Prompt: America as Empire?
America seems like the ultimate dream come true to most people of the world. Unlike in most countries, In America you can persue your dreams. What people around the world want most is freedom. In his book "Why Are We At War", Mailer writes "Behind the whole push to go to war with Iraq is the desire to have a huge military presence in the Middle East as a stepping-stone to taking over the rest of the world." I do not agree entirely with this statement. I believe the reason for the war in Iraq was the defend our country in the beginning.
When the terrorists attacked America, We needed to show them that we would not back down. In the beginning, Most people supported the War on Terror. My feeling about the war now have changed. I do agree with Mailer to a degree. Yes, In the beginning the war was for defending our country and freedom. Now, I feel that President Bush does want a global empire. I think we made our point by capturing and killing their dictator. Seeing the statue of Saddam fall was a proud moment for me as I am sure it was to a great many other people.
I understand some people still support this war. I respect their opinions. Some make the point that innocent lives were lost in 9/11. This is true. I say think of all the innocent lives that are being lost this very second. Why are the dying right now : to defend America? I think the US made it's point that we are not weak and will fight back. So if this has been established, Why are we still fighting? When is enough enough? Forget revenge and the oil. Forget a global empire. I saw now is enough. Why allow bush his global empire? Yes, he had good intentions at the start ,but now global empire is on his mind. I say forget the global take over and bring our boys home!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
September 11th Altered Everything
Prompt: Mailer
September 11th Altered Everything
We all remember where we were on September 11, 2001. I was in History class in seventh grade. We were studying when one of my friends asked what had happened; everyone was acting weird. My teacher told me she was not allowed to tell us but we begged her until she gave in. My teacher told us America was under attack and that the school was under lock down. We were not allowed to tell the other children due to panic. I know I will never forget the feeling of fear that came over me, as I am sure neither will anyone else. Yes we all remember where we were and how we felt. The bigger question is: Do you remember how you felt before September 11th?
Norman Mailer writes in his book Why Are We A War, "Then September 11 altered everything. It was as if our TV sets had come alive.For years we had been watching maelstrom extravaganzas on the tube, and enjoying them. We were insulated. A hundredth part of ourselves could step into the box and live with the fear. now, an invasion from the Beyond! An Appearance! Gods and demons were invading the United States, coming in right off the TV screen." This is true. Before September 11, America felt safe. Then all of a sudden, It was as if our eyes were opened for the first time that we are in fact not safe.
Mailer has specfic examples of how our eyes we opened. Mailer writes of Robert Hanssen being a Soviet mole for fifteen year and of the Catholic priests who had molested so many young boys. Before September 11, We had pedophiles. However, to have priests do such thing to our children seem to hit even closer to home. September 11 made America see that we are not invincible. Now, we are more alert and see more clearly. I think September 11 was a serious wake up call for America and even for the world. Before the attack, we were blinded by deception and greed for money and power. Norman Mailer blames this upon our president George Bush. Perhaps he is correct in this assertion. I think it was because of our own deception of ourselfs.
September 11th Altered Everything
We all remember where we were on September 11, 2001. I was in History class in seventh grade. We were studying when one of my friends asked what had happened; everyone was acting weird. My teacher told me she was not allowed to tell us but we begged her until she gave in. My teacher told us America was under attack and that the school was under lock down. We were not allowed to tell the other children due to panic. I know I will never forget the feeling of fear that came over me, as I am sure neither will anyone else. Yes we all remember where we were and how we felt. The bigger question is: Do you remember how you felt before September 11th?
Norman Mailer writes in his book Why Are We A War, "Then September 11 altered everything. It was as if our TV sets had come alive.For years we had been watching maelstrom extravaganzas on the tube, and enjoying them. We were insulated. A hundredth part of ourselves could step into the box and live with the fear. now, an invasion from the Beyond! An Appearance! Gods and demons were invading the United States, coming in right off the TV screen." This is true. Before September 11, America felt safe. Then all of a sudden, It was as if our eyes were opened for the first time that we are in fact not safe.
Mailer has specfic examples of how our eyes we opened. Mailer writes of Robert Hanssen being a Soviet mole for fifteen year and of the Catholic priests who had molested so many young boys. Before September 11, We had pedophiles. However, to have priests do such thing to our children seem to hit even closer to home. September 11 made America see that we are not invincible. Now, we are more alert and see more clearly. I think September 11 was a serious wake up call for America and even for the world. Before the attack, we were blinded by deception and greed for money and power. Norman Mailer blames this upon our president George Bush. Perhaps he is correct in this assertion. I think it was because of our own deception of ourselfs.
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