[waybrig]

Is it just me, or is the US in a "can't win" position as the far as dealing with the rest of the world today? It seems the only way we can gain approval is by becoming a victim and never fighting back. After 9/11 everybody loved us until we started defending ourselves. Now we are supposedly the evil ones killing and torturing citizens in Afghanistan, Iraq, etc... just because of our own selfish desires.

I for one have the ability to use my own brain. I see a US where we are allowed to question and criticize our leaders freely. I see a justice system based on the rule of law. I see our leaders trying to protect our citizens from those who want to cheat and/or kill us. I see a system that lets us throw out our leaders after four years if we don't agree with their actions.

I see a country that after World War II rebuilt Japan and much of Western Europe into the independent countries we see today. It's pretty unique in the history of mankind that a conquering force (with the Allies) turned these countries back over to the citizens rather than keeping control. Those same countries are now free to disagree/criticize us, and often do. What does this say about Americans?

Now in Afghanistan and Iraq we are trying to do the same thing, establish a stable society and turn it's governance back to the people. Sure the plan isn't perfect and in execution extremely difficult. I for one applaud the Bush administration for having the guts to do what it believes is right in spite of the widespread criticism.

So, I believe we are trying to do the right thing. I wish it hadn't come to war in Afghanistan and Iraq, just as I wish we didn't have to fight Germany and Japan some 60 years ago. In the end our country and our leaders are not perfect and will make mistakes. I believe history will show however that what we are aiming for will benefit mankind as a whole, not just Americans. I believe that's what happened after WWII and if we are successfull in rebuilding Afghanistan/Irag, it will happen now.