February 19, 2006

Will we let Jill Carroll be killed? Philosopher Peter Singer on kidnapped journalist Jill Carroll. (Via C&L.)
posted by homunculus 18 years ago
  • Well, this is a declared "War on Terror," right? Doesn't that take it beyond a simple kidnapping ransom and into the realm of the exchange of prisoners of war?
  • The US administration has taken the stance that they won't negotiate with terriorists. The worst thing I can think of is that they'd let her be killed to show how macho they are, and THEN free the Iraqi women who don't seem to be threats.
  • I don't know, as awful as it is to say it, I thought the stuff about Columbia was somewhat persuasive. The other worst thing I can think of is that they release the Iraqi women since they were going to anyway, and inspire a kidnapping boom. The whole situation is unbearable any way you slice it- the worst things you can think of seem to be the only possiblities.
  • Maybe they could exchange Singer for Carroll. I mean he's an important philiospher and she'sjust a journalist. Then we could have an informed debate. We could invite master debators from all over the world to participate.
  • Well, Singer is a utilitarian. They tend to be real throw-themselves-on-the-sword types. He might agree. But seriously, in this sort of situation, I don't think there is a right thing to do.
  • Man, I thought this was written by Pete Seeger.
  • Is she drowning in a shallow pond?
  • Jim Carroll's already dead.
  • No, no his friends died.
  • The best possible news stolen straight from Metafilter. Laugh, cheer, drop to knees, throw up the horns, high fives all around, etc.
  • Yes, good news, however I got mine from Google, not Metafilter.
  • Fuckin' YEAH! \m/ WhooooOOOO! \m/
  • Phew.
  • To say the least ;)