I'm thinking the answer to the question in the headline is "no," but before you answer, read this screed, and pay attention to this paragraph:
There is a lot of talk amongst Bush's opponents that we should turn this war over to the United Nations. Why should the other countries of this world, countries who tried to talk us out of this folly, now have to clean up our mess? I oppose the U.N. or anyone else risking the lives of their citizens to extract us from our debacle. I'm sorry, but the majority of Americans supported this war once it began and, sadly, that majority must now sacrifice their children until enough blood has been let that maybe -- just maybe -- God and the Iraqi people will forgive us in the end.
This has all the earmarks of Michael Moore since he decided to join the freakshow Left: self-righteousness, blatant anti-Americanism, with a little blasphemy thrown in for good measure. His mendacity has been chronicled in many other places (for instance, lying to get an interview with Charlton Heston). He's not real good with the facts -- I didn't know the U.N. had citizens, or maybe that's just sloppy writing? -- and he's probably not worth anyone's attention.
Still, if I saw him in person, I would be strongly tempted to punch him. In the passage above, he's basically saying, "The rest of America is so f----- up because they don't agree with me, so I hope a lot of Americans die." What kind of man wishes death on innocent people from a disagreement? Why do we keep having to read about this disgusting person?
Moore, unfortunately, speaks for a loud sliver of the American population that genuinely hates America. I know it's gauche in polite circles to question other people's patriotism, but when you're gladdened by the deaths of Americans, what else is that but anti-Americanism? In any situation, they know the U.S. is wrong, so it's just a question of figuring out what evils it is perpetrating.
When I've conversed with, or read about, an anti-American person, I've strongly suspected that they really hate themselves and are directing that hatred outward. I've never heard of a calm, self-confident America-hater.
I know, I know. Pray for your enemies.
(Ten points if you can write a Thomistic article on the question in the headline.)
I'm very amused at the current Kerry ads claiming that he'd get other nations involved in Iraq. What the heck is in it for them to get involved now?
More cheap oil, and making sure that the money doesn't go to help the Iraqi people.
Just for the record, aren't there 31 or so other countries with us?
Does "the UN" really mean "France and Germany"?
Do you also include the Pope on you list of far out lefties against the war?
Free country to be for or against a issue
or stance of Bush. The Pope said the war did not meet the Just War Theoy. The world is full of "Bad Man". So where do we start?
Frog: Did I list "far out lefties against the war," or did I just talk about one leftie whack job? In answer to your question, we start with the "bad men" who are dangers to us and the peace of the world.
Sheila: No, there are other countries that are part of "the UN" -- Belgium, for example. Countries like Rwanda don't count, because they're a small, poor nation filled with unimportant dark people, so when their prime minister speaks in favor of the war the Left can mock him with impunity.
Why people equate the United Nations with "world opinion" or with peace and justice is bizarre. If it were reformed, it might be an effective tool for lessening conflict and promoting peace, but I don't really see that on the horizon.
Eric - I think a back handed slap would be more appropriate for Mr. Moore.
I was thinking about spraying him with silly string, too.
Is it permissible to punch Michael Moore?
Objection 1: It seems that violence will only further enrage him.
Objection 2: Even if punching Michael Moore would bring about a good, punching him is itself an evil, and it is morally wrong to bring about a good with an evil action.
On the contrary, It is written "O daughter of Babylon, you devastated one, how blessed will be the one who repays you with the recompense with which you have repaid us. How blessed will be the one who seizes and dashes your little ones against the rock." (Ps 137:8-9)
I answer that, Michael More is a complete idiot, and even if nothing good comes out of hitting him, the act of hitting him will at least give vindication to the LORD.
Reply to Objection 1: With the rage he has already shown, no further increase is possible (or noticible)
Reply to Objection 2: see above.
It's a question of jus ad bello
And there's a lot of jus behind that bellow.
JohnH, I was laughing really hard at my desk here. Saint Thomas, pray for us (and him!)