People susceptible to immediate gratification may feel satisfied with the recent events in Iraq. We have apparently conquered this nation, and as mainstream media portrays it, we are now the heroes of the day in the Middle East.’
The majority of Americans feel safer believing these half-truths. They fail to see beyond the plasma screen TV the troubles, which have not and could not be solved with the removal of Saddam Hussein.’ As the economy and corporate ethics of America suffer, the people are told this is a natural sacrifice associated with the war on terror.’
But certain corporations close to the Bush administration, like Halliburton, will miraculously benefit from the spoils of this war.’ Networks show us pictures of Iraqis in the streets, cheering for their freedom, trying to make us feel that our actions are liberating, democratic and even morally righteous.
Yet what is not shown are the Iraqi dead and wounded, the Iraqis looting, rioting and stealing, and the Iraqis underground plotting retribution. Recently someone told me that the recent suicide bombings in Iraq prove there was a link between Iraq and al Qaeda. But that link is a lie.’ U.S. bombs directly create terrorist bombings and only increase the likelihood an Iraqi-al Qaeda link will be formed.’
And the focus keeps shifting.’ The invasion into Iraq covered up rebuilding in Afghanistan, and now invading Syria will cover up rebuilding Iraq.’ It seems as long as we are at war, the problems war will create with the U.N., the Muslim world, the U.S. economy, and terrorism are unimportant, unpatriotic and unmentionable.’ So what do we do now?’ Where do we go on this long journey toward peace?’
Firstly, there is the long-term, political approach to consider. ‘ Education, lobbying, and election reform, are all part. ‘ Protests need to continue as Bush’s endless wars continue to show the rest of the world we are not just a people of brutality, imperialism and warfare.’ The 2004 Republican convention is in New York City.’ We need to send Bush a clear message that warmongers and terrorists are not welcome in our great city, which has already lost so much because of senseless violence.
America also needs progress in the fields of alternative energy.’ Every time the wind blows and every sunny day so much energy is being wasted. Who has benefited from this? ‘ Without oil there never would be a Saddam Hussein, or a George W. Bush, for that matter.’ People are simply too dependent upon a resource that is quickly running low.’ As the scarcity is increasing so is the demand, and countries are fighting over it. ‘ Alternative energies are a key to long term future peace and stability.
Secondly, there is the humanitarian route- Care, compassion, and love for the poor and downtrodden of the world are a necessity in times like these.’ Food, clothing, and shelter are of the utmost importance to people.’ While others receive the media glory of fighting terrorism by dropping thousands of thousand-dollar bombs, in truth it is the little compassionate acts such as toothbrushes, soap, blankets and food that will one day end the anger and urge toward retribution so crucial to terrorist recruitment.’
Despite his popularity, there are huge gaps in Bush’s policies, and they will catch up with us.’ The people expected to fill in these gaps or at least question them (namely Democrats) have been silent.’ It is the everyday people of America–and the world–who will suffer from a lack of debate and discourse on such matters.’ ‘
