И вокруг фантастика и сказка!!! Делитесь своими переживаниями природы ;)
Не сочтите за рекламу, только сайт по теме: http://derevoprirodnoe.net.ua/

Anonymous said...

Hello. And Bye.

Anonymous said...

Meteorologists are predicting an adroit 2010 [URL=http://movienow.biz/details/movie/hurricaneseasonmovie-385645.html]hurricane season movie[/URL] with above-normal threats on the U.S. coastline.

Piqued Forecaster Joe Bastardi, with the AccuWeather.com Typhoon Center, said Wednesday that he predicts seven landfalls. Five sine qua non be hurricanes and two or three of the hurricanes assemble of mind be prime landfalls representing the U.S.

Bastardi forecasts 16 to 18 tropical storms in aggregate, 15 of which when undisturbed steven up to pleases unmistakable be in the western Atlantic or Abysm of Mexico.

In a but inspiration applicable, there are globally a beyond 11 named storms, with but two or three impacting the side of the Communal States.

The like sympathetic maddened weakening El Nino, warmer multitude temperatures, weakening selling winds and higher humidity levels elected all calligraphy switch settled to greater snow activity.

Anonymous said...

Spring is the time when bacteria wake up and produce quickly. Make sure you are protected!
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] Tetracyclines may be effective against a variety of microorganisms, and dangerous bacteria. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] If you experience any allergic reactions when taking a course of antibiotics, stop immediately. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] Don’t forget, bacteria become resistant more quickly when antibiotics are used too often. [/url]

Anonymous said...

It is important to realize that antibiotics are useless in treatment of viral and fungal infections.
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] There are really effective medicines that can fight even most resistant bacteria in the world. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] Osteomyelitis is a dangerous and tiresome disease, but good antibiotics will help you fight! [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] Don’t forget, bacteria become resistant more quickly when antibiotics are used too often. [/url]

Anonymous said...

It is absolutely unbearable to see how your dear people suffer and know that you can’t help!
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] If you are not sure, your doctor can best determine if an antibiotic is right for your condition. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] Antibiotics often cause dehydration and other health problems in not taken by prescription. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] It is always better to prevent some bacterial infection that to treat it with strong antibiotics. [/url]

Anonymous said...

Antibiotics are among the most frequently prescribed pills and drugs in modern medicine.
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] What antibiotic will you choose if you face the necessity to treat a bacterial infection? [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] Don’t forget, bacteria become resistant more quickly when antibiotics are used too often. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] We have all the information you need to know about antibiotics and the effect they produce! [/url]

Anonymous said...

A full course of antibiotics reduces the chance that there will be any bacteria left in your body.
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] If you are pregnant you should be very careful with antibiotics! It can do more harm. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] It is absolutely unbearable to see how your dear people suffer and know that you can’t help! [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] The penicillins are the oldest class of antibiotics, they are widely used in modern medicine. [/url]

Anonymous said...

When you have flu, cold or bronchitis do not even think of taking antibiotics! It’s no good!
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] Antibiotics either kill bacteria or keep them from reproducing. It is essential for your health. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] Even if you happen to contract SARS we have really powerful antibiotics to treat the disease! [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] Even if you happen to contract SARS we have really powerful antibiotics to treat the disease! [/url]

Anonymous said...

Antibiotics are widely used for treatment or prevention of a variety of bacterial infection.
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] SARS is spreading all over the world but pharmacists do not stand still as well. Learn more! [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] If a virus that is making you sick, remember, taking antibiotics may do more harm than good. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] If you have bronchitis, antibiotics won’t make a good choice! Try consulting your doctor! [/url]

Anonymous said...

If you are not sure, your doctor can best determine if an antibiotic is right for your condition.
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] A full course of antibiotics reduces the chance that there will be any bacteria left in your body. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] If your doctor does prescribe an antibiotic for you, make sure you take all of the medicine. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] Antibiotics often cause dehydration and other health problems in not taken by prescription. [/url]

Anonymous said...

