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America: United we stand, divided we fall

Contributed by: Terry Beh on 2/9/2007

With Congress debating "non-binding" resolutions of disapproval on the president's conduct of the war against terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the media telling us that a majority of Americans no longer support the war, one can only wonder how our troops fighting in the Middle East feel. These brave men and women endure sacrifices few of us can imagine and risk their lives daily to protect us.

Having quickly defeated the Taliban in Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein's army in record time with overwhelming support from the Senate and House, they must be scratching their heads over the lack of confidence now being expressed in our country. Such uncertainty can only undermine their confidence, at best, not to mention embolden our enemies and threaten our nation's efforts to achieve victory.

Much as at crucial times in our nation's past, forces within and without are now seeking to sow division in, as Lincoln put it, "the public heart." Anti-war activists, fondly recalling their glory days during the Vietnam War, have been emboldened by the faltering resolve of many Senators and Congressmen on both sides of the isle.

All the while, the liberal media keep feeding us poll results showing that a large majority of Americans now oppose the war, conveniently neglecting to report that a similar majority also does not want the U.S. to fail in Iraq or to withdraw our troops before victory is achieved. With the advent of 24-hour news on television and instant communications through the Internet, the enemy, Islamic radicals, now watch with glee as America bludgeons itself over whether defeating them is worthwhile or even achievable. While our soldiers daily brave snipers, IED's, suicide bombers and vicious attacks, these terrorist must laugh at the prospect of the world's only Super Power acting with such girlish indecision.

Prior to the Civil War, addressing the subject of slavery, Abraham Lincoln uttered the famous words, "A house divided against itself cannot stand," quoting the words of Christ in Matthew 12:25. Understanding that the United States, in order to remain united, would either one day become all slave or all free, Lincoln's election to the presidency sparked the War Between the States.

Compared to 3,000+ deaths in Iraq, the Union forces under Lincoln suffered over 350,000 dead, the South close to 200,000. Total casualties were close to 1 million. Yet, despite incurring the greatest number of deaths and casualties of any war in our country's history, Lincoln had the wisdom and fortitude to persevere in the war against the southern states until victory was achieved and unity was restored. In contrast, with nearly 68,000 killed in Vietnam, divisions within "the public heart" of America led to the first defeat ever suffered by the U.S. in a war.

In that same "House Divided" speech, Lincoln also made a statement that could easily be applied to the Iraq War with its wins, loses, difficulties and frustrations. He said, "Did we brave all them to falter now? Now, when that same enemy is wavering, dissevered, and belligerent? The result is not doubtful. We shall not fail-if we stand firm, we shall not fail. Wise counsels may accelerate, or mistakes delay it, but, sooner or later, the victory is sure to come." Surely, this is the case also in our present situation. No one can doubt that victory in Iraq is achievable. All that remains to be determined is if America can find the unity, wisdom and fortitude to do it. As someone else put it, "United we stand. Divided we fall."

In light of this, on President's Day, Monday, Feb. 19, there will be a public rally to demonstrate support for our troops at the Castle Rock Library bandstand from 12 to 12:30 p.m. The purpose of this non-partisan event is to send a message of encouragement to our military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan in the war against terrorism-and to inspire some fortitude in our representatives in Congress. The program will feature an Iraqi War veteran and a banner stating, "Castle Rock, CO Supports the Troops AND the Mission," to be photographed, videotaped and delivered to our servicemen and women via e-mail and Web site. Dress in your most patriotic gear and bring small American flags to wave. Veterans and active-duty military are encouraged to wear their uniforms.



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Showing 1 of 1 comments
Submitted By: Michael Rule
posted on 2/10/2007 @ 7:36:06 AM
Rated Story
Good article. I support our troops but have questions about the mission. Trying to push our version of government onto an area filled with sectarian strife and religious issues that date back hundreds if not thousands of years seems short sighted and somewhat presumptuous to me. Still, I will defend always your right to disagree. Keep writing.
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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

T.P. Beh

Castle Rock , CO

T.P. Beh has posted 9 stories and 0 comments since joining on 11/28/2005. T.P. Beh 's average story rating is 4.67.
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