The people of the United
States of America September 11, 2001 . It changed the
way we perceived the world and ushered in a renewed sense of patriotism and
unity. Our foreign policy set, our targets were articulated and we entered a
war against terrorism with the full bravado of a nation with purpose and
determination. The utterance of “crusade” to describe the ensuing war on
terrorism foreshadowed the changes that began taking place in the domestic
arena as well.
Civil rights became subject to interpretations of “national
security.” The suspension of legal rights for detainees, domestic and international,
as well as wiretapping became acceptable forms of civility. The palatable
hostility towards critics of these policies rivaled the Red Scare of the 1940s
and 50s. Perhaps the ugliest manifestation of this intolerance is used today by
those claiming that President Obama is a Muslim. Our new found patriotism and
unity have also witnessed a return to our Puritan roots domestically.
Faith-based initiatives have enabled religious non-profits
to help the federal government provide social services. There are clear delineations
to prevent proselytizing, but precedent has been set and the mood of the
country seems to be changing. Politicians are chipping away at Roe vs. Wade and
stem cell research has been curtailed. As the war on terrorism continues the United
States
Ironically, we would do well to heed the words of President
George W. Bush: “We
have no intention of imposing our culture -- but America will always stand firm
for the non-negotiable demands of human dignity: the rule of law ... limits on
the power of the state ... respect for women ... private property ... free
speech ... equal justice ... and religious tolerance.” The United States of
America
No comments:
Post a Comment