Comments on: Saint Anna – Or Why We’re So Easily Duped Into Going To War http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/02/saint-anna-%e2%80%93-or-why-we%e2%80%99re-so-easily-duped-into-going-to-war/ Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:58:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: Scotier http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/02/saint-anna-%e2%80%93-or-why-we%e2%80%99re-so-easily-duped-into-going-to-war/#comment-7577 Scotier Wed, 28 Feb 2007 05:15:47 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/02/saint-anna-%e2%80%93-or-why-we%e2%80%99re-so-easily-duped-into-going-to-war/#comment-7577 I wouldn't put it as "shoot first ask question later so much." I understand the tension and the reality of the situation and the potential of such things going wrong. I would agree when saying that something needs to be done to prevent this but I also keep in mind the reality of the situation. I don't clear a soldier of blame but it is an accident, it is not on purpose to kill an innocent. Also the situation does not allow for a soldier to hesitate, if a threat is approaching then that judgment will lead to disaster. I don't know what could be done about this, I for sure do not condone it or shrug it off but I cannot make a fair judgment without a first hand observation of the situation. I wouldn’t put it as “shoot first ask question later so much.” I understand the tension and the reality of the situation and the potential of such things going wrong. I would agree when saying that something needs to be done to prevent this but I also keep in mind the reality of the situation. I don’t clear a soldier of blame but it is an accident, it is not on purpose to kill an innocent. Also the situation does not allow for a soldier to hesitate, if a threat is approaching then that judgment will lead to disaster. I don’t know what could be done about this, I for sure do not condone it or shrug it off but I cannot make a fair judgment without a first hand observation of the situation.

]]> By: dlogan http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/02/saint-anna-%e2%80%93-or-why-we%e2%80%99re-so-easily-duped-into-going-to-war/#comment-7556 dlogan Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:58:49 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/02/saint-anna-%e2%80%93-or-why-we%e2%80%99re-so-easily-duped-into-going-to-war/#comment-7556 <blockquote> the element of detachment created by making the soldiers in question nameless killers with itchy trigger fingers can only serve to distance the general population from those who volunteer to put their lives on the line to protect them.</blockquote> Most of the people who I know who joined the CF did so for three reasons- to get free college, because they lacked any job skills, or because they think guns are cool. But you can't say "support SOME of the troops", I guess. Either way, it's not like they teach every trooper Arabic before they send them over.. and there's more dehumanization of the "enemy" (not to mention confusion) that is given to the troopers... so I'd argue that although you make a point, within the coverage of what's going on that was a fair thing to say... considering the soldiers get a full page spread on page 2 when they die, while the dead Afghans get shuffled to a block of text on page 6.

the element of detachment created by making the soldiers in question nameless killers with itchy trigger fingers can only serve to distance the general population from those who volunteer to put their lives on the line to protect them.

Most of the people who I know who joined the CF did so for three reasons- to get free college, because they lacked any job skills, or because they think guns are cool. But you can’t say “support SOME of the troops”, I guess.

Either way, it’s not like they teach every trooper Arabic before they send them over.. and there’s more dehumanization of the “enemy” (not to mention confusion) that is given to the troopers… so I’d argue that although you make a point, within the coverage of what’s going on that was a fair thing to say… considering the soldiers get a full page spread on page 2 when they die, while the dead Afghans get shuffled to a block of text on page 6.

]]> By: Greg http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/02/saint-anna-%e2%80%93-or-why-we%e2%80%99re-so-easily-duped-into-going-to-war/#comment-7555 Greg Tue, 27 Feb 2007 23:29:58 +0000 http://www.matthewgood.org/2007/02/saint-anna-%e2%80%93-or-why-we%e2%80%99re-so-easily-duped-into-going-to-war/#comment-7555 Salmonator "this kind of comment does no one any good" I'd have to disagree strongly. I think that speaking the truth often does a great deal of good, especially if that truth is painful and uncomfortable. What you're saying here seems well-motivaed, and I applaud your concern for others suffering. Just think for a moment where your line of reasoning leads. Dissent is NEVER disloyalty. If those is harm's way will be endangered by such truths, then it is a failure on the part of those who have put them there. And the sooner that failure can be corrected, and those responsible held accountable, the sooner EVERYONE will be a great deal safer. I think it's as simple as that. Salmonator
“this kind of comment does no one any good”

I’d have to disagree strongly. I think that speaking the truth often does a great deal of good, especially if that truth is painful and uncomfortable. What you’re saying here seems well-motivaed, and I applaud your concern for others suffering. Just think for a moment where your line of reasoning leads.

Dissent is NEVER disloyalty. If those is harm’s way will be endangered by such truths, then it is a failure on the part of those who have put them there. And the sooner that failure can be corrected, and those responsible held accountable, the sooner EVERYONE will be a great deal safer. I think it’s as simple as that.

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