Stu's visit to Egypt (year 2)
03/21/2003
Thanks for the responses, everyone. I appreciate your thoughts and that you took the time to send them. It's a unique opportunity to share perspectives. Here's some early analysis.I'm getting some interesting responses that cover the spectrum of opinions. This is far from being a scientific poll with statistically significant correlations so I'll avoid perpetuating stereotypes by not identifying the demographic source of each comment. Take it as a small collection of perspectives.
Some people unilaterally support the president and the cause. "I support our president and all of our forces and it burns me up to see all these good doers on street corners with their banners and in some cases burning our flag. That's what we get for being smack in college area and gay communities."
Others seem to think that it's about time to finish the job started 12 years ago. They site that Iraqi-Americans support the war so why shouldn't the rest of us. "They all speak very badly about Hussein and are looking for ward to Iraqi people being free from him."
Some friends seem to be against a war. They site the disparity between military spending and education spending. They don't agree with killing innocent people, no matter who does the killing. "I agree with your friend. Saddam must go. I haven't met a war protester who thinks otherwise. The question is, can we really not do it another way?" Then there are those that offer reluctant support. "Since the attacks started, the general attitude has pretty much moved from, 'no war for oil' and 'give diplomacy time to work' to 'well, now that we're in it, we need to support our military and our position.'"
Then there were these two comments. "The last poll I read suggested a 70% war approval rating. I guess I'm just not hanging out with that crowd." and "Most people I know are saying "it's about time", including me."
These comments show me that people hang out with people who are like them. We've all formed our own little homogenous groups and never hear from the other groups unless their opinions make it on CNN or USA Today. This is a reflection of human nature, I guess. Probably genetic wiring from when our ancestors learned that when they try to socialize with creatures who are larger and furrier than them they get mauled to death. Isolation is a way to preserve one's being. I choose to believe that our beings don't need preservation as much as they need to grow. Exposure to new ideas and information and opinions and thoughts foster that growth.
The comments were not unexpected. Obviously, there are many opinions. I am struck by the ease and safety that we can voice opinions. We have no fear of government censorship or social banishment. What a great way to live. We should probably take advantage of this privilege more often. Please continue to send your thoughts.