Prompt: Blog #2 on Mailer
Is Bush attempting to build a global empire? Global empire sounds a little intimidating at first thought; however isn’t it America’s duty to know what its own president is trying to do? If Bush is trying to take over the world in as little as eight years shouldn’t he be focusing on a few more countries by now? These are just a few questions to ask before jumping to any conclusion without knowing any other facts. Between going to Iraq instead of focusing mainly on Afghanistan, and the questions about oil, many individuals around the world are drawing their own conclusions as to why Bush wants war with Iraq.
I disagree with Mailer's opinion that president Bush is trying to build a global empire and take over the world. For instance, one main reason for my choice is, why would he set a goal as large as taking over the world when he is only in office a short time? However, I do notice that Bush is very interested in the Middle East, as was his father. It is easy to make assumptions and point fingers in this situation, because it is easily seen both ways.
In one situation it is easy to say, Bush is simply acting in revenge against the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, trying to abolish all terrorism. On a heavier, more skeptical outlook on the situation, one may believe revenge to simply be an easy cover up for deeper alternatives. As Mailer notes in his book, Why Are We At War?, Iraq wasn’t the one that attacked the United States, and al Qaeda is based in Afghanistan. So why are so many American troops there right now?
Well, I think that when the twin towers where struck during that terrible act of terrorism, when so many innocent Americans lost their lives. That may in fact have been the event that Bush needed to carry out his plans for the Middle East. He wanted to completely abolish terrorism, which Mailer stated is impossible, and wanted to throw Saddam Hussein out of power. Bush had good motives, but paid a very high price for taking Saddam out.
Another fact that quickly arises is oil; I believe that the substance did play a large roll, along with others, in the decision to go to war with Iraq. If the United States fixes Iraq, thus allowing them to become a democracy, then the United States may be allowed more privileges to the abundant oil supply.
Whether Bush is in the Middle East for the right or wrong reasons is an issue that may never be completely answered; only he knows his true motives. In the meantime people are going to make their own assumptions on each individual dilemma, depending on if they are Pro Bush or Anti Bush.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Patronage: The Right and Wrong Time
Prompt: Blog on Mailer
September 11, 2001, was the beginning of a different America. Everyday before this tragic event occurred, freedom and safety were taken lightly; there was no reason to worry, for nothing catastrophic had happened in the country in a long time. Individuals left the safety of their homes each morning for work and sent their children off to school, without the fear that that may in fact, be the last time they will ever get the chance to see each other again. Each and every one of these individuals knew, of course, that they lived in the United States of America, but that was obvious and there was no need to parade around patronizing where they lived.
In Norman Mailer’s book, Why Are We At War?, Mailer stated that after the cataclysmic event which took place, “nearly everyone in America was flying a flag”. Mailer claimed that, seeing thousands of Americans suddenly running out to buy an American flag to hang at their doorstep, greatly upset him. Also claiming that the sudden stream of patriotism shown, was just another way of hiding the anxiety the people actually felt.
I agree, in a sense, with Mailer on this topic; however, I can see both sides of the situation. For instance, it is true that only when something immense happens that people suddenly become huge patriots, showing the world how much they are behind their country. This is the same situation as people simply living life day by day until something horrible and life altering occurs, testing their faith. Suddenly everyone becomes religious, even those who have never gone to church a day in their lives; this outbreak is a little hypocritical. I can also see why people might choose to fly a flag or show their religion in a time of need, because most people are guilty of this at one point or another anyway, even if it is a less of an importance. Maybe a possible reason for showing great patronage in, for example a terrorist attack, would be to show the people responsible for the act, that we, as a nation, are not going to stand for it, “united we stand”.
In any situation such as September 11, there are going to be many changes throughout the nation as a direct result. Whether it be a war to prove that America does not allow people to walk all over it without severe consequences, a slight loss of freedom within its own walls, or individuals suddenly coming together, in what was not there before, a greater patronage.
September 11, 2001, was the beginning of a different America. Everyday before this tragic event occurred, freedom and safety were taken lightly; there was no reason to worry, for nothing catastrophic had happened in the country in a long time. Individuals left the safety of their homes each morning for work and sent their children off to school, without the fear that that may in fact, be the last time they will ever get the chance to see each other again. Each and every one of these individuals knew, of course, that they lived in the United States of America, but that was obvious and there was no need to parade around patronizing where they lived.
In Norman Mailer’s book, Why Are We At War?, Mailer stated that after the cataclysmic event which took place, “nearly everyone in America was flying a flag”. Mailer claimed that, seeing thousands of Americans suddenly running out to buy an American flag to hang at their doorstep, greatly upset him. Also claiming that the sudden stream of patriotism shown, was just another way of hiding the anxiety the people actually felt.
I agree, in a sense, with Mailer on this topic; however, I can see both sides of the situation. For instance, it is true that only when something immense happens that people suddenly become huge patriots, showing the world how much they are behind their country. This is the same situation as people simply living life day by day until something horrible and life altering occurs, testing their faith. Suddenly everyone becomes religious, even those who have never gone to church a day in their lives; this outbreak is a little hypocritical. I can also see why people might choose to fly a flag or show their religion in a time of need, because most people are guilty of this at one point or another anyway, even if it is a less of an importance. Maybe a possible reason for showing great patronage in, for example a terrorist attack, would be to show the people responsible for the act, that we, as a nation, are not going to stand for it, “united we stand”.
In any situation such as September 11, there are going to be many changes throughout the nation as a direct result. Whether it be a war to prove that America does not allow people to walk all over it without severe consequences, a slight loss of freedom within its own walls, or individuals suddenly coming together, in what was not there before, a greater patronage.
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