02-28-2003, 09:29 PM
Hi,
As I've said elsewhere, there are often rational solutions besides war. However, if the difference of opinion is enough to potentially cause a war, then it is the possibility of war that makes a compromise possible. If one side knows that other will not act, then that side can stand firm on its demands without any fear. If the difference of opinion is not enough to potentially lead to war, then nobody can take credit for preventing a war that would not have happened anyway. Either way, I can't see where the pacifists help.
As to the human shields, I don't claim to understand their motives, or even if they have any. To me they seem to be acting in an irrational and (as you point out) useless manner. Their effectiveness probably will be minimal, as you say. The result of their actions will depend largely on the news agencies and how they plan to play it. Unfortunately, that has less to do with truth or logic than it has with ratings.
--Pete
As I've said elsewhere, there are often rational solutions besides war. However, if the difference of opinion is enough to potentially cause a war, then it is the possibility of war that makes a compromise possible. If one side knows that other will not act, then that side can stand firm on its demands without any fear. If the difference of opinion is not enough to potentially lead to war, then nobody can take credit for preventing a war that would not have happened anyway. Either way, I can't see where the pacifists help.
As to the human shields, I don't claim to understand their motives, or even if they have any. To me they seem to be acting in an irrational and (as you point out) useless manner. Their effectiveness probably will be minimal, as you say. The result of their actions will depend largely on the news agencies and how they plan to play it. Unfortunately, that has less to do with truth or logic than it has with ratings.
--Pete
How big was the aquarium in Noah's ark?