From: Wim Nusselder (wim.nusselder@antenna.nl)
Date: Tue Jun 01 2004 - 18:51:05 BST
Dear Mark H.,
You wrote 28 May 2004 18:49:05 -0700:
'Which phrase? Think globally; act locally? The education process? How does
the internet make either of them less valid?'
The internet blurs the distinction between global and local. American
websites and discussion groups are just as available and accessable to me as
to you. Assessing credibility of sources is a bit more difficult for me (as
my e-mail exchange with Platt shows), that's all the difference that's left.
Regarding rational reasons behind US sustained support for Israel: could
you, too, have a look at the references Google provides when you search for
'revelation Israel "foreign policy"' and tell me what you think about their
credibility?
You wrote:
'Primarily because the US has been pumping billions into Israel for 50
years, allowing it to become the
modernized "democracy" you describe but, much more important, by far the
most powerful country in the ME. It is, for all intents and purposes, an
off-shore US military base. It would be very irrational, literally very bad
business indeed, to blow off that kind of asset.'
As economist I learned that an asset that only produces losses (i.e. tension
with Arabic & Islamic countries, including major oil producers) should be
wound up as soon as possible, no matter how much you invested in it. Unless
you expect future profit that compensates for the losses, of course, but do
you think that realistic? Vietnam should have taught the USA that dominating
a proud people by force isn't possible for long.
You quoted Chomsky, from "Fateful Triangle chapter 2: "... the argument much
overestimates the pluralism of American politics and ideology. No pressure
group will dominate access to public opinion or maintain consistent
influence over policy-making unless its aims are close to those of elite
elements with real power."
What argument is he exactly referring to? Maybe the INTERIM aimds of
fundamentalist Christians (domination of the ME by USA & Israel just because
that is supposed to be God's will) ARE close to those of your 'rational
elite' (domination of the ME by USA & Israel because that serves their short
term interests)?
With friendly greetings,
Wim
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