terror.. oil

[Jeff Aitken]

Peg's question, and that writer, make me think. This is a heartfelt and
political posting...

"Terrorism" seems to always be an extreme reaction to dominant cultures. In
many cases the cause is just, even tho the violence cannot be condoned; so
an antidote to terror is to deeply listen to the anguish that leads to
violence, and work for resolution.

But sometimes the cause may not be just. For example, I don't really know
if Mr. bin Laden's cause, which seems to be to overthrow the Saudi rulers,
is a just one. He has attacked the US before - and may have done so again -
because the US military presence helps keep those rulers in power. It seems
to be a case of Islamic fundamentalists trying to oust other Islamic
powerholders. Is it clear which side is just? I'm sure there are other
"sides" to consider as well.

I am not educated about the situation at all - I am just beginning to try
to understand it - but this may be a situation in which the US would
legitimately resist what may be a Taliban-style movement wanting to take
power in Saudi Arabia led by a Saudi exile who was trained by the CIA.
Especially when that exile attacks the US directly. What means shall be
used for that resistance?

As I write this, I think a few things: 1. Our addiction to oil is once
again at the bottom of this. 2. I want the people of Saudi Arabia, and all
nations, to decide on their own government, without interference. 3. Our
addiction will not be resolved for several years, and until then is it
right or wrong to use military power to maintain that oil based industrial
system?

I want to open space for a rapid, methodical transition away from a fossil
fuel society.

-
Jeff Aitken
Consultant/Facilitator: Specialist in Open Space Process
Intro to Open Space learning workshop Dec 12-14
http://www.openspaceworld.com
1800 Arch St. Berkeley CA 94709 USA - (510) 540.6576

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