What if Bush Was Right?

[TomAiello 26]

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The problem is that these peoples culture and religion is not aiming for women in bikinis. You are making the same mistake many westerners do - you don't understand their culture.

Ah, well then we're into a discussion of cultural imperialism.

Is it morally right to force your culture on others who do not share it? What if their culture involves the ritual torture and sacrifice of every third child (a practice that, we'll assume, you find abhorrent)? Then is it still morally repugnant to make them stop (i.e. force your culture on them)?

Now, what if the thing you find abhorrent is their treatment of women, or religious minorities, or ethnic minorities? Is it ok to force your cultural views (that minorities, women, etc, ought to be accorded relatively equal rights) on folks who don't share them?

-- Tom Aiello

Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com
SnakeRiverBASE.com

[mikkey 0]

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The problem is that these peoples culture and religion is not aiming for women in bikinis. You are making the same mistake many westerners do - you don't understand their culture.

Ah, well then we're into a discussion of cultural imperialism.

Is it morally right to force your culture on others who do not share it? What if their culture involves the ritual torture and sacrifice of every third child (a practice that, we'll assume, you find abhorrent)? Then is it still morally repugnant to make them stop (i.e. force your culture on them)?

Now, what if the thing you find abhorrent is their treatment of women, or religious minorities, or ethnic minorities? Is it ok to force your cultural views (that minorities, women, etc, ought to be accorded relatively equal rights) on folks who don't share them?

Tom,
You making some good points and it only confirms that the "bring freedom" thing is problematic. Just because Iraq had elections does not mean they will adopt a western style society. And when do we interfere and when not? Does the US really want to play global police man?

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When people look like ants - pull. When ants look like people - pray.

[TomAiello 26]

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And when do we interfere and when not? Does the US really want to play global police man?

That's the question, isn't it? When is it ok (morally right is perhaps too strong a term) to meddle in the internal affairs of another nation?

According to the UN charter, I believe the answer is "never". But at some gut level, part of me says that there comes a time when you have to intervene (the overused example being when that nations internal affairs involve shipping millions off to death camps).

So, when is it ok to push your values on another people/nation/culture?

When their values involve subjugating minorities and women? When their values involve killing minorities? Never?

I think there has to be a time when you say "that's wrong, and it's wrong enough that I'm going to step in." I'm not saying that any particular case reaches that point, but I am saying that such a point exists. Cultural relativism only works so far.

-- Tom Aiello

Tom@SnakeRiverBASE.com
SnakeRiverBASE.com

[freeryde13 0]

to take any position on bush you have to seriosly consider all sides and views. if bush was right , then it was only after considering both all possibilities himself. he should be greatful for all the americans that voiced their decent for helping him get all the veiw points of americans. it would be real cool if he was right , for him to address the people who so passionately oppose him. it would go along ways to healing and unifying the nation.

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