How soon they forget. Remember the motto of the Holocaust survivors? “Never Forget.” Remember how 9/11 was singed into our awareness? No? Then you probably are not remembering 12/7/41 either.
What is 12/7/41? It used to be called Pearl Harbor Day. This year it is simply called Friday. Since our modern culture assumes that only white people (preferably male, Christian and conservative) can do or be evil, we have forgotten how the Japanese attacked the American forces in Hawaii with no notice. In fact, the Japanese diplomats were meeting in Washington about working out misunderstandings.
It was a really stupid thing to do. If the Japanese had not attacked, Roosevelt would have had a hard time getting Americans to go to war. Hitler would have not felt a need to declare war on us. The entire agenda of the fascists, east and west, might have been realized. For the sailors, soldiers and airmen of Hawaii it was a tragedy. For the world it was a blessing in disguise.
The attack united our resistance to tyranny. The commitment lasted until victory was assured. How is that different from the response to 9/11?
The initial response was the same: Outrage and unity. The Presidents responded the same. The difference comes in the cast of supporting characters.
The Media is different. The people involved in journalism in 1941 were Americans. They loved this country and its institutions. They believed in the American dream and American exceptionalism even if the word was not used. We were unique and virtuous. They kept secrets if it was necessary for the security of the country. They supported the war against evil. Not so today. Take very sentence I just wrote and reverse the sentiment. That is our media today.
The loyal opposition is different. When Roosevelt called on Republican businessmen to help him get the country ready for the war that was coming they put aside their personal feelings and did what was best for the country. The minority party worked to make the country stronger and move us toward victory. Not so today. The Democrats have been willing to sell the country down the drain to humiliate George Bush. They will twist and distort anything for political gain. They are currently willing to allow the economy to fall apart rather than have an honest discussion.
Things are different. We are still at war with terrorism. They are out to get us. They will keep trying. My fear is that we will have another date to add to the headlines before we wake up and smell the gunpowder.
“Never forget.” Or is it already too late?
homo unius libri
Yours is the first mention I've seen of Pearl Harbor Day. My wife hasn't heard any mention on TV, either.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad. The lessons of the past are forgotten in the multiculturalism of the present.
ReplyDeleteGrace and peace.