By Dawn's Early Light

The Duty of the Strong to Protect the Weak

My dad recommended to me today President Bush's statement on the death of Terry Schiavo after 13 days without food and water as she lay in a permanent vegetative state.

"Today millions of Americans are saddened by the death of Terri Schiavo.  Laura and I extend our condolences to Terri Schiavo's families.  I appreciate the example of grace and dignity they have displayed at a difficult time.  I urge all those who honor Terri Schiavo to continue to work to build a culture of life, where all Americans are welcomed and valued and protected, especially those who live at the mercy of others.  The essence of civilization is that the strong have a duty to protect the weak.  In cases where there are serious doubts and questions, the presumption should be in the favor of life."

Noble words indeed.  May God welcome you into His care Terri, and may His Spirit be with your family and those you leave behind.    

A Bold Vision

President Bush may not have the oratorical skills of FDR, Robert F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan or even Bill Clinton, but his speech contained a treasure trove of insight to where President Bush wishes to take this country.  And a bold vision it is!

What I believe the mainstream media missed with Dr. Rice's testimony I expect them to miss on Bush's speech.

The speech seemed more directed at an audience on foreign shores than it did for the domestic audience.  We become immune to hearing the words "democracy", "liberty", and "freedom" because they are used so often.  President Bush used them today, but instead of them being the usual color for a speech, they were policy points and deep-held convictions.

President Bush's charge and the heart of his message came early:

"We are led, by events and common sense, to one conclusion: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world."

The speech brought to mind John F. Kennedy's inaugural address when he eloquently said:

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty."

While the United States did help promote democracy during the Cold War, it did not do so with the passion and energy our nation needs to now pursue it.  The Cold War was about pragmatic compromises, supporting unsavory dictators as well, especially in the Middle East, to keep countries in the US sphere rather than the Communist sphere. 

In a post Cold War world, where different ideologies dominate the world debate, the old paradigm of working with unsavory nations cannot continue to ensure US security. 

I believe President Bush was not just trying to hold ground and promote his democractic changes in Iraq and Afghanistan, but instead was laying down the gauntlet to totalitarian states:

"All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know:  The United States will not ignore your oppression or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.... The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know: To serve your people you must learn to trust them. Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side."

The next four years will bring about a major push to expand on the spreading of democracy in the world.  It is vital if we want to protect our liberty as well.

Comedy Break - JibJab is back!

If you didn't know already, the latest (3rd) JibJab web film is out.  With the traditional folk music and funny characters, this video is funny.  Maybe not as good as the first or second, but well worth watching.  Click here for a bit of political comedy.