It is our duty as American citizens to separate the truth from fiction. And it is not an easy undertaking anymore. Sometimes I have to sit back and get back to the basic questions of what I believe in. Defining moral opinions is no easy task. Pre 9/11 it was easier for me, perhaps I was being simplistic, but I could list a few items with some self assured concept of being correct. Now I cannot.
I never spent a lot of time contemplating or comparing my religious beliefs with others. I felt that my moral ideals served me well and that it was not necessary or expected that I explain myself. Now I find myself looking at all religion as a prelude to violence. I never questioned my belief in my country. A strong country, a country with possibilities of equality, a country where I did not wake up with knowing that someone, from somewhere else might blow me up just cause. Timothy McVeigh made us aware of our vulnerability from home grown discontents but 9/11 – that was another thing. I did not follow just because a political idea was popular, I never voted straight party line, I voted on each issue on it’s merits.
The truth is:
- I will never forget the sight of the Trade Center collapse, or the anger I felt towards those who perpetrated the act and you know what I still hate them. I will point out that they are dead.
- that I do believe that sometimes war is a necessary although malevolent act.
- I am an American and I am willing to die for my country.
- I no longer trust my government to protect my civil liberties – at least not this administration.
- I do not know who the enemy is.
- I support our troops not necessarily the mission, but why they are there, they are willing to die for their country to uphold our beliefs, rights and freedoms.
This leaves me a left of center flag waving confused citizen. It would be easy and safe to take a atavistic view point over an enlightened one. Now if I could figure out what I think about what is on the news . . ..
