The USA Is Just Too Nice
By Jon Alvarez (07/09/03)
Talk about irony. The evil, imperialistic empire also known as the United States of America (as the liberal media and political left portray America) is now being called upon to enter the fray in Liberia and save that country from its own demise. An African colony designed to be a haven for freed American slaves, is now in need of protection from...itself. Not to mention the fact that the U.N., who should be heading up this effort, is also calling for America to lead such an effort despite condemning us for acting in the same manner against Iraq. Maybe the United States of America is just too nice for its own good.
According to the liberal left in America, President Bush is the reincarnation of Adolf Hitler, bent on world domination. He has hatched a scheme to conquer the world and enslave mankind for his corporate cronies. He has even been accused of being responsible for the events of September 11. The Patriot Act was supposedly designed to be the equivalent of 1933 Germany's Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution, further aiding in the destruction of American civil liberties in some sort of historically parallel evil power grab a la Adolf Hitler. If this were the case, why on earth would the U.N. and Liberia be calling for us to send troops there?
Possibly because we are, in fact, recognized as the greatest country in the world and the only country that can be trusted to lead such a humanitarian mission. The world recognizes the greatness of our country and the ability of our president to get things done. Despite claims from the left that the image of America has been tarnished because of Operation Iraqi Freedom, it seems the rest of the world has a differing opinion. We are seen by those in need as the country to call upon for help. They know that once America is called upon for help, she won't refuse. America stands for freedom and human rights, despite cries from the liberal left about how mean we are to those ''poor terrorist detainees.'' Heck, we can't even execute our own murderous citizens in a timely fashion. Maybe some of these American critics should try life in other countries before spewing their condemnation of life in America.
Speaking of Operation Iraqi Freedom, will we be witness to more anti-war protests from so-called pacifists (you know, the ones who attack police officers and trash McDonald's) who do not wish to see our troops placed in harm's way? We see further examples of irony at work as evidenced by Howard Dean's position that we should send troops into Liberia. So while Dean opposed intervention in Iraq to force an evil dictator to comply with international law, he favors this intervention? Charles Taylor is not seen as a threat to the security of the United States. He does not appear to have any ties to terrorism. Taylor is just an evil warlord involved in genocide. So where do Janeane Garofalo, Mike Farrell, and Martin Sheen stand on intervention in Liberia? Will Hollywood and the anti-war left denounce Howard Dean for his recent flip-flop? Will they flip-flop? Stay tuned...
Where are Jesse Jackson and the NAACP in all of this? Why have they been so silent as thousands of their kinsmen have been massacred? It couldn't possibly be because there's no money in it for them, could it? Maybe Jackson does not want to bring more attention to the recurring theme of African atrocities committed by Africans on their own continent? One thing is certain: African-Americans that currently enjoy life in the United States need to re-evaluate their attempts to extort money in the form of slave reparations. They should be thankful after witnessing the brutality and harshness of life in Africa that their ancestors were brought to this land. Which would you prefer for your ancestors, slavery or being hacked to death by murderous warlords? While our history is not perfect and is not without sin, the United States is still the greatest country in the world. The only limits to success in this country are those imposed by oneself. Do you think any Liberian would be willing to trade places with an African-American?
Seems some Americans feel that the United States should not be the world's police force. In the past I would have agreed with that statement. However, in light of recent events over the past two years, Americans must recognize that we can no longer afford to ignore events taking place around the world. America is entering a new chapter in its history. It is essential to our own security to ensure that events unfold in such a manner that is acceptable to the principles and ideals of the United States. It is up to us to make the world a better place. We've already seen that places where chaos and corruption rule tend to become breeding grounds and safe havens for terrorism. If we can help these countries to become better places to live, then not only will this aid in the war on terror, but may also aid the United States in its battle to control the flood of immigrants coming to America. As President Bush noted the other day: ''Without America's active involvement in the world, the ambitions of tyrants would go unopposed and millions would live at the mercy of terrorists.''
The rest of the world recognizes that America is the lone superpower and is benevolent enough to be called upon for help when needed. How convenient for them. So despite the America-bashing we witnessed earlier in the year at the U.N., despite allegations of empire building from the liberal left, we will most likely answer the call and send troops into Liberia. However, we must make sure we know what our role is, what the objective is. It would be unacceptable to the American public to allow another Somalia to occur. We knew what our objective was in Iraq and we went in with full force, thus keeping American losses at a minimum. We are still there because our objective is not over. Despite the political attacks of the left, Americans understand that rebuilding a nation takes time. Liberia will most likely be a long stay for us as well.
One thing is certain: America is too nice for its own good. The U.N. is taking advantage of this, but in doing so, it is highlighting its own irrelevance. If President Bush determines that we must aid Liberia, then so be it. The United States will ultimately make the world a safer place in which to live. In order to do so, we cannot go it alone nor should we. We will require the support of the international community. We also need the U.N. to fall into line and help us, not hinder us, if it is to continue to exist as an institution. The world has witnessed what happens when we become angry. We are a peaceful nation, but we will not hesitate to use force when necessary and we will not shirk our duty. Just ask Saddam Hussein.
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