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I was watching a bit of the pro U.S. mission demonstrations and speeches today on CSPAN. I saw some of the photo’s on the web from yesterday’s anti U.S. demonstrations.
After giving the opposing viewpoints, I think I can summarize them. Although I may mischaracterize the anti U.S. position. If I do, I’d like a correction.
Is the U.S. a Force for Good?
The pro U.S. position is that the U.S. is a force for good in the world. It doesn’t mean we always live up to our billing. But if the U.S. did not exist, then, as Yoda might say, “Matters would be worse.â€
The anti U.S. position is the U.S. is not a force for good in the world and in fact is a force for evil. If the U.S. did not exist, the world would be much better off and everyone would live in peace.
The Cost of Freedom
The pro U.S. position is that freedom is worth more than life itself. This position does not minimize the casualties we have taken in Afghanistan and Iraq. It embraces them, cries bitter tears over them, and then goes forward into the battle. The take Lincoln’s words to hear, “…that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion…â€
The anti U.S. position is that life is worth more than freedom. One casualty fighting for liberty for not just someone else, but even for the U.S. is one too many. It is better to live as a slave and than to die a in the cause of freedom.
Iraq
The pro U.S. position is that we should stay in Iraq, until the Iraqi’s can fend for themselves. If we can successfully plant democracy in Iraq, that flower will grow to envelop the entire Middle East someday. Every terrorist we kill in Iraq is one less terrorists that could threaten the U.S. homeland.
The anti U.S. position is our presence in Iraq is creating more terrorists. The terrorists in Iraq are not terrorists but freedom fighters that are only trying to remove the yoke of U.S. oppression. We should immediately withdraw from Iraq and let the Iraqi’s sort it out for themselves.
George Bush
The pro U.S. position is that George Bush has done the right thing in invading both Afghanistan and Iraq. That doesn’t mean they agree with everything Bush has done. But on his foreign policy, they find agreement.
The anti U.S. position is George Bush is a war criminal as well as every member of his cabinet. All of them should be brought before the World Court and tried for crimes against humanity. They believe that assassination of the president would remove a great force for evil in the world. Should Bush die, they would celebrate for 40 days and 40 nights.
As I say, I may be mischaracterizing some of their positions as I’m a pro U.S. person and thus don’t total understand my opponents.
Posted by The Vorlon at September 25, 2005 7:07 PM