2007-02-19
Dear Mr. Bill O´Reilly....
I am an American who resides in Europe with my family. Several days ago I and my twin sister, which both major in journalism, watched you (Bill O Reilly) appear on the Oprah show. During that hour segment, many fervent emotions, political views and moral values were brought up and vented out (on the show) as you yourself may remember. I feel that it is my duty as a fellow countrywoman to speak my mind and address some of the pivotal issues that were, according to me, inaccurately and unacknowledged invoked by the guests on the programme and undoubtedly by many more to come.
We as Americans take for granted our constitutional rights of freedom and freedom of speech. A perfect example of what I'm talking about is the controversial historian and ethnic studies professor
Ward Churchill, who wrote the 2001 essay
Some People Push Back". As a lecturer he is naturally respected by his pupils and colleagues at the University. His teachings have a significant bearing on his students, yet he takes advantage of that very privilege that is bestowed on every American and abuses it to his own liking as he propagandizes against his own country. Of course people should have the right to say and write what they feel, think and want but within reason. Our exclusive right shouldn't let us to self-destruct by our own words, we have indeed become our worst enemies.
No other country in the world would allow or much less accept Churchill's or Barrett's comments or theories. That kind of liberty only exists in America. Such people like them publicize their dangerous and misconstrued ideas mainly because they know they can. They are very well aware of the fact that even if they will have to face the music at one time or another, all they will probably get is a small slap on the wrist, and 15 minutes of fame!.
As a traditionalist I too share your views Mr. O´Reilly of a noble America and would hope that there are more of us in our country that share the same love, dedication and passion for our land, regardless of ideological or political labels. Instead of bad-mouthing and ridiculing President Bush, (which we mustn't forget we have elected for the 2:nd term), I believe that we ought to cut him some slack and appreciate his decision(s) and what he thought was the right thing to do for America and the war against terror.
I myself am a pacifist and anti any war. Naturally, peace is something that every nation wants to strive for and accomplish.War is without a doubt a pernicious and uncertain battle which sometimes becomes the only necessary alternative in order to ensure a country´s way of life, autonomy and safety etc. Wherever or whenever people are killed and innocent civilians are injured in the line of fire, it is a loss and tragedy for everyone of us. However sad or catastrophic the number of casualties might get, it is nonetheless a unavoidable "bi-product" of warfare. With that said, we cannot enforce the well known verses from the Bible into our military attacks. (Mat 5:39) "
But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil but whoever shall smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. " (Mat 5:44) "
But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despite-fully use you, and persecute you."
Such musings and problem solving are mere utopian and unrealistic. Nobody likes war or the effects of it, yet regrettably I must admitt that most ordinary Americans, don't have a genuine knowledge of Europe or how things work there unless they are scholars or people who really know what they are talking about. It is as the saying goes, "Ignorance is bliss".
In conclusion I would like to add that during the Soviet Unions reign, when communism was a sovereign, most European and Asian countries in that time were afraid to speak out against a super-power communist state such as the Soviet Union. Tomerica is the target of political, economical and military debate and criticism despite its supremacy and predominance. Why? The fact is, that the world cannot accept that the United States is the sole superpower in the world!
I appreciate people like you Mr. O´Reilly who can remind Americans about reality and keep them in check.