More About the People

In our zeal to appease the Europeans and the United Nations, the White House is drafting yet another resolution for the United Nations to consider. Why, I wonder, is the United Nations removed from the responsibility of drafting the resolution? Why is the question not being asked?

We The People, our country, was formed and fought for on the premise of individual freedom, autonomy of the individual. That premise carries to the autonomy of the country. Our global situation now seeks to undermine the concepts of individual freedom, and we are being asked to conform to the wishes of countries whose welfare is largely determined by the generosity of the People of the United States.

Now, 3 Americans are being held hostage by Columbian rebels after shooting another American. President Bush has sent 150 troops to provide intelligence and support to the Columbian military in searching for the hostages.

The truly remarkable thing is - Where is the media coverage on this event? The New York Times has it listed under Other International News. Is that all? Where is the international outcry against this kidnapping?

When prisoners were taken to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in the fight against Al-Quaeda, the International Red Cross was quick to investigate the treatment of those prisoners, and to voice strong opinions on that treatment. At the same time, they are not entering Iraq to investigate the treatment of the civilians there. Yet another strange double standard.

It is fascinating and astonishing to see the apathy over the mistreatment of Americans and the screaming over the believed mistreatment of citizens of other nations. Yet the United States continues to take steps to gain the support of the international community.

Without the aid provided by the US, many countries throughout the world would not enjoy much of the agricultural, medical, military, and political advances that they now enjoy. Perhaps the US should consider removing the aid and leaving these countries to their own devices, so that they can manage in accordance with their particular belief systems and cultures. At the same time, the US can use this much-needed money to fortify its borders, take care of its senior citizens, and improve the lot of the poor within its own borders.