[Peace-discuss] Insurgents yet again

[Bob Illyes]

John Wason wrote "the American Indians WERE considered 'insurgents' by the 
white settlers."

This is what I was responding too. I claim that white folks who settled on 
land that was Indian by treaty knew very well that they were taking what 
was not legally theirs. I wouldn't say that the settlers considered the 
Indians insurgents, but rather that they considered them inferior, and even 
worse thought it acceptable to take advantage of someone considered 
inferior. Welcome to Social Darwinism 101.

I think the PBS program's use of the word "insurgent" regarding the Indian 
was an abnormal use of English, and is a part of the ongoing effort to 
militarize all ethics and politics.

The consistent use of "insurgent" and "sectarian violence" in describing 
what is going on in Iraq papers over all important distinctions regarding 
the violence and explains nothing. They are a part of the verbal fog used 
to hide the real issues.

Bob