Well, I spent the evening with an avowed liberal arguing the merits of the war and our invasion in Iraq. She was stuck in the Saddam didn't pose a threat mode, and why didn't we get bin laden histronics. I did my best to explain that our war in Iraq is part of the larger war on terror. She couldn't understand that at all and insisted that GWB went to war in Iraq to avenge his father. She would rather that we spend the Bs' of dollars on all the "dying" people that live right here in the US. I asked her to site specific instances of dying Americans, and asked; where are these dying people, and how are they dying? Ah Ha said she. See, she said, you don't hear about them because GWB has re-focused every issue to the WOT. Much to the detriment of the dying, she said. She used the bums down on first ave in Seattle or in the newly formed tent cities that have sprung up over the summer as examples.
I was occasionaly flippant (no, not me -gg-) and told her that she was just like most liberals that don't give a fig about the repressed people of the world or about spreading democracy and freedom, and equating the two as a measure of ensuring our security.......I think she felt chastised? But she kept coming back to taking care of Americans first, and refused to address that issue.
I told her that John Kerry doesn't care about American sovereignty. I sited the numerous examples he's provided in his various speeches, and I asked her what it was about his record that would compel her to vote for him next election. She admitted that she couldn't site anything specific. She loved Dick Cheney in the VP debate last night, and wouldn't hestitate to vote for him if he were running for president. (I told her that she should cast her vote for GWB because they are a packaged deal) She has a decided disdain for GWB (because of all those billions that could be better spent) and would cast her vote for Kerry........an ABB voter.
She continually questioned my sources to the point of absurdity, and professed that it's difficult to trust anyone. I made the point that there are absolutes in this world. She went a little overboard and wasn't willing to trust most anyone, so I turned it back on her when she sited an allegation regarding education, the military or actually, anything she said.......two can play that game.
It was an interesting exchange between a liberal mindset and a conservative mindset. I haven't had that invigorating a discussion with a liberal ever. But bottome line....she was more interested in spending tax dollars on "dying" or "poor" Americans than rescuing the people of the ME from a tyrant or waging war on Islamist terroism. I didn't let that go by without comment, such as if we don't confront terrorism those "dying poor" wont exist to be helped.
I know she left that dinner thinking about what I said, and I know she is considering all of my arguments. It doesn't matter in the long run because of her status, but I feel it was a fruitful exchange.
She was parroting her husband's position....she is a Palauan citizen, carrying a green card, and doesn't have the right to vote in our country. She is very proud of the Palauan effort in Iraq but thinks it is all a waste of time. We had to cut the conversation short, but I think we will resume next time we get the chance.
M |
