From: maedhros@yabbs
To: feotus@yabbs
Subject: re: Singapore
Date: Sat May  7 14:32:48 1994

In message re: Singapore, feotus said:
> cultural perspective would not make, the branding of woemn "okay" because 
> there culture made it OK.

But that is exactly my point.  Who's to decide what is right or wqrong for
another culture.  I think branding sounds pretty damn sick, but that's
simply an opinion not a fact.  If it happens at home, damn well bet I'd
fight it.  But, it's not my right to impose my moral beliefs (regardless
of how valid they might seem) on an outside independant state.

> Like I stated before it is a fine line between cultural tolerance, and 
> moral ignorance.  Where do we draw the line between fighting for huan 
> rights, and infringing on other cultures?  I myself cant give any hard 
> answers to that one.

I didn't mean to imply that all we can do is watch 'human rights'
violations when they occur.  I just mean we have no right to say we're
going to stop someone outside of our country from commiting what we
consider a crime in the name of morality or human rights.  If we're going
to screw with another country, fine, but do so honestly.  When's the last
time our country went to war because someone did something that pissed us
off.  All I'm asking for is honesty.  Why don't we just say.  "Hey, you
irritating me, I think we're going to bomb you.  What excuse do I have for
it?  How's the largest military on the planet waiting to do our bidding
strike you for a reason.  Fucking cut it out or we'll trash you."  Hell,
if it's what we mean then say it!  If we can't tell the truth and still do
it then maybe we need to reevaluate our right to intervene.

> But damn if it didnt piss me off to see that guy act lieif America 
> condemnded it, it must be wrong.  The thing is, we cant sayit's wrong 
> simply cause we disagree with it from our american perspective but it 
> could be considered inhuman from the perspective nuetral to it, like the 
> plain human perspective, or a international perspectiuve.

Basically, we seem to be agreeing.  Except you seem to base your
evaluations on the severity of the situation whereas I think it's immaterial.

> the point is you cant just let govts opress people because they ssay its 
> in their culture

I agree, if it's bad enough, bomb the bastards.  But, if we do, then be
honest.  Hold your head up high and say,"You're an asshole and I'm going
to blast the shit out of you for it!"

Maedhros /\
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