Is it possible to measure the benefits, political and social impacts of winning the Cold War? Reagan was never given his due credit by his liberal peers for winning this psychological war. They were against his defiant stances. They even suggested disarming. However, Americans and other citizens worldwide now benefit because of his persistence. Actually, it’s impossible to estimate the economic, political and social damage the world could have witnessed if he listened to the pessimists.
President Bush’s challenge is similar. The overthrowing and capture of Saddam Hussein provides yet untold benefits that will also prove to be immeasurable. John Kerry and other contemporary liberals shadow their predecessors. They now suggest abandoning the War on Terror. However, if George W. Bush follows the example of his predecessor, future generations of Americans will reap the rewards of his firmness. The results will be apparent not only to Americans, Afghans and Iraqis, but the entire Middle East and the rest of the world respectively.
As lone superpower with financial, military and social influence unlike the world has ever witnessed, we are obvious targets of countries with once proud histories. They have fantasies of regaining regional and worldwide influence. Others dislike our freedoms and want to restrain them. All share dreams of diminishing the leverage of the United States. Their methods could be economic, diplomatic or warlike, but their desired end is the degradation of the power and influence of the United States.
The history of the world proves that our liberties and opportunities are unlike any others that have been ever known to man, regardless of empire or dynasty. The opportunities that we enjoy today should be defended and protected for future generations.
In the history of civilization, tenures of high stature and influence are relatively brief. The previously mentioned empires, dynasties or monarchies’ reign eventually end. However, we should be determined to ensure that the sands of freedom and opportunity don’t slip through our fingers as we now bear the torch. We have to be diligent in order to preserve the rights that we enjoy today. However, freedom is something to protect from internal as well as external forces.
Most liberals, however noble their cause of world peace, lack the vision, understanding and foresight needed to ensure that long term peace can be willed to future generations.
Although Saddam’s nuclear ambitions haven’t been proven entirely, he has possessed and used other chemical and biological weapons in the past. His inventories of these weapons are unaccounted for. As Iraqi scientists disappear, Iranian enrichment materials are appearing. North Korea and China have been proud to boast their nuclear capabilities. Other countries with fantasies of our demise have also sought nuclear weapons.
Suggestions by John Kerry and others on abandoning the War on Terror make as much sense as their suggestions of disarming during the height of the Cold War. Fortunately, we have leadership in place with the vision to reject such ideas.
Recent polling suggests that most people worldwide would like John Kerry to assume the presidency. Those numbers includes terrorists and others with interests that aren’t necessarily compatible with ours.
George W. Bush is constantly targeted for ridicule because he is adamant about the significance of winning the War on Terror. Although foreign and domestic pressure rises because of his insistence, the President must never fall prey to their biased recommendations. Winston Churchill once said, “People who are not prepared to do unpopular things and to defy clamor are not fit to be Ministers in times of stressâ€.
The president deserves our gratitude for his leadership. Although we may never fully realize or appreciate the avoided outcomes, history will surely thank him if he persistently holds course.
Ak'Bar Shabazz, an Atlanta resident, is President of Shabazz Enterprises and member of the National Advisory Board for the African-American leadership network, Project 21. Comments can be sent to
akshazz@yahoo.com.
