To: TimF who wrote (150575 ) 8/28/2002 2:21:02 PM From: tejek Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 1585826 Tim, your moral absolutes are based on this culture, on American values and standards, on Christian dogma etc. In some instances, the Iraqis have a different set of values, standards and yes, moral absolutes then we do. That's why they may define evil has something very different from what we do. No if they do exist the moral absolutes are just that, absolutes. By definition they are not based on culture. My opinions about them are obviously influenced by culture and circumstances but thats not the same thing. The fact that different opinions exist does not mean that one can not be better then another. Tim, if they are not based on this culture, from where do you derive your absolutes?He believes that because he's American and sees things in a certain way, then it has to be right and that everyone in the world must fall in line. If he believes that way in generaly I would call him intolerant rather then parochial. I feel very comfortable with my choice of word......parochial suggests provincialism and implies a narrow view of things and with little input, determining one is right no matter what. Intolerant suggests a more active denial of opposing views. I don't think D. Ray ever gets that far.If he believes that about specific issues he still might be called intolerant but in some ways that might be a good thing, but this would apply only in extreme cases. But I don't think he is really demanding the rest of the world agree with him. I don't think you have to be either parochial of intolerant to support military action to topple Saddam. Yes, that's true but that doesn't change the fact that I think D. Ray is parochial in his views. ted