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From: jeff@gatech.CSNET (Jeff Lee)
Newsgroups: net.followup
Subject: Re: Apology for EXPO posting.- actually S.A., Soviets, & Socialists
Message-ID: <4360@gatech.CSNET>
Date: Tue, 19-Aug-86 13:13:37 EDT
Article-I.D.: gatech.4360
Posted: Tue Aug 19 13:13:37 1986
Date-Received: Wed, 20-Aug-86 05:48:20 EDT
References: <225@mdivax1.UUCP> <334@ubc-cs.UUCP> <2368@hcrvx2.UUCP> <353@ubc-cs.UUCP> <2375@hcrvx2.UUCP> <1446@oddjob.UUCP>
Reply-To: jeff@gatech.UUCP (Jeff Lee)
Organization: School of Information and Computer Science, Georgia Tech, Atlanta
Lines: 40

>                 There are many variables which affect the morality of
>sanctions, of which the repugnance of the relevant government is only
>one. The Soviet government is not going to be brought down by economic
>or military force, and it would be both dangerous and counter-productive
>to try. The South African government is going to be overthrown; the only
>questions are when? and at what human cost? If you believe, as I do, that
>the participation of the West in removing the present system will make it 
>happen quicker and with less suffering, then you should support economic
>and military action to that end. 

Over and over again I am amazed by the selective myopia that exists
among folks that believe that we should boycott South African apartheid
out of existence but yet not do the same to the Soviets for their own
violations of human rights. If we are going to be idealistic, then let's
go all the way. If we are going to be laissez faire, then let's leave
people alone. Let's stop landing rights, no selling of grain, no
purchasing of vodka, wine, or gold, etc...

The previous article seems to suggest, though, that we should modify
our enthusiasm by doing this only to

	1) Countries that are weaker than we are, thus eliminating
	   any possibility of successful retaliation;

	2) Countries that are already in bad shape (hit them while
	   they're down).

In these cases, it is "morally" right to support economic and militaristic
action to force these countries to do our bidding.

I'm sorry... I am not impressed. This is as cowardly a policy as I
have seen in a long time. At least be consistent in your idealism.
I have much more respect for someone that believes in an idea and takes
it to its logical conclusion despite the fact it will make them
"uncomfortable" than someone who does it only when it can't hurt them
or it's convenient.
-- 
Jeff Lee
CSNet:	Jeff @ GATech		ARPA:	Jeff%GATech.CSNet @ CSNet-Relay.ARPA
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