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This Week's Articles:

Do the Right Thing

Paul Corrigan

Bear Left is honored today to publish an article written by Jim Ryan of the Veterans Call to Conscience. He is one of over 700 American veterans, from World War II veterans to current reservists and active duty troops, who have signed a statement of conscience that calls upon troops to "follow your conscience and do the right thing." The statement reads in part: "If the people of the world are ever to be free, there must come a time when being a citizen of the world takes precedence over being the soldier of a nation." Twenty percent of the signers are Gulf War veterans. Many prominent Americans, including Howard Zinn and Daniel Ellsberg, have also endorsed the statement. Many signers are on active duty; several are now locked up for filing for Conscientious Objector status. Signers include Gulf War veterans from England and Scotland and members of the Israeli Defense Forces. The statement has made its way onto many American bases and to troops in Germany and in Belgium. We at Bear Left honor these men and women for both their courage and commitment to humanity.

Speaking French

James Ryan

My dear fellow Americans:

How dare we speak of the French that way.

Just where do we think the ideas of liberty and justice and the rights of all people in the United States came from?

Just what do we think inspired Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson?

The answer is France, and its philosophes, in particular, Diderot, Montesquieu, Voltaire, and Rousseau.

And just who gave the first and truest of American patriots aid and comfort during the Revolutionary War?

Who made commercial and political alliances with our embattled Colonies?

Who sent a fleet to engage the British navy at the mouth of Delaware Bay?

The answers are: France, France, and France.

[Click on a title to read a particular article.]

The International Century

Paul Corrigan

How will the twenty-first Century be defined? History tells us that it will not be defined by the way it began. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the United States was an isolationist country. World events and the American economy forced the United States to abandon its isolationism. Throughout the twentieth century, America expanded its influence into the greatest empire in the history of the world, initially through force but increasingly through persuasion. Admired or envied, America was the undisputed champion of the world. Looking back on "the American Century," one has to appreciate that American capitalism, democracy, and diplomacy had almost infinite abilities to evolve, to promote change, and to overcome dissent. George W. Bush does not have much faith in capitalism, democracy, or diplomacy. His faith is in God and force.

Three Lessons for America

Tim Francis-Wright

When Bush administration officials talk about extending regime change to Teheran and Damascus, they are not just celebrating prematurely about victory in Baghdad. They also are showing that they have learned little to nothing from fifty years of post-war relations with the Soviet Union. The Cold War has three lessons to teach Americans who are willing to learn.

[Click on a title to read a particular article.]

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