wfn.org | Commentary: Is bombing changing the character of America?

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Aug. 25, 1998	Contact: Thomas S. McAnally*(615)742-5470*Nashville,
Tenn.    10-21-71BP{500}

NOTE: A photograph of Hale is available with this story.

A UMNS Commentary
By the Rev. Joe Hale*

The recent U.S. missile strikes in Afghanistan and Sudan raise basic
questions that go beyond the issue of terrorism. Those questions relate,
instead, to the character of America and our nation's place in the world
today.

It has been the official policy of some nations to launch pre-emptive
strikes without warning.  From a distance, they wage war that kills
innocent people. They act on the pretense that one is justified in
killing if "suspected" terrorists are the targets. It is permissible to
destroy power plants and factories, they reason, because they have the
potential for harm. With this perspective, the assassination of
individuals is also acceptable.

Until recently, the United States of America has resisted this kind of
activity and behavior. With some exceptions, our nation has followed the
example and counsel of those who refuse to believe peace comes as the
result of destroying one's enemy.

With the Aug. 20 missile strikes, we departed from that position. Is the
policy taken by our president, secretary of state, secretary of defense
and a few prominent senators and representatives a radical change for
all that is America?

Will this shift in international policy result in the United States
being seen as the envy of the world, a leader to be emulated? Does our
boast of unquestioned military superiority and the ability to reach at
will into every corner of any nation make us the greatest and win for us
friends who cherish and support our ideals? The effect may be to turn us
into a nation hated because of our threats and feared because of our
boasts. Such global claims have been voiced before in this century,
particularly in Europe.

Is there any person who is not inspired by the pride every American
feels when stirred by the promise of "life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness?" When we declare this promise is only for us, how is the rest
of the world to feel? 

That is the statement we make when we launch pre-emptive attacks,
especially when those who are attacked and suffer are people living in
impoverished countries that are unable to defend themselves.

Are we seeing the character of America being radically changed into
something we have historically never been? The world is beginning to see
us not as the "city on the hill," dispersing light to the nations, but
as a nation that is not walking in the light it once cherished and
guarded.

As staff executive of the World Methodist Council, I have worked with
people of more than 70 nations for 23 years. As an American, I cannot
remain silent in the light of this troubling transformation in our
character.

My father, an employee of the Department of State, served in the U.S.
foreign service for almost 11 years, first in Thailand and then in Latin
America.  He moved out beyond the American community and learned the
hopes and aspirations of the people living there.

I have seen the America that brings "light" through what my father and
the State Department were doing around the world. It is difficult to be
silent now when reckless policies alien to America extinguish the light.
When played out, as happened in this past week, the policy of
pre-emptive attack creates more chaos than hope for us and for the
people of Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and Afghanistan. We become like those
we abhor.

A colleague has on his office wall a different version of the "Golden
Rule."  It says, "Do unto others as if you were the others."

America's place in the heart of the world's people will not be based on
our wealth or our military strength. It will only be secured by our
ability to understand, stand with, and at times stand up for those who,
like us, have deep-seated dreams and hopes for their people and their
lands.
 
# # #

*Hale is general secretary of the World Methodist Council, with offices
at Lake Junaluska, N.C.