Final Price of Security thoughts

Continued from Ted Koppel part 2...

But I realize that each of these actions and proposals are meant to safeguard the American people. I do note that as has happened in the past of this nation, some actions have been done that were questionable at the time but in the best interest of the nation. I do not doubt that more will happen in the future, when needed. The key is that checks and balances remain, and that individual citizens consistently debate these actions.

We are fighting an ideal. We are fighting people and there will be costs in lives. I have no problem with that. Much like the one commenter mentioned (I missed her name) we must be clear on what we are doing. Political manipulation of wording is unacceptable. There are no politics when we are trying to continue the way of life we enjoy. Because the fact is that, as the quote was made in the television program the West Wing “…we are free, rich and powerful all at the same time.” This is not the first enemy of our nation, nor will it be the last. And we should strongly defend ourselves from these threats but without losing ourselves in this defense. I realize that we will be in these fights for a decade at least, and that is a fact we need to accept.

We must discuss these things fully as a nation. We must be firm in our resolve. And we should not sway because of a soundbite, or political verbal wrangling. Hiding from the length of the commitment is like an ostrich sticking its head in the sand, the danger still remains. Without discussing these matters, too much can be corrupted and that leads to a loss in the quality and way of life we enjoy today. Reacting without consensus potentially encourages our enemies. I do not condone that. But I do not fear striking strongly when that is needed either.

In essence I think the price of security is action. We cannot be idle, or complacent. The world will no longer allow us to be protected by the oceans that separate us from the rest of the world. We cannot allow those that would strike our children, and innocent civilians to go unpunished lest we invite even more attacks. We dare not fail to discuss how we will protect ourselves, seek out and prevent as many attacks as possible, and ensure the maintenance of the quality and way of life we have today. Apathy is the greatest enemy of this nation, followed by ignorance I think. If we allow them to flourish no number of bombs can protect us. And when we are attacked again, political views will be moot. Questions of what should or shouldn’t happen will be unimportant. Without action in the form of discussion, the environment of fear and anger could place the American people on a path that as Mr. Koppel said becomes North Korea. If there is no other reason, that should be enough.

This is what I think, what do you think?