Entering The Second Decade Of The Third Millennium Offers Concerns
Posted: Wednesday, December 30, 2009
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
Our entire nation is in an uproar at one another, hatred abounds, dirty politics are rampant, the economy is a mess, and is not getting better even though many are attempting to say it is. It is easy for each person, especially those who feel they are almighty and all wise, to blame Barack Obama, George W. Bush and/or Bill Clinton for all of our woes. That just isn't the way it is. Without trying to hide anything, I am convinced that all three of those fellows have failed our country in different ways, but even so, The blame for our major problems is not theirs. With much more wisdom of them and their advisors, perhaps things would have been some better. But our problems are not singular nor are they minor.
Liberals enjoy criticizing Ronald Reagan and what they refer to as Reaganomics.
During the 1950's and 1960's we faced an ominous world wide threat of a nuclear holocaust. Nikita Krushev beat his shoe on the table and raved that "We will bury you!", referring to the western world. The nuclear arms race was rampant and the Berlin wall was built, allowing extremely little interaction between the east and the west there, even among families. There were a few incidents when things became so tense that high alerts went out. We had three baby girls and I was driving thirty miles through heavy Atlanta traffic each day trying to eke out a living for us. With all sincerity, I almost had a nervous breakdown, thinking constantly of my wife and children while I was at least an hour or so from them, even if I could have gotten there at all should an attack come.
When Ronald Reagan came into the presidency, he began to talk harshly and directly towards the Russian antagonists and I thought we had a crazy man in the Whitehouse. But things began to happen, Russia's rhetoric toned down, interchange in Berlin began to loosen up and the next thing you knew The Soviet Union was dissolved, the Berlin Wall was opened up and the long "Cold War" melted. What a blessed relief it was to no longer live in fear of nuclear war at any moment. People can criticize the man all they care to, but I am thankful that I lived under his administration and he will forever be my choice of all the American presidents.
But, hidden in this long episode which started at the end of WWII and the division of oversight of those conquered nations among the victors, was an occurrence which did not receive much world wide fanfare or publicity even though it was not done in secret. The U.N. pressured the British into relinquishing control of the territory they controlled in the Jerusalem and Palestinian area back to the Palestinians and with an area around Jerusalem to the Israelites who claimed the area under the biblical teaching of God giving them that land. This almost immediately brought strife into that area. The Jewish people and the Palestinians had lived together in relative peace for many years while the land was claimed by the British, but both sides felt that it was rightfully theirs and were unhappy with the division which also gave both freedom in Jerusalem with neither able to rule it. The majority of the middle eastern countries were also upset that the Jews now held claim to property which they all felt was duly owned by the Muslim people.
Violence erupted and all have heard of the infamous 6 day war, when the tiny Israeli nation beat back a number of the surrounding nations who invaded them with intention of giving the land back to the Palestinians. Not only did Israel beat them down but gained territories of Gaza and the West Bank which they held on to as a buffer zone. This did not set well with any of the Muslim nations and, from all indications, has been the prime mover of the "radical Islamist" growth and purpose in life. That of punishing Israel and any others who have befriend them.
It has formed a dilemma which has upset the entire world and has now caused major fighting and wars. It appears, to this writer, that there is no rightful solution to this. Regardless now of what might be resolved in the Israeli-Palestinian disagreement, it would no longer resolve the radical Islam hatred and intent of destroying all "unbelievers" and establishing a world dominated Islamic state.
Had the nations determined what was going on with the growth of the al-Qaeda, and if they had any semblance of unity among them, they could have destroyed this threat back under the Clinton years. Even though I do not approve of most of the present administration's moves concerning the war on terrorism, I give whoever made the decision credit for a move which should have been done many years ago in different areas.
