A response, of sorts

All over the web, you’ll find people posting that they don’t know anyone who supports the War on Iraq. This recent opinion poll seems to indicate that this is far from the truth in the UK.

This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, though. Those in opposition to the prevalent policy of the day always shout louder than those in agreement with the government of the day. Equally, people tend to surround themselves with self-reinforcing (and justifying) groups of like-minded people. In essence, you surround yourself with people who think like you naturally, and then assume that everyone thinks like you, simply because that’s your experience of the world. However, it shouldn’t take long to realise that there are newspapers out there promoting views in opposition to your own. Here’s a newsflash: those papers are selling and many of the readers agree with the views espoused.

I think it’s fair to say that opinion is sharply divided in the UK over war. I also think it’s fair to say that those opposed to it are not in the majority they assume they are.

However, I am heartened to see that both sides seem to respect Robin Cook for his stand, and look down on Claire Short for her display of abject cowardice. Politicians of principle are all too rare right now. I might not agree with you, Mr Cook, but I applaud your courage. Well done, sir.