Originally posted by lostmind:
quote:
BULLSHIT.
it does not fit the definition of terrorism.
Let me refer you to the definition in the opening post of this thread:
quote:
terrorism-The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or
governments, often for ideological or political reasons. The American Heritage� Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
As you can see, it does fit. Our bombing campaign violated both international law and the Geneva Convention. The attacks of September 11th were a crime against humanity. The US should have at least attempted to deal with them as such, rather than immediately resorting to actions most likely to perpetuate the cycle of violence. (Despite the pop-tarts and pamphlets we air-dropped on the population proclaiming our friendly intentions, I think the bombs made more of an impression.)
quote:
THOSE FUCKERS KNEW WE WERE COMING.
I feel no sorrow for the deaths of Al Qaida members caused by our bombing. It didn't take us broadcasting radio programs into the Taliban hq warning of their imminent demise, they knew it would happen from the beginning--being willing to die for their cause and all that. But most of the civilians didn't agree to that, and did not have the warning that the Taliban did. At any rate, previous knowledge of the attacks doesn't figure anywhere in the aforementioned definition of terrorism. The killing of "those fuckers", ie Afghan civilians, is just as wrong as the killing of the WTC workers.
quote:
i hope to hell you never command a military exercise for the united states.
IF YOU'RE GOING TO LEAVE THEIR GODDAMN COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM RUNNING.
I never said it wasn't sound military strategy. Killing civilians, cutting off the food and medical supplies, taking out the only INDEPENDENT tv network in the area
(it wasn't "their" communication system--local governments saw it as a threat because of its balanced reporting): these are all very effective means of pressuring the enemy. And they worked. The Taliban did offer to surrender Bin Laden, more than once, to a neutral country upon presentation of evidence. We refused, of course. Bush meant what he said about there being "no negotiations".
History did not begin on September 11. The US has committed many acts of terrorism in the last few decades, under the guises of 'counter-insurgency' and 'restoring democracy' and other such phrases useful for helping the American public feel good about them. Like I said, we are very good at it. However, THIS DOES NOT EXCUSE THE WTC ATTACKS. It may help shed some light on that whole "why do they hate us" question, but let me state again, killing innocent civilians to make your point is not justified. It is wrong no matter what side you're on, or if they started it, or if they're infidels, or if they've got economic resources that you want. I sincerely hope that we are able to put an end to terrorism--including that perpetrated by the US.
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"The greatest purveyor of violence in the world today is my own government." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Maybe you remember him--you got this past Monday off because it was his birthday.)
It is impossible to end terrorism so long as the United States supports war
2002-01-24, 22:20
It is impossible to end terrorism so long as the United States supports war