First off, don't mistake me for a mule-headed right winger who thinks brute force is the answer to everything. I listen to the Republican candidates talk about what they'd do if elected President in regard to terrorism, and I get concerned about the future of America. I listen to Donald Trump talk, and I want to resort to violence myself. You know, like envisioning myself holding a loaded rifle with a scope, and he's in the crosshairs. Got to give him credit for one thing, though - he's talking to lots of people who agree with him. He knows how to play on people's emotions, and that's the last thing we should rely on in times of crisis.
And then, I listen to Obama talk, like he did a few days back in his short speech aimed at reassuring the public that we're not seriously threatened by terrorists, and that we will eventually crush them. Sure made me feel a helluva lot better - you know, like when you just got a refund check from the IRS for a buck and a quarter. There might be a bit of a silver lining to this dark cloud hanging over us, and it comes from the old saying that if you're not going to lead and can't follow, then get out of the way. Some of our allies around the world, and some who aren't allies, are now starting to realize that we're not going to commit ourselves to an all out war on terrorism. Again, don't get me wrong and think I'm advocating that . . . but I am thinking others might well be coming around to the realization that more needs to be done. We might be reaching a point where our European allies are not going to follow us but rather take the lead. That's not good for our inflated American ego, but it could happen.
Our flawed policy toward terrorism and the Middle East in general helped create ISIS, just as it has helped create other terrorist groups. But that's no reason for us to coddle them through some misguided concept, or guilt, thinking it's not nice to kill your own offspring. We've very much like the wolf in sheep's clothing these days. We want to present ourselves to the world as sweet little lambs, while in reality we've been the wolves of the world for some time. My point here is that if you're going to be a wolf, and you're really not fooling anyone, then act like a wolf.
Trump gets lots of attention because he says what a lot of people think, and that should show us how idiotic we are about some things. He's not wrong about everything, but at least he's not hiding under a sheep skin. He gives us something to either love, loath, fathom or fear. We should think about that, and we should think hard on it. That guy in the Presidency would be a complete disaster. I almost hate to say it, but I'm a little encouraged about recent events that takes us somewhat out of the picture as the world's great protector against the bad guys. We've made some mistakes for sure, but I don't think we're the bad guys. I'm not sure anyone in the world can wear the white hats of a good guy, but we should at least distinguish ourself as being opposed to the evil forces around us. As various European powers take up the cause, go where we're reluctant to go in regard to the fight against terrorism, I'm encouraged. Not much, mind you, but some, and some is better than none at all.
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