A Just Response

These essays from the Nation Magazine and other sources counter many of the media lies in its coverage since September 11th. These analysis, commentary and debates cover a spectrum of opinions. For anyone in the "movement" who is concerned about the direction of debate and positions - this book is a must read. Two authors in this collection of essays argue that the war on Afghanistan is "just": Richard Falk and Christopher Hitchens. The reason this debate is so important is that many progressive intellectuals who should know better are getting behind the U.S. War in Afghanistan and calling it a "just" war (most with this position go farther and call Kosovo "just" also). These people are actually polemicizing for the movement to get behind and support the U.S. government! Howard Zinn's response to all this was excellent. He said in part: "How can a war be 'truly just' that involves the daily killing of civilians; that is terrorizing the people of Afghanistan, causing hundreds of thousands to leave their homes to escape the bombs..."

Professor Falk in the past has been an important voice in opposition to some of the worst crimes of the century. During WWI and WWII many activists supported their own governments only to regret it later. Never is it right to join our government to go off and kill people just like us in other countries.

Edited by Katrina Vanden Heuvel.