September 20, 2008

Dear Mrs. Higgins,

I think there are still good guys and bad guys.

And, as uncommon as it might be to say it out loud, I think the USA is still the good guy.

I read about Russia’s invasion of Georgia and how the first thing they did was destroy important infrastructure - like bridges that allow commodities in and out. Stuff that will take millions of dollars and months to rebuild. Stuff that cripples.

The same day I’m reading about the US building infrastructure of many kinds in Iraq. (not to mention tons of foreign aid projects in other parts of the world)

The concrete business in Venezuela is flourishing. So the government led by Hugo Chavez takes it over. (this after oil and several other successful industries have had a similar fate) Russia has had so many businesses confiscated by the government that they are having trouble getting foreign investors. (duh!)

The US also nationalized a few businesses. But these were business that, for reasons I can’t quite get my little mind around, are going down the tubes. Our government is trying to prop up, and support, not confiscate. There's a difference.

So while we wring our hands and say how bad we are, and how much we deserve to be hated, and we shouldn’t intervene, and blah blah blah blah… I couldn’t help but notice these two striking contrasts, and in just the last few weeks.

What do you think, Mrs H?

Mike


Dear Mike,

I ain’t wringing my hands, boy. It stings a little, but I agree with you. Even when it turns out wrong, I think our country tries to do the right thing.

Surprised you didn’t mention the latest “success” figures from Iraq.
Someone, not a politician, even used the phrase “winning the war”.

Now that will get Mrs. Pelosi’s skivvies in a twist.

Also saw that the World Health Organization cut its estimated number of malaria cases in half. Wasn’t W. a big force in getting netting etc.. to folks that needed it?

(imagine: W. helping save lives of poor people - that’s another twist for Nancy)

Now go put up your flag.

Mrs. H