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

To: Neocon who wrote (121885)	12/21/2003 7:52:41 AM
From: jttmab	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

In any case, my response was on point: opinion in these countries has very little to do with a realistic assessment of things. A judgement and a generalization. You're familiar with scatter charts [or plots]; a visual mathematical version of a generalization. In a scatter plot, we attempt to define some generalization that explains the very large majority of the plotted points. Not all plotted points will fit exactly into the conclusion. For the generalization to be true, e.g., 95% of the plotted points must be consistent with the generalization. A single plotted point neither makes the generalization, nor does it contradict the generalization. As you acknowledge, a list of US actions in foreign policy can be made that support the contention that the US uses it's economic and military power for it's own gain regardless of the consequences to other nations. You use one poorly phrased question to illicit a specific response of anti-semetism to illustrate that there is at least one example of non-rational thinking. Then use that single example to assess that opinion in these countries [Indonesia] form their opinion on an irrational basis. The US has been the sole superpower for 15+ years. During the majority of that period of time there has been a mix of forein policy decision both good and bad. There has been the overall world opinion that the US has been arbitrary and self-serving, but overall the public opinion assessment has been positive. Only during the last three years, has world opinion shifted so that on the balance the US is viewed as an arbitrary and self-serving bully. And it's a very supportable view....95% of the plotted points support that opinion. Surely, if someone wants to throw out those plotted points and take the other 5% you can "establish" a different generalization. An invalid one. opinion in these countries has very little to do with a realistic assessment of things Your generalization established on one data point. Is the generalization from my remarks so hard [to understand]? No. It's easy to understand; it has to dismiss all the other data points; and it's just not supported. There is the widespread opinion that the US always sides with/supports Israel. When you look at 99% of the plotted points it's a true and accurate representation. It's rationale. It's valid. jttmab jttmab