Janel's Place

This morning I was thinking about Churchill and his comments reeking of anti-American, anti-capitalist philosophy, and I thought back to an interview I heard about with... Theresa Heinz Kerry I believe... something along the lines of "other countries must deal with this type of terrorism everyday, why should America be any different?" Regardless of the accuracy of who said it or what was said, this idea pervades youth today with an attached self-righteousness that is almost intoxicating. Why should America be the leader of the free world? Why should it be an economic superpower? Why should we call ourselves the greatest nation in the world? Somehow living in such a great nation is something to be ashamed of. Rather than strive to see that other nations rise to the standard of peace we enjoy, we should accept terrorism within our borders as others have had to, after all it is only fair. Congressmen inking their fingers as a show of solidarity with the Iraqi people is a farce -- a true show of solidarity would be to give up their homes, lose their families, live without good food or water, etc. Well you know what? This is madness! Would one show solidarity with those who have been crippled by injury or disease by crippling themselves?

No, you thank God for what you have and you never forget those less fortunate. You work your tail off to live your life to the fullest possible, be proud of your achievements, and help the next generation to make it even farther than you did. The idea of a world without terror is an ideal, not a reality. At this point in history, the United States is a nation which has the capacity to lead toward this ideal. We have immense economic power, immense military power, and the ernest desire to spread freedom to every corner of the world as the final termination of tyranny. What better remedy is there for terror? Passivism? Timidity? Weakness? Tolerance? Bargaining? Make your arguments, show your solidarity by stripping yourself of your wealth and pride, but in fact you show only your selfishness. You feel noble in cutting down yourself and your countrymen, but you have achieved only a feeling. Those who took action have results to celebrate. A birth of freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan far outshine a feeling.