Posted on 04/01/2002 4:40:59 PM PST by WaterDragon
The following letter came in the mail. Ignore the English mistakes and focus on the natural intelligence of the author. I have interjected running commentary which early on is in red type. My Iraqi conversational partner is not identified. If you don't understand why, you've attended modern American public schools. (LL)
(The first two text paragraphs are by me)
My congratulations on a very good job of writing and analysis. I am both relieved and fearful for you, because in your land, as in most Arab lands these days, reason and logic could be a death sentence. There are so few people on Earth who can think, or even wish to, that I consider those like you rare jewels.
I will respond to some parts of your letter, which I have placed in italics. (snip)
Iraqi "citizen" wrote: Your response inspired me to present my views on the current state of my country. So be it foolish or wise, this is what I witness here. As every other society this society is also divided into layers, which differ totally.
All societies are, indeed, layered. It is fascinating to study the different versions.
Top layers: Foolish, arrogant, terrorist, unsophisticated, (some of them have just passed primary school) clergymen, or the so-called spiritual body. They simply kill anyone who resists them (they are killed for nothing because they are not paid back) by a simpler blame (he is against Islam). No authority can change the final verdict of a court save the leader.
That is an aristocracy of thugs. Very similar in some respects to Nazi Germany.
Second: According to the last speech of the leader, the only citizens who have been active in the imposed war have the right to participate in governmental issues. So, nepotism, favoritism, and sycophancy is always appreciated here, and they fully enjoy their rights in activities such as bribery, crime, etc.
Identical to Robert Mugabe! (In fact, identical to periods of classical Roman history, when German palace guards selected the Emperor) (snip)
Third: Middle class, which has new meaning in all respects in this country. They don't care about politics, but they are benefited by it. They seek their own profit, and they have the certain possibility of survival as long as they pay, no matter how.
Do not fear middle classes seeking profit, for personal greed is the driving force of economic well-being for the nation. Fear the military, the clergy and the academic intellectuals. Fear the stupid, emotional masses. But, never fear the bourgeoise. Socialism (monarchy dressed in egalitarian robes) fails because it is a system based on the fantasy of "equality of outcome." It disallows the bourgeoise. (As rabbits would disallow foxes if they could). (snip)
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