<< ... or that Milosovic represented any threat to any NATO country. >>
It's improbable, but we can't be sure, can we. At least now there is less of a chance.
I agree with your interpretation of my beliefs.
<< I believe that even in the face of great evil, the law is the great principle which protects both those who commit evil and the victims of evil. >>
Yes, but there are many laws. There is a basic law of decency. There is an unwriten law that a tyrant should not be able to inflict misery on hundreds of thousands of people, who happen to be of another culture or religion.
What laws are you talking about? What laws are we throwing away? What are the exceptions to these laws? Has every nation signed and agreed to abide by these rules? Has Yugoslavia signed and agreed to these rules?
<< I further believe that when we teach the world that we believe it is morally acceptable to attack a soverign nation militarily--to declare war--because we disapprove of the way in which that nation treats its citizens ... >>
"treats its citizens"??? That's a nice way of putting it. Why don't we ask the Kosovo refugee's if they disapprove of the way that they are being treated?
There is a big difference between "treats its citizens" and "kills, loots and rapes millions".
I don't think that we would've attacked Yugoslavia if only a few were being persecuted. If that was the case we would be attacking half the countries in the world.
<< The long term costs, though, will be a dramatic increase in human misery ... >>
I hope that you are wrong about this. I am hoping that slob Milosevic loses power and a more compassionate ruler takes his place. What is the chance of that happening? Probably not much.
<< Although I fundamentally disagree with you, I have appreciated your willingness to debate these issues without falling into namecalling or invective. >>
Nothing pisses me off more than when someone uses an insult, instead of saying why I am wrong. I try and refrain from insults, as you so indicate, but I occasionally use sarcasm when I want to ruffle my opponents feathers.
I enjoy and respect your notes and point of view. Unfortunately, sometimes your notes require too much work in order to respond. <g>
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