Blogcritics: Comments on What would U.S. Grant Say About Iraq Today?

Comment by Hal Pawluk

Mon, 12 Apr 2004 21:02:15 EDT

'The proper analogy for Bush's plan to "democratize" the Middle East is Reconstruction.' No, it sounds more like Trotsky than Grant. Trotsky wanted to use force to export his brand of Marxism, like the neocons behind Bush want to use military might to "export American ideals." Grant, not to mention the founding fathers, has to be spinning in his grave.

Comment by Eric Olsen

Mon, 12 Apr 2004 20:24:15 EDT

I agree that ultimately our strongest weapon is the output of our free culture, and also that we cannot foist an appreciation of democracy, civil society and rule of law at the end of a gun. But i also believe you have to clear a lot of shit out of the way before the process can begin of its own accord, and the shit-clearing in this case requires guns and bombs.

Comment by sheri

Mon, 12 Apr 2004 18:46:02 EDT

I started doing some research on the KKK,reconstruction, etc.,. I stopped because unless I have independent sources to back up this claim and that one, I don't know what or who to believe. And does it really matter? The KKK is evil , 'nuff said. Instead, I prefer to continue enjoying backyard BBQ'S with my black neighbors who live in the unit below me, shooting the breeze, and laughing so hard my sides ache. Or remembering forever and ever, the black lady who picked a mother's son up, walking home from jail. He would have walked all day if she had not picked him up, and when she pulled in the mothers driveway, she blew the horn the whole time, shouting "Thank you Jesus, Thank Ya Lord!" I was there, and while mother and son were hugging on the front porch, in the pouring down rain, unable to let each other go...I overheard him say..."Mama, SHE WAS THE ONLY ONE who would pick me up". Sound sappy? It happened. This is what I chose to dwell on.