A giant stumbles into post 9-11

(FinalCall.com) - A year ago President Bush was not a happy chap. The economy was slumping, the debate over who really won the 2000 election was in high gear and many Blacks were throwing darts at his administration for shunning the UN World Conference Against Racism.

Then four hijacked planes gripped the attention of the American public and changed this country forever. The attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon were not like the surprise attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor.

This attack hit America in the heart. And the country still bleeds.

Initially, President Bush�s actions served as a salve over the wounds. He found his voice in the attack and, like a father leading frightened children, he stood with a commanding voice, giving many a feeling of security because somebody was in charge. Unfortunately, the further we got away from Sept. 11, 2001, Pres. Bush�s actions and policies have proven to be the real unraveling of this nation.

In the aftermath of the attack, he targeted an enemy�Osama bin Laden�and went after him. Further into the aftermath, he broadened the definition of the enemy: "If you�re not with us, you�re against us." He used his overwhelming support and the fear of the nation to set into motion draconian legislation.

He has prepared himself for the extended war that he knew would occur by putting into place laws and agencies that would stifle debate and hush the voices of those who oppose what he had in mind way back then.

Civil rights and anti-Vietnam War activists were targeted by this nation�s federal and paramilitary agencies to stifle the protests of the groups whose voices merged into a loud challenge to government policies during the �60s and �70s. Will the voices of those who oppose the laws that restrict civil liberties and the emerging war be targeted this time around?

Richard Nixon defined the post-Cold War enemy for the U.S. and the West when he said that the future nemesis was fundamentalist Islam. Since then, every president has had a Muslim target that was elevated to public scorn in the media for the American public: Carter had the Ayatollah of Iran; Reagan targeted Libya�s Gadhafi; Bush I and II are tussling with Saddam Hussein of Iraq.

As we observe the anniversary of such a tragic day, Americans must reflect on the direction in which the country is headed. A crossroads presents opportunity, if the right road is taken.

The road Mr. Bush has chosen is war. He wants to attack Iraq; he wants Saddam Hussein dead. He has not made his case for such a war. On the basis of innuendoes and unsubstantiated allegations, President Bush is willing to commit thousands of young men and women�mostly poor Blacks, Whites and Hispanics of this country�to a battle that has no certain outcome.

If Saddam is overthrown, what will replace him? How many American and Iraqi lives will be lost? Are Americans ready to stomach body bags? Will an attack on Iraq produce turmoil in the region? Will an attack on Iraq spark more attacks on America?

These questions will certainly be answered in the event of a war and President Bush�s legacy will be determined by the answers. As it stands, the nations of the world are opposed to President Bush�s desires. But he doesn�t seem to care. He will go it alone, if necessary.

Unfortunately, he will drag the American people with him unless we stand and bring some sanity to this administration�s policies.

We can start with a balanced policy toward justice for the Palestinians in their homeland.

FinalCall.com