Re: "Was there a pro-war march?"
I probably didn't comunicate very well. The point I was trying to make is that there was surely no pro-war rally. No sane person thinks war, for it's own sake, is something that should be favored. Kinda like abortion: whatever side you take on the "pro-life" vs "pro-choice" debate, virtually no one is "pro-abortion" (believing that abortion is, in itself a "good thing"). Those who support the present policy in Iraq believe that it is better than the alternative, just as those who favor abortion believe legalized abortion is better than the alternative.
Jane Fonda--She should pipe up long and loud. Since it is fashionable in some circles to draw parallels between the present fight in Iraq and our involvement in Vietnam, I think it is entirely appropriate that she, and all she stood and stands for, be on clear display for all to see. To complete the picture, I only wish others could be there to lend their voices. I wish we could hear from the 1.7 million Cambodians slaughtered in the aftermath of our departure. Or the thousands of Montagnards and those who stood by us in the ARVN and the Republic of South Vietnam who were executed after we left. They believed in the United States. We didn't even continue to provide the promised materal support after we left. These souls could give needed testimony to what "quitting the fight" can cost. Millions of lives destroyed. Jane Fonda "saved lives" --an "amazing" observation, but the tragedy of actual events robs it of all humor such irony would normally convey. Oh, there's no doubt America felt better after we left Vietnam- - "Hey, it's not on the evening news anymore, what a relief! How are the Cubs doing?"
I hope Jane is featured prominently in the movement to quit Iraq. Her mere presence will serve as an invaluable reminder that actions have consequences. Those proposing an action have a duty to consider and present the consequences. That's the number one (and, I believe, the most damning and accurate) critique of President Bush--"he started a war without considering the consequences." I do think the credibility of those proposing that we abandon the present Iraqi government and security framework would be improved if these individuals would heed their own call for a full consideration of future impacts before recommending a course of action.
donheff said:There was a small counter demonstration on Constitution Avenue across from the Capitol. Just a handful of people. I can't blame pro-war people for not coming out. I joined a small counter demonstration at a pro-war Billy Graham rally at McCormick Place in Chicago in 1969 or thereabouts -- it was not a fun experience and probably did no good. Joining in with fellow travelers is a lot more comfortable.
I probably didn't comunicate very well. The point I was trying to make is that there was surely no pro-war rally. No sane person thinks war, for it's own sake, is something that should be favored. Kinda like abortion: whatever side you take on the "pro-life" vs "pro-choice" debate, virtually no one is "pro-abortion" (believing that abortion is, in itself a "good thing"). Those who support the present policy in Iraq believe that it is better than the alternative, just as those who favor abortion believe legalized abortion is better than the alternative.
Jane Fonda--She should pipe up long and loud. Since it is fashionable in some circles to draw parallels between the present fight in Iraq and our involvement in Vietnam, I think it is entirely appropriate that she, and all she stood and stands for, be on clear display for all to see. To complete the picture, I only wish others could be there to lend their voices. I wish we could hear from the 1.7 million Cambodians slaughtered in the aftermath of our departure. Or the thousands of Montagnards and those who stood by us in the ARVN and the Republic of South Vietnam who were executed after we left. They believed in the United States. We didn't even continue to provide the promised materal support after we left. These souls could give needed testimony to what "quitting the fight" can cost. Millions of lives destroyed. Jane Fonda "saved lives" --an "amazing" observation, but the tragedy of actual events robs it of all humor such irony would normally convey. Oh, there's no doubt America felt better after we left Vietnam- - "Hey, it's not on the evening news anymore, what a relief! How are the Cubs doing?"
I hope Jane is featured prominently in the movement to quit Iraq. Her mere presence will serve as an invaluable reminder that actions have consequences. Those proposing an action have a duty to consider and present the consequences. That's the number one (and, I believe, the most damning and accurate) critique of President Bush--"he started a war without considering the consequences." I do think the credibility of those proposing that we abandon the present Iraqi government and security framework would be improved if these individuals would heed their own call for a full consideration of future impacts before recommending a course of action.