I hope against hope that today doesn’t mark America’s saddest day; the day we lost our way, and began acting outside the law. First strike has never been our country’s policy, and the potential costs, from the damage to our relations with the rest of the world, to the very real possibility that many other countries will also adopt a first strike policy, with all that implies, are higher than any of the possible benefits of this action.
For the sake of the Iraqi civilians, and to avoid a real jihad against the west if we are perceived as having engaged in civilian massacre, I hope this goes quickly and with very minimal loss of life.
And let us not forget that there is a very real war here at home; the assault against the constitution, that which defines us in so many ways, continues unabated. Watch for Patriot II to come out of the woodwork again if this drags on.
Here’s what Justice Scaglia of the US Supreme Court had to say recently regarding civil liberties:
“The Constitution just sets minimums,” Scalia said after a speech at John Carroll University in suburban Cleveland. “Most of the rights that you enjoy go way beyond what the Constitution requires.”
Of course, it goes without saying, that it is well understood that our troops are not to blame for this battle. Having been in the army myself, having many relatives who served, and knowing people even now who are potentially in harm’s way I can only wish all the best for our troops.
“Wave that flag
Wave it wide and high”