In 1963, President John Kennedy delivered a compelling speech on
world peace. Yet 40 years later, we are at odds with each other
like never before. Today, we are confronted with the same question
President Kennedy asked, and that is, as Americans,
”
What kind of peace do we seek?
”
In 1963, President John Kennedy delivered a compelling speech on world peace. Yet 40 years later, we are at odds with each other like never before. Today, we are confronted with the same question President Kennedy asked, and that is, as Americans, “What kind of peace do we seek?”
In the early 1960s, President Kennedy proposed a grand and global alliance. He advocated for a strengthened United Nations, a collaborative world security system and the attainment of world peace through world law. The hope and realization of such an ambitious international system is quickly becoming a distant reality.
So I ask you, when the Republican central committee in our county continually praises their cardboard cut out of their radically conservative president and stand on the corner of 4th and San Benito streets requesting that we support our troops, what is their purpose?
Don’t get me wrong, George W. Bush doesn’t look any more appealing on cardboard then in reality and it’s one thing to support our troops and to support the cause. I strongly support and commend the United States Armed Forces, but I do not support their cause.
Under this president, America’s foreign policy has become confused and incoherent. It’s a policy which adheres to a doctrine of preemption and is driven by indefensible unilateralism. Under this president, the United States has become more isolated from the international community and only interested in preserving American society at the expense of the rest of the world.
In the span of three years, the United States has refused to sign a treaty barring anti-personal land mines; despite renowned support, has defied the concerns of the world on limiting the transfer of small weapons; has withdrawn from the Kyoto Global Warming Treaty agreed to by 178 other countries, and has refused to ratify the International Criminal Court.
Today it is evident that the Untied States is militarily superior anywhere in the world, but it is important to recognize that American power around the world isn’t based primarily on military might. Rather, it is based on the power of American ideals, the power of America’s freedom.
So I ask you, is the power to act unilaterally the same as the right to act unilaterally?
As is evident from the 1990s, rising social and economic interdependence has or at least was, changing the nature of international politics. Unresolved global problems, including illiteracy, starvation, violent conflict, severe illness and the importance of trade have together created this interdependence and emerging transnational global society.
Is war and the use of force the answer? I believe force is not the answer. The use of economic interdependence, social communication and international institutions will play a larger role than the use of force. Because in the final analysis, we live in an age of socially mobilized populations and it is very difficult to rule an occupied country whose people feel strongly about their national identity.
We cannot withdraw our troops, for it is too late for that. We must complete the intended mission at any cost. And with that, we must bear the burden of future fatalities and disasters. But as Americans we can salvage what dignity we have left within the international community and restore our commitment to peace. I don’t praise our president, as many in San Benito County do. When I see that cardboard cut-out I do not see a leader, I see a lifeless, self-interested, unappealing right-wing monster. The American flag isn’t the property of the Bush Administration, it isn’t the property of the Republican Party. It belongs to the common people of the Untied States. That is why on March 2, 2004, I will vote for Gov. Howard Dean and the restoration of peace, prosperity and hope.
In response to Mr. Marvin L. Jones, I shudder to think that your president will be re-elected. We hardly survived his first term. Surviving four more years would be the end to mankind. A word of advice – to save you the embarrassment, know the facts before going to the paper.
Travis Connor Jr.,
Hollister
