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2003-02-24

Toward A More Perfect Union

When I opened my eyes on September 11th, I saw
citizens paying for government interests we know
little about and finally experiencing similar
fatalities as other countries have endured. I then saw
us as the world s bully who had been kicked from
behind. In order to reseal our union, speedy measures
were taken to draft the Homeland Security Act,
assuring government clearances that may compromise our
freedom. These measures were taken as we blindly
watched, still shocked over the act of war brought
upon us. Although nothing can condone what al Qaeda
has started, America is not hated without reason. Our
country fights for democracy, but it fights for its
own, less noble, interests as well.
It seems that the terrorist attacks of last year
are now the golden rule by which we declare war on
countries for their potential for offense. Not long
after the strikes began, U.S. diplomats were in
Somalia, looking for causes to strike there. The Bush
administration is now pointing at Iraq, as if this is
the time to resolve problems with inspections that
have existed since the end of the Gulf War. Moreover,
the Bush administration recently announced the birth
of a missile defense campaign. Our strategy of defense
has become our reason to attack, not to find peace.
Peace has hardly existed. We have had only the
absence of war. In the meantime, civilians are the
ones who die and are sent to die for their
governments. Our president is preparing us for a long
war and for what? To create a more frightful world for
our children? How much blood will we shed for our
protection? How much for our interests in oil and
trade? Peace can be obtained if we show the world we
are not like our leaders.