"Donal" wrote in message

"Maxprop" wrote in message

Now, do you honestly believe I discount the deaths of Iraqi humans? Or
any
humans?

No, I don't.

I agree with most of what you have written. However, I still feel that
you
think that an Iraqi life is insignificant when compared to an American
life.

I disagree. I think "insignificant" is inappropriate. I believe it is
natural for any citizen to experience a stronger visceral reaction over the
deaths of countrymen than those of people living somewhere on the other side
of the globe. That is probably human nature. Something tells me that 3000
people murdered in Belfast (or wherever you reside) would have a greater
impact upon you than that same number in Iraq. But I don't consider any
life "insignificant."


How many Iraqi civilians have died since the invasion? How many do you
think have been killed by US forces??

The reports vary so widely that I'd rather not quote inaccurate numbers. I
know a lot of Iraqis have been killed by US forces, bombs, etc. A lot have
been killed by other coalition forces, and a lot have been murdered by
insurgents, not all of whom are al qaeda. As I mentioned before, wars
result in the deaths of innocent people. The USA lost nearly 58,000 service
people during the Vietnam War. I've never seen figures, but I'm guessing
that both N. and S. Vietnam lost ten times that many innocent civilians.
There is a parallel between this conflict and Vietnam: in both cases the
combatants were indistinguishable from the innocents. That always results
in greater casualties among the innocent.


When you compare your answers with the toll of 9/11, you should understand
my point of view. In fact, I am even more dispassionate than my posts
would suggest. My real concern is for the future of my children. I feel
that the West is playing into the hands of Bin Laden. He wants a global
conflict.

You and I are in agreement on this last point. Your kids and my
grandchildren will pay the price for bad decisions made by our two
generations.

Max