In November of 2001, after the attacks in September, Osama Bin Laden wrote a letter to America. In it he explained what it is America did to earn his wrath and what America will have to do to turn it away. The crimes of America as listed by Bin Laden, are often, but definitely not always, humblingly accurate. While I don’t believe murdering thousands of Americans is merited of course, I also can’t deny that Bin Laden is right in accusing our society of supporting governments that oppress others, calling acts of immorality personal freedoms, calling a president’s sexual misconduct a “mistake” and not calling him to account for it in any way, gambling, using and exporting drugs of every variety, exploiting women as “consumer products” and “advertising tools” to increase profits, trading “sex in all its forms” and renaming it “art, entertainment, tourism and freedom,” “destroying nature,” making laws of and for the wealthy who “hold sway” in politics, and making loans to other nations in need and charging them interest.
Because of these crimes, Bin Laden believes America is delusional to believe she is great. He prefaces these accusations with one crucial sentence: “We call you to all of this that you may be freed from that which you have become caught up in; that you may be freed from the deceptive lies that you are a great nation, that your leaders spread amongst you to conceal from you the despicable state to which you have reached.” (Underline is mine)
To be very clear, Osama Bin Laden is delusional, fueled by hatred and not holiness, a murderer and self-appointed prophet of a false god. But he has made America his enemy, he isn’t backing down anytime soon, he has the powerful support and sympathy of his allies, and so it’s important to consider how our next president will respond to Bin Laden and his accusations against us.
Unlike most Americans, anyone in politics has read Bin Laden’s letter. They know what pushes his buttons. Is it a coincidence that the Republican party referred to America as “the greatest nation on earth” in almost every convention speech this year? (Barck Obama has gone a step further and called America “the greatest nation in the history of the world.”) Is this diplomacy?
I don’t believe Bin Laden will ever be talked out of his vendetta against America. There’s no negotiating with crazy. But there’s no sense in poking crazy with a sharp stick over and over again either. And that’s what our politicians are doing every time they brag hyperbolistically with the world’s spotlight on them about being the greatest. It’s arrogant at best, and dangerous at worst. Immature and unproductive.
In McCain’s acceptance speech last week, he not only said America is the greatest nation in the world today but that America is it’s leader. Not “a leader” but “the leader.” Travel abroad and you’ll discover that much of the world – allies included – don’t like us behaving as we are the leader. They don’t like the constant reminder that we view them as second place, as followers. If we are the greatest, if we are the leader, we are unwise in shouting about it to the rest of the world every chance we get, especially while a large number of murderous well-armed factions around the world have us in their cross hairs, in part, for exactly that kind of arrogance – so they say.
I’m not arguing that America is a bad nation, or that we aren’t leaders in many ways. What I’m arguing is that it is foolish and counterproductive to knowingly add fuel to the flames of hatred against us and subordinate our allies with our rhetoric. Neither will “keep us safe” and help us improve the “reach and scope of our diplomacy,” “strengthen our alliances, and preserve our moral credibility.” McCain promises to do these things but continues boasting about our superiority – just as Obama is.
This is the one aspect of McCain’s speech that stuck with me. So I’m talking about it, just as I talked about Obama’s lists, the part of his speech that stuck with me. I wish there was more in McCain’s speech to discuss, I really do, but there’s not much there. Very little detail. A lot of his heroic story and commitments to make the best country even better and give jobs, and reduce taxes, and improve military might and ensure victory over enemies but not much detail – in his speech – about how all that will be done or a governing philosophy behind why it should be. (His web site offers all that.) So, all I can give this morning is my opinion on a few sentences of McCain’s speech which don’t represent the whole very well – sentences though that also don’t signal a “change” in America’s style of diplomacy if he’s elected.
Now, you decide. Am I right? Is this bragging stuff as a big a deal to you as it is to me? More importantly, is it as dangerous as I believe it to be?
.
Am I right?
Yes.
