[MD] Intellect battles the [immigrant] barbarians

[Platt Holden]

> [Arlo]
> I regret that we enabled and stood by as a brutal dictator deployed
> chemical weapons on civilians (Hell, or deployed them PERIOD!). I regret
> that we considered human rights violations by his regime as acceptable
> so long as they served our political interests. I regret that we sold
> arms to BOTH Iran and Iraq, with no moral fiber ruffled whatsoever so
> long as the killing destabilized the region. Even if I grant (which I
> don't) your noble concerns in containing Iran, the way Reagan and the
> republicans went about it was deplorable and immoral.

So you don't think we should have contained Iran?  I wonder what the 
Middle East would be like today if Iran had defeated Iraq and occupied 
that land. Of course we may yet see that happen if the leftist strategy 
of "cut and run" from Iraq becomes American policy. 

As for the immorality of war, I suggest you read Pirsig's views on 
society's role in keeping the biological  level under control, a role 
that intellectuals often ignore. War is not for the dainty.  

> [Platt]
> And while you're at it, what is your policy regarding Iraq today?
> 
> [Arlo]
> I've tried going down this road with you before. Its pointless to try to
> walk it again.

I don't recall going down that road. Are you in favor of pulling out 
now? Or giving terrorists a specified time for our withdrawal?

What is the morality of surrendering  a fledgling democracy to 
barbarians?

I know I won't get answers. 

Platt