http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=6/2/2005&Cat=14&Num=001It is popular these days in America to have bumper stickers on cars which say “Support the Troops”, “God Bless America”, and “Freedom isn’t Free.” Who is the latter message for? Is it for Americans who are losing family members in the military? Or for Iraqis who are losing everything for their freedom?
<snip>
Bush’s inauguration speech lauded the pursuit of liberty and democracy, mentioning these words over thirty times. He believes success is guaranteed because God has chosen him for this job. Normally, if a leader of a country suggests they are chosen by God, Americans say he or she is crazy.
>snip>
I sense America is starting the decline. It is a slow decline but one which will be more visible within a decade. The middle class is shrinking while the cost of living is rising. Many employed Americans can’t afford health care. Mechanisms in place to take care of the elderly may be deficient in thirty years. We are engaged in what seems to be a perpetual, never ending war.
<snip>
Perhaps that bumper sticker is a reminder to Americans that our own freedom isn’t free. It comes at the expense of America’s future.
*************************************************************************************
I wonder how the Jackson trial is going?