I typically tread lightly on political subjects, as I know that many people are very emotional about such subjects. Nonetheless, I feel compelled to drop a few bytes on the subject.
By now, most everyone has heard about the beheading of the American. I didn't watch it on TV, nor did I google for the info online. Curiously, the video footage leaked only days after the Iraqui POW debacle was fed to the masses.
Several questions come to mind regarding the beheading incident. Please be advised that I don't know the story in its entirety, so some of my questions may seem abit odd.
1) Why was he there ?
2) Who authorized his presence in an unstable region ?
3) What was he hoping to accomplish ?
I have found 'tell-lie-vision' to be a powerful tool during times of war and economic strife. Yes, the beheading was a barbaric act. However, in my humble opinion, there are probably many more troublesome matters ailing this nation.
For instance:
1) Gas prices are $2.00 /gal. Yeah, even in places like rural places like Thomasville, GA. Heck, you could always count on cheap gas in GA.
2) Will the war on terror ever end ?
3) Where are those weapons of mass destruction ?
4) Will the Nets ever win an NBA title ?
Disclaimer - #4 was a joke
More discussion on the Berg topic:
The Left Coaster: Why Was Nick Berg Held By The American Military?
I'm not sure why he was there, however, i don't believe the price of gas is a more troublesome matter than this man's tragic death.
Think about this man's family/friends and maybe he had no business being over there, but the situation is just as tragic.
Ammie
Well, yes the losing of your head, can hurt, but to televise it, that is cruel and inhumane. We all know that out of all the wars we fought, our prisnors get treated real bad. However we treat theirs, better. I don't even care about the situation over there, I think in the long run, we will loose. America is known for always sticking its head in everyones problems, claiming it is a WORLD problem, and than rallying other countries for a battle cry to do something about it. As far as the rest of your questions, #4 is the only one that sounds viable, and I believe the answer will be never.
Oh, I forgot to comment on gas.. Here in Japan it is about $4.00 a gallon, so count your blessings, you are only paying $2.00, when you look at other countries, you might think to yourself, you are getting a discount. :-)
Ammie:
Pls don't misundestand me. I certainly understand the tragedy of his death. Never did I wish to make light of the loss of life. My point was to emphasize how the media shifts the focus from the core issues. We have serious domestic problems. The economy is in pretty poor shape. Methinks, that our gov't would prefer that we spend most of our time lamenting the death.
P:
Your point is well taken. Gas has always been more expensive overseas. However, Diesel will remain affordable.
I think the guy's death was a very tragic, brutal murder. But he had to know the risks of roaming around a dangerous place like Iraq, for whatever reasons he was there. So as cold as it may sound, I think he bears some responsiblity for his own demise.
What really nauseates me is the hypocrisy surrounding the treatment of Iraq prisoners.. how "shameful" it is. Gimme a break! How can any of these politicians/news media folk say that with a straight face when there are many, much worse images depicted on internet adult and child porn sites that are doing a booming business on the internet...of which they fiercely protect as 1st Amendment free speech.. of which Americans are the largest consumers! What can be expected of 20 year old reservists, having grown up on a steady diet of American MTV, movies, video games and porn, who are thrown into a war situation, with little or no training in interrogation methods. We are just looking in the mirror at the results of America's cultural immorality. Although it's been said the responsiblity lies up the chain of command, I dont think a savvy officer/interrogator would have been dumb enough to allow/take pictures!
As for gas.. well, just get used to high prices. It is a limited energy resource that we do not and probably will not ever control, barring an all-out WWIII. We will pay it as long as we continue to drive our cars/SUVs and the oil companies continue to suppress R&D of alternate sources of energy. As for me, the prospect of $4.00/gallon gas makes me seriously consider dusting off my bicycle!
Nick Berg..I think the guy's death was a very tragic, brutal murder. But he had to know the risks of roaming around a dangerous place like Iraq, for whatever reasons he was there. As cold as it may sound, I think he bears some responsiblity for his own demise.
Iraq POW scandal.. the hypocrisy is nauseating. Im sure all those sanctimonius politicians and news anchors look at much worse images when they surf the adult and child porn sites (which are doing a BOOMING business) from the privacy of their homes at night. Incidentally they fiercely protect this as 1st Amendment free speech. Which is why it doesnt surprise me that those 20-something year old untrained reservists took all those pictures/videos. Apparently they didnt think they were doing anything wrong.. if they did, why would they document it? Also they had to have some tacit approval from someone up the chain of command... but the little guys, as usual, will take the fall on this.
Why is it that the Geneva convention regarding treatment of POWs seems so one-sided? Doesnt it cover civilian captives? Is it ok to burn, mutilate, cut their heads off, hang their dead bodies from bridges, etc. Dont hear much outrage about that in the news. Just dont take any naked pictures.. too shameful and outrageous!
GAS--well, just get used to high prices. It is a limited energy resource that we do not and probably will not ever control, barring an all-out WWIII. We will pay it as long as we continue to drive our cars/SUVs and the oil companies continue to suppress R&D of alternate sources of energy. As for me, the prospect of $4.00/gallon gas makes me seriously consider dusting off my bicycle!
WMDs--I believe they are out there and in the wrong hands. Scared to think about where they will turn up! Investing in a good chemical suit and gas mask is probably not a bad idea.
Char:
Yeah, there is a serious hypocrisy regarding POW and civilian mistreatment. Suffice to say, that it is convenient for politicians to skillfully divert our attention from such matters. The pop culture (MTV generation) has certainly numbed many of us to the grotesque nature of war. Heck, you can simply get a copy of Quake and imagine that your obliterating the enemy. Sadly, I don't think it will change in our lifetime.
Oops,
Sorry for the double post.. lost my wireless connection momentarily and had to retype.. what I could remember that is.
Anyway, this whole cultural thing has desensitized us to the war and the evils that go along with it. In a way, it may be mental preparation for even worse scenarios, because I think it will get worse before it gets better. Even the war culture has changed.. its difficult to fight an adversary who is so committed to killing you, s/he doesnt mind blowing him/herself in the process. Also, this distributed, guerilla approach is deadly and can be executed in many places simultaneously. You dont need a plane to do massive damage.. just a few cars, trucks, SUV's in 10 or so cities; or even 10 or so live bodies wired up in 100 cities/towns.. A real nightmare scenario. Such is life in the new millenium..
The longer the war continues, you will see people become desensitized to the death and violence. I'm sure they'll find the WMD soon.