Democracy, from a certain point of view
The United States has put forth this notion that the armies, er, peacemakers of democracy should march all over the face of the earth. The goal, however, is not to *actually* get people to govern themselves as they see fit. The real goal is to get people to govern themselves the way that the United States thinks that they should govern themselves.
So much time and energy has been expended on the Middle East peace process. The goal is to get all of these different groups, tribes and factions to get along, by force if necessary.
The situation in Israel is probably the most difficult, complicated and delicate. After all, after World War II, the Allies told the Jews that of course they could return to the homeland they believed theirs by the will of God. Nevermind that the land was already occupied by people who were equally convinced that it was *their* homeland. Oh, don't worry, you all will work it out and find a way to live together in peace and harmony, said the Allies. Sixty years later, and the argument has yet to be resolved.
The Palestinians have held elections of their own. Lots of people participated. While there doesn't seem to be a question of whether or not the process was carried out fairly, the United States is unhappy with the result, the government is planning to withdraw aid because it has labeled the group in power as terrorists.
The United States only wants to play if it can make the rules and win. Otherwise the most powerful country in the world gets on its high horse and rides home in a snit.
What is withdrawing aid going to do? It's going to aggravate the terrorists and increase the resistance to U.S. influence in the country and the region. It's not going to hurt the leaders, the people actually in power. It's going to hurt the people who really need the aid, and they are only going to resent the capricious arrogance of the United States.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, there are plenty of hungry suffering people in *this* country who are not getting the help that they need.
Democracy at work.
So much time and energy has been expended on the Middle East peace process. The goal is to get all of these different groups, tribes and factions to get along, by force if necessary.
The situation in Israel is probably the most difficult, complicated and delicate. After all, after World War II, the Allies told the Jews that of course they could return to the homeland they believed theirs by the will of God. Nevermind that the land was already occupied by people who were equally convinced that it was *their* homeland. Oh, don't worry, you all will work it out and find a way to live together in peace and harmony, said the Allies. Sixty years later, and the argument has yet to be resolved.
The Palestinians have held elections of their own. Lots of people participated. While there doesn't seem to be a question of whether or not the process was carried out fairly, the United States is unhappy with the result, the government is planning to withdraw aid because it has labeled the group in power as terrorists.
The United States only wants to play if it can make the rules and win. Otherwise the most powerful country in the world gets on its high horse and rides home in a snit.
What is withdrawing aid going to do? It's going to aggravate the terrorists and increase the resistance to U.S. influence in the country and the region. It's not going to hurt the leaders, the people actually in power. It's going to hurt the people who really need the aid, and they are only going to resent the capricious arrogance of the United States.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, there are plenty of hungry suffering people in *this* country who are not getting the help that they need.
Democracy at work.
posted by minervasowl | 10:00 AM
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