Exceptional America

This evening, during President George W. Bush State of the Union speech, filled with the usual dubious facts and figures, we saw a powerful image. It immediately and simultaneously suggested and revealed to me several things. It also got me thinking about Canada.

The image was that of an Iraqi woman, a victim of Saddam Hussein who murdered her father, in strong embrace with a mother who lost her son, a proud Marine, during the assault on Fallujah. In one single picture. With just one simple image it should have been clear to many what America's intentions really are. Was this propaganda? Maybe, but it was real and powerful. It was meant to drive a message. A Marine gave his life so that Iraqi's could vote and be given the simple opportunity to control their destiny.

Many in America - including a growing number of conservatives who feel that the Republicans have been hijacked by impostors - have been vocal in their sometimes justified criticism of Bush. Too many, unfortunately, have also focused on shortsighted issues that have been too narrow in scope. Rather than debate ideas they relied on trendy catch phrases and buzzwords which left them vulnerable to conspiracy theories and misguided interpretations and perceptions of the invasion of Iraq. America's objectives are clear and concise to anybody who cares to pay attention to this multi-faceted paradigm.

This is a special empire, for better or for worse, that believes it has a special mission. Interestingly, while Michael Moore and his followers worship his dissenting qualities in the comfort of a peaceful wealthy environment, we have been treated recently to the spirit of human dignity and freedom in two separate and distinct places - Ukraine and Iraq.

Following the ushering in of Victor Yushenko, the people of Ukraine flowed into the street to celebrate his victory. In Iraq, after they cast their votes, Iraqi's literally danced in the streets. Take that Saddam. When was the last time we behaved with such enthusiasm here in Canada or the U.S. in a simple act of civic duty?

I do not care to predict of what will become in Iraq. Nor do I subscribe to the 'blood for oil' hyperbolic hysteria stemming from parts of the (alternative) media. I also do not share the rather naive and simplistic view that democracy can be installed like software. I do think, however, that it can be done. That with the right amount of competence, resolve and enlightenment Iraq can succeed. We should all view this in this light. To look at it in any other way is to give into selfish Western cynicism.

Not many believed that it could be done. But it has happened. There are many thoughtful proposals as to what both America and Iraq should do in the upcoming months. For now, despite the pressure and the unpopularity of it, America must stay. Suggesting otherwise strikes me as unrealistic if not irresponsible. No to mention a tad unfair to Iraq and its people.

It has also been interesting to note how middleweight France has found it in them to comment on the Iraq elections. Same with Kofi Annan. Countries, like super-middleweight Germany, that undermined and ridiculed America, including light-welterweight Canada, now clamour to talk as if they took part and knew all along Iraq would succeed. Which leads me to wonder if Bush will ever get the credit he deserves (if this radical plan works over the very long-term) in the petri dish of politically correct modern academia.

The President's speech was a clear example of the spirit of American exceptionalism at work.

That remarkable embrace, if anything showed that America, despite its all too advertised flaws, remains the exception rather than the norm on the international stage. That is why people continue their journey onto its shores.