I cannot believe what has transpired throughout this country in the last two years. At first, we were a country united in grief as well as in war. We have sat as a nation transfixed to our televisions watching another country be destroyed almost like a video game. Only this game had the highest stakes of all behind it – human life.
Of course, the press and the networks were reveling in their own ratings war, rushing to release the first news bulletins, often times forsaking the cardinal rule of verification of sources. It was a time of frenzy and anxiety. A time of shortcuts and mistakes glossed over as the ramifications of a fast moving war.
Now we are looking at the administration and questioning their motives? Politicians looking to advance themselves at the expense of whom? Parents, spouses and children who lost their loved ones in a war that thus far has accomplished nothing. No captures of Bin Laden or Hussein. No weapons of mass destruction. No peace. Just troops now at the mercy of fanatical cowards who terrorize and run.
It is not important what the president said in his State of the Union address. What is important is that we learn from this situation and never ever allow ourselves to let our hearts rule our senses when it comes to war. The price is far too high to pay. To question things now only hurts those who paid the highest price and that is sad beyond all words.
Learn and go forth. Do not look back and question. A question has lost its merit once an answer has been determined. Just be certain to ask all the questions the next time and, more importantly, listen to the answers for what they truly are, not what you want them to be.
Roberta Mc Gilvery
Howell