…and I think it’s stupid that, of the few who do realize, many will nevertheless pooh pooh it as being “only a minor matter”, and fail to see that it’s NOT minor; or will keep silent among people whom they can influence (for the better) because they don’t wanna ‘rock the boat’.

Following from that, I also think it’s stupid and SAD that the root of most of our problems is that a large number of fairly well meaning people are just too naive in their understanding of various issues: they turn a blind eye to what they (for whatever reason) perceive as “only a minor matter” and they don’t see how in the big picture it is a major problem which can contribute to larger problems in the very fabric of society. E.g., some of us Stereotypical Colombo Elite just don’t understand that the purpose behind the IDP camps is quite possibly not what our leaders make out, but worse. Or, e.g., they don’t see that – as Sophist rightly points out – the killing of that one fellow was any really victory (because they don’t understand that terrorism wasn’t the root problem to begin with – they don’t see the seemingly minor things like Osu Sala not having signs in Tamil, at least when I last went there many months ago, is not a minor matter.) They don’t see that flying the Lion Flag and celebrating in the streets to rejoice that one terrorist was incapacitated, is, in the big picture, a mistake, because too many other people are rejoicing in the wrong way (E.g, as Sophist correctly points about one religion’s flag) and they don’t see that our publicly joining such a ‘celebration’ can perhaps just cause unfair fear among innocent minorities.

And, in the same vein – and I assume Sophist will take this criticism “without getting [annoyed]” – I think it’s stupid that Sophist himself appears to admit to taking ganja, and thus apparently does not see that use of even this soft drug IS, in the big picture, something bad for the well being of society as a whole. I think it’s stupid that even highly intelligent people all too often have their Achilles’ Heel in this sense and treat such matters lightly, and just do not understand the moral and ethical reasons why even such “minor” drug use and other intoxication is bad for society AS A WHOLE even if some specific individuals might be able to handle it without harm to themselves. (The individual are not stupid; but their FAILING to see this big picture, is stupid.)

I think it’s stupid that there are only a very few people who think like this AND who CAN convey their thoughts succinctly — my clumsy rambling writing herein clearly exemplifying my inability to; and i think it’s stupid that some of the people who CAN do so, just don’t wanna rock the boat and don’t speak out.

(I didn’t understand about being clapped into jail: maybe I’m stupid, but I sure don’t know of anyone who willfully or even unwillfully broke any (valid) law and then expected sympathy for being clapped into jail.)

I think I’m stupid to bother writing this
Who’s gonna care, after all. Just a lone voice in wilderness.

You contradict your whole argument when you say that the Vietnamese government sponsors Vietnamese students to study overseas. What that implies is that these students do not have the means to pay for their own studies. Which shows that Vietnam is POOR… exactly as I have pointed out in this thread. The Japanese government does not need to support Japanese students to study abroad because the Japanese can easily afford the cost. Do you know what living standards refer to? Japan has much higher living standards than Vietnam. This is because Japan is much more developed than Vietnam.

I stick to my earlier argument that Japanese study business in much greater numbers than all other Asians. I am not bothered to look up your so-called “statistics.” You can post them links to them yourself, which is what you should do be doing if you know how to argue properly anyways.

Same applies for Tiger terrorists.

At the university, I see many, many Japanese exchange students. I hardly see a Vietnamese, Iranian, or Iraqi student. What is even more interesting is that the majority of these Japanese students study business, unlike the majority of Indians or Chinese who clamor for engineering and medicine, to the extent of even outperforming the native population.

Is technology in Japan so good that Japanese exchange students choose business as their primary field of study? How many other Asian nations will send their best and brightest overseas just to study business? Perhaps one of these days I just might run into a Iraqi business studies major…

Now we get to the point… why is Japan so successful, despite Americans dropping nuclear bombs on them and occupying the place? I will leave it “Observer” and Co. to provide the answers. Although it might be tough going – none of that anti-Western dribble says much about “constitution” or “education.”

Vietnam is a failure because of Vietnamese.

Iraq is a failure because of Iraqis. ”

Only a bigot would say such things! Americans are the best rest are idiots.. what a load of horse crap. Through the sands of time, they will fade into the abyss of past like many other empires did and new world orders would rise up. We will be mere dust by then, satisfactorily blowing in the wind knowing we laid a foundation for the generations to follow having fought for freedom and peace!

I don’t even belong to those racial groups and I find those statements utterly offensive. SomeWhatDisgusted is exactly right about Heshan. In fact I understood that after few discussions and decided to put my time to better use. In Internet terms a troll with too much spare time.

I don’t hate Tamil people unlike heshan hates the Sinhala Buddhists. If I did I’d celebrate people like heshan and hope for more. They are the reason we “won” the “battle”. In any battle you only have to fear the logically reasoning, moderate and sensible.

You can lie all you want but you won’t fool the sharp. And repetition doesn’t render false into the truth. People blinded by racial hatred becomes easy puppets for manipulation.

