What do you think about the war in Iraq?

[shehtaz huq]

it's true that the fact that we're talking about the war in Iraq won't really stop the war. And arguing about who's right and who's wrong is counterproductive. We at the Broth can't do anything. We can only voice our opinions, and I agree that maybe if we all just hear each other's point of views it's going to help us understand each other better.

The reason I started this post was to get everyone's view, I don't want people to start arguing or anything. And anyone's opinion is welcome. (btw RC, I've got no objections to your jokes)

[ImmortalMadness]

Just because you felt this was unproductive doesn't mean everyone else didn't take it seriously. That's why I find your stupid comments very annoying. We actually were having a serious discussion and I do find it productive and worthwhile to hear the opinions from different people around the world.

I still would like to get back on topic, does anyone else have something to say? Hopefully we'll still be able to have a nice discussion.

[Shehzeen]

I agree. The reason i came to this post was to hear wat others hav to say but wat flying pancake wrote at first was a bit annoying and disturbing. And caring only for the US soldiers is unjust. I want them to go back home so that they r happy and so r the Iraqi people. I don't think the Iraqi PEOPLE really want them.

[cryogenic]

[Roman Centurion]

Cryogenic, I'm jealous. You expressed it wonderfully. I especially enjoyed the "verbose dogmatic discourse" part. That pretty much sums up the talk I hear about the war in Iraq (everywhere I see it; it's not too bad here).

I don't want to blame my friend for starting this topic - she would like to hear what other people's opinions are, from around the world. And if it does bring new viewpoints and fresh perspectives to light, I'm all for it. The Broth is a fine place for us to meet and talk on any issue.

But while we're talking, let's not forget to listen.

And for Viv, the following excerpt from an interview with Trent Reznor:

What about using your visibility to champion political causes?

The idea of politics is just so uninteresting to me - I've never paid much attention to it. I don't believe things can really change. It doesn't matter who's president. Nothing really gets resolved. I don't know. I guess that's not the right attitude to take.

[GO GO]

The best arguments are where people actually listen to others with open minds cause they r productive that way

[shehtaz huq]

everyone here cares about the war in Iraq, one way or the other. Maybe some of us feel that we're powerless to do anything, but even if we can't change the world, at least we can understand each other better. So please, keep contributing. I do want to hear what everyone has to say. Everyone's opinion matters. And to whether this argument is productive or counterproductive, that's a matter of opinion. I feel it's always productive to hear other people's thoughts, even if they do disagree with you. As GO GO said, the best arguments are where you listen to each other.

[Roman Centurion]

Hey, Shehtaz.

I don't know if I worry much about the war in Iraq. I have so many other things to think about in the course of my day. Most people would like to see it resolved. Most people would like to see an end to violence. At least the ones who aren't filled with hatred, looking for an excuse to fuel that hatred any way they can.

There is a difference between non-productive, such as discussing how sexy Trent Reznor is, and counterproductive, like a topic that actually brings conflict into a group.

If you feel that you can discuss the war in Iraq in a productive sort of way, go for it. It is productive to hear other people's thought when we're listening to each other. I just didn't get that out of the previous posts.

[spicy sweet]

This war has ruined Iraq totally. Who is to blamed? Obviously George Bush and Blair, isn't it? Their( Bush and Blair) target is Muslim countries. If this keeps on happening, I think the world is coming to its end.

[thirty-seven]