We're getting closer to the root of our disagreement.
by A.o.D.
>I believe that you at one point recommended trying to flat out exterminate any of these radical >elements, which struck me as not really adressing the underlying problem.
Sometimes to solve a problem you have to treat a symptom. However, what I'd really like to know is what you think the underlying problem is. Please be clear and specific, as you'll be revealing your understanding of the history of this problem. Yes, this is a test.
>Again, I'm not saying either one of us is correct, I'm just trying to see how you came to your >conclusions, and how it adresses all the problems inherent in this clusterfuck of a foreign >relations issue.
If you're not saying either one of us is correct, why are you voicing an opinion? Why are we even having a discussion. Damnit man, show some courage in the strength of your convictions! If you disagree with me, you should damn well mean it. Don't feel your opinions, know them!
As for how I came to my conclusions, I must admit that by no means am I unbiased. I am an American who believes strongly in the sanctity of our Union. Do not construe that to mean that I believe strongly in our government, as it is filled with frauds, charlatains, and murderers. The terrorists did not attack a government deserving of comeuppance but rather the people of this nation. While they may shout 'Death to Bush!' they more often, and for far longer chant 'Death to America!'. By inference one can assume that this includes to the inhabitants of the country they'd wish to kill.
As for it being a clusterfuck of a foreign relations issue, I simply do not care. Neither France, nor Germany, nor all the rest of the world combined should have veto power over whether or not a sovereign nation should have the right to defend itself if attacked. This doesn't apply just to America, but to any nation threatened by an armed foe. They can squeal and squirm all they want but if someone is trying to kill me, I'm not going to first check to make sure that my neighbor is okay with what I'm about to do.
If they hate me for defending myself, then they probably hated me before I made that decision. In the case of France, this should be patently obvious. In the case of Germany, their most recent Chancellor (or whatever he's called) campaigned before 911 on an anti-American platform. In the case of other nations, they are either openly hostile to us, have an social ideology opposing ours, or wish to establish a world hegemony of their own.