In March of 2003, recently deceased Senator Byrd delivered a speech on the floor of the US Senate, questioning the long term effects of the proliferation of War in Iraq to the international perception of the United States:
Excerpt: “…But, today I weep for my country. I have watched the events of recent months with a heavy, heavy heart. No more is the image of America one of strong, yet benevolent peacekeeper. The image of America has changed. Around the globe, our friends mistrust us, our word is disputed, our intentions are questioned.
Instead of reasoning with those with whom we disagree, we demand obedience or threaten recrimination. Instead of isolating Saddam Hussein, we seem to have isolated ourselves. We proclaim a new doctrine of preemption which is understood by few and feared by many. We say that the United States has the right to turn its firepower on any corner of the globe which might be suspect in the war on terrorism. We assert that right without the sanction of any international body. As a result, the world has become a much more dangerous place.
We flaunt our superpower status with arrogance. We treat UN Security Council members like ingrates who offend our princely dignity by lifting their heads from the carpet. Valuable alliances are split.
After war has ended, the United States will have to rebuild much more than the country of Iraq. We will have to rebuild America’s image around the globe.”
Over a funky Batsauce beat balanced appropriately with a bassline that evokes a sense of weightiness and a break that forces you to relax and ease your embrace of hope, Dillon and Chop take turns discussing the Apple & Pie image of America and relatively quickly – one verse each – offer criticism instead of attempting to vilify like so many of their peers. I would have liked to have heard more from each on this topic but considering the sensitivity and complexity of the issues they touch on, perhaps it was best kept short.
America… as in the United States of America. What does it conjure up for you? There’s something about “Baseball and Apple Pie” that doesn’t quite ring true anymore – what say you?
About Dillon – Food, Music, Comedy. From Jacksonville, now in ATL, soon to be on the Moon.
About Batsauce – BEATS BOYEE! Lady Daisey & Coffee. Currently in Berlin, Germany.
About Chop – Queen of The Capri Sun. Princess of the Pen. Currently in Jacksonville, Fl. DUUUVAL!
