I would like to offer a response to James Raymond's comments in your September 12th Opinion section. Mr. Raymond holds an ideological position that is both common and understandable. However, it is also misguided and irrational.
I agree with Mr. Raymond that the soldiers who lost their lives in service to our country are heroes along with all of the other men and women in uniform, but my agreement ends there. I do not agree, for example, that this amorphous enemy constantly cited by war supporters is "surrounded" in Iraq and "cannot engage our homeland." I think there are a great many people in London and Spain who would probably share my view. The fact that no acts of terrorism have been carried out within the borders of the US does not support the contention that we are "winning" this war, especially when there have been several attacks outside the United States.
I also disagree with Mr. Raymond's characterization of the "facts" our nation was faced with in the wake of the September 11th attacks. It is certainly true that some people "hate America." But to end your description of these people there is a gross oversimplification. We should consider not only that many people hate America, but why they hate us. We should take the advice of Robert McNamara (however controversial a figure he may be) and empathize with our enemy. Only then can we regain the moral high ground and improve the international perception of US foreign policy. That is the real way to "win" the War on Terror.
In closing I would like to draw attention to the seemingly ironic inclusion of "Born in the USA" to the list of "Tribute Tracks." As the Reagan campaign learned the hard way, you should consider the message of a song, not just the title.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
