I know that this was in response to USMC, and I'm sure that he'll be along when time permits to respond. But there are a few things I'd like to mention on this post:
USMC did not give the west a free pass. When he quoted Hasan, saying "... By blaming the Government for our actions… they did our propaganda work for us. More important, they also helped to draw away any critical examination from the real engine of our violence: Islamic theology.” He is not pretending that our government has not made mistakes in the Middle East, and elsewhere in the world for that manner. And Hasan is one of an unidentified number who would corroborate if not in fear for their families, safety and lives. Defying the rule in radical Islam is not good for your health.
If you really want to blame it on the U.S., why don't you just go all the way back to the Industrial Revolution? The U.S. was hugely responsible for all the modern conveniences of the world we know today. It did not exist at all as recently as 200 years ago. A drop in the bucket as history goes. Without all the technology we've developed, and encouraged others to develop from our success, the Islamic people would still be warring, nomadic tribes. Violence has been an over-powering force in their life and history.
Your statement about not conforming to "a narrow minded" ideology is baffling. Fitting in a comfort zone? I think there may be those that could apply to, but I don't think it applies to anyone here attempting to discuss these issues in a thoughtful, rational manner. There is an area that is black and white where good and evil is concerned. Adding too many shades of gray is dangerous.
Why is it that you, and others who support your viewpoint, often claim that any viewpoint opposing yours is Because the logic utilized to form my opinion may differ from the logic you utilize does not imply that either of us is illogical. It could be the case, but it is not necessarily the fact.
If possible, I'd also be interested to see citation of the "imperial events" and "human rights violations" you refer to. The Koran existed long before the U.S. even came on the world scene. If "hatred and angst" are taught through it, it was there long before us. If you think otherwise, look at history, and the bloody, vicious acts one sect, tribe, etc. committed against another, or any of other faiths that happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Actually, I think that foreign policy in the Middle East (and yes, around the world) has had many major effects. Some are good, some are not-so-good, some are downright rotten. But in the balance, the U.S. has done more for the world and to improve it's overall condition than any other human worldly force in history. Mistakes? Sure! But the alternative is really to stay home, keep our toys to ourselves, and let the world go to Hell in a hand basket.
A perfect outlook? If you get that from USMC's posts, or mine (along with others of similar minds), you're dead wrong. None of us any kind of Pollyanna's. But we're also not going to stand by while others try to make the U.S. into some kind of evil entity on a global scale. And that is for us, you, me all of us, to make sure NEVER happens. But based on truth and fact, not on skewed perceptions and one-sided arguments. The light of truth and history must be applied, with commitment and objectivity.
You are totally correct: USMC is one very smart and discerning person. He will not easily fall into any ideological trap that only presents select aspects of issues. And he recognizes evil for what it is, and not a vague title some lightly use just to appear they grasp the concept.
An interesting quote, and congratulations on finding it.
The first part is wrong. We DO care what others think. Otherwise, Saddam Hussein would have been eliminated in the early 90's. Otherwise Osama Bin Laden would have been killed, despite the messy details of wiping out entire villages to get to him. We would go into countries at random and wipe them out. And when we did we'd not bother to stay to help them rebuild. Etc...
The U.N. irrelevant? If so, it is because it has embraced irrelevance. It has embraced corruption. It has slipped over the edge to socialism, and is edging towards world fascism. Financially and in nearly every other way, the U.S. is still the primary support of the U.N. It would not exist without our help, and yet you support a claim that we view it as irrelevant? When that is truly the case, we will totally withdraw our presence and support.
I agree with Mr. Lewis' claim of how the world views us. But I would carefully examine why that is. Is it truly that we are deserving of it? Okay, there are the "ugly Americans" referred to in regard to tourism. But as a whole? The U.S. deserves that? The U.S. is becoming the ultimate, international scapegoat. Because too many of us are not willing to dig for the truth, not be blinded by conspiracy theories and will fail to figure this out in time, we will most likely pay a dear price for it.
