Solidarity arises from Imperialism

I believe in American solidarity, not American imperialism.

Solidarity is defined as a “union or fellowship arising from common responsibilities and interests between members of a group or between classes, people, etc.”

In the late 18th century, the Sons of Liberty also known as the founding fathers banded together to resist the mighty royal crown of Britain; the founding fathers were united in a fellowship, for they had common responsibilities. American solidarity was the main impetus that gave birth to the democratic republic of the United States of America.

However, no matter how great a precedent the founding fathers may have set, the current American Administration hasn’t lived up to the edict proclaimed by the term solidarity. In fact one could argue that the current American Administration under George W. Bush has lived up to the destiny foretold by the term imperialism.

Imperialism is defined as “the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding colonies and dependencies.”

The George W. Bush administration claims that the militaristic invasion of Iraq was mostly to the benefit of the Iraqi population. Said incumbent administration cite that the fall of a tyrannical dictator, found in Saddam Hussein, and the formation of a democratic government as two prime examples of Iraqi liberation.

Fredrick Douglas, one of the most prominent leaders in all of history, once stated that “freedom, when won by the white hand is only half as sweet.” Douglas is referring to the American Civil War and the then very controversial question of slavery. In short, Douglas’ words simply mean that the freedom of the African-American people when won by the white man is bland and not subject to be enjoyed.

If one were to apply Douglas’ words to the American led invasion of Iraq, then one may conclude that the American hand cannot win Iraqi freedom. For Iraqi freedom won by the American hand is milquetoast. True Iraqi freedom can only be achieved by the Iraqi hand.

Instead of liberating the Iraqi people the American government has turned the foreign land of Iraq into a tumultuous combat zone. The American government via its distinguished military entities has held the precious resource of Iraqi black gold hostage. In addition, the mind-boggling American invasion of Iraq has extended American rule over a foreign nation and its people.

Hence, the United States, by occupying Iraq has essentially fulfilled all prerequisites and thus qualifies as an imperial power.

I bear witness before God, from the highest of all minarets with the utmost and deepest conviction that American solidarity is of the righteous, and that imperialism is the Achilles heel of all world powers, past and present, let alone the United States of America.