tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446351548038522890.post8740266555586321013..comments2024-03-28T16:15:19.319-04:00Comments on Saideman's Semi-Spew: Iran-esiaSteve Saidemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09881915512311951902noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446351548038522890.post-31138213253924442952012-02-29T10:00:28.767-05:002012-02-29T10:00:28.767-05:00You raise good points--Iranians count, too, so we ...You raise good points--Iranians count, too, so we ought not be blase about war.<br /><br />This post was strictly about the costs and benefits in a utilitarian manner. I tend not to make moral arguments--I am not all that well equipped to do so. I am also way too cynical to ever expect moral consistency in International Relations.Steve Saidemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09881915512311951902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446351548038522890.post-13919909053870094942012-02-29T09:55:27.839-05:002012-02-29T09:55:27.839-05:00But this is your blog, not that of the US governme...But this is your blog, not that of the US government, so you ought to consider it.<br /><br />And it isn't just dead Iranians, it's maimed Iranians, bereaved Iranians, traumatized Iranians.<br /><br />We cannot claim any form of moral consistency while on the one hand criticizing foreign governments, e.g. Syria, for killing and maiming people, and on the other hand completely ignoring the matter when we do the same.<br /><br />Your treatment of the issue seems rather to ignore the moral factor, giving the impression that you view it from the perspective of what a philosopher would deem short term act utilitarianism. There's an awful lot more to it than that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446351548038522890.post-83047670416569664852012-02-29T09:42:41.119-05:002012-02-29T09:42:41.119-05:00Good point. But then again, Americans tend not to...Good point. But then again, Americans tend not to include dead foreigners in the cost/benefit calculations.Steve Saidemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09881915512311951902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446351548038522890.post-59296548475722265042012-02-29T09:41:43.517-05:002012-02-29T09:41:43.517-05:00Forgotten costs:
Dead Iranians.
Or don't th...Forgotten costs:<br /><br />Dead Iranians. <br /><br />Or don't they count in your calculation?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8446351548038522890.post-81771545191346649442012-02-29T09:29:19.330-05:002012-02-29T09:29:19.330-05:00Not that I'm arguing for military action, but ...Not that I'm arguing for military action, but let's look at how someone ( a resurgent neocon) might respond.<br /><br />Higher oil prices - not a good thing. Depends who you are actually. As CEO of an oil company I'm all in favour.<br /><br />Iranian retaliation. Let them go for it. Gives us an excuse to really hit the f*****ers hard. Same for straits of homuz. More funding for terrorist groups? You serious? How much much can they do, they are running out of Shia groups to support. <br /><br />US antagonises the world. Oh really give me a break, who cares, they all hate us anyway.<br /><br />Deficit? When did a massive deficit ever stop military action. We can always find money for more bombs, just don't ask for health care.<br /><br />Iran strengthened. So what? Once we've kicked some butt it doesn't matter that the regime gains internal support. We've lived with the Mullah's regime since 1979, and we can do it for ages yet. So they'll engage in human right violations. Big deal, as long as it's against their own people it's not our problem. After all, if they want to support the mad b******s it's their fault.<br /><br />Colin (call me Rove) Wight!Colin Wighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17780620353081094691noreply@blogger.com