Spreading liberty (Philippine Star)

[struggle4progress]

The Philippine Star 01/24/2005

Let freedom ring. Who will argue with that in the free world? When George W. Bush, however, vows to "spread liberty" around the world, he must be reminded that the end does not always justify the means. If the world expressed alarm when the American president outlined his vision for his second term, it was largely because the world has seen how Bush tries to achieve his ends. It is not so much a shaping of events but rather the enforcement of his views to achieve the world order that he desires.

Bush’s second inaugural was held in the shadow of Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo, and more atrocities on Iraqi prisoners perpetrated by British soldiers. His vision of a strong democracy in the Middle East may yet come to pass, even if not during his term, and he may yet find vindication when the Arab world is free to openly enjoy Holly-wood movies and Starbucks. He outlined his global agenda two weeks before the first free elections in Iraq. For now, however, he needs to heed cautionary voices, especially among his allies, whose main fear is that his methods are compromising his objective.

The US president has drawn praise for his singleness of purpose – a leadership from which Americans draw strength and direction in a time of war. It must be emphasized that this is a dirty war whose aggressors abide by no international codes of conduct, terrorists with utter disdain for human rights. Being nice will not win this war. It must also be pointed out that Bush did score several victories: Saddam Hussein and his brutal regime have fallen and many of the top lieutenants of Osama bin Laden have been neutralized. The people of Afghanistan, including women, have voted for the first time, and that country is lurching along a rocky path toward the free market of goods and ideas.

Yet democracy built on aggression will always be fragile. America is strong because it has always championed the values that its people hold dear – values built on freedom, hard work and civic responsibility. George W. Bush cannot ignore this as he embarks on his second term. Democratic institutions cannot become strong under an oppressive environment.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/News200501242601.htm

[indepat]

1. The singleness of purpose of several previous leaders comes to mind

[ixion]

2. democracy built on aggression

is not democracy, it's tyranny.

This editorial makes more apologies and spews more propaganda than it does to address the core issue: spreading liberty at the point of a gun is not liberty, no matter how you try and spin it.

Afganistan is moving towards free markets? Yes, but it is a country run by warlords, who have help from the US.

Saddam is gone? Yes, but at the cost of over 100,000 Iraqi lives. Since THERE WERE NO WMD'S, how is that a good thing?

Top 'lieutenants' of OBL are neutralized? Yes, but thousands have taken their place because of the BushCo crusade.

Once again, the media has it's nose buried so far up the Chimp's butt that they don't know sunshine from shinola.

[progressivedancer]

3. Good

I think its high time the Philippines start shedding its colonial tendencies by becoming more independent in thought and relieve itself from the influence of former aggressors. Colonialism is over in many parts of Asia, including the Philippines, but they are still slaves to the policies of their former aggressors. The people of the Philippines are as brainwashed as Americans in terms of supporting Bush. They need to find their own voice, this is a very very measly start, But then again it is something.