Barbara Boxer made some
statements the other day about the Iraq War, claiming "We are in a mess because they have no plan." I agree with the statement, generally, but I would like to point out a couple of things about comments like this.
When President Bush was appointed to his office in 2000, he claimed he wanted to be a uniter, not a divider. As we all know, when "they" make statements like these, one can usually assume the opposite is true. It is interesting how the Democrats have responded, however. Maybe disappointing is the word I'm looking for...
I am an American. I am white, male, upper middle class, college educated, and I am apparently in the minority in this country, because of my political views and my religious background, not that the two should have anything to do with each other, but now they do. The great thing about being born free is that I have been able to educate myself and teach others, freely, and I've been able to say anything I want, to whomever I want. I've found that if I intend to persuade someone, it is generally a good idea to find common ground. Senater Boxer violates this premise with the statement quoted above. She puts me at odds with my fellow Americans by default, using the us vs. them argument.
Allow me to offer an alternative.
"We are in this mess because our leadership has failed us. As Americans, we expect our leaders, and that includes myself, to honor the sacrifices of the men and women in our military by exceeding the minimum requirements of engagement in war. This includes having an exit strategy, a clear set of goals and a valid reason for entering into conflict. As Americans, we are always free to disagree with each other, but a true leader would never pit us against each other when we need unity the most. A true leader admits mistakes and moves quickly to remedy them. Patriotic Americans will die alongside each other despite their differences, because we are One Nation. Time and time again, our leaders have misled us, refused to admit mistakes and led our great country down the path of name-calling and divisiveness.
As a Senator, I have made mistakes too. The biggest mistake I made was trusting our President to provide me with the information he guaranteed me would lead to the discovery of WMD's that were intended to be used against us. It is difficult to stand here as part of your representative government and admit that I did not question the President loudly enough, and in trusting him and his Administration, I passed on the decision to enter into a pre-emptive military action - dishonoring the United States of America. I promise you, however, that I will not trust this President's word again. I will demand facts and corroboration on everything he presents to the Senate for review.
Having reviewed his plan for victory..."
And here is where the Senator's points about Bush's weak PowerPoint Presentation are poignant. I know I'm not a politician or speech writer, but Senator Boxer and other Democrats have stepped in a big pile of Republican tactics. Using the Us vs. Them logic does not serve me. I am an American, as are "They." I accept personal responsibility for my actions, and when I'm wrong, I am contrite and generous in my remediation. They are we. We are now a nation that tortures and kills innocents in the name of freedom. We are a nation that exploits natural resources of other countries. We allow corporations to act with impunity. We allow for the erosion of our freedoms and of our dignity. 5 years later, they do not exist. I am ashamed of what America has become, and the only way we can remedy it is if we prove to our fellow countrymen that we are better than this.