School shooting in Ohio.

[d-ray657]

Originally Posted by finnbow

The (unnecessary) war we started in Iraq has caused more than 100,000 civilian deaths. We are the only First World nation in the list of the top 15 nations performing executions. I believe that we also lead First World nations in firearm deaths.

I'm not too comfortable sitting very high upon my high horse discussing how different societies value human life. I think we're probably the lowest in this regard among First World nations. We have kind of love/hate relationship with violence.

How about former and current superpowers Russia and China. Are they First World nations? I think we would compare favorably to those two in regard for life.

One area in which China seems to show disregard for life is the way in which it has allowed its industry to develop. The stories about the Apple subcontractors, the toxic waste and air pollution in and around Chinese mining, energy production and manufacturing operations is a daily threat to human life. It looks something like we would have here if we again allowed capitalism to run amok. (See Massey Energy Company)

Regards,

D-Ray

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by d-ray657

How about former and current superpowers Russia and China. Are they First World nations? I think we would compare favorably to those two in regard for life.

One area in which China seems to show disregard for life is the way in which it has allowed its industry to develop. The stories about the Apple subcontractors, the toxic waste and air pollution in and around Chinese mining, energy production and manufacturing operations is a daily threat to human life. It looks something like we would have here if we again allowed capitalism to run amok. (See Massey Energy Company)

Regards,

D-Ray

The definition of First World nation is admittedly a bit squishy. Substitute Western Nation in my assertion and see if that works better for you.

Also, I was making my point vis-a-vis Muslim nations. As backasswards as Iraq was under Saddam, I suspect more civilians have died as a result of our invasion than were killed under Saddam.

[d-ray657]

No, you have a point, Finn, particularly with respect to that unnecessary invasion of Iraq. I have some hope, however, that more often than not we would lean toward humanitarian solutions - or that we are progressing toward that point.

Regards,

D-Ray

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by d-ray657

No, you have a point, Finn, particularly with respect to that unnecessary invasion of Iraq. I have some hope, however, that more often than not we would lean toward humanitarian solutions - or that we are progressing toward that point.

Regards,

D-Ray

Maybe. But I think our "high value for life" is pretty much limited to Caucasians with American citizenship.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by finnbow

Maybe. But I think our "high value for life" is pretty much limited to Caucasians with American citizenship.

That would depend on how much money they have.

Chas

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by Charles

That would depend on how much money they have.

Chas

I stand corrected.

[piece-itpete]

You've convinced me. Suddenly I feel the urge to find a woman not wearing a headcovering and then...

what a conoundrum. Do I A) stone her, or B) decapitate her? Decisions, decisions...

Pete

[whoaru99]

Maybe an acid splash?

More seriously though, on some radio show I heard the other day there was speculation about the fairly prevalent use of SSRI these days and the potential for negative effects in younger people either on them or coming off them. Do you suppose if that were the case in these sorts of incidents it would be in the mainstream media, or?