Independence Day
John H. Adler
July 05, 2006
On the 4th of July, 2006, we celebrated the independence of the United States of America.
Clearly, however we could not celebrate the independence of all countries of the world. We can only wish that this were true. Quoting the dictionary, independence means “free from subjection or the influence of others and the exemption from external control or support.”
Attempting to free the world from tyranny and suppression is a noble endeavor. However, it should be conducted on the basis of diplomacy and incentives not by acts of armed aggression. We, as a country, can only nudge the world toward Democracy; we can not bulldoze it into it.
Democracy in the United States sprung from the will of the people, not from outside pressures. Our government should not attempt to use armed force to convert other peoples and lands to our way of life. Our stance of aggression offers a poor example for the rest of the world, and we achieve exactly the opposite of what we are aiming for. We have donned the mantle of modern-day “Crusaders” and it does not belong in the world of the 21st century.
I do not wish to imply that we should isolate ourselves from the rest of the world but I feel that our country would be much better off if we were to mind more of our own business. Heaven knows, we have enough trouble at home.
Clearly, however we could not celebrate the independence of all countries of the world. We can only wish that this were true. Quoting the dictionary, independence means “free from subjection or the influence of others and the exemption from external control or support.”
Attempting to free the world from tyranny and suppression is a noble endeavor. However, it should be conducted on the basis of diplomacy and incentives not by acts of armed aggression. We, as a country, can only nudge the world toward Democracy; we can not bulldoze it into it.
Democracy in the United States sprung from the will of the people, not from outside pressures. Our government should not attempt to use armed force to convert other peoples and lands to our way of life. Our stance of aggression offers a poor example for the rest of the world, and we achieve exactly the opposite of what we are aiming for. We have donned the mantle of modern-day “Crusaders” and it does not belong in the world of the 21st century.
I do not wish to imply that we should isolate ourselves from the rest of the world but I feel that our country would be much better off if we were to mind more of our own business. Heaven knows, we have enough trouble at home.
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