On 8 Oct 2002 at 22:01, kasey simpson wrote: > Majority against......latest poll > 62% for not against.
Well, there's all kinds of poll data. What does that 62% number mean exactly? And in answer to what question? And when was it taken? Here is some interesting data from Gallup: Only 47% of Americans will unequivocally support the President authorizing an invasion of Iraq. 49% believe the U.S. has not done all it can diplomatically to resolve the situation while 46% believe it has. Only 38% favor the U.S. going it alone (this is from Sept 20-22, things certainly could have changed). Support for the war diminishes with the number of casualties: 51% support if there are 100 casualties, 46% if that number increases to 1000 and 33% if it increases to 5000. There's lot's more interesting data to be found here: http://www.gallup.com/poll/releases/pr021008.asp Taking poll data for what it is, one can still draw the conclusion that there is no simple for or against. (Just as the war itself is not the same as the resolution that will receive a vote on Thursday.) It seems that most people in the U.S. do not support unilateral invasion and that there is not majority support without reservations. But if there is a multilateral effort or a UN sanctioned effort, support is nearly 80%. To me this is an important point. Most Americans do not want to bail on the UN and hopefully, ultimately the unilateralist, domination stance of certain members of the Bush administration will lose traction. > It seems that me (or my opinions) are worse than that of > Saddam. C'mon, Kasey. I don't think anyone has written anything even close to this. At least not on list. And if it has happened off list, the offender owes you a mighty a apology, with days of self-flagellation. In the literal sense. (See, we're not all against violence. : ) <digressive attempt at levity> After all, Saddam is a homocidal, demonic, maniacal, psychotic, evil, tyrannical despot. I've been watching the Senate debates on the resolution and if I have to hear one more politician preface their point with yet another verbose description of Saddam's lunacy, I'm gonna scream. It's like there's some keyword list of "evil" terminology floating around Washington. To quote Buffy - "Alright, I get it. You're evil". </digressive attempt at levity> > For surly ones as loving and accepting as you would have > enjoyed an intellectual debate, rather than a war of words, meant to > cut ones soul out. The Simpson family says you are welcome. No offense, Kasey but this is a bit of a cop out and I for one won't let you off that easy. There are people here willing to engage in an intellectual debate, so let's not throw out the proverbial baby with the slings & arrows bathwater. If you really want to debate issues, I'm here. And on the JMDLPC list for when it heats up! : ) Brenda n.p.: Gov't Mule - "Monkey Hill" ------------------------------ Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous.
