We All Want More

Topic: America as Empire?

Mailer argues a complex opinion in his book. It is very difficult to argue an opposing view point. He raves on about anything from a common conservative's outlook on the war to what seems to be a logical explanition, in truth, to the entire subject. Mailer voices his opinion very strongly, insisting that Bush is leaning torwards spreading America to lead a global empire. Many questions are discussed and even disclaimed in the book, yet still remain unanswered. Although the arguement still goes on, Mailer's explanations for his beleifs are clear and precise.

It is not uncommon, in our everyday lives, to observe an individual reacting dramatically to an emotional happening. For example, you don't ever love someone as much as when their leaving you; or, you just really don't care too much for America until someone strikes it. Is this true? Was the war effort an immediate act of desperation we took in order to ease our own conscience? Mailer speaks of Flag Conservatives in his book. Is this a colorful illustration of his own opinion, or a demonstration of the facts? We just didn't care as much before the attack as we do now.

It is quite obvious that Mailer's main idea is that of Bushs' desire for empire. Mailer explains that Bushs' underlying motive is the ever so common need for power. This is something I struggle with in everyday life. Is it so hard for me to believe that one administration with the power to do nearly anything would also face such a struggle. No, it seems to be a repetative obstacle.

I won't say that I agree with Mailer on every aspect of the circumstance, but, I can understand the majority of his stance because I see it every day. Mailer presents the was as a power struggle more than anything, much the same as most any battle we face daily.

One Mans Empire

Topic: Why Are We At War?

Mailer presents our was efforts as useless. The book states that Bush is not trying to protect America but rather up lift himself. I can't say that I agree with Mailer when he describes this was as meaningless, a coax, or a trick. On the other hand I do agree with some of the arguments pertaining to our reactions directly after the 9/11 incident.

Mailers seems to suggest that our present state of war was means of power building for Bush. While that could be true I think it is also a will of our nation to avenge a horrible attack. Im sure our nation as a whole is undecided in their own stance in our recent events, if even knowledgable of them. On one hand you could demand proof of progress, on the other you could explain the reliefe obtained through revenge.

I don't know if I agree with Mailers expressions torwards Bush and his administration. I do not know Bush's motives nor his reasoning behind this war. I do know that he set a goal to capture a criminal in the beginning and has since then done so. I do not think I would go so far as to say the Bush is simply tring to build and empire, but I will agree with his extreme point; this war is not 100% in order to stop terrorists act nor obtain more oil.

The nation was greatly shocked and left in aw at the sight of the Twin Towers collapse. It was a defining moment in American history. A terror that would live with and haunt us for how long? Immediately after 9/11 we saw tremendous religous outbrake amoungst americans. We saw people coming together and reciting under God as if we had said all the time before. Now, many years later we don't see as much. Something that stunned us before has grown to agitate us now. Is the war relevant, necissary, meaningful? How can we be sure? I think it depends on us individualy. Who we are, what we believe and our own people.