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Politics : Stockman Scott's Political Debate Porch -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Skywatcher who wrote (54967)	9/8/2004 1:08:00 PM
From: J.B.C.	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 89467

35 years ago my brother served in Viet Nam. He didn't die, but was dishonored by John Kerry. I don't think Americans realize how many soldiers living or dead that John Kerry dishonored by his felonous actions. 2.5 million Americans served in vietnam, please think of all those soldiers that Kerry dishonored when you vote this November. And also all the willing National Guardsman dishonored by the democrats during the 60's 70's 80's 90's and now. My brother and I grew up in Western Pennsylvania. Jim

To: Skywatcher who wrote (54967)	9/8/2004 1:31:10 PM
From: one_less	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 89467

I am sorry for your loss. I lost my only brother nearly twenty years ago and I know of the gap that it leaves. It sure would have been nice to have him around to share my experience these many years. If we can separate the issue of who's side you are on regarding the election from the reality of Iraq, I believe we could communicate more clearly. The Iraqi people are not one demographic. They are at least three distinct political entities and within those they are very diverse. For instance within the Shia population there are ethnic Persians and ethnic Arabs. The rivalries for power can be so intense that the Arabs have murdered Persians rather than have them ascend to powerful positions. The three: Shia, Sunni, Kurd. Each group has its own brand of extremism as well as the usual richness of moderate and liberal thinking people. The extremes: Sunni: The extremists from the Sunni are extreme Wahabi operatives. They recruit followers and are violently radical. The goals of the Wahabis include a desire to establish a world wide Caliphate. There is no partial success in this goal, it is definitely to rule the world according to Shuria law. The Al-Quaida are organized by Wahabis. Al-Zaraqawi (credited with Nick Berg's beheading) is one such Wahabi. Shia: The extremists from the Shia are bent on establishing Islamic rule as well but the main goal would be to prepare the way for Al-Mahdi. Al-Mahdi is the ultimate leader of Islam who will prepare the way for the second coming of Jesus. The Al-Madhi Army declared by Al-Sadr can never be disbanded now that it has been declared as an active entity because it does not belong to Al-Sadr it belongs to Al-Mahdi. Shias definitely believe this. Kurds: The Kurds are a separate ethnic group that would like to be independant of the current Iraq political boundaries and has a viable self governing structure. The problem with the independence is that they control the most valuable resources that the rest of the country depends on. They have periodic clashes with Turks as well as Arabs. If there were no support from the US, these three groups would begin vying for power in an unstructured and barbarous fashion. Rival war lords from each sect would first try to eliminate their opposition from within. We have seen this in the Sunni and Shia sects already. Then they would attempt genocide one on the other to acquire dominance over the region. The Sunni would recieve support from Arabs and Arab countries and the Shia would recieve support primarily from Iran. Of course, international interests would be at risk so outsiders would back whoever they thought would be in their interests. The clashes would likely result in a division of Iraq into at least three parts after a massive blood bath. Kerry and Bush both recognize the volitility of the region and the awesome responsibility we would be accepting in walking away from the current situation. The best hope all of us have is in supporting Iraq as a unified nation with national and local security. Ideally we hope for a representative democracy. Failing that we hope for some sort of national security that affords safety and protections for its population with a niche in the global community. "Then ask yourself if you, or someone you love, should die for this war." I would be terrified if one of my three daughters went to Iraq, and would selfishly try to point them in other directions. However, the cause is worth standing up for and I would support their choice if they enlisted. I am extremely grateful for the men, like your brother, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in hopes that the rest of us will have a chance in the future to live in a free and just world.