European leaders hide heads in sand
by Nick Nance, Managing Editor

    Japan attacked Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, crippling the Pacific fleet of the U.S. Navy. History has not been kind to those who chose inaction.

    The attack was premeditated by the axis powers during WWII.

    The admiral in charge of the attacking Japanese fleet was afraid all his military had done was "awaken a sleeping giant."

    After that horrific attack, the United States assumed a proactive role in assuring safety for people across the world. I attribute this role to prevention of such a travesty occurring again in the United States.

    However, throughout recent history some countries have waited too long to stand up to war-mongering dictators.

    France has traditionally been the most vocal anti-war country in the world. Oftentimes even when they face invasion themselves, they choose not to act.

    Now, numerous countries throughout Europe and Asia face another threat. Many military experts even compare the rule of Saddam Hussein to the rule of Hitler.

    In a recent speech Donald Rumsfeld, U.S. secretary of defense, angered France and Germany by saying they were not representative of a "New Europe" that includes former Soviet bloc countries.

    "You're thinking of Europe as Germany and France. I don't. I think that's old Europe," Rumsfeld told reporters.

    Prior to WWII, France knew of the danger faced from Germany.

    Within a few years, much of Europe had fallen to the Germans. Many citizens from those countries discounted U.S. accounts of the danger. No one believed a civilized nation would do such a thing.

    Leaders of France and central Europe are wrong again. These leaders are repeating history.

    When I wonder why, I know the answer is the same. They still believe no nation is capable of carrying out such evil acts.

    Many German and French bodies have begun to publicly criticize Rumsfeld for his comments. They argue he is sinning against those who freed Europe from the tyranny of Hitler.

    I don't get the comparison. Maybe the meaning was lost in the translation.

    Iraq continues to be linked to terrorist organizations. Little has been made of the "oops, look what we found" attitude when it comes to weapons not being declared.

    Make no mistake about the threat that exists in the Middle East. It is real, powerful and very dangerous to us all.

    One ironic twist in the whole saga is that Hussein was treated for cancer by a French doctor.