Peace. The dream. Everyone’s desire.
I grew up in the shadow of World War I, the war to end all wars. I served in World War II and the Korean War.
I know our dread of war and desire for peace will not deter our enemies, dictators, tyrants, fanatical jihadists or other terrorists whose only dreams are our demise. Have they not proved this repeatedly? They only understand one thing: power, achieved by the strength of military might, monetary muscle and overwhelming punitive sanctions.
When “peaceniks� persuade our enemies to try peace, I will join their ranks with fervor. Until then, I will remain a survivor with the philosophy of my youthful hero, Teddy Roosevelt: “Speak softly and carry a big stick.�
Our vulnerability as a “prime peacekeeping� power among more than 130 countries is certainly enhanced by the excessive political polarization produced from pre-election rhetoric. With today’s instant worldwide communication, our “dirty laundry� is hung out to dry.
Because this polarization has, for 15 years, carried over into our congressional process, a gridlock has been created. This is why none of the important issues has been reformed, solved, renewed or repealed. Both sides of the aisle denigrate the other party and its proposals or amendments or with outright campaigning for re-election, personal or partisan.
All but obviously bipartisan issues are so cluttered with unacceptable “earmarks� or amendments they are “laid on the table� or vetoed by the sitting president.
Just imagine what the future offers as a result of what I call the “bureaucratic syndrome.� If Congress succumbs to it, efficiency is decreased, all processes are slowed and no individual or department or commission can be held accountable. That is the nature of the beast we have bred, the beast our founders would have slain.
— Max Van Der Wyk, Ventura
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