Liberals and Conservatives both to blame
Reader comment on item: [The Abu Ali Case and] Balancing Liberties, Security

Submitted by Mark Garretson (United States), Mar 4, 2005 at 15:35

If Conservatives persist in seeing only the faults of Liberals and none of their own shortcomings, then we are certain to be defeated by the Islamic Supremacists. While it is true that Liberals tend to see European heritage (white people) and Christianity as the roots of the world's woes, Conservatives are equally guilty of turning a blind eye when there is economic gain to be made. The most obvious case is that of the Saudi royals. Westerners are doing business with the Saudis and making tons of money, so that makes them OK. Our president even says that they are our allies in the War On Terror, but the comments of readers of this web site don't seem to agree with him. Another glaring example of conservative myopia or selective memory is the case of Osama bin Laden and the Afghan "Freedom Fighters". American conservatives loved these guys when they were fighting the Soviet Union because the communists were opposed to free enterprise whereas the Osama's people favored free enterprise. The problem, as it has come back to haunt us, is that Osama hates everything about western civilization except the free enterprise part, while the Soviets were just like us except for their economic system.
Conservatives should try to win Liberals over to their way of thinking instead of blaming them for all our problems. Here is an argument to try: "You know how the European Christians practically destroyed the American Indians? That is what the Jihadists want do to the rest of us including the American Indians." It is an uncomfortable thought for Liberals and Conservatives, but it is true.

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