Rustico: I agree, and I appreciate your reasoned response. I mention my Jesuitical education for a reason: Anyone remember the Spanish Inquisition? I absolutely agree that as Christians we have some fairly significant skeletons in our closets.
However, it is interesting to note the decided lack of “moderate” Moslems when it comes to confronting Al Qaeda on their home turf. While I agree about the poor citizens in both Iraq and Afghanistan being killed in a war that was not of their choosing, would I also not be remiss in remarking upon the fact that the majority of the casualties being inflicted upon those people are from fellow Moslems? You’d be hard pressed to argue that point when Sunnis and Shia are killing each other with reckless abandon all in the name of Allah.
Lastly, I am of German descent on both sides of my family. Given the Teutonic predisposition for aggressive behavior, I am probably the last one to throw stones. However, Germany is now a peaceful and productive member of the world, proving that you can rehabilitate instransigent nations over time. But it requires a strong commitment and a lot of time.
While I fear that the cause is lost in Iraq, I don’t disagree with the underlying rationale. I think nation building is worthwhile and I agree that justice is all important.
I am not a saber rattling nationalist, but I do think America has been a force for good far more often than she has not. I think we need to find our way back to those ideals that made us great and assert a sense of decent leadership again.
