The War on Terrorism

                   An Unpopular Opinion

            So they're moving some troops from Iraq to Afghanistan, hm. The news said that NATO isn't doing their part. Is that true?

            I think, and I speak only for myself, that the time of America being the guardian of the world must surely be coming to a end.

            Why?

            The most obvious reason is that the world doesn't like it. If they do, they have an odd way of showing it. I don't like it. We have neglected business here. We need to tend it without another moment's hesitation. This November, we must extract those that have caused so much damage. And retain those that tried to stop them.

            Terrorism has no borders. The world's leaders, above all, must come to terms with this. In the blink of an eye, friends become enemies with rationalization that would shame an eight year old.

            The enemy's interpretation of their Holy Book instructs them to make Islam the world's religion, and any means justify the proper end. Don't take my word for it. Find the information through your own sources.

            If you have no sources, then allow me to recommend the book, "Islam and Terrorism" by "Mark A. Gabriel". That's not his original name. He used to be an Imam, which is a significant religious leader in the Muslim religion. I prefer to get my information from those that have lived an experience.

            The world has adapted a nasty habit of lying to gain political power, regardless of the damage it may do. Until we can purge this unnecessary evil, we need to keep our standards high for sources to educate ourselves with.

            Terrorism is a GLOBAL problem. In spite of this, most of the world either ignores the problem and even chooses to criticize America for fighting it. Since the concept of a united fight conveniently eludes the world, I suggest that it may be time to reconsider our position a bit.

            No, not giving up on the war against terror, just changing our involvement in it. America's first responsibility is protecting America. The rest of the world has armies. Let them use them if they get attacked or overrun by these oh-so-friendly Islamic Fundamentalists.

            Most Americans are decent people that simply want the best for their own families, the U.S. and the world. That does not make them the world's janitors or security guards.

            One thing I've not heard anyone ask is why aren't there more middle eastern countries aren't involved in this fight? Considering it's their pet tarantula that got out of control, one would think they would be honor bound to get some military might in there. Surely they no longer delude themselves into thinking they can control it?

            Why isn't Saudi Arabia in Afghanistan? Jordan? Turkey? Why does Pakistan continue to shelter those that walk into markets and blow themselves and other Muslims up? Why do Iranians, educated and refined, tolerate leadership that is inflammatory and burdensome to Muslims?

            What do we learn when we see a continent choose to believe something as nonsensical as America wanting to prevent Muslims from practicing their religion – when even the most casual observer of history knows that in our own country, there is freedom of religion.

            Will the Middle East be content to have terrorism running wild there? Perhaps they should ask some of the people in Iraq  and Afghanistan how pleasant it is to live under the thumb of extremism. The middle east stood by as Saddam killed somewhere between 200,000 and 300,000 Iraqis. Will they also choose to let those that claim murder as a tool of God's – take what they wish from them and call it "battle pay"?

            The concept of Muslim brotherhood is wearing a bit thin if one considers the fact that these people have killed more Muslims in the middle east than any outside country has come close to. When the extremists kill innocent Iraqis and point at the American's, it does not change reality one iota. Propaganda cannot compete with truth.

            We haven't denied that our weapons have killed Iraqis. We had even warned of it. It matters to us or we wouldn't be so careful not to. The implication or outright accusation that we do it intentionally is patently absurd. If that's what we were doing, we would say so.

            What possible reason could we have for doing so? How many American lives would have been saved had we walked away after taking Saddam out?

            How tiresome is it that so many in the middle east cling to old enemies and old hurts as if they contained their bread and water?  Every nation has it's enemies. If the U.S. clung to the past in the same fashion, the U.K., Germany and Japan would be enemies rather than allies.

            How will they ever grow into a prosperous future if they only see that which is behind them? Is this the legacy they choose for their children?

            We should help Iraq and Afghanistan because they have the courage to help themselves and that is what we have given our word to do.

            The question is, who will help? Who else in this world will stand and fight this mercurial enemy? Not with minimum effort, but with the powerful force needed to wipe out these that seek world domination under the foolish notion that God somehow needs their help?

            We need to take names of those that help us. Equally important, we should take names of those that help the terrorists. I heard Obama's speech in Germany. It was a good speech. It was high-minded and inspiring. I support his ideals. The way I figure it, man once ran around in animal skins and lived in caves. If we can change this much, why not more?

            However, if, the world chooses to ignore his words, then perhaps mankind will only get the world peace that it settles for.

            America will eventually go home, having given the world a shot at peace. If nations become infested, relief will have to come from within their own borders. We will quietly resettle ourselves. The world, in such a case, need only blame itself for it's selected blindness.

            Should we need to emerge again, one should think not to what we have done thus far, but what we have not --- as our patience wears thin with a self-involved globe filled with nations indifferent to those they share the planet with.

            I'm as much for Global Unity as the next person, but if we're the only ones working for it in a world that declares itself "peaceful" yet scorns us as American lives are sacrificed to keep a monster under control, then maybe it's well past the time for America to live and let die.

In Solemn Contemplation,

The Political Stray