Thomas Friedman: Debating Iraq’s Transition

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2003/jul2003/frie-j22.shtml

Spreading democracy : LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2004
Thomas Friedman ("To gauge Iraq, listen to the troops," Views, Nov. 22) is misguided to believe that American troops are dying to "extend democracy" in Iraq and that "the American public schools still manage to produce young men and women ready to voluntarily risk their lives in places like Iraq and Afghanistan to spread the opportunity of freedom."

Democracy cannot be "extended." It has to grow from bottom up and takes a long time to mature. In addition, American public schools are known to be bad, which is why those who have the means tend to send their kids to private schools.

Young men and women go to places like Afghanistan and Iraq out of a misguided belief in patriotism and to be able to go to college. More importantly, many go out of ignorance of the real issues involved in a war.

*

Zeki Ergas, Geneva

http://www.iht.com/articles/2004/12/01/edlet_ed3_.php

Re: Thomas Friedman: Debating Iraq's Transition

The editors must have cut the last line from Friedman's column. It read: "The next six months are critical. We'll know the answers then."

Joe
Joe, thanks for the additional text.

BBB

Re: Joe

Sorry. That was meant to be a joke.

Friedman Unit

Re: Joe


You rascal!

BBB