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Politics : Idea Of The Day -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: IQBAL LATIF who wrote (41336)	10/31/2001 3:26:26 AM
From: BubbaFred	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 50167

See how ignorant many Americans are? Even those posting here are supposedly somewhat educated and yet many postings show lack of awareness, sensitivity and respect for others that are different. And they don't realize it or don't care about it. The expression "Do onto others the same way you would like others do onto you" has become trite and has no meaning. The predominant practice is "Do onto me the way I want and dictate it, and screw you". Fortunately US leaders in Wahington DC are not so callous and they try very hard to be much more sensitive in their foreign relations. WARNING: For those who are still high strung and irrationally frothy, STOP RIGHT HERE AND DO NOT READ WHAT FOLLOWS. Here is email from an American far away from South and Central Asia: Subject: Perspective from Brazil Americans, For anyone who is planning a vacation or visit to Brazil, I would kindly ask you to reconsider. Immediately after the savage attacks on the World Trade Center, the civilized global community expressed their outrage and issued official statements condemning the attacks and offering support to America in her time of need. President Henrique Cardoza of Brazil was amongst those who expressed his official support and sincere disgust with the attacks. He was harshly criticized by his own people for those remarks. In the Southern regions of Brazil, the population took to the streets, expressing their jubilation with the success of the attacks, just as the Palestinians celebrated in the West Bank. The only difference was the magnitude of the celebrations in Brazil dwarfed those that transpired near Israel. It is a largely Arab population in that region. In Rio de Janeiro, T-shirts with the image of an American flag bowing to the likenesses of Osama Bin Laden, Saddam Hussein and Fidel Castro are suddenly en vogue this week. They even hung a 50'X 50' banner of Saddam Hussein at a soccer match this weekend, to demonstrate their support for all who resist America's Imperialism. The newspapers, magazines, television stations and chit chat in bars and restaurants are filled with gloating commentaries with regard to the tragedy we suffered. What is more disturbing is the silence of the knowledgeable Brazilian's who fail to challenge these cold-hearted, callous and ill-timed commentaries. The day following the attacks, 5,000 Brazilian students rallied in downtown Rio de Janeiro for a domestic protest that quickly changed tone and expressed extreme anti-American sentiment, which featured the burning of an effigy of President George W. Bush. Commentaries, opinion columns and articles are full of the following statements: "It is wonderful to see the American's brought to their knees." "Maybe they will finally realize that they are no better than us." "It is tragic that so many foreigners were killed in the attacks, but America finally is getting what it deserves." These are a just a sample of the kinder comments that have appeared in their newspapers and journals daily since the attacks. These opinions are not caused by our arrogance, these are the pathetic comments of an envious, callous and petty society. The official remarks of the Brazilian government are positive, but their actions are quite cynical. The FBI requested the assistance of Brazil to investigate a suspected mid-eastern terrorist training camp which sits on the boarder of Paraguay and Brazil. The Brazilian government agreed to fully cooperate, but only after leaking the story to media to ensure the terrorists had plenty of time to seek refuge elsewhere. Below is a translated copy of a letter I dispatched to the local and National newspapers. It has not been printed and their response has been greater coverage of Anti-American factions and Anti-American rhetoric. This from a people who requested and accepted $5 Billion dollars in U.S. aid two weeks ago, in order to prop up their failing economy. It occurs to me that every dollar Americans would spend down here on vacation, would perhaps be better appreciated by our true allies such as England or other European nations. Countries who suffered economic losses and a downturn in tourism because of last year's outbreak of hoof and mouth disease. Argentina, a close neighbor of Brazil, is also suffering through an economic crisis, but managed to pause and express sincere support of America. Chile and Australia are also alternatives, they too have shown exceptional support for us. I would ask that those of you who do not have plans to visit Brazil, assist us by thinking twice before purchasing a product made in Brazil. If they hate us so vehemently, then they must also despise that most powerful symbol of American strength; the U.S. Dollar. Please feel free to forward this e-mail to all your friends. Sean An American Living in Brazil

To: IQBAL LATIF who wrote (41336)	10/31/2001 6:24:26 AM
From: Nick	Respond to of 50167

Totally agree with you that Musharraf must remain in power or the whole region is doomed, and that doesn't bode well for the world at large. Like Shimon Peres said last week, he never dreamt that he would be praying for your President. As to low level ISI operatives running your country, no one believes or claims that. But at the same time, these guys must be contained - we all know where their allegiance lies. What do you make of reports in the Washington Times that China is still "helping" the Taliban?