Read it and weep :(

The other day I happened to literally stumble upon a DEFINITION when I was looking up a person on the internet. This definition must have been divine provenance because it was so unbelievably on the mark. But there are some links you need to read my friend. Check out the term Straw Man that I happened to stumble upon. Unbelievable! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man

What makes this so very interesting is the argument that I hear Bill O'Reilly use to great effect. Now I have a definition for it! He will oftentimes boil things down to the lowest common denominator or accuse someone of being draconian (read the definition/link and you will understand). The best description of this is when he asks a seemingly simple question. "Do you want America to 'WIN' the war in Iraq". I would have to admit it is a simple yes or no question. However, on the surface, though it may be simple...it's in fact a VERY loaded question. If you say "yes" it implies that you are for the war and want us to succeed in forcing a nation or region to accept and adhere to our own ideologies (read- Democracy). If you say no then you are an Anti-American, Anti-Military person who wants (or so it is IMPLIED) the ENEMY (or so it is implied) to win or defeat the American way of life and what we represent. Just something to chew on.

This next link was freaky for ONE critical thing. The quote at the end from the Nuremburg Trials in Germany. I will provide the quote first...then the link: Of course the people don't want war...That is understood. But...It's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country. Hermann Goering at the Nuremberg Trials in NINETEEN FORTY SIX 1946! Holy Shit that is scary! http://www.constitution.org/tyranny.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuremberg_Diary

The reason I looked up TYRANNY is because President George W. Bush used it in his Second Inaugural Address he discussed how he would use the spreading of democracy as a core of his foreign policy. In this address President Bush said it is the "Policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world". What that tells me that it is OUR job...the job of the United States of America not just to "seek and support the growth" of, but to proactively go out and FORCE it upon nations that may or may not want it! The definition of tyranny is pretty clear. http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/tyranny So what this tells me is that the ends justify the means. That because our hearts are in the right place, and "we know best", we can force a nation to adopt democratic principles. Even if it means overthrowing a non-democratic leader/dictator to do so. I'm not in Iraq right now, so I honestly don't know if they (the Iraqis) feel that we are actually true "liberators" or if they look at us as the definition suggests...as an "oppressive power"...or an "oppressive power exerted by government". Please note...it doesn't say that it is your OWN government...it can mean ANY government...including the U.S. Government. "A rigorous condition imposed by some outside...force". Again the question is asked. Do the ends justify the means?

Which brings up my next point. We push for and encourage free elections and democracy, but then when the PEOPLE of that (other) nations vote for someone that is Anti-American or not pro-Western, we view the people/culture as ignorant, violent or worse. Then we set our sights on THEM. Iran is a perfect example. But there is also Gaza (who elected Hamas), Lebanon empowered Hezbollah and again...Iran elected their loony assed president. To those of you reading this blog, democracy does NOT translate to PRO AMERICAN! So why are we so big on "spreading" democracy? I do not doubt that our involvement in and efforts to "liberate" Iraq were not well meaning or without some good intentions. But it is still being FORCED. As you have seen me state before, what if someone came to YOUR country and was well meaning and earnest and sincere to change your ideology...your government, your way of life (for us...over 232 years now). How would WE feel? It may be hard for you to empathize/sympathize because we are currently the "big dog". But how long will that be for?

We as a nation and as a people opine about how other nations are at fault, or other nations aren't transparent...when our very own democracy is so very NON-Transparent. How much influence do they have (the government) in our businesses and the media (or better yet, how much influence does the media and the businesses have over them)? As always...I hope you have enjoyed today's readings. Please...PLEASE reply with your thoughts and ideas...as that tells me you are thinking about it and actually HAVE ideas! From a selfish standpoint, it makes me feel like my thoughts aren't totally off base and mayber there is someone else out there SOMEWHERE who can understand, relate or intelligently refute what I am thinking and offer me a different perspective. And as always, I request you take some time to read some of my other political blogs and review others comments on them as well as make your own. I hope we continue to work as a nation in fixing OURSELVES before we try to fix everyone else in the world. As the bible says...Jesus said to Matthew, "why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brothers eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye". Matthew 7:3-5 The irony of that is that it applies to me and this blog too! Irony...has a bitter taste to it...kinda like lickin' a 9volt battery! ;-)

Peace, love, unicorns, teddy bears, warm fuzzies and hershey's kisses to all.