American Security

[mbowman15]

As flames roared from the windows of one of America’s symbols, the World Trade Center, people stared in horror and unbelief at what they were seeing. America had just been attacked by terrorists and the nation was not ready for it. Thousands were dead and hundreds more would die. This reality check shook America into the realization that we are no longer safe from the world’s threats. We were attacked on our very soil, and we were hit hard. Thankfully, we pulled together and have been working diligently to ensure an outrageous attack like this will never happen again. America’s security is an issue that can longer be taken lightly.

Retired Colonel Olen Eugene Bowman is the subject of my essay and gladly and freely expressed his opinions. Born in Freeport, Texas, Mr. Bowman grew up in the lower class society of America. Divorced parents and a messy home encouraged him to move in with his grandfather right after high school. After graduating from high school he went on to continue his education first at junior college, and then at the United States Air Force Academy. He studied every second he had and never let up on his pursuit for a better life. He was trained to be a pilot, and flew for several years before his career took him elsewhere. He served for 28 years before retiring-- learning many skills and growing in intelligence and maturity. My hope is to successfully portray his beliefs and concerns of the 2008 Election.

I conducted this interview in the privacy of Mr. Bowman’s home so that he would feel comfortable in expressing his opinions. We discussed several issues that this election faced, but in the interview, Mr. Bowman stressed that America’s security is the issue that concerns him most. This topic is important but his statement was broad so I asked him if he could specify. He quickly started listing several things such as: the number of terrorists and their hatred for us, nuclear weapons in the hands of terrorists and rogue nations that have made plans and threats to attack our allies as well as America, and illegal aliens and the easy access that terrorists have to enter our country and the ability to access arms.

Without hesitation, Mr. Bowman went right into what he thought should be done to minimize these threats. His solution to many of these problems is a strong defense. Roosevelt once said, “Walk softly but carry a big stick!” Mr. Bowman strongly agreed with this proposal saying, “It is important that we can peacefully talk with nations but just as important that the nations know that we have the defense and strength to protect ourselves.” According to Mr. Bowman, a strong defense allows America to deal with these rogue nations without having to worry about the safety of our nation. He thinks stronger borders and a strong military are keys to a strong defense and hopes that the President realizes this. In a Rasmussen report conducted in April of 2007, 55% of Texans and 45% of Americans agree with Mr. Bowman stating that stronger borders, such as the fence along the American/Mexican border, would better secure the nation from terrorist attacks.

One of the questions I asked was, “What do you have at stake with this issue? Or why is this issue so important to you?” He simply stated, “The American way of life for my children and grandchildren.” Mr. Bowman told me that he was blessed to be an American and for the opportunities that he had. He hopes and prays that his children will be as blessed and have the same opportunities that he had. He realizes what an exceptional country America is and prays that it remains that way for our future generations.

We concluded the interview with a cup of coffee. I told him about where this was going to be posted and he was glad to know that his opinion was important to someone. I thanked him for his time and opinions and told him that I will do my best to portray his thoughts and feelings the way they should be—truthfully.

[Christy Kaupert]

I fully appreciate what Mr. Bowmen's concerns are; however, I have to observe that any great military power must also have a strong economy to feed it. For example, one need only be reminded of the fall of the USSR. Clearly, the US, during the Cold War, was able to "feed the military" because it had a much stronger (arguably sounder) economy. Given the economic turmoil facing America (and the world for that matter) today, its ability to continue "feeding the military" will be challenged. That said, economic instability will surely effect the security of the country itself.
Of course, all things are relative, and the current instability in the economy is troublesome for America. We can be assured that this impending recession will be faced globally. Those on top will not 'instantly' fall to the bottom, but clearly, the 'top' will not be perched as highly as they have been over the last two decades or so.

[Alysa]

You represented Colonel Bowman very well. I agree with what he has to say. I believe that progress and competition has made the world a dangerous place--and as America is always in the spotlight, our borders need to be well fortified. I am not sure that a fence along the Mexican/American border is going to prevent the terrorists one way or another but I do believe we need to preserve our way of life. it is a growing trend among younger people these days to bash the government and scorn America as the "great evil" but in reality, we are a very blessed nation. We have a standard of living that is almost unheard of in most of the world. We are free to say, think and act as we choose. The very country everyone mitigates and degrades is the same one providing them with the freedom to do so. While I think cutting ourselves off from the rest of the world is a bad idea, I also think that we need to pull most of our resources back home and tighten up our borders.

[Robert Melita]

What happened at the World Trade towers, I remember as if it was yesterday, I was at work when this act of terrorism was exceuted, I also remember the Oklahoma bombing, their once was a time, when I looked foward to my morning paper, now it's filled with unfortunate people loosing a loved one due to a meaningless act of terror, be it the Towers or a drive by shooting. Yes we do need a Strong military, I belive we all at one time or another need to serve in our armed forces, to defend our country that so many fought for and so many died for.I am a vet myself, I also fly my Flag proudly every day in front of my house. The fence along the border , these people are not entering our country to destroy us they just want to improve their life, WE brought in the terrorist, a trained them, as with the pilots that flew the planes that struck the towers, we trained these people. we also sell military parts and weponds to other countries, WHY. for money . Colonal Bowman has my respect and I do agree with all he stated!

[Laura]

I find Mr.Bowmen very intresting and his thoughts are great.I agree with him on how we have to find alternatives way to be more safe.I mean what happened on 9/11 could have beenj avoided if we hadn't waited so long to try to begin being more cautious. I mean it saddens me that such an incident had to occur for us to become aware that we were and still are not taking measures drasctic enough to be protected,our country has been alot through these past few years.

[Mario]

I was at school in the sixth grade when the towers fell. It was a scarey situation and the nation was hit hard. Many people were scared and this lead up to the war that has been costing the U.S. so much money, which adds to the debt our economy is facing. I see why Mr. Bowman picked this issue as his main concern, it only makes sense. If we could tighten up security and stay safe without having to worry about and outsider attacking would have helped the situation we are in now. Yea right now the big focus is the war and the economy, but if you think about it, we would be fine if we had never entered the war caused by 9/11. I agree that national security should always be a concern to our candidates.

[Kelly Miller]

You know more of our generation needs to look to our retired veterans for guidance. We tend to think that oh we need a change and we can do it better but why not learn from the past and just do it right? I completely agree with Mr Bowman on security issues and believe we need to "beef up" our borders.

[James A Church]

I too, share security concerns with Mr. Bowmen. Our nation must act diligently on this issue. Who knows what kind of terrorists we have previously let into this country that are currently constructing plans to attack again. I do agree that a border must be put up against mexico and the United States, however, we cant forget about canada. Its a much broder boarder that is easily to walk across, vunurable to unscreened entry into the united states