I just read the most revolting OWL post ever from Mike Rael. Mike has been around a long time. He should know better. Anyway, here it is:
Hi friends:)
I’ve begun looking for Saddam’s actual uncensored speeches. So far, I have found the following link, that involves his talk with Dan Rather:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/26/60II/main542173.shtml
Saddam sounds like a conman, mixing truth and lies. But, in all fairness, he sounds far more dignified than we could have imagined from the soundbytes we have heard on TV.
One thought stands out: Saddam proposed a debate with the President of the United States. This was immediately rejected by the White House as “unserious.” As I read what Saddam had to say, and factoring in that Rather avoided the tough questions about Saddam’s rule, whatever else it was, that question of a debate sounded awfully serious to these virgin ears.
One thought stands out: Saddam proposed a debate with the President of the United States. This was immediately rejected by the White House as “unserious.” As I read what Saddam had to say, and factoring in that Rather avoided the tough questions about Saddam’s rule, whatever else it was, that question of a debate sounded awfully serious to these virgin ears.
best wishes all,
Mike
I didn’t bother posting the following response on the list; I just sent it to him privately.
Mike,
I must admit your OWL post to be one of the most revolting proposals I’ve ever heard. Should FDR have debated Hitler about the proper response to the “Jewish problem”? Saddam is a brutal dictator who does not deserve the pretense of being treated as a respectable or rational person. The only debate ought to be over the mode of his speedy demise.
Go read this article on what his son is allowed to do:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_online/news/2003/03/24/son_of_saddam/.
Sheesh, even Sports Illustrated is writing on the brutality of his regime. Do you pay no attention? Do you notice nothing more than the facade?
No self-respecting, moral person would ever even consider standing up in debate with a known liar, let alone a man who routinely uses torture, rape, and murder as means of securing his domination over others. I’m truly amazed that you would regard the proposal of debate as “serious” or at all worthy of consideration. The mind boggles.
diana.
I think I need to go take a shower or something. Ick.
