War on Terror -- Noam Essay

In my opinion, the 'war on terror' like all other wars is irrational and the mainstream media is not playing an objective role in getting the average American involved in the matter. If terrorism as defined in some strict sense does not exist, on what exactly is the war all about? The needs to answer this question and to have faith and belief in the government are confusing and require correct information and deliberation by the people.

In the Town Hall.com's article, Chavez clearly disagrees with the very action of raising a question when she said nothing about the justifications done by the Federal Government in engaging the nation to a protracted war, where this war clearly is not and will never benefit the people. In addition, how will questioning the validity of invading two sovereign nations, be a threat to one's own government?

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives the people the right to freedom of speech. Is asking about the war not part of that right? Fundamentally, is asking questions not an American way of life?

America's guiding principle is that its people hold the power. However, they will not exercise this power if they will continue to be ignorant of the issues involved in the war and if they will remain to be detached from its effects.

While a representative democracy is still working in the country because of its tremendous complexity and scope, its people's poor participation in discussing issues is beyond comprehension. They are giving up their right to participate and one of its evidences is the U.S. Patriot Act where their individual rights are diminished. The American people should wake up. It is possible that the 'War on Terror' is not merely an ill-defined war but one that is unashamedly undefined. If the people will continue to be complacent about what the government is doing, the greatest hoax may actually be presently perpetrating in this country. America is a nation who believes in individual freedom. Not much of the world is enjoying this luxury yet its people seemed to be distanced from the realities of the situation. Their lack of concern in handing over their rights to the government can be a cause of terror to one's heart in the end. Speaking on behalf of the American people, Zbigniew Brzezinski, ex-national security advisor to the late President Carter, said that, "Even in the face of future terrorist attacks, the likelihood of which cannot be denied, let us show some sense. Let us be true to our traditions." References Chomsky, Noam. "There Is No War on Terror." December 23, 2005. Interview by Geov Parrish. Chomsky, Noam. "On 9-11, Noam Chomsky debates with Bill Bennett." 30 May 2002. CNN. 9 November 2008. Zbigniew, Brzezinski. "Terrorized by 'War on Terror', How a Three-Word Mantra Has Undermined America." 25 March 2007. The Washington Post. 9 November 2008. Chavez, Linda. "We are losing the war." 16 August 2006. Salem Communications Corporation. 9 November 2008. .....