“‘My country, right or wrong’ is a thing that no patriot would think of saying except in a desperate case. It is like saying ‘My mother, drunk or sober.’” — G.K. Chesterton
I need a bumper sticker that says “I’m with Natalie.” I suppose one that says “Tim is da man” would work almost as well. You see, I’m of the same ilk as Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks and Tim Robbins — actor, director, war protester. I think the war sucks, and I’m more than willing to say so.
According to strangers, friends and family members, I’m un-American. I find that a rather odd thing for them to say because, frankly, I consider myself to be extremely devoted to the principles this nation was founded upon. I suspect that our differing perspectives arise out of our definitions of what it means to be a good American.
Those who have challenged my status seem to believe that — at times of war or serious threats to national security — the most respectful thing you can do is stifle any dissenting views you may have until a more appropriate time. The problem is, I can’t think of a more appropriate time.
Yes, we have soldiers overseas fighting and dying, and no one should ever be asked to give their life for a specious reason. Therefore, the logic seems to go, I am not to criticize the reasons they’re being asked to fight and die because they might begin to feel that their sacrifice is not appreciated.
Let me be very clear: I appreciate their sacrifice. I honor and respect those who have voluntarily given up their ability to exercise their own rights and assumed responsibility for protecting mine. I also believe that their sacrifices are being wasted and abused by the current administration. I think our nation’s military men and women are being asked to fight for a cause that is immoral, illegal and completely unrelated to protecting our nation’s security.
If I were to keep my opinions to myself, I would tacitly be condoning the needless sacrifice of our military men and women. That I will not do. Instead, I’d like to raise the rafters with my protest. Don’t forget, the men and women in the military have taken an oath to follow orders. They depend on us, the American people, to make sure that the orders they follow are sane, moral and worthwhile. They don’t have the luxury of questioning their orders. We do. To do less than that is to truly dishonor their sacrifice.
Don’t misunderstand. I’ve no love for Hussein’s regime, and I’m not sorry to see it fall. Neither was I sorry to see the Taliban toppled. Nevertheless, I do not believe that we have the right to run about the world toppling leaders of sovereign nations simply because we don’t like their internal policies. And, if you want to try to convince me that we’re taking them out because they are a threat to our national safety, then you must first explain to me why we aren’t directing our efforts toward other nations who pose a more clearly identifiable threat.
If I remember correctly, the terrorists of Sept. 11, 2001, were from Saudi Arabia. China certainly has weapons of mass destruction and a demonstrated disrespect for human rights. North Korea’s posture has become increasingly aggressive toward the United States over the past few years, and we actually know they are developing nuclear weapons.
I often recall a bedtime story I heard as a child about a foolish and vain emperor who paraded around in his birthday suit, while he and all those around him were convinced he was royally garbed, until a small child — who didn’t know better than to tell the truth — asked why the emperor had no clothes on.
Well, in my humble opinion, this administration is bare-assed naked. Bravo to Natalie, Tim and the others who aren’t afraid to say so.