Texas Justice

"There's harmony and inner peace to be found in following a moral compass that points in the same direction regardless of fashion or trend."

Ted Koppel

There was a report in the news yesterday regarding the search for Osama Bin Laden. Apparently, even with the aggressive approach to the “War on Terrorism” by the present administration we have no idea where he is. I am sure that the intelligence community has an idea, but we the people do not.

With the sixth anniversary of the terror attacks in New York City and Washington DC upon us we are no closer to ending the potential threat. The Bush Administration’s answer to the attacks was to start a war with Iraq. We were told that it was the best way to let the world know we would not stand for such an attack on our soil. By searching for and removing weapons of mass destruction and stopping an operational relationship between Suddam Hussein and Al Qaeda we could ensure the safety of our land. There is no greater motivator than fear so we the people were all for whatever had to be done.

There were those who claimed that there was no clear evidence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and no conclusive evidence of an operational relationship between Suddam Hussein and Al Qaeda. Well, its six years later and sure enough no weapons of mass destruction were found and no proof of an operational relationship or even Suddam Hussein’s support of the September 11 attacks was ever verified.

With George W. Bush’s misguided attempt to settle some old score between his father and Saddem Hussein we have participated in a military action that has caused the death of 3,732 Americans and 297 soliders from other coalition troops.

Six years since the attacks and we are not only responsible for the deaths mentioned above but we are no safer from an external threat than we were then. The report on Osama Bin Laden stated that he is believed to be alive and well as is Al Qaeda. Now after our aggressive attack on Iraq the Islamist Extremists have what they believe to be a valid reason to hate us more.

At the end of the rein of the Bush Dynasty we find ourselves in an odd predicament we are now forced to support our troops and the people of Iraq to lead that country to a new peaceful democracy. We are being told that we cannot pull our troops out and leave the country devastated by our actions. And maybe we can’t. But certainly we need to find a way to stop the death toll from rising.

When it’s all said and done George W. Bush has received his Texas Justice, Suddam Hussein is dead, and we are left with a mess.

The good news is that the election of a new administration is imminent and we have an opportunity to make some decisions. The first and most important should be to bring our children home.

We need to let ‘em go!

A True Patroit

"We can all do our share to redeem the world in spite of all absurdities and all frustrations and all disappointments."
Abraham Heshel

As I sit here comfortably in my home, watching my cats play, I wonder what others around the world are doing. My thoughts are immediately drawn to my brothers and sisters who are giving their lives to fight for causes told to them by their governments but explained to them by no one and I am no longer comfortable.

I wonder, as I sit, if there is someone, somewhere who is sitting having the same thoughts as I and then I know completely that there is.

Like so many of us, I have accepted all answers as truths. When told that there is a reason for the soldiers held captive by war, greed and injustice, I accept the answers. When told there is a reason for civilians to be held prisoner in their own lands, I accept the answers.

As a child I was taught to love my country. I was taught to trust that those who govern are always looking out for my best interest. Everything done for my country was done for the benefit of my future and the future of my children. The result of those teaching is that I am a true patriot. When I close my eyes at night the flag of my country, lies proudly near me. The flag is folded neatly in remembrance of my father’s service. Yes I am a true patriot.

My discomfort increases when I realize that my government is only as good as I am. As a true patriot it is my responsibility to question the answers, to reach for the truth that lies beneath. Could it be that I missed the true lesson of my youth? Could it be that love of country was instilled in me so that I would know that I am responsible for its actions and behavior?

Well I am no longer a child. I know now that the answers are not truths but rather condescending responses to an apathetic inquisitor. Therefore, I will no longer ask questions, I don’t need answers. I need solutions. I know now that I am a part of the solution. I am a true patriot.

A Call To Action

"I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments. Indeed, I think that people want peace so much that one of these days governments had better get out of the way and let them have it."
Dwight D. Eisenhower

As people on Earth we need to utilize all the amazing resources available to us to cultivate our understanding of our world. Not the world that we are told exist – but the world that does exist around us. Only through knowledge can we teach. Only through knowledge can we grow.

We are at the most incredible time in human history. We have the ability to talk to people all over the world as if they were in the next room. If something interests us we have only to put a few words into the computer and receive countless pages of information on the subject.

With so much information at our fingertips – it is unacceptable for us not to speak out on the multitude of atrocities that are running rampant around the world; war and hunger just to name a few. Ignorance of the facts is definitely no excuse. We have a responsibility to make our time here relevant. What will history say about us if we don’t take a stand now – whatever that stand may be.

Become a voice – make your statement. Together we can change the world. Unity amongst all people is the only answer.

Let’s explore our world.

Let’s challenge our leaders.

Let’s take control of our world.