why do you want to do anything about the war between israel and lebanon?

[LionsDen]

Originally Posted by Fibonacci

The simple answer to your post is because we care. Why do we care? Because we choose to. Sure you can choose to not care and go on with your life. That is fine. I will not judge you for that. It is your right, your choice to make.

I agree with your point that there are many problems that are much closer to home that we should be giving our energy to, and with that in mind it is important to be mindful and compassionate in our daily lives, but that does not mean we should ignore world events as if they don't effect us. If this thing manages to blow up into a much wider and serious conflict and it interupts the flow of oil out of that region, you'd better believe that we will all be effected by it. Not to mention the subtler effects this type of violence has on our society subconsciously.

We have things pretty good here in America, and as a result we take a lot of things for granted. Because we are the most influential and powerful country right now I feel we have a responsibility to do the right thing. To set an example for the world to follow. Imagine what kind of world it would be if everyone followed our example. Have we set a good example? What if countries started invading each other in pre-emptive wars based on faulty intelligence because they honestly *thought* the other country might be a threat at some point in the future. Is that the kind of world you want to live in? Theoretically the responsibility for the actions of our government falls to every single citizen of this country. Whether you choose to deny that responsibility is your choice.

Obviously it's an ideological war. I'm an idealist. I'll admit that, and you can laugh at me... whatever. I believe that we as a species can evolve beyond our monkey instincts. It's a choice. People say there will never be peace in the world, but that is only because they believe thats the case. If everyone believes peace is possible then suddenly it is.

Ditto these fine sentiments, especially this: Obviously it's an ideological war. I'm an idealist.

I am pleased with the war for religious and political freedom in Lebanon. Honorable ideals are part of the American and Israeli national character.