>>>There were a lot more than demonstrations. Most nations of the world, with the enthusiastic support of the Left, put rigid sanctions on South Africa, which arguably were a lot harder on the poor and black inhabitants than they were on the white rulers. If this isn't "dictating" to another country about who should rule, it at least is not neutral. You may argue, with some merit, that this is different than going in with an army, but it certainly is not leaving an oppressive nation to decide for itself how it is to be ruled by "inherent right."

>>>The point is that a judgment was made by other nations that South Africa had a system that was immoral, and actions were taken against that system. The fact that the war was economic instead of military doesn't matter that much when dealing with the basic moral question of interfering with another government.

Trade sanctions, demonstrations, or whatever else anyone may have done to encourage South Africa to change its policies do not equal "dictation".

Trade sanctions are very similar to shopper's choices. Chevy doesn't offer a car in a color you like so you don't shop there. Are you dictating the colors that Chevy must offer? Or closer: Chevy refuses to hire any Hispanic employees (note: I love Chevy's, and I assume that their hiring policies are typical) so you shop somewhere else. Maybe you write a letter to the local paper about it. Are you dictating anything to Chevy? Are you violating Chevy's rights?

I would say, that you are excercising your duty as an American when you speak up about something you perceive to be wrong. We don't need any sheep, around here.

In any case, and whatever Splinx may have said, I see no connection whatsoever between invading Iraq to effect regime change and the various encouragements the world offered to South Africa to end Aparteid. The one is the wrong way to do things, the other is the right way to do things.

>>>The hypocrisy of the Left in condemning South Africa while applauding totalitarian socialist nations that oppressed ALL their citizens, was noted many years ago. Apparently it was okay if you were an "equal opportunity" oppressor.

It wasn't "the Left", it was (and is) some folks on the left (depending on what you mean by applauding). Every Democrat I know hates oppression where ever we find it.

Your statement is approximatly as accurate as my stating that the Right is evil because they support bombing of abortion clinics.