THE EDITOR, Sir:
IT IS sad to say that since the horrific events of 9/11, the United States has been acting like a wounded monster, lashing out at anyone and any country that it perceives to be a potential threat.
In its desperate zeal to stamp out terrorism throughout the world, the United States has in effect launched an unprecedented terror campaign of its own.
In one of his declarations, the President of the United States, George W. Bush made it abundantly clear that any nation that is against its anti-terror policy is definitely in bed with the terrorists.
Never before have the nations of the world experienced such a high level of intimidation. Many countries have scrambled to pledge allegiance. The few countries that stood erect and refused to bow have been penalised.
The most recent flurry of threats and intimidation from the US pertains to its disdain for the International Criminal Court. The President of the US has not only revoked his country's prior agreement as a signatory to the Universal Court of Justice, but he has threatened to penalise any country that refuses to grant immunity to US citizens accused of war crimes.
Thirty-five countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago are targeted with the loss of military aid.
Why is the US, an avowed champion of democracy and liberty, behaving like a dictatorial monster? Why is it opposed to international organisations such as the International Criminal Court? Why is President Bush and his cohorts afraid of the ICC? It may be said that if charges of an international nature are brought against an upright person that person should not be afraid to defend him/herself before an International Court of Justice.
As it is with an individual so it is with a nation. If members of the American Administration and their auxiliaries have not violated any international laws, and are not guilty of war crimes and other human rights abuses, why are they so afraid of the establishment of an International Criminal Court? This is a burning question that requires a forthright answer.
I am etc.,
RUPERT JOHNSON
r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca
Scarborough, Ontario
Canada, M1C 3M7
