Message-Id: <200205022321.TAA26356@scrubbing-bubbles.mit.edu>
To: "Greenberg, Noah" <ngreenberg@DLRGROUP.com>
cc: nutso-flaming-pikans@MIT.EDU, lpsmit@MIT.EDU
Subject: Re: Desmond Tutu's speech in Boston last month
In-Reply-To: Your message of "Thu, 02 May 2002 15:52:26 CDT."
             <E1D27F9D816D154F933EB210DBFFC756A53173@DLRMAIL> 
Date: Thu, 02 May 2002 19:21:19 -0400
From: Laurel P Smith <lpsmit@MIT.EDU>

'Allo,

	I've been largely trying to ignore too much of what has been
happening and middle east politics (kinda stupid because well, I
pretty much live in the middle east, and if we go into Iraq, my life
will be extremely crazy).  It is too frustrating and depressing.
However, in response to why we support Israel so much.  You hear the
Jewish Lobby and well, it is strong but not that strong.  You say it
is defense companies but again, while important (especially to our
long-term, less high-coverage times), you can't do things without some
popular support and there is definitly popular support.  It is obvious
in that it is a traditionally global-scapegoat place to put the blame.
I would suggest something less American, that "we" as a collective
nation, while fairly comfortable with Jews, are still uncomfortable
with Muselims.  We like to say "we don't care what your religon is"
but please credibly explain to me why else do the right-wing
conservatives care so much?  And you know what, considering the vast
differences in Arab and US culture, it is understandable, but at least
we could own up to it rather than being so incredulous as to why Arabs
would ever distrust and dislike us.
	Ehh, it is late (here) and I am tired of stupid and ineptly
handled American foreign policy that is obviously made by people
without a true understanding of foreign relations and how what we do
is perceived by other countries (what can you expect from a president
who prior to office, had been outside the US and Mexico three times).
Or maybe I just minimize domestic issues.

From Turkey, with love..

LtPunkass