The Simple Life

J. Kevin Tumlinson

I'm a simple man. Give me a day or two a month to play golf, a hot dog for lunch, a movie on the weekends and I pretty much figure I have a fulfilling life. I like to think of the world in simple terms. You always hear that life is complicated, but I think that life is pretty simple - we're the ones who are complicated.

Take our current situation with Iraq. I won't rehash world events for you here, because by now everyone surely knows that things aren't pretty over there. So here's the simple breakdown of it - America is putting down a very bad man.

There's been a lot of controversy about whether or not we'll find weapons of mass destruction. Who cares? Is everyone paying attention? This guy has no problem spritzing his own people with nerve gas just to kill off a few enemy soldiers. He has been very open about trying to gain nuclear weapons. He has supported terrorists and terrorist action, and ruled his country with an iron fist. Personally, if they find a pop gun in his borders I'm willing to call that reason enough to hunt this man down.

Simple.

And now President Bush is under attack for some of his statements. "Bring it on." Heck, I cheered when I heard that! What was he saying? We're ready! We're able! "We, the People, in order to PRESERVE a more perfect union."

Bring it on.

I'm all about being simple. State your terms and stick to them. What bothers me most about our war with Iraq is the fact that there has been so much bickering among the American public. For example, a handful of celebrities are making stands and statements against the President.

Celebrities! A group whose career depends entirely upon the First Amendment!

Ah, but that's the crux, isn't it? The First Amendment gives them the right to make their statement against the government. Heck, I've made plenty of comments about government policy over the years. I think the difference is that I'm trying to work towards a change of policy, and they just seem to be spewing anti-Bush slogans.

So let's get back to simple. I think George W. is a simple man, too. I think this whole war against Iraq is as simple as it gets. Hussein is the enemy, so we find him and stop him. Heck, the celebrities should appreciate that. It's the most basic plot in Hollywood!

Here's my little voice, Mr. Bush. I'm going to add it to yours, so we can say your simple message a little louder. "Bring it on." I like that. It's direct. To the point. Simple.

J. Kevin Tumlinson is a writer and a schoolteacher living in Lake Jackson, TX. He's simply the best.