Posted by IsoM on April 7, 2003, at 19:31:04
In reply to Re: Hoping you'll apologize » IsoM, posted by OddipusRex on April 7, 2003, at 16:54:02
Oddipus Rex, I'm hoping you will read this & not be insulted as no slight is meant in the least.
I do understand how some will feel that murderous dictators need to looked after by someone. That if no one acts, things will just become worse. I really do. It's a tough decision. It's just not one I feel comfortable making. I know my not choosing sides is a decision too, & one I'm proud of.
No, I wasn't trying to make a judgement about righteousness & eveil. Sorry if it came across that way. It's rare that even the most evil person doesn't show some signs of tenderness or love sometimes to someone (not that it makes them okay). And even the "most saintly" person has faults & weaknesses. If I could read people's hearts then I could judge but I can't, of course. And I'm very much NOT non-judgemental, but I keep my mouth shut about my judgements. I'm afraid few live up to my expectations. I'm only trying to comment on this whole situation, not judge it. (Though that might not be clear to others. I'm trying the best I can to explain it.)
I'm naively idealistic still. An idealistic optimist who's also very cynical - a strange combination. If you were to know me, you'd understand. I still want to pick flowers from my garden & hand them to a young mother & child walking past my place - & I do sometimes, or the paperboy, or smile at the old person walking along. Not because I know them or want something from them, but just to share in some of the beauty & joys of life. I don't need to ever see them again or want something from them to care.
I naively wish the whole world could just reach out & try to accept one another. To learn of each other's cultures, languages, history, & ideals, & to accept whatever we find delightful into our own lives. I wish everyone didn't have to look for hidden meanings behind what others say or do. But the cynic is me knows that's not the way the world runs. It saddens me deeply. I feel like I've never lost my innocence but most of the world has. I don't want that to sound arrogant - I don't mean it that way.
And being an idealist, I really do expect people to live up to what they say, or apologize & explain why they weren't able to. I'd like to see those who lead the nations (& all those in lesser positions of power all the way down), do so for noble reasons & for the betterment of others & not themselves. But it doesn't work that way.
I see the young soldiers of the US & UK, & I think "they're still kids!" & hurt for them. I see Iraqi soldiers & I think "I wonder what they're like?" I think of their families & the traditional Mid-Eastern hospitality shown to all guests, known or unknown & feel a wave of sadness.
Individually, most of these people are ordinary humans like us with hopes, dreams, & families too. It's the ones higher up in power who pull the strings, who manipulate ordinary people into killing other ordinary people.
I know it pains you too. I never want to forget the individual human faces of each one that's been drawn into doing something they never would otherwise - killing another.
And thank you for letting me know it wasn't my quote that bothered you but the way Bob used it. I did misunderstand that.
poster:IsoM
thread:216901
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20030404/msgs/217161.html