To the Editor,
Shortly after 9/11, I remember hearing an Associated
Press reporter describe how he was in North Africa during the attacks
on the World Trade Center and that he wanted to come home to the
US through Paris. Unfortunately
there where no planes flying to the US so the AP Reporter took a
ferry to Greece to begin his trip to Paris.
While sitting in a cafe in Greece the owner of the establishment
came over to the man and asked him, "Are you American". After
telling the man that he was American the owner of the cafe sent all
of his waiters to gather bottles of potent Greek wine and then proceeded
to pour everyone in the cafe a glass.
The owner stood in the front of the cafe and asked if he could say
a few words. I still get misty when I picture this scene in
my head. The Owner lifted his glass and said, "Shoulder to
shoulder until justice is done". According to the AP Reporter everyone
in the cafe stood up and lifted their glass in solidarity with the
United Sates.
Wednesday morning I began to receive e-mails from around the globe. My
colleges in England, Belgium, and Brazil where thrilled for out great
nation. My colleges from India told how they prayed in Hindu
temples for us and how amazed and grateful they where that our Nation
did what we did.
Those of us who have contacts around the world know that America
is, and has always been, a shining beacon of hope for billions of
people who still live under oppression, endure genocide and reside
in squalor. The example of our democracy and the kindness and
sacrifice of the American people has impacted millions of lives.
My Father and my Uncles brought our nations optimism and bravery
to the islands of Saipan, Okinawa and to the shores of Normandy and
into Belgium and Germany. It was the United States who stood
alone in wanting to prosecute Nazi War criminals in fair tribunals
as opposed to summary execution proposed by many of the other allies. It
is the United Sates that sent our idealistic Peace Corp volunteers
to every corner of the Globe and it is the United Sates that the
world looks to for leadership even now.
The enthusiasm of the world proves that everyone is hungry for that
leadership and after Tuesday’s election we may very well now
have it. We have a huge task at hand. With so many problems
it will take each and every one of us to pitch in and help. To
some little is asked and little is expected. To the greatest
democracy on earth much is asked and much is expected.
It is with chills shooting down my spine that I look at the message
that this election of a brilliant African American man to the highest
position of leadership in the world sends about our great nation. It
is with excitement and eagerness tinged with a bit of trepidation
that I await my call to action. My country; my amazing country
with all of its flaws and all of the responsibilities that freedom
brings has been returned to all of us once more.
Tim Withington