In this day of modern communications, the word gets out pretty fast. In the case of Saddam Hussein's capture, by the time you read this, everything that took place early Sunday morning is now ancient history and the new developments surrounding Saddam's current presence are also known throughout the world. Indeed, modern technology has its good points, but it also has its bad points. I want to comment, for a bit this week, on the irresponsible flap that is affecting the hearts and minds of millions.
If you are a political animal, and a Republican, you are no doubt elated beyond words and, as the polls are showing, President George Bush's ratings were immediately uplifted, and he is being exonerated even by some of his so-called enemies. If you are the eyes of the beholder, there is much to flap about here and by now we have heard our share.
It's interesting to see France, in particular, then Germany and Russia back pedaling now on America and its desire to select certain countries to share in the economic gains expected with the rebuilding of Iraq. Bush reportedly has inferred that America has the checkbook on this one, and reconstruction contracts will be awarded to those countries that have worked with the United States in the effort to defeat Saddam and convert oil-rich Iraq to a democratic society. Bush opponents are using this implied boycott to muddy up the water.
Bush has not deterred his position at this writing and continues to stress that those countries that supplied troops and materials during the ongoing effort to take down the Hussein regime should share in the reconstruction effort. At least that is my view as I look at the big picture.
I have a question to ask, and I know it is on the minds of many Budgeteer readers. The United States saved France during World War I and pumped millions into that country following the so-called "War to End All Wars." And then, during World War II, it was again the United States that came to the aid of France and Russia, and billions of American dollars were used to finance the American led defeat of Germany. France and Russia were major recipients of the generosity of America, both in manpower and financial investment. Is it any wonder now that our country should lay the law down and make sure those who are currently ignoring our involvement in a terrible war against terrorism, that is far from over, should be asked to sit on the sidelines? If President Bush were a Democrat, his actions would be heralded as "presidential" by the very people who are beating him up daily in the media and on the campaign trail. That's politics, like it or not.
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At stake here is a terrible choice. We are at war with a worldwide terrorism organization, and a truce is far from being signed. Naturally, we have to get Osama bin Laden and if and when we do, that will be a plus, but it will not be the end of hostilities. The war will continue until free nations throughout the world unite and economically squeeze those that would destroy our freedom. This can be done, but it is going to take serious sacrifices from the Germanys and Frances of the world who are too used to holding out their hands, expecting the United States to cover all the bases for them.
