Thursday, October 4, 2001

America is no longer invincible
Neutrality is not an option as a generation faces questions, issues
By Jenny Specht
Skiff Staff

On my way to Moudy Building South Wednesday, I saw a hand-lettered sign stuck to a pole that said, “What are we to do? Change.” The thing is, I feel like all I’ve done in the past few weeks is change.

When I think of war, I picture the 1960s. I picture long flowing dresses, longer flowing hair, sandals and love beads and protesters with signs chanting, “Make Love, Not War.” Picture the epitome of pacifism.

For the last several years, I’ve considered myself someone who would protest when faced with the prospect of killing and conflict. I don’t swat flies; I don’t eat meat; and when asked, I’ve declared that I am a conscientious objector.

Yet, since Sept. 11, it’s hard to remember what I object. I want to object the deaths of innocent Americans, the threats to my safety and the assertion made by Afghanistan leader Mullah Mohammed Omar that Americans are afraid to fight back.

Switzerland and neutrality have become almost synonymous; however, if even they were struck by a similar act of terrorism, how would the country react? Would their pacifistic morals remain the same? Fighting back would probably come to their minds, as it has come to mine.
I could maintain my stubbornness throughout this column and insist that I still want everyone to “give peace a chance,” knowing that as a woman I will not be called to fight and can stay hidden in Fort Worth, never having to take a stand either way.

But for once, my inflexibility has given way. I’m facing up to the facts now and admitting that my feelings have changed. All I want now is the safe little place I once had back, and I’m willing to sacrifice anything to have it again.

Including, as I’ve described, parts of my belief system. But then again, a lot has changed as our country is just now realizing.

It is more than New Yorkers who have relocated their offices and more than paper flags taped in windows; more than tighter airport security and red, white and blue ribbons. New Yorkers can find office space elsewhere and we can all arrive a little earlier to catch a plane.

But can we all assert that America is once again invincible? Can I remain in my insulated little corner of the world and keep proclaiming my self-righteous, untested hippie beliefs?

The answer is no. Times have changed. Our generation is unfamiliar with the things that are happening. Current events are cool; people have lost interest in political apathy; MTV interrupted its regular programming. I have friends who are ready to enlist, and I’m ready to support that.

So to the writer of the sign, regarding change: You’re right, and I have. I just wish I could do more.

Jenny Specht is a junior English and political science major from Fort Worth.
She can be contacted at (j.l.specht@student.tcu.edu).