Thursday March 06, 2003

More evil nationalism

I got an e-mail the other day from a conservative group on campus inviting people to attend a "rally for America" in downtown Cleveland. The e-mail laid out the group's plans, which included driving to the east-side to "make fun" of peace demonstrators. After reading it (and deleting it from my inbox) I couldn't decide whether I was more angry or more discouraged. To me, this is proof that the world hasn't really changed from ancient, bloodthirsty times.

I still find it incredible that so many Christian groups are buying into the patriotic desire for vengeance. The campus group even included a blurb of scripture to support their position: When justice is done it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evil doers, Proverbs 21:15. Obviously, this shows God wants justice in the world. No arguments here. But my question is this: Does this verse give the United States a divine mandate to drop bombs anywhere evil doers exist? And will we realy be punishing the evil doers, or the innocent with this war?

"Yesterday we visited a medical research center where they have found a dramatic increase in leukemia and birth defects in children after the Gulf War. It appears to be related to the use of depleted uranium used by the American military in that war to make tank-piercing shells more effective." - Allan Slater, Christian volunteer for peace in Iraq.

Am I supposed to be suporting this, cheering this on?

"My son and husband are in the middle east right now defending your right to travel anywhere you feel you must go. If one of their bombs lands on you, too bad. You will have gotten your martydom and they will have succeeded in their mission. No more silent majority. We will arise and be as loud as you. But we have more defensive stuff at our disposal than you. Good luck and remember to duck and cover." - Anonymous poster, in response to Allan Slater.

Is this what it means to be patriotic nowadays? Anyone?

Divine wisdom from the author of life: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. -Matthew 5:9

I can't even begin to imagine how afraid the Iraqi people are tonight.