Kirk Miller

Observing the events that unfolded in March, where our military might have flexed its muscles in the middle east, we see the potential of a changing earth. This metamorphosis does not come from the scientific revelation or discovery of an incredible new resource that will improve our lives. It is centered on a thorn that has festered for many years in the side of the United States.

From within our country comes beliefs that all of us are equal with rights to allow us to speak and learn and practice a religion as we see fit. But in other places around the world that idea is far from any reality. This is the case when we look toward countries such as Iran. For many years we have looked past the corruption within their own political system. We have blind eyed the fact that they treat their own population in such substandard ways. However, the fact remains that they indeed wanted to hold a place at the table of world domination. It seems that for many years the Persians have sought to gain a nuclear arsenal that can only be seen as a direct threat to the many countries within their region. That threat also extended to the democratic countries as well and to the major global superpowers like us. Threats have been voiced for many years.

As an adolescent about to enter my 20s, the picture of Iranian discourse was already making front page news. Their opinion of the citizens and culture of the United States of America was very clear. They had great disdain for us as people and a nation. A feeling new to this middle eastern country.

Prior to a regime change through a tyrannical take over by religious zealots the people of Iran and its government were trading freely throughout the world. Not surprising as Persia was one of the oldest civilizations on the planet and something must be said about that length of existence. But an ugly religious movement was happening in Iran and the leader there was forced to take exile in America, as the Ayatollah and his followers seized control of the country. In doing so, some Americans along with other people from Free democratic states were held hostage by the new Iranian government.

Quick thoughts of how to recover these individuals were in the planning. After a botched rescue, attempt following a plan that worked well for the Israelites before. The United States under a weak administration that was plagued with soaring inflation and a recession, relented to trying different forms of diplomacy, that seemed to fall on the deaf ears of the new regime in Iran. The hostages were held for many days, and the history of such an event has never quelled the bad taste on American tongues when we think about those times.

For many years after the release of those hostages American leaders have sought to gain allegiance with the Iranian government, offering deals lined with billions of dollars to get additional hostages returned from new captures. America has tried to no avail to halt the enrichment of uranium in Iran to weapons grade levels. The country’s leadership has thumbed their nose at the United States many times over.

American intelligence with assistance from the agencies in Israel and several Arabian countries determined that all of the main players in the world who were engaging in terrorism were funded and supported by the government of Iran. In most cases it was also concluded that the plan of many attacks came from within the borders of Iran and were set to fulfill Iranian regional control objectives. Let there be no mistake that the controlling government in Iran has no love for anything associated with the United States of America and they also resented any attempts to change their government for the better.

It was soon identified throughout the past several years that this regime was indeed murdering thousands of their own citizens. Usually those who protested against the government or from certain religious beliefs. So, it makes sense that such a place on earth could only be described as volatile and toxic.

We all know from our childhood if you grew up in the sixties or seventies, that the only way to quell a bully is to confront them and use superior intellect and strength to put the bully down. To remove the fear that the bully has over us is the only answer to stopping the continued conduct. It was time to punch this bully in the nose. And so, with surgical and decisive action, two countries that were most hated and picked on by the Bullies of Iran finally decided enough was enough and put the monster to the ground. We stripped them of everything that would allow them to continue their control of not just their own lands but that of their neighbors as well.

This administration has utilized one of the most important lessons of the world since its existence and that is to take from history your success and mistakes, learning not to repeat what has most times failed, and deploy what works following a plan that will be righteous, direct, overwhelming and avoiding all collateral damage if possible. But remember that this mission is not complete until we apply empathy, compassion, and assistance to those who survive and desire change.

As much as many presidents and governmental leaders of our country want to stay out of the world’s problems, it is most certain that unless we slip into a demoralized state as our military, and our diplomacy has become viewed on the world stage, we will remain as the earth’s police force. Our technology promotes it, and our beliefs that we rejoice each July demand it. The best quote I have heard that describes American power on the global stage is Peace through Strength. We don’t always have to get fully involved in everyone’s arguments in these times, but it seems important to be ready to do so. America should be a voice of reason and prosperity. I believe it is on the way to fruition. Like it’s been said, the cream always rises to the top.

Kirk L. Miller is past commander of Chautauqua County American Legion, 8th District, Department of New York.