Al-Qaeda's present place of forming a headquarters and training camp for their insurgents, is Yemen. And from appearances, our Intelligence sources are doing an outstanding job in keeping abreast of this and other operations. And as I said, our move in negotiating and aiding the little nation of Yemen, seemingly paid off well this last week when the Yemeni military bombed hideouts of the al-Qaeda killing 34 of their leaders. This action should have been taken early on during Clinton's administration when we knew of their activities and most of their locations. It was indeed wise to have the Yemeni government forces do the work while furnishing them with their needs, without going in there with our own troops. Although, this may yet become necessary.
Al-Qaeda was flourishing and operating freely in Afghanistan when the twin towers came down in 2001. And those who criticize George Bush for the action he took there should be ashamed. It greatly crippled the organization and put them on the run, into the almost impenetrable mountains of western Pakistan. They were attempting to establish an area of training and communication in Iraq and did indeed send numerous forces into the area after we invaded Iraq. Again President Bush was unduly criticized for a job that was desperately needed. And although Obama was extremely critical of that war during his campaign for the presidency, he has seemingly realized the necessity of it's presence and is trying to head it in the very same direction the Bush administration was trying to do. That of training Iraqi troops to replace the Americans. It is a slow and tedious job but would be foolhardy to abandon.
The president seems very reluctant to have our troops fight, but again, seems to realize there is little sensible alternative, in Iraq and in Afghanistan at this time. It is easy for those who object to these wars, to be Monday morning quarterbacks and tell what should have been done. But to make the proper decisions under times of stress and realizations of the possible consequences pro or con, is an entirely different matter
We also have such trouble areas as Iran which is, from all indications, going to take military force to resolve it. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is another wild man who, much like Saddam Hussein, is willing to resist U.N. Mandates and pursue his quest for nuclear weapons and dare anyone to challenge him. All the while declaring his hatred for Israel and his desire to destroy them.
These and other world troubles are unlikely to resolve themselves or be resolved by impotent U.N. Mandates or sweet negotiations by President Obama. These trouble spots are caused by determined men who do not succumb to carrots or kind promises. Only the achievement of their ultimate goals will appease them. And some have as their goal, the death of every American.
I don't profess to hold the wisdom of answering these problems. But it does appear to me that one of the encouraging points is the use of Saudi and Yemeni forces to defeat the terrorists nest in Yemen, and is most welcome.
The primary problem, it seems to me is the reluctance of the good and respectable followers of Islam, to pitch in and restore respect for their own religion. Islam has suffered tremendously because of these radicals who should be stopped and it appears, only their decent fellow countrymen can get the job done.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)I think you should follow the standard rules for essay structure. Outline the essay first. The article seems to progress okay, but there is no clear topic sentence and no organized paragraph sturcture. Try 7 or 11 sentence paragraphs. Progress orderly through your 'points'Are you an English teacher? Did you not like what Joel wrote? Did he not make some valid points?Thank you for riding shotgun for me "just wondering". I don't pay these people much attention. I imagine he is right. English was not my best subject. However, I very much disagree with him on 7 or 11 sentence paragraphs. Readers do not like half a page with no breaks. I doubt that he has any best sellers out there either.
As always, Joel, I liked reading your article. I have a comment about your last paragraph. From some Muslims, you hear Islam is a religion of peace; from others, that it is a religion of war. I think until they figure out what they are, no one will be able to get anything done. But, that said, consider how many who claim Christ are for any means to get their message across. Maybe we are not so different?Hi Lorrie, thanks for reading and the comment. You hit it right on the nose. Actually, there is much in the Quran that is ambigous to the degree that it simply depends upon the readers attitude (hatred or desire for money) as to which side most will take. Also, I believe many do not read it but simply form their views from the views of others. For instance the children dancing in the street upon hearing of the twin towers destruction, flashing "V" signs. They had not determined that was a good thing from the Quran, but from their parents and friends. And your closing statement/question is also absolutely correct.
I thought this was a good, well written article leaving the reader with many things to think about. And, once again,I will say MARANATHA! Marijo
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