I'm afraid that the WOT right now IS everything just about because it's all so interconnected. The federal government has to get back to its core purposes, and one of those very few REAL reasons for existence is the security of those in the nation.
I'm not sure how old you are, but I work with teenagers, and have for some time, and I can tell you this: The WOT is to the coming generations what Pearl Harbor was to an earlier one. It's not about having a larger historical perspective vs. a personal one (in which history doesn't matter, just what *I* know from my life)--it's more about an emotional impact that's just never going to go away. And that's going to steer politics for the rest of my life, at least (I'm 40).
I don't disagree. It seems as Bush thinks he can get anything he wants by claiming it's a national security issue. He may be right but it's getting tiring.
Look at his lack of concern over our own borders. He's been woeful about enforcement.
I'm not sure how old you are, but I work with teenagers, and have for some time...
Interesting. What's their take on this? Do they perceive any threat at all?
The WOT is to the coming generations what Pearl Harbor was to an earlier one. It's not about having a larger historical perspective vs. a personal one (in which history doesn't matter, just what *I* know from my life)--it's more about an emotional impact that's just never going to go away. And that's going to steer politics for the rest of my life, at least (I'm 40).
You are right about the historical perspective thing. Bush's legacy will be about battling terrorists. I shudder to think what would have happen if Algore had been pres. on 9-11. We would still be negotiating.
I wish Bush would also turn his focus to domestic issue. His father was just like this. "Desert Storm" was his only issue. He seemed to ignore all else.
Bush is really pushing his globalist mentality lately. This bothers me. I don't think globally. I think about my children's future. I don't see a very bright one. I am 45 and can remember when being American was something to be proud of (I still am) but I don't see being American being touted anymore. Now we are supposed to consider ourselves just another part of the world.
Consider these statements by Bush in a campaign speech:
We are now one of the largest Spanish-speaking nations in the world. We're a major source of Latin music, journalism and culture.
Just go to Miami, or San Antonio, Los Angeles, Chicago or West New York, New Jersey ... and close your eyes and listen. You could just as easily be in Santo Domingo or Santiago, or San Miguel de Allende.
For years our nation has debated this change -- some have praised it and others have resented it. By nominating me, my party has made a choice to welcome the new America.
Does your chest swell with pride as you read those words? Do you feel like an "old American" that nominated him to bring on the "new America"?
I did not see or hear anything about this speech till about six months ago. His attitude is clear: He believes in a globalist society. I don't.