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Jan. 26, 2005 “My most solemn duty is to protect this nation and its people against further attacks and emerging threats. Some have unwisely chosen to test America’s resolve and have found it firm.” (Inaugural Address, 20 Jan. 2005) It wasn’t too long ago the Soviet Empire was threatening to overwhelm many of the smaller nations in Asia, Africa, South and Central America. There were Soviet nuclear missiles not 90 miles from the Gulf Coast of the United States. It was a time (almost too late) for America to push back against the building communist threat. The Soviets eventually crumbled internally. Their push for a worldwide socialistic utopia was rejected by the democracies of the world. By its own refusal to do right by the populations subjugated under the Communist banner; that empire fell into political, military, financial and social bankruptcy. The Wall came down without one missile being fired. America breathed its sigh of relief; unaware there were many more and varied enemies on the world stage with a desire to prove America wasn’t so tough. How dare those Americans accept victory over communist idealism and socialistic activism? For a rash of reasons America began to ignore open hostility and attack against American interests; a series of major bombings, killings and assassinations; including an attack on New York’s World Trade Center in 1993, elicited little response from the world’s remaining superpower. Meanwhile, the world’s largest communist society went on its program of economic and militaristic expansion. North Korea made treaties with an American government that did not bother to verify; choosing to believe communists could actually be trusted. All through this period of “No-Fly Zones” and weak diplomatic rhetoric, Americans were being killed until, finally, our enemies miscalculated. They believed America was finally weak enough that a direct attack against a major US city would not only succeed; but enable someone else to claim the fear and the attention of the world. OOPS! America did not have another weak, stupid and bumbling idiot of a president after all. America was being led by a man who took his “most solemn duty” most seriously. The Taliban lost. Hussein lost. The Libyans surrendered their weapons program. The United Nations went into reputation repair mode in a swift attempt to become relevant again. “We will persistently clarify the choice before every ruler and every nation; the moral choice between oppression, which is always wrong, and freedom, which is eternally right. America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies.” (Address: 20 Jan. 2005) Quietly, and with great persistence, America has been holding a line since September 11, 2001. There have been cries to stop; cries to retreat; cries to let the United Nations deal with these problems of terrorism, slavery, tyranny and oppression. America has been showing anyone who will listen; the United Nations has been worthless in such matters for a long time. As a political body of deliberating diplomats, the UN is probably unmatched. But as an organization that actually accomplishes the goals of its high reaching charter, the UN is a miserable failure. There are many nations that enjoy the perks of a seat in the UN that are oppressive tyrannies. They keep a voice and a vote that permits them to continue to oppress their societies without major scorn or sanction. One of the most oppressive of these nations has veto power over any suggested sanction against the world’s dictatorships. In fact, China does not recognize the “morality” of freedom. The Communist nation will veto sanctions and support closed societies. “We will encourage reform in other governments by making it clear that success in our relations will require the decent treatment of their own people. America’s belief in human dignity will guide our policies, yet rights must be more than the grudging concessions of dictators; they are secured by free dissent and the participation of the governed. In the long run there is no justice without freedom, and there can be no human rights without human liberty.” (Address: 20 Jan. 2005) Ronald Reagan pushed hard within this ideal of “liberty”. His push broke apart the scourge of an oppressive Soviet Empire. When President Reagan was replaced, his immediate successors did not display the will or the drive necessary to promote liberty among the world’s surviving dictatorships. In fact, tyrannies thrived the twelve years under a mute and diplomatically satisfied America. Foreign policy focused mainly on Israel; allowing Iraq to skate on 17 resolutions and a corrupt “Oil-for-Food” program that managed to smokescreen the deaths of thousands of Iraqis. Yasser Arafat was able to keep hope alive for peace with an Israel whose existence he personally refused to legally recognize; while turning his back on the aggressions of his own people against innocent Jews. He was actually awarded a “Peace” prize. While his people suffered in silent squalor, he visited the White House as an honored guest and secured millions of dollars in aid which somehow never quite reached his supportive populace. The world’s dictatorships took notice and expanded their tyrannies; knowing America would have no interest in their oppressions and murders. It will take generations to repair the damage of twelve years of American indifference to the sufferings of millions. “Jailed dissidents” do not prefer chains. Women do not prefer lives of “humiliation and servitude”. No man prefers to be “bullied”. President Bush has brought scorn upon himself because he is attempting to rectify the previous years of neglect. “Some, I know, have questioned the global appeal of liberty – though this time in history, four decades defined by the swiftest advance of freedom ever seen, is an odd time for doubt.” (Address: 20 Jan. 2005) I believe we have to ask ourselves: “Do I agree that “permanent slavery” is a valid alternative lifestyle?” “Is “Permanent tyranny” and the deaths of thousands okay?” President George W. Bush has said his “most solemn duty” is the protection of America. For any nation to think the President will neglect his duty is for that nation to face a miscalculation with a consequence. ------------ About the Author: Michael John McCrae, husband to Linda for 30 years (and counting); Dad to Susan, Thomas, Timothy, David and Benjamin; Granddad (Guy) to Justin and Megan; has contributed over 300 articles to Useless-Knowledge.com. He writes from a politically conservative point of view and a Judeo-Christian cultural background that includes over 30 years of Biblical study. Michael served in the United States Armed Forces from January 1971 until August 2002, retiring honorably after 30 years of duty in the Army. He is currently working as a contractor in support of the Armed Forces in the Middle East. Michael John McCrae is a fellow with an opinion, and a desire to express it. He does that here. He writes an occasional poem too. Email: macswordV@hotmail.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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