>From: Samantha Atkins <samantha@objectent.com>
>It is "anti-Americanism" to point out that we have acted badly
>in many instances and many countries?
It is anti-Americanism when you only attack one side and
deliberately and completely ignore the actions of others,
especially when their actions were worse, and the context in which
such actions were taken.
You went on and on about the American bio-weapons program
blissfully unaware that the American program was terminated in
1972. The Soviets after signing the same treaty increased their
facilities a thousand fold. This is not conjecture, but documented
fact.
There are a number of nations around the world developing bio-
weapons, we would be justified in having our own program for that
reason alone.
>It is a matter of public record that we have done so if you
>trouble yourself to look. Or would you rather simply label me and
>ignore any facts that might be unsettling to your current
>position?
I am well aware that we backed regimes that from a retrospective
were bad for their peoples, I was in the Philipines during the
reign of Ferdinand Marcos, and a good friend in high school after
winning a science fair was a guest of the Shah of Iran, but you
completely ignore why.
We were involved in a cold war with the former Soviets, Democracy
vs Totalitarianism for the fate of the world. Since we could not be
everywhere at the same time we had little choice but to back anyone
who opposed the Soviets, in most countries they were the only
choice. You also ignore the fact that we were not alone in this,
all those who opposed the Soviets also backed these regimes.
We did not go around the world meddling for lack of better things
to do.
These things have to be considered in their historical context.
>Why do I bother?
You are trying to solve problems using reason which is commendable.
I am merely trying to point out the holes in your reasoning.
I am not out to label, nor tar-and-feather you. I find your
opinions valuable.
Brian
Member:
Extropy Institute, www.extropy.org
National Rifle Association, www.nra.org, 1.800.672.3888
SBC/Ameritech Data Center Chicago, IL, Local 134 I.B.E.W
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