Commentary: Is bombing changing the character of America?
8/25/1998 NOTE: A photograph of Hale is available with this story. A UMNS Commentary By the Rev. Joe Hale* The recent U.S. missile strikes in Afghanistan and Sudan raise basic questions that go beyond the issue of terrorism. Those questions relate, instead, to the character of America and our nation's place in the world today.
It has been the official policy of some nations to launch pre-emptive strikes without warning. From a distance, they wage war that kills innocent people. They act on the pretense that one is justified in killing if "suspected" terrorists are the targets. It is permissible to destroy power plants and factories, they reason, because they have the potential for harm. With this perspective, the assassination of individuals is also acceptable.
Until recently, the United States of America has resisted this kind of activity and behavior. With some exceptions, our nation has followed the example and counsel of those who refuse to believe peace comes as the result of destroying one's enemy.
With the Aug. 20 missile strikes, we departed from that position. Is the policy taken by our president, secretary of state, secretary of defense and a few prominent senators and representatives a radical change for all that is America?
Will this shift in international policy result in the United States being seen as the envy of the world, a leader to be emulated? Does our boast of unquestioned military superiority and the ability to reach at will into every corner of any nation make us the greatest and win for us friends who cherish and support our ideals? The effect may be to turn us into a nation hated because of our threats and feared because of our boasts. Such global claims have been voiced before in this century, particularly in Europe.
Is there any person who is not inspired by the pride every American feels when stirred by the promise of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?" When we declare this promise is only for us, how is the rest of the world to feel?
That is the statement we make when we launch pre-emptive attacks, especially when those who are attacked and suffer are people living in impoverished countries that are unable to defend themselves.
Are we seeing the character of America being radically changed into something we have historically never been? The world is beginning to see us not as the "city on the hill," dispersing light to the nations, but as a nation that is not walking in the light it once cherished and guarded.
As staff executive of the World Methodist Council, I have worked with people of more than 70 nations for 23 years. As an American, I cannot remain silent in the light of this troubling transformation in our character.
My father, an employee of the Department of State, served in the U.S. foreign service for almost 11 years, first in Thailand and then in Latin America. He moved out beyond the American community and learned the hopes and aspirations of the people living there.
I have seen the America that brings "light" through what my father and the State Department were doing around the world. It is difficult to be silent now when reckless policies alien to America extinguish the light. When played out, as happened in this past week, the policy of pre-emptive attack creates more chaos than hope for us and for the people of Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and Afghanistan. We become like those we abhor.
A colleague has on his office wall a different version of the "Golden Rule." It says, "Do unto others as if you were the others."
America's place in the heart of the world's people will not be based on our wealth or our military strength. It will only be secured by our ability to understand, stand with, and at times stand up for those who, like us, have deep-seated dreams and hopes for their people and their lands.
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*Hale is general secretary of the World Methodist Council, with offices at Lake Junaluska, N.C.
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