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Through My Eyes... |
Ships of Hope and Peace
Jan 03, 2005
By Cornelia Spelman
Isn't it wonderful to see American ships being used to help, not destroy?
American ships have gone to help tsunami victims. Isn't it wonderful to see the dramatic television pictures of American soldiers handing out clean water and food and helping evacuate the injured? Isn't this what one wants America to be?
For the soldiers, it must be a huge relief to be able to fulfill this role instead of that of destroyer. For once, they have been sent to help, not hurt. We have seen so much death and destruction, of our soldiers, and by our soldiers, who have been ordered to kill and destroy.
Doesn't it seem obvious that being the helpers in our small world is the way to win heart and minds? Isn't it the way people need to be with each other on our endangered planet? Don't you feel good that your taxes are supporting these good actions and not the torture of prisoners?
I fear, however, that the Bush administration will use this present goodness to distract attention for the present and on-going badness in Iraq. Sons and daughters have been put in harm's way--are not properly equipped, are asked to do the impossible not for altruistic ideals but for political expediency. It is sickening. One wants to hold a mask over one's nose as the survivors of the tsunami must do in the presence of all those corpses.
If you agree, write your representatives. Tell them what you want America's ships to deliver-- peace.