George W Bush, 4th of July. Independence Day
copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
In recent years, on each official holiday America seems to commemorate conflict. In this nation holidays are not Holy Days, although they are treated as such. Citizens ask G-d to bless our battles. Today, as I read the text of the President’s speech and listened to sermons delivered by dignitaries, I wondered. I repeatedly inquired; “Are we acknowledging Independence Day or Memorial Day.” Our President spoke in memorial. He asked that we pay tribute to the fallen soldiers. Mister Bush went on to honor the multiplicity of wars. We ,as a people, seem to remember the events that take the lives and limbs of many worldwide and not the reason we observe a date.
Americans ritualize ceremonies that revere conflict. As a country, we praise doctrines that cause death and destruction at every turn.
Citizens residing in the USA honor the combat and the combatants. Civilians and causes are forgotten. On this July 4, 2007, I would like to take a moment to consider today is not a day intended to celebrate conflict. It is the anniversary of Independence.
As we deny those in Iraq and Afghanistan their sovereignty, we venerate our own. The irony, for me, is inexplicable, inescapable, and enigmatic.
In the name of our forebears, our Commander-In-Chief declares we must never forget.
Our commitment to America’s founding truths remains steadfast. We believe that freedom is a blessing from the Almighty and the birthright of every man and woman. As our Nation faces new challenges, we are answering history’s call with confidence that our legacy of freedom will always prevail. On Independence Day, we express our gratitude to the generations of courageous Americans who have defended us and those who continue to serve in our country’s hour of need, and we celebrate the liberty that makes America a light to the nations.
The light grows dim as the demise of many a nation increases. The death toll alone is daunting. The deliberate destruction is discouraging. The reality is that we as a sovereign state refuse to grant those in other countries what we hold near and dear.
How can we excuse, the duplicity that now passes as policy. Might we pardon our past. After all, the United States brought Saddam Hussein to power, only to deny him his throne later.
Washington, D.C., 25 February 2003 – The National Security Archive at George Washington University today published on the Web a series of declassified U.S. documents detailing the U.S. embrace of Saddam Hussein in the early 1980’s, including the renewal of diplomatic relations that had been suspended since 1967. The documents show that during this period of renewed U.S. support for Saddam, he had invaded his neighbor (Iran), had long-range nuclear aspirations that would “probably” include “an eventual nuclear weapon capability,” harbored known terrorists in Baghdad, abused the human rights of his citizens, and possessed and used chemical weapons on Iranians and his own people. The U.S. response was to renew ties, to provide intelligence and aid to ensure Iraq would not be defeated by Iran, and to send a high-level presidential envoy named Donald Rumsfeld to shake hands with Saddam (20 December 1983).
America imposes its ideology on nations worldwide. Americans reject the rights of people in other countries. We contradict our convictions. Disavow the independence and autonomy the citizens in nations abroad crave. Just as the British before had done, we, decide how individuals elsewhere must live. The United States declares its form of democracy the supreme. America claims its supremacy.
America may, after overturning one regime for another [temporarily] allow the newly placed leaders to govern; however, only if they rule as United States leaders deem “right.” If a President does not posture as those, in the “Independent,” western superpower thinks ideal, or within the framework of the ideologue in power in America, then they too will be removed.
Osama bin Laden spoke of this in a May 1998 interview. Then ABC broadcaster John Miller inquired of bin Laden . . .
What is the meaning of your call for Muslims to take arms against America in particular, and what is the message that you wish to send to the West in general?
The call to wage war against America was made because America has spear-headed the crusade against the Islamic nation, sending tens of thousands of its troops to the land of the two Holy Mosques over and above its meddling in its affairs and its politics, and its support of the oppressive, corrupt and tyrannical regime that is in control. These are the reasons behind the singling out of America as a target. And not exempt of responsibility are those Western regimes whose presence in the region offers support to the American troops there.
It is American and allied occupations that motivate the supposed militants. They, as we were during the days of the American Revolution, are rebels with a cause. Those labeled “insurgents” [as though this is a derogatory term] fight for their freedom just as the colonist in the New World 1776 once did.
Muslims in every sector of the world want the freedom to believe as they do. Those of other faiths wish to practice the religion of their choice. People in every nation do not think they should house the soldiers that kill their families en masse.
Just as the American colonists long ago rejected Governors the English empire put in power, Iraqis feel no allegiance to the “elected” officials in their homeland. Citizens everywhere crave the freedom to choose their own candidates. They yearn to write their own Constitution without influence or inducement from outside forces.
The Iraqis, Afghanis, Iranians, North Koreans, and people throughout the planet want what Americans claim to project, the right to rule as they, the people see fit. If countrymen and women in any continent choose to overthrow their leaders, they will. Americans must not require or enforce a schedule or a strategy.
We can, have, and perhaps, will forever try to dictate that others follow us, the United States of America in practicing what we believe are democratic principles. However, we will never triumph. Demands do not give rise to democracy. Domination is tyranny, no matter what the allegations.
If we are to honor our forefathers on this Independence Day, let us respect the philosophy every man and woman embraces. Self-determination, liberty, and justice [just-us] are unalienable rights. These privileges exist for us all. Every man, woman and child must preserve these principles. People throughout the planet can ensure that everyone, everywhere be granted their freedom. Let it begin with me.
Commemorate Independence . . .