> >>>I tend to decide who I will support based on
> >>>whether they are oppressed
> >>>or oppressor, exploited or exploiter.
> >>
> >>I think this is shoddy reasoning.
> >
> >Not to mention two-dimensional.
>
> I don't much care that you think it's two-dimensional or shoddy. Glib, smug
> assertions have never particularly bowled me over. It is the role of the
> left to support the oppressed
At the risk of incurring execration from both sides here, may I timidly suggest that categories like aggression versus resistance, and domination versus insurrection, perhaps apply more cogently to the Israel/Palestine conflict (and Israel/Lebanon too) than categories like exploitation and oppression? The latter categories certainly have their uses but perhaps they're not quite on the money in this case. To speak of national groups "oppressing" or "exploiting" each other does raise some sticky questions, discussed earlier in this thread. But even if you're not particularly a Lefty you can surely figure out who's doing the aggressing and domineering in the Middle East, as long as you're halfway informed and fair-minded.
-- --Michael J. Smith --mjs at smithbowen.net
http://stopmebeforeivoteagain.org