SamSaid!

BELIEVING

     Most people believe what they want to believe. Maybe that is a cynical view of my fellow man, but I think it is true for a distressingly large percentage of people. Over the centuries some of the finest intellects have devoted enormous amounts of brain power and energy to rational thought, logic, deductive reasoning, data acumulation, analysis, fact-finding, etc., all in an effort to reach decisions and conclusions devoid of wishful thinking and emotion. Sadly, it all comes down to that tongue-in-cheek phrase, “Don't bother me with facts”.

     There is no better case that the Iraqi Madman. Saddam's track record is hardly that of a State secret. He has attacked Iran and Kuwait; he has gassed the Iranians and Kurds; he has killed and terrorized his countrymen, he has fired missiles into Israel, he has thumbed his nose at the UN and has refused to disclose the whereabouts of bio weapons.  But in the view of some, that isn't enough evidence. To most people with IQs over 50, that should be pretty convincing. But for people who choose not to believe the obvious, it is not enough evidence and will never be enough. They just do not want to believe what is plain to see.

     George Bush I, Norman Schwarzkopf and Colin Powell are not lightweights. Given the chance to dispatch Saddam once and for all, they stopped short  –  believeing that he could be controlled by sanctions and the UN. They very badly wanted to believe that they were right. They were wrong. Saddam doesn't respond to typical pressures. He only knows force  — and he knows it well. At this stage it is senseless to refer to historical precedent involving appeasement, diplomacy and/or normal reasoning. Far too many folks, here and abroad, WANT to believe that there are other ways to deal with Saddam. They simply follow the pattern of believing what they want to believe  –  “don't bother me with facts”.

     If we don't take him out now, I believe that we will rue the day. But then, maybe I am like all of the rest, I believe what I want to believe. But I think the facts are on my side.