'War on Terror' continued part 2

Continued from part 1...

The fact that our leaders, from Congress to the President and his administration, cannot define clearly what a ‘war on terror’ is, as I stated above, not a surprise. The phrase is catchy, seemingly accurate and precise but in fact states nothing. It does not say who we are fighting. This policy does not define our objectives, nor what constitutes a win. This policy does not hint at a potential endpoint. The policy encompasses to broad a range of actions and events, for too long a span of time. These are the reason why every action currently seems ambiguous and without forward motion. Our troops deserve better support.

The auspices of this policy, for it is more of a policy or doctrine than a declaration of war, reach into the core of life in America to the furthest nations, and will do so for an unknown period of time. That seems like an untenable situation to me. The potential for corruption is vast. And we have already seen the fingertips of such corruption in elements of the Patriot Act (has anyone noticed the problems with Patriot Act II or continuing even provisions of the first Act? Where is the news stories on that?), the wiretaps and eavesdropping of communications on the international and national fronts, the detainment of not only foreign but also American citizens, and other items. All of this is fed by the fear contained in the ‘war on terror’. Generalizations and ill-defined goals lead to an atmosphere of uncertainty that creates a nurturing ground for abuse.

I agree that there are portions of the policy that need to be enacted. I think that portions of the steps taken to date are needed for the continued stability or growth of the standard of living currently enjoyed in this nation. And I can understand why a shroud has been placed over the policy, to enable the less savory aspects of the actions (and consequences) to be done. But I think that given information and time the average American can accept the choices and consequences required. If such information were provided the balance of the checks and balances that the government was formed under becomes stronger and more secure. Eluding direct scrutiny erodes the foundations, and creates an atmosphere in which our troops suffer. That I do not abide.

So while the poll results are shocking, they are not surprising. What is surprising is that we, the American citizens, do not force our leaders - from the local level to the Presidential - to provide us with more. No poll of such importance should be so one-sided towards confusion.

This is what I think, what do you think?