Is this bragging stuff as a big a deal to you as it is to me?
Yes.
More importantly, is it as dangerous as I believe it to be?
Yes. I cringed when President Bush said “bring ‘em on” and I cringed when Sarah Palin made the pitt bull/lipstick remark.
Humility….”If my people who are called by my name…” – I believe my face on the floor prayers have been my most effective ones.
“Many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
I wonder what rank the US has in the kingdom of God.
“I don’t believe Bin Laden will ever be talked out of his vendetta against America. There’s no negotiating with crazy. But there’s no sense in poking crazy with a sharp stick over and over again either.”
Rhetoric is the most well-honed and well-used tool of every politician. And when rhetoric becomes bluster, as it usually does when TV cameras are near, statements are made that rarely jibe with reality.
Having said that, I’ll observe that we all have conflicting needs/desires when it comes to this particular issue of Bin Laden and terrorism in general. The Bible commands me to love my enemies and pray for them and bless them, but I also want my children to be safe from harm (as does every parent in every country in the world). So, now I’m conflicted because I want to love Bin Laden and pray for him and bless him, but I want my children to live in safety.
As for the rank of the U.S. in God’s kingdom, it has no rank. And neither does any other nation. I’m just now reading Greg Boyd’s “The Myth of a Christian Nation”, and it’s a hard read for someone like me who grew up with a sense of national pride. But I’m convinced that one thing Boyd says is absolutely true:
“The ‘power over’ that all versions of the kingdom of the world exercise is not altogether bad. Were the world not fallen, the thread of the sword would be unnecessary. The sword is part of our common curse, yet God uses it to keep law and order in the world.”
Not sure all my comments are directly on point, but those are my thoughts after reading your post…
Kent
Kent, well said as always. But, the post isn’t about pacifism versus just war versus holy war. It’s not about whether we fight but about whether it is appropriate, when claiming to exercise diplomacy FIRST, for a nation’s leadership to exercise a brand of “diplomacy” that begins and ends with bragging about it’s own superiority to all nations in the world.
Why should we care what other nations think? Should we acquiesce to the Nations that put countries like Syria and Lybia on a human rights commission? I don’t care if the rest of the world is jealous of the US, that’s just too bad. There is nothing wrong about being glad we live in this country. That does not mean we have our own problems, we certainly do, and we have our own issues that need addressing.
This country was founded with an Isolationist mentality. We wanted nothing to do with europe politically, we wanted no place in their wars. It was not until Pearl Harbor happened that Americans finally decided that the world would not let them alone. Should we let the other countries of the world walk over us because they don’t like us? No way. We tried doing the quiet isolationist thing and in the end it would have only brought us more strife. I’m glad we live in a great country. Praise God for all the blessings he has bestowed upon us. There is no reason to be ashamed of this fact.
Man foreign policy, I love this blog cause its make me feel educated.
This post challenges me to think more temperately about America and how it functions. Thanks for that.
As a Christian it is important to practice the art of humility and not for humility sake, but because we are honest and open about who we are. As a nation, I’m not sure that it translates well. Obviously, to argue or rant about greatness there is an assumption of virtue and again as a Christian there are plenty of virtues that our society expresses that I do not agree with. As much as America is a country it is also an ideal. The Constitution was not premised upon some previous governmental system. It was premised upon the revolutionary theories that came out of the Enlightenment (some of those theories had “Christianese” in them most did not). So maybe it is more important for politicians to distinguish when they are talking about the nation of America and the ideal of America.
I pray for Osama bin Laden – that he will become a Christian – it happened to a guy named Saul.
Veretax, who here has advocated shame, acquiescing, not being grateful or isolationism? Certainly not me.
Not sure if you’re responding to what I wrote here or to something else.
What makes a nation great? The sum of its weaknesses or the sum of its strengths?
Personally, I get what you’re saying about flaunting our greatness around the international block and how it could make the neighbors a bit steamed, but I also know that there is no such thing as “pure” diplomacy.
