Whether We Like It Or Not

On April 13, 2010, President Obama made the following statement at the conclusion of the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington D.C. in response to a question as to how the summit would have a role in peace-making efforts in the Middle East:

“It is a vital national security interest of the United States to reduce these conflicts because, whether we like it or not, we remain a dominant military superpower, and when conflicts break out, one way or another, we get pulled into them.  And that ends up costing us significantly in terms of both blood and treasure.”

Not many news outlets reported this statement.  It was blown off to some degree by most of the media.  Thankfully, some of us heard it and were rightfully appalled by what I perceived to be a desire by our president to abdicate the United States’ role as a leader of democracy of the free world.  It came across as if, for whatever reason, it was now a burden for us to remain as a superpower.  If that was not the intent of the message, than what was it?  Whether we like it or not??

Sen. John McCain’s response was given to Fox News, and it was on target.  He commented, “That’s one of the more incredible statements I’ve ever heard a President of the United States make in modern times.  We are the dominant superpower, and we’re the greatest force for good in the history of this country, and I thank God every day that we are a dominant superpower.”

In this very complex world, I would rather be part of a dominant superpower that is fighting for the good and decency of all mankind than to be part of a totalitarian regime that does not allow for freedom of speech or a weak nation that it hopelessly dependent on another country to protect its borders.

Whether we like it or not, we are still one of the world’s superpowers (for now), even while certain freedoms are gradually being eroded as capitalism, as we once knew it, is being undermined by government control and outright takeovers.

Whether we like it or not, we still have the greatest and most dedicated military in the world, of whom I am proud to thank for their longstanding service and dedication to my country.

Whether we like it or not, all of us have the best opportunity to worship God in this nation, even though mentioning Jesus Christ in public may raise some eyebrows.  Thank the Lord for our private schools where we can still pray, at the very least, and learn about Jesus and the Bible there.  Public schools are a mission field unlike any other.

Whether we like it or not, we have the freedom and ability to grow and prosper and raise our families as we see fit.  While most of us believe in responsibility and facing the consequences for our actions, those who choose not to do so are free to go in that direction as long as they do not impact the lives of others.

Whether we like it or not, Israel is still our ally.  I would rather be on the side of Israel than opposing them or being in an outright fight against them.

Whether we like it or not, there are countries throughout the world that still love the United States of America.  There are still countries that believe in the cause of fighting against enemies found in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and in many parts of the world where lawlessness prevails.  The war on terror will likely never end, and we need the support of others to fight and prevail in it.

Whether we like it or not, good will eventually prevail over evil.  Who will fight for the good along with the United States?

Whether we like it or not, there is still a lot of room for improvement on how our nation conducts its business here domestically as well as internationally.  That does not mean that we need to back down on our positions of civil rights and democracy because fighting for civil rights and a democracy is ultimately the right thing to do.  Our imperfections as a country mean that we still have room for improvement and room to get better.  We have work to do here, for sure, but we are not to dumb down overseas over clear issues of right and wrong.

Whether we like it or not, we, as a country, are not to give up what God has enabled us to do in our role as a world superpower.  God does not intend for us to lead with reluctance, hesitance, and regret.

Whether we like it…or not.

Copyright © Melvin Gaines. For more content, please see melvingaines.com and melvingaines.blogspot.com.