FIRST STOP: IRAQ
Letter sent by my father to TIME magazine in regards to an article entitled 'First stop Iraq.' (See: http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101030331/wroad.html)
To the Editor:
I have been asking myself and others who support this war, "What gives the United States the right to effect 'regime change' in other countries?" Your article, First Stop, Iraq, answered that question very chillingly.
If one thought underscores the thinking of President Bush's advisors, it has to be this one: "The U.S., neo-conservatives believe, is unique in its power and its principles. It cannot allow its mission to be tied down by international agreements that diminish its freedom of action." [citing part of TIME's article]
This thinking might explain why the U.S. is reluctant to sign on to international agreements like the Kyotoa accords or the International Criminal Court or the International Land Mine Treaty.
Yes, the U.S. has the power. Yes, the principles we try to operate under are worth emulating all over the world. Looking back at the "regime changes" and attempted "regime changes" the U.S. has been involved in over the last 50 years, there is a chasm between the promise and performance of our actions.
But the statement in the story also begs another question. What happens to accountability? Who or What can hold a great power accountable when it screws up?? Looks like no one. I find that scary.
Sincerely,
[Popeye's Dad]