Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Maurice Winn who wrote (74934)	2/17/2003 7:26:46 PM
From: PartyTime	Respond to of 281500

MauriceWinn--Great post! Is there any way I could agree with you more? I don't think so. I'm very interested in seeing Michael's response.

To: Maurice Winn who wrote (74934)	2/18/2003 11:14:11 AM
From: greenspirit	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

Hi Maurice, it's always a pleasure to read your posts. More then anyone on SI, you've given me pause for reflection and tempered my nationalistic views of international affairs. In regard to your statement of prisoners being held in-lu-of habeas corpus rights. I would assume you're talking about the captured Taliban and assorted suspected terrorist held in Cuba. One thing to keep in mind is America was attacked; we are at war with these people. I would suggest you look back in history and compare and contrast our behavior with that of war prisoners held throughout history. Obviously, at some point, a solution will need to be found for these captured terrorists. And we should be vigilant that it is handled in a manner aligned with our principles as a nation. A tough paradox to crack, security for America, as compared to the rights of suspected terrorists caught in battle. I can also relate to your fear of expansionistic empires and the historical ramifications of it. However, what I don't believe many appreciate, is the way in which America expands is unlike any power in history. We expand by spreading the idea of freedom, liberty and democracy. Each nation still controls his/her own destiny under that umbrella. With great power does come great responsibility, and we simply can't sit back and watch fanatical leaders control large segments of populations, where torture, cruelty, starvation and fear are life norms. This is the twenty first century, and their suffering resounds via the information superhighway and into our conscience like never before. How can a people with compassion and a conscience (who have the power to change so much), sit idly by and witness these horrific acts year after year? This is the struggle we Americans face. It's a struggle unique to our country, because, we have the ability to change so much. We can't effect change everywhere, but where the struggle is just, and the price is reasonable, it's difficult to turn our head away indefinitely to the suffering millions. Yes, I can understand the view, which says the people within a country are responsible for their own destiny? But, sometimes people need help. Sometimes, nothing more than vicious gangsters run an entire nation and murder so quickly; an uprising to change the situation is virtually impossible. Anyway, I enjoyed your post. Take Care, Michae