Liberty can not exist in a vacuum....
Greed ( Food-for-Oil Program), apathy (France & Germany) and political rhetoric (John Kerry, Democrates) suck the life out of Liberty and Freedom. Because of the continued fighting that is going on in the world I wanted to stop and look at the challenges we face as we stand just inside the entrance of the post 9/11 world.
Poster created during World War II
Of course our first half step into this mess can be labeled “Shock and Awe”. Why do we insist on being so forceful? Great question! Let me lay some ground work first before I approach answering.
Our country’s foundation dates back to a time when educated aristocrats managed the affairs of state. There was an air of civility which from time-to-time was only a front that was built up to deal with man’s utter brutality. Diplomacy was the order of the day and because of the lack of rapid communications, time was available to formulate a solid position on matters of state. Rapid response was only necessary when slow moving diplomacy finally broke down.
British intervention in America from 1621 until 1756 was very little. When the British began to impose their will in 1765 (Stamp Act) and not allow an equal voice in parliament, the colonists pushed back slowly. It was not until the Boston Massacre, March of 1770, that diplomacy started to break down. Two years later we see the Gaspée Incident, June of 1772, Rhode Island citizens burn the British naval cutter, the Gaspée, after it runs aground. One year after, December of 1773, the Boston Tea party event takes place. All of these events eventually lead up to war. During this same time span, the slow death of diplomacy was taking place. Why is this important? The colonist slowly found themselves moving from English citizens to oppressed people. Oppressed people don’t just “know” they are being treated unfairly, they “feel” it. The desire for Liberty and Freedom has to come from the heart. The colonist had enjoyed over 150 years of individual control over their own lives. The opportunities they were afforded in this “New World” were slowly evaporating. The birth of the American Dream was beginning to be choked. Freedom is a not a thought, but a feeling, a desire. It is a part of every individual and once you have a taste of it you will fight to keep it.
Liberty vs. Diplomacy vs. Force
Diplomacy works when you have a military advantage, but even then that advantage does not always defeat your opposition. If I were to choose between two fighters, one with the heart of Liberty and the other with the mind of Diplomacy, I would choose Liberty every time. When oppression happens suddenly or a population seizes the opportunity to fight, the critical mass can become a major force and formidable movement towards Liberty. Back in the 1770’s diplomacy lost and force took its’ place. The Revolutionary War was a struggle fueled by the desire of Liberty and Freedom.
Saddam & George III
King, Dictator, Ruler… call it what you will. A single ruling individual that choices the Rights, Freedoms (or lack there of) and Liberty. Leaves the misrepresentative citizens with no say. The citizens then have one of two options. Accept oppression or fight for Liberty.
Terrorist vs. Freedom Fighter
Recently I have had discussions with a knowledgeable Rino (Republican in Name Only). He has described the colonists during the Revolutionary War as terrorists. AHHHHH! His argument makes me want to kick Michael Moore for dumbing down our county. And he also claims that the terrorist could be considered Freedom Fighters. Here is my definition of a Freedom Fighter: an individual or organized group that’s purpose is to free itself from an oppressive ruler or government with the specific intent of freeing the people and allowing the people to decide how their territory and life within should be managed. Freedom Fighters use tactics that Liberals spin into actions that look like terrorist attacks. But here is the big difference. Freedom Fighters do not kill their own people on purpose. Freedom Fighters are enablers and liberators. Terrorists attack to cause terror, create chaos and control through fear. Terrorist will do anything for the “power grab” They use religion as a front; they use the same Nazi fascist tactics. They are disablers and oppressors that have an evil in their heart that can only be traced back to the devil. Opps! Did I just include a reference to the bible? Terrorist do not have a single shred of morality in their soul.
O.K. so I have covered: Liberty comes from the heart, Force trumps Diplomacy, definitions of Terrorist and Freedom Fighters, Oppressed people have a choice. So what the heck is my point? Governments around the world survive only through control. Liberty will undermine many different forms of government and that terrifies those leaders (Dictators) currently in power. Our government has its flaws but has created vast amounts of Liberty that no other country has ever enjoyed. As democracy takes root in the Middle East we watch with bated breath hoping that what sprouts will produce good fruit. I am worried that it won’t. The current situation in Iraq has promise. But the people have not been forced to fight themselves out of the corner they were pushed into. The idea of Liberty and Freedom are words that have not taken up a place in the heart and soul of the county yet. I pray that as the fight against the terrorist within their borders continue. The people of Iraq begin their own fight for Liberty, that they take control of their government, that they decide that building up their county trumps religious, cultural and social divisions. The dictator is gone but without the Iraqi people creating their own critical mass, they may be headed for another form of dictatorship or civil war. Iraqi’s need to form their own Freedom Fighting Force and fight their way towards Liberty against the enemy within. Without the desire to be free they will collapse.
So back to the question: Why do we insist on being so forceful? Force against a stationary object creates momentum. Initially it can be extremely difficult to move. The amount of initial brute force sometimes needs to be extreme for change to take place. 3000 people died on September 11th because a negative force pushed us into war. The enemy does not have borders and will target citizens. The brute force used to bring down the WTC need to be answered. Diplomacy failed because the opponent literally has nothing to lose. They will only understand force. You can’t enable sanctions and create resolutions ( Spineless U.N.). International law is not recognized by the terrorists and morality is non-existence. This army of fanatics can only be dealt with the way someone would handle a termite infestation in their home. You bomb it! Never in my life time do I expect Osama to sit down at the peace table and sign a formal treaty. Our Declaration of Independence from terror was signed in the blood of every individual that died in those towers and on the battlefront. Liberty and Freedom must prevail if the world hopes to someday be free of terror.
