In Antigone, Creon states that the safety and security of the state trumps the rights and liberties guaranteed to the individual. Creon’s position is identical to that of our previous President George W Bush. Creon and Bush agree that when it comes to safety and well being of the state as a whole the rights of the individual are not as important. Creon uses this logic to justify his laws regarding the movement of the deceased. Bush used this logic to justify two wars, warrantless wire taps, the passing and extension of the Patriot Act, the use of torture, and countless other offenses.
I agree that in times of great distress and danger certain measures must be taken to counterbalance any opposing force. Yes it was necessary to eliminate a terror network that had attacked our sovereign land. But was an extended occupation and forcing of western culture and morals into the void necessary? Bush twice invaded a country on the sole basis that they where a threat to the state. Granted the first was more warranted than the second but threat to the state alone does not justify full scale military operations that are nine years later still in full force. Bush and Creon both take these justifiable measures to the extreme, where the measures become a harm to the individuals they try to protect. Bush has undoubtedly crossed the lines of constitutionality with his War on Terror. Republicans and other war hawks are quick to jump to the defense that anything possible to protect the state is required during a struggle.
The extent to which one can take away individual rights by using this justification is unlimited. Sure it was important to gather intelligence about the inner workings of Al Qaeda but water boarding a human for two and a half minutes is too much. Creon does the same as Bush; he suspends and violates a practice and action that even the Gods find important and meaningful. Bush and Creon both face repercussions based on their use of this vacuous justification. Bush witnessed among other things a decrease in foreign approval of the actions of the United States. Creon faced the outrage of Antigone who invoked the power of the gods and Haemon who appealed to his fathers logical side.
Gonzo, I remember the first time I read this play AFTER 9/11 I thought several of the same things. It seemed like our government was making some pretty sweeping decisions, justifying them on the basis of safety, knowing that it was an important concept and that most citizens were very worried about it and therefore that it seemed to give approval for things that might be more closely examined at another time.
ReplyDeleteGood thoughts. (And I don't know why I just found this is my in-box. Maybe you posted it a few days later than your classmates? Or perhaps I just missed it before?)