Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/5/84; site SCIRTP.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!akgua!whuxlm!harpo!decvax!mcnc!rti-sel!SCIRTP!todd From: todd@SCIRTP.UUCP (Todd Jones) Newsgroups: net.politics,net.flame Subject: Beirut solutions Message-ID: <186@SCIRTP.UUCP> Date: Wed, 26-Jun-85 18:35:48 EDT Article-I.D.: SCIRTP.186 Posted: Wed Jun 26 18:35:48 1985 Date-Received: Sat, 29-Jun-85 01:38:07 EDT Distribution: net Organization: SCI Systems, Research Triangle Park, NC Lines: 45 Xref: watmath net.politics:9622 net.flame:10852 In response to all the ultra-imperialistic solutions to the current hostage crisis, I must remind y'all that military might just ain't what it used to be. Sure, we're stronger than ever-we could reduce the entire middle east to a glowing crater without noticeably depleting our nuclear inventory. But anyone who thinks we can rescue our hostages without sentencing them to death, or without incurring immense ammounts of political embarassment is naive. Anyone who suggests we should meet the hostages demands is asking for replay after replay of the same activity. Sure, the Shiites have a legitimate gripe and we are supporters of Israel, but negotiating with terrorists only solves the short term problem while exacerbating the long term problem. The lesson to learn is not "those Moslems are totally insane." What we need to learn is that as members of the international community, our actions affect others and we should consider the ramifications of our actions beyond the immediate effects on America. We must show patience. We mustn't attempt a foolhardy rescue mission. We mustn't condone terrorism by negotiating with the Shiites. We must work on improving our image in the world. We are presently perceived as one of two imperialistic bullies (Don't forget Russia). Military strength will no longer give us an image of respectibility. A humanitarian foreign policy will. Let's stop leeching resources from our global neighbors and start caring. The preceding opinions are, in all likelihood, those of Todd Jones. However, these opinions will, in all certainty, bear scant resemblance to the opinions of SCI Systems, Inc., Mr. Jones' employer. ||||| || || [ O-O ] Todd Jones \ ^ / {decvax,akgua}!mcnc!rti-sel!scirtp!todd | _ | |___| FLAME ME IF YOU DARE!