They hate us for our freedoms!

[JackDragna]

Everyone loves this dandy that gets used and abused when people talk about the Arab world, right? The post today about Kissinger's involvement in the "Dirty Wars" in South America reminded me just how hollow that phrase is.

The next time some conservative breaks out "they hate us for our freedoms" around you, cordially remind them of our involvement in the Dirty Wars and how we helped the Perons and Pinochets of the world. Then remind them of our support of the Contras and of Manuel Noriega. Then remind them of our support of Charles Taylor and Mobuto Sse Seko in Africa. Then remind them of our support of Saddam Hussein, the Saud family and how the CIA helped train SAVAK, the brutal secret police force of the Shah. Then remind them how we approved of Suharto butchering the East Timorese.

Doubtless most conservatives in this country will not be familiar with most of the incidents described above. Our media surely doesn't tell our citizens about our past support for dictators and butchers. People in other countries, though, know about these incidents. This is doubly true in countries where our foreign policy has been to support the local tinpot dictator.

So, the next time someone says people hate us "because of our freedoms," just toss out a few of the many instances in which the United States has been at the vanguard of promoting dictatorships, violence and the repression of human rights. Suggest that people might like us better if we were more diplomatic and did more to practice what we preach rather than beat our chests about freedom and give those dictators we like the tools to repress their citizens. It may not change people's minds, but at least people can hear something of how the world actually works.

[HEyHEY]

1. I can tell you their response right now

"Lies"

[John Q. Citizen]

2. Great post!

What you say is true but you are preaching to the choir. Go post the same thing at http://www.pennlive.com/forums/politics/ which is a discussion board in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is a swing state. Help create an echo chamber for the left!

[istruthfull]

3. Kissinger

Even Kissinger turned down a job with this administration.

[AndyTiedye]

4. In That, Boosh and Bin Ladin Have a Lot In Common

It may be a bit like Professor Quirril in the first Harry Potter book.

Have you noticed that you never see the back of Boosh's head on TV?



Spread this meme!

[barb162]

5. only one problem

yep, we may and often do support dictators and they suppress freedom. In the Mideast, Iran got rid of the (US propped up) Shah, for example. And what replaced the Shah besides an even more brutal dictator. Were the people better off with the shah or the ayatollah system they have had there the last many years? I look at Egypt and say Mubarik is a dictator. I hate to think what will happen if mullahs get control of Egypt. And it looks like the religious right is gaining more control there. Dictators are not the answer but the mullahs are even worse in regard to freedom of the people. Too bad people can't often do a republican form of government when they overthrow their dictators.

[cornfedyank]

6. they hate us because we put sweaters on our dogs while people starve

all the time talking about freedom. Freedom to starve to death before your first birthday if you are born on the wrong side of the planet. Freedom to waste away while others just waste.

Freedom to do what you want just because you can. Screw them till they squeal. Then pulling it out half an inch, act like your doing them a favor. Now that is shrub's kind of freedom.