Great men in a time of war
By LINDA MacCAMMON
There is little doubt that America has changed since the horrific events of September 11, 2001.
Initially, the changes were positive ones. The world watched in awe and admiration as Americans of every race, color, and creed came together to meet the crisis. We rallied around our flag, our president, and our way of life, demanding justice for our people and seeking retribution against the enemies of our freedom. Within a few months, U.S. military and coalition forces had effectively destroyed the Taliban and sent Osama bin Laden and his Al Queda network packing. But as the “War on Terrorism” has progressed, there have been other more ominous changes. There is increasing evidence that our post-September 11 sense of solidarity, patriotism, and justice has been distorted by irrational fears and a brand of power politics that make our nation vulnerable to one of history’s oldest traps – becoming the very thing we most despise.
Think about it. Before the horrors of September 11, would we have supported President Bush’s unilateral intention to overthrow Sadaam Hussein? Would we have permitted the FBI’s continued persecution of a scientist for being “a person of interest”? Would we have applauded extremists in the North Carolina legislature who threatened to block state funding to UNC for asking students to read a book on the Qur’an? Would we have tolerated the Bush administration’s attempts to stifle political dissent by questioning the patriotism of its critics? This is what’s happening in America today, and the result is a society that is less open, less free, less just, and less democratic. Such hypocrisy is both embarrassing and dangerous.
For our nation’s sake we must reject such practices and work together to regain America’s democratic and moral ideals. As a Christian theologian and ethicist, I can’t think of a better place to start than the Sermon on the Mount. Contrary to popular opinion, the commandments of Jesus to “turn the other cheek” and “love your enemies” are not for wimps. They demand that human beings think differently, that they nurture a generosity of spirit that breaks destructive behavior patterns – something that the “us versus them,” saber-rattling mentality of the Bush administration clearly fails to do. Unless we’re willing to think and act differently, we will remain at the mercy of unimaginative leaders who seek advantage in censorship, oppression, and war. The English poet and World War I veteran, Siegfried Sassoon, wrote about such “great men.” His words are just as timely today.
Great Men
The great ones of the earth
Approve, with smiles and bland salutes, the rage
And monstrous tyranny they have brought to birth.
The great ones of the earth
Are much concerned about the wars they wage,
And quite aware of what those wars are worth.
You Marshals, gilt and red,
You Ministers and Princes, and Great Men,
Why can’t you keep your mouthings for the dead?
Go round the simple cemeteries; and then
Talk of our noble sacrifice and losses
To the wooden crosses.