Jim,
I am not so sure that Twain
was mistaken about US intentions in
Cuba. You have lumped Cuba together with "other Spanish
colonies" and confused the issue here. Of course, Twain was
oppossed to the US dominating other countries. But again, he
supported liberating efforts. You seem to not have given the US a
chance to prove intentions in the current situation. It seems we did
everything we could to liberate the Iraqis and now we are doing our
part to help them toward a self-governing position. At the same
time, we are moving troops out of the area as quickly as deemed
safe and possible.
Twain's support
for liberating Cuba points the way to what can
ideally be accomplished--without later imperialistic moves. I believe
we are meeting that liberating ideal to the best of our abilities behind
President Bush's leadership. I hope the Iraqis do read Joan of Arc.
Then, they will be able to overthrow future tyrants such as Saddam,
without our help and sacrifice. I see no reason to believe that we
will be the tyrants or the imperialists--as you seem so willing to
assume.
Jason G. Horn
Associate Professor of English
Division of Humanities
Gordon College
Barnesville, Georgia 30204