05-23-2014, 12:19 PM
(05-23-2014, 11:23 AM)BlueTiki Wrote:(05-23-2014, 11:03 AM)HairOfTheDog Wrote: I don't suspect that everyone shares my opinion.C'mon!
Quit beating around the bush and spill.
I suspect that you probably have a good feel for my opinions/feelings surrounding this issue, but I'll answer your questions.Are you opposed to a theocratic government?
I'm not naturally/automatically opposed to theocratic governments in other countries, especially if their populations support them (which is kinda hard to tell if freedom of speech is limited). I would be opposed to one in the US. I'd fight and protest against it if it were proposed. Separation of church and state is smart, fair, and promotes more equality and freedom than the alternative. IMO.
Do you believe that human rights should be benchmark for all policy?
I do not believe that human rights should be the only benchmark when it comes to global relations and foreign policy. I believe that while there are globally agreed-to definitions of "human rights", there is still subjectivity when it comes to application and some of that is based on culture and context. I think it's dangerous and shortsighted when any person or country takes the stance that its view is the only valid one and should be shared by everyone else (if not, damn them to hell and shun them). I think countries also need to consider factors like impacts to strategic (geographic and otherwise) alliances, economics/financials, and many others when making foreign policy decisions.
What is your position on this issue?
My position on this one is that businesses and individuals in the US, UK, and elsewhere should continue to boycott Brunei's foreign-held businesses and hit them in the pocketbook if they wanna protest the Sultan's formal adoption of Sharia Law. That's their right and it may do some good in terms of inflicting a financial penalty for perceived immorality or wrong-doing.
IDK if the financial losses will be severe or long-term enough to motivate Brunei's Investment team to sell some of its foreign-held properties. Brunei has had holdings in the US, UK and Australia for years and, AFAIK, play by the rules established in the country in which they're doing business. If they do sell as a result of financial losses due to protests, I hope there are buyers who can afford the properties and any loss of jobs, taxes, etc...suffered by the citizens of the protesting countries can be quickly remedied.
As for the TPP, I wish US lawmakers weren't petitioning other countries' leaders to remove Brunei from it and I think they'll fail in that effort. The others countries involved have their own stakes, economies, and opinions to consider. It's a regional partnership, not a US-ruled one. Honestly, I don't think it's a big deal though -- IMO, the US will not pull out of the TPP in protest of Brunei's inclusion. To me, the effort to boot Brunei is a strong-arm political tactic to project to the world (and US voters) the image that the politicians behind the ouster campaign support human rights above all else. Whether that image is mostly sincere or mostly for show, IDK.
Or are you just going to Dosey Doe until the "Nuke 'ems" come out of the woodwork?
I don't think I'd be good at Dosey Doeing and that's not what I was doing in here, but I'd be willing to toss my hat (and boots) in the air and give it a try with you -- and/ or the "Nuke 'ems" any old day.
