cctalk digest, Vol 1 #472 - 25 msgs

Based on the off-list conversation we had, it's much more likely you decided not to listen to the proof... I've never said the the U.S.A. should make the rules. But, how can you quibble with the concept that it's wrong for a county to attack it's neighbors, or to build up offensive weapons? Or, to defy the United Nations when they order you to disarm? The only way the U.S. figures into all of this, is that it has the backbone that the U.N. does not have. The backbone to back up it's own resolutions. It's the same in international affairs, personal affairs and in raising children... When you make a threat, or set a condition upon behavior, you have to follow through with the penalty when the wrong behavior happens. Otherwise, you teach that person (and others) that rules, threats and responsibility are meaningless... Nobody wants war, but in case such as this... This war will prevent the deaths of millions. Not only by Iraq and Hussein, but by others in the future who will take this example to embolden themselves to do evil without fear of retribution. The penalty for breaking laws and rules must be swift and predictable. That's the only way for there to be a deterrent. Saddam Hussein can avoid the war in a minute. He simply can abide by the U.N. agreements, disarm himself of the illegal weapons and technology, and dedicate himself to making a good life for his countrie's citizens. He would have the added benefit of having the embargo for sale of his oil lifted upon full compliance and good behavior. It's much more in his interest to do that, than the course that he has chosen. How can anyone disagree that what he is doing is sheer madness? The guy can't live without fear of assasination... His life must be desperate and awful. And all by his own choice... Putting attention on the U.S. or President Bush is wrong. That's focusing on the wrong end of the situation. Why aren't there protests calling for all police forces to be disbanded? Using the same arguments that people are using against this war, if the police didn't carry guns or shoot criminals committing acts of crime, why... There'd be a lot less death in the world. Just let the criminals alone.... In fact, how wonderful would it be for all the prisons to be empty, and the courts to have nothing to do... It's all the fault of those crazy police who capture criminals for the fun of it. Because they LOVE to shoot and hurt people... Al