Business as Usual

I'll admit becoming hooked on the almost cancelled series Jericho from the CBS Network, which is saying something because I NEVER watch the Big 3 Networks anymore, since we have satellite. You can view the entire series for free over at their Interlube site, and I've begun at the start, slowly working my way through. Really a great drama with an interesting cast, including the always excellent Gerald McRaney, plus a lot of familiar faces, the kind you've seen somewhere before but don't recall the names. Anyway, I've always enjoyed the post-nuclear holocaust stories whether in print or on film.

I'm also amazed how its just business as usual for most folks on the show, even in the face of a national catastrophe far beyond 9/11, 2001 ( obviously an inspiration for Jericho). Kids are having parties, people drive around when ever and where ever, food isn't rationed; you just go to the store and help yourself. In one episode, the main characters have to beg for gas to keep the hospital generator going.

This reminds me alot of the ongoing War on Terror. Everything seems to be working out, but our strategy is so messy and disorganized. Everyone still heads to the Mall whenever we feel like it, or to the nightclubs, or a ball game as if we are never at risk from terrorists. The President asks for the most minor sacrifices such as airport screening and he's denounced as a dictator or Hitler. Gas goes up a dollar and we nearly have a revolt.

We are so complacent, some can dub the War on Terror as nonexistent, or just a "bumper sticker" slogan, or merely blame it own Bush.Much like on the show, only a few Americans, less than one percent of the population in the military, carry the burdens of the many. Most people support the troops, but usually it is "out of sight out of mind".

I honestly believe we are winning the War in Iraq, partly because of our technology, partly because of our marvelously trained troops, and largely by the grace of God. That said, when only a few people are carrying the load for the nation, those who sacrifice may some day wonder why pay heed to a constantly bickering and increasingly unconcerned rabble at home.