The Logic Off Topic list

> Frankly, I don't understand the anti-Americanism that was occuring in
> Europe even before the disaster. Sure, you don't like Bush, just as many
> Americans don't either. He put the Kyoto treating on hold - he didn't say
> he was in favor of global warming - it was negotiated before his term -
> and he didn't think it was fair and wanted to offer alternatives. He said
> a bunch of stupid things. But the level of hostility was disproportionate
> to all of that.

you seem to have this perception that America is hated or treated with
hostility by Europeans etc. I dont feel this is true of the majority of
Europeans against the majority of Americans but politically and individually
Americans have a strident voice and dont mind engaging their mouths before
putting their brains in gear...

> But by objective standards, there are far worse things going on in the
> world today - in Chechnya, in China, in Israel/Occupied lands, in
> Afganistan, etc.

Sorry GA but this is cynicism, its not smart and its not nice. Most normal
people manage to overcome such things when they leave junior school. In
essence you are saying that America is justified in doing anything because
other nations get away with doing far worse.

> France nearly had terrorists destroy the Eiffle Tower, but luckily
> twarted that. However, they have laws that permit more of a 'police
> state' than the US civili liberties have allows up until now. If those
> terrorists would have been successful, how would French and Belgium and
> others in that region feel, if I, sitting here in the United States said
> "well the French are to blame for thier past colonialism in North Africa,
> Vietnam, and even for Napoleon's abuses". That would be stupid and
> insensitive. Wouldn't it?

if your observations were informed, sensitive to the situation and pierced
to the heart of the matter - no.

I think you should stop posting to this group for a few hours, take some
time out to reflect on your inner turmoil and ask someone for some help with
your emotions. I dont know if anyone you knew personally or even friends of
friends were injured or killed on Sept 11 but I can understand that
Americans are frightened and confused right now as all in the Western (so
called first) world are. All of us have to examine our lifestyles and learn
how they impact on our neighbours in this small world. Like they say - 'If
you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem' , we all have
to accept that that is true and start becoming proactive in making this
world a better place to live in. Vote for the right people, pressurise
politicians, educate yourself, your firends and most important your
children. If we start now then maybe our great-great-great-great
grandchildren might be able to live in a world where there is less
suffering.

In short GA we are all your brothers and we feel your pain

peace
--
Mark Lennox
Consultant

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