"Americans and the Burning Bush " Tehran Times

[TexasLawyer]

02.06.2005 <12:58 >

Americans and the Burning Bush

By Deonna Kelli Sayed


<snip>

Americans are victims, as well, of this administration. We have been lied to, cheated out of our children’s economic future to fund an illegitimate war, and thrown into a cycle of violence that threatens the safety of all Americans. Information on world issues is disturbingly monolithic. It is increasingly difficult to find alternative viewpoints on political issues from mainstream media, almost all are owned by larger corporations involved in various parts of the war machine. Most Americans don’t understand the full context of what is happening in Iraq or Afghanistan and have little time to gain alternative viewpoints.

A majority of U.S. soldiers are from poorer, less-educated segments of U.S. society, earning money for college or career training they would otherwise not have. It is easier to have such people in the army. They follow orders and are less likely to question authority. Soldiers were not prepared for the moral and ethical dilemmas they face. Indeed, many have questioned the validity of this war. It remains difficult for the average American to believe their country sometimes behaves badly.

Many Americans – almost half of those who vote — are frustrated Bush will serve four more years. To the rest of the world, however, it appears that most Americans agree with Bush’s foreign political agenda. This puts Americans, both at home and abroad, in more danger than before. If the majority of Americans agree with Bush’s agenda with full knowledge that American security is compromised by our president, then how can American citizens complain when we are kidnapped, bombed, and mistreated?

Is it OK to inflict violence on other societies and expect no retaliation? It isn’t fair that innocent Americans are targeted, but citizens must understand the rest of the world does not see Americans as innocent bystanders. America, after all, is a democracy, and one that reelected a leader who feels commanded by God.


<snip>

http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=6/2/2005&Cat=14&Num=001

[Wapsie B]

1. What a powerful article.

Thank you. So many in this country just don't understand why America may be viewed somewhat less than favorably around the world. The schools of this country need history texts written by Howard Zinn.