Although many Americans probably do not realize it, these are historic times. The war on terror drags on, as does the reconstruction of Iraq. What has happened over the past year will shape the direction this country takes for the next 4 years. But what happens over this year, will possibly shape the direction that the Middle East takes over the next 40 years. A few topics I will write about include: How will the U.S. continue to prosecute the war on Terror?, Is preemptive military action still an effective tool for U.S. foreign policy? What role should the UN, NATO, the EU, and the politics of our allies play on our methods of combating terrorism?
As such, I truly feel that the 2004 Election was the most important election since 1932. In 1932 the American people decided it was the duty and responsibility of the Federal Government to battle the destitution, and wide-spread poverty wrought by the Great Depression. Today that idea seems obvious, but in 1932 it was revolutionary; and only a last minute "change of heart" by the Supreme Court freed FDR to implement the many social programs contained in the New Deal. By Roosevelt's death in 1945, his Presidency, combined with the effects of WW2 and the Great Depression fundamentally altered forever the power, and influence of the Federal Government. In 2004, the American people decided that it was the duty and responsibilty of the American people to promote the spread of freedom and democracy. An idea that is truly revolutionary.
Yet, politics in America today has become so fragmented and divided, that before I write what I think, I want to attempt to explain why I think the way I do.
A fundamental misunderstanding naturally occurs between those on the left, and those on the right. When a citizen holds on to a belief strongly, they naturally feel that those who disagree must not share the same goals. For example; the primary basis for affirmative action is increased opportunity for minorities that are inevitably held back by overt or covert racism. Strong supporters of affirmative action tend to look at opponents as Americans who want to perpetuate the inequities present in our society. Likewise, many conservatives question the patriotism of those who criticize the U.S. role in the Middle East. Although there are many exceptions, I believe the majority of those who oppose affirmative action do want to see Americans of all races have the same opportunities for success, and that the vast majority of liberals have the same love for this country that conservatives do.
Although I do hold some beliefs very strongly, I am increasingly turned off by the viciousness of partisan politics. I grew up under Reagan, supported Bush, loved and defended Clinton against what I saw as a vicious and counter-productive crusade (but…my feelings on Bubba can’t be explained in one sentence. It was not until the aftermath of 9/11, however, that my politics’ truly took shape. The events of that day are forever seared into my memory. America was on bended knee, and the nation-wide response strengthened my love and respect for my fellow countrymen. In the coming months I supported Bush’s leadership, acknowledged the failure of our government and its’ foreign policy to protect us from such an event, and recognized that a war had been declared not just on our country, but our very way of life. Why this happened, and what we must do to never allow it again are serious issues that I will try to write about on a daily basis. This is an issue that above all others should transcend all that divides America. Fiscal policy, gay marriage, affirmative action, the loss of manufacturing jobs, and health care coverage are all very important issues. For the mill worker who just lost his job, the mother of three that can’t pay for prescription drugs, and the gay couple that can’t accrue the same economic benefits as a married couple; these are vitally important. But the protection of our citizens from terrorism, and foreign attack is vitally important to ALL Americans. It is in fact, the principal and fundamental reason we consent to being governed. And though I feel strongly on how we should handle this challenge, our direction should be subject to the most rigorous debate. Because, despite the common perception, WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER. America is a melting pot. We are all different. Although I am proud of my heritage, and my background; I am an American first. I have no doubt that many people will emphatically disagree with my ideas, and any constructive criticism of those ideas is welcomed. But recognize that I feel the way I do, because I never want to see another 9/11. The citizens who died on that day were black, white, and everything between. They were Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Hindu. They were millionaire bankers, and struggling janitors. They were straight, gay, conservative, and liberal. In a sense they were just like me, they were Americans.