Politicians are politicians regardless of which state, nation, army, insurgency, etc. that they lead. They all say and do things that they believe to be best in the moment. It may be what’s best for them, it may be what’s best for a special interest group, it may be best for their constituency, or for the nation, but they say and do things that are always wrong to someone.
Both Mac and Barry have done this with their speeches. I’m sure France is tired of hearing how great we are as a nation. But our own nation isn’t tired of hearing about it. Just as the French will never tire of hearing that their nation is great. Human nature, I say.
But back to Bin Laden. He’s got a great list their, and I tend to agree with majority of most of it, but at what point does it become okay to impose what I believe makes a nation great onto the nation (or others for that matter)?
Great post.
No it isn’t that upsetting. In my understanding of the scriptures – no nation except Israel is given instructions on how their nation is to conduct it’s business. We are given scriptural guidelines for the conduct of individuals and churches. To the unsaved, admonitions for humility don’t apply. Do I understand that it sounds bad to other countries when officials say we are the greatest? probably – do they hate us at times?- definitely – do they expect us to save their butts? usually. We should expect our government to meet the legal standards set (constitution, laws, statutes) but it is not required to meet Christian standards of behavior. Would it be nice if countries behaved rationally and the lion lay down with the lamb? Maranatha – indeed Come Lord Jesus. Good discussion Shaun – lotsa hot buttons available huh? Shalom
Interesting stuff. I blogged today on how politics divided a Bible study to the point that we didn’t even get to crack open the Scriptures. On one hand, it was good to talk about the intersection of faith and the political arena. On the other hand… what a waste of time. All I know is that I’ve stopped believe in America as the modern-day Israel. We’re not God’s chosen people. We’re not a Christian nation (that’s impossible, because nations don’t have souls). What we are is a group of people, many with some kind of Judeo-Christian ethical background (either conscious or subsconcious). What makes me uneasy about topics like this is that, if we’re not careful, we Christians can begin to place our hope in a candidate, political party, or form of government, which is idolatry. Now, that doesn’t mean that we don’t submit to authority, and that doesn’t mean that we as believers don’t do all we can to call our government to act on behalf of widowed, orphaned, and destitute people. But it does mean that instead of trying to line up with one platform or the other, we should be demanding that our politicians align themselves with the ideals of the kingdom of God. Maybe that’s part of what “thy kingdom come…” means.
Well said Shaun. I’m patriotic, Republican, and I’m voting for McCain/Palin. I agree that we’re not a Christian nation (well said Jeff) and I also agree that my hope is not found in a political candidate (again well said Jeff).
As for McCain’s speech (and Obama’s) calling us “the greatest nation” (“in the history of the world” according to Obama), I agree that although it is patriotic political rhetoric, it’s not at all diplomatic. It is simply arrogant, and arguably not true (from Japan’s perspective especially). We are a flawed nation with flawed human leaders. My hope is in Jesus. I hope more Americans and those who hate us can see that the kingdom of God is bigger than our differences. Humility is clearly a better diplomatic approach.
we should be demanding that our politicians align themselves with the ideals of the kingdom of God. Maybe that’s part of what “thy kingdom come…” means.
Whose Christian ideals?
Those who believe we should love our neighbor as ourselves?
Those who believe God needs our help in executing the end times?
Those who believe the mentally ill are possessed by demons and do not need/should not seek medical treatment?
Peacemakers?
Prosperity Christians?
Those who believe in helping the poor to be housed, fed and educated? Or not?
Those who believe we should be good stewards of the earth? Or not?
Even if it’s not dangerous b/c we might get attacked, pride is never a smart thing. If you think that you are the greatest nation, the leader of the world, will you see the things that need to be fixed before it’s too late? Or will arrogance blind you to what’s wrong? I’ve been prideful enough in my life to know that arrogance like that can only lead to a fall.
