Threats

Threats
June 28, 2005

When I hike into the woods, there are a variety of things that can cause me harm. The real threat and the perceived threat may be different. It is obvious to worry about things like bears and cougars, though I am more at risk from domestic dogs and raccoons; and still more at risk from woodticks, mosquitoes, deerflies, unstable ground and stinging nettles.

Is this true of our situation as a country as well? Perhaps Iraq is not as big of a threat as a small group of radicals. Perhaps the reaction to the perceived threat is more dangerous than the threat itself. Would one use a shotgun to rid his kitchen of a mouse?

Maybe the way the USA does things is not the best way… huh?
Look at the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding eminent domain. It just reinforced what always was the case. If your city wants to give your land to a private developer, start packing. President George W. Bush recently opened up vast areas of protected land for development. Oil is still our primary energy source –despite the real threat that the supply is controlled largely by countries that dislike us.

I find it interesting that GREED prevented Communism from successfully expanding beyond a family group. And, it is GREED that seems to be the undoing of our Capitalist economy. Foreign countries offer cheaper labor, which loses jobs in the USA. In a market driven economy, profit (i.e. greed) pushes those in control of the money to manufacture overseas. Eventually, in this economy, China will buy Chevron and control our oil distribution. Even now our commercial aircraft are being serviced in foreign countries putting our security at risk. Would these foreign mechanics be qualified for the same job if they moved to the USA?

So, is the threat to our nation internal or external? Is it easier to blame others rather than to look at ourselves?
KJC