My dad served proudly in the U.S. Air Force for 30 years and attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. I am proud of him. We don’t always agree, but he raised me with a very strong moral base, so the fundamentals are the same.
Listen to me closely — supporting our troops and supporting a war they are fighting in are different. Can I disagree with my country's foreign policy and respect the women and men whose job is to defend my country? You’d better believe it.
And if you’re wondering why I question this war, please read this BBC News interview with Fareed and Zaynab Sabri, two Iraqi exiles now living in Britain:
“If this is about democracy then why has America ignored the United Nations? If this is about freedom then why does the US support some of the most backward regimes in the Middle East? Why is there no equal treatment for the Palestinians?“Every time America gets involved it comes with its own agenda and makes problems worse.”
Do I think these United States need to have the approval of the United Nations for their actions? No, especially not if our security is threatened. But diplomacy is about negotiating a win for everyone. It’s hard work, but in the long run, it’s far healthier for the people of this planet.
I just want a foreign policy I can point to with pride. See there — the United States respected the sovereignty of other nations. Look here — we prevented greater misery at the cost of our own people. And we did it all without double standards, instead standing true to liberty and equality. We fostered the pursuit of happiness globally without defining for others what that pursuit should be.
America is a dream. Let her live.
Posted by Mike at March 20, 2003 10:21 AM | TrackBack