Mickey Z

Cool Observer

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Ben Tre logic

But first: An article/review of sorts about yours truly...in which Ron Jacobs calls me a “motherfucker” and it’s a compliment

We now return to our regularly scheduled bitterness and bile...

As reported by Lorna Gordon of BBC News, some 40 rivers in Norway have been infected with a parasite called Gyrodactylus Salaris (Gs), which has led to “the decimation of the wild Atlantic salmon.” The solution put in place involves hiring local fishermen to use nets to catch salmon and trout. These fish are then disinfected in a tank of salty water and moved to safety. Next, scientists release a chemical—a poison—called Rotenone into the water. Of course, says Gordon, these scientists “are quick to reassure us that it breaks down quickly, and is not toxic to humans, other animals or plants” but “as the chemical cloud drifts downstream it will kill every fish and parasite it embraces.” Gordon declares that watching this plan being executed reminded her of a “military operation.”

Which conveniently brings us to the concept of Ben Tre logic...

During the Vietnam War, AP correspondent Peter Arnett was writing about the provincial capital, Ben Tre when, on February 7, 1968, an unnamed U.S. Air Force Major told Arnett: “It became necessary to destroy the town to save it.”

Thus, “Ben Tre logic” is what leads one to destroy something out of the “best interests” of everyone involved.