THOUGHTS
Tears seem to come easily these days . . . tears for opportunities lost and for the hopes and dreams of so many Americans that are now speeding toward Baghdad. I have always hated war . . . perhaps because of the two wars my father fought. It brings back painful memories.
Shock and awe
“Shock and awe” is the by-word of this war, yet it did not have to be. What is it in the heart of man that he cannot see the handwriting on the wall? Why do men fight so hard to avoid accountability for their actions? This is a mystery that will not be solved in these thoughts or in millions of thoughts to come. Man is destined to commit the same mistakes over and over again, never seeming to learn anything. No matter how you feel about this war, it is obvious that tyranny and selfishness made it impossible to avoid . . . the proof of that is that mercy and time was extended to the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. One final act of mercy was extended to Iraq and it was ignored. We are required to seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God . . . mercy was a gift; now the bombs are falling. What a tragedy for the Iraqi people and for all involved.
Long-term peace
I have talked to no one who is happy about this war of liberation for the Iraqi people; yet in spite of the distaste most of us have for conflict, many have set their faces and their wills to go forward for the sake of long term peace. I do not believe that it is in the spirit of pride that we conduct this war. All of the wars that have been fought by this country have been for higher purposes . . . at least for the common ordinary person who has been willing to fight to end tyranny, bring freedom and stop aggression. We have not fought wars to steal land or resources. To imply this country has that as its ultimate motive is insulting. I do not see American faces in the South Korean government, or the governments of Germany and France and Italy, nor are they in Japan . . . we did what we had to do and went back home after helping to rebuild at the expense of the American taxpayer. Perhaps long-term peace will not be achieved by this war, but at least we have to try. It is certain that there can be no peace when tyrants rule.
Free speech v. responsibility
This country prides itself on free speech and I am in total agreement with everyone’s right to an opinion and their right to express that opinion. However, as I look at the massive numbers of police, etc. that are required to monitor the “peaceful” demonstrations against the war, I am reminded that those police forces could be used elsewhere . . . like protecting us from the real enemies. Terrorists and “sleeper cells” are seeking to destroy us and every police officer is needed to forestall that threat. To put extra strain and burden on police and military forces at this time of high alert in our security is putting us all at risk. It is time that the expression of free speech gave way to responsible citizenship and support for those who bear the burden of the high cost of sacrifice for their country. Free speech without responsibility is dangerous.
It is a simple thing to paint your face, carry a sign and indulge in interminable marches and chants, disrupting protection and life in general, but it is hard to make the sacrifices our soldiers are making. Their lives are on the line and I for one am so proud of them and their willingness to do their duty for their country. My heart has been warmed by their pride in what they are doing and by their resolve to do a good job.
Conquest or justice?
This war is not about oil or conquest; it is about freedom and the responsibility those who have freedom are required to exercise. The might of America has not been squandered on imperialism and conquest as so many have done in the past. It is about defending our homeland and our way of life and justice.
No one likes to think about the casualties on either side and for some to insinuate that the United States or our president have made this decision lightly is demeaning. The United States is there wherever there is tragedy in the world; we are there when freedom is threatened and we are there when hard decisions have to be made. Our blood and our dollars have paid for much of what is good in the world. Yet we are by no means perfect. However, the bigness of our hearts touches downtrodden people all over the world with monetary help and the sharing of ourselves. This is a great nation; the greatest in the world . . . the unique and God-inspired experiment in freedom for all men.
Pray for those in authority
We are told to pray for those in authority because as Christians we know they are placed there by God. Those prayers bring us a quiet and tranquil life in godliness and dignity (1Timothy 2:2) that calmness is demonstrated in a quiet resolve that comes from knowing how blessed we are and how much God desires others to have that same peace with God and of God.
In Him,
Judy Smith
State Director