The Logic Off Topic list

In a message dated 9/28/01 1:20:56 AM, mark@... writes:
>> 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.

Perhaps you are unaware of what some people were saying, but this was in 
response to the implication that the US desserved this recent attack because 
of some sort of karmic debt because of the Vietnam war or dropping atomic 
bombs in 1945. I find those comments to be inappropriate, ill informed, and 
ill timed.

As for my emotions, I've seen a number of comments about Americans being 
stupid, primitive, warlike. Even in your calm and reasoned comments, you 
write :

>but politically and individually
>Americans have a strident voice and dont mind engaging their mouths before
>putting their brains in gear...

A rather sweeping and negative generality, wouldn't you say? Maybe there are 
alternative views on matters, and just because someone sees something 
differently doesn't mean their brain is not engaged.

Many people like to make these little insulting comments, then later say "Did 
I do something wrong to simply question the United States?" without realizing 
or referring to the fact that these comments are not simply neutral 
difference of opinion, but have an edge to them - an unwelcome and hurtful 
edge - and seem to imply a strongly held view.

I may not always do it, but I try to say something positive with the negative 
when I criticize individuals. Recently I said someone was clever and 
intelligent, but then try to explain why that person's comments were 
misguided. I guess he was not clever and intelligent enough to respond in 
kind, or understand the message however. So I have now learned a lesson