Moral Equivalence

[onthebottom]

A thread without a copy/paste link just for fun:

I think most of us would agree that the deaths of innocent civilians on both sides of the war in Lebanon is tragic. Do you think there is a moral equivalence to what Israel and Hezbollah are doing in Southern Lebanon? I view Hezbollah as firing at innocent people while hiding behind women and children. I view the Israeli's as firing back and hitting too many of those women and children (and destroying an infrastructure).

What do you think? Try and compose a response in full sentences that you've actually written.

 

[allaboutben]

I would ask the Lebanese people one question. If you destroyed Israel, would your lives really be much better?

 

[basketcase]

They would say yes but might not believe it.

 

[Cinema Face]

The thing I don't get and is always on top of mind is this: has there ever, in the history of the world, been a cause won using the techniques of terrorism? That's not hypothetical; I can't think of a single instance when terrorism actually brought about the change that the terrorists demanded.

I hate to say it with all the Iraeli hatred on this board, but...

The formation of the state of Israel in 1948 was largely won by terrorists activities. The Jews got the British to pull out.

 

[basketcase]

If you narrow the poll to the political and military
leadership of those two groups it would be much
easier for me to answer the question.

The leaders must be separated from the civilians.
The civilians are victims twice over. Once by
the hands of their leaders, the other by the violence
inflicted on them by their enemies.

My vote is directed at the leaders, not the civilians.

I'll agree with that.

 

[allaboutben]

If you narrow the poll to the political and military
leadership of those two groups it would be much
easier for me to answer the question.

The leaders must be separated from the civilians.
The civilians are victims twice over. Once by
the hands of their leaders, the other by the violence
inflicted on them by their enemies.

My vote is directed at the leaders, not the civilians.

I totally disagree. Its up to the civilians to stand up and be counted. If they dont like the leadership, change it. Its not easy but they must do it. If not, they are victims of their own folly.

 

[onthebottom]

If you narrow the poll to the political and military
leadership of those two groups it would be much
easier for me to answer the question.

The leaders must be separated from the civilians.
The civilians are victims twice over. Once by
the hands of their leaders, the other by the violence
inflicted on them by their enemies.

My vote is directed at the leaders, not the civilians.

I agree and disagree, let me explain.

Agree - Civilians by definition are innocent and their loss is tragic, makes no difference which side.

Disagree - The people are always stronger than the government, all they require is the will (balls really) to act.

OTB