Today I just found out that IIRC is an acronym for If I Recall Correctly.
So I figure that the question that smileycreek posted "IIRC, you're a veteran--
Got any thoughts on the Libya developments today?" in last tuesday's comments was directed at me. I can be slow witted sometimes.
I'll try to answer.
As a draftee I was sent to Vietnam to hump around the jungles and shoot people. I did and I hated it. When I got back I was so pissed off, I joined the antiwar effort. To this day have a strong bias against anything military. I have opposed all the wars we have gotten involved in since then.
That said, I am having a tough time making up my mind on Libya. I believe that a people that doesn't want it's government to oppress them should just go ahead and put a stop to it. However things are not that simple. Gaddafi has begun to use his overwhelming arms advantage to brutalize his people in an attempt to hold on to power.
Now I'm finding out that he has been doing it all along. I admit I wasn't paying attention. But now people are beginning to fight back. I will assume the examples in Tunisia and Eqypt has helped give the Libyan people the courage to stand up to him.
I support the rebels in this.
Unfortunately, they cannot do it alone. Gaddafi's firepower is to great.
So what to do?
The UN believes that a government's purpose is to provide for its citizens in a peaceful manner according to the people's wishes. In so doing a nation uses its resources for good and prosperity. This is not happening in Libya. Using military power against a countries own populace is wrong. The world has agreed on that.
Can we just go in and take out Gaddafi and his Cabinet members? Political correctness says no. Would it work if we did? I believe yes, it would. If it is followed up with UN forces and diplomats to set up elections and act as a caretaker government to monitor the elections.
There are many drawbacks to this action. But, a quick decisive action with hundreds dead will in the long run be better than a hundred thousand deaths carried out over many years. The No-Fly zone appears to be leading to an extended conflict to eventually achieve the same end.
My mind is still open.
I'd like to hear your thoughts...