208 – Accurate Description

IN DEFENSE OF COMMON SENSE

By Hetty Gray

 

# 208

“Accurate Description”

 

February 3, 2015

 

We throw the term “World War” out there with ease. Going back to 1914 and springing forward to 1941, these terms resonate with generations of Americans. In fact, these wars did not involve the whole world, but were relegated to Europe, North Africa and the Pacific Rim. True, they did involve nations far-flung from the actual battlefields. More specifically, Australia sent her armed forces fought the Imperial Japanese to secure peace in her region.

 

Today, the terrorist fight occupies nearly every continent. Beginning with North America and 9/11, we move to North Africa that includes not only the USS Kohl but also Benghazi. Add to that the kidnappings of women and young girls and the wholesale slaughter of innocents at the hands of Boko Haram. Moving again to the United Kingdom, consider the bus bombings that killed indiscriminately in July of 2005. Threatened beheadings in Australia raised the hackles of its government and moved it to protect its citizenry.

 

Charlie Hebdo is a stark reminder that nobody is safe — even at the workplace. The terrorists have no respect for human life. They view death as a martyrdom and fear nothing as they take innocent lives with abandon. Now we witness the barbaric burning alive of a Jordanian pilot.   Why Jordan, you ask? Well, ISIS leaders aren’t about to launch against Saudi Arabia or UAE. Jordan is stable and more than anything else politically, they seek instability in the region.

 

This is the first time in my lifetime (70 years and adding another) that the term “world war” actually applies. The question now is will the world, as a whole, respond?

 

Historically, the United States has stepped forward to defend their world neighbors. Sarajevo’s aftermath of World War I showcased the loyalties of untold numbers of Americans still holding strong emotional ties to Europe. Understandable, since the majority of Americans at that time had emigrated from Europe. World War II came home with Pearl Harbor. Sadly, few of our children learn about December 7, 1941. That Sunday morning forged a go get ‘em mentality that carried through to defeating the Axis and Japan. We are not so unified in spirit today.

 

Now we are so diverse in population that there exists no firm loyalty or visceral link to any one area of the world. All that taken in context, remember that there are American military bases scattered throughout the world proving our commitment to freedom and our continued concern for its spread around the globe.

 

The core of the situation sparks the critical question. Just how much are the Arab countries directly adjacent to Iraq and Syria willing to do to stop the terrorists? After all, their countries surround the main contingent of the ISIS fighters. How much would it take for strong Arab leadership to arise and go against it? We may see, since the Jordanian pilot was burned alive.

Nothing we have seen comes close to this horrific execution.

 

Add to this the fact that we cannot discount the probability that these terrorists will attack on American soil and we find ourselves seriously threatened. This movement will not be assuaged until totally defeated and exposed as what it is: unrelenting murderers without conscience.

 

Yes, worldwide media are covering the pilot’s death. And, yes, the film will not only inspire vengeance but also terrorist recruitment. It presents itself, in essence, as a “catch 22.”

 

I conclude with some of the final dialogue from William Wyler’s 1942 film “Mrs. Miniver.” The congregation of a small British church listens as the minister speaks against the backdrop of a shattered stained glass window. “This is the people’s war…” He went on to proclaim that they would fight it in every village across the land. His fervor is palpable and his emotion powerful. His words echo what everyone in that congregation was feeling. Righteous anger. Determination. Resolve.

 

A portion of the review of this magnificent movie on “The Forgotten Classics of Yesteryear” website says it all.

 

“ ‘Mrs. Miniver’ is just one of the numerous Best Picture* winners to be largely forgotten. But it remains a triumphant work of art for those who are willing to look for it. For although it was made explicitly for World War Two audiences, its heart, its soul, its message is one that will resound for ages.

 

If the world does not judge this a “world war” soon, it will more than have earned the term without anyone having applied it. World war? Yes. World response? Existentially needed, but will it arise? Back to Greer Garson and Water Pidgeon in “Mrs. Miniver.” We need to ignite that British grit across the globe. Pray for that.

 

 

 

 

* Oscars won: Best Picture — Best Writing, Screenplay — Best Director (William Wyler) — Best Cinematography, Black-and-White — Best Actress in a Leading Role (Greer Garson) — Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Teresa Wright).

 

 

 

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