Important questions all…a very challenging read. Is the hyperbole and American chest-thumping as big a deal to me as it is to you? In this context, no, it really isn’t. Because for me, context is everything.
The speech’s purpose was very specific and given to a very specific audience. If it had been given in another circumstance, the content and the hyperbole could have been completely inappropriate, and yes, even dangerous. That said though, of course I realize that OBL doesn’t care what the context of the speech was, who the intended audience was or what McCain was trying to accomplish with it. He, and others like him for whom the purpose and intent are wholly irrelevant, will take the sound-bites and contort them to whatever anti-American purpose serves their deluded cause best. And that’s why it doesn’t matter that much to me, because as you say, you can’t “negotiate with crazy”. Why should he tailor that speech in such a way that it not offend a group of people who not only wouldn’t vote for him, but can’t vote for him, hate everything he holds dear and, in the case of the Islamic extremists, would murder violently him and everyone in the hall listening to him? His job last week was very specific – to win votes from the undecided voting American public. Of course his audience was much wider than that, but so what? That doesn’t change the stated purpose. Like you, I would have preferred that he accomplish it by giving more concrete examples of what some of policy solutions will be. But it wasn’t a State of the Union speech and I guess he gave the speech they thought would best accomplish the purpose.
If he were speaking at the G8 or somesuch, then yes, the “America is the leader” language would be intentionally poking crazy with a sharp stick. Maybe that’s hypocritical, but to me that’s just politics, the nature of the game. And it’s why, in my opinion, the solutions to problems like poverty and human trafficking and Islamic extremism will be found, largely, in the work of private groups and individuals around the world, Christians and otherwise, not by politics or governments. Governments have some role to play, but it shouldn’t be the only or largest role. If it is we’re doomed to failure and disappointment in the solutions. Politics and governments change too frequently. As if I needed to tell you any of that. When his, or any other politician’s, job is to be diplomatic and the leader of the most powerful nation on earth, the words will be different. Contrast the speech Obama gave in Denver with the speech he gave in Germany in June. When he was trying to win American votes he was very much a citizen of the “greatest nation in the history of the world”. In Germany he was a citizen of the world, speaking to a very different audience. But I doubt either speech won him any votes from the Afghani cave-dweller crowd.
So is it dangerous? Maybe, even probably. But that isn’t the relevant question to me. Because McCain is who he is, anything he (or any other American political candidate) says, is going to make OBL and his ilk angry and thereby dangerous. Parsing our speech, any speech, so as to avoid that possibility gives credence to the idea that there’s something we could say or do, other than submitting to their craziness, that would lessen that danger. For me the relevant question is, who will deal best with dangerous as a result of crazy?
Way long…sorry! But great questions! Good for me to be prodded to look at things through a different lens.
Is this kind of speech (and the possible attitude behind it) making every effort to be at peace with others? I don’t think so. I once did, but not anymore.
My understanding is that we’re to make every effort to be at peace with others even if we know the effort won’t avert conflict, because the effort itself says something to our enemy, ourselves, and on-lookers about what we value and who our God is.
I go back to Ezekiel 36 a lot on this here blog. It’s worth rereading again and again for me. God says the Hebrews profanes His name with their behavior. Their behavior may have been practical, beneficial to them, but it misrepresented (the word “profane” means to cripple) who God was (and is) to the “nations.” That’s weighty stuff. Does it have bearing on how we speak about ourselves and the world? I think it does. I’m not sure of all the implications but I think there are some to consider.
I’m sure you are much more knowledgable in all this than I am. Considering I lived in a bubble until I went to college (which wasn’t that long ago) and could hardly believe it when my (Christian) professors started telling me about all the despicable things that America has done in other countries.
Have you read Confessions of an Economic Hit Man? Maybe you don’t need to, but it’s really fascinating. Unfortunately I only had the chance to get a few chapters in before the book was no longer in my possession.
