U.S. Independence Day<\/p>\n
I often ask myself as an Indonesian why is it that every time
\nI hear the American national anthem, I feel as if something
\ninside me, a spirit of renewal and resolution, is born. Perhaps
\nas was also experienced by the founding fathers of this republic,
\nAmerican ideals of liberty and the right of every citizen to
\npursue happiness and the freedom of worship have never ceased to
\nappeal to people with democratic aspirations.<\/p>\n
I experienced the same sensation when I attended the 228th
\nU.S. Independence Day commemoration on July 3 (July 4 was a
\nSunday) at the Regent Hotel in Jakarta. The presence of former
\npresident Jimmy Carter on the occasion made the function more
\ncolorful, although his visit had more to do with the presidential
\nelection and his work with the Carter Center.<\/p>\n
It was only a pity that massive security precautions had to be
\ntaken by the Indonesian police to scare off anybody who might
\nplan to spoil the evening by throwing explosives instead of
\nfireworks.<\/p>\n
It was a bit scary when cars were searched four times by
\ndifferent squads and had to pass through a tight security cordon
\nbefore being allowed to enter the hotel compound. Inside the
\nhotel a maze of other security measures for detection of unwanted
\nobjects was set up. I could only guess how many security agents
\nthere were, Indonesian and American.<\/p>\n
I, for one, feel as if America has changed and has not always
\nbeen an example of success in recent times, particularly in
\nforeign policy matters such as in the Iraqi campaign for which so
\nmany Americans have given their lives prematurely. American
\nthinking has not been too well understood by its allies and
\nadmirers.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI
\nJakarta<\/p>",
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