To some degree, *We* are the barbarians at the gate. We have shamed ourselves in front of the world, and that makes me feel ashamed *and* angry.
(Note that I am not pointing a finger and blaming soldiers or presidents. As an American I figure I have to share some of the blame since *I* *am* a part of a set of people who should accept the stopped buck, resolve to stand together, and make definite plans to improve for the future.)
Amen. Like it of not, when we send soldiers to Iraq, they become representatives of America. No matter how much ordinary Americans, the soldiers' comrades-in-arms, our Secretary of Defense or our President try to distance ourselves from their actions, they represent us to the world. If we do not send extraordinary souls to do extraordinary work, we should not expect extraordinary results.
I don't hate America, as some would have it because I dare to want us to be what we claim to be, but I am smart enough to realize that lots of people in the world are looking for validation of *their* hatred and have found it. Puh-leeze don't lecture me about how unimportant the opinion of the rest of the world is to you. If you really don't care about the rest of the world, then petition to bring our troops home to defend Fortress America.
Dave
He Who Lives By The Sword Maru
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