Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Politics: Intro to The Greatest National Security Threat

Dictionary.com gives two very contrasted definitions of politics as follows:

1. The science of government; that part of ethics which has to do with the regulation and government of a nation or state, the preservation of its safety, peace, and prosperity, the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals.

2. Intrigue or maneuvering within a political unit or group in order to gain control or power


I think it's pretty safe to say that the second definition is what operates in our world. Unfortunately, we have given up on the first definition as there seems to be no room for ethics and integrity, let alone public service, as a politician. The two concepts are diametrically opposed and in a capitalist society, politicians have shown us where their loyalties lie. I understand the lure of power but when it is hoarded for self-interest to the point of endangering citizens' lives, we must be ceaseless in our demand for justice.

Our government is playing politics with our national security. They would have you believe that the biggest threat to our country are Islamic terrorists with WMDs. However, it has been the U.S. government's own actions that have compromised our national security far more than any external threat.

To be continued...