Libya: Justified Involvement or None of Our buisness?

In mid February 2011 the protests in Libya against the Gaddafi government broke into all out civil war. The world watched in shock as the country was thrown into chaos. At first the rebels made great advancements and Gaddafi's regime seemed all but over. The tide turned however, when Gaddafi's forces rallied and began a counteroffensive. With better equipment, organization, and training the  pro-Gaddafi forces pushed the rebels farther to the east and closer to the rebel capital of Benghazi. With the rebels facing collapse and the fear of genocide by Gaddafi's forces if they crushed the rebellion, the United Nations Security Council authorized a no-fly zone over rebel territory. As a result Gaddafi's government ordered a ceasefire, but within hours it became clear the government had no intention the crease fire and continued the fighting. In response to continued violence on March 19 a multinational force led by The US, Britain, and France began bombing Gaddafi's ground forces and air defense system. The bombing have given the rebels much needed relief, but Gaddafi's forces are still strong and an end to the war is not in sight.
Even before the multinational bombings began questions were raised as to how involved the international community should become in an internal civil war. Should we become involved even when a dictator like Gaddafi is on the brink of victory? Even when a massacre of those who rebelled against him seems likely? Is it worth the risk of loss of life? Is it worth the time, effort,and money? Some say it's not our problem, that getting involved in another middle east war, that it is not in our national interest. While many smart and respectable people have taken up this strong argument, I firmly believe that the intervention at the side of the rebels is the right course of action. I believe this because it IS in our national interest to prevent Gaddafi from crushing the rebels. The United States cannot be at peace with a nation who's leader sponsors terrorism, assignation, and violence worldwide. the United States cannot be a champion of freedom if we do not support those trying to attain it, and the United States cannot champion of human rights if we don't protect those who are treated inhumanely. The Libyans who have bravely risen up against Gaddafi government are fighting for a set of ideals. The idea that they may be able to express their opinion openly, from criticism of government to praising an unpopular organization. The idea that they may have Right to a fair and open trial. The idea that they may have the opportunity to follow their dreams and live their lives to the fullest. Thousands of Libyans have given what Abraham Lincoln called the last full measure of devotion for these ideals. It is up to us, the living to continue to support the cause they so nobly advanced. We cannot give the people of Libya freedom, but we can give them the means to acquire it, and then if the people of Libya stand together in the fight for freedom then they will be free. A century ago we said Arabs were unable to govern themselves. Fifty years ago we said they were unable to build a government free of corruption and dictatorship. Today the people of Libya are trying to prove they can govern themselves and can create a government that serves them. I believe they can and I believe a free Libya will be a benefit to the United States and the world. 

Pershing's Last Soldier

The last of a generation of soldiers has passed on. Frank Buckles, the last American veteran of World War I died in his home in Charles Town, West Virgina on February 27, 2011 at the age of 110. A kind, humble, man with a sharp wit Frank lived an amazing life few could duplicate. Only 16 when the United States entered the first World War Frank lied about his age to join the US Army after having been turned down by both the Navy and Marine Corps. In late 1917 Frank sailed to Europe aboard the RMS Carpathia the ship famous for rescuing the survivors of the Titanic, during the trip he had many opportunities to meet crew members who participated in the rescue. After arriving in France Frank served in 1st Fort Riley Casual Detachment as an ambulance and motorcycle driver. After the Armistice he remained in France until his discharge in January 1920. Following his discharge Frank worked for several shipping companies which sent him to the Philippines, it was here the Frank became part of yet another war. On December 8, 1941 the Japanese invaded the Philippines bringing World War II to the island nation. Frank was captured by the Japanese early the next year and remained a prison of war at Los Banos for over three years until he was liberated. After liberation He moved back to the States and married Audrey Mayo and they had one daughter. Later Frank retired from the shipping business and bought a farm in West Virginia where he lived the rest of his life.
In recent years Frank Buckles has been a living memory of The Great War and a strong advocate of construction of the National World War I Memorial on the National Mall. After the death of Harry Landis Frank became the last American World War I veteran and earned the nickname "Pershing's Last Patriot".
When asked the secret to his long life Frank replied "Whenever you start to die...don't"

Now Peshing's Last Patriot is to be buried in Arlington Cemetery. A generation of great soldiers has passed on and while they are no longer with us, their legacy remains and it is up to us to keep it alive. To ensure the sacrifice, hardships, and heroism of the individual men and women of all nations in not lost. For that is the only way to truly remember Frank Buckles and The War to End All Wars.