Arrogance, I guess?

By Mark West

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." — John 15:13

Awesome and gruesome, such are the mixed emotions of someone, like me, whose brother and cousin both serve in our armed forces. Awesome because of the honor they are bringing to their family and country. Gruesome because of how dangerous the voyage to honor can sometimes be.

Our family has served in wars in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. My cousin is now serving in Afghanistan and my brother is headed there in October.

So please forgive my angst at Obama's speech in France this week. Americans are arrogant! While he attempted to temper his comments by also calling out the "Anti-Americanism" of Europe, such does little to blunt the blow struck by his prior comment.

I guess it was arrogance that led America into World War II after thousands died in the sneak attack of Pearl Harbor left 2,403 Americans dead.

I guess it was arrogance that led America to recognize the German threat and side with the Allies against them.

I guess it was arrogance that led America to storm the beach at Normandy leaving the lives of thousands of our young men...brother, cousins, fathers, grandfathers...on French soil.

I guess it was arrogance that led America and the allies to beat back the Axis forces of Germany, Italy and Japan when we only really had a beef with Japan.

I guess it was arrogance that led America into the Cold War that saw the downfall, for a time, of Communism in the then Soviet Union.

I guess it was arrogance that led America into a global war against Islamic terrorists after they blew up the twin towers killing nearly 3,000 civilians even if she had to stand alone.

I guess it was arrogance that leads Europe to decry our global fight against terrorism while enjoying the cloak of security provided by the blood of our fallen.

Hmmm, maybe then also I guess it was arrogance that led our President to decline the invitation of French President Sarkozy to visit Omaha Beach. This beach is the burial place of 9,387 American dead defending the freedom of others. He didn't want to offend the Germans!

Is it just me or am I living in the twilight zone?!

© Mark West