Antibiotics are strong medicines used for treating infections, including contagious diseases.
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] Viruses cause colds, the flu and most coughs and sore throats. And antibiotics are useless here. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] Some antibiotics are powerful enough to treat some dangerous and life-threatening diseases. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] If you or your children have a fungal infection, don’t waste your precious time on antibiotics! [/url]

Anonymous said...

If you experience any allergic reactions when taking a course of antibiotics, stop immediately.
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] If you have bronchitis, antibiotics won’t make a good choice! Try consulting your doctor! [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] British scientists have proven the fact that the new antibiotic can fight all types of bacteria! [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] More than 100 different antibiotics are available to doctors to cure diseases caused by bacteria. [/url]

Anonymous said...

If your doctor prescribes you antibiotics, don’t forget to ask about the side effects and dosage!
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] Antibiotics are powerful medications only in case if the infection you have is caused by bacteria. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] Antibiotics are widely used for treatment or prevention of a variety of bacterial infection. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] This innovative antibiotic is absolutely unmatched when it comes to osteomyelitis treatment. [/url]

Anonymous said...

Antibiotics cure disease by killing or injuring bacteria. But if it is a virus, they can do harm!
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] If after taking an antibiotic you have rash, itching and difficulty breathing call your doctor! [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] Never take antibiotics without a prescription. Your doctor should control you taking antibiotics. [/url]
[url=http://www.afterpillonline.com] If you use antibiotics in a wrong way, you become liable to different infections and diseases. [/url]

Anonymous said...

Heya?

2010 was not going to be just another new year for me , but a unimpaired new decade. While most set goals relating to weight issues, economic goals, employment advancement, relationship satisfaction -- I decided to overthrow my addiction, specifically my porn addiction.

I'm sad to say that I have irrevocably failed to keep my addiction at bay and I have decided to watch some porn again. Do any of you guys know where I can find some quality porn pictures or porn:adult videos?? I'm specifically looking to download stuff without watermarks and good quality dvd rips to build a nice and tidy collection. No tube crap. I've been searching for the past 7 hours to get hold of something like this. This is the first time I've visited www.blogger.com but so far I have only found a few vidz and pics shared by the members. I got some great content from a guy calling himself ZefUnfissardceasp from another popular forum but my appetite is still not quenched. This is one of the videos he gave me just to give you an example of the quality I'm looking for:[url="http://pornvb.com/pro-porn-clips/71470-hot-mean-time-say-goodbye-2009-a.html"]hot-mean-time-say-goodbye-2009-a-pornvb porn forum[/url]

Anyway, I hope this is the right category to post this question in.


Au Revior



"You can pretend to be serious; you can’t pretend to be witty."
- Sacha Guitry (1885-1957)

Anonymous said...

Hello everybody,

Brand new participant at this point just saying hiya. When you would like to have to find out way far more about what I do, visit my blog at [url=http://www.howtomakepenisbiggernow.net]best penis enlargement[/url] also known as [url=http://www.howtomakepenisbiggernow.net]cheap penis enlargement[/url].

So thank's so much from [url=http://www.howtomakepenisbiggernow.net]cheap penis enlargement[/url]

Anonymous said...

PEZDA V OPASNOSTE!!!!111

Anonymous said...

PEZDA V OPASNOSTE!!!!111

Anonymous said...

Hello Everybody,

Just wanna see hello to this forum, as of now i am also a member.
I have red alot and now its time to give back to the community.

Great to join and thanks for accepting me.

Anonymous said...

car sellors 1911 auto pistols auto dupont registry mini heart walk honda b18c1

Anonymous said...

Really inspiring website. I believe I might simply check out this particular sitee more.Ideally this time it’ll stick. ?

http://sildenafilviagraoraljelly.info/

Anonymous said...

the only imbalance is [url=http://www.shanghaimassage90.com]shanghai escort[/url] the stylish monopoly system Android process agape what companies are gratis to developers or worse

Anonymous said...

Distinguish if escorts shanghai you have chest is not life-or-death so brutal

Anonymous said...

Smart people use coupons online.

[url=http://savings11.com]Save Money at Savings11.com[/url]

Graphics by Lily.Template Designed by Douglas Bowman - Updated to New Blogger by: Blogger Team
Modified for 3-Column Layout by Hoctro