Don't tell me (a tribute to two of this era's great poets) For Sammy Hagar it is "don't tell me what love can do " while Darryl Worley sings "Don't you tell me not to worry 'bout Bin Laden ," but both get at a truth that resides deep inside the heart of every American spirit that wants to live in freedom - don't talk to me about that, I already know what I think.
I know that there is of course not even a smidgen of a chance that I can reach the level of a Hagar or a Worley, but nonetheless this is my attempt to join, if only on the absolute lowest rung, this most honorable canon.
Don't tell me "It is never wrong to be on the side of freedom" and praise the United States' "war on terror" while not complaining about Great Britain agreeing to aid Libya's military .
Don't tell me about what Uncle Sam has done for women's rights when you stay silent as theocracy is emerging in at least parts of Iraq , a country of course controlled by the U.S. where misogynistic "honor" killings happen with at least some regularity .
Don't tell me the U.S. is on the side of a "free press" while you don't care when the same U.S. shuts down newspapers for not towing the party line and generally attempts to make sure the media in Iraq follow their "do's" and "don'ts."
Don't tell me about the benefits of "democracy " while you have no problem with the U.S. manipulating the governments in democratic countries.
Don't tell me "This war [in Iraq] was screamingly, shriekingly necessary" because of "the staggering enormity of what Saddam had committed against his own people" when you could not care less about genocide in Sudan being committed by a government that the U.S. is warming up to because that government is on Bush's side in the "war on terror."
Don't tell me "Freedom from torture is an inalienable human right " while you remain silent as the land of free helps torturers hone their skills .
Don't tell me anything just so you can justify your fun little wars.posted by micah holmquist at 3/31/2004 07:21:00 AM
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