OT : Australian intervention in Solomon Islands

[sachmo]

Originally posted by oleg:
So, now that gives you right to do whatever you like. You are always the GOOD guys, sure.[/QB]

That's not what I said. Here is the post I was responding to:

May be not all western governments (I believe I live in a country that still puts human rights first before combat against terrorism) but I must agree that some activities of the US government really frighten me more than any terrorist activities. And if deccan is right (I know too little about the political situation in that part of the world) I am worried about that too.

He is saying that he is frightened by the actions that are being taken by the US government in, and he didn't specify this but it was implied by the discussion as I was understanding it, "the War on Terrorism".

He has every right to feel that way, especially in a country that may or may not have been touched by terrorism, as of yet. Once again, he didn't say what country he was from, so I'm just guessing here.

In my response, I was attempting to express my personal opinion about said actions, and how I feel now as opposed to before 9/11. Before the attacks, I would have had a major problem with the way this "war" is being conducted. I'm not a fan of governments strong arming one another to get their way, rattling a sabre at those who disagree with our policies. I am also a supporter of basic human rights, and humane treatment of prisoners, no matter what the crime.

But when I saw all of those people die in those towers, it sort of changed my outlook on things. Now I sort of turn a blind eye to some of the things that I would have been indignant about before. It's a strange thing how life can change you. I'm not happy about it, or proud, but when I consider the alternative, my resolve hardens.

Do I think we are the "good guys"? Absolutely not. Do I have compassion for innocents who are killed in this conflict? Of course. But I have a hard time believing that terrorism isn't a threat to my safety and the safety of my family, and so I will stand by while my government, and other governments around the world, prosecute this ugly, disgusting war the best way that they know how. If it's a choice between my family or someone else, there is no choice. Maybe that makes me a bad person...I don't know. But I would kill to protect my family, and by the same token I will support anyone who works to protect my family.

If someone were to present a better solution, where no one would be killed, or no one would be cajoled, threatened or put upon to do things that they don't want to do, then I would take that route in a heart beat. In the meantime, I'll stand aside and let someone else keep me safe at night. What else can I do?

[ July 09, 2003, 19:56: Message edited by: sachmo ]