America's enemies: Bush administration says list is growing

(3-13-2002)

by Matt Kapko
Community editor, The Lumberjack

In recent days I've been overcome with this awkward feeling of being pulled into a vicious downward spiral. I fear that this "undeclared" war is moving into a more widespread cyclical pattern of violence.

The goals and objectives of this war seem ever unclear and unwieldy.

According to the Bush administration, America's list of enemies seems to be growing.

The Los Angeles Times recently reported on the classified document, Nuclear Posture Review. This report shows that the administration asked the Pentagon to draw up plans for the use of nuclear weapons against at least seven countries.

These are only contingency plans; nonetheless the countries named include China, Libya, Syria, Russia, Iraq, Iran and North Korea.

I need not be reminded of the president's haunting phrase "axis of evil" to describe the last three mentioned. I am beginning to wonder if the government is looking too hard for enemies. How did plans for using nuclear weapons slide into the picture?

I had hoped there were important lessons learned from the mass destruction and death in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. When I first learned of those atrocious attacks, I was somehow comforted with the assurance that nuclear weapons would never be used again.

Maybe it was ignorance, but I was sure that mankind had grown past such cowardice.

Of course I was much too young to realize that people don't all just get along.

I don't think the United States is the only reckless and aggressive nation. There are numerous others who each play their part, but what makes America different is that its government's decisions are very often unilateral.

By not recognizing international laws and human rights, it has exploited this self-appointed veto power across the globe.

Putting America's ego aside, I feel there are many things that can be done by the government to diminish some conflicts and hostilities.

One positive move would be to withdraw all U.S. troops from Saudi Arabia. This foreign military presence raises issues of sovereignty in a land of some of Islam's holiest sites.

I see no rationale for a U.S. military presence in this country. In fact it appears to be seen as an offensive by many people in the region, not just Osama bin Laden.

This is a case where whose right or wrong doesn't apply. If the presence of U.S. military brings with it more enemies, what purpose does it serve?

America needs to simply stop bugging people.

It is important for Americans to understand why we are the largest targets for violence abroad and what can be done to reduce those reasons.

This is fast becoming a world in which these common grievances cannot be ignored. We have seen the effects of America's pompous message it sends to the world.

The harsh positions of America's leaders are reflected in other people's anger directed at the United States.

The politicians now making calls for racial profiling disgust me. They define such judgments as just and necessary to our security.

I believe their opinions are based on a fear that is wrought with racism and prejudice.

I worry our government's moves to spread this war will have irreversible effects.

If I chose to focus on the U.S. troops stationed in the Philippines and the potential for war in Iraq, the outlook would be grim.

But for me there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

When Michael Moore addressed a sold-out crowd last Wednesday to speak in opposition to the government and its actions, it sent a clear message.

The opposition to our government and this war seem to be growing.

I have even personally witnessed this opposition grow in my family and friends.

While there are many issues that are not easily agreed on, others seem to find a common agreement.

People don't want this war to continue with no apparent end in sight. They are beginning to reflect on America's place in the world.

This world is becoming a smaller place in which the beliefs and tiny nuances of every person can and often do affect us.

This is not a time for us to wrap ourselves in the comforts of nationalism.

There is another world beyond our borders and I think we're just beginning to understand it.

Matt Kapko is The Lumberjack Community editor and hopes that someday we can all get along.