I was disturbed by the poem “Bush’s War” because, to me, it represents the kind of thinking that will neutralize our efforts and ultimately hand the country over to the terrorists. First of all, Bush did not declare war. We were attacked, and that automatically establishes a state of war. Bush simply affirmed that fact.
Secondly, we’re not rounding up and targeting all those who have brown skin. In fact, our attempt not to profile has gone to such ridiculous lengths, we are targeting toddlers at the airport and strip-searching grandmothers. Our coddling of the prisoners at Guantanamo has almost reached the point of embarrassment.
Third, it is not “brainless” to stand up for yourself when ruthlessly attacked. It is brainless, however, to shackle yourself with so many misinterpretations of the Constitution that your defensive efforts become impotent. The Bill of Rights is not meant to protect the terrorist and endanger the innocent.
Finally, my guess is that Matthew is not for any kind of war, ever. You’ll notice he never once mentions the victims of 9/11. He argues passionately for justice for the criminals, but totally ignores justice for the deaths of thousands of his own countrymen.
We have the power to save the world from terrorism. The question is, do we have the will?
Cindy Linke