Editor’s note: This commentary is by Bob Stannard, a former lobbyist, who is still an author and musician. This piece first appeared in the Bennington Banner.
I don’t care what you heard
This is a crazy mixed up world
Crazy mixed up world
Crazy mixed up world
I’m in a crazy mixed up world
– Little Walter Jacobs
[I]t’s not as if 2014 wasn’t bizarre enough (see previous column). We are just two weeks into 2015 and already our collective heads are (or should be) spinning.
We no sooner addressed the hangover from welcoming in the New Year when we learned of the tragedy taking place in Paris. A weekly newspaper unknown to most of the people in this country, Charlie Hebdo, has overnight become a national symbol in the fight against global terrorists. I say “terrorists” because I don’t believe our new, $200 million F-35 fighter plane can fight terrorism. Terrorism is intangible. Terrorists are not.
On Jan. 8 two psychopathic brothers forced their way into the offices of this satirical newspaper and killed the cartoonists whose work they found offensive. Criticizing their god apparently means that they can commit murder. Being able to express an opinion, even a vile opinion, does not justify the actions of these two brothers.
A religion that declares it acceptable to kill others, for any reason, is not a religion. It’s a cult no different than the Manson cult or any other fringe group out there that kills those with whom they disagree.
How did the French react? In record time they located and killed the attackers. Their next move was to hold a rally to show worldwide unity opposing the killings. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not invited for fear of exacerbating an already volatile situation. He came anyway as did Palestinian Prime Minister Abbas. In what will go down in history as one of the most famous pictures ever, there they all are: arms locked in solidarity leading one million people in Paris. Nationally 3.7 million came together to show support.
When America was attacked, the world rallied and supported us. At the very least we should have reciprocated.
Noticeably absent was anyone from America. No President Obama. No Vice President Biden. No Secretary of State John Kerry. Oddly enough, Eric Holder was in Paris attending a terrorism summit with French President Hollande. He did not attend the rally.
There are moments in this life when opportunities fly by like the brass ring on a merry-go-round. You must decide whether you’re going to grab the ring or sit in your seat. Sadly, America decided to remain seated for this event. This “snub” may do more damage to our image abroad than any of the wars we’ve started. Think of how much more powerful this event would have been had our president been in that front line with his arms locked with other world leaders. It would seem as though that nothing, nothing in this world could have been more important than simply showing up at this event.
When America was attacked, the world rallied and supported us. At the very least we should have reciprocated. In response to 9/11 we attacked a nation that had nothing to do with the attack. It’s clear that the French attackers had ties to Yemen, a country that is supposedly our ally in the fight against terrorism. A female accomplice allegedly escaped to Turkey. What would we say if France invaded Turkey?
We have made some progress though. The TV show, “Transparent,” won two Golden Globe awards. This Amazon TV comedy is about a professor who is transgender. I’ve never seen this show, but after seeing the recognition it’s received I just might watch it.
Will I find this show to be funny or will I find it to be repulsive? No matter how I interpret this show I know that having a difference of opinion does not give me a license to kill.
I’m in a crazy mixed up world.
