Why We Fight: Moral Clarity and the War on TerrorismThe events of September 11, 2001, were an unforgettable tragedy, but they also revealed that the spirit of America is strong and undiminished. Not since the shocking attack on Pearl Harbor has the nation pulled together with such unity and purpose, resolving to endure whatever hardships may be necessary to win the war on terror. We were united in the defense of and belief in our country. It truly brought out the best in our national character. But a small group of influential public intellectuals, writers, members of the media, and academics were not part of this unified response. They still preached the same self-doubt about America and her traditions that have steadily undermined our national confidence and resolve in recent decades. Within days of the attacks this debilitating mindset was in evidence, as influential figures rushed to point the finger at America and decry what they were sure would be our murderous and indiscriminate reaction. While most Americans remain confident of the justice and appropriateness of our military response in Afghanistan, these vocal critics have caused some to wonder whether we brought the attacks on ourselves because of our foreign policy, our popular culture, or our support for Israel. As we enter the next phase of what will undoubtedly be a protracted and dangerous struggle--a war unlike any other in our history--it is more important than ever to respond to these doubts and objections and to preserve the patriotic ardor seen in the wake of September 11. In clear, compelling, straightforward language, William Bennett takes up and refutes the many myths and misconceptions about America's character and role in world affairs that have becomefashionable among our nation's elites. The morning of September 12 dawned with a stunning moral clarity that has guided the actions of many Americans, both her leaders and her citizens. Bennett seeks to preserve that clarity in order to ensure that our national resolve does not falter in this difficult and necessary war. |
Contents
A MOMENT OF CLARITY | 1 |
THE MORALITY OF ANGER | 15 |
SEE NO EVIL | 44 |
Copyright | |
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Afghanistan American Anabaptists anger apostles to equip Arab attacks Catholic-believe quite sincerely cheek admits Christians ciples of nonviolence civilians civilization culture daugh defend doctrine evil fight force games of logic Gospel of John Gospel of Luke Graylan Hagler groups as Anabaptists hate hatred idea independent standard infraction is defined injunction to turn innocent intellectual Islam Islamist Israel Israeli Jesus lauded Jesus never waned Jews justice lauded the faith less famous passage letter writer contributed military murder Muslim obviously speaking metaphorically Osama bin Laden ourselves pacifists Palestinian Palestinian Authority peace party political president prise that perhaps Protestant and Catholic-believe Put your sword rebuking Peter relativist religion religious Reverend Graylan Hagler Reverend Hagler September 11 standard for determining Stanley Fish sword back sword must sell Taliban teachings of Jesus terrorism terrorist things tion tooth United urges his apostles weightier complication Western words World Trade Center wrote
References to this book
Understanding U.S. Human Rights Policy: A Paradoxical Legacy Clair Apodaca No preview available - 2006 |
A Crisis of Global Institutions?: Multilateralism and International Security Edward Newman No preview available - 2007 |