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Ron Jackson's Perspective
The Sunday Journal -
Think
Kankakee, Illinois
October 14, 2001
As Goliath,
America being pushed into corner |
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A good friend of mine summed up
her feelings about the terrorist attacks with a bumper sticker that
said: Bless Not Blast. Buddy, I think it's time to recall
those stickers.
I didn't know how to react when I first heard about our
attack on Afghanistan. A friend called me on the phone admonishing
me to turn on the TV. Another friend e-mailed me to share the
"good news." Not wanting to be disappointed, I resisted their
suggestions and kept reading.
Barry Bonds smashed baseball's single season home run
record. The Cubs have been out of playoff picture for weeks now.
There is nothing really new to be learned from television. All the
made-for-TV preparatory speeches are starting to sound the same anyway.
President Bush said, "More than two weeks ago, I gave
the Taliban leaders a series of clear and specific demands."
British Prime Minister Tony Blair said, "It is more than two weeks since
an ultimatum was delivered to the Taliban to yield up the terrorist or
face the consequences." Bush: "At the same time, the
oppressed people of Afghanistan will know the generosity of American."
Blair: "There are three parts, all equally important to the
operation in which we are engaged -- military, diplomatic and
humanitarian." Bush: "Other close friends including Canada
and France have pledged forces as the operation unfolds. Many more
have shared intelligence. We are supported by the collective will
of the world." Blair: "But in this international effort.
As well as the U.K., France, Germany, Australia and Canada have also
committed to take part in it."
On the other hand, Osama bin Laden sounded nothing like
a beaten man. He reiterated his own ultimatum: "To America,
I say only a few words to it and its people. I swear by God, who
has elevated the skies without pillars, neither America nor the people
who live in it will dream of security before we live it in Palestine,
and not before all the infidel armies leave the land of Muhammad."
I am glad I didn't listen to my friends. As I
look at the pictures of our attack in the paper, I realize I made the
right decision. I am disappointed. I am very disappointed.
I don't see burning or crumbling Twin Towers or a military nerve center
in ruins. All I see are fuzzy green footage of flashing lights and
some red tracer fire. I don't see the vivid, bright red flames I
saw on Sept. 11.
The damage to America was done with just four
commercial airplanes and 19 terrorists. The joint U.S.-British
attack on Afghanistan required a substantially greater amount of
equipment and manpower, but yielded less damage. I am willing to
be patient as the president has suggested we all do. In order to
remain patient, all the little skirmishes need not be reported as a
major breakthrough. Save the details for the conclusion of the
"Enduring Freedom" campaign.
It's ironic that both President Bush and bin Laden made
reference to God in their closing remarks.
Bush concluded his speech with, "Thank you. May
God continue to bless America." Osama bin Laden said, "God is
great, may pride be with Islam. May peace and God's mercy be upon
you."
I am not sure if Bush has referenced his Bible lately,
but the Judeo-Christian God has always favored the little guy. The
underdog.
In this case, America looks more like Goliath than
David. |
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