Naomi Klein: Reparations in Reverse

[sherriftruman]

From http://www.morphizm.com">Morphizm and elsewhere:

"Next week, something will happen that will unmask the upside-down morality of the invasion and occupation of Iraq. On October 21, Iraq will pay $200 million in war reparations to some of the richest countries and corporations in the world.

If that seems backwards, it's because it is.

Iraqis have never been awarded reparations for any of the crimes they have suffered under Saddam, or the brutal sanctions regime that claimed the lives of at least a half-million people, or the U.S.-led invasion, which United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Anan recently called illegal. Instead, Iraqis are still being forced to pay reparations for crimes committed by their former dictator...." http://www.morphizm.com/observations/klein/klein_reparations.html

[Eye and Monkey]

1. "Thank you, sir, may I have another?"

Frat-boys often misunderstand the world a bit.

[TheKingfish]

2. Stealth Reparations

Not sure when this was written, but probably Naomi doens't know about the Sadr City reparations program. Disguised as a "weapons buyback program" in order to not hurt Bush's re-election prospects, the US military is giving anyone who can find a rusty AK47 $150. This person can now purchase a shiny RPG for $17, and pocket $133.

And Kerry thinks there isn't a plan??? sheesh

[AirAmFan]

3. Were people who had guns to surrender the same ones who lost loved ones

and livelihoods under Saddam? I don't think so. In fact, I think the gun owners were more likely to have been the PERPETRATORS.

So the program you mention ALSO is likely to have been "reparations in reverse".

[TheKingfish]

4. Im talking about US reparations to Iraqi's.

Saddam left weapons lying around for anyone to grab in March 2003. Call it 'democratization'. Hey do i have to announce when im being sarcastic ;)

[bloom]

5. "Hey do i have to announce..."

...it never hurts. A lot of people add /sarcasm just to be clear.