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........................... Oct. 05 - Oct. 18, 2001
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Express Yourself
Free Speech, Expression - Part of Being American |
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Everywhere I turn, I hear the events of September 11 described as an "attack on America." That, of course, is an accurate description. But to me, it doesn't cover the breadth of the implications. There are people who hold the view that America has, to some degree, brought this on itself with its history of botched foreign relations and meddling interventions.
Regardless of the bad results, the key factor is that the U. S. never gets involved unless it thinks it can accomplish something positive. Granted, its aims may not be "positive" from other points of view, but America tries to do the right thing. Overbearing but well-meaning Uncle Sam, world policeman, rides to the rescue, regardless of whether anyone considers themselves in distress.
The attack of September 11, 2001, apparently had no purpose but to kill people and provoke a fight that will cost more lives. What good will that do? What will it change? Not only will it not stop America's involvement in international issues, it will dramatically increase the country's direct involvement and have an internationally unifying effect in support of America.
It seems like a great deal of trouble and a godawful waste of life to shoot oneself in the foot. Whatever their cause, the terrorists have likely done it more harm than good in the international arena.
It's on the home front that this attack has the potential to make inroads. The overwhelming censure that landed on Bill Maher for refusing to call the terrorists cowards and the slew of hate crimes targeting Islamic people are examples of the worst possible reactions. There are obviously some freedoms that must be surrendered in the name of national security. Self-censure of our remaining freedoms (specifically freedom of speech and religion) are totally unacceptable.
It isn't blasphemous to acknowledge the canniness or bravery of an enemy. Americans tend to associate the word "bravery" with good deeds, but it simply means that fear did stop someone from doing something. It's ridiculously easy to call these people cowards, fanatics, or barbarians. However, underestimating an opponent is one of the most fatal mistakes that can be made in any conflict.
People should be able to say that America is not blameless in the matter of its dreadful international public image without being accused of being "un-American." That term did more than enough damage the last time it was popular - during the height of the Cold War. If you aren't familiar with Joseph McCarthy's House of un-American Activities, you should look it up. Self-censure is a more dire threat to civil liberties than an outside force. Everyone has a right to question President Bush's decisions. Debate is the foundation of democracy. Debate and constitutional freedoms are the foundation of America.
Let's not allow this attack to rock the country's foundations.
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| By Erin Balha | |
No one who's being honest and logical can deny that the U. S. has fumbled on its foreign policy in fairly spectacular fashion from time to time. Our involvement in Afghanistan during the Cold War is a prime example. However, that isn't the first time a superpower has trod on the toes of other nations. The histories of Spanish and British conquest make America's meddling seem quite benign.
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