I am Kyle's self-indulgence

I've come to realize that when I write here about politics and International issues, I focus almost exclusively on the wrongs committed by my own country. This may lead others to believe that I am anti-American, and some have even accused me of excusing the actions of terrorists, or of blaming America for the attacks on our country (These are gross misinterpretations of my attitude. Nobody deserves to be murdered. Nobody).

If I believe that all killing is wrong, then why do I not spend as much time condemning the actions of America's enemies as I do those of my own country? I believe it has something to do with accountability. I am not responsible for the actions of people of other countries, nor can I do anything to change them. I do, however, have some responsibility for the actions of my own government, as I have the power to criticize it and try to change it.

Accountability still isn't the whole reason, though. Even if I had no power to change my government, I would still criticize its immoral actions. Yesterday I had a revelation that better articulates what I have long felt: Focus on the evils of others breeds hatred, violence, and war; the realization of one's own evils (or the evils of one's own government) leads to peace.

Is it any wonder, then, that Christ has commanded us to turn the other cheek, to remove the plank in our own eye? I've heard from people who are willing to do these things, provided the other guy does it first. But this misses the point. We are to be the example. We are to love our enemies, even while they hate us.

As A.J. Muste once said, "There is no way to peace; peace is the way."