[Off Topic]
Oh Oh, I didn't expect that can of worms. The intention was to make some
social conversation on a non-business day, and not to stir up a controversy
between nationalities. Perhaps I'll have to refrain from making non-CSMA
converation on this thread. Sorry to the offendees, and thanks to the
defenders. Just to clear a few points up :-
* I am not anti-american. Some of my best friends here and around the
world (including some faceless e-mail penpals) are American.
* I am concerned about the effects of a military build up and possible escalation
towards a greater conflict. But, I am no fan of Iraq, and see the need
to stamp out profileration of weapons of mass destruction, by force if
necessary.
* It is my strong concern that Iraq may feel it has "nothing to lose" and
could strike out against its neighbours in retaliation to any use of force.
* I was referring to several satirical media articles which (I think humourously ?)
proposed that Mr Clinton was diverting attention away from his legal problems.
I wasn't accusing the US of warmongering. Perhaps I should have used the
word "positioning" instead of "posturing".
* Vietnam ? Not sure how that came up, but should I mention that my father
was killed there, after (successfully) leading a rescue mission for some ambushed
US troops ? Perhaps Bob will think that's a cause for deep seated
anti-americanism on my part. I don't consider myself anti-american, but
apparently you have to be one to be eligible to criticize anyway.
* I came here by my own free will, but leaving quickly isn't that easy,
should things degenerate rapidly. I don't make megabucks, and aren't here
just for monetary reasons. I actually do things like educate Saudi
students, participate in medical outreach programme to improve medical
services around the country, and provide a high quality service to my
patients every day.
* I am not responsible for freedom of speech or world peace, but now
that you mention it, it's not a bad goal, and I'll see what I can do.
Well, if there are further comments or flames, please feel free to e-mail
me at steven@kfshrc.edu.sa. I'll answer any and all comments you send.
Sorry for taking up time and bandwidth, and I'll pause to recollect my
thoughts before posting some CSMA-relevant material.
Somewhat bewildered,
Durro |