My husband grew up in an Arab country (a closed one at that) as an American and so he sees this from their perspective. I still have a hard time being sympathetic to people who are so bent on violence all.the.time. towards women.and children.and Christians.and anyone they consider their enemies. But I will definitely agree that the US has not done much to change their opinion of us in a good way.
I guess it’s still a good thing that when you travel to most parts of the world the people welcome you because they don’t fully realize that we control our government (since they don’t control theirs) and thus the influence in their country.
A few responders have already mentioned that we as individuals are responsible for our own humility and I agree. And it is true that the rest of the world is tired of hearing how “great” the US is, but name another country that has done more for the rest of the world. This is the country everyone else runs to any time there’s a problem.
We are the first people to rush in to help, even to hostile places, when there’s a natural disaster.
These are the attributes of a “great nation”. Not the polititions but the hearts and actions of its people.
And, tell me what other country has rebuilt a country it just defeated in war?
Finally, in many countries this conversation would not even be allowed.
Great topic, I love it when people think!
McCain’s and Obama’s bragging about the greatness of the US to political convention audiences won’t bother governments, in my opinion. They know what diplomacy is aimed at a domestic audience and what diplomacy is aimed at them. The US government can’t go into real diplomatic talks with that attitude and expect it to be well received, but countries know domestic bluster when they hear it, especially if it is consistent, predictable and not touching on foreign policy.
Speaking for myself, I think that a good case could be made for the greatness of America. While it would be difficult to find an agreed upon criteria and method of grading to determine the greatest country in the world, most people could agree on criteria that defines a great country. Picking a couple of these, it would be tough to find another country on the planet with combination of economic opportunities and freedom that we have here. Speaking for my own family, my dad was born in a shack. His sink was a hand pump outside and his toilet was an outhouse. The indoor walls were cardboard and the wood material was all scrap from the lumber yard were my grandpa worked. My sisters and I all went to college. I was able to go to graduate school. My next door neighbor growing up was the son of Mexican immigrant dishwashers. He went to Harvard. At college, I got to know several of the staff; janitors, secretaries, carpenters, etc. Many of them were poor immigrants or single parents, but they all worked at the university so their kids could get a free college education, including room and board. When I’m back in town, I still like to stop by the Thai restaurant that my friend the janitor started. He is so proud of how far he has come. One of my coworkers at my last job was a Russian immigrant. He loves the lack of corruption and economic opportunity here in the US. One of the girls on the soccer team I coach is the daughter of a Mexican immigrant and his American wife. Her dad has his own roofing business. How many countries can boast of the same level of freedom and opportunity for their residents (both legal and illegal)? Not many, if any. Speaking from my own personal experience, the people who are most exuberant about the greatness of America are immigrants, and that says something. You do not find the same level of praise coming from immigrants in many countries (e.g., France and Germany).
So, what countries do you think are better than the US and why?
MB
McCain’s and Obama’s bragging about the greatness of the US to political convention audiences won’t bother governments, in my opinion.
Al Qaeda isn’t a government.
Speaking for myself, I think that a good case could be made for the greatness of America.
No one here has claimed America is not a great country.
i <i> totally<> hear what you are trying to say. and its something that conflicts my heart too.
“Al Qaeda isn’t a government.”
Correct, they are irrational terrorists who want the whole world to submit to their vision of Allah and become Muslims. Pandering to them in our political speech is useless. Our candidates could forego all statements to the effect that “America is the greatest country” and it wouldn’t change their hatred of us, nor their desire to kill/convert us.
Campaign speeches that mention America being the greatest country have no effect on the effectiveness of our diplomacy. Real countries don’t care because they recognize the context. Terrorists may care, but even if we were to stop, it wouldn’t change their actions. Ultimately, their issues are far deeper than a campaign speech. Self-censorship of our political speech will not stop Al-Qaida from hating us.
Whether you agree or disagree with the statement “America is the greatest country” being used in campaign speeches by Obama and McCain, it should be a non-issue diplomatically.
