Re: The Morality of Extremism

From: Brian D Williams (talon57@well.com)
Date: Mon Apr 22 2002 - 10:10:16 MDT


>Harvey Newstrom wrote:

>I don't, nor do I know any Liberals who do. Palestinian suicide
>bombers are evil. Palestinian civilians are good. Israeli
>soldiers shooting at terrorists are good. Israeli soldiers
>shooting at unarmed civilians or reporters are evil. The fact
>that Arafat directed terrorists in the past is probably true. The
>claim that no terrorist ever strikes without Arafat's direction is
>probably false. The insistence that Arafat condemn terrorism is
>helpful. The rejection of his condemnation as being too little
>too late is not helpful. There is good and bad on both sides.
>Both sides want peace. Both sides have legitimate grievances
>against the other. Both sides have committed unjustified violence
>against the other. Neither seems willing to end it now.

Rather than take issue line by line here, I'm going to attempt a
summary of what I believe we agree on here.

Despite what has occurred in the past, there is the future to
consider.

Two separate states, Israel and Palestine living together in peace
and at peace with their neighbors.

After the Israelis finish making their point (terrorism is not
permitted.) It will be time for the world to act.

I think the Israelis should withdraw completely from areas
currently assigned as belonging to the Palestinians. Then a council
can be called to hash this all out, this will be difficult and take
time but it is necessary.

Anyone who attempts to break the peace, from a single kid throwing
rocks, to any politician making hate speech should be condemned by
all. No exceptions. Anyone failing to condemn any such action
should be excluded from the negotiations.

Let it begin...

Brian

Member:
Extropy Institute, www.extropy.org
National Rifle Association, www.nra.org, 1.800.672.3888
SBC/Ameritech Data Center Chicago, IL, Local 134 I.B.E.W



This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Sat Nov 02 2002 - 09:13:37 MST