Jacob,
I've come around to the opinion, that the U.S. is in danger of losing the War on Terrorism, if we (as a nation) don't change that attitude. I mean the extroverted, strident righteousness, that shouts, "We don't need to do any self-criticism, introspection is for sissies, we're better than everybody else at everything we do, and always have been. So just get out of our way or you'll be sorry." Right after 9/11, that kind of talk was necessary, perhaps, to pull the nation together. But now, it makes it impossible for us to examine our mistakes, or even understand why anyone would join a terrorist group. It alienates crucual allies. If we don't understand our opponents, if we just demonize them, we'll never defeat them. Flag-waving, no matter how energetically done, isn't enough.
Yes and no. It is true that reflection is neccesary and the US needs to own up to the limitations and mistakes of it's previous policies and attitudes. However, it cannot happen until the country feels safe again. The gleeful chest beating on the right and the vitriol from the left is all still reaction to 9-11. Until the knife is no longer at the throat, passions won't likely lower enough to allow for what you suggest.
Paul |
