We, The Bullies

There is an invasion of Panama, not unlike the incursion into Lebanon or assaults on Haiti, Grenada, the unsuccessful attack on Cuba, and last century's assault that gave Teddy Roosevelt a hill to charge.  It is also how some would like to handle Nicaragua, and maybe Colombia too.  There is assumption of a right that does not exist, a role based on size and presumed power.  It is triggered more by this nation's vexation than by anything else and is more a reflection of annoyance at differences that should not concern us.  It is as though the violence were the response we all along had in mind.  It was waiting to be vented so it could build again into a new confrontation.  Perhaps, like other bullies, there is uncertainty about self at the base of this action.  Maybe it is fear we might be ignored if we did not bellow once in awhile.  Perhaps, while the violent inclinations of our country cannot be ignored, its opinions will be.  Our deeds undermine and devalue our words.  Beside what we say is that inability to wait, to trust in time and to trust the people on whom we would intrude.

It is the failure to recognize the rights of Panamanians as being "theirs," their country's paths being theirs to choose and it is doubting that they would on their own see the value of what we might offer.  No nation -- not even those we treat as inferiors (while nodding to their sovereignty) -- is better for being assaulted.  No one is going to thank us for the destruction, no matter how we might think it is for their own good.

We would, as a nation, be better off saying this violence is the mark of our immaturity, our fear and supposed self-interest.  It would only be true and might take the deceit away since it masks what we do only from ourselves.