h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Right, I think I may have to take cover from the lynch mob in a moment but I just wanted to see if I was alone in my thoughts...

The news is full of stories on the Iraq situation and it seems impossible to look anywhere and not come across some reference to it or other... even these hallowed pages have numerous discussions and references... Now I know a potential war is a big thing and there are highly vocal people both for and against a war, but... is anyone else out there uninterested in the whole debate? Does anyone else, like me, consider it a succesful day if they haven't read, watched, heard or discussed anything to do with the situation?

Okay... fire away!!

('s for cover)

No, because it makes me angry, I feel I have to be concerned because it directly affects me.

I have got a bit like that actually. I'm just sickened by the whole thing, the dubious morality and bad arguments coming from the politicians on both sides.

Sprout

How exactly?... personally, my concerns right now are getting a new job to better support my family, my baby sons anguish at the arrival of his first teeth, what players the Miami Dolphins will sign in the off-season, figuring out whether I can make it as a writer... and numerous other things... but not war.

Ok, the increased terrorist risk from attacking the middle east provides a very direct threat. And the killing of innocents in my name is something I hate...

A little perspective here then... we've lived under the threat of terrorism since the 1970's... how would this be any different... is there really going to be such an increase to make us all live in abject fear? I don't think it warrants such continued 'blanket' coverage and I don't, personally feel the need to vent my spleen over it!!

Hmmm, its mainly the injustice. I think its great that people are standing up and taking their place...

I've felt this way on many occasions in the past - the Falklands War for instance. But this time the difference is that we're the aggressor and I'm against it. Not in my name buddy

I don't consider it to be done in my name... I'm not sending anyone to war. I don't feel ashamed when football hooligans terrorise other countries... angry yes, but not ashamed... after all, it was nothing to do with me...

I think the more we all discuss this the better.
Anyone remember this?

First they came for the Communists but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out; Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists but I was not one of them, so I did not speak out; Then they came for the Jews but I was not Jewish so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me." -Martin Niemoller, 1892-1984

Seamus

very nice indeed, yes I have read it before.. but does it have any real relevance when applied to the real world, particularly in a sense that should make me interested in all the talk about war?

I'd rather go play on me playstation... too tired and cynical for causes...

The first thing I've read on all this war stuff that makes any sense to me... probably the most intelligent and reasoned opinion yet... the thoughts of an H2G2 researcher (Otto Fisch) that pretty sums up how I feel... and why I've lost interest... Go on, have a look... http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/brunel/F73870?thread=247858

Sadly, I have sunk into a state of apathy. I am very angry with Tony Blair for being a boot licker and ingratiating himself with George Bush. Am I the only person who cringes when I see them on TV together? They are like the most "romantic" couple at school-all over each other like a rash, causing everyone to politely turn away, or study the ceiling.

And the way he say "my christian consience is clear" (how do you spell that?)-how pretentious can you get? There he is, sitting on his tiny throne next to Mr. Bush, telling the world that he is right.

And all the while I expect trains to arrive late, I expect to see the public toilets vandalised, I expect to pay a princely sum for immigrants to have nice houses and get treated on the NHS, and I expect the economy to slow down even further.

WAKE UP MR. BLAIR, come back to your country and do something constructive.

I cannot say whether we should go to war or not, I am not fully informed, however I strongly suspect that it is necessary. But surely, Blair could stop acting the way he is...it insults me.

Love, hugs and kisses to you all!

Alan

I've got one of those too

F19585?thread=248834

*That's* why I say not in my name. If we (I'm a Brit and I live in the US) go into Iraq the way it's being planned, we are the aggressors in this situation, and that gives the Iraqis the right to defend themselves. But of course there are some who will go much further and come after us, and then we'll have to defend *our*selves, and so it will continue and escalate. I've no doubt about that. That's what I'm worried about.

I may be wrong, but I think the increased risk of terrorist attck is highly over-rated and, I suspect, something pedalled by the govt to hopefully improve popular feeling towards war... As I've said elsewhere, I don't feel particularly threatened by terrorist bombs/planes/nasty bugs and will continue to not feel threatened when we go to war (yes I do think it is inevitable)... I might feel different if I lived in London or somewhere...

I live in Austin - Bush's former home and capital of Bush's home state. I reckon if anyone was looking for a target high in symbolism, this would be one of them. I spent most of my life living in London, and I lived there all through the Northern Ireland troubles and IRA bombing campaign. There was always the thought at the back of my mind that a bomb might go off where I was.

But living in a high profile target like London doesn't guarantee safety. I bet nobody in Warrington ever thought they'd be bombed.

I am interested and concerned about the issues and arguments from both sides, and have yet to form a solid opinion. I am almost certain that, one way or the other, the current events will come back and bite us on the a*se sooner or later. BUT...
It irritates me when the media keep writing stories, recording programmes, covering news conferences, etc. to rehash the SAME information OVER and OVER again! I've heard many of the arguments numerous times and nobody is following up on them, carrying the debate forward, or anything truly informative or constructive. If they don't have anything NEW to say, the media (and, for that matter, the politicians) should shut up about it and cover something that HAS developed since it was last reported.

i agree about the media coverage and over saturation. and i think its valid to avoid news about the war. i think its a mistake to do this believing the war has nothing to do with you though.


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"but does it have any real relevance when applied to the real world, particularly in a sense that should make me interested in all the talk about war?

I'd rather go play on me playstation... too tired and cynical for causes..."

>>cuz take away our playstations and we are a third world nation<< ani difranco

Personally I would be a lot happier about George Bush leading everyone into war if he had been elected President and not appointed by daddys mates

I'm apathetic. I was going to give lots of good reasons for this, but ... er ... I'm too apathetic.