I have said it in previous posts and I will say it again: the world has been watching the US and we have set a precedent of neither respecting voters nor the wishes of the world. We did not seek a "permission slip" for the war and neither will any other country seek one from us regarding their own affairs. The effect our policies have on world affairs and democracy itself is profound. The romantic notion of spreading democracy has been tainted by the blood of those lost for pride, greed, and power. This news from Russia is tucked in the world section most Americans will ignore over coffee. Our leaders understate the chaos, insulting our intelligence. Let us ignore the Russias of the world, if they are to be our allies in the oxymoronic War on Terror. After all, Stalin was our ally and he was one of the "good guys," right? Oh, the American only has time for soundbites and everyday life woes, but if we ignore the news, will it make the world go away? This reminds me of the quote Barbara Bush gave to Diane Sawyer regarding watching the news.
"I watch none. He sits and listens and I read books, because I know perfectly well that, don't take offense, that 90 percent of what I hear on television is supposition, when we're talking about the news. And he's not, not as understanding of my pettiness about that. But why should we hear about body bags, and deaths, and how many, what day it's gonna happen, and how many this or what do you suppose? Or, I mean, it's, it's not relevant. So, why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that. And watch him suffer."
March 18, 2003
Why bother our "beautiful mind," you ask? It is simply our duty, like a loving spouse, to ask questions and have a positive discourse. If you do not need to be bothered with the affairs of the country, then you should be ashamed to call yourself an American. This country was not founded by cattle, but by people. We are the government for the people, by the people, and it is time the people awake from their gluttonous nap.
