The State Of The Union speech is upcoming Tuesday. Although press releases have stated President Bush will actually downplay the war on terror in this edition, my best guess is that the subject will still take front & center stage.
He will likely make it clear that we are struggling, and that answers are forthcoming. Most likely, however, he still cannot grasp why the situation in the Middle East gets worse by the day.
Here's an idea why. And before reading on, please note I am not taking sides. I am a realist by nature, which would undoubtedly worry some media types, who print slanted opinions at times. I am for our troops 100%, even if the purpose of the fight is wrong and misdirected.
That said: Picture the shoe being on the other foot. Let's say we are the smaller country in area, but still practicing the same beliefs & freedoms we currently do. Imagine the other country, much bigger in size, practicing their beliefs as they do now. Now let's say we are the ones conquered & occupied. We do not agree with their beliefs and want to defend ourselves. It's a very basic principle.
As when a germ invades the body, we want to be the antidote and rid it of the disease. Should basic medicine not get rid of the germ, you go to the doctor, take stronger medications, etc. In warfare, therefore, you'd use stronger tactics to send the message you don't wish to be occupied, and you are not in need of their interference.
Would we not battle fiercely to rid ourselves of the occupier?
Supposedly, in the name of the common good, we are currently in the Middle East to help. What has resulted, as we all know, is not the plan that was set forth. The people did not welcome us with "open arms", and they attack our troops daily. The war has no end in sight.
Wouldn't we have done the same had the shoe been on the other foot?
One of the popular anthems of the 1960s was the song, Both Sides Now. I wonder if the president ever listened to the song, or got the message the title implies.
