rod@miduet.mifnet.gec-mi-ate.co.uk (Rod Burman) (05/16/86)
There has been a lot (several hundred articles not counting hplab's repostings) of discussion on the net about the US air raid on Libya which has diversified into a discussion about terrorism in general and lots of other things. Some of the points made were: i) the US should have tried more peaceful means ii) the factors contributing to terrorism are various and complicated iii) the US funds terrorism, especially the IRA and in Nicaragua iv) Europeans are wimps (they let the terrorists get away with it) v) Americans (USAians?) are wimps (they are afraid to take holidays in Europe) vi) its safer in London/Rome/Paris/Belfast than Dallas/NY/LA/Kansas vii) terrrorists can't be reasoned with viii) the Brits/Israelis/Russians/Yanks should get out of Ireland/Lebanon (and/or Jordan)/Afghanistan/Grenada (and/or Europe) anyway even if it does seem like giving in to terrorism. ix) freedom must be defended, but your freedom is my salvery, etc x) etc I'm sure I've left a lot out and NOT given eveeryone a fair hearing, I apologise for this. Now for my suggestion for a solution to points 1..9 (though may be not 7). The United States wishes to eliminate terrorism but can't seem to find a method that doesnot alienate vast numbers of people. Many Americans are of Irish descent and support the IRA's "freedom fighters" (after all aren't they shooting red coats like G. Washington et al?). However Ulster/N.Ireland consistently votes (2:1, it was set up that way!) to remain part of the UK. So how should the US congress/government go about alleviating terrorism without alienating the UK government and/or their own Irish-American voters? Simple, remember the Louisiana (sp ?) and Alaska purchases? Yes, they just buy Ulster off the UK! This doesn't suit the IRA or the Ulster Loyalists entirely, but it is not the WORST outcome for either. Advantages: Those who say that terrorism is due to economic factors will have a chance to pour money onto the economic ills of Ulster. The IRA will be stymied, after all it would be unpatriotic for Noraid to finance them if Ulster was the 51st (?) state (of course Gadafi will continue and the SU may do, they are Marxists after all). The Americans will have somewhere to come in Europe that is "just like home". (Not to mention useful for storing their cruise missiles, F111's, etc). The Europeans would finally have to admit what a great freedom loving democracy the good old US of A is. If the experiment works it could be used elsewhere, say the Basque country of Spain/France. Or the UK has a few other properties in need of renovation Gibraltar, Belize and the Falklands to name but three (very :-). Even the Middle East could benefit, I'm sure that California's Death Valley is enough like the Negev (sp ?) desert to make the Palestinians feel at home. Rod (not totally :-). PS I bet Maggy Thatcher justs loves it. Privatise Ulster now!