Several months ago a friend expressed his concern regarding how the world's leaders had shifted to violence as a method to make change. This gentleman is a cancer physician, who cared for thousands in our community over the years. As a doctor he'd committed to an oath to heal and do no harm.
I remarked how I'd been struck by democracy's impatience. Why couldn't people wait for the next election, frequently not but a year or so away? What was so important that violence had to be used to tear down democracy in order to build a supposedly better edition? Violence breeds violence.
This morning's news showed the impact of over a decade of violence in parts of Iraq. The commenter said there was no sign America had ever been there. What he meant: There are no signs of American branded corporate interests, fast food, hotels, banks, etc. In contrast Iraq's stable, oil generating communities had peace, stability and a Jaguar dealership.
America is back to the "enemy of my enemy is my friend." Democracy needs to be better than that. Manipulation is not the least bit elevating or inspiring.
Update 3-14-15: The United States reiterated its new long standing position of not backing coups. I take it the CIA is not part of the United States.
Update 6-4-20: Violence breeds more violence. U.S. right and left wing groups turn to violence to achieve their ends.