MB
An Expat note: We are careful about how we expose our ‘Americaness’ in our host country. And that being in a “neutral” country – they are neutral only in their military deployment, not their opinions or attitude.
Even in school issues (kids from about 45 diff. countries), we are diplomatic. Other parents don’t like the American parents ‘bossing’ everyone around. We tread lightly – not all that has come out of our country is viewed favorably.
I can’t hope to reasonably address other discussions touched off by this post.
But I know chocolate chip cookies are much loved by every Int’l child that comes into our house – God Bless America.
Right there with you, Shaun.
The real reason these terrorists and many counties, hate us is because of our support of Israel. God singled them out not the US. Nothing short of turning our back on them will change their minds.
But until the entire world bows before the Lord we will have to continue to pray for our enemies and love the unlovable. We should be much more concerned with how God views us, than the rest of this fallen planet.
BrokenH, I don’t want to assume anything or read far too much into your comment so I’m asking for a little elaboration/clarification. Do you believe America(ns) has a biblically based obligation to protect the modern day territory labeled “Israel” on the map?
If so, I would like to learn more about that believe from you. Can you elucidate a little more on the biblical basis for this belief? It’s not one that I hold at the moment.
Doing what leads to peace and to mutual edification is a Biblical guideline for individual hearts.
However, trying to edit and censor words of pride and confidence about a nation—in an effort to placate a terrorist group—does not fit that admonition.
I understand your cringing at statements that sound arrogant; humility coupled with strength is a beautiful thing. But humble words that grow from fear of reprisal are to be pitied.
Specifically, when it comes to statements made in the public arena by leaders who are trying to use strength to balance power among nations and people groups, it is counterproductive to parse and moderate every statement. It is rightly perceived as weak. That’s why political leaders who try to please everyone are widely unpalatable and disrespected.
Otherwise, why stop at eliminating the use of a phrase like “the greatest nation” in speeches? Let’s just make a list of ANY words OR activities that could offend Al Qaeda. Then we’ll make a list for Hamas. And a list for every other angry people group, terrorist or not.
Bottom line:
Our leaders’ words could be perfectly diplomatic and appropriately humble, but to no avail. But our simple existence as a nation would still be an offense to radical Islam. We lean on the merciful hand of God for our existence, both individually and corporately as a nation.
So let’s stop carrying a burden for the words of politicians in fallen world system. Let’s keep our focus on the hearts of individuals, where God’s work begins.
However, trying to edit and censor words of pride and confidence about a nation—in an effort to placate a terrorist group—does not fit that admonition.
Who said anything about placating anyone?
But humble words that grow from fear of reprisal are to be pitied.
Who said anything about fear being the motive?
It is rightly perceived as weak.
Weak or meek? One time those two words got misappropriated and then the weak guy conquered death.
political leaders who try to please everyone are widely unpalatable and disrespected.
Who said anything about trying to please anyone?
Your comment is eloquently written – you are a gifted writer for sure. I enjoyed reading your words. I read them twice even. But many of them aren’t written in response to my post, but could possibly be written in response to thoughts and values assumed to be behind my post. I don’t know that. But it seems possible. All I know is I didn’t say a lot of what you’re taking issue with. Please be sure you’re reading the words I wrote without filling in the spaces between them. I’m not as good a writer as you so that might prove difficult sometimes.
“But there’s no sense in poking crazy with a sharp stick over and over again either. And that’s what our politicians are doing every time they brag hyperbolistically with the world’s spotlight on them about being the greatest. It’s arrogant at best, and dangerous at worst. Immature and unproductive.”
I may have overstated your words, and if so I apologize. But I believe your quote above is an example of what precipitated my response.
If it’s “dangerous” to use words of national pride in political speeches, wouldn’t an underlying fear of reprisal naturally play into the decision to cut them from the text—to avoid the “danger”?
