Paul Kaldjian, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Geography
Missouri Southern State College
Joplin, MO 64801
In the wake of the terrorism on the East Coast, and the ensuing debates on how to respond, it seems that there is confusion between how to exercise greatness and how to exercise power. The two are easily mistaken for each other in a climate of anger and outrage. Polls report that a strong majority of Americans support bombing Afghanistan, even with the loss of innocent lives, which would include children, aunts and uncles, the elderly, the handicapped, teachers, artists, athletes – the same cross-section of society the United States lost on September 11. Here in the Bible Belt, in what many insist is a Christian Nation, on the radio, from the pulpit, in editorials, corner conversations, I hear more references to an “eye for an eye” than to the Beatitudes or Pauline reminders that revenge belongs to the Lord. (See Romans 12:17-21 for “unminced” words on loving those that hate).
There are many things that are great about the United States, many of which have been displayed by people in New York City, Washington, DC and around the country in the days since the bombings. With the exception of ignorant people that show their patriotism by committing hate crimes, the people of the United States have demonstrated their greatness to each other with acts of valor, sincerity and great generosity.
We now wait to see how our government will demonstrate its greatness. Surely it cannot be in bombing a destitute country, suffering food shortages from drought, exacerbated by hoarding in anticipation of an upcoming attack. Surely it cannot be in bombing Kabul, whose citizens may not even be fully aware of why they are to be attacked – only that they will be. Surely it cannot be in destabilizing a country like Pakistan, with nearly 150 million people, the bomb, and an already tense relationship between the military government and millions of its citizens.
After the First World War, the victors placed punitive and repressive conditions on Germany, and the Hydra that emerged made the Kaiser look like a Boy Scout. After the Second World War, the same victors saw to it that Germany was built up, and the US now has a strong ally. The bombing of Cambodia brought us Pol Pot, but the reconstruction of Japan created a peaceful giant. No, there is something about the Biblical admonitions, about showing mercy and leaving revenge to God, that suggests greatness.
Recognizing the expectations that the President has set up for a spectacular display of power, the American people may need to see fighters and bombers streaking through the sky. So, go ahead and mobilize the military. Send the aircraft carriers to the Indian Ocean. Launch fighters to terrorize the already suffering villagers. Dispatch the bombers to rumble high in the mountainous sky. Fill mothers with fear. Open the bomb bays, and drop the payload on hungry, suffering people, who are watching, exposed, resigned. This is power! To show the ability to squash. But greatness is when Afghanis see, falling from the sky, not warheads, but food. Grain, dry goods, milk, sweets. Tons and tons of it. Bombed with mercy, with manna.
Imagine the benefits. No multi-headed Hydra to fear from the ashes of each martyr. No innocent collateral. A pro-life military policy. No dictator to keep bombing for the next decade. No awkward, unexpected visits from the military chaplain. No future depleted uranium problems. No budget-busting military expenditures. And yet, we can still expect domestic economic benefits (yes, to the agro-food sector rather than the missile sector, but the missile sector has had its turns). Ultimately, dissolution of internal support for terrorists and their supporters. If the populace doesn’t actually disgorge them, the task of finding them will surely be easier. Great press in Canada and Europe. International awe and respect.
Bombing with food. This goes beyond power. This is greatness.