It is interesting for me to see that America doesn't care about America!
The beginning of this article really starts with the war in Iraq. Most Americans don't even know there is a war in Iraq. There are slight little updates here and there, but really it doesn't effect anyone in the slightest. We all have deeper issues to deal with then this Mideastern war. Americans don’t see this war as their own. Most Americans don’t know that we have lost over 4087 soldiers their in the last 5 years, and every day the number grows larger. Most Americans, don’t understand the amount of veterans coming home with psychological issues and thousands have tried to commit suicide. American’s don’t understand or maybe they just don’t care about their own people risking their lives in a war with Iraq.
Do Americans not care because the war is not on American soil? Everyone was very patriotic during 9/11, was that only because it was on our soil? The news barely touches on this war, it’s almost like it only exists for people that are in the army or directly affiliated with it. There is no talk of it at work, nor at extra curricular activities. So either people are so concerned that they are not talking about it, or more likely, people think that if you ignore it, it might go away.
I just feel that Americans don’t value the freedom that soldiers provide for them. The reason they are not fighting a war in America is because they are taking care of the problem before it reaches American shores, but, Do Americans understand that? Do they believe in that? Do they believe in anything?
Why do we take freedom for granted?
4 comments:
In this media conscious and addicted age, it is the popular press and TV that decide what the public should care about. The left-wing media decided long ago not to make this war into an important and patriotic matter. When things were going poorly, the airwaves were flooded with reports along with the predicatable calls for unilateral retreat and surrender. But now that the US and nascent Iraqi armies have stabilized large parts of the country and it looks like the endeavour might succeed, the media has looked the other way in order to avoid admitting that they might have ever been wrong.
The media decide how you will remember history. They want you to remember that Viet-nam was an unmitigated disaster with no redeeming features so, based on history you're taught and movies you've seen, you come away with that impression.
Every wonder why the Korean War hasn't gotten much play, other than in M*A*S*H? Because it was a successful war and example of the Americans using their power to defend a friendly country. So it never gets mentioned.
That's why people don't care. They have no idea what to care about.
Nobody wants to constantly be reminded of distressing things. And war is distressing. I for one am glad that people are FINALLY starting to talk about the destruction of life - and not just the more easily manageable concept of death. For once, we are acknowledging victims of brain damage, paralysis, permanent pain, loss of limbs. For many, death is easy in comparison, except for the families. Thus the suicides.
Now that medicine keeps people alive, the victims don't want to live - but they are being noticed by the media. So, this war is even MORE unpopular regardless of politics - because suffering may be prolonged forever. And we all feel the guilt. I have family members that have spoken to friends while they were IN tanks, IN the war zone (ok, that was Israel, but the point is the possible proximity). Unless we are given rock solid bad guys, we don't really want to get involved anymore.
Another thing: many of us feel this really WAS not our war. Just under 50% of Americans didn't want it. We had absolutely no input to our government's decision. How frustrating and un-democratic, if I may speak from my own experience of having no responses or ideas who would listen. The war was announced and boom - in we went, no preparation. And it NEVER went through congress!!! (Not that we can do much about most decisions...)
I also agree -the damned media has replaced the democratic process. It claims to represent the people. As long as we are all funky glasses wearing ipod bearing sushi munching urban upper-middle white collar white hip yuppies living in soho lofts drinking half-caf latte machiatto frappe's with rich parents and no responsibilities.
Youtube could be the next democratic involvment - or flash mobs. Come to think of it, how DOES one organize a rally? Next time, i'll do it.
Even if the War in Iraq is "Moral", "Justifiable", or even "Patriotic" and lets say hypothetically that the War is sucessful, and we bring security and democracy to Iraq. Does it matter?? We need to start reading the Constitution! Especially Article I. Section 8. It's the section that, among other things, describes why this war is Un-Constitutional!
We have violated the founding principles of our country, What does that do to our government? Does anyone care about that???
With all due respects, CJG, the Iraq War is an immoral and ungodly enterprise that should never have happened. Our troops are fighting for nothing worthwhile over there. The neo-cons and dual loyalists who fomented this disaster have much to account for. I for one will support Chuck Baldwin's insurgent America First presidential bid on the Constitution Party this fall for the simple reason that Baldwin, as an authentic conservative, would never have gotten us into this mess.
As for Korea, Americans try to forget it because we nearly lost everything here. Read the late David Halberstam's work "The Coldest Winter" and see for yourself!
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