Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: discussing US bombing of Afghanistan

[Racheli&John (jnpalme]

** Reply to note from "Ann Zabaldo" <zabaldo [at] earthlink.net> Wed, 10 Oct 
2001 12:03:57 -0400
>From Racheli

Hi Ann,
We have had a certain amount of  email discussion in Sonora
 Cohousing - even though there were a few people who really 
didn't like having such a "political" issue brought up.  As usual - 
the reason given is that it's "off topic", but mostly it's those who want
to suppress dissenting opinions who complain (IMO).

We haven't really discussed much since the bombing,
but the previous discussion was regarding the possibility/
morality of retaliation.  

In general, I think that once bombing or other military actions take
place, discussing it becomes harder, because being 
in opposition to one's country's actions (right or wrong)
is seen by quite a few as a form of treason.  So, even some of
those in opposition would rather not speak out.  (I remember
the same thing happening during the Gulf massacre).
I also think that there is fear of bringing up subjects which
might get one attacked, or which could cause serious
conflict.  This isn't good, but it's quite common in this
society, where frankly political conversations of any sort
are deemed as somewhat of a "taboo".

I'm on anoother listing where, presumably, "everything goes".
I've been forwarding posts from Noam Chomsky and the
rest of that crowd, and we had some seriously heated discussions,
which I think is great!  (No, I didn't get everybody to agree with
me, but seeds of change take long to grow :))

R. (who believes that killing civilians is *always* wrong).


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