Last Sunday in a televised interview, George H.W. Bush reminisced about how proud he was of American soldiers during Operation Desert Storm. He described his favorite photo from the war, which depicted American soldiers surrounding a terrified Iraqi in a foxhole. He emotionally recounted the words of one of the soldiers, “We’re not going to harm you. We’re American soldiers.”
I was moved to tears. I was simultaneously proud and ashamed, thinking, “We can’t say that anymore.” The great principles that are the foundation of our country are in jeopardy as a result of George H.W. Bush’s son.
The current President Bush not only condones but advocates torture and indefinite confinement without due process for anyone deemed an enemy combatant. The President also does not respect the basic civil liberties that Americans should enjoy – civil liberties that make this country great.
As tempting and emotionally satisfying as it might be to torture someone who has harmed others and who continues to threaten our nation’s security, it does not produce reliable intelligence. Moreover, it greatly undermines any faith or trust anyone might have in the people representing the United States. I can’t respect a government that engages in torture. So why should we expect any country to respect us now? Why should anyone listen to us now?
I also can’t respect a government that does not provide basic protections for its citizens. Listening in on citizens’ conversations should require court action, as is very clearly spelled out in the Fourth Amendment. Judicial approval of searches and seizures is a very important check on the power of the Executive Branch.
Yet our current administration flagrantly scoffs at this fundamental principle spelled out in our Constitution.
As a result, we as a country have lost the right to hold other countries accountable when they don’t respect their citizens’ basic freedoms. How can we claim to want to spread democracy to other countries when we have denied democracy’s basic principles to our own citizens?
On Veteran’s Day, I’m reminded of these core principles – the reasons I joined the military. My politics may be left of center, but I believe that the military is very much an honorable form of service, and I’m proud of the fact that I wore a uniform.
I have always believed in the principles that are the foundation of this country, and I genuinely believe this country is unique in the world. I believe in democracy; I believe in equality; I believe in the rule of law and I believe in the checks and balances spelled out in our Constitution that prevent any one entity from acquiring too much power. I believe in the freedom to dissent, and I believe even the most abhorrent among us deserve respect and the due process of law.
Veteran’s Day is a time to honor the sacrifice of all who have worn a uniform to represent this country and its principles. It is still an honor to serve. Even if you don’t agree with U.S. presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, the service of our heroic men and women in uniform cannot be questioned. My argument is not with our troops; they are performing their duties with honor and with courage.
My argument is with those in the current administration who have undermined our country’s core principles.
I hope that our next president, whoever that might be, can restore respect, faith and trust to this country’s reputation overseas. I hope for the day when we can again say, “We’re not going to harm you. We’re American soldiers.”
Laura Moore is a graduate student and the president of the Graduate Student Government. She can be reached at laura@lauramoore.com.
