I first heard about Oriana Fallaci on Small Dead Animals when she died recently. Even at that time, although Kate seemed to revere her, I still was not aware.
She is apparently an atheist and on the left - not my favorite combination. But, as I have learned, today's Canadian left nor the Democrats in the US necessarily represent the true left. I will have to read more about her to determine this. However, today I was directed to this piece she wrote in 2003. She doesn't pit left versus right but idealism against reality. Her insights give me shivers and I pay my respect to her today.
I don't think anybody has expressed this dilemma in Iraq better and like Oriana, although we will never know the answer, I agree with this statement:As a proud defender of the West's civilization, without reservations I should join Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair in the new Alamo. Without reluctance I should fight and die with them. And this is the only thing about which I have no doubts at all.
Take some time, read, and think about her column: The Rage, The Pride, and the Doubt
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Oriana Fallaci - on Iraq and war
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2 comments:
I also was only aware of her from some article some time ago about her being charged with some kind of "hate" crime. From what I can read, that is like charging someone who yells "fire" for creating a public disturbance when there really is a fire ( is there a politically correct way to inform the public of a fire?).
She seems to be critisized for being "emotional" and too dramatic, but most of us kind of YELL when we see an imminent disaster (and with her experience as a war correspondent, she probably has keen insites that qualify her to shout a warning). I thought she was very rational and convincing.
She will be another person who in her life time is chastized, only to have history make her a heroine.
We humans seem to have a propensity for that.
I confuse easily.
Saddam has been jailed for months.
What is the mission ? De facto occupation is all people see ... me included. Is there resistance against alien invaders who disdain the people and show no respect or consideration ? Hard to figure ... no. Iraqui bloggers make no bones of their thoughts.
And little is said about U.S. superbases in the news or a Baghdad embassey which is so large it could be seen from the moon without visual aids.
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