Some thoughts on the State of the Union

For the most part I thought Bush gave a good speech last night. However, there was one thing that he said that bothered me.

Near the beginning of the speech, Bush said:

"we need to show compassion, because poverty is a breeding ground for terrorism"

As if the only reason to deal with issues of poverty and injustice is to protect ourselves and our way of life. Though I see a truth in that statement, it seems to me that the way it was presented, justifying our role in the world, specifically as it concerns the broad issues of poverty and injustice through "the war on terrorism" denotes a misguided view of the United State's role in the global community.

More and more I believe that the only effective way to fight terrorism is through love and compassion - but love and compassion for the sake of love and compassion - not because I want to protect my own life or "the American dream". . . but because I love my neighbor.