Monday, April 12, 2004

Posted here Monday, April 12, 2004 at 9:35:12 AM     Probably the hardest two immediate issues are (modified 9:41 pacific) 1. the Israel connection, leading to the US position in Iraq looking exactly like the Israel position vis a vis the Palestinians. It is urgent to redefine the Israel situation. 2. The use of "contract" security forces, who act outside military discipline and create a bad taste among Iraqi's and normal soldiers/marines. the trend toward contract security is deeply corrupt. And, in the background US political culture - is it meaningfully "democratic" and a "republic"? The US/world economy Continual marginalization of more people on the sidelines in all economies The Impact of economic activity on culture and environment, world wide. and biggest The fate of the human spirit in a world dominated by things and violence. And the driver, population increase. addendum: but on further reflection I think that either We redefine th Israel connection and get out of Iraq with a multinational approach (yielding leadership to the UN?NATO) or We stay and fight, including negotiations, as much talk as possible with multiple parties. It is that bleak. Trying to pull back from Iraq leaving Israel in place as it is would be an impossible situation. I think Bush will tough it out, and support Sharon. Only Blair, or a revolt in the US, can shift him. ********