Reply #17: I disagree there. If the goal is noble, the means should be as well

[jpgray]

I realize that few can live up to that standard, and that's why I don't have a huge problem with Chavez or Ahmadinejad defenders when they get a bit over the top in defense (such as trying to defend hosting a Holocaust denial conference, or censorship of opposition viewpoints, US-funded propaganda though they are). Their goal is to undermine a double standard of attacks on both leaders, which I -do- have a huge problem with, since it comes from those in power (Bush admin, the media, etc.). When they engage in disingenuous reasoning to promote an ideology of destabilization or hostility, that's extremely dangerous in a way that the defense of either leader simply is not. Because it can turn into policy.