Why is this completely ignored with regard to "terrorism"??

[toddzilla]

Every time i torture myself with television viewing, NPR listening etc.. i'm struck by this complete and total discounting of the following fact-

Terrorism is a direct reesult of this country's "adventures" throughout the world, and particularly in the middle east.




Why is this not pointed out by anyone "mainstream"? I know it's probably hard to get it across to the people, but if this was conveyed, wouldn't it stir up some support for a more humanitarian foriegn policy? We spend hours and hours talking about what an evil man bin laden is, without ever touching on the subject of why he is on a crusade against this country.



I guess i'm asking too much for the truth, but it's so obvious that it annoys me to no end.

[Domitan]

1. Basically denial

The terrible fires from that type of introspective soul-searching on a collective national level would prove too much for many.

[Failure]

2. It would make too much sense.

I've always thought that the way to defeat terrorism is to discover what causes the hate in the first place, and change that behavior. Certainly Shrub's support for that terrorist Sharon is NOT a step in the right direction. Hate is taught...these people aren't born to hate us, however, we certainly don't do things that would make them feel like we care about them too.

[K-W]

3. People arent ready to deal with the prescriptive consequences,

no one is willing to challenge what has been scripture for US economic policy for centuries.

[kentuck]

4. And more to the point.....corporate adventures around the world...

Our military is used to protect the interests of oil companies and corporations that have spread their tentacles to all corners of the globe. I would love to see more discussion on this subject. How much have these corporate interests led to the US involvement and the decline in respect for the US around the world?

[truthspeaker]

5. "blaming America"; "America hater"

As soon as ANYTHING critical is said about any aspect of US foreign policy, whoever made the statement will get a million phone calls and emails from freepers and soccer moms accusing them of "blaming America". Simplistic black & white thinking at its worst.

[Failure]

6. We are the real patriots!

It is our solemn duty as citizens to question our government's policies, and to take action when our government does something wrong. We love America, and I can't imagine why you wouldn't welcome any change my friends.

[truthspeaker]

7. because people who are insecure reject any implication that

anything is in any way their fault.

[arcane1]

10. exactly.

'blame America first', remember that empty catch-phrase? Of course, when they blame 9/11 on Clinton, nobody responds that way. Maybe that's what we should do...?

the people don't want to address any possible faults of our own, it feels so much better to think they hate us for our 'freedom'

and as we all know, if it feels good, do it :eyes:

[Kazak]

8. Who, us?

That's the mentality anyway. Your point is well taken.

[mulethree]

9. reality

We already did it, so it is now "reality" and theres no sense in even considering its rightness after the fact.

Kind of like the Israeli's building into palestinian territory. Now they can't be expected to undo it, it's become "reality".

[On the Road]

11. Here's a Useful Exercise:

Think of every hot spot in the world nowadays, from Northern Ireland to the West Bank to Sri Lanka. Now ask yourself whether the US or Britain had anything to do with the historical circumstances that are causing the problems. If you don't know, google the history of the country.

It's not everywhere. But it's an amazingly high proportion.

[riverwalker]

12. for one brief and shining moment

after 9/11, as a nation there was some real soul searching on this very topic. But it didn't last long, made our heads hurt too much. So much easier to claim "they hate our freedom" and go back to being brain dead.

[toddzilla]

13. true.

It's like that part in bowling for columbine where moore details all the exploits of the CIA and how many have died as a result.


They hate freedom!!

[LeahMira]

14. Exactly.

Terrorism is a direct result of this country's "adventures" throughout the world, and particularly in the middle east.

Americans simply cannot imagine that anyone anywhere in the world might not be yearning for the same sort of life that we have here in the US.

Because they can't, they can't understand why other countries are not thrilled when our corporations set up shop overseas. Our system works so well for us... so they say.

The simple fact is that people in other nations value different things. They would actually rather have clean air and water and are willing to do without central heat and air conditioning if that's the trade off. They would prefer to raise their own food, make their own clothes, and spend more time with their families than to work eight, ten, or twelve hours in a factory working for not enough money to buy food and clothes that someone else is selling, and having to find day care so someone else can take care of their children.

Sure, they would like some of the things that we have that make our chores easier, but not at the cost of the things they value.

Our American Indians were perfectly happy with the way of life that they had lived for centuries, but we "civilized" them. I wonder if they feel better off now than they were. Somehow, I don't think so.

Our American way of life may be fine for us, but we have no business imposing that way of life on the rest of the world. If they want it, fine... but if they don't we need to let them alone... even if they happen to have oil flowing under their earth.

[truthspeaker]

16. good post, but a flaw in your argument

When American companies set up shop overseas, they have no intention of exporting the American way of life; quite the opposite. Even if people in other countries do want a way of life like ours, that's not what they're getting. If they enjoyed our way of life they would be able to form independent labor unions and political parties, which multinational corporations cannot allow. When we sponsored Pinochet's coup in Chile it was not with the intention of enabling Chileans to live like Americans - far from it. The Shah of Iran didn't promote the American way of life in his country, nor do the Saudi royal family in theirs.

[kentuck]

17. Well said, LeahMira....

How could they possibly be happier without our materialism and capitalism....why, it's "unthinkable"!

[Malikshah]

15. Terrorism=symptom

I know I've said it before, but will repeat it over and over.

If you think of terrorism as a symptom, it all becomes clear-- this method allows for a more accurate analysis (i.e. diagnosis) that crosses all political borders.

[jpgray]

18. Policy change means defense spending goes down

And (the two are connected at the hip) Israel aid goes down. People who don't want either or both of those things to happen will stay mum about any possible policy change.

[GaBi]

19. GaBi

I m agree....
But im surprise to read this words,
Im brazilian girl, and honest. its really nice see a acction or even a idea diferente in the middle of this war.
The world against the terrorism,
thats because we hate de bush too!

[newyawker99]

20. Hi GaBi!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[ConcernedCanuk]

21. The USA is handling the terrorist thing as most teens treat pimples

.
.
.

Instead of reducing intake of sugars and fatty foods that CAUSE the problem,

And to cleanse properly . .

They continue with their bad eating/cleansing habits

And buy different lotions, creams, etc. to COVER UP the symptom

And the USA has LOTS of "creams" (bombs, missiles, bullets, etc.)

And itchy trigger fingers.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

22. Because that would admit the possibility that the US is not always right.

It would admit the possibility that America has some responsibility for its actions.


No 'criticism of America' is allowed.