Yes, democracy is coming to Tiger areas… barbed-wire democracy! In what kind of election do people vote from behind barbed wire – what an original idea that only Mahinda Chinthanaya could come up. Next up – soldiers will escort all the children back and forth to school.

Iran is a failure because of Iranians.

Vietnam is a failure because of Vietnamese.

Iraq is a failure because of Iraqis.

It’s as simple as that. Of course the failure is by relative standards. All I can say is that these nations would be far more prosperous if they accepted Western-style democracy, which the USA was willing to help implement, free of charge. Look at Israel, the only real democracy in the Mid-East & good friend of the USA.

That explains the “collateral damage” amounting to tens of thousands of Iraqi innocens in Iraq.. All in the name of “God” to prove my god is bigger than their god. Which god will win if they arm wrestle? I am sure the twisted logic of those Eelam Americans will explain this away too. Gee wonder why President Obama stopped the release of the torture photos ??? Hmm… Buddhists are Agnostic and not Aetheists. know the difference but real Buddhists or Real Christians or Real Moslems are few and far apart. Most Lankans are confused and are totally ritualistic buddhists.

1. A Tamil or Christian/Muslim cannot even hope to RUN for President

2. Given (1), a Tami or Christian/Muslim has ZERO chance of becoming President

Just going by (1) we see that America is leagues ahead of Sri Lanka when it comes to Parliamentary democracy.

Why should I read “Without Sanctuary”… obviously it did not do you any good. Somehow you think that 6 people dying in the Rosewood “Massacre” equates to a worldwide catastrophe.

100,000 young men being held in Iraqi prisons? You forgot the following:

1. They were all young men, not grandmothers, infants and pregnant women like in Sri Lanka

2. Not only the US arrested them, but so did the Iraqi security forces. So what is the number that were arrested by the US and arrested by the Iraqi’s?

3. Everyone knows where the 100,000 are being held. They did not simply disappear into thin air

4. The article does not mention how the detainees were treated. But it says Amnesty International is worried they will be tortured by IRAQI’S, not Americans, when control of the prison is handed back to the Iraqi’s

5. It is normal to take 100,000 or more FOREIGN POWS during combat. On the other hand, it is NOT normal to take hostage 300,000 old grandmothers/grandathers, 1 year old babies, and 10 year old girls.

6. All of the detainees were taken prisoner legally: like the article says, ——– International law allows the capture and detention of people who are considered an “imperative” national security threat during times of war or conflict. ——–

7. These detainees were taken DURING the war, not AFTER. Who takes prisoners after the war????

Sorry but I have to yet see these more “racist” attacks you speak of. In fact what I see at the university where I am employed are improved race relations.

Since you’re an *atheist* Buddhist, the “under God” statement probably doesn’t make sense to you. All monotheist and polytheist religions religions believe in a Supreme God. This God is the same whether he goes by the name of Allah, Brahma, or Yehovah. Religious disputes (unless atheists are involved) never have to do with belief in God; on the contrary, each side will usually invoke the name of a Prophet and the failure of the opposing party to accept the teachings of that Prophet. The Prophet is the “messenger” of the Supreme God. So it is easy that this “one nation under God” statement is harmless since it doesn’t specify the name of a specific prophet but gives reference to only the Supreme God, whom 100.0% of all followers of non-atheist religions believe in. The only people in the USA who have taken issue with the “under god” statement are some atheists, upset that it is part of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Political solution/devolution? Anyone with two 2 brain cells can see that if in 60 years, a political package could not be found to address the needs of the minorities, then another 600 years or even 6000 years probably won’t make a difference.

I never supported the Tigers. On the other hand, I can see why many Tamils would do so… to say that the sheer stupidity and incompetence of the Sri Lankan Government is mind-boggling is an understatement. The difference is that Sinhalese do not have to suffer the wrath of that worthless organization via military occupation/subjugation. On the other hand, the experience of the majority of Tamils is that violent suppression via the gun is the preferred modus operandi of GOSL. In this scenario, the emergence of the LTTE was virtually inevitable. GOSL should first of all take full responsibility for creating the LTTE. It should then go about changing the conditions which gave the LTTE reason to flourish.

In any case, I support a federal solution. My solution is to empower local communities by letting them take charge of their own affairs. Turning the North and East into a security zone is not the solution. The presence of armed soldiers does not empower anyone; it only creates hostility and lays the groundwork for future conflicts.

What is the benefit of free education in Sri Lanka? How many Ministers will send their sons to a Government school for primary and secondary education? All of these Ministers, despite their anti-Western spiel, will send the sons off to Western universities – they will not even bother with the Sri Lankan universities, which are actually quite good.

Do you believe that Tamils have a right to live where they please in Sri LAnka and benefit from free education? YES OR NO? and do you then extend the same right to other communities.

Sadly, the education system aggravated the divisions.. Yes my father’s generation did not see a difference between Tamil or Sinhala; Buddhist or Catholic or Hindu.. they spoke English; but at the same time it did not lead to the emancipation of the masses who kept going separate ways..

