Posted on 08/30/2002 9:02:54 AM PDT by Stand Watch Listen
Today our nation finds itself embroiled in debate over whether to proceed with military action against the Iraqi regime or risk allowing Saddam Hussein to continue to develop world-threatening weapons of mass destruction. On one side, hawkish leaders recommend swift and immediate action to topple Hussein. On the opposite side, dovish leaders plead for restraint and diplomacy. With each new argument, the tug-of-war balance between action and inaction shifts.He clasps the crag with hooked hands,
Close to the sun in lonely lands;
The wrinkled sea beneath him crawls;
Ring'd with the azure world, he stands,
He watches from the mountain walls,
And like a thunderbolt he falls.
— The Eagle, Alfred Lord TennysonImpetuous hawks eagerly anticipate a military strike. Hungry and impatient, they remember all-too-well the taste of a fresh kill. With little restraint, they perch precariously on the brink of war, ready to plunge headlong at their prey. Though the goal is right and their intentions good, their lack of circumspection may lead to a failed attack.
On the other hand, the timid doves value the comfort of their cozy nests too greatly to risk stirring up trouble. These whitewashed pigeons gorge themselves on the pleasures of peace with little understanding of what sacrifices are necessary to maintain the smorgasbord of liberty. Perched atop Capitol Hill, these bloated birds ignore the call to action, content to continue soiling the face of America with the crap of their dithering diplomacy.
On the fringes of this argument perch the gangling ostriches. Having never soared high enough to see the big picture, these grounded isolationists lack the perspective to envision the future effects of inaction. Firmly convinced that our nation´s best defense is to bury our collective heads in the sand, they rail against both diplomacy and military force, arguing that the best course of action is to withdraw from the global stage and leave well enough alone.
The American public, it seems, is being forced to lend allegiance to one of these three groups – the impetuous hawks, the timid doves, or the isolationist ostriches. Yet perhaps there is a better choice, a more balanced approach to dealing with the Iraqi threat. For inspiration and guidance, America would do well to look to the skies and learn a lesson from our national symbol.
Nothing says "America" like the sight of the wind-borne Bald Eagle soaring high above the earth in search of prey. He is the king of all winged predators – a symbol of majesty and valor. With a wingspan up to eight feet wide and crushing talons, the eagle is capable of striking unsuspecting prey with twice the force of a rifle blast.
Riding the wind with outstretched wings, the eagle keenly surveys his domain with piercing eyes capable of focusing simultaneously on the horizon and on the ground below. It is this unique double vision that allows the eagle to successfully navigate his course while keeping an eye out for dangers and prey below. He neither allows himself to become oblivious to impending danger nor focuses so intently on feeding his appetite that he is incapable of steering toward his goals.
Content to feed primarily on fish, small animals and carrion, the eagle is an opportunistic hunter, finding food where it is most easily accessible. He is no great lover of conflict, preferring to remain perched atop his lofty nest, descending only briefly to kill what he needs to survive. Yet when foxes and other predators endanger the eagle or his young, he turns and fiercely defends his turf, ripping apart predators with razor-sharp talons.
Since its adoption as our national emblem in 1782, the Bald Eagle has become a beloved reminder of our nation´s solidarity, courage, and free spirit. The characteristics that make the eagle the king of the skies have likewise helped our nation soar to a position of world leadership and dominance.
But just as pollution and bounty-hunting nearly extinguished Bald Eagles from the face of the earth in the mid 20th century, the symbolic essence of the eagle has nearly disappeared from our national arena. Very few of our leaders have the foresight and balanced vision to look out for dangers and opportunities while keeping one eye on the goal ahead. In the world of modern politics, all issues are seen through the tunnel vision of partisan affiliations. Actions are taken for political gain without regard to consequences. And even more alarmingly, inaction is embraced as the path to peace.
Not so swift to action as its cousin, the hawk, nor so helplessly passive as the weakling dove, the eagle casts its watchful eye toward the future of America´s War on Terrorism. What he sees is not a black and white scenario with two choices leading down opposite paths to destruction. Unlike many animals, the eagle sees in color. With keen eyes he focuses on the course ahead, looking out for enemies and taking action when he must.
Although this moment in our nation´s history is not a time for unbridled hawkishness, it is also not a time for dovish restraint. The course before our nation is clear. Hussein must go, and future threats against America must be neutralized before they have a chance to strike.
Vocal opponents of military action against Iraq have warned that attacking Hussein without proper provocation would be "unconscionable" and un-American. It seems pacifists like Dick Armey would prefer to let the Iraqi Fox slink all the way into our nest and pick off a couple of our young before we dare to retaliate.
There is no doubt that President Bush should make every effort to win his nation´s support for military action against Iraq. Likewise, he should attempt, to the extent possible, to garner support from the world community (without compromising American objectives).
But in the end, regardless of who stands beside him, Bush must be prepared to exercise his solitary duty to defend our nation´s interests. Like the great American Eagle, he must leave his lonely perch atop the world and strike this predator like a thunderbolt from above.
America the Free Republic will retreat from unwise foreign entanglements to preserve domestic liberty
Well Stated! Let's stand up for the Free Republic.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.