2008 Woodie Awards
Patriotic Peace
Hannah Baylor
Issue date: 9/26/06 Section: Forum
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temporary America without being bombarded with ideologies from both political parties. "Bush is ruining our economy" seems to be the prevailing battle cry of the Democrats, while the Republicans contend that the President is securing our country's freedom. Whatever your political stance, however, it is impossible to ignore the maelstrom of this Iraqi war. Even right here in West Chester, people fight to sway the opinions of others. For instance, you cannot even drive by the courthouse on a Saturday afternoon without having to beep your horn for some coterie and their political beliefs. In fact, that is exactly what happened two weeks ago. Pacing in their usual spots, the adamant war protestors flailed the usual controversial signs such as "Get us out of Iraq" and "Bush is killing our soldiers;" but the one sign that really struck the heart of the issue simply stated, "Peace is Patriotic."
This got me thinking. When in our history has peace been patriotic? Would we even have a country to be patriotic about, if we gambled on peace all the time? As I was contemplating these issues, a timeline of historical events interrupted my thoughts, and forced me to continue questioning this issue of peace transposed with American history. Two very specific questions seem to define patriotic peace: How did America become a nation; and how did it remain an independent and free country?
It is true that the majority of the early settlers journeyed to America to find a utopia of peace and harmony; a world much different from the persecution rampant in their homelands. This peaceful lifestyle persisted for a time, until England began to oppress her own colonies. The individuals of young America, despite intense opposition, then, reversed their fate in an impossible way, battling with prodigious persistence and courage, to defeat the very backbone of their country, and live to create an enduring nation.
Years later, two unforgettable wars attacked our world. In the first, the United States joined in order to defend her sisters against a flagitious dictator, who despised the individuality of human life; it was our duty to help our fellow people regain peace. In the Second World War, our homeland was directly and brutally attacked. How can anyone forget the horrors of Pearl Harbor? After this shameless massacre, we were forced into another war, fighting to defend the peace of a nation, and the right of her people.
Do not December 7, 1941 and September 11, 2001 share an intrinsic connection? Do not these tragedies, these attacks on the very individuals who embody the United States of America, propel us into action against our enemies? Can a terrorist take an innocent life and escape from the consequences? I know that our soldiers in Iraq know what their task is, and they are proud to defend our country. Is not war often the only means of defending the peace and freedom we enjoy? Are not our military men the true patriots of peace?
May God bless America and continue to defend her freedom.
Hannah Baylor is the Political Director of West Chester College Republicans.
This got me thinking. When in our history has peace been patriotic? Would we even have a country to be patriotic about, if we gambled on peace all the time? As I was contemplating these issues, a timeline of historical events interrupted my thoughts, and forced me to continue questioning this issue of peace transposed with American history. Two very specific questions seem to define patriotic peace: How did America become a nation; and how did it remain an independent and free country?
It is true that the majority of the early settlers journeyed to America to find a utopia of peace and harmony; a world much different from the persecution rampant in their homelands. This peaceful lifestyle persisted for a time, until England began to oppress her own colonies. The individuals of young America, despite intense opposition, then, reversed their fate in an impossible way, battling with prodigious persistence and courage, to defeat the very backbone of their country, and live to create an enduring nation.
Years later, two unforgettable wars attacked our world. In the first, the United States joined in order to defend her sisters against a flagitious dictator, who despised the individuality of human life; it was our duty to help our fellow people regain peace. In the Second World War, our homeland was directly and brutally attacked. How can anyone forget the horrors of Pearl Harbor? After this shameless massacre, we were forced into another war, fighting to defend the peace of a nation, and the right of her people.
Do not December 7, 1941 and September 11, 2001 share an intrinsic connection? Do not these tragedies, these attacks on the very individuals who embody the United States of America, propel us into action against our enemies? Can a terrorist take an innocent life and escape from the consequences? I know that our soldiers in Iraq know what their task is, and they are proud to defend our country. Is not war often the only means of defending the peace and freedom we enjoy? Are not our military men the true patriots of peace?
May God bless America and continue to defend her freedom.
Hannah Baylor is the Political Director of West Chester College Republicans.
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