Is this statement true - "the ends justify the means"?

Question

Does the capture and execution of one ruthless dictator justify the murder of 200,000 (the number killed before Saddams capture) innocent civilians and the destruction of ancient religious sites?

I am not asking about the current mission in Iraq -instilling democracy - only the previous one - capturing Saddam and stopping his WMD programs (which have since proved nonexistant).

Answer 1

To those that wanted him gone, yes. But to those who lost those loved ones, no. Chicken and the egg pal. Those in power will always use that power to exploit those that are less fortunate. If it could be proven that even one life was saved by this war, then I would say yes. But that will never be proven because the U.S. will never leave Iraq. We will always have our money and advisers there. Of course, I am brainwashed so what do I know.

Answer 2

well, the 200,00 dead people is wrong, but the end of his dictatorship was right. despite the fact he had no WMD, he was still a murderous tyrant. I think the plan that Bush has taken during this whole war was a little bad.
And wake up people, people die in wars. granted, i would like to see a world of peace, but until EVERYBODY in the world hops on that band wagon, war is needed. we can;t just sit there and take what ever violent action or potentionaly violent action thrown our way and do nothing in the name of peace! thats the quickest way to have some one like Saddam or Hitler come over here and either wipe us out or take control. And why do you think all the 200,000 were innocent? keep in mind most of those were people fighting us. what? should our troops have stood there and taken a bullet so no more death would happen? be resonable

Answer 3

Wrong use of the phrase. The "means" that would justify the capture and execution of Saddam would be the invasion.

Answer 4

the weapons have not been proven as being non-existent, you do realize as recently as the late 80's Saddam did have plans for nuclear weapons and even had a plant capable of producing them until they were destroyed by Israel. and you do understand that The entire world knew he had plants capable of producing the weapons he used against Iran and his own people (notice he actualy had weapons at one point, so what makes you think he still didnt?). He refused to allow inspectors to prove he was not manufacturing those weapons. and that's why we went to war?

How many people did Saddam kill? oh wait that right he didn't, he actually supplied every one with kittens and sunflowers....

Saddam was a killer, Saddam was in violation of world law (you should be asking them why they didn't act) and Saddam was rightly punished by his own people.

get over it.

Oh and please feel free to ask as many asinine questions as you like, your not going to change history or facts.

And in this case YES! they defenatly do.

Answer 5

That was step 1.....Justified
Step 2 is deliver democracy and peace by eliminating the residuals ( Insurgents) Justified

Answer 6

the ripple effect of Bush's decisions have killed more innocents than Saddam Hussein could invision

Answer 7

The ends never did justify the means, but, if you're a NeoCON, and there's a Dollar to be made, YOU can justify anything!!!!

Doc

(Does God "speak" to you; or, is that a police helicopter's PA system???)

Answer 8

no
i beleive that the ends don't justify the means

Answer 9

"Garbage in, garbage out"

"You reap what you sow".

So yes, the means justify the end!

Answer 10

Who cares?

If they cleaned up their own backyard, we wouldnt have to.