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The United States - a free nation and a people spoiled by it. So spoiled, in fact, that we can only complain and criticize, all the while forgetting the price paid by those who came before us, so that we may whine and cry when things don't go our way. Whether or not you agree with the current war in Iraq is not the question. You are free to stand against the war. You are free to be against your president, your government and its policies. There is no shame in public opinion as it is the foundation of our nation. Right or wrong, celebrities have bashed President Bush during concerts and award shows, common citizens have cluttered the streets in anger, and even a sergeant in the army is suspected of throwing grenades at his own comrades in protest of the war.
The real question: for what? The war is on, like it or not. Lives have been lost and more destruction will follow. Why do we need to add to the discontent? Why would a nation, one demonstrating such pride and patriotism just over a year ago, tear itself apart over an issue that has already been decided? Why wouldn't its people unite instead and stand determined to overcome any struggles by supporting one another? Thousands of men and women in the armed forces support us on a daily basis, without question.
Men and women have died for no reason more than a duty for country and a desire to protect a family in Sacramento, Atlanta or Detroit a family which they have never even met and probably never will. Why not support the soldiers who do not ask why? Why not support those who selflessly give of themselves for the greater good? What was the good in Chicago when lives were lost because a crowd of protesters blocked ambulance access to hospitals? What was the good in New York City when police officers were forced to pepper spray citizens because they resorted to violence? How can you fight violence by being violent yourself? It makes no sense.
On the news, an Iraqi refugee tells a reporter it's not so bad over there and the US should mind its own business. If it wasn't so bad, then why did he leave? People in Afghanistan are protesting against the coalition presence in Iraq. Funny, they didn't even have the right to protest until the US poked its nose into their business. A protester in New York said to a news reporter that this was an "unjust war" in the name of "safety." On Sept. 11, 2001, most Americans were in agreement that safety was something worth fighting for. When did this opinion change?
Something to consider: the United Nations came into conception in 1942, during the W.W.II, when representatives of 26 nations pledged their governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers. Officially established in 1945, it replaced the League of Nations (conceived in similar circumstances during the W.W.I), established in 1919 "to promote international cooperation and to achieve peace and security." The League, however, ceased its activities after failing to prevent the W.W.II. History does repeat itself - and has. The world sat and watched as Adolph Hitler dug his fingers into Austria and Poland, hand picking and destroying Jews one by one. Many look back and say we were wrong to wait - have we forgotten?
Why is no one criticizing the United Nations for sitting back and hoping for honesty from a man who seeks to deceive? Should we wait for Saddam Hussein to organize his artillery and perfect his plans for domination until we get hit first? Do we need another Pearl Harbor? Sept. 11? Why do our nation's citizens scream profanities in the streets? Why aren't we celebrating our freedom and praying for our fellow Americans to return home safely? Why aren't we banding together helping those less fortunate, volunteering and raising funds for those without a choice? We have choice. We have safety. We have FREEDOM.
Let us not forget those forefathers who risked their lives for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Let us not forget those who died in World War II, in an effort to protect future generations from a man with ideas of ethnic cleansing and world domination. And finally, let us not forget Sept. 11, 2001 when we as a nation and a world were reminded that freedom is not to be taken for granted, not something to enjoy lazily as we bask in our materialistic treasure. No, freedom is to be worked for, maintained and appreciated. And while its benefits are priceless, its cost is always too high.
While you may not support the war, before partaking in uncivilized revolt, remember that a half a world away, there is a 19-year-old boy in fatigues with sand in his eyes and a gun pointed in his direction, he's signed his life away for you. He fights, so you can be ungrateful. He has no choice.
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| Illustration by COLIN HIGGINS |
The Mason-Dixon Line falls around the DelMarVa area, that peculiar coastline between the Eastern Shore of Virginia up to Delaware. When I was driving through this area last month, it reminded me that the majority of Virginia Wesleyan is populated by folks whose parents reside somewhere between Delaware and Massachusetts. I must admit, I have learned a great deal living with various people from places such as Long Island, Philadelphia, Connecticut and of course New Hampshire. I also have found that I am 100 percent more cultured, open-minded and refined having lived with and made friends with students from all over.
However, since I am one out of three Southerners around campus, I would like to bestow upon all of my readers a little southern "charm" and how WE do things down in my neck of the woods. (You must know before reading further that I do live in the middle of nowhere). I would like to start by saying that the Virginia Beach area is more of a melting pot than a "true" Southern region, so I'm unfortunately excluding all of you Tidewater townies. Although I enjoy this area, the remnants of the "commonwealth" (not a state) are vastly different from the southeastern tip of Virginia.
We eat green bean casserole that takes all day to fix; grits; barbecue (pulled-pork rather than "I'm having a barbecue"); and biscuits and gravy. I don’t even need to mention scrapple (with syrup of course). We live for the Atlanta Braves and the Redskins - yes, I'm well aware of their losing streak for the past 15 years. We may be open to your undying love for the Patriots, the Flyers or the Yankees, but down here we are more loyal to Dale Earnhardt, Chipper Jones, Michael Vick and Monster Truck Pulls.
We do not say "wicked" or "scum bag." Nor do we say "park your car in the Harvard yard." (Please take out all of the "R" sounds). However, we do say "down yonder," "reckon," "y'all" and "let's cause a ruckus." In spite of my backwoodsy jargon, I have unintentionally picked up some catch phrases that my college companions use. I now entertain the word "dude" in every other sentence. Even though I do not summer in Cape Cod, I have found myself referring to Martha's Vineyard as though it were next door. And New York? No, it's called "The City," and everyone knows exactly what I'm talking about … except at home.
The only thing anyone talks about in Charlottesville is whether the Cavaliers are going to whip up on Virginia Tech's Hokies. If you visit during the summer season you can hear the locals discuss the rain accumulation. In the winter the schools are all closed from the six inches of snow on the mountain, thus providing a weather-worthy topic of conversation for all to enjoy. If you have never heard me talk (not likely) then reverse that and know that people speak as though they were reenacting"Gone With The Wind." You NOVA people probably know what I'm talking about.
Until I came to this school I had never heard of Techno music, Italian dressing or WaWa. (We have 7-11.) It was not until 1999 that I was introduced to Sunoco's, the vast importance of the Jersey Shore or boys shaving anything but their faces. Even though I am an avid supporter for anything fried in beer batter, a subscriber for Southern Living and a firm supporter of chivalry and propriety, I am partial to Pat's Philly Cheese Steaks and Rochester's Garbage Plates. All in all, folks, I am just bringing to the surface how ironic it is that we all come from different places and upbringings, yet we have so much in common and can bond together. It comes down to this: I am appreciative of having the opportunity to be educated in an institution where I meet people from all over, learn their cultures and background . . . and then steal them and use them at home! Thanks guys!
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