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4 comments:
I see a frail old woman being assaulted by someone much smaller and less powerful than myself. I can easily intervene and prevent further suffering on her part, but I stay out of it because I don't want to interfere with her right of self-determination.
You are a talented and insightful blogger and I respect your work a great deal but you've missed the mark on this one.
Your position is understandable though, and given the US's history immense skepticism and reservation is the rational response.
You are not the United States. Libya, or rather the Libyans we are siding with, are not a frail old woman. Throwing a punch is not dropping a cruise missile. A few minutes of fistfighting is not war.
This metaphor needs to be retired, and fast.
I hate the metaphor as much as anyone but I'm going to elaborate on it anyway. The old lady as well as numerous bystanders are requesting my assistance. And if I want to maintain my credibility in the community and attempt to live up to the moral principles that I espouse, I cannot decline the request (especially considering some of my past behavior).
I respect your position and I'm aware that my judgement may prove to be wrongheaded. If ground forces enter Libya or US involvement goes beyond the specific mission outlined by the security council resolution, it changes everything for me; as will any indication that the majority of the Libyan population wants US/UN involvement to end.
My advice is just to abandon the metaphor and argue the terms as they exist. And I understand your position, and you understand mine. Thanks for weighing in.
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