[thechat] protests?

[Madhu Menon]

At 04:55 PM 24-03-03, Drew Shiel wrote:
>   If it's allowed for one side, it MUST be allowed for the other ... Or 
> am I missing something here?

Yes.

The world doesn't work that way. If I kill your [relative], you don't get 
an automatic right to kill my [relative]. The law doesn't accept that as a 
defence. Protesting against something by doing exactly what you accuse the 
other side of doing isn't terribly intelligent. There are some trade-offs 
you make in a democracy. You don't approve of Bush's actions? Vote him out 
in the next election. Until then, he remains the elected leader of the 
nation, even if the system that elected him sucks. That democratic system 
gives him more power than you. (Fix the system too, btw.)

I don't support Bush, just for the record. But you can be damn sure that if 
I were to miss an important sales meeting or my son's school play or my 
grandfather's funeral because of some protestors *intentionally* screwing 
up things, my thoughts will be "the fucking bastards screwed up my life" 
(to put it mildly), not "hmmm... they have a point".

Preaching concern for the lives of people in Iraq by showing no concern for 
those in your own neighbourhood isn't a great strategy. How are you any 
different from Bush and co.? And if you are no different (which you might 
be thinking on arguing), why should I listen to you instead of Bush?

>If Bush & Co. stop dropping bombs, then I'm sure the protests and traffic 
>stoppages will stop too.

Just like Greenpeace and PETA would stop if... [insert condition]
Doesn't mean I support them.


>  No, you don't. Which is kind of sad, really. It'd be a more honourable 
> way of life...

Probably not, because the world is full of nuts. When someone brings up 
"Jewish conspiracy" or "the aliens are landing" or "John Edward 
communicates with the dead", I'm so glad I don't have to listen.

Regards,

Madhu

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Madhu Menon
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