And if you want more data, please note even in the state where Prez Obama got white votes he only received approx 45% of the White vote, and that too thanks to the younger generation and changing demographics in states like Va where immigrants thrive in the Corridor close to DC.. Chances are a swing state like VA will not go to Democrats again. Also note, Obama ran as a middle candidate not a liberal lefty and ran the most brilliant campaign ever in a climate of uncertainty and economic despair in the key states such as Ohio and Pa. Oh was the key and so was Fl this time. .

You are totally clueless about your country. First the 100,000 are young men held without trial or access to any legal help INSIDE IRAQ, NOT IN Gitmo; you missed the fact. . Go study facts.. and read “Without Sanctuary” ..
Don’t talk baloney about Tamil Eelam because it aint’t gonna happen….

Also by the way, It was under Eisenhower that “under god” became part of the pledge. Again go read facts.. Should Sri Lanka say “in Buddha we trust”?

Your ignorance is typical of the American born low educated people these days.. This is not anti-western propaganda but to remind you of the issues that are unique to each nation. I suggest you go read up on the two voice votes..

And then recall the election campaign how that religious whacko flat earth creationist Sarah Palin kept using OBama’s middle name. Luckily the election was to follow the disastrous September and the economic issues overrode race… But the GOP is becoming more and more the party of the angry white man and the rightwing talk show hosts.. There will be a lot more racist attacks and right wing militia attacks now..

Now here are the FACTS and it is sadly your Sinhala hating, Buddhist Hating western Tamil racist crap that keeps polluting LAnkans from working together.. YOur claim about Obama being post-racial is only partially correct. But your balloon is like a Ceylon Metereology department weather balloon gone awry..

http://www.zeenews.com/world/2009-03-20/516453news.html

http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_wires/2009Mar19/0,4675,MLIraqDetainees,00.html

The combatants in SL are similar to this.. Where is your data? And remember the 2000 rounded up immediately after 9/11 around NYC?

Go read up history of your own country. I bet you have never stepped into Sri LAnka..

Everyone knows that final peace will come in the form of political devolution and the 13th amendment. IF you failed to notice(I am sure you did because you gete your news from Tnet perhaps?) …that the East is pretty stable and the government is pouring in a lot of money.. And in case you failed to notice, former terrorists who murdered unarmed cops form part of the cabinet.

Tigers did NOT NEVER represent all tamils. Period Ipso facto. Now care to correct your arrogant statements about the number of Iraqis held by the US for 6 years? REad the links.. Some of us people are not that stupid comrade. Peace will come to SL from within SL from all communities..

What is STUPID Was Tiger arrogance and intransigence.. That led to their demise. Bring your Yanqui Dollars and help rebuild SL..

About 45% of the US think it is a Christian nation still and the founding fathers used Christian values.. Go read polls perhaps go out of the big cities to the mid-west or the deep south.. I too have lived there.

Okay, if you think the USA is racist, that’s your choice. Then again, you’re probably not aware that Barrack Obama, the current BLACK President of the USA, has the MUSLIM middle name of Hussain. The whole world except Sri Lankan racists like you can understand the significance of Obama becoming President. It shows that the US has OVERCOME its racist past. The point is not to DENY the racist past, but to move past it… Sri Lankan racists like you, on the other hand, are still stuck in the denial stage. Of course Sri Lanka can’t move on because racists like you refuse to even acknowledge the racist history. I would also mention that according to Census data, whites will be a minority between 2055 and 2060. They are already a minority in California. So no matter how many times you bring up events in 1860 or 1930 or 1960… the fact is, no one here CARES… this country has moved way past that.

You may gloat as much as you want over the hollow military victory; nevertheless, it will always remain hollow. It will not bring back the educated expatriates (Sinhalese and Tamils both) to Sri Lanka. It won’t bring back civil liberties, respect for the rule of law, or respect for basic human rights and dignity. Not just Tamils but Sinhalese are beginning to realize this.

That’s great. You found a handful of Christians in the Sri Lankan Army. It still remains a fact that the Sri Lankan Army is 99.9% Sinhala-Buddhist. Whether Negombo Catholics or the Pope himself celebrate the military victory won’t change that basic fact.

Yes, “in God we Trust” is the national motto. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean America is fundamentalist Christian. The word “Christian” is not even written in the Constitution. That shows you the value that the writers of the Constitution placed on secularism. You will not find “white-robed” gentlemen in the US Senate making a mockery of democracy. Christian priests cannot block legislation by staging mass demonstrations. Politicians don’t pose with Christian priests to get cheap publicity in newspapers.

LOL, 100,000 detainees? Nice try. The total number of detainees brought to Guantanamo is 775. 420 have already been released without charge. As of January 2009, approximately 245 detainees remain. Go do some work on your anti-Western propaganda; it has more holes than the Hindenburg hot air balloon.