Poster created during World War II
Of course our first half step into this mess can be labeled “Shock and Awe”. Why do we insist on being so forceful? Great question! Let me lay some ground work first before I approach answering.
Our country’s foundation dates back to a time when educated aristocrats managed the affairs of state. There was an air of civility which from time-to-time was only a front that was built up to deal with man’s utter brutality. Diplomacy was the order of the day and because of the lack of rapid communications, time was available to formulate a solid position on matters of state. Rapid response was only necessary when slow moving diplomacy finally broke down.
British intervention in America from 1621 until 1756 was very little. When the British began to impose their will in 1765 (Stamp Act) and not allow an equal voice in parliament, the colonists pushed back slowly. It was not until the Boston Massacre, March of 1770, that diplomacy started to break down. Two years later we see the Gaspée Incident, June of 1772, Rhode Island citizens burn the British naval cutter, the Gaspée, after it runs aground. One year after, December of 1773, the Boston Tea party event takes place. All of these events eventually lead up to war. During this same time span, the slow death of diplomacy was taking place. Why is this important? The colonist slowly found themselves moving from English citizens to oppressed people. Oppressed people don’t just “know” they are being treated unfairly, they “feel” it. The desire for Liberty and Freedom has to come from the heart. The colonist had enjoyed over 150 years of individual control over their own lives. The opportunities they were afforded in this “New World” were slowly evaporating. The birth of the American Dream was beginning to be choked. Freedom is a not a thought, but a feeling, a desire. It is a part of every individual and once you have a taste of it you will fight to keep it.
Liberty vs. Diplomacy vs. Force
Diplomacy works when you have a military advantage, but even then that advantage does not always defeat your opposition. If I were to choose between two fighters, one with the heart of Liberty and the other with the mind of Diplomacy, I would choose Liberty every time. When oppression happens suddenly or a population seizes the opportunity to fight, the critical mass can become a major force and formidable movement towards Liberty. Back in the 1770’s diplomacy lost and force took its’ place. The Revolutionary War was a struggle fueled by the desire of Liberty and Freedom.
Saddam & George III
King, Dictator, Ruler… call it what you will. A single ruling individual that choices the Rights, Freedoms (or lack there of) and Liberty. Leaves the misrepresentative citizens with no say. The citizens then have one of two options. Accept oppression or fight for Liberty.
Terrorist vs. Freedom Fighter
Recently I have had discussions with a knowledgeable Rino (Republican in Name Only). He has described the colonists during the Revolutionary War as terrorists. AHHHHH! His argument makes me want to kick Michael Moore for dumbing down our county. And he also claims that the terrorist could be considered Freedom Fighters. Here is my definition of a Freedom Fighter: an individual or organized group that’s purpose is to free itself from an oppressive ruler or government with the specific intent of freeing the people and allowing the people to decide how their territory and life within should be managed. Freedom Fighters use tactics that Liberals spin into actions that look like terrorist attacks. But here is the big difference. Freedom Fighters do not kill their own people on purpose. Freedom Fighters are enablers and liberators. Terrorists attack to cause terror, create chaos and control through fear. Terrorist will do anything for the “power grab” They use religion as a front; they use the same Nazi fascist tactics. They are disablers and oppressors that have an evil in their heart that can only be traced back to the devil. Opps! Did I just include a reference to the bible? Terrorist do not have a single shred of morality in their soul.
O.K. so I have covered: Liberty comes from the heart, Force trumps Diplomacy, definitions of Terrorist and Freedom Fighters, Oppressed people have a choice. So what the heck is my point? Governments around the world survive only through control. Liberty will undermine many different forms of government and that terrifies those leaders (Dictators) currently in power. Our government has its flaws but has created vast amounts of Liberty that no other country has ever enjoyed. As democracy takes root in the Middle East we watch with bated breath hoping that what sprouts will produce good fruit. I am worried that it won’t. The current situation in Iraq has promise. But the people have not been forced to fight themselves out of the corner they were pushed into. The idea of Liberty and Freedom are words that have not taken up a place in the heart and soul of the county yet. I pray that as the fight against the terrorist within their borders continue. The people of Iraq begin their own fight for Liberty, that they take control of their government, that they decide that building up their county trumps religious, cultural and social divisions. The dictator is gone but without the Iraqi people creating their own critical mass, they may be headed for another form of dictatorship or civil war. Iraqi’s need to form their own Freedom Fighting Force and fight their way towards Liberty against the enemy within. Without the desire to be free they will collapse.
So back to the question: Why do we insist on being so forceful? Force against a stationary object creates momentum. Initially it can be extremely difficult to move. The amount of initial brute force sometimes needs to be extreme for change to take place. 3000 people died on September 11th because a negative force pushed us into war. The enemy does not have borders and will target citizens. The brute force used to bring down the WTC need to be answered. Diplomacy failed because the opponent literally has nothing to lose. They will only understand force. You can’t enable sanctions and create resolutions ( Spineless U.N.). International law is not recognized by the terrorists and morality is non-existence. This army of fanatics can only be dealt with the way someone would handle a termite infestation in their home. You bomb it! Never in my life time do I expect Osama to sit down at the peace table and sign a formal treaty. Our Declaration of Independence from terror was signed in the blood of every individual that died in those towers and on the battlefront. Liberty and Freedom must prevail if the world hopes to someday be free of terror.
