With issues like the war in Iraq still raw in people's minds and hearts, there is still much talk of taking sides and I-told-you-so's. As with all touchy topics, everyone takes a moral stand and the touchier the topic, the louder the expanse between sides.
Picked up a post about an article about opinions about the war.
My response:
The world does not exist in black and white. It exists in hues and greys. And while I appreciate the contribution that observers like journalists make to this world, I also acknowledge that most are nothing more than observers who tell stories (truth is subjective... remember).The yes-ers, no-ers and yes-butters all have a place in this world. Black and white ultimatums like "Remember, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem" is precisely the argument that establishments use to put down dissenting or non-aligned views. Then again, I remember Salam Pax's entry about his family's ostrich maneuver: what of those who choose to not agree or disagree? Are their opinions less valuable to society? Should they be forced to take a stand on whatever?
Yes-butters can either be non-opinionated analysts, or people deliberating on which path to take. Then there are those who still feel that the end never justifies the means, and that how you get there, is just as important an achievement as the 'getting there'.
Personally, I may be a hybrid between the means and the end justification, but more towards the means. If it makes me a 'yes-but', so be it. I would see this as my mission in life, to provide that check and balance to the 'end' zealots, just like they would check and balance 'means' people to ensure we get somewhere.
If I'm not mistaken, this is described in some management theories - goal-driven and method-driven personalities. In management, a balance is always preferred. Perhaps this is true in life?
It's good that we get to talk about these things. It's good, because it forces you to learn about yourself, and your limits, without actually drowning yourself in the issues at hand. It's good that in Malaysia, we can agree to disagree.
Quick Poll: Does the end justify the means? ()
Posted by Najah Nasseri at 2003年05月16日 14:23One night as I was watching David Letterman show
he said" Now after 25 years the hooker in Iraq can make a living. The Iraq government legalised it.
Is it Onn Yeoh or Jeff Ooi who started this? Anyway, I would like to agree with you,...
but I observe this, the world will continue to rot, with or without the war
I was against the war on Iraq. In fact, I still am. But as a Muslim, I have trust in God and He knows best. My voice and many others in the demos and debates and what-have-yous prior to the US-led military missions didn't manage to stop the War. And now we're apparently rid of the Butcher of Baghdad. I guess the way God works - always for the best, and at times totally cruel and painful to us - is certainly beyond us mere mortals. 'And it may happen that you hate a thing that is good for you, and it may happen that you love a thing that is evil for you. God knows and you know not' (translation to the meaning of 2:216 The Quran)...and God knows best
Posted by: m at 2003年05月18日 07:13