[gmc]

posted by jester

The world is not one government, the world does not have a world court, there is no such thing as international law, the ideology is a farce, we have no represntatives to affect the laws internationally, as a result of that no citizen of the US living under US law has a say in the making of international law, and is therefore not bound by laws he cannot change oif they become tyrranical. I will not ever recognize a man made authority that lords over me if I cannot change said law or system. In short, if another nation can rip me away, put me under trial, convict me without do course of the laws that govern me in my homeland, with legal representation than I will not allow that, nor ever recognize that law.

Actually there is such a thing as international law. like most law it has grown up over time as nations work out their differences rather than go to war over things. The US is quite happy to accept international law when it suits over things like trade treaties and international patents and push for enforcement when convenient and decide to ignore them when not.

Treaties work both ways as you say

The US, like other soverighn nations has to live in this world, but we are certainly not this world.

Your economy needs the world ever more so as you go in to decline. Perhaps you should worry that the trust and respect built up over the years in multilateral trade agreements and mutually beneficial economics is being poured away by high handed unilateral like it or lump it attitudes. it's sad to see.

posted by ted

gmc

Yes, I am worried about GWB and any successor that might be supported by the Christian right. After all Robertson one called for the assassination of President Chevez of Venezuela. Then one listens to the likes of the late Falwell etc.

There are those who would love to hasten what they believe to be the "last days".

Shalom
Ted

America is a democracy. Leaving conspiracy theories aside I just can't see the US becoming a right wing theocracy unless accidentally brought on by indifference on the part of the electorate and a culture where no one questions authority. Fundamentalists of any kind can never keep power unless outside pressures help keep them there. Usually the rule is so appalling the people get fed up and overturn them.

posted by Ted

I don't have a great deal of time at this moment but will make a few comments. That you dislike Karen Armstrong is certainly based on your biases. Her work is well recognized among scholarly and academic circles. I happen to think Karen is much closer to the truth.

Still haven't got round to looking KA up but my inclination is to agree with jester but for completely different reasons. There are a lot of religious writers who seek somehow prove that monotheistic religion has always been a force for good-the clearly fallacious belief that there can be no morality without religion. It irritates the life out of me because they ignore or dismiss anything that suggests otherwise.

I would point out to both of you that the driving force of the present situation in the middle east and Afghanistan is fundamentalist on both sides that want to fight a good war and call for the destruction of he other side. Economics, religion and warfare. Always a potent brew. Love thy neighbour and forgive those who trespass against you. What happened to that?