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Missile Defense

Russian military leaders have expressed concern about US plans for a national missile defense system. Will defense technology be limited by possibilities for a strategic imbalance? Is this just SDI all over again?

rshowalter - 06:05pm Sep 8, 2001 EST (#8667 of 8686)
Robert Showalter showalte@macc.wisc.edu

Great to see you, Dawn. Let me finish my post to gisterme , whose rank and achievements I respect so much.:

I love America, but for peace, and without discounting any of the beautiful things about America, I believe that you, and the Bush administration, and the voters who influence your conduct, need to see how reasonable people can see things that America does, and that you advocate, as ugly.

The possibility of change on America's part has to be considered.

In retrospect, after a paradigm conflict has been resolved, one of the sides to the conflict looks psychopathological, insensitive, blind, brutal, and immoral. And cocksure about certainties that are wrong. In short, crazy.

I'm concerned that such a description might fairly describe you .

I'm trying to show you, and others you care about, why. Because it is in the national and world interest that you come to right answers. Because of the trust vested in you, you have an obligation to do so.

I'm prepared to be checked, and present evidence.

I think, with the stakes as they are, that you should be prepared to work on the basis of evidence, too.

If the United States were willing to change some behavior that much of the world regards as ugly , there would be strong possibilities for a safer world, and a more prosperous United States.

If the United States, with all its power, is now controlled by people who, in critical ways, are crazy, that needs to be pointed out.

Pointed out carefully, with clear arguments, and at sufficient length so that people can think about what actions might be taken, for the good of the United States and all other nations.

rshowalter - 06:06pm Sep 8, 2001 EST (#8668 of 8686)
Robert Showalter showalte@macc.wisc.edu

It would be a fine thing for Fox and Putin to talk -- they share some similar problems, from different perspectives.

rshowalter - 06:12pm Sep 8, 2001 EST (#8669 of 8686)
Robert Showalter showalte@macc.wisc.edu

Under conditions of paradigm conflict, neither side sees the other's position clearly, both sides dehumanize and discount the other, and people show some ugly behavior.

But if both sides "state their case" clearly -- a time comes where it is possible, on key issues of disagreement -- to match facts.

It may have to be forced, in some way, and there may need to be an "umpire."

But once the facts are checked, adjustments can be made and are made.

Often pretty painlessly, and pretty quickly.

In this case, I think the payoff would be full nuclear disarmament (or something close to it) with large reduction in the risks to the nations involved, including America. Maybe with "missile defense" -- maybe without.

Worth working for.

rshowalter - 06:14pm Sep 8, 2001 EST (#8670 of 8686)
Robert Showalter showalte@macc.wisc.edu

gisterme , whether you're Condoleeza Rice, as I suspect, or someone else, I feel that it would be a fine thing, a healing thing, for Condoleeza Rice herself to see how ugly some American actions can look, to other people, and how ugly some of her positions can look, as well.

rshowalter - 06:20pm Sep 8, 2001 EST (#8671 of 8686)
Robert Showalter showalte@macc.wisc.edu

How I wish the search engine on this thread hadn't been removed (I assume at government request.) It makes my searching slower, and harder to share.

But I am very tempted indeed to post search links for the key word "nazi" , especially linked to "Bush" on this thread. In some minds, those words are linked.

Word linkages do occur. My momma tells me that she was 14 years old before she knew that

"damnyankee"

was two words.

Would it be fair for people to start forgetting that "Nazi-Bush" was two words? Sometimes I think so. I hope I'm wrong. But it is a case that I believe ought to be adressed -- because the association might explain a lot -- making much about the Bush's missile defense "obsession" not irrational, but simply rational from a different, special perspective.

lunarchick - 06:29pm Sep 8, 2001 EST (#8672 of 8686)
lunarchick@www.com

Good_my_morning Showalter <yawningly> after a late night watching the Goodwill Games. It seems the Brisbane Games Ted Turner envisaged as having a positive influence on world relations have been a 2001 success and are deemed to continue four years hence - which is excellent news. An interesting aspect to these games was the way the athletes interacted with the crowds, recognising the value of each supporter who'd turned out to support and enjoy. Russia has sent fine atheletic performers, the pairs skating team were especially good, taking gold. Sport is business, and many of the athletes have earned their rights to hit the 'talk circuit'. Our Aussie_xRussian Highjumper 'Titianna' has launched a range of TV Pyjamas .. showing determination and enterprise both on and off the track. The Goodwill BossCocky has an introspecive aire

Complex thinking
it is said
takes place in your
inner head
in a zone that when
vacated
Laughter loud is
Celebrated!!!

(14 following messages)

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