Victor Davis Hanson makes perfect sense again, as always, in "The Global Shift." The thought that one day soon we may again have to bail out our "friends" in Europe is enough to ruin my weekend.
But then, I need to remind myself of our obligations as the greatest nation on the planet.
Tony Blair made a brilliant speech to Congress during his July 2003 visit to the United States. It's long, but it's worth taking the time to read every word. Towards the end of his speech, Blair reminded us of our responsibility as Americans:
We are fighting for the inalienable right of humankind--black or white, Christian or not, left, right or a million different--to be free, free to raise a family in love and hope, free to earn a living and be rewarded by your efforts, free not to bend your knee to any man in fear, free to be you so long as being you does not impair the freedom of others.
That's what we're fighting for. And it's a battle worth fighting.
And I know it's hard on America, and in some small corner of this vast country, out in Nevada or Idaho or these places I've never been to, but always wanted to go...
I know out there there's a guy getting on with his life, perfectly happily, minding his own business, saying to you, the political leaders of this country, "Why me? And why us? And why America?"
And the only answer is, "Because destiny put you in this place in history, in this moment in time, and the task is yours to do."
If and when the day comes when Europe again begs for our help, I know we will give it freely. We're Americans; that's what we do.
"Much is expected where much is given."
