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"Ultimately it is our diversity of views not our uniformity of opinions that make us a great country, and it is our homeland liberties not our homeland security that has made us the desired destination of freedom seekers throughout our history. While national cohesion is critical in the maintenance of a healthy nation, political conformity is virus that ultimately can only weaken a healthy democracy.
The idea that now that the troops are “over there” it is time to “tow the line” and “shut-up” may sound patriotic on some news venues but it certainly is not American. Americans have the right to argue, re-argue, debate and dissent on any issue facing our country, at anytime, at anyplace.
Just like our military has the capability to face and defeat more than one foe at a time, our citizens, I’m sure, have the capability of “supporting the troops” and questioning their government at the same time. I as a soldier deployed -- and proudly so -- because it was my duty to do so -- no more no less.
But, if a soldier in some wishful dream was able to manifest his own reasons for their war, I would like to wish that I fought not just for a better Iraq, but for a better America, where loyal dissent is respected, patriotism is action not a bumper-sticker, and skepticism of those whom we entrust with our collective will is the norm.
To me General Clark embodies such American values.
There is a great saying by an English author “my country right or wrong is like my mother drunk or sober.” I personally prefer my mother the latter and my country the former. And, if in order to do so I must dissent, then dissent is duty."
He's truly a gem....
Go see the film if you can....
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