If Turkey simply had dismissed this non-binding resolution's possible passage instead of condemning it so loudly and thereby legitimizing its relevancy, as I often suggest when I ask for restraint of the Turks (who are born with the 'reactionary' gene), the average American's, (as well as the global community's), attention span would not have outlived the discussion of the 'current' implications of such a public relations disaster.
As a result, we're left with legitimizing the rhetoric, and cheaping the cause (for and of Turks, Armenians, as well as Americans).
I am not disputing the importance of recognition followed by reconciliation, and reiterate that this is not an argument for or against genocidal intentions and its existence (or acceptance) in the history of the human race (not exclusive to only Turkey, or Islam, or both), but a realization of unfamiliarity and passing judgement when it comes to judging the present and future actions of any one group based on its past record of irrationality. History is a great reminder, as well as a resource, when it comes to holier than thou accusations.
Enter the 'War on Terror' and the 'timing' of Turkey's insistence that the 'terrorist' PKK organization based in Iraq fighting for the Kurdish independence must be dealt with accordingly. The argument is defeated in light of the 'intent' of Turkish tendencies as it relates to mass killings, deportations, and holy wars. And then we wonder why the terrorists hate us . . .
I wonder if Russia would show the same reaction if the U.S. Congress passed a similar resolution condemning the atrocities committed by the Soviet Union, say in Crimea, at a time when crime and punishment did not correlate. And if Russia today was fighting the Chechen rebels with the same velocity.
Sometimes the best of intentions are better off put on hold in the interest and for the sake of the worst of impressions. And other times not. When choosing sides, we must tread lightly.
Or not choose sides if it's a lose-lose as this comment left on the Jerusalem Post shows, "The alliance with the Turkish state is very tempting, but an alliance with the 'diasporan' Armenians could even be more profitable."
Turks, and Muslims have yet to lighten up . . .
In a related development, Cox and Forkum, whose politics I haven't (always) agreed with, are quitting editorial cartooning. I really did enjoy their work, and thank them for many years of presenting serious subject matters in the fashion I have been able to understand and appreciate.