True, the political cartoons in Europe about Islam/Mohammed were “poking crazy with a sharp stick,” too. (Great phrase, by the way!) But when the international media suggests such political words and pictures are too dangerous for today’s world, I mourn the disappearance of free speech and creative types of dissent.
On an individual basis, it may be “immature” for a person to say “I’m the greatest ever,” but it may not really be unproductive if it’s Muhammed Ali and he’s trying to show his opponent that he is strong enough and has sufficient confidence to win the next boxing round. And among nation-states and terrorist groups in today’s world, words of confidence do matter. Words of strength become something to aspire to, and even prophecy to fulfill. If American leaders stop calling this nation “the greatest,” then it will be sign of a weakening condition, a lack of confidence on the international scene.
I do despise personal arrogance. But I accept the necessity of clearly spoken words of national pride for international survival.
I agree that the meek Jesus never tried to change his political world, even though his disciples begged him to do so. I agree that he was not weak; instead, he was focused on his true mission. And even so, his words were often taken as “arrogant” by the religious leaders because he said flat out that he was the Son of God. Jesus knew words mean things, and that fallen human beings often need to hear strong statements. Our political world needs to hear strong statements today, as well.
Shaun, I don’t believe Israel needs our protection. They are the most well armed nation in the world. I do however believe that the bible is clear that they are God’s chosen people. It is the Israeli people we should align ourselves with and at this time they occupy that particular piece of real estate.
Not that the Israeli people are without sin but when the rest of the world stands against God’s people, I want to stand with them. The protection needed will come from the Lord (Ez.38:17-18).
Problem: The Israel on the map today, the nation-state, didn’t exist until the 20th century. The Israel of the Old Testament was a family, literally descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (later named Israel). And, to make matters even blurrier, Paul, in the New Testament states that at least in some aspects you and I are a new Israel.
So, which of the three Israels is God’s chosen people? In my only mildly informed opinion, the nation of Israel today is not it. Does that change our obligation to them?
If American leaders stop calling this nation “the greatest,” then it will be sign of a weakening condition, a lack of confidence on the international scene.
I believe greatness is recognized, if not openly acknowledged, by almost everyone.
On an international basis, when a nation is “the greatest”, other national leaders will know it and some will SAY it and the leaders of the “the greatest nation” can very humbly say “thank you very much”.
Domestically, I believe our constantly being told we are the greatest nation is a manipulating tactic used by politicians – tho Barack Obama may have used it to defend his patriotism – I believe the lapel flag pin had become a symbol of support for President Bush’s war rather than a symbol of patriotism.
We may be the greatest nation – I don’t know. I know we are not at the top of the lists in making education and health care available to all citizens. We’ve given away a lot of money. I don’t know what our leaders motives were or if the money was used wisely.
My concern is not only with our arrogance unnecessarily riling the terrorists, but that our arrogance unnecessarily damages our relationships with allies as well. Remember Freedom Fries?
Pride is weakness, but humility is strength. – the Bible.
Nations are populated with people.
“Freedom has many difficulties and democracy is not perfect, but we have never had to put a wall up to keep our people in, to prevent them from leaving us. I want to say, on behalf of my countrymen, who live many miles away on the other side of the Atlantic, who are far distant from you, that they take the greatest pride that they have been able to share with you, even from a distance, the story of the last 18 years. I know of no town, no city, that has been besieged for 18 years that still lives with the vitality and the force, and the hope and the determination of the city of West Berlin. While the wall is the most obvious and vivid demonstration of the failures of the Communist system, for all the world to see, we take no satisfaction in it, for it is, as your Mayor has said, an offense not only against history but an offense against humanity, separating families, dividing husbands and wives and brothers and sisters, and dividing a people who wish to be joined together.”
This excerpt from JFK’s speech in Berlin in 1963 reminds me why America’s leadership in the world goes beyond arrogance or immaturity. Reagan “bragged” on his country more than probably any of the U.S. presidents, and he called for the Berlin Wall to be torn down. Interestingly enough, it was.