|
Unfortunately, we are now at war with the nation
of Iraq, and pro and con aside, I can’t help but feel that there is a sad situation developing right here at home. There is
a sad movement in this country asking for anti-war protestors to cease and desist with their protests, marches and speeches.
The only thing that this is accomplishing is to undermine the unity The United States has experienced since the horrendous
events on September 11, 2001.
The protestors are being called un-American and un- patriotic because they have decided
for their own reasons that we should not have invaded Iraq. Why is the exercising of our freedoms in this county deemed un-patriotic?
Isn't it freedom that we are fighting for? Isn't it that very same freedom under our democracy that our government wants to
introduce to the Iraqi people when the war is finally over? Whether we agree or disagree with the war protestors, don't all
of us enjoy their right to say it and isn't it the very same freedom that allows supporters of the war to speak their minds
about the protestors?
Many Americans are saying that no one should protest this war because our troops need our support.
Our troops probably know better than most of us that fighting for this country means fighting for our way of life. They probably
don't like seeing the images of anti-war protests and rallies taking place all over America, but they certainly understand
and appreciate the freedom to do so.
It has also been said that the visions of American protestors taking to the streets
in American cities as seen on television in the Iraqi and surrounding area is giving the enemy an impetus to carry on with
their fight. Surely those all over the world who watch and see these protests must rather be marveling at the rights we all
enjoy, and that America must indeed be a great land of liberty simply by witnessing our freedom to disagree with our government,
especially at a time of war such as this. That is what the world sees and we should be proud of the fact that we can exercise
that freedom.
My heart goes out to those families who have lost someone in this war and I am sure their pain and suffering
is beyond the comprehension of those of us who have not experienced such a loss. I am also sure that when these families see
war protestors taking to the streets, their hurt may turn to anger. No one can blame them for that, but they too know that
their loved ones gave their lives so people like me are insured the freedoms that our way of life and our nations constitution
guarantees.
I pray that not a single additional casualty occurs to any of our fighting men and women for the duration
of the war, and I pray for all of those who have experienced loss of life during this conflict. Only the lord above can make
any sense out of it.
As our own Independence Day approaches, I hope that as Americans we have come to the realization
that our country and it's citizens need to be allowed to utilize our rights in trying and troubled times even more so than
at times of peace and comfort. Let the protestors protest. Thank GOD that in America, they are still free to do so.
CP
|
