Why Do They Hate Us?

 I dont presume to know why the United States of America is hated, but I think I have a few clues. There are no quick fixes, there is no rhetoric that will bring understanding. There is no hand of friendship, man to man, that can be offered that can repair the damage.

Lets start with the first most interesting example. By now, everyone has seen the photographs of the Iraqi prisoners of war being abused in ways that are almost unthinkable. The incredible hubris of the situation is what befuddles me. These military guards not only pose for these photos with their victims, they act like they are having the time of their lives. I cant even begin to understand how stupid they must be to think that these photos wouldnt ultimately be revealed.

Prisoner with woman's underware on face

  In addition, this problem has been known to exist since January. The military has been conducting an "investigation."  But it takes until May before anything is done definitively -- namely, these animals being brought up on charges. Mr. Bush was interviewed by two Middle East media sources, and has spoken about this situation, but the one thing he hasnt said is the most important thing: "Im sorry." He is the Commander-in-Chief. Hes the head of our military. Its up to him to accept blame for the armed services and make the necessary apologies. But no, there was no apology forthcoming.

The people of Iraq were not the only people who werent made aware of this situation. The American public didnt know about it either. The United States Senate Armed Forces Oversight Committee didnt even know about it. As a matter of fact, Senator John McCain stated that they were getting more information from CBS than they were from the Executive Branch of the government.

So, all of that is horrible. I dont think there are very many Americans who dont agree. But once again, our government has played this out according to the usual agenda. Dont admit wrong doing unless you have to. Never apologize. Stay aloof and arrogant. If all else fails, throw money at the problem until it goes away.

Our government is arrogant. And this president is more arrogant than any other in the last twenty years. Yet, he has the least right to be. Clinton might have had problems staying on the porch, but he was brilliant. Bush has probably spent too much time learning to pronounce words and learn where countries are.

Our government has a history of funding governments that we can control, regardless of the effect on their citizens. We use financial aid as a bargaining chip: a way to keep the status quo exactly that. Our government has been more concerned with what looks right than what is right. Then our leaders have the nerve to stand up and say that we are an example of democracy. That we are above the petty barbarism that we see the terrorists perpetrating. That we are in the right and the terrorists are wrong.

Well, I hate to say this, but the terrorists arent all wrong. Now, dont get me wrong. I do wish they would stop killing and attacking people all over the world. But more importantly, I wish our government would give them the respect they deserve. The United States seems to think they are a Christian country and anything else is wrong. Anyone not agreeing with this obviously needs to be enlightened. All other religions are based on foolish myths and superstition.

And I have to be honest with you. That pisses me off more than I can say. I dont care what religion you are. I dont care what color your skin is. I dont care what language you speak. I dont care what country you call home. But what I do want is when I extend my hand in friendship, you take it. Unfortunately, when you offer my government your hand, they just hand you some cash and tell you what to do.