Hatred for U.S. is a crisis in the making

Like most of you, I don't pretend to know all of the reasons for the massive violence and unrest in the Middle East.

I do know that there are those who hate our country and who clearly wish us harm.

The brouhaha over an anti-Islamic video in this country has spawned violence and death in the Middle East. But the fact is that this little-seen video is just the latest excuse to damage our nation and our interests around the world.

On Friday, the FBI warned this violence could spread to this country. They offered an advisory warning that disruptions were possible in our homeland as a result of the unrest on the other side of the world.

Now all of this is troubling enough. But the real concern is the obvious impression that our "leaders" are absolutely clueless on what to do, when to do it or even how to do something.

But let's leave politics out of this brief discussion.

Let's absorb for a moment the prospect of anti-American violence occurring here at home.

Now that's something to ponder with grave concern.

Our nation has come to the rescue of more countries and more people than any other nation in the history of mankind.

Yet with few obvious exceptions, just which of these countries could come to our aid? In fact, which ones have raised their voices in support of our great nation in this time of turmoil?

Though I tend to be somewhat of an isolationist, I recognize that in our growing global society, isolation is simply no longer possible.

But there's a distinction between isolation and putting our interests first.

Increasingly, we're playing a role of pacifier when what is needed is crystal-clear policy to protect our interests.

Gosh how I hate to write about deep political and cultural differences. I'd much rather be writing about something of a positive nature.

But the world is angry. And much of this anger is aimed -- figuratively and literally -- in our direction.

Under normal circumstances, this would be a source of great concern. But given our division here at home, this is a sincere crisis in the making.

And don't you feel both helpless and confused?

My first reaction is clear-cut. Make those who promote this violence pay the ultimate prices for their actions against this country.

For goodness sake, if we are going to spend billions and ultimately trillions on a strong military, then unleash this powerful monster and send a message that cannot be misunderstood.

This entire unfolding is not because of oil or power or politics.

It's about those who hate our religious beliefs and our freedoms.

Our religious foundations are starkly different. And because of those differences, peaceful coexistence is probably not possible.

We either solve the problem today or tomorrow the problems erupt in our own backyard.