Wednesday, May 23, 2007

IT'S A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE
"
I have personally become so disenchanted with our political system I rarely sit through the comments of any “media” voice.

There is not a single liberal voice with whom I can mesh my own conservative views but I understand the anger and the mind set that makes them intolerant and tyrannical in their outbursts. I share their malady. I am just as intolerant, incensed and anxiety ridden with their comments as they are with mine.

They, like me, seek a better America, want the same freedoms, believe in the same value system (to a point) and subscribe to the “rule of law”. We differ on the best approach to achieve these goal and disagree vehemently politically.

History will not care which of us was right. It will judge us, not by our political loyalties but rather, by the results of what we did. The legacy of our generation will be the result of the decisions that we make. Thus, it seems to me important that we concentrate our efforts on unity of purpose and not on our political allegiance. We need to do what is right for the country irregardless of political affiliation. We have to get beyond what is good for us or our neighbor – and do that which is right for our country and the nation. It is time for us to again affirm President Kennedy’s summons to citizenship when he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you but rather, what you can do for your country”. We need to do it not for us, but for our children and grandchildren.

Hindsight is 20/20. In my youth, my mother reminded me often that “there is more than one way to skin a rabbit”. However, she rarely varied from the method that she was taught as a child. I was taught by my Democratically affiliated family that without varying the degree of the convictions on which each of us draw our conclusions, we will never find a better way. Thus, why must we argue, implore and demand that others agree with us? Why can we not simply hear two sides without vicious rhetoric and near name calling? It seems to me that it is time to lower the tone and simply seek by an exchange of ideas, the best way.

I cannot imagine that history will be kind to us if we abandon Iraq. President Bush committed us to Iraq after receiving the support of Congress. There are those who would have the President assume all responsibility If we abandon our responsibilities in Iraq (and unfortunately like it or not, it is a responsibility) our legacy will be a generation known for its failure to live by its word and promises. It is time that we all stop, think and evaluate who we are and what we want to be. Whether we like it or not, our security and our children’s future depend on it. We must not abandon our principles or lose sight of what is at stake.

No comments: