What a load of rubbish
Reader comment on item: Thoughts on Hamas' Ascendance
in response to reader comment: Calling a Spade a Spade

Submitted by Proud "Cowboy" (United States), Feb 4, 2006 at 11:39

A few comments on your submission:

1. Any restriction in the media available to the average American is self-imposed. We have available such a range of ideas, opinions, and stories that the only limitation is that the news consumer places on him/herself. Not so the Middle-east. With such repressive and closed societies as Iran, Syria et al. As you somewhat sterily refer to those countries as "not yet fully democratic" really are abusive regimes that deny fundamental freedoms to the rank and file members of the male population to say nothing of the violence done to women in the name of religion.

2. I have little interest in democracy and much more in the protections cast in our constitution, which is a sacred and fascinating document were you to take the time to read it. Your view of democracy is jaundiced by the dictatorship and oligarchy you see around you, though direct democracy is not a desireable state either.

3. The average American is not politically immature, more complacently self-absorbed and this is a slight difference. It comes from the generations of self-government we have enjoyed. Our ancestors fought the fights for liberty that are now being fought in your benighted area of the world and the distance from the difficulties of real oppression have faded and left our country a tad spoiled - but no apologies.

4. Hamas truly has much to lose. If the hostility and violence of the European Muslim population manages to turn public opinion against the purveyors of hate, then Hamas can come to be viewed as they rightly should, agressors. If Europe can overcome its reflexive anti-Semitism then Hamas could truly find itself isolated and alone unable to provide even basic services to the people of "Palestine."

5. I have no doubt Hamas will "stick to their guns" but they are outclassed when it comes to hardware and they don't have the backing of a major power to help supply arms and ammunition. Israel on the other hand has access to the most advanced weaponry available. Hamas may gain some tactical successes, but strategically they will lose.

I am definitely on the side of the enlightened over those who have abandoned all reason. It is truly sad. Once the Middle-East was a place of beauty and enlightenment, not so now.

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