I don't quite get all the protests...

[fadedrose]

If there's anyone out there who's dying to explain why so many countries are angry and protesting our country, I'd like to hear it.

[BOG PERSON]

1. what do you mean you don't "quite" get it

you get it in an incomplete way? you understand it in theory but not in a practical sense? you understand it but don't acknowledge its legitimacy?

[fadedrose]

5. none of the above...

How could they all be mad at the same time?

[CJCRANE]

9. Social media + 24 hour news.

"A lie can travel halfway round the world while the truth is putting on its shoes". Mark Twain.

[lunatica]

2. It's the fundamentalist nuts who are protesting, not the countries. They're protesting a video

[CJCRANE]

3. It's the growing pains of a connected world. It's like a viral flash mob. nt

[Curtland1015]

4. Oh dear... this will be a rough one.

[cali]

6. I'm not dying to because I've fucking felt I had to do it dozens of times here

already.

Let's see: Has the U.S. done anything over the past few decades that people in the middle east might resent or that might anger them? Hmmm. How about overthrowing democratically elected leaders? How about invading countries and killing hundreds of thousands? How about our lopsided support for Israel? How about our threats to invade and bomb? How about drone strikes that kill civilians on a daily basis in a growing number of countries?

I could go on.

I can't believe how many of you are asking this idiotic, pathetic question.

[fadedrose]

15. I agree with all the bad stuff we did...

We've put in and replaced leaders of almost every country in the world under the "aid" blanket. We do not treat all countries equally. Justice isn't one of our priorities most of the time.

But how could they all be protesting at the same time. This is so well organized that our government had to be aware of the revenge these people seem to be seeking. I know they are fed up with the Palestine situation, but still, all at the same time?

It's the UNITED appearance I can't understand. Hell, we can't get 50 states to agree on anything.

[onecent]

7. From what I heard on Bill Maher there are not

as many protesters as the media is trying to portray.

The media is damn good at making all this look like WWIII and it is NO WERE NEAR THAT.

.i.e. Chis Hayes on Realtime

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2012/09/14/chris_hayes_explains_why_he_thinks_people_overreacted_to_hero_comment.html

[darkangel218]

8. You were being sarcastic, right?

[fadedrose]

12. Sadly, no. Am very sincere...

Just now was posted - Sudan and Tunisia diplomats ordered out...

Whatever force has organized so many countries is one to be reckoned with. Can't believe a couple of drones or a movie could do all this.

Didn't the State Dept. have a clue as to how deep the wounds are, or the real cause, or what is that force that is so well organized and trusted?

No, I'm not being sarcastic. I'm actually very worried...

[CJCRANE]

14. Look at the "Arab Spring"...

that was spontaneous to a certain extent but there were also people who had been preparing for it and forces under the radar promoting it.

The "The Arab Winter" is probably propelled by similar though opposing forces (forces that want demagoguery rather than democracy).

BTW: Does anyone know where the phrase "Arab Winter" originated? I heard Romney use it in his first speech about the embassy attacks and noticed DUers used it on the same day. Was it a Fox News meme or mentioned in other media?

[backscatter712]

10. They don't hate us for our freedom.

They hate us because we've destroyed their freedom.

We (that is the US, the European colonial powers, etc.) have been exploiting these countries, propping up vicious dictators, taking their natural resources and leaving them in poverty hell. The anti-Mohammed video was merely the straw that broke the camel's back.

[fadedrose]

13. Granted, we destroyed something -but that they are all mad on the same day!!!?

Somebodies are celebrating who hate us even more than the protesting countries...

[libguard]

16. Revolution comes after some improvements make them think more are possible.

Arab spring allowed them to dream bigger dreams. Until a spark sets them off. Seriously downtrodden almost never revolt. And those that lead the charge, are usually the more elite amongst them.

[Scootaloo]

17. Well, reading the thread, your question isn't "why," so much as "how"

So here's how.



fast, cheap, easy mass communication. Wait until Sub-Saharan Africa gets a few more cell phone towers and internet hubs, you think you're seeing crazy shit in the Middle East?

[fadedrose]

18. Scary...