NP Left responses "disgraceful" says Hitchens

[jbor]

barbara100 at jps.net wrote:

> Jbor wrote:
>> Sometimes it's phrased: "if you're not with us you're agin' us". But it's
> to
>> the same purport.
> 
> The only person I've heard say (in so many words) "either you're with us or
> against us" is our US President.  And he's no Leftist.  "What has been
> announced is a virtual declaration of war against all who do not join
> Washington in its resort to violence, however it chooses. The nations of the
> world face a 'stark choice': join us in our crusade or 'face the certain
> prospect of death and destruction' (RW Apple, NYTimes, Sept. 14). Bush's
> rhetoric of Sept. 20 forcefully reiterates that stance. Taken literally,
> it's virtually a declaration of war against much of the world." (Noam
> Chomsky interview, www.zmag.org/ZNET.htm)

I think the prospect of "death and destruction" he foreboded was from
allowing terrorism free reign, not from American attacks. I'm surprised that
Chomsky would resort to such distortion.

America/Bush hasn't declared war on any nation. Until this does happen it's
a spurious argument.

> "If Pakistan does not agree to this and other U.S. demands, it may come
> under direct attack as well -- with unknown consequences. If Pakistan does
> submit to U.S. demands, it is not impossible that the government will be
> overthrown by forces much like the Taliban -- who in this case will have
> nuclear weapons." (Noam Chomsky interview, www.zmag.org/ZNET.htm)

It's entirely possible that this could happen. I don't doubt that Pakistan
saw the threat from the Taliban and the Fundamentalists within their own
borders as a far worse prospect than alliance with the U.S. and other world
nations.

Re. Israel: Bush actively endorses the creation of a Palestinian state.

> 
> Other solutions I've heard proposed that might go a long way in changing the
> negative perceptions of the US by so many in the mid-east region are lifting
> economic sanctions (like in Iraq for example) and limiting/eliminating
> support (both military and economic) for oppressive regimes in the region
> (Saudi Arabia and Israel to name two).
> 
> You may not see them, but there are solutions being discussed and proposed
> by the Left.

That's right: appeasing bin Laden (and Saddam). Futile. And disgusting.

best