Some excellent points there, Matt. I believe there are some valid arguments AGAINST a war with Iraq at this time just as I believe only the threat of force has been at all effective in "negotiating" with Saddam. So far, I'm not buying the oft-quoted "theft of oil" war conspiracy and also question how the significant business interests of France, Germany and Russia (with Iraq) are influencing their current anti-war stance. I honestly don't know. "Public opinion" is easily swayed on a daily basis...a mob mentality is a dangerous double-edged sword and I'm not too inclined to put much stock in those types of polls.
If President Bush and Prime Minister Blair have classified information that Hussein/Iraq are enough of a threat to our security (and that of the world in general) to warrant the use of force or even the threat of force, I'm inclined to grudgingly support their policies for the following reasons: Iraq's history of aggression at home and abroad, it's use of chemical/biological weapons at home and abroad, it's "support" of terrorists and terrorist organizations (some of this information is weak, indirect, may not exist or may be classified), and the likelihood Saddam would use WMD directly, and/or as a means of extortion and/or supply them to others (primarily radical Islamic groups but I suspect to any that would target the US or its allies), and Hussein's complete lack of credibility since at least the end of the '91 Gulf War and continuing to this very day.
Blind faith in President Bush, his administration and advisors (or former President Clinton's for that matter)? Not from me; there's plenty I don't care for. But I do (and did) support the war in Afghanistan and the ongoing war on terrorism (wheverever it leads). I view the potential war with Iraq as an extension of the same but with more caution and less enthusiasm; I'd prefer more information but that's sometimes the Catch-22 of classified materials...
Your other comments regarding "billboard slogans" as posts is a healthy admonition for all regardless of point of view (left or right or whatever). In addition, I also tend to ignore or diminish those posts that contain outright insults, profanity or are insipidly childish (again, regardless of point of view).
I also agree with you that not all anti-war supporters are "peaceniks" or liberals. And not all supporters of the Bush/Blair Iraq policy are "crazed war-mongerers" or right-wing zealots.
Off to work...have a great day--MK-- |
