Critics need not be chastised

I was compelled to write this commentary for several reasons.

Like many other Americans, I jostled with the prospect of war for months. I considered both sides of the issue, and heard others speak out one way or the other.

I would first like to write that although I do not favor us going to war, war has begun and thus I support my president and our troops. I do not support how we got to this point or the methods used to back up our current war.

That, however, is not the issue I wish to discuss in this commentary. My concerns have to deal with the irresponsibility the public and media have used to condemn those who have simply voiced their opinion.

From the Dixie Chicks to Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), those who have spoken their mind and voiced an honest opinion have been condemned by a public that has been blinded by a president’s misguided attempts at diplomacy.

Someone once told me that you are what you are under pressure. In other words, when crap really hits the fan, that is when true leaders must not only speak out, but also give the most honest response to the public.

While Natalie Maines’ attempt to voice her opinion last week could have been done in a more eloquent manner, she certainly shouldn’t be crucified for her opinions. Criticism is a part of what makes us American. I don’t exactly agree with what Maines said (i.e. I’m not completely ashamed of Bush), but I certainly agree with the sentiment.

Does that make me un-American as many so-called patriotic country radio stations have labeled Maines? I think not.

Another outspoken critic of Bush was Senator Daschle, who spoke Tuesday condemning the diplomatic disaster that is the Bush presidency that “forced us to war.”

Daschle’s opinion, I agree, has to be taken with a grain of salt. His comments are a complete 180 from his opinions supporting then President Bill Clinton in 1998 following his approval to drop 400 cruise missiles on Iraq for not adhering to inspections.

Putting politics aside, Daschle’s concerns and comments bring to the forefront what a long-term disaster this war could be for the United States.

The United States has always used its self-proclaimed status as a “fair superpower” as its currency in the international scene when dealing foreign nations.

Daschle pointed to the fact that this conflict will do damage to the credibility of the United States in the future on the international scene and will isolate our nation instead of isolating Saddam Hussein.

All of these points are valid concerns and force the nation to consider what some of the long term effects could be along with increasing anti-American sentiment worldwide.

This war is being touted as a coalition of the “willing,” 30 countries offering loose support plus the United States and Great Britain. The British provide 45,000 troops while the rest of the willing is offering about 15,000. The United States has more than a quarter million troops lined up in the Gulf. Even our ally, Spain, is not allowing ground troops.

That’s not exactly a big coalition, considering there are 190-plus countries in the United Nations with no support for billion person populations, such as China, India and Indonesia.

Essentially, this war is being fought by the United States and the United States alone.

What does this say? First, it says we have little international support. Second, it means we have superceded an international body just to do war without being threatened overtly by Iraq.

Third, we are putting our troops in harms way without giving heed to warnings and potential compromises from international allies.

We are potentially blowing any currency we had in our war against terrorism and burning bridges with countries we have long called allies.

We are committing mistakes, including the ludicrous move by Congress to rename French fries and French toast to “Freedom” fries and toast, that are going to hurt us in the long run.

In the midst of this war, we must respect our right to speak and be critical, especially when the issue being discussed is not as black and white as helping a nation in distress (Persian Gulf War) or being attacked by another nation (World War II).

We must remember that our troops are fighting, even if we don’t know or don’t support what we are fighting for in this war.

People have the right to speak and the right to criticize and still remain patriotic. In fact, it is one of the most patriotic means of expression. It shows that you care about your country and you’re thinking.

Even if you don’t care for Bush himself.