The Misconceptions of the Ignorant

[jaykob]

I just finished reading an editorial opinion column in the Chicago Sun-Times that pissed me off. It basically said that all Americans should feel responsible for the thousands of Iraqi civilian deaths because our government is the reason their society has eroded into chaos. Here is an excerpt

Comments

[jadedshock]

I agree that Iraqis themselves are to blame also for the violence but unfortunately the underlying problem is getting involved with situations that shouldn't concern us (the American government). Every oppresive regime in the world is not our responsibilty to mend and American involvement just exacerbated existing issues. That's the way I look at it.

Now, it's a matter of staying in Iraq and trying to calm shit down which is basically what you're doing and which is respectable. And in my eyes every life lost on either side means something.

[jaykob]

I agree with most of what you said. My issue is with someone trying to lay a guilt trip on the American people because of sectarian violence. Every life lost means something, yes. It means different things to different people, though. To you civilians dying might offend your principles or, if you want to use your imagination, you might imagine what a family member of those people are feeling. To empathize with the suffering is admirable, but often times, those things are far easier to do from afar than if you actually see the shit in person. You'd think seeing dead strangers would help fuel your compassion. You'd be suprised how much it does not