September 11, 2001 ushered in a new, dark era for my country. We were injured, and out of our injuries, we lashed out at those who we thought caused us pain. That war is still going on – in Afghanistan, in remote parts of the world, and within the hearts and minds of the American public.
It goes without saying that mistakes were made.
Overzealous politicos overplayed their hands, and we went way beyond righting wrongs. We perpetrated wrongs ourselves in the name or righting wrongs caused by others.
Now, our leaders are paralyzed to act when other purposes arise. We played the classic “Boy Who Cried Wolf” with the Iraqi War, and now, no one believes it when our president sees a need for world action.
I cannot say that I understand the current crisis facing our world’s leaders with the horrific actions of the Syrian government against its own people. I also cannot say where I stand on President Obama’s call for military action in Syria.
I CAN say that it causes me great sadness that there is so much mistrust and anger that our country’s leaders, and other world leaders, are completely incapable of acting when a need arises.
How do we get to a place where Americans act out of reason instead of anguish? How do we move beyond partisan politics and work towards collaborative solutions of our country’s and the world’s problems?
How do we let there be peace?
I still believe it is possible.
Today, I recommit myself to letting it begin with me.