Censorship in Iraq

[yavoon]

Originally posted by Ramo


Democracy is that the will of the people is reflected in the government. If people want to form a paper free from gov't intrusion or if people want to organize to get a livable wage or not have their oil go off to subisidize US corporations that don't even hire native Iraqis, they should be free to do that in a democracy. That's how it works. The government isn't the only institution that reflects popular will - it's reflected in newspapers and unions as well.



It's absolutely wrong the the US is tyrannically attacking Iraqi liberties - without any electoral mandate mind you. It's hurting Iraqis and their nascent civil society. This "whining" is neither off-base nor premature.

ur absolutely right. and when elections start the iraqi's can start demonstrating that will. thats the tool of democracy. and the ppl can decide how their will is reflected.

once elections start.

we are not attacking their liberties they are living in the ashes of post war and post oppression. there is a transition time. if we come back and the gov't is being run corruptively and subversively defying or tainting elections then I will listen to ur rants. but elections have never been held yet.

[Ramo]

But we're running the government corruptively and tyrannically. Without any elections. We're undermining their expressions of democracy.

And we are attacking their liberties. What else do you call our behavior wrt the union of the unemployed?

[Ned]

Also, NBC news was bombed yesterday. Why?

[Ned]

I heard the problem with these two news organizations their continuing cooperation with the Baathists. If this is true, they are engaged in sabatoge and propaganda, not news.

[yavoon]

Originally posted by Ramo
But we're running the government corruptively and tyrannically. Without any elections. We're undermining their expressions of democracy.

And we are attacking their liberties. What else do you call our behavior wrt the union of the unemployed?

there was bound to be a transition time. democracy is a luxury. we want to give the iraqi's that luxury. but its not an instant thing.

[Ramo]

The "problem" is that they tell the entire story with regards to the Ba'athists. It's bull**** to call it sabatoge or propaganda.

[yavoon]

Originally posted by Ramo
But we're running the government corruptively and tyrannically. Without any elections. We're undermining their expressions of democracy.

And we are attacking their liberties. What else do you call our behavior wrt the union of the unemployed?

I think the union of the unemployed is an oxymoron

afterall the weapon of the union is striking. the weapon of the union isnt demanding to be hired.

[Ramo]

there was bound to be a transition time. democracy is a luxury. we want to give the iraqi's that luxury. but its not an instant thing.

What the hell does that mean? Unions should be suppressed because of "transition time?" Why, exactly, are worker organizations a luxury? To maximize the pork we give to our corporations?

[Ramo]

Their weapon is protest. Their goal is different from a traditional union (i.e. more just occupation policies).

[Ned]

Ramo, admit it. The NBC bombing was in retaliation to the banning of the Arab media.

Now, who in Iraq was offended by the banning? Who has the bombs?

[Ramo]

It's bald assertion/wacko conspiracy theory time. Proof please.

[Ned]

I have no proof, Ramo. It is also funny that NBC simply reported the bombing itself without any questioning as to why they were targeted. But it is quite obvious that they are American media. Someone targeted them. The people who are blowing things up are the Baathists. And the Arab media was just banned.

But, like I say, I have no evidence that more than the above that the bombing was in retaliation.

[Ramo]

Actually, NBC was bombed by the US because it was afraid they'd report on the law, to intimidate them.

[yavoon]

Originally posted by Ramo


What the hell does that mean? Unions should be suppressed because of "transition time?" Why, exactly, are worker organizations a luxury? To maximize the pork we give to our corporations?

to minimize the costs bore by the US in giving iraq its democracy.

[yavoon]

Originally posted by Ramo
Their weapon is protest. Their goal is different from a traditional union (i.e. more just occupation policies).

yes I never said they shouldn't be allowed to protest. but I'm hesitant to call them a union. unions can go on strike. they can't.