Just Wars

[arkadelos.livejournal.com]

This is a debate I love to have and to listen to. What is the difference between a just war and an unjust war? Liberals think that all war is evil and therefore unjust, while conservatives believe that there are just reasons for war although they acknowledge that some wars are unjust and immoral. Any war requires the enemy to be dehumanized, but this dehumanization process facilitates savage behavior and also atrocities. Because of this, it is very important to understand the difference between a just war and an unjust war; without any understanding, all wars are painted with the same brush and look the same. So, what do you believe qualifies as just and unjust?

Um... when you reply, please don't mention Hilter or much from WW2. Few wars are as obvious as from that time period.

Edit: are the only just wars defensive wars? What about the civil war? Even though the south attacked first, they believed they were defending themselves against an oppressive government. Is it possible for both sides to be just?
If people from India decided to immigrate due to overpopulation and lack of opportunities - and especially if their desire to better their lives forced them to displace smaller and weaker peoples, resulting in a war - would you consider this war just or unjust?

(no subject)

[coldblossom.livejournal.com]

So what do y'all think about Obama's saying "we're out of money" in an interview on C-SPAN today? I mean, last year wants its news back, right? Though I am glad he's catching up (though I feel that, per usual, this is only lip service). He framed it in the context that its Bush's fault, that he was forced to pass the "stimulus" bill, he was forced to deepen the bailout of the auto-industry and banks, he was forced to taking over GM...basically that none of this was his fault. Oh, and he knows we'll recover. Eventually. We just may lose everything--including our freedom--in the process. I look at this almost every day and I wonder why Americans don't connect the man to his policies? Like, why is Obama himself so popular when his policies are not? I wonder if Americans will ever hold him responsible for what he's done and will do. Edit: links are helpful.