by Charles Sumpter

Created on: August 12, 2008   Last Updated: September 09, 2008

In any other point in American history, I might have been on the other side of this debate. However, since September 11th 2001, my mindset has changed. As a native of New York City, I was there on that tragic day. I remember the chaos, fear and confusion felt throughout the city. No matter if you were Black, White, Asian or Latino, we all felt something that day. It was surely enough to change my outlook on the world.

America has engaged itself in a war that for the last 5 years that does not seem like it will end. As a result, the American military has lost some of its strength. In today's world, we have no reason to be intervening in the internal affairs of another country. We have enough issues and conflicts domestically that could use the assistance of our government. But in all realness, we just do not have the might as we used to. This will truly be a lasting legacy of the Bush Administration, rampant misuse of our military service.

It is sad to see how thousands of veterans are treated upon their return home. How can we expect to maintain a sound volunteer military when we do not even treat our own veterans with the dignity and respect that they deserve? It would be impossible. So much would first have to change before we are in any sound standing to try and intervene in global conflict.

The United States would have to start acting in accordance with organizations such as the United Nations to ensure a unified front is developed. To be part of the global discussion would do wonders for our image at home and abroad. One mistake of the Iraq War was that we went in there with only few supporters. The rest of the world viewed us in such a light that we are still recovering from the affects. As a superpower, we must be responsible in the use of our power, and quite frankly we have not.

In the last few days, we have heard reports of Russia invading the country of Georgia. President Bush has called on Russia to stop and to retreat. Should the United States round up what military we have left to go and escalate this conflict? No. The United States should join forces with other states and act with legislation, UN resolutions, or other forms of lateral decisions. We have many mistakes to learn from, its time America looked after herself, and made sure that she was able to truly take care of her own matters before going into other countries. I tell you, there is alot here that is in need of fixing.

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