Embarrassed
I am embarrassed to be a citizen of the United States, a feeling that has been creeping in over the last few years. This week, it became more entrenched in my soul. Our government’s interest in having a public execution of a former U.S. soldier and our country’s open betrayal of Ukraine have truly shaken me.
In allowing for a public execution, we join the ranks of Iran, Afghanistan and North Korea. I thought that America had a moral compass that would make public executions unthinkable. I consider a public execution a barbaric act that demeans the sanctity of life and makes us anything but a Christian nation.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been going on for years. It is a clear David versus Goliath battle. Though generally our country supports Ukraine in its battle against the Russian aggressor, our administration seems to side with Russia. To blame Ukraine for high diesel prices and then demand that Ukraine not bomb Russian oil refineries so we can import Russian diesel is beyond absurd. Russia will take in U.S. money to support its war machine and is still allowed to bomb the civilian population of Ukraine. It is equivalent to limiting David to use only pebbles in his fight against Goliath. Our leader also suggested Ukraine find a new president. A new president is needed, but not in Ukraine.
President Reagan, in his closing address to the nation, used the expression “shining city upon the hill” to describe America. I have always liked that expression. Our nation is far from perfect but we strove to be a kind and gentle nation that cares for others both at home and abroad. Sadly, we are losing that kindness and the shining city is getting darker.