Editorials
Thursday, July 4, 1996
This Fourth of July
is worth celebrating
AMERICA'S celebration of its 220th birthday is clouded by the terrorist explosion at a military compound in Saudi Arabia last week. That atrocity was a grim reminder of the cost of defending freedom. But it did not make Americans doubt for even a moment that freedom is worth the price. On this Fourth of July, America stands unchallenged as the world's only superpower and proponent of freedom for all peoples.
In faraway Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan, Germany and this year Bosnia, Americans stand guard while their compatriots in Hawaii and throughout the country mark the Glorious Fourth with traditional fireworks and patriotic music.
Meanwhile the world considers the results of the democratic presidential election in Russia - an event that would have been inconceivable a few years ago and that must be attributed in part to the United States' resolute resistance to Soviet imperialism. In Manila, Governor Cayetano is representing President Clinton at observances marking the 50th anniversary of Philippine independence from the United States. As the nation's first governor of Filipino ancestry, this is a particularly memorable occasion for him.
At home, the national economy is strong and minorities and women are enjoying rights long denied them. But violent crime and racial hatred - exemplified by a wave of arson at black churches - still plague much of the nation. Americans seem more interested in Hillary Clinton's imaginary conversations with Eleanor Roosevelt than in the impending bankruptcies of Medicare and Social Security.
No one could reasonably claim that the nation is without problems. But on this Fourth of July, Americans may be excused if we indulge in a bit of self-congratulation. Modesty is not our strong suit. However, this is also an occasion to remind ourselves of the need to maintain our military strength to defend the nation and advance the cause of freedom - while at home working to make this a more perfect democracy.
Other editorials in brief:
Oceanography at UH
THE initial report from Washington about a proposal backed by Senator Inouye for a $45 million oceanographic research vessel for the University of Hawaii emphasized that the ship had not been requested by the Clinton administration, is considered costly by the Navy and "is opposed by much of the mainland oceanography community." Citizens Against Government Waste called it "typical pork barrel politics at its worst."
We are eager to eliminate wasteful government spending, but this project seems to be anything but that. In this case, the critics are the ones who are all wet.
Yeltsin's victory
BORIS Yeltsin can briefly celebrate his re-election as president, health permitting, but he must begin quickly to stabilize his country and avert threats to bring back communism. The election was less a referendum on his performance than it was a rejection of the past. Communism may have seen its last hurrah in the former Soviet Union.
In his second term, Yeltsin will face pressure to cope with a budget crisis that would worsen if he keeps campaign promises that add up to $6 billion. And he must step up the effort to fight the crime and corruption that not only frighten Russians but also scare away foreign investment.
Published by Liberty Newspapers Limited Partnership
Rupert E. Phillips, CEO
John M. Flanagan, Editor & Publisher
David Shapiro, Managing Editor
Diane Yukihiro Chang, Senior Editor & Editorial Page Editor
Frank Bridgewater & Michael Rovner, Assistant Managing Editors
A.A. Smyser, Contributing Editor