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Originally posted by bilmore
Do I have to go back and say that I see the same role for christian fundamentalism, or even just strong christianity, to get you to forego the obvious "ooo, he's racist and religionist!" shit?
Underthink much?
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I don't think I have ever accused you or either, although I do remember you making those accusations in the not too distant past. Ironically your accusations were in response to the suggestion that
But come on. This is ridiculously simplistic:
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After all, the various populations are attracted to the militant Islamicism only because they lack other vision for life improvement - why not show them a more productive way?
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Let's look at just a few the highly questionable embedded assumptions:
1. We, a hated external power, have the ability to in any way give people "hope." Note that the people we are trying to "help" have lived their entire lives surrounded by messages supporting our evil and decadence. Note also that these people have been the targets of our military power at various points over the last 2-3 decades. Note further that we are also a strong supporter a counrty that many of these people see as a natural enemy.
2. Such "hope" can be created through military force i.e. the killing of anyone who gets in our way.
3. The lack of a "vision" for improvement is the only source of frustration that leads to fanaticism.
Look. It's easy for us to see ourselves as creating hope through liberation. But its just as easy for others to see us as imposing our will through invasion. It remains to be seen what the net effect will be in the long run, and you are clearly more optimistic than I.
