Help?
So I'm writing this paper for Advanced Comp. about terrorism, and I can't figure out for the life of me how to end it.
The views expressed in the following editorial are written from the perspective of a writer for the Paris Times, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the actual author.
Necessarily.
On September 11th, 2001, flags around the globe hung at half-mast when thousands of American civilians lost their lives to an act of terror. Families huddled together in the flickering glow of their televisions, eyes glued to the horrific scenes unfolding. Feuds were set aside as former foes sobbed in each other’s arms, mourning for a common loss. These bonds were ill forged, however, with their basis firmly planted in fear and remorse. Once the aftermath of the attacks died down, so would the fleeting unity of the American people. Anticipating the imminent collapse, the government instated a new source of alarm - a war.
Despite the complete lack of support from the United Nations (including, of course, our fair country of France), the War on Terror went on as planned. Not only were our views disregarded completely, but our American culture ties were childishly disrespected. “French toast” was to be called “liberty toast”, and “French fries” dubbed “freedom fries”, in juvenile retribution for our contempt of the war efforts. Numerous other nations opposed to the war began to lose respect for the US.
Throughout its relatively short history, the United States has consistently tried to razzle-dazzle foreign nations and its own citizens. Whenever an unpleasant event occurs at the fault of the government, a flashy Strongman contest distracts as the US flexes its military muscle. Like an insecure grade-school bully, they prey on those less powerful than them. Although this behavior is nothing new, the façade under which it has been concealed is cloudier than ever.
The Iraq war began under the misnomer “the War on Terror.” This deceptive wording brought to mind the crushing impact of September 11th, but the attacks had nothing to do with Iraq. Many Americans did not question the war simply because of the name’s implications.
Idealistic young troops marched into Baghdad, the televised cacophony of thundering concrete and wild screams from the Twin Towers still ringing in their ears. As they rooted through homes, destroying property and lives, they felt as though they were helping to ease the pain of the victims of terror back home. Never did they realize the terror they themselves were inflicting on Iraqi civilians.
Once Hussein, the tyrant for whom the troops had searched, was incarcerated, the term “war” was swapped for the decidedly less harsh “Operation Iraqi Freedom.” The modus operandi has hardly changed. US troops remain in Iraq, with very few stationed in the states, to devastating effect.
Recently, New Orleans became submerged beneath a thrashing onslaught of water. The city toppled to its knees, begging for mercy from Hurricane Katrina, the terrorist who brought this plague upon them. Scores of citizens found refuge on rooftops, where they anxiously awaited aid from their government. However, a lack of readily available troops at home left countless victims stranded. Such gross negligence of the masses is a travesty.
Again, foreign nations’ esteem for the United States plummeted. Not only had the government swindled its populace, ignored the wishes of the United Nations, and terrorized another country, it abandoned its own people in a crisis.
Any ideas would be wunderbar.
And now, some fun facts for you.
- Amount that the Catholic Church spent in Britain this summer advertising for new priests on bar coasters: $1,100.
- Average amount of sugar consumed each year by a U.S. preschooler, expressed as a percentage of body weight: 149.
- Percentage of the world's cell phone users who say they have interrupted sex to answer a call: 14.
- Percentage of newlywed couples who report having had a physically violent fight in the year before marriage: 37.
- Amount that Northwest Airlines expects to save each year by eliminating free magazines on flights: $565,000.
- Amount by eliminating free pretzels: $2,000,000.
I'm trapped in a